Checkup went well. I really want Hope to be the MW on call when Nathan comes. I just feel like we click more than Sharon. Had a great chat with her this morning about when to call and what all happens during my stay. Told her I would pay for the big tub if there are 2 of us in labor =)
Still head down but not engaged. He's a little further down before but not all the way. had his hand by his head and pushed her away while she was feeling his head. We'll have to have a talk about moving that hand. Not so comfy for mommy to have him come out that way... All tests ok. Told her about the 10 minute apart BH and I had several while I was talking with her. She felt my belly and said its not BH. They are real ones! But, since they arent getting stronger or closer together, they may or may not mean anything. drats, foiled again! So they are "pre-labor" ctx. Whatever =)
We meet with Heather, the doula, tonight to discuss the impending activities. Set up the co-sleeper last night in our room. Not so sure how I am supposed to get out of bed with this thing right up next to me but we'll figure it out.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
38 weeks and counting
Had the car seat checked this morning. Passed =) She said she could tell I had done my homework. Well duh silly lady!
Last night I had time-able BH Contractions for over an hour. Right at 10 minutes apart. What does that mean you ask? A whole lotta nada. My uterus is practicing. Great then. Until he engages, its not going anywhere. I went to bed and woke up with ctx quite a few times but since I cant see the clock I have no idea if they were regular. They weren't real ones so I wasn't going to grab my glasses and look. Started visualizations of him dropping into position. My mind wanders so much though. I'm not sure how effective it will be. Cant hurt right?
Had a little mini melt down this morning while I was doing my hair. OK, get your laughing out now about me doing my hair. This is actually a style I can handle. She cut it much shorter in the back and I can make it look like she did. Anyway, back to my melt down. While I was putting the paste in my hands and in my hair (yes, I even used product!) it hit me again that I cant feel texture. I cant feel the paste on my hands to tell if I have washed it off. You know that slick feeling when all the soap isn't off? I can't feel that right now. So then I started thinking about touching Nathan's face and all when he is born and how I won't be able to feel how soft he is. Ok, my pinky can feel him. So I sat down on my bathroom floor and had a pitiful little cry/pout. I know there isn't anything I can do about it but it doesn't make it suck any less. I should be able to feel my baby and that won't happen for who knows how long. I chalked it up to hormones but it still sucks.
Last night I had time-able BH Contractions for over an hour. Right at 10 minutes apart. What does that mean you ask? A whole lotta nada. My uterus is practicing. Great then. Until he engages, its not going anywhere. I went to bed and woke up with ctx quite a few times but since I cant see the clock I have no idea if they were regular. They weren't real ones so I wasn't going to grab my glasses and look. Started visualizations of him dropping into position. My mind wanders so much though. I'm not sure how effective it will be. Cant hurt right?
Had a little mini melt down this morning while I was doing my hair. OK, get your laughing out now about me doing my hair. This is actually a style I can handle. She cut it much shorter in the back and I can make it look like she did. Anyway, back to my melt down. While I was putting the paste in my hands and in my hair (yes, I even used product!) it hit me again that I cant feel texture. I cant feel the paste on my hands to tell if I have washed it off. You know that slick feeling when all the soap isn't off? I can't feel that right now. So then I started thinking about touching Nathan's face and all when he is born and how I won't be able to feel how soft he is. Ok, my pinky can feel him. So I sat down on my bathroom floor and had a pitiful little cry/pout. I know there isn't anything I can do about it but it doesn't make it suck any less. I should be able to feel my baby and that won't happen for who knows how long. I chalked it up to hormones but it still sucks.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
37 weeks
These were taken Monday at 37 weeks. Had my check up today and nothing new to report. Still head down and not engaged. He flipped from being on my left side to being on my right though. That means nothing haha My tests are all normal. No protein in urine etc. I am up 5 pounds from last week though so I think I have to lay off the pizza! They noticed my feet for the first time this week too. Not bad enough to mean anything though. Group B Strep came back negative. wahoo, no IV for me!I talked to Sharon about natural means of encouraging him to move along and she basically told me to suck it up. The carpal tunnel is "normal" and although I am numb all the time, it is not an indicator of permanent damage. Great. She just said that he will come when he is damn well ready and that if I am truly miserable, i have to consult with their back up OB for a pitocin induction in the hospital. Guess I just tough it out. I got a massage but it did not help. it wasn't even relaxing b/c she was working the muscles so deeply to get them to release.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Blood boiling
A connection at work sent me this letter about her experience last weekend. She had a home birth with the birth center and we have talked a bit about breastfeeding and whatnot. I am outraged at this. I have taken her name out for her privacy. She was far nicer than I would have been! I encouraged her to send copies to LLL (La Leche League) and Healthy Moms Healthy Babies here in Jax. I would be all up in the newspaper too. What an asshat!!!!
July 20, 2008
City of Jacksonville
Parks Department
220 E Bay Street
Jacksonville Florida 32202
Re: Harassed for breastfeeding at a city park
Dear Director:
I am a 31-year-old mother of three who lives, works and plays in Jacksonville, Florida. I have chosen to breastfeed each of my children as I believe that the health and emotional benefits far outweigh any perceived inconvenience. My youngest child, S, is 5 months old. Family economics required that I return to work when she was only 2 months old. Although it has been challenging to continue to breastfeed while working full-time, it has been well worth every effort. The wonderful people that I work with have been flexible and understanding of my needs to express milk during the workday and to take an extended lunch hour in order to nurse S midday. I have accepted these challenges with open arms, unlike the unexpected challenge that I encountered yesterday at a city park.
