We got our tax money in! Yay! We also had two showings scheduled today and had to be out of the house from 11 to 1, so we did a little baby shopping. First we went to Once Upon A Child to see if any of the things I wanted were available "gently used" and cheaper. Didn't find anything there, so we went to lunch. After lunch we still had about an hour to kill, so we headed to Babies R Us. I had several coupons that expire next weekend including $20 off a stroller, 15% off crib bedding, 10% off Koala Baby bedding, and a $5 off purchase of $25 (exp. 4/08).
I thought since I had the coupons, the cash and the time, we pick up a couple things. We bought a Joovy sit&stand stroller. It has an attachment to hold the baby carrier, you can remove the attachment and there's a seat when baby is old enough to sit. Plus in the back there is a place for a toddler to stand and hold on or a bench seat so they can sit and ride. For our situation it's much better than a traditional double stroller, since Grace rarely will sit in a stroller any more. We also were looking at bedding and found a new bedding set that wasn't there when we registered. Both Eric and I liked it better, so we changed our theme up a bit and bought the new stuff instead. Glad he was with me! Because we changed the theme and thus some of the colors, I also wanted to get the crib sheets and changing pad covers, as the ones we had on the registry wouldn't have matched. We went with Navy instead of baby blue.
In the end we had a cart load including a stroller, 6-pc bedding set, 2 crib sheets, the changing pad (Grace's had too much wear and tear after two years of daily use), and 2 changing pad covers. Everything that we purchased was on my essentials list, thus my budget. Also, because we shopped this weekend and used my coupons I saved $63 on the order! Still spent $400, but I came in under budget. It sure is hard using only cash, but it feels good that this baby hasn't increased our debt!
Grace was ready for a nap though and I'm sure the store cheered when we left. She made it until we were about 3 minutes from home and then crashed in her seat. She was much better after her nap, thank goodness.
This afternoon, I went online and updated my registry. I removed all the old bedding stuff we registered for and added the new stuff we bought (and showed it as purchased). Just in case anyone shops for us, I want them to know what our actual theme is. There are two more pictures of the bedding and room if you go to my set on Flickr.
Good weekend so far. I still have things to buy and money to spend on Luke which will be fun. I think Samara and I may leave the girls and go shopping for most of the other stuff in 2 weeks, my little birthday gift to myself. I would have waited on this stuff, but the coupons were too good!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
25 Week Photo Shoot
I know it's been a while and I haven't officially taken any more "belly" pictures, but last weekend Danialle did a mini-photo shoot for me and we got this one. It doesn't show the side profile shot, but it's much prettier and classier than my typical shots, so I think I'll share.
This month has been so busy. School has been picking back up (only 1 more month until after baby). Work is entering my busiest time of the year and dealing with a 3-year old has my hands full.
On top of that I got a really bad upper respitory virus that lingered for about 2 weeks. I knew I was getting sick, so I went to my primary care doctor, but think I went a day early. Because it was a virus they couldn't prescribe any antibiotics and because I was pregnant, they limited me to Robitussun. I also had a really high pulse (130), so they told me to stay away from Sudafed which can be a stimulant. I took the next day off work and was so icky feeling that I had to stop to catch my breath just walking from the living room to the kitchen. I was wheezing to catch my breath and coughing something awful. I was running low on Robitussin, so I went to the pharmacy to get more and used the blood pressure machine and found my pulse was still high at 135! I called my doctor's office again to tell them I was worse and about my pulse and they told me to go to the ER! So another $75 later I was told that it was still a virus, but they decided to go ahead and prescribe me a stronger cough medicine and a decongestant. They weren't in the safest pregnancy category, but I think a small risk was better than the way I was feeling. I took another day off work and finally went back the third day although my cough and stuffy nose lasted another week and a half.
Last weekend I had a GWO at Heather's. It was heavenly. I think I really needed a break from Grace who has really been testing the limits, including getting up extremely early or multiple times a night. I feel like she's trying to get us ready for the baby, but I don't know that we need any extra practice! Anyway, none of us had much money to spend, so it was a really low key weekend. I got just after 9 p.m. and we chatted for a bit before we hit the sack. Heather had to work in the morning and I had a 9:30 a.m. conference call that I couldn't get out of, so I went to Heather's work with her to make the call. Once we got back, Danialle set up for a photo shoot. Most of the pictures were of Erica who was looking for a nice Valentine's present for her husband, but we took a couple of pregnant poses of me. I think I get my full photo shoot in Chicago at our March GWO. After we wrapped up the picture taking, we were hungry, so we had an early dinner at Applebee's and then went to a couple stores before heading home to organize our coupons (yes, that's lame, but I swear we enjoyed ourselves). We also played a late into the night game of dominos which I won.
On Saturday, Heather made us breakfast and then after we all dressed, we went to a movie. We saw P.S. I Love You which was a total chick flick and many tears were shed, but it was wonderful to actually sit in a theater. We got ice cream on the way home and then got ready for a "surprise" party/get together that Heather planned for the evening. Nick grilled us some of Heather's gormet burgers. A couple of Heather's other friends came buy for the party. It was really fun, I won't give all the details, but you had to be at least 18 to buy any products and the products could be used alone or with a partner...
After the party, we broke in Heather's new Karoke machine (trust me, I didn't sing), but once we found out we could watch music videos off of Erica's I-pod on the TV, we had a living room dance party trying to imitate the videos. It was fun and burned some calories. Sunday we all went home.
This week I had my 25 1/2 week doctor appointment. I had to do my glucose tolerance test which I do not have results on yet. I also had a couple questions this time. I asked about traveling because I have been trying to schedule lots of meetings for work for March and April and need to figure out how far and by what mode of transportation is safe. I also asked for some details as far as keeping an eye on the baby size and the possibility of early induction. The plan is to do an ultrasound at 32 weeks to get an idea of size. If he's at all more than average, we'll do another at 36 weeks and if he looks big, we'll probably induce about a week before my due date. I'm not sure that will help a whole lot since Grace came on her own 6 days early and was still 8 pounds 11 ounces, but we'll see how it goes. I have gained 14 pounds, he's head down at the moment, heart rate around 150, and I still have great blood pressure.
We've officially decided his name is Luke. He is an active baby and is now in a familiar position. His little feet kick me on my upper right side, just like Grace always did. It's starting to feel really real now. Once we get our tax money (hopefully another week or so), I'll get to buy the stuff for his room and I think that will help it set in. I really haven't bought anything. Also, my March is already getting completely booked with work stuff, so I think that month will fly by and suddenly I'll be 7 months pregnant. Wow, this is going too fast.
This month has been so busy. School has been picking back up (only 1 more month until after baby). Work is entering my busiest time of the year and dealing with a 3-year old has my hands full.
On top of that I got a really bad upper respitory virus that lingered for about 2 weeks. I knew I was getting sick, so I went to my primary care doctor, but think I went a day early. Because it was a virus they couldn't prescribe any antibiotics and because I was pregnant, they limited me to Robitussun. I also had a really high pulse (130), so they told me to stay away from Sudafed which can be a stimulant. I took the next day off work and was so icky feeling that I had to stop to catch my breath just walking from the living room to the kitchen. I was wheezing to catch my breath and coughing something awful. I was running low on Robitussin, so I went to the pharmacy to get more and used the blood pressure machine and found my pulse was still high at 135! I called my doctor's office again to tell them I was worse and about my pulse and they told me to go to the ER! So another $75 later I was told that it was still a virus, but they decided to go ahead and prescribe me a stronger cough medicine and a decongestant. They weren't in the safest pregnancy category, but I think a small risk was better than the way I was feeling. I took another day off work and finally went back the third day although my cough and stuffy nose lasted another week and a half.
Last weekend I had a GWO at Heather's. It was heavenly. I think I really needed a break from Grace who has really been testing the limits, including getting up extremely early or multiple times a night. I feel like she's trying to get us ready for the baby, but I don't know that we need any extra practice! Anyway, none of us had much money to spend, so it was a really low key weekend. I got just after 9 p.m. and we chatted for a bit before we hit the sack. Heather had to work in the morning and I had a 9:30 a.m. conference call that I couldn't get out of, so I went to Heather's work with her to make the call. Once we got back, Danialle set up for a photo shoot. Most of the pictures were of Erica who was looking for a nice Valentine's present for her husband, but we took a couple of pregnant poses of me. I think I get my full photo shoot in Chicago at our March GWO. After we wrapped up the picture taking, we were hungry, so we had an early dinner at Applebee's and then went to a couple stores before heading home to organize our coupons (yes, that's lame, but I swear we enjoyed ourselves). We also played a late into the night game of dominos which I won.
On Saturday, Heather made us breakfast and then after we all dressed, we went to a movie. We saw P.S. I Love You which was a total chick flick and many tears were shed, but it was wonderful to actually sit in a theater. We got ice cream on the way home and then got ready for a "surprise" party/get together that Heather planned for the evening. Nick grilled us some of Heather's gormet burgers. A couple of Heather's other friends came buy for the party. It was really fun, I won't give all the details, but you had to be at least 18 to buy any products and the products could be used alone or with a partner...
After the party, we broke in Heather's new Karoke machine (trust me, I didn't sing), but once we found out we could watch music videos off of Erica's I-pod on the TV, we had a living room dance party trying to imitate the videos. It was fun and burned some calories. Sunday we all went home.
This week I had my 25 1/2 week doctor appointment. I had to do my glucose tolerance test which I do not have results on yet. I also had a couple questions this time. I asked about traveling because I have been trying to schedule lots of meetings for work for March and April and need to figure out how far and by what mode of transportation is safe. I also asked for some details as far as keeping an eye on the baby size and the possibility of early induction. The plan is to do an ultrasound at 32 weeks to get an idea of size. If he's at all more than average, we'll do another at 36 weeks and if he looks big, we'll probably induce about a week before my due date. I'm not sure that will help a whole lot since Grace came on her own 6 days early and was still 8 pounds 11 ounces, but we'll see how it goes. I have gained 14 pounds, he's head down at the moment, heart rate around 150, and I still have great blood pressure.
We've officially decided his name is Luke. He is an active baby and is now in a familiar position. His little feet kick me on my upper right side, just like Grace always did. It's starting to feel really real now. Once we get our tax money (hopefully another week or so), I'll get to buy the stuff for his room and I think that will help it set in. I really haven't bought anything. Also, my March is already getting completely booked with work stuff, so I think that month will fly by and suddenly I'll be 7 months pregnant. Wow, this is going too fast.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Ultrasound Pictures
I finally uploaded 3 of my favorites from the ultrasound 2 weeks ago. This one is the profile of his face. I also have one of the foot and the boy parts if you click and visit the set in Flickr.
Pregnancy stuff is going well. I feel much bigger lately. Wouldn't know since I haven't been taking pictures! I also have started gaining weight. At my doctor's appointment last week I was up 5 pounds for the month for a total of 11 pounds since my first visit. At home I haven't gotten around to a morning weight, but I think I'm at around 12 pounds total wieght gain. With just under 18 weeks to go, that would still put me at about 30 pounds total if I do the 1 pound per week gain. Seems like my appetite is picking up though, so I'm not sure that will be feasable.
We're still up in the air on the name, but I really think it will end up being Luke. Grace and I always call him Baby Luke and I've caught Eric saying it a couple times, so I think that will be it, but he hasn't officially agreed to it yet.
He's definately getting bigger and stronger. The kicks are becoming harder not to notice. I think he even got the hickups last week for the first time (that I noticed). Last night he must have been doing flips or stretching or something because I felt it both down low and up high at the same time. Seems like he always kicks way down low in the pubic region. I remember Grace's kicks by my belly button or above. Last night though, I definately felt some above my belly button, so maybe he's going to start spending some time head down. I know we've still got some time before position is important, but I want to be sure he knows how to get in that position!
We finally are done with the rearranging of the rooms and decorating. Last Tuesday, we got new carpet upstairs in Grace's "new" room, along with the hallway and stairs. Finally, I don't smell cat upstairs. Eric and I pulled up some of the old carpet by ourselves the day before and painted some Killz on the floor, so the smell shouldn't come back. After it was installed, I put together Grace's new headboard and dresser and moved all of her stuff (except for her fish tank) to her new room. She's been sleeping there all week. This weekend I finally converted the toddler bed back to a crib and brought all the baby stuff up from the basement. We will still need to buy the bedding and decorative stuff for the baby's room, but won't do that until we get our tax return this year. Being on a budget is tough.
I think Grace is getting impatient about waiting on the baby. I think she notices I'm getting bigger, because she asks alot if the baby is coming out yet. The other night I had class and she asked Eric if I had the baby. Poor girl still needs to wait 4 more months. She still seems happy about it though and is completely ok with her "old" room being the baby's room and liked looking at all the stuff with me when we pulled it out and put it away.
Suddenly, 4 months doesn't seem long to wait. January is going very quickly. Work has been keeping me busy. February is already a shorter month. I have a feeling I'm going to blink and realize it's March and somehow I'm 7 months pregnant! It's ok though. Once we get all the stuff we need to buy. I think I'm ready. I still love pregnancy, but I think I'm ready to tackle the baby part too.
On another note, Grace started with our new child-care provider today. Luckily, I think I was more nervous than she was. I hope it all goes extremely well as financially it is helping us out tremendously. I hope we're really happy and feel very good about it before the baby comes and she gets to watch both of them. No phone calls yet, so that's a good sign. I'm off work today for the holiday, so I'll probably go get her early just to see how it went.
Pregnancy stuff is going well. I feel much bigger lately. Wouldn't know since I haven't been taking pictures! I also have started gaining weight. At my doctor's appointment last week I was up 5 pounds for the month for a total of 11 pounds since my first visit. At home I haven't gotten around to a morning weight, but I think I'm at around 12 pounds total wieght gain. With just under 18 weeks to go, that would still put me at about 30 pounds total if I do the 1 pound per week gain. Seems like my appetite is picking up though, so I'm not sure that will be feasable.
We're still up in the air on the name, but I really think it will end up being Luke. Grace and I always call him Baby Luke and I've caught Eric saying it a couple times, so I think that will be it, but he hasn't officially agreed to it yet.
He's definately getting bigger and stronger. The kicks are becoming harder not to notice. I think he even got the hickups last week for the first time (that I noticed). Last night he must have been doing flips or stretching or something because I felt it both down low and up high at the same time. Seems like he always kicks way down low in the pubic region. I remember Grace's kicks by my belly button or above. Last night though, I definately felt some above my belly button, so maybe he's going to start spending some time head down. I know we've still got some time before position is important, but I want to be sure he knows how to get in that position!
We finally are done with the rearranging of the rooms and decorating. Last Tuesday, we got new carpet upstairs in Grace's "new" room, along with the hallway and stairs. Finally, I don't smell cat upstairs. Eric and I pulled up some of the old carpet by ourselves the day before and painted some Killz on the floor, so the smell shouldn't come back. After it was installed, I put together Grace's new headboard and dresser and moved all of her stuff (except for her fish tank) to her new room. She's been sleeping there all week. This weekend I finally converted the toddler bed back to a crib and brought all the baby stuff up from the basement. We will still need to buy the bedding and decorative stuff for the baby's room, but won't do that until we get our tax return this year. Being on a budget is tough.
I think Grace is getting impatient about waiting on the baby. I think she notices I'm getting bigger, because she asks alot if the baby is coming out yet. The other night I had class and she asked Eric if I had the baby. Poor girl still needs to wait 4 more months. She still seems happy about it though and is completely ok with her "old" room being the baby's room and liked looking at all the stuff with me when we pulled it out and put it away.
Suddenly, 4 months doesn't seem long to wait. January is going very quickly. Work has been keeping me busy. February is already a shorter month. I have a feeling I'm going to blink and realize it's March and somehow I'm 7 months pregnant! It's ok though. Once we get all the stuff we need to buy. I think I'm ready. I still love pregnancy, but I think I'm ready to tackle the baby part too.
On another note, Grace started with our new child-care provider today. Luckily, I think I was more nervous than she was. I hope it all goes extremely well as financially it is helping us out tremendously. I hope we're really happy and feel very good about it before the baby comes and she gets to watch both of them. No phone calls yet, so that's a good sign. I'm off work today for the holiday, so I'll probably go get her early just to see how it went.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Catching Up - Or "What Happened to December?"
I apologize, once again, for my extended absence. December was completely crazy and busy. Tonight I'm in a hotel room in Elkhart, Indiana (work meeting tomorrow), so instead of completely vegging out on TV or working on the work I brought with me (boring!), I thought I'd attempt to catch up on my blogging. Settle in, this could be a long one.
Grace's 3-Year Update/Birthday
Right before her actual birthday, we did our 3-year visit to the Cleft Palate Clinic. I was expecting it to be totally uneventful. We meet with the Plastic Surgeon, ENT, Dentist, and Speech Therapist. Plastics was uneventful, her palate is still closed and looks great. ENT I expected to be fine since she hasn't had any ear infections (until last week). They looked and her tubes are both out, but she did have some fluid still behind the ear drum. They asked when she last had a hearing check (birth) and had the audiologist do a hearing check. I wasn't at all concerned. She constantly whispers when she knows you need to be quiet (like in the middle of the night when she comes to tell me she can't find her lovey), she never asks me to repeat myself and generally seems to hear fine. However, they did find a slight hearing loss in her right ear. The ENT met with us again and wants to see her in a few months. They may decide to put the tubes back in her ears to drain the fluid and make sure the hearing issue doesn't get worse. Now that she just got a double ear infection, I think this is actually likely. Great, another surgery. The dentist said her mouth looks perfect (she does have a gorgeous smile). The Speech Therapist said we are on the right track with her weekly visits.
Her regular 3-year check up was fine. She weighed 37 1/2 pounds and was 37 1/4 inches tall. She is potty training well and generally doing all the things a normal 3 year old should.
Grace's birthday party was a Dora theme (of course)! We ended up having about 6 kids and parents in attendance. I made a yummy barbeque and everyone seemed to have a good time. Grace got lots of toys, mostly Dora ones. Also, Donna and Kyle and family came to visit. Grace had so much fun playing with her cousins. I think my favorite picture is her playing dress up with them.
Christmas
The weekend before Christmas we embarked on our Indiana family road trip. Luckily, my work decided to be nice and grant us all with Christmas Eve off instead of only the 1/2 day that was originally scheduled. We left on Friday after work. Grace was very good in the car. We put her in a pull-up for the road, but she was still dry when we got there! We went to Kyle & Leslie's to spend the night. Saturday morning, we realized that we had left the backpack with Grace's clothes at home! I went to the store with Leslie and picked up enough clothes for Grace to get her through the weekend. I know Donna was giving us cash to get Grace some clothes, so I decided to spend it early! Later Donna arrived and after Kyle got off of work we did the gift exchanges and had dinner and just visited. Sunday we got up and had breakfast before heading to Gary's (Eric's Dad's house). We got there in time for lunch and did our gift exchange there. We stayed for a few more hours and then drove up to my Grandparents house. We got there while they were at church, so we used the spare key and let ourselves in and got Grace her bath and into her PJ's. I was still waiting to hear if my parents were going to make the trip. They were supposed to leave around 5 pm central time to drive to Grandma's. Unfortunately a big snowstorm in Iowa made driving nearly impossible, so after giving it a great try, they turned back. After Grandma and Grandpa got home we visited for a while before bed. On Christmas Eve morning we headed for home. That evening we went to the Christmas Eve service at church. Grace was so excited for Santa to come. We left him cookies and chocolate milk (by Grace's request). She woke up at 4:30 a.m. I went to her room and she got up and looked out the window. She said, "Santa's not here." I told her she had to go back to sleep. At 5:00 a.m. she got in bed with us and by 5:30 a.m. we gave up and got up. Grace's big gifts were a basketball goal and a Go Diego Go Rescue Center. By 8:00 a.m. we were ready for naps. Grace slept until after 11:00 a.m.! That afternoon we went over to Will and Samara's where Samara made us a great Christmas dinner.
Changes around the House
Our contract with our realtor ended in mid-December. We still have the sign up, but technically we're off the market. I called the realtor on January 2nd and told her let's leave it off until February 1st, so we can do a little work on the house. She said she wanted to shoot for January 15th, so we got busy! Two weekends ago, Samara came over and painted with us. We painted the office/pet room, Grace's room, and the upstairs hallway. It's a nice tan color. I'll take pictures once the transformation is complete. We decided not to let the house being on the market keep us from getting ready for the baby, so we want to get started on the nursery. If we stay in the house, the kids will have separate rooms, so that's how we're setting up. If we sell and move, we'll just combine them. Now that we are going to use the pet room, we had someone come and quote us carpet prices. Smokey has used the carpet as an extension of his litter box and the room just stinks. We're replacing the carpet in that room, the hallway, and stairs. They are installing it in one week. Since we are using that room we had to clean it out. We moved the desk and computer to our bedroom (after a little rearranging). The dog cage and stuff in the closet was moved to the basement. I bought another shelving system and got everything really organized in the unfinished part of the basement. Next step was to move all the toys from the living room, sun room, and some from Grace's room to the basement. We made it like a play/toy room. It's been in that form for about 2 weeks and so far is working ok. She doesn't play down there by herself a ton, but will ask to go down and pick out toys to bring upstairs (one at a time). Eric's idea was to move Grace to the other room, because otherwise we will have to totally disassemble the crib to move it accross the hall. Grace is getting new furniture, so we'll just put it in the room after we get the carpet. I ordered her a headboard with a bookcase and a dresser from Target online. We'll move the desk, round table and fish tank to her room. Last weekend Eric got an amazing deal on a twin size pillow-top mattress, boxspring and frame. We put the mattress on her floor on Sunday (in her current room) and she's been sleeping in at night. She's so excited. We bought her Dora sheets and comforter. Samara made her curtains this week and I think it will be really cute when finished. We'll leave the crib, dresser, bookshelf, glider, and bring the changing table back up for the baby room. I can't wait until next week when it's all done (except for the baby bedding/decorations).