On Saturday, July 19th, I took my 3 children for an outing to the Kids Kampus at Metropolitan Park. They were very excited to play in the water area. We arrived early in order to avoid most of the crowds. I had decided that my 2 older children would play in the water while myself and S watched them from the benches in the roped off area that was labeled “adult section.” This “adult section” of the water playground is separated from the water portion and provides a cool, dry place to sit and supervise.
Initially, S was sitting in her stroller, content to watch the children play. Eventually, she became restless and hungry. I discreetly nursed her. I am a modest person and can say with confidence that no-one saw any portion of my breast during this process. I covered myself very thoroughly with a towel. While nursing, I was approached by a young man who told me that S must remain in the stroller at all times unless she was wearing a “Little Swimmer” diaper. At this point, I was not willing to force S to quit nursing until she was finished or to leave my other 2 children unattended in order to nurse her elsewhere. Unwilling to argue with the young man, and knowing that S would soon be finished, I simply acknowledged the young man’s request and told him that we would not be getting in the water at all. As stated, S and I were not in contact with the water at all. Both of us were thoroughly dressed, not in swimwear, and sitting on a bench in the roped-off sitting section. It would be ridiculous for me to go to the expense of purchasing “Huggies Little Swimmers” diapers in order that I might hold my infant while sitting on a bench at the park. I find it somewhat amusing that the park employees seem to think that by requiring infants to wear the Huggies Little Swimmers brand of diapers they are somehow guaranteeing that no urine or feces will escape into the water.
S finished nursing within minutes of the young man approaching me, so I put her in her stroller as I had been asked. Although I adamantly disliked and disagreed with the rule, I didn’t feel at that point that it was worth conflicting over. I was then approached by another park employee, who I assumed was a manager, by the name of Tom Wright. Mr. Wright began to inform me that I could not breast-feed my daughter at this park due to the hazardous nature of breast milk as a bodily fluid. He informed me that I could be potentially exposing other children to disease while nursing my child. (As a reminder, I was not in the water or in contact with the water. I was sitting on a bench, covered with a towel while nursing, and not within 10 feet of anyone else.) I felt very humiliated as Mr. Wright also sought to educate me on the high rate of HIV transfer from a mother to an infant. I was speechless. Obviously, I cannot pass a disease onto other people who are around me by breastfeeding my infant. If this was the case, I suppose that breastfeeding mothers should be banned from all public areas at all times, whether in the process of nursing or not, due to the possibility of this hazardous substance leaking onto our shirts or some other ridiculous nonsense. How can Mr. Wright guarantee that a child who is drinking a bottle is not also drinking expressed breast milk in that bottle? In regards to Mr. Wright’s lecture regarding HIV transfer, I am not HIV positive and certainly would not be breastfeeding if I was. His information regarding HIV presence in breast-milk was irrelevant to the situation and something he had no business discussing with me.
There were several infants in the water, wearing “Little Swimmers” and playing with their parents. I doubt Mr. Wright has the time or ability to micromanage the possibility of one of these infants spitting up in the water or urinating. As a parent, I am aware of the fact that other children are in the water with my child and may be doing any number of things and yet I still choose to allow my children to play in the water. There is an inherit risk in all activities. The fact that I was breastfeeding on a bench posed no threat at all.
If this would have been the end of the matter, I probably would not be writing this letter. Mr. Wright was apparently not satisfied that I understood the severity of the situation. Later that morning, while my children and I were at the bike riding portion of the park, I was once again approached by Mr. Wright. I was not breastfeeding at the time. He brought to me an internet print-out regarding the high rate of HIV transfer between mothers and infants. He attempted to engage in a discussion regarding the hazardous nature of breast-milk and strongly urged me to read the article. I stopped him in mid-sentence and stated that I did not wish to discuss it with him and I also let him know that he had thoroughly embarrassed me. I do not understand what point he was trying to make. As stated, I do not have HIV. Even if I did, it still would be none of his business. I was highly annoyed that he had sought me out in a different area of the park in order to further harass me.
In conclusion, I felt harassed and embarrassed by Mr. Wright. He was overstepping his duties as a park employee in his attempts to educate me on a subject on which I am already thoroughly educated. As a tax paying citizen, I have the right to enjoy the parks our city has to offer. The city should take steps to ensure that their employees are properly informed regarding breastfeeding and the Florida law. The Florida law protects my right as a mother to breastfeed my infant anywhere. Increasing breastfeeding rates is an international, national and state health priority and should not be hindered by city employees like Mr. Wright who seek to discourage it.
CC: Councilman Daniel Davis
117 West Duval St., Suite 425
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Anyway, If this pisses you off as much as it does me, please post a comment so she knows she has some support. I am floored at the whole thing and hope she gets a response from the city.
July 20, 2008
City of Jacksonville
Parks Department
220 E Bay Street
Jacksonville Florida 32202
Re: Harassed for breastfeeding at a city park
Dear Director:
I am a 31-year-old mother of three who lives, works and plays in Jacksonville, Florida. I have chosen to breastfeed each of my children as I believe that the health and emotional benefits far outweigh any perceived inconvenience. My youngest child, S, is 5 months old. Family economics required that I return to work when she was only 2 months old. Although it has been challenging to continue to breastfeed while working full-time, it has been well worth every effort. The wonderful people that I work with have been flexible and understanding of my needs to express milk during the workday and to take an extended lunch hour in order to nurse S midday. I have accepted these challenges with open arms, unlike the unexpected challenge that I encountered yesterday at a city park.