Pregnancy Update
Speaking of the baby... I can't believe I'm half way done! I started really feeling bigger stronger movements right around the first of January. I can now feel kicks from the outside if I have my hand in the right place. Eric says he has felt it too, but I haven't had Grace try yet. I haven't done a belly picture. Not sure why except I haven't gotten around to it. I've officially gained 9 1/2 pounds. Not bad considering I was pregnant through the holidays. I haven't really been craving sweets though, so that's good. I think I'm on track to gain about 30 pounds this time which is slightly less than with Grace, but I could have some big gain weeks coming up. I feel really good. I am not really tired anymore. I do have to make LOTS of bathroom stops. I also am extremely irritable which unfortunately I take out often on Grace. She does little 3-year old things that really irritate me and I know I am hard on her. I try to be patient, but it's extremely hard right now.
Today, I had my "official" 20-week ultrasound. It was a Level 2 ultrasound at a Maternal Fetal Medicine office. First we met with a genetics counselor. We talked alot about our family reproductive historys and other health history. Turns out we don't have any red flags that would make us high risk or warrant additional screening. The only reason we were there was because of Grace's cleft palate. On a bright note, we discussed radiation (in reference to the fact that I had my mammograms and chest x-rays while 3 weeks pregnant) and she confirmed that since I didn't miscarry, there was basically zero risk of that causing other birth defects from exposure at that gestation. Since we were discussing radiation, I asked her if she knew about breastfeeding after radiation on the breast. She's going to do some research and get back to me. Eric is againt the idea of breastfeeding, but I want to try at least one sided or both if the radiated side will produce milk. I'm not really hopeful about milk production. The right side is growing much slower than the left. I don't know if it's noticable in clothes yet, but they look and feel different to me. Also, my nipple on the left side is changing, but the right side pretty much looks the same as before. All signs point to only the non-radiated side working for milk production.
Once we finished the genetics talk they took us back for the scan. The technician was really nice. She did a head to toe scan and measured and looked at everything. They looked at the brain and in the head they looked at the hard palate and lips. They can't really see the soft palate in ultrasound, but from what they can see everything looks good. So worst case scenario, if this baby has a cleft it won't be any worse than Grace's was. They looked at all the chambers of the heart, measured arm bones, looked at the bladder, kidneys, etc., measured leg bones, counted fingers and toes on both hands and feet. They were also able to confirm that this is definately a boy. We have an extremely clear picture of the boy parts and she even showed us the difference between the cord and the penis. I would say we can be 100% sure it's a boy. We are still up in the air on names. Grace and I still like Luke, but Eric's leaning towards Caleb. I guess we still have time to decide, but I'd like to start calling him by name. It seemed more "real" with Grace once we started calling her by name. Eric has the pictures and I'm not at home, but next week when I am back home I'll scan and upload the ultrasound pictures. He looks like he has a cute profile. His nose looks different than Grace's. I can't believe I'm having a boy. I don't know what I'll do with a boy, but I'm sure we'll figure it out. If he has 1/2 the personality that Grace does, he'll fit right in.
Goals for 2008
I'm not going to do a ton of goals for 2008. Seems like I did ok on the 2007 goals. I exceeded our debt reduction goal. I think I lost the weight I wanted to etc. This year, I want to do more of the same.
1. Continue working on the debt. It will tough adding a 4th family member, but I want to keep paying extra on our bills and continue to not use credit cards. On average we typically increase our debt by $5,000 per year, this year we decreased it by just over $15,000.
2. I would like to be down to 155 pounds (+5 pounds over pre-pregnancy) by the end of the year (7 months after baby born).
3. Continue taking classes and getting good grades. (At least 2 classes after maternity leave).
4. Be a good Mom, Wife, Daughter, Friend.
Ok that's all for now. On Thursday, we're leaving to go to Iowa to visit my parents. On 1/21 Grace will start with her new daycare provider (saving us $60 per week!). I should have pictures of the kids rooms next week too. I'll strive for an updated belly picture and I'll scan the best of the ultrasound pictures.
Grace's 3-Year Update/Birthday
Right before her actual birthday, we did our 3-year visit to the Cleft Palate Clinic. I was expecting it to be totally uneventful. We meet with the Plastic Surgeon, ENT, Dentist, and Speech Therapist. Plastics was uneventful, her palate is still closed and looks great. ENT I expected to be fine since she hasn't had any ear infections (until last week). They looked and her tubes are both out, but she did have some fluid still behind the ear drum. They asked when she last had a hearing check (birth) and had the audiologist do a hearing check. I wasn't at all concerned. She constantly whispers when she knows you need to be quiet (like in the middle of the night when she comes to tell me she can't find her lovey), she never asks me to repeat myself and generally seems to hear fine. However, they did find a slight hearing loss in her right ear. The ENT met with us again and wants to see her in a few months. They may decide to put the tubes back in her ears to drain the fluid and make sure the hearing issue doesn't get worse. Now that she just got a double ear infection, I think this is actually likely. Great, another surgery. The dentist said her mouth looks perfect (she does have a gorgeous smile). The Speech Therapist said we are on the right track with her weekly visits.
Her regular 3-year check up was fine. She weighed 37 1/2 pounds and was 37 1/4 inches tall. She is potty training well and generally doing all the things a normal 3 year old should.
Grace's birthday party was a Dora theme (of course)! We ended up having about 6 kids and parents in attendance. I made a yummy barbeque and everyone seemed to have a good time. Grace got lots of toys, mostly Dora ones. Also, Donna and Kyle and family came to visit. Grace had so much fun playing with her cousins. I think my favorite picture is her playing dress up with them.
Christmas
The weekend before Christmas we embarked on our Indiana family road trip. Luckily, my work decided to be nice and grant us all with Christmas Eve off instead of only the 1/2 day that was originally scheduled. We left on Friday after work. Grace was very good in the car. We put her in a pull-up for the road, but she was still dry when we got there! We went to Kyle & Leslie's to spend the night. Saturday morning, we realized that we had left the backpack with Grace's clothes at home! I went to the store with Leslie and picked up enough clothes for Grace to get her through the weekend. I know Donna was giving us cash to get Grace some clothes, so I decided to spend it early! Later Donna arrived and after Kyle got off of work we did the gift exchanges and had dinner and just visited. Sunday we got up and had breakfast before heading to Gary's (Eric's Dad's house). We got there in time for lunch and did our gift exchange there. We stayed for a few more hours and then drove up to my Grandparents house. We got there while they were at church, so we used the spare key and let ourselves in and got Grace her bath and into her PJ's. I was still waiting to hear if my parents were going to make the trip. They were supposed to leave around 5 pm central time to drive to Grandma's. Unfortunately a big snowstorm in Iowa made driving nearly impossible, so after giving it a great try, they turned back. After Grandma and Grandpa got home we visited for a while before bed. On Christmas Eve morning we headed for home. That evening we went to the Christmas Eve service at church. Grace was so excited for Santa to come. We left him cookies and chocolate milk (by Grace's request). She woke up at 4:30 a.m. I went to her room and she got up and looked out the window. She said, "Santa's not here." I told her she had to go back to sleep. At 5:00 a.m. she got in bed with us and by 5:30 a.m. we gave up and got up. Grace's big gifts were a basketball goal and a Go Diego Go Rescue Center. By 8:00 a.m. we were ready for naps. Grace slept until after 11:00 a.m.! That afternoon we went over to Will and Samara's where Samara made us a great Christmas dinner.
Changes around the House
Our contract with our realtor ended in mid-December. We still have the sign up, but technically we're off the market. I called the realtor on January 2nd and told her let's leave it off until February 1st, so we can do a little work on the house. She said she wanted to shoot for January 15th, so we got busy! Two weekends ago, Samara came over and painted with us. We painted the office/pet room, Grace's room, and the upstairs hallway. It's a nice tan color. I'll take pictures once the transformation is complete. We decided not to let the house being on the market keep us from getting ready for the baby, so we want to get started on the nursery. If we stay in the house, the kids will have separate rooms, so that's how we're setting up. If we sell and move, we'll just combine them. Now that we are going to use the pet room, we had someone come and quote us carpet prices. Smokey has used the carpet as an extension of his litter box and the room just stinks. We're replacing the carpet in that room, the hallway, and stairs. They are installing it in one week. Since we are using that room we had to clean it out. We moved the desk and computer to our bedroom (after a little rearranging). The dog cage and stuff in the closet was moved to the basement. I bought another shelving system and got everything really organized in the unfinished part of the basement. Next step was to move all the toys from the living room, sun room, and some from Grace's room to the basement. We made it like a play/toy room. It's been in that form for about 2 weeks and so far is working ok. She doesn't play down there by herself a ton, but will ask to go down and pick out toys to bring upstairs (one at a time). Eric's idea was to move Grace to the other room, because otherwise we will have to totally disassemble the crib to move it accross the hall. Grace is getting new furniture, so we'll just put it in the room after we get the carpet. I ordered her a headboard with a bookcase and a dresser from Target online. We'll move the desk, round table and fish tank to her room. Last weekend Eric got an amazing deal on a twin size pillow-top mattress, boxspring and frame. We put the mattress on her floor on Sunday (in her current room) and she's been sleeping in at night. She's so excited. We bought her Dora sheets and comforter. Samara made her curtains this week and I think it will be really cute when finished. We'll leave the crib, dresser, bookshelf, glider, and bring the changing table back up for the baby room. I can't wait until next week when it's all done (except for the baby bedding/decorations).
Pregnancy Update
Speaking of the baby... I can't believe I'm half way done! I started really feeling bigger stronger movements right around the first of January. I can now feel kicks from the outside if I have my hand in the right place. Eric says he has felt it too, but I haven't had Grace try yet. I haven't done a belly picture. Not sure why except I haven't gotten around to it. I've officially gained 9 1/2 pounds. Not bad considering I was pregnant through the holidays. I haven't really been craving sweets though, so that's good. I think I'm on track to gain about 30 pounds this time which is slightly less than with Grace, but I could have some big gain weeks coming up. I feel really good. I am not really tired anymore. I do have to make LOTS of bathroom stops. I also am extremely irritable which unfortunately I take out often on Grace. She does little 3-year old things that really irritate me and I know I am hard on her. I try to be patient, but it's extremely hard right now.