On Saturday, July 19th, I took my 3 children for an outing to the Kids Kampus at Metropolitan Park. They were very excited to play in the water area. We arrived early in order to avoid most of the crowds. I had decided that my 2 older children would play in the water while myself and S watched them from the benches in the roped off area that was labeled “adult section.” This “adult section” of the water playground is separated from the water portion and provides a cool, dry place to sit and supervise.
Initially, S was sitting in her stroller, content to watch the children play. Eventually, she became restless and hungry. I discreetly nursed her. I am a modest person and can say with confidence that no-one saw any portion of my breast during this process. I covered myself very thoroughly with a towel. While nursing, I was approached by a young man who told me that S must remain in the stroller at all times unless she was wearing a “Little Swimmer” diaper. At this point, I was not willing to force S to quit nursing until she was finished or to leave my other 2 children unattended in order to nurse her elsewhere. Unwilling to argue with the young man, and knowing that S would soon be finished, I simply acknowledged the young man’s request and told him that we would not be getting in the water at all. As stated, S and I were not in contact with the water at all. Both of us were thoroughly dressed, not in swimwear, and sitting on a bench in the roped-off sitting section. It would be ridiculous for me to go to the expense of purchasing “Huggies Little Swimmers” diapers in order that I might hold my infant while sitting on a bench at the park. I find it somewhat amusing that the park employees seem to think that by requiring infants to wear the Huggies Little Swimmers brand of diapers they are somehow guaranteeing that no urine or feces will escape into the water.
S finished nursing within minutes of the young man approaching me, so I put her in her stroller as I had been asked. Although I adamantly disliked and disagreed with the rule, I didn’t feel at that point that it was worth conflicting over. I was then approached by another park employee, who I assumed was a manager, by the name of Tom Wright. Mr. Wright began to inform me that I could not breast-feed my daughter at this park due to the hazardous nature of breast milk as a bodily fluid. He informed me that I could be potentially exposing other children to disease while nursing my child. (As a reminder, I was not in the water or in contact with the water. I was sitting on a bench, covered with a towel while nursing, and not within 10 feet of anyone else.) I felt very humiliated as Mr. Wright also sought to educate me on the high rate of HIV transfer from a mother to an infant. I was speechless. Obviously, I cannot pass a disease onto other people who are around me by breastfeeding my infant. If this was the case, I suppose that breastfeeding mothers should be banned from all public areas at all times, whether in the process of nursing or not, due to the possibility of this hazardous substance leaking onto our shirts or some other ridiculous nonsense. How can Mr. Wright guarantee that a child who is drinking a bottle is not also drinking expressed breast milk in that bottle? In regards to Mr. Wright’s lecture regarding HIV transfer, I am not HIV positive and certainly would not be breastfeeding if I was. His information regarding HIV presence in breast-milk was irrelevant to the situation and something he had no business discussing with me.
There were several infants in the water, wearing “Little Swimmers” and playing with their parents. I doubt Mr. Wright has the time or ability to micromanage the possibility of one of these infants spitting up in the water or urinating. As a parent, I am aware of the fact that other children are in the water with my child and may be doing any number of things and yet I still choose to allow my children to play in the water. There is an inherit risk in all activities. The fact that I was breastfeeding on a bench posed no threat at all.
If this would have been the end of the matter, I probably would not be writing this letter. Mr. Wright was apparently not satisfied that I understood the severity of the situation. Later that morning, while my children and I were at the bike riding portion of the park, I was once again approached by Mr. Wright. I was not breastfeeding at the time. He brought to me an internet print-out regarding the high rate of HIV transfer between mothers and infants. He attempted to engage in a discussion regarding the hazardous nature of breast-milk and strongly urged me to read the article. I stopped him in mid-sentence and stated that I did not wish to discuss it with him and I also let him know that he had thoroughly embarrassed me. I do not understand what point he was trying to make. As stated, I do not have HIV. Even if I did, it still would be none of his business. I was highly annoyed that he had sought me out in a different area of the park in order to further harass me.
In conclusion, I felt harassed and embarrassed by Mr. Wright. He was overstepping his duties as a park employee in his attempts to educate me on a subject on which I am already thoroughly educated. As a tax paying citizen, I have the right to enjoy the parks our city has to offer. The city should take steps to ensure that their employees are properly informed regarding breastfeeding and the Florida law. The Florida law protects my right as a mother to breastfeed my infant anywhere. Increasing breastfeeding rates is an international, national and state health priority and should not be hindered by city employees like Mr. Wright who seek to discourage it.
CC: Councilman Daniel Davis
117 West Duval St., Suite 425
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Anyway, If this pisses you off as much as it does me, please post a comment so she knows she has some support. I am floored at the whole thing and hope she gets a response from the city.
Daycare: check!
I dropped off the wait list form and payment to Primrose this morning. One more thing off the list. They seem to think January will be a go. Depending on when he comes, I may have to beg for December but I'm hoping not. We'll have to see. I feel good about him going there if I have to send him someplace. The director approved the wet bag (misnomer since its a dry bag but for wet/dirty dipes) instead of using individual plastic bags. Fabulous!
Next item to be done: breast pump. I've been putting it off to help extend the warranty period as long as I can. Its one year from purchase so buying it 3 months out would have been a waste. The time is here now though I suppose. I have a list of sites that carry the one I want (Ameda Purely Yours) so I just need to go comparison shop to see who is running the best deal.
I think that should be the last of the big things for a while. Once he grows we will have to get a new car seat but hopefully that won't be soon.
Next item to be done: breast pump. I've been putting it off to help extend the warranty period as long as I can. Its one year from purchase so buying it 3 months out would have been a waste. The time is here now though I suppose. I have a list of sites that carry the one I want (Ameda Purely Yours) so I just need to go comparison shop to see who is running the best deal.