Today, I had my "official" 20-week ultrasound. It was a Level 2 ultrasound at a Maternal Fetal Medicine office. First we met with a genetics counselor. We talked alot about our family reproductive historys and other health history. Turns out we don't have any red flags that would make us high risk or warrant additional screening. The only reason we were there was because of Grace's cleft palate. On a bright note, we discussed radiation (in reference to the fact that I had my mammograms and chest x-rays while 3 weeks pregnant) and she confirmed that since I didn't miscarry, there was basically zero risk of that causing other birth defects from exposure at that gestation. Since we were discussing radiation, I asked her if she knew about breastfeeding after radiation on the breast. She's going to do some research and get back to me. Eric is againt the idea of breastfeeding, but I want to try at least one sided or both if the radiated side will produce milk. I'm not really hopeful about milk production. The right side is growing much slower than the left. I don't know if it's noticable in clothes yet, but they look and feel different to me. Also, my nipple on the left side is changing, but the right side pretty much looks the same as before. All signs point to only the non-radiated side working for milk production.
Once we finished the genetics talk they took us back for the scan. The technician was really nice. She did a head to toe scan and measured and looked at everything. They looked at the brain and in the head they looked at the hard palate and lips. They can't really see the soft palate in ultrasound, but from what they can see everything looks good. So worst case scenario, if this baby has a cleft it won't be any worse than Grace's was. They looked at all the chambers of the heart, measured arm bones, looked at the bladder, kidneys, etc., measured leg bones, counted fingers and toes on both hands and feet. They were also able to confirm that this is definately a boy. We have an extremely clear picture of the boy parts and she even showed us the difference between the cord and the penis. I would say we can be 100% sure it's a boy. We are still up in the air on names. Grace and I still like Luke, but Eric's leaning towards Caleb. I guess we still have time to decide, but I'd like to start calling him by name. It seemed more "real" with Grace once we started calling her by name. Eric has the pictures and I'm not at home, but next week when I am back home I'll scan and upload the ultrasound pictures. He looks like he has a cute profile. His nose looks different than Grace's. I can't believe I'm having a boy. I don't know what I'll do with a boy, but I'm sure we'll figure it out. If he has 1/2 the personality that Grace does, he'll fit right in.
Goals for 2008
I'm not going to do a ton of goals for 2008. Seems like I did ok on the 2007 goals. I exceeded our debt reduction goal. I think I lost the weight I wanted to etc. This year, I want to do more of the same.
1. Continue working on the debt. It will tough adding a 4th family member, but I want to keep paying extra on our bills and continue to not use credit cards. On average we typically increase our debt by $5,000 per year, this year we decreased it by just over $15,000.
2. I would like to be down to 155 pounds (+5 pounds over pre-pregnancy) by the end of the year (7 months after baby born).
3. Continue taking classes and getting good grades. (At least 2 classes after maternity leave).
4. Be a good Mom, Wife, Daughter, Friend.
Ok that's all for now. On Thursday, we're leaving to go to Iowa to visit my parents. On 1/21 Grace will start with her new daycare provider (saving us $60 per week!). I should have pictures of the kids rooms next week too. I'll strive for an updated belly picture and I'll scan the best of the ultrasound pictures.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Pictures are Up
No time to post right now, but I did add a set in Flickr of the pictures from Grace's Birthday party. Also, Grace has been stealing the camera lately and taking pictures, so I added a set of her compositions.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Surprise!
I know I still owe a 3-year update on Grace, but I thought this was more important.
Today, I had a 8:45 a.m. appointment to get my breast ultrasound done. I have an appointment with Dr. L next week, so this was in preparation. To start with due to a staffing issue and an emergency case, I didn't get seen until 10:30 a.m. The staff was incredibly apologetic for my wait. They kept coming to check on me and telling me they were sorry and when they took me back, they gave me a $10 gift card to Meijer as an apologize. Since when does the health care profession care about your wait?
When I fianally went back, I tried to be a joker. In all the dressing rooms and bathrooms, they have signs saying to inform your technologist if you think you may be pregnant. So, when I walked in, I told them I think I may be pregnant. They said, "I think we have a funny one." I got on the table to start the scan. I told the technologist that if she got bored, she could tell me what kind of baby I was having. She didn't seem overly friendly, so I quickly followed with, "I'm sure you aren't allowed to do that." She said, "Yeah, we really aren't supposed to." She then scanned both breasts. When she was done, she said, "I could take a look at the baby, if you want." I eagerly agreed. Who would turn down a free ultrasound a couple weeks early? She told me I wouldn't get any pictures, because "this never happened." I said, "I won't tell if you won't."
She took a look and it looked like the baby was laying sideways. I immediately saw the head and the spine. We located the heartbeat and then saw an arm move. When we started to scan to the lower half, it quickly decided to cross it's legs. We tried a couple other angles, and the tech said, "That might be a penis." I said, "Do you think so?" She wasn't sure. She handed me a towel and said that she'd go get the doctor to review the breast films and then we'd take another peek before I left. Maybe the baby would move.
When she left, I poked my belly to see if I could get it to change position. She came back with the doctor. Again they apologized for the wait. The doctor said that everything looked good and nothing to be suspicious of on the ultrasounds. Then the tech got the gel back out to take a second look. It looked like the baby turned about 90 degrees. I saw the feet and the legs started kicking. This time we got a better look and there did appear to be boy parts. She said it looked pretty consistent, so I think we're having a boy!
It's not my official ultrasound, but I definately saw what she was pointing out, so I think there's a really good chance, it is a boy.
The only downside was that Eric wasn't at my appointment. It wasn't supposed to be a baby appointment, so I went by myself. I called him as soon as I got to the garage and I asked if he would be mad, if we looked at the baby during my breast ultrasound. I offered to keep our suspicions to myself until the official ultrasound, so he could be there. He wanted to know what we saw, so I told him. He's prety excited, because he wanted a boy.
I don't think it's completely sunk in yet, but I think we can start making plans for a son. Wow. Now, do I tell my doctor at my OB appointment next week?
Today, I had a 8:45 a.m. appointment to get my breast ultrasound done. I have an appointment with Dr. L next week, so this was in preparation. To start with due to a staffing issue and an emergency case, I didn't get seen until 10:30 a.m. The staff was incredibly apologetic for my wait. They kept coming to check on me and telling me they were sorry and when they took me back, they gave me a $10 gift card to Meijer as an apologize. Since when does the health care profession care about your wait?
When I fianally went back, I tried to be a joker. In all the dressing rooms and bathrooms, they have signs saying to inform your technologist if you think you may be pregnant. So, when I walked in, I told them I think I may be pregnant. They said, "I think we have a funny one." I got on the table to start the scan. I told the technologist that if she got bored, she could tell me what kind of baby I was having. She didn't seem overly friendly, so I quickly followed with, "I'm sure you aren't allowed to do that." She said, "Yeah, we really aren't supposed to." She then scanned both breasts. When she was done, she said, "I could take a look at the baby, if you want." I eagerly agreed. Who would turn down a free ultrasound a couple weeks early? She told me I wouldn't get any pictures, because "this never happened." I said, "I won't tell if you won't."
She took a look and it looked like the baby was laying sideways. I immediately saw the head and the spine. We located the heartbeat and then saw an arm move. When we started to scan to the lower half, it quickly decided to cross it's legs. We tried a couple other angles, and the tech said, "That might be a penis." I said, "Do you think so?" She wasn't sure. She handed me a towel and said that she'd go get the doctor to review the breast films and then we'd take another peek before I left. Maybe the baby would move.
When she left, I poked my belly to see if I could get it to change position. She came back with the doctor. Again they apologized for the wait. The doctor said that everything looked good and nothing to be suspicious of on the ultrasounds. Then the tech got the gel back out to take a second look. It looked like the baby turned about 90 degrees. I saw the feet and the legs started kicking. This time we got a better look and there did appear to be boy parts. She said it looked pretty consistent, so I think we're having a boy!
It's not my official ultrasound, but I definately saw what she was pointing out, so I think there's a really good chance, it is a boy.
The only downside was that Eric wasn't at my appointment. It wasn't supposed to be a baby appointment, so I went by myself. I called him as soon as I got to the garage and I asked if he would be mad, if we looked at the baby during my breast ultrasound. I offered to keep our suspicions to myself until the official ultrasound, so he could be there. He wanted to know what we saw, so I told him. He's prety excited, because he wanted a boy.
I don't think it's completely sunk in yet, but I think we can start making plans for a son. Wow. Now, do I tell my doctor at my OB appointment next week?
Monday, December 10, 2007
16 Weeks, 2 days
Yes, I still owe an updated belly picture. And yes, I have a belly to update about.
I also need to update on Grace's birthday party, but I only have a minute.
So, for 16 weeks. Biggest news is that the movement thing is a definate and getting stronger all the time. It's different than with Grace though. Not sure exactly how. With Grace at this point it felt like little bumps and nudges, this time it's more like the baby is moving and flipping over. It's not kicks or punches, but movement. I know that doesn't make sense, but I can't describe it. I also feel it alot. I wonder if this baby will be more active than Grace, at least in utero. Or maybe I am just more in tune this time. I'm looking forward to the other kinds of movement, because honestly this just feels weird.
The morning sickness thing still throws me for a loop. I've been trying to do better about eating soon after getting up in the morning, but if I don't, I will get sick. I threw up last Tuesday as a matter of fact. At least if I eat, I don't get nauseous and it only seems to be a problem first thing in the morning. I guess the rest of the day I eat before I get to that point.
With Grace I'd gained 2.5 pounds at 16 weeks. This time I'm still holding steady between 5 and 5.5 depending on the day. I gained it quicker, but I haven't really gained much this month. I wonder if I am eating healthier? I do love a good salad and I'm not all that interested in sweets, so maybe this is good?
Ok, I've got lots to do tonight. I'll try to make taking a picture one of them and I'll update on Grace's party soon. I've got some good pictures with her cousins from this weekend.
I also need to update on Grace's birthday party, but I only have a minute.
So, for 16 weeks. Biggest news is that the movement thing is a definate and getting stronger all the time. It's different than with Grace though. Not sure exactly how. With Grace at this point it felt like little bumps and nudges, this time it's more like the baby is moving and flipping over. It's not kicks or punches, but movement. I know that doesn't make sense, but I can't describe it. I also feel it alot. I wonder if this baby will be more active than Grace, at least in utero. Or maybe I am just more in tune this time. I'm looking forward to the other kinds of movement, because honestly this just feels weird.
The morning sickness thing still throws me for a loop. I've been trying to do better about eating soon after getting up in the morning, but if I don't, I will get sick. I threw up last Tuesday as a matter of fact. At least if I eat, I don't get nauseous and it only seems to be a problem first thing in the morning. I guess the rest of the day I eat before I get to that point.
With Grace I'd gained 2.5 pounds at 16 weeks. This time I'm still holding steady between 5 and 5.5 depending on the day. I gained it quicker, but I haven't really gained much this month. I wonder if I am eating healthier? I do love a good salad and I'm not all that interested in sweets, so maybe this is good?
Ok, I've got lots to do tonight. I'll try to make taking a picture one of them and I'll update on Grace's party soon. I've got some good pictures with her cousins from this weekend.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Turkey, Stiches, Shopping, Potty Training, and Baby Update
I hate when I don't update for a while and then I feel like there's a ton to catch up on. Guess I better start now.
First of all, a Thanksgiving recap. We continued our 4 year tradition of having Thanksgiving with Will & Samara and family. I spent most of Wednesday evening cooking and then Thursday we got there around 10 a.m. Samara and I did a little more prep work while the turkey was cooking. We expected to eat around 1 p.m.
However, we had to take a detour to the emergency room right before we were ready to mash the potatoes. The girls have been going potty like champs and during one of Grace's visits, she decided to be a daredevil and jump from the stool in front of the toliet to the stool in front of the sink. She missed. Her head hit the vanity resulting in a "gaping" gash right between the eyebrows. There was blood and tears, and when I looked closer at the source of the blood, I just saw that there appeared to be a hole in the middle of Grace's head. Stiches were needed. We drove to the ER and luckily got in and out in under 2 hours complete with 3 stitches to the head. Good thing it didn't take much longer, cause I was getting hungry! Grace was very brave. She stopped crying before we got into the car and only cried at the hospital when we had to hold her down to let the doctor stick a needle into her head. Yeah, I might want to cry too.
After our dinner, Eric went home, because he works the Friday after T-Day. Grace and I spent the night. Samara, Clara and I got up at 4:00 a.m. to pick up Danialle (she drove over and stayed at my house late on Thursday) for some shopping. Will was off work so he watched Grace and Ava all day. Samara, Danialle and I shopped until about 4 p.m. I was very proud of myself for my first Christmas shopping experience without a credit card. Except for food, I only spent $5 on an item that was not a Christmas present.
Saturday, we put up the tree and then dropped Grace off with a sitter while we went to Ginji's (a Japanese Steakhouse) to celebrate Eric's birthday. Will and Samara's babysitter fell through, so they brought both girls, but they were perfect angels. I love Ginji's. That was about it for Thanksgiving weekend.
I did want to give a potty training update. Grace is doing awesome. She pretty much only wears underwear now. Occassionally, daycare will send home clothes because of an accident, but she's very good at telling us when she needs to go and doesn't even have any issues with going #2. She'll tell us she needs to go and then sit there and push it out. I'm so proud. At school they don't even use a diaper at naptime (I haven't been that brave at home yet). I'm still putting her in pull-ups overnight because she never wakes up dry. I also sometimes will use a pull-up on the weekend if we're going to be in the car alot or when I take her to the nursery at church. That may change this weekend though. Last week she told me she had to go while we were grocery shopping (she was in a pull-up) and I got her to the bathroom in time. I think she kept her pull-up dry all day.
Lastly, a baby update. I know I haven't been updating alot. A couple key highlights:
- I think I'm past the icky feelings, but only if I don't get hungry. Mornings can still be tough, so if I feel bad when I wake up, I try to go eat something right away and I'll feel better. Also, if I'm late for lunch, I start feeling sick. Food helps though and I can still eat anything I want and have no weird cravings. If anything I have anti-cravings. I don't ever crave sweets and my old favorite Chipotle hardly ever enters my mind. However, I can eat those things with no problem, just not craving them.
- I'm showing. Still no strangers have commented, but people I know and haven't seen for a while, or people I know and haven't told I'm pregnant have commented. For example, 2 weeks ago my pastor asked me if I was pregnant. I ran into one of Grace's old daycare teachers (haven't seen her in at least a year) and she asked me, plus someone at work that I don't really ever work with asked. I can't fit in any of my non-maternity pants and I mostly am wearing maternity shirts too. I don't mind, it's looking more pregnant belly and less fat.
- I rented a doppler. Can't remember if I mentioned that. I rented it about 2 weeks ago, just before my last doctor's appointment. I'm sending it back after a month. It was cheap and I like to listen, so I thought I'd do it again. Different thing this time is that I hear alot more movement than when I listened to Grace. Maybe this baby is more active?
- My doctor's appointment was fine. All normal stuff. I have gained about 5 pounds. Baby's heart rate was 151. She told me I could get a prescription for my headaches' if needed (and it has been since then). Next appointment is December 19th. At that appointment she'll write me a prescription for an ultrasound. They are sending me for a level 2 ultrasound so they can take a closer look to see if this baby has a cleft. We should also be able to find out the sex. Not sure I can get it scheduled before Christmas, but hopefully we'll have it done before my trip to Iowa in January.
- Lastly, I'm pretty sure I feel movement already. I kind of thought I was feeling "flutters" a couple weeks ago, but it just seemed to early. Then at my doctor's appointment, Dr. B asked me if I was feeling anything yet. I asked if it was too early and she said not necessarily. So I've been paying attention and I think it is. I wasn't sure with Grace until it was definate poking or kicking. I kind of missed the "flutter" stage. This time I think I am more in tune with my body. With Grace I felt something for sure by 16 weeks. I'll be 15 weeks tomorrow and today I've been feeling all kinds of weird flip and rolling movements down there. I don't think I have that much gas. Makes me wonder if I'm right about this baby being more active. Guess that'll be fun in about 4 months.
Ok, I've got other stuff to do. I think I'll do my next belly picture at 16 weeks and try to update again then. Hopefully, we'll figure out the daycare situation soon. I'm just praying for the right in home care situation to drop in our laps, because I don't know how we can afford 2 at the daycare center. Sigh.
First of all, a Thanksgiving recap. We continued our 4 year tradition of having Thanksgiving with Will & Samara and family. I spent most of Wednesday evening cooking and then Thursday we got there around 10 a.m. Samara and I did a little more prep work while the turkey was cooking. We expected to eat around 1 p.m.
However, we had to take a detour to the emergency room right before we were ready to mash the potatoes. The girls have been going potty like champs and during one of Grace's visits, she decided to be a daredevil and jump from the stool in front of the toliet to the stool in front of the sink. She missed. Her head hit the vanity resulting in a "gaping" gash right between the eyebrows. There was blood and tears, and when I looked closer at the source of the blood, I just saw that there appeared to be a hole in the middle of Grace's head. Stiches were needed. We drove to the ER and luckily got in and out in under 2 hours complete with 3 stitches to the head. Good thing it didn't take much longer, cause I was getting hungry! Grace was very brave. She stopped crying before we got into the car and only cried at the hospital when we had to hold her down to let the doctor stick a needle into her head. Yeah, I might want to cry too.
After our dinner, Eric went home, because he works the Friday after T-Day. Grace and I spent the night. Samara, Clara and I got up at 4:00 a.m. to pick up Danialle (she drove over and stayed at my house late on Thursday) for some shopping. Will was off work so he watched Grace and Ava all day. Samara, Danialle and I shopped until about 4 p.m. I was very proud of myself for my first Christmas shopping experience without a credit card. Except for food, I only spent $5 on an item that was not a Christmas present.
Saturday, we put up the tree and then dropped Grace off with a sitter while we went to Ginji's (a Japanese Steakhouse) to celebrate Eric's birthday. Will and Samara's babysitter fell through, so they brought both girls, but they were perfect angels. I love Ginji's. That was about it for Thanksgiving weekend.
I did want to give a potty training update. Grace is doing awesome. She pretty much only wears underwear now. Occassionally, daycare will send home clothes because of an accident, but she's very good at telling us when she needs to go and doesn't even have any issues with going #2. She'll tell us she needs to go and then sit there and push it out. I'm so proud. At school they don't even use a diaper at naptime (I haven't been that brave at home yet). I'm still putting her in pull-ups overnight because she never wakes up dry. I also sometimes will use a pull-up on the weekend if we're going to be in the car alot or when I take her to the nursery at church. That may change this weekend though. Last week she told me she had to go while we were grocery shopping (she was in a pull-up) and I got her to the bathroom in time. I think she kept her pull-up dry all day.
Lastly, a baby update. I know I haven't been updating alot. A couple key highlights:
- I think I'm past the icky feelings, but only if I don't get hungry. Mornings can still be tough, so if I feel bad when I wake up, I try to go eat something right away and I'll feel better. Also, if I'm late for lunch, I start feeling sick. Food helps though and I can still eat anything I want and have no weird cravings. If anything I have anti-cravings. I don't ever crave sweets and my old favorite Chipotle hardly ever enters my mind. However, I can eat those things with no problem, just not craving them.
- I'm showing. Still no strangers have commented, but people I know and haven't seen for a while, or people I know and haven't told I'm pregnant have commented. For example, 2 weeks ago my pastor asked me if I was pregnant. I ran into one of Grace's old daycare teachers (haven't seen her in at least a year) and she asked me, plus someone at work that I don't really ever work with asked. I can't fit in any of my non-maternity pants and I mostly am wearing maternity shirts too. I don't mind, it's looking more pregnant belly and less fat.
- I rented a doppler. Can't remember if I mentioned that. I rented it about 2 weeks ago, just before my last doctor's appointment. I'm sending it back after a month. It was cheap and I like to listen, so I thought I'd do it again. Different thing this time is that I hear alot more movement than when I listened to Grace. Maybe this baby is more active?
- My doctor's appointment was fine. All normal stuff. I have gained about 5 pounds. Baby's heart rate was 151. She told me I could get a prescription for my headaches' if needed (and it has been since then). Next appointment is December 19th. At that appointment she'll write me a prescription for an ultrasound. They are sending me for a level 2 ultrasound so they can take a closer look to see if this baby has a cleft. We should also be able to find out the sex. Not sure I can get it scheduled before Christmas, but hopefully we'll have it done before my trip to Iowa in January.
- Lastly, I'm pretty sure I feel movement already. I kind of thought I was feeling "flutters" a couple weeks ago, but it just seemed to early. Then at my doctor's appointment, Dr. B asked me if I was feeling anything yet. I asked if it was too early and she said not necessarily. So I've been paying attention and I think it is. I wasn't sure with Grace until it was definate poking or kicking. I kind of missed the "flutter" stage. This time I think I am more in tune with my body. With Grace I felt something for sure by 16 weeks. I'll be 15 weeks tomorrow and today I've been feeling all kinds of weird flip and rolling movements down there. I don't think I have that much gas. Makes me wonder if I'm right about this baby being more active. Guess that'll be fun in about 4 months.