I think that should be the last of the big things for a while. Once he grows we will have to get a new car seat but hopefully that won't be soon.
In his defense...
In Jeremy's defense, here are the pictures of his "prey". See the giant nest in the trees? 
This one is a little closer up. Its a good size nest. Im glad the neighbor decided not to bust out the gasoline filled super soaker to be honest. Now the challenge comes with finding who owns the preserve land to try to get it down. We dont have the rights to go on the land but neither the county or the HOA is being helpful at figuring out who does. Shocking right?
Here are the little beasts he killed last weekend. What I thought was the stinger isn't really the stinger but still. The stinger doesn't look like it would be all that comfortable to get cozy with.
There you have it. Somehow I don't see us having these prizes stuffed and mounted but it makes me feel better to know they aren't stalking my patio anymore!
This one is a little closer up. Its a good size nest. Im glad the neighbor decided not to bust out the gasoline filled super soaker to be honest. Now the challenge comes with finding who owns the preserve land to try to get it down. We dont have the rights to go on the land but neither the county or the HOA is being helpful at figuring out who does. Shocking right?
Here are the little beasts he killed last weekend. What I thought was the stinger isn't really the stinger but still. The stinger doesn't look like it would be all that comfortable to get cozy with.
There you have it. Somehow I don't see us having these prizes stuffed and mounted but it makes me feel better to know they aren't stalking my patio anymore!Monday, July 21, 2008
Thanks N!!
N, known to some of you as my mommy mentor, called a little while ago to tell me about a sale at Cottonbabies.com. These are the folks that make BumGenius diapers. They are probably among the most popular of pocket diapers and seem to fit most babies well. While I have been collecting a few other types to try, I have been leaning this direction. Normally their 3.0 version is about $18 each and their AIO OS (All in One, One Size....tutorial to come later) runs about $25 b/c its also organic. Its a bit pricey for me. Well, tonight they were selling seconds for $12 and $17 respectively. I'll have to buy some inserts for the pocket style but those wont be bad and still make the sale worth while. PLUS, we had no tax, no shipping and I had a 5% coupon code. In all, even counting $3 a piece for inserts (which I think I can get for less) I still saved $70 on 12 diapers. I am very pleased with that. I have no hesitation over seconds as the ones from Kissaluvs were great. And, knowing how picky Cottonbabies is when it comes to their used items, which I have as well, I can't imagine them selling something that truly sucks.
Plus, if I hate the AIO's, I can sell them for about what I paid and be out nothing. Works for me!
SO, thanks again N for calling me!! You know I love a bargain hahaha
Plus, if I hate the AIO's, I can sell them for about what I paid and be out nothing. Works for me!
SO, thanks again N for calling me!! You know I love a bargain hahaha
Yes, Im still here...
Good lord, this cant be starting already can it?? I was running a little, ok an hour, late this morning. When I got in, my boss looks at me in disbelief and told me he was for sure I wasn't coming in. He also sent me home early Friday b/c my feet made him hurt. He asked if he could tap them to water his lawn. Apparently I resemble a weeble-wobble and he doesn't see how Im still walking.
One of our clients is an agent in the building and he walks by my office every day. Same one who told me how huge I am not long ago. Anyway, today it went like this: "Holy cow, you're still here? I thought you would have popped by now. I didnt see the truck and knew you were out." "Actually Bob, I have 3 more weeks." "No way in Hell are going to make it 3 weeks. I give you til Friday tops" Um, if you say so. Kid will comes when he wants. I will also make a note to notify the building when I need to drive the car as well so no one flips out.
Does no one think I will call when things happen? Seriously? Im not the no call, no show kind of kid. I may be a slacker but not totally rude.
One of our clients is an agent in the building and he walks by my office every day. Same one who told me how huge I am not long ago. Anyway, today it went like this: "Holy cow, you're still here? I thought you would have popped by now. I didnt see the truck and knew you were out." "Actually Bob, I have 3 more weeks." "No way in Hell are going to make it 3 weeks. I give you til Friday tops" Um, if you say so. Kid will comes when he wants. I will also make a note to notify the building when I need to drive the car as well so no one flips out.
Does no one think I will call when things happen? Seriously? Im not the no call, no show kind of kid. I may be a slacker but not totally rude.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
J Dub: Hornet Hunter
I am about to pee my pants laughing. Jeremy has been hornet hunting since 8am (about 2 hours). He has been determined to kill the 2 hornets in our yard. "We were here first damnit!" Ok dear. So he goes out this morning with the 20' spray and stands on the porch waiting for one to land on the grass. He sprays....DOH it only goes 5' and pisses the hornet off. Great. He gets closer and misses. Maybe 3 rounds of misses. Then he goes out after each one and cleans off the poor crepe myrtle that has been doused with chemicals. Score is Hornets 5, Dubs 0.
Then he changed his approach. He'll stand by the tree very quietly and wait for one to land so he is closer. I see it and of course have a smartass response. Be vewy vewy quiet cha-cha, Daddy is hunting hornets. He was not amused. A few minutes later, he gets one and comes in does the touchdown sign. Hornets 5, Dubs 1.
I was on the phone with my friend Ashley so I really wasnt paying attention to where Jeremy was. After we hang up, he comes in an announces the 2nd one has been taken out. "I must protect this house!" A la underarmor commercial. SO FUNNY!
As any good hunter would do, he has to show off his kill. I get taken out back and have to look in a bucket to see what this thing looks like up close. I swear the stinger is 1/2". No wonder I scream like a girl any time I hear a buzzing. The other has its grave marked with a flip flop so I dont step on it or in the chemical until he sprays it down.