Ok, I've got other stuff to do. I think I'll do my next belly picture at 16 weeks and try to update again then. Hopefully, we'll figure out the daycare situation soon. I'm just praying for the right in home care situation to drop in our laps, because I don't know how we can afford 2 at the daycare center. Sigh.
Monday, November 12, 2007
12 weeks, 2 days
It's been a fairly eventful 2 weeks in pregnancy land. I did add a belly picture taken last Thursday (11 weeks, 5 days) in Flickr. I think my expanding waistline is becoming more "bump-like" and in clothes I look pregnant rather than just fat now. I'm pretty much in maternity clothes full time. Even starting to wear the shirts. I have wore some of my non-maternity pants with a rubber-band over the button or a safety pin, but then I have zipper issues, so I think I need to stop wearing them. Unfortuntately, I don't have a nice pair of cream or tan (not khaki) dress maternity pants. Maybe I should request a Motherhood Maternity gift card for Christmas.
Last Monday I got my first real migraine of this pregnancy. It started in the afternoon as a fairly normal headache. I took Tylenol and remained at work and did pretty normal stuff in the evening. Typically a good night's sleep will take away my headaches, so I was very disappointed to find it still going strong on Wednesday morning. I called in sick to work and went back to bed until about 10:30 a.m. My head hurt so bad that I kind of wandered around aimlessly at home. TV kind of hurt my head and the computer was intolerable. I took a shower and a hot bath and another 20 minute nap before 2 p.m. I attempted to eat lunch around noon, but could only stomach a couple bites. My headaches make me nauseous and unable to eat. Around two I was starving though, so I was able to make myself finish my lunch. Around 3 p.m. it started letting up a bit, so I did some cleaning around the house. Still didn't feel great though, so I only had a bowl of cereal for dinner.
Wednesday morning I still had a headache, but thankfully my morning dose of Tylenol kicked it and by 9 a.m. I felt much better. However, I think my light dinner made my stomach completely empty and when I was getting Grace's stuff together for daycare, I suddenly got extremely nauseous and had to be sick in the kitchen sink. Nothing actually made it out of my stomach, but if it was there, it would have.
Funny about that morning sickness thing. That was the first time, I actually vomited this pregnancy and I was just past 11 weeks. On Monday, last week though, I did get a wave of pretty strong nausea in the car while driving Grace to daycare. I actually removed the lid of my McDonald's cup just in case, but managed to hold off on the puking. Today, I was not so lucky. Last night we made pancakes for dinner and I didn't have any late evening snacks, so maybe my tummy was too empty again? When I was getting ready for work I was thinking I was a little nauseous and I should go get something to eat, but I was busy, so I didn't. When Grace and I went to the kitchen, I grabbed a muffin (I made them last night) and I drank a glass of apple juice, hoping that would help. Then I grabbed a sleeve of saltines and a plastic bowl and got Grace into the car. While driving in my subdivision, before making it to the main road, I had grabbed the bowl and started pulling over to the side of the road. Good think I had my bowl! I got out of the car to dump my bowl and finish. I felt much better after being sick though. So weird. I thought the puking last week was a fluke thing. I hope this ends soon though. I don't know anyone who's morning sickness started at 3 months!
Looking back at my pregnancy last time by 12 weeks:
- Last time I ordered a doppler. I've been considering it again. I actually ordered one on Friday (although from a different company) that was about 1/2 the price of one I got last time. I thought this time I'd only keep it for a month. I'm hoping in about a month, I should be feeling the baby. Problem was after I completed the order I read the part saying I need my doctor to sign off before they'll ship it. I e-mailed and requested that they cancel the order, but I don't know if they have yet. Grrr. I don't want to have to get my doctor involved.
- Last time, I hadn't gained any weight at 11 weeks. This time I've gained 4 pounds at 12 weeks. I still don't think that's too bad.
- My only other big milestone was wearing maternity clothes, which I've been doing for a while now.
Last Monday I got my first real migraine of this pregnancy. It started in the afternoon as a fairly normal headache. I took Tylenol and remained at work and did pretty normal stuff in the evening. Typically a good night's sleep will take away my headaches, so I was very disappointed to find it still going strong on Wednesday morning. I called in sick to work and went back to bed until about 10:30 a.m. My head hurt so bad that I kind of wandered around aimlessly at home. TV kind of hurt my head and the computer was intolerable. I took a shower and a hot bath and another 20 minute nap before 2 p.m. I attempted to eat lunch around noon, but could only stomach a couple bites. My headaches make me nauseous and unable to eat. Around two I was starving though, so I was able to make myself finish my lunch. Around 3 p.m. it started letting up a bit, so I did some cleaning around the house. Still didn't feel great though, so I only had a bowl of cereal for dinner.
Wednesday morning I still had a headache, but thankfully my morning dose of Tylenol kicked it and by 9 a.m. I felt much better. However, I think my light dinner made my stomach completely empty and when I was getting Grace's stuff together for daycare, I suddenly got extremely nauseous and had to be sick in the kitchen sink. Nothing actually made it out of my stomach, but if it was there, it would have.
Funny about that morning sickness thing. That was the first time, I actually vomited this pregnancy and I was just past 11 weeks. On Monday, last week though, I did get a wave of pretty strong nausea in the car while driving Grace to daycare. I actually removed the lid of my McDonald's cup just in case, but managed to hold off on the puking. Today, I was not so lucky. Last night we made pancakes for dinner and I didn't have any late evening snacks, so maybe my tummy was too empty again? When I was getting ready for work I was thinking I was a little nauseous and I should go get something to eat, but I was busy, so I didn't. When Grace and I went to the kitchen, I grabbed a muffin (I made them last night) and I drank a glass of apple juice, hoping that would help. Then I grabbed a sleeve of saltines and a plastic bowl and got Grace into the car. While driving in my subdivision, before making it to the main road, I had grabbed the bowl and started pulling over to the side of the road. Good think I had my bowl! I got out of the car to dump my bowl and finish. I felt much better after being sick though. So weird. I thought the puking last week was a fluke thing. I hope this ends soon though. I don't know anyone who's morning sickness started at 3 months!
Looking back at my pregnancy last time by 12 weeks:
- Last time I ordered a doppler. I've been considering it again. I actually ordered one on Friday (although from a different company) that was about 1/2 the price of one I got last time. I thought this time I'd only keep it for a month. I'm hoping in about a month, I should be feeling the baby. Problem was after I completed the order I read the part saying I need my doctor to sign off before they'll ship it. I e-mailed and requested that they cancel the order, but I don't know if they have yet. Grrr. I don't want to have to get my doctor involved.
- Last time, I hadn't gained any weight at 11 weeks. This time I've gained 4 pounds at 12 weeks. I still don't think that's too bad.
- My only other big milestone was wearing maternity clothes, which I've been doing for a while now.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Budget Update
In October, we paid off Eric's student loan (which we only had to buy my engagement ring and pay for our honeymoon...). We have now since we started really budgeting and working on our debt in mid-February, we have eliminated payments on 5 loans/credit cards. This has resulted in a reduction of our debt of $15,237. Considering that in 2005 and 2006 our balances on debt increased $5,000 per year, I think this is a great improvement. Unfortunately, we still have a ways to go, but everytime I add up those numbers, it makes me happy that they are getting smaller. We now have left the big ticket items. Two credit cards with high balances, Eric's car, and our 2nd mortgage which is currently on an interest only loan. Moving would certainly get rid of a big chunk with the 2nd mortgage. I now get to start working on the smaller of the credit cards by paying an extra $550 per month. It will still take us another two and a half years to get these three big items paid off (minus the 2nd mortgage). I just hope we can figure a way in our budget to afford two in daycare and continue paying extra on our debt. I would love to be debt free before applying for my loans for med school.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
10 Weeks
I'm now counting my weeks changing on Saturday, to go with my new due date of May 24th, but I've been too lazy to change my ticker at the top of the page, so it's 2 days ahead.
I think I've turned a corner this week. I'm still really tired, but have days with no icky feelings. Now I feel sick mostly if I let myself get too hungry. My mood has also improved (thank goodness). I've actually been in a good mood the past couple of evenings versus before when anyone who spoke to me was at risk of having their heads ripped off. This has certainly improved conversation between Eric and I. I think he's glad it's getting better too.
My next belly picture isn't due until next week, but I certainly think I'm "showing" now. If I tell someone I'm pregnant, they notice my little bulge. I also am wearing maternity pants the majority of the time. Haven't felt the need to switch shirts yet, but probably will need to in the next few weeks.
Timing of the "feeling better" part seems to closely coincide with Grace's pregnancy, although I hadn't switched to maternity clothes yet that time.
In other news, Grace has been making progress on the potty front. She's very good at daycare. She wears underwear all day except for naptimes and her only accidents are usually poopy accidents or if she's playing outside and they don't make it inside fast enough (although she's telling them she has to go). At home she sometimes goes when waking up (although many mornings her pull-up is wet, so she doesn't have anymore to go. She also will go before or after her bath on most nights. They usually send her home in underwear only, so we've been going without pull-ups until bedtime. I haven't tried her for a whole weekend yet. I was going to this weekend, but we have a pampered chef party to go to and I'm nervous about accidents when we aren't at home. I still ask her about going even when she's in a pull-up, but she doesn't always say yes and rarely tells me she has to go if she's not in underwear.
Ok, gotta get dressed for the party.
I think I've turned a corner this week. I'm still really tired, but have days with no icky feelings. Now I feel sick mostly if I let myself get too hungry. My mood has also improved (thank goodness). I've actually been in a good mood the past couple of evenings versus before when anyone who spoke to me was at risk of having their heads ripped off. This has certainly improved conversation between Eric and I. I think he's glad it's getting better too.
My next belly picture isn't due until next week, but I certainly think I'm "showing" now. If I tell someone I'm pregnant, they notice my little bulge. I also am wearing maternity pants the majority of the time. Haven't felt the need to switch shirts yet, but probably will need to in the next few weeks.
Timing of the "feeling better" part seems to closely coincide with Grace's pregnancy, although I hadn't switched to maternity clothes yet that time.