Later today, the neighbor is planning to fill a super soaker with gasoline and spray the big nest. That ought to be pure entertainment. Why don't I have a video camera??? Score should be Hornets 5, Humans 10,000 by sundown.
Then he changed his approach. He'll stand by the tree very quietly and wait for one to land so he is closer. I see it and of course have a smartass response. Be vewy vewy quiet cha-cha, Daddy is hunting hornets. He was not amused. A few minutes later, he gets one and comes in does the touchdown sign. Hornets 5, Dubs 1.
I was on the phone with my friend Ashley so I really wasnt paying attention to where Jeremy was. After we hang up, he comes in an announces the 2nd one has been taken out. "I must protect this house!" A la underarmor commercial. SO FUNNY!
As any good hunter would do, he has to show off his kill. I get taken out back and have to look in a bucket to see what this thing looks like up close. I swear the stinger is 1/2". No wonder I scream like a girl any time I hear a buzzing. The other has its grave marked with a flip flop so I dont step on it or in the chemical until he sprays it down.
Later today, the neighbor is planning to fill a super soaker with gasoline and spray the big nest. That ought to be pure entertainment. Why don't I have a video camera??? Score should be Hornets 5, Humans 10,000 by sundown.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
$50 baby
I forgot to add the best part of the visit! The center's fee for all prenatal visits and delivery is $3500. By OB/hospital standards, very reasonable. Blue Cross was being a PITA about covering the center b/c of the place in Palatka. We got them to agree to $500 for my portion. Fine. Gets us out cheap. Then I changed to Aetna with work. Thought it was going to be just the $50 copay for a specialist visit. Wonderful says I! Then I call Aetna to confirm. My bubble burst. $750 deductible plus 30%. That was going to be about $1600. While still less than the hospital would be, it was not what we were expecting.
I have known the payment was due by 36 weeks all along so I was somewhat dreading the appointment today. I go to the desk to settle up and she tells me its $50!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOO
So, the total cost is $50 copay, $15 for iron tests, $25 copay from the ultrasound. Yep $90. Ok, I have had to buy a few more supplies for the birth than I would at a hospital (initial pads, chux pads, undies) but under $20 total I bet. Nothing big. Spending $500 on the doula is actually the most expensive part. But, we would have done that for the hospital too so really its a wash.
After the vehicle repairs, life insurance bill and upfront diaper investment, this came as a wonderful surprise for us.
I have known the payment was due by 36 weeks all along so I was somewhat dreading the appointment today. I go to the desk to settle up and she tells me its $50!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOO
So, the total cost is $50 copay, $15 for iron tests, $25 copay from the ultrasound. Yep $90. Ok, I have had to buy a few more supplies for the birth than I would at a hospital (initial pads, chux pads, undies) but under $20 total I bet. Nothing big. Spending $500 on the doula is actually the most expensive part. But, we would have done that for the hospital too so really its a wash.
After the vehicle repairs, life insurance bill and upfront diaper investment, this came as a wonderful surprise for us.
36 wk check up and teaser photo
Had my check up this morning. Weight is good (30 pounds total), BP good, iron is back up to normal, urine fine. Well, except for glucose. It was sky high. Then it dawned on us that my Fruit Loops for breakfast may have skewed things a bit since I am never high. Note to self: cheerios next week. He is still head down but not engaged. All his measurements were great. Im still perfect as Kristin and Jenn would have said =)
Thanks Sara and I cannot wait to see the rest!!!
I asked about my hands again. Will work on getting my next prenatal massage moved up a week. Hopefully that will help. If it doesn't, Hope said we can talk about stripping my membranes after 38 weeks. As you know, I am fairly opposed to interventions so this is a lot for me to entertain. It may come down to sanity though. I cant feel my fingers. Its like they are frozen or something. Even typing hurts. So, we'll just have to wait and see how things go.
Since my fingers have been hurting so much, I have started working from home one day a week. Yesterday was my day. I needed it after Tuesday night anyway. Long night and I wont share the details. Jeremy and I met with Bill (the financial advisor) in the morning and set up life insurance. Yep, more adult type things. Then I went home and met my friend Sara for maternity pics. We had so much fun. Took some in the back yard, where she got to see the hornet and its crazy nest. Then went to the playground and had fun with the stripper pole haha I got stuck in the slide! so funny. Used my grandmother's rocking chair too, which I love. ChaCha even got in on the action.
Here is a little teaser pic she sent me:
Thanks Sara and I cannot wait to see the rest!!!Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Uncle, for the love of all things Holy, Uncle!
So Jeremy had a rough day Sunday. He tried to mow the lawn Saturday but it rained a lot. Ok fine. Sunday it is. Thats when the fun began.
He goes to get gas and ends up slamming on the brakes and spilling gas in the back of the car. He throws all the laundry in the washer and makes my laundry room smell like gas instead of the Crunchy Clean I had worked so hard at the day before. What can you do though?
Next, he fills up the mower with his new gas. As he pulls the spout out, it backsplashes into his eyes. He comes running in the house and tries to wash his face at the sink. Now, this should not be an issue except that Jeremy cannot have anything near his eyes. He truly cannot hold his eyes open to be flushed out. We won't go into the absurd idea of him wanting contacts.... So, I convince him to lay on the kitchen floor so I can do a saline rinse. I pour lots of saline in his eyes (with them shut of course) then let him blink the pool of liquid to rinse. We go over this for about 5 minutes. I tried to get him to let me put his face in the hose or shower but it wasn't happening. He decides he is fine and goes back outside.
I go out about 30 minutes later to bring him water and check his eyes. Turns out the pull string on the mower broke while he was starting it. Great. After the already great morning, I tried to convince him to leave the lawn be for a couple more days. Oh no, that isnt happening. "you could go into labor any time and things wont be done" Sounds like someone is nesting to me!
Then, I watch him the the back yard watching this single hornet guarding an area of grass. I say, mow around it. He says, that would be silly. He ends up mowing with one eye over his shoulder watching this hornet. Then as he gets closer to her area, he shoves the mower in a few inches then runs. Then he retrieves the mower and runs with it. I swear it took 20 minutes to mow about a square foot. I was in tears laughing at him. he of course, was not pleased at my hysteria. We later found a gigantic hornets nest in the woods behind the house. Not zesty. Im glad he wasn't stung but it would have served him right to be messing with this hornet.
So that was the day. Im pretty sure God was telling us to go back to bed or that we should have been in church. Clearly we listen.
He goes to get gas and ends up slamming on the brakes and spilling gas in the back of the car. He throws all the laundry in the washer and makes my laundry room smell like gas instead of the Crunchy Clean I had worked so hard at the day before. What can you do though?
Next, he fills up the mower with his new gas. As he pulls the spout out, it backsplashes into his eyes. He comes running in the house and tries to wash his face at the sink. Now, this should not be an issue except that Jeremy cannot have anything near his eyes. He truly cannot hold his eyes open to be flushed out. We won't go into the absurd idea of him wanting contacts.... So, I convince him to lay on the kitchen floor so I can do a saline rinse. I pour lots of saline in his eyes (with them shut of course) then let him blink the pool of liquid to rinse. We go over this for about 5 minutes. I tried to get him to let me put his face in the hose or shower but it wasn't happening. He decides he is fine and goes back outside.
I go out about 30 minutes later to bring him water and check his eyes. Turns out the pull string on the mower broke while he was starting it. Great. After the already great morning, I tried to convince him to leave the lawn be for a couple more days. Oh no, that isnt happening. "you could go into labor any time and things wont be done" Sounds like someone is nesting to me!
Then, I watch him the the back yard watching this single hornet guarding an area of grass. I say, mow around it. He says, that would be silly. He ends up mowing with one eye over his shoulder watching this hornet. Then as he gets closer to her area, he shoves the mower in a few inches then runs. Then he retrieves the mower and runs with it. I swear it took 20 minutes to mow about a square foot. I was in tears laughing at him. he of course, was not pleased at my hysteria. We later found a gigantic hornets nest in the woods behind the house. Not zesty. Im glad he wasn't stung but it would have served him right to be messing with this hornet.
So that was the day. Im pretty sure God was telling us to go back to bed or that we should have been in church. Clearly we listen.
36 weeks belly and nursery
36 weeks. Yeah, I know Im a big, cheesy, not-so-photogenic mess. This was at 9:30 at night though so give me a break =)
36 weeks from the side. Have I ever mentioned how much I love the chin/neck I got from my father? Well, lack there of anyway....
Yeah, the belly is still growing. Its purty though isn't it??? Even the midwife comments on how kind Thumper/Nathan is being to me. My boss is convinced I can't possibly get any bigger. HA says the baby!
Here is his crib all in place against painted walls. His Nonna got him the Georgia Tech mobile. It plays the Ramblin' Wreck song (which sounds a lot like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the mobile) Gotta love teaching him young about being a Helluva Engineer and drinking his whiskey clear! We have some great matching pieces to the bedding that will go over the crib. Just haven't gotten to them yet.
Some detail of the bedding set.
Everything else is as it was before. We have the valance yet to hang but other than that, we are pretty well done.
Last weekend I got all his clothes from 0-6 months washed. Everything past that will go in a bin in the top of the closet for right now just to open up some space. His newborn diapers are washed and ready to go. His car seat will be installed tonight. My bag for the birth center is 90% packed. Just a couple little things left.
I truly can't believe its getting so close.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Why Ga Tech guys get a bad rap...
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/atl/744997359.html I believe this speaks for itself.
I see these guys every year at the Tech scholarship dinner and send off party. Yikes. Poor girls. How is it that Tech attracts the dorkiest of guys and the cutest of girls. It makes no sense. Now, dont get me wrong, most of these guys will grow out of it but dear lord. Jeremy wasn't the dating type in school but he never would have posted on CL...
I see these guys every year at the Tech scholarship dinner and send off party. Yikes. Poor girls. How is it that Tech attracts the dorkiest of guys and the cutest of girls. It makes no sense. Now, dont get me wrong, most of these guys will grow out of it but dear lord. Jeremy wasn't the dating type in school but he never would have posted on CL...
Grown ups...
As if my 30th birthday, bulging belly and purchasing a home do not indicate that I am somewhat of an adult, a meeting with a financial planner sure does. Holy smokes. Only grown ups have that kind of meeting, right?
We decided to bite the bullet and meet with an advisor to get our acts together on investments, retirement and insurance. Owning a home and having a baby are good reasons for life insurance I suppose. So, we decided to meet with Bill (Michelle's husband) since we know him and I trust the advice he would give. We gathered our papers and were prepared for him to laugh at us as Jeremy thinks we are a mess and "po' ". Pleasantly, he told us we were already in much better shape than the average couple our age. In fact, he said we were already more prepared than 50 and 60 year olds he meets with. SCORE! We rolled over our 401ks from prior jobs into traditional IRAs as this is not the year for extra taxes for a Roth roll over. (I sound like I know what Im talking about dont I?? Bill explained things well!) We'll start new Roths moving forward as neither of us have 401k options at work. Next week, we will meet again to discuss life insurance.