In other news, Grace has been making progress on the potty front. She's very good at daycare. She wears underwear all day except for naptimes and her only accidents are usually poopy accidents or if she's playing outside and they don't make it inside fast enough (although she's telling them she has to go). At home she sometimes goes when waking up (although many mornings her pull-up is wet, so she doesn't have anymore to go. She also will go before or after her bath on most nights. They usually send her home in underwear only, so we've been going without pull-ups until bedtime. I haven't tried her for a whole weekend yet. I was going to this weekend, but we have a pampered chef party to go to and I'm nervous about accidents when we aren't at home. I still ask her about going even when she's in a pull-up, but she doesn't always say yes and rarely tells me she has to go if she's not in underwear.
Ok, gotta get dressed for the party.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Painting in the Sun
Because pictures of Grace were requested. Here are pictures from our visit to the pumpkin farm a couple of weeks ago. Click the picture to visit the set in Flickr.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
8 week 5 day ultrasound
I had my first official doctor's appointment today, thus the photos...Here's the play-by-play.
My nurse appointment was at 10:00 a.m. They took me back and had me give a urine sample. Eric hadn't arrived yet, but he came in right after I was done. Then they weighed me. I'd gain one pound since my appointment a couple weeks ago. Then we went to an office to sit with the nurse. She took my blood pressure 114/71. Then she asked some questions relating to my medical history/previous birth etc. Then she went over some information they gave me in a packet. A pregnancy book, some flyers on the hospital, pain management, drugs I'm allowed or not while pregnant, etc. Then she did a TB test. After that, they sent me to the lab (still in the doctor's office) to take some blood. I didn't really pay attention to what they are testing for. We finished all that by 10:30, so we went back to the waiting room to wait until Dr. B was ready to see me at 11:00.
Once we went back to that appointment, I had to undress and get under the gown. Dr. B asked me a couple more questions about Grace's birth. We told her about her size (8lb, 11 oz, 6 days early) and the shoulder dystocia). We confirmed no other pregnancy complications last time. Spontaneous labor with my water breaking and contractions starting afterwards. She went over the schedule of visist and ultrasounds. I'll have appts. every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, at that point they'll go to every 2 weeks, and then at 36 weeks, I'll start going weekly. She'll do another ultrasound between 17-19 weeks to look for any abnormalities (and the sex if we want), then because Eric and I were both large babies and we had a large baby, she'll likely do an ultrasound at 32-34 weeks to see what she estimates the size of this one to be. If it looks to be on track to be about the same as Grace, she'll let nature take it's course (at least until my due date). However, if this one looks much bigger, she may suggest an amnio to check for lung maturity and an early induction.
We discussed a couple more important questions including what types of cheese I need to avoid and exactly how dangerous they are. Bad news, I need to completely avoid soft cheeses including blue, feta, gorganzola, goat, and brie unless I can be sure they are pasturized (like my Feta from the grocery store that says it's pasturized on the package). The risk is from Listeria which if you get can make you very sick (pregnant or not), but if you get it while pregnant, you can miscarry or lose the baby, even into the 2nd trimester. The good news is that heating or other processing kills Listeria, so it's ok to have melted blue cheese on a steak or blue cheese dressing that has been processed.
She told me not to worry about my Mammogram and X-Ray. She said that radiation in early pregnancy can cause miscarriage, but since I didn't, nothing to worry about now. It's an "all or nothing" type of risk. She said MRI's are fine and if I need a breast MRI during pregnancy, it would be perfectly safe.
Finally we had the ultrasound. The baby did look much larger than last time. It measured just a hair over 2 cm and appears to have a head area and a body (approximately equal sizes). Upon closer examination, the heart was still happily beating away. My placenta is high up (good) and probably posterior (back of the uterus). We got to see the cord also. As we were looking the baby twitched, so it's beginning to have movement. At this stage it's mostly trunk and torso movements because the arms and legs aren't fully extended yet. Although at the very end we saw a tiny arm fly up like it was waving to us. I think it looks mostly like an alien pinto bean, but I'm sure it will get cuter.
My nurse appointment was at 10:00 a.m. They took me back and had me give a urine sample. Eric hadn't arrived yet, but he came in right after I was done. Then they weighed me. I'd gain one pound since my appointment a couple weeks ago. Then we went to an office to sit with the nurse. She took my blood pressure 114/71. Then she asked some questions relating to my medical history/previous birth etc. Then she went over some information they gave me in a packet. A pregnancy book, some flyers on the hospital, pain management, drugs I'm allowed or not while pregnant, etc. Then she did a TB test. After that, they sent me to the lab (still in the doctor's office) to take some blood. I didn't really pay attention to what they are testing for. We finished all that by 10:30, so we went back to the waiting room to wait until Dr. B was ready to see me at 11:00.
Once we went back to that appointment, I had to undress and get under the gown. Dr. B asked me a couple more questions about Grace's birth. We told her about her size (8lb, 11 oz, 6 days early) and the shoulder dystocia). We confirmed no other pregnancy complications last time. Spontaneous labor with my water breaking and contractions starting afterwards. She went over the schedule of visist and ultrasounds. I'll have appts. every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, at that point they'll go to every 2 weeks, and then at 36 weeks, I'll start going weekly. She'll do another ultrasound between 17-19 weeks to look for any abnormalities (and the sex if we want), then because Eric and I were both large babies and we had a large baby, she'll likely do an ultrasound at 32-34 weeks to see what she estimates the size of this one to be. If it looks to be on track to be about the same as Grace, she'll let nature take it's course (at least until my due date). However, if this one looks much bigger, she may suggest an amnio to check for lung maturity and an early induction.
We discussed a couple more important questions including what types of cheese I need to avoid and exactly how dangerous they are. Bad news, I need to completely avoid soft cheeses including blue, feta, gorganzola, goat, and brie unless I can be sure they are pasturized (like my Feta from the grocery store that says it's pasturized on the package). The risk is from Listeria which if you get can make you very sick (pregnant or not), but if you get it while pregnant, you can miscarry or lose the baby, even into the 2nd trimester. The good news is that heating or other processing kills Listeria, so it's ok to have melted blue cheese on a steak or blue cheese dressing that has been processed.
She told me not to worry about my Mammogram and X-Ray. She said that radiation in early pregnancy can cause miscarriage, but since I didn't, nothing to worry about now. It's an "all or nothing" type of risk. She said MRI's are fine and if I need a breast MRI during pregnancy, it would be perfectly safe.
Finally we had the ultrasound. The baby did look much larger than last time. It measured just a hair over 2 cm and appears to have a head area and a body (approximately equal sizes). Upon closer examination, the heart was still happily beating away. My placenta is high up (good) and probably posterior (back of the uterus). We got to see the cord also. As we were looking the baby twitched, so it's beginning to have movement. At this stage it's mostly trunk and torso movements because the arms and legs aren't fully extended yet. Although at the very end we saw a tiny arm fly up like it was waving to us. I think it looks mostly like an alien pinto bean, but I'm sure it will get cuter.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
8 Weeks, 1 Day (4 days later)
I wrote this last Friday (8 weeks, 1 day), but never got around to posting. So here’s how I felt at 8 weeks. I also took a belly picture that day and uploaded it finally last night.
Here is the comparison between my 8 week symptoms with Grace and 8 week symptoms with #2 (I need a better name.)
Last time my symptoms included:
• Nausea (worst between 8 and11 a.m.) – This time I am generally more queasy than nauseous, but mostly an overwhelming “blah” sensation. It does seem to get worse if I’m hungry, but then I feel less like eating. I feel the best right after lunch, but then I get extremely tired. UPDATED: Now closer to 9 weeks, we’ve moved from queasy to nauseous. Uggh.
• I had lost 2 to 3 pounds. – No losing weight. I’ve gained about 3 pounds. Not an obscene amount, but still going the opposite direction.
• Bra size increased by 1 cup size. – This time it doesn’t seem as noticeable, although Eric’s made some comments. I haven’t switched to a bigger size or anything. UPDATED: Had some growth since last Friday. I think I wore my favorite black push-up bra for the last time this week.
• Fast growing fingernails. – This time I haven’t really noticed any abnormal growth.
• Wanted more carbs and milk, but less protein. – This time I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary, except I want my food to be very flavorful. Sodium sounds good. I had to get Chinese the other day and alfredo sauce sounds wonderful. No problems eating any kind of meat. I haven’t really been drinking milk either, although I had cereal a couple days this week and did have some milk and graham crackers for a snack one night.
• Slight constipation – This time I have no noticeable constipation. If anything I’ve been incredibly regular
• Fatigue – worse after lunch and right at 5 pm. – This time it’s getting bad. I would die for a nap everyday, but life doesn’t really allow for that. I am barely on time for work in the mornings (can’t get out of bed). I also catch myself drifting off while watching TV which I never used to do.
• Increased emotionalism. This time nothing really obvious. Although, the dog has been incredibly annoying lately. I find myself snapping at Grace when she’s whiney, and I think I’m complaining a lot at work about feeling icky. UPDATED – I’m more cranky with Eric too. He’s kind of walking on egg shells.
• Acne (a couple of blemishes) – This time, thankfully, no problems.
• Felt like waistline was expanding – This time I have pulled out my “fat pants” from after I had Grace. I also made a purchase and pulled all my maternity clothes out. I’m going to put it off until my regular pants don’t fit, but expect I only have 2 more weeks or so. Although, last night I think I felt my uterus. It was a hard roundish surface just at my bikini line. Funny, that isn’t where my pants are getting tight… UPDATED – I’m on my last days of non-maternity wear.
Also, a new symptom this time is that I’ve been having sexual dreams. I’m not overly interested when I’m awake, but I dream a lot at night. Good dreams.
I have my first OB appointment on Wednesday. I’m really excited about this pregnancy with Dr. B. I’ll update with the details hopefully before the end of the weekend.
Here is the comparison between my 8 week symptoms with Grace and 8 week symptoms with #2 (I need a better name.)
Last time my symptoms included:
• Nausea (worst between 8 and11 a.m.) – This time I am generally more queasy than nauseous, but mostly an overwhelming “blah” sensation. It does seem to get worse if I’m hungry, but then I feel less like eating. I feel the best right after lunch, but then I get extremely tired. UPDATED: Now closer to 9 weeks, we’ve moved from queasy to nauseous. Uggh.
• I had lost 2 to 3 pounds. – No losing weight. I’ve gained about 3 pounds. Not an obscene amount, but still going the opposite direction.
• Bra size increased by 1 cup size. – This time it doesn’t seem as noticeable, although Eric’s made some comments. I haven’t switched to a bigger size or anything. UPDATED: Had some growth since last Friday. I think I wore my favorite black push-up bra for the last time this week.
• Fast growing fingernails. – This time I haven’t really noticed any abnormal growth.
• Wanted more carbs and milk, but less protein. – This time I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary, except I want my food to be very flavorful. Sodium sounds good. I had to get Chinese the other day and alfredo sauce sounds wonderful. No problems eating any kind of meat. I haven’t really been drinking milk either, although I had cereal a couple days this week and did have some milk and graham crackers for a snack one night.