If anyone is interested in financial planning/advising, I would recommend Bill in a heartbeat. It was far less scary and intimidating that I expected. I thought only rich people had "planners" but that isn't the case at all. I think most of us could use a little evaluation just to make sure we are growing our money the best way possible.
Next up is meeting with an attorney to draw up a will and guardianship for Thumper. Talk about another grown up thing to do. When did I become an adult?
We decided to bite the bullet and meet with an advisor to get our acts together on investments, retirement and insurance. Owning a home and having a baby are good reasons for life insurance I suppose. So, we decided to meet with Bill (Michelle's husband) since we know him and I trust the advice he would give. We gathered our papers and were prepared for him to laugh at us as Jeremy thinks we are a mess and "po' ". Pleasantly, he told us we were already in much better shape than the average couple our age. In fact, he said we were already more prepared than 50 and 60 year olds he meets with. SCORE! We rolled over our 401ks from prior jobs into traditional IRAs as this is not the year for extra taxes for a Roth roll over. (I sound like I know what Im talking about dont I?? Bill explained things well!) We'll start new Roths moving forward as neither of us have 401k options at work. Next week, we will meet again to discuss life insurance.
If anyone is interested in financial planning/advising, I would recommend Bill in a heartbeat. It was far less scary and intimidating that I expected. I thought only rich people had "planners" but that isn't the case at all. I think most of us could use a little evaluation just to make sure we are growing our money the best way possible.
Next up is meeting with an attorney to draw up a will and guardianship for Thumper. Talk about another grown up thing to do. When did I become an adult?
multi-purpose remote
I am a ding-dong as my friend Ashley would say. I try to use my car door remote to open everything. I have tried to open the front door of my house while sitting in the car. Only to hear the clicking and realize what Im doing. Today, I tried to summons the elevator at work with it. I dont know why I cant comprehend that the remote only works for the car.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Kids say the funniest things!
As I said before, we went to Bill and Michelle's for the 4th. They had lots of people over and a couple families had little ones. One girl, maybe 4 years old, asked if God put a baby in my belly. I thought it was very sweet and said that yes, He did. She and her brother started to rub my belly. Ok fine, they're kids and I was ok with it. I pushed the baby around a little bit so they could feel him. Then she asked if there was just one. I said yes and snickered to myself. She looked at me as serious as can be and asked if I was sure. OMG, even kids think Im huge! Her mom was about to bust a gut. It really was funny.
Then, Michelle's daughter Courtney (my buddy and Jeremy's girlfriend) who is 3, tried to sit in my lap. As I have little lap left, this was not easy. She tried to push my belly out of the way to no avail. She hopped down and started rubbing my belly and talking to the baby. So cute. She told me he was sleeping and wasn't ready to play yet. Then, out of the blue, she grabs my left boob. I was taken back but knew she didnt mean any harm so I said nothing. About 5 seconds later, she announces that she has found another baby. hahhaahahhahahahaha I was laughing so hard I started to tear up. Michelle's sister was sitting there too and we were just rolling.
Good times.
Then, Michelle's daughter Courtney (my buddy and Jeremy's girlfriend) who is 3, tried to sit in my lap. As I have little lap left, this was not easy. She tried to push my belly out of the way to no avail. She hopped down and started rubbing my belly and talking to the baby. So cute. She told me he was sleeping and wasn't ready to play yet. Then, out of the blue, she grabs my left boob. I was taken back but knew she didnt mean any harm so I said nothing. About 5 seconds later, she announces that she has found another baby. hahhaahahhahahahaha I was laughing so hard I started to tear up. Michelle's sister was sitting there too and we were just rolling.
Good times.
Busy weekend..sort of
We were ready to have a jammed packed weekend. I had my "plan" laid out and was going to get so much done. Then reality set in and we enjoyed a couple days of doing nothing. SO glad we did that instead.
Friday we got up and got ready to do baby shopping and paint before going to Bill and Michelle's. Getting ready is as far as we ever got. I ended up sleeping on the couch and Jeremy watched qualifying for the races. He rubbed my head and then my feet; it was perfect. Had a great time at Bill and Michelle's and got home around midnight.
Saturday we got up and watched some of the pre-race from Friday night. Then we went to Babies R Us to finish up getting baby stuff. Again, I realized just how generous our friends and family have been to us. We really didnt have that many "needs" to get. We are incredibly blessed. Got home and started laundry. I got some Crunchy Clean and the laundry room smells so yummy now. Even got some more of the baby's laundry done. Then we settled in for the Busch race (I know, Nationwide---BAH says I!) then the Cup race. I slept through part of the race as is par for the course. Not happy with the finish but what can you do?
Sunday we were finally productive. Swept the floors, changed the sheets, more laundry and we painted! Professionals we are not. But, it was done with love and thats what counts, right? RIGHT? We ran 1 wall short so we will finish that up tonight. In the mean time, here are the progress pics.
Come hell or high water I was getting this switch plate on the wall before I went to bed last night. When it comes to screws, apparently size does matter =) It was much more of an ordeal than it had to be... I think it looks cute though. 
This is how the glider will look against the wall color. Im pleased. 
I feel like we got a lot done even though it wasn't everything I wanted. I can only do so much though and am learning my limits. Especially with my hands lately. Its very frustrating. I bought a brace but it isn't helping and hurts at night so I end up taking it off. Midwife said the carpel tunnel should go away after I deliver so I just have to stick it out a little longer. If thats the worst thing I have to deal with, I say I am a lucky girl!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
34 week check up
Had the check up today. All is well. Small level of leukocytes in urine (white blood cells) but not enough to be concerned about. BP was fine. Up 27 pounds overall. Still right on track. He is still head down but not yet engaged. I had hoped he might be but no luck. Only a minor chance that he will flip though so Im not really worried. Jeremy got to feel for his head....hmmm, let me rephrase that.... The midwife showed Jeremy were to feel for the baby's head position. he couldnt believe how hard she was pressing into my belly. I keep telling him the baby is just floating around in there but I dont think he believes me that we wont hurt him.
Filled out the paper for the birth certificate today. Yeah, so that makes it even more real. Holy cow. Talked about the newborn procedures today too. Im ok with the vitamin K shot, especially since we will have him circumcised. It will be roughly day 8 so his vit K levels should be at their ideal then but just in case. No harm from what I have read. The eye goop is up for discussion. I have no cooties to pass on to him so there really shouldn't be a reason to do it. At the same time, it can be wiped off after 30 seconds so why not? we'll have to see. The heel prick can be done when we see the pediatrician at 3 days so it saves us a trip back to the center since they are in the same building.
Need to call the Rabbi that will do the circ to get on his radar. Yes, Im aware that we are Catholic. This guy just comes highly recommended. He's a holocaust survivor too, how neat is that. Everyone says he is just so interesting to talk to. Anyway, the pedis will do it but they are strongly opposed. I would rather it be done by someone who has done tons of them than someone who really doesnt want to do it. We aren't making a big to do about it. No one is coming over to watch or anything. Apparently I get sent out of the house and Jeremy will be there with him. I am SO ok with that!
Jeremy wants to get my bag packed soon. So maybe that will be a weekend project. I keep telling him we have time but if it makes him feel better, so be it. We have to get the car seat installed too. Other than that, the weekend will be full of painting his room, organizing the closet more (already done by size, now will be done by item within the size...maybe by color within item once everything is washed. Dont laugh at me!), washing diapers and clothes and hanging things in his room. I want his room done. Not that he will be in it for a while, but I want it done.
Have a happy and safe 4th!
Filled out the paper for the birth certificate today. Yeah, so that makes it even more real. Holy cow. Talked about the newborn procedures today too. Im ok with the vitamin K shot, especially since we will have him circumcised. It will be roughly day 8 so his vit K levels should be at their ideal then but just in case. No harm from what I have read. The eye goop is up for discussion. I have no cooties to pass on to him so there really shouldn't be a reason to do it. At the same time, it can be wiped off after 30 seconds so why not? we'll have to see. The heel prick can be done when we see the pediatrician at 3 days so it saves us a trip back to the center since they are in the same building.
Need to call the Rabbi that will do the circ to get on his radar. Yes, Im aware that we are Catholic. This guy just comes highly recommended. He's a holocaust survivor too, how neat is that. Everyone says he is just so interesting to talk to. Anyway, the pedis will do it but they are strongly opposed. I would rather it be done by someone who has done tons of them than someone who really doesnt want to do it. We aren't making a big to do about it. No one is coming over to watch or anything. Apparently I get sent out of the house and Jeremy will be there with him. I am SO ok with that!
Jeremy wants to get my bag packed soon. So maybe that will be a weekend project. I keep telling him we have time but if it makes him feel better, so be it. We have to get the car seat installed too. Other than that, the weekend will be full of painting his room, organizing the closet more (already done by size, now will be done by item within the size...maybe by color within item once everything is washed. Dont laugh at me!), washing diapers and clothes and hanging things in his room. I want his room done. Not that he will be in it for a while, but I want it done.
Have a happy and safe 4th!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Letter from an OB that gets it
I found this while browsing blogs linked to At Your Cervix. While an out of hospital birth is not the right choice for every family, I deeply feel that it is one that should be available and legal to every family. By ACOG issuing a statement that out of hospital births are inherently dangerous and that congress should take steps to prevent/outlaw them, it brings us closer to limiting MY right to choose what I feel is best for MY body and family. I am not ok with congress making medical decisions for me. Especially when there is no basis for their decisions.
As this Dr points out, midwives are highly trained and have the best interest of their patients at heart. I know that my own midwives want what is best for me and my baby, even if that means they can't be the ones to provide it. On a much simpler level, they don't want the risk of something "happening" on their watch! If there is even the slightest indication that something may not be routine or lowest of risks, I risk out of their care and to the hospital I go with their OB back ups. This is for the love of my child as well as their own necessity to CYA. I get that and knowing it gives me that much more confidence in them. It is not a blind choice that we make when we choose a birth center or home birth.
Anyway, reading that letter from an OB who fully supports midwives and out of hospital births made me feel more confident that there are those out there willing to fight for what women have been doing since the dawn of man. Its a lengthy letter but one worth reading in my opinion.
As this Dr points out, midwives are highly trained and have the best interest of their patients at heart. I know that my own midwives want what is best for me and my baby, even if that means they can't be the ones to provide it. On a much simpler level, they don't want the risk of something "happening" on their watch! If there is even the slightest indication that something may not be routine or lowest of risks, I risk out of their care and to the hospital I go with their OB back ups. This is for the love of my child as well as their own necessity to CYA. I get that and knowing it gives me that much more confidence in them. It is not a blind choice that we make when we choose a birth center or home birth.
Anyway, reading that letter from an OB who fully supports midwives and out of hospital births made me feel more confident that there are those out there willing to fight for what women have been doing since the dawn of man. Its a lengthy letter but one worth reading in my opinion.
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