• Slight constipation – This time I have no noticeable constipation. If anything I’ve been incredibly regular
• Fatigue – worse after lunch and right at 5 pm. – This time it’s getting bad. I would die for a nap everyday, but life doesn’t really allow for that. I am barely on time for work in the mornings (can’t get out of bed). I also catch myself drifting off while watching TV which I never used to do.
• Increased emotionalism. This time nothing really obvious. Although, the dog has been incredibly annoying lately. I find myself snapping at Grace when she’s whiney, and I think I’m complaining a lot at work about feeling icky. UPDATED – I’m more cranky with Eric too. He’s kind of walking on egg shells.
• Acne (a couple of blemishes) – This time, thankfully, no problems.
• Felt like waistline was expanding – This time I have pulled out my “fat pants” from after I had Grace. I also made a purchase and pulled all my maternity clothes out. I’m going to put it off until my regular pants don’t fit, but expect I only have 2 more weeks or so. Although, last night I think I felt my uterus. It was a hard roundish surface just at my bikini line. Funny, that isn’t where my pants are getting tight… UPDATED – I’m on my last days of non-maternity wear.
Also, a new symptom this time is that I’ve been having sexual dreams. I’m not overly interested when I’m awake, but I dream a lot at night. Good dreams.
I have my first OB appointment on Wednesday. I’m really excited about this pregnancy with Dr. B. I’ll update with the details hopefully before the end of the weekend.
Friday, September 28, 2007
6 Weeks, 1 Day
I'm going to attempt weekly updates. Mostly because I love how well documented my first pregnancy was and I don't want Baby #2 to feel jipped that he/she didn't get enough press. However, you know how sporadic my posting has been since I started school, so don't expect too much.
Also, last time I gave all kinds of information from the internet and other sources about where we were in development. If that's what you want, you can look at other informational sites. This time, I'm going to tell you how I feel each week and then compare what I feel this time to how I felt last time.
First story. On Wednesday evening I started noticing random pains on my left side (near where I would expect my ovary to be). I wouldn't describe it as cramping, it was sharper. It wasn't take your breath away pain, but I noticed it, so I told Eric if it continued I would call the doctor in the morning. I was slightly concerned about the possibility of an eptopic pregnancy and since I'm already down an ovary, I didn't want to take the chance of losing a tube too. Next morning pains were continuing, so I called. After speaking with the nurse who relayed my concerns to my doctor, they called me back. Dr. B was not very concerned, especially because I have had no bleeding or spotting, but they did have an 11:15 a.m. cancellation, so they could fit me in for a scan if I wanted to. I did. So Eric and I trekked to the doctor. I joked that they were going to think of me as "that patient" you know the one who imagines up a new ailment every week. I'm just a lot more cautious than I used to be. So, Dr. B came in and was extremely nice and not at all judgemental about my call. She told us that all we were looking for in the ultrasound was a gestational sac, maybe a yolk sac, and that it was in the uterus. I had already warned Eric that 6 weeks is borderline about being able to see a heartbeat on ultrasound. She started the scan and immediately located my sac safe in the uterus. Then she scanned over to my ovary and I have a 2 cm corpus luteum cyst. She didn't seem concerned and after further research I have found that these can range from less than 2 cm to 6 cm and aren't technically classified as an ovarian cyst unless they are over 3 cm. She said it was probably making my ovary heavy and as things push on it or it twists, I feel the pain. I'm just supposed to limit my "bouncy" exercise or contact sports. Then we scanned back over to the sac. It measured about right for my estimated gestation, but she said things are too small to get a very accurate dating measurement (we'll do that at my normal first appointment), then as we looked closer we saw the flicker of a tiny heartbeat. It was cool to see we've reached that milestone. Dr. B then went on to say seeing the heartbeat this early is great news and that it further lowers our risk of first trimester miscarriage to about 5% (versus 25%). Yay! So, not planned, but a good appointment.
I've started a flicker set (album) for this pregnancy. All that's in there so far is a picture of the pregnancy test and my 5 week belly picture. Click here. I'll work on setting something up in the sidebar.
Ok, so how I'm feeling. It's crazy, but I swear my pants are already getting tighter. I've only gained 1 pound though, so it can't be overeating. Maybe things really do happen faster the second time? The tiredness is just starting to set in. It actually is worse in the morning, it takes me an hour or two to start feeling normal. I'm also really tired after eating. I can't say if I'm nauseous yet. It's weird, I don't feel good, but not like I want to puke either. Just very "blah". At least I'm not puking yet. Hopefully not at all. Also, my breasts are extremely tender, although I don't feel like they have grown much.
Compared to Grace's pregnacy at 6 weeks?
- I mentioned losing my appetite and turning down ice cream. I have been eating, but sometimes nothing sounds good (even if I'm hungry), so I don't eat. I did turn down fudge today, sweets just didn't sound appealing.
- I mention a strong sense of smell. This is definately true too. I had to make Eric move to the other end of the couch earlier this week when he was eating a brat that was just too stinky.
- I talk about total exhaustion. I didn't think this was as bad this time, but today especially is bad. I went to be before 11 last night and still couldn't drag myself out until 7. I was dying for a nap after lunch and tonight I did doze during an episode of Dora the Explorer (Grace was laying with me on the couch).
- I mentioned being cranky. I haven't really noticed this one yet. Except that I have been a bit more short-tempered with Grace in the evenings when she starts getting whiny because she's tired.
- I had my first wave of nausea send me to the bathroom, just in case, at 5w4days. Not yet.
That's all for now!
Also, last time I gave all kinds of information from the internet and other sources about where we were in development. If that's what you want, you can look at other informational sites. This time, I'm going to tell you how I feel each week and then compare what I feel this time to how I felt last time.
First story. On Wednesday evening I started noticing random pains on my left side (near where I would expect my ovary to be). I wouldn't describe it as cramping, it was sharper. It wasn't take your breath away pain, but I noticed it, so I told Eric if it continued I would call the doctor in the morning. I was slightly concerned about the possibility of an eptopic pregnancy and since I'm already down an ovary, I didn't want to take the chance of losing a tube too. Next morning pains were continuing, so I called. After speaking with the nurse who relayed my concerns to my doctor, they called me back. Dr. B was not very concerned, especially because I have had no bleeding or spotting, but they did have an 11:15 a.m. cancellation, so they could fit me in for a scan if I wanted to. I did. So Eric and I trekked to the doctor. I joked that they were going to think of me as "that patient" you know the one who imagines up a new ailment every week. I'm just a lot more cautious than I used to be. So, Dr. B came in and was extremely nice and not at all judgemental about my call. She told us that all we were looking for in the ultrasound was a gestational sac, maybe a yolk sac, and that it was in the uterus. I had already warned Eric that 6 weeks is borderline about being able to see a heartbeat on ultrasound. She started the scan and immediately located my sac safe in the uterus. Then she scanned over to my ovary and I have a 2 cm corpus luteum cyst. She didn't seem concerned and after further research I have found that these can range from less than 2 cm to 6 cm and aren't technically classified as an ovarian cyst unless they are over 3 cm. She said it was probably making my ovary heavy and as things push on it or it twists, I feel the pain. I'm just supposed to limit my "bouncy" exercise or contact sports. Then we scanned back over to the sac. It measured about right for my estimated gestation, but she said things are too small to get a very accurate dating measurement (we'll do that at my normal first appointment), then as we looked closer we saw the flicker of a tiny heartbeat. It was cool to see we've reached that milestone. Dr. B then went on to say seeing the heartbeat this early is great news and that it further lowers our risk of first trimester miscarriage to about 5% (versus 25%). Yay! So, not planned, but a good appointment.
I've started a flicker set (album) for this pregnancy. All that's in there so far is a picture of the pregnancy test and my 5 week belly picture. Click here. I'll work on setting something up in the sidebar.
Ok, so how I'm feeling. It's crazy, but I swear my pants are already getting tighter. I've only gained 1 pound though, so it can't be overeating. Maybe things really do happen faster the second time? The tiredness is just starting to set in. It actually is worse in the morning, it takes me an hour or two to start feeling normal. I'm also really tired after eating. I can't say if I'm nauseous yet. It's weird, I don't feel good, but not like I want to puke either. Just very "blah". At least I'm not puking yet. Hopefully not at all. Also, my breasts are extremely tender, although I don't feel like they have grown much.
Compared to Grace's pregnacy at 6 weeks?
- I mentioned losing my appetite and turning down ice cream. I have been eating, but sometimes nothing sounds good (even if I'm hungry), so I don't eat. I did turn down fudge today, sweets just didn't sound appealing.
- I mention a strong sense of smell. This is definately true too. I had to make Eric move to the other end of the couch earlier this week when he was eating a brat that was just too stinky.
- I talk about total exhaustion. I didn't think this was as bad this time, but today especially is bad. I went to be before 11 last night and still couldn't drag myself out until 7. I was dying for a nap after lunch and tonight I did doze during an episode of Dora the Explorer (Grace was laying with me on the couch).
- I mentioned being cranky. I haven't really noticed this one yet. Except that I have been a bit more short-tempered with Grace in the evenings when she starts getting whiny because she's tired.
- I had my first wave of nausea send me to the bathroom, just in case, at 5w4days. Not yet.
That's all for now!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Hawaii Trip - September 7 through 15th
Ok, so it's been a week, but at least with this recap also comes 149 photos. Check it out in the Hawaii Vacation set in Flickr (click on photo)
Thursday is really when everything got started, because Wednesday was my last day in the office. I took Grace to her Speech Therapy appointment at 7:30 a.m. and then dropped her off at the daycare. That gave me about an hour until my 9:30 a.m. MRI. I grabbed a breakfast sandwhich and headed to the hospital. I was there by 9 a.m., so I headed up to the lab to get my bloodwork done. That went quickly and I was in the Radiology department by 9:15 a.m. We did all the paperwork, changed clothes and they told me the MRI would last 30-45 minutes. Sure enough, I finished up there at about 10:45 a.m. Then I had to drive to another building on the hospital campus for my mammogram scheduled at 11:00 a.m. I got there in time, but realized I left my previous films in the car, so had to go back to the garage, so I was running a little late from that appointment. Got through that one, dressed again and had to go downstairs to register for my Chest X-Ray (11:30). Didn't get done with that one until about 12:15 p.m. Next I had to go to the airport to pick up my Mom. Her plane landed while I was waiting to get my x-ray. I got her, we grabbed lunch on the go, and then swung by the daycare to get Grace. I dropped them off at home and then had to drive 45 minutes to a client appointment at 2:30 p.m. It finished at a reasonable time and I was home by 5:30 p.m. The evening was spent getting ready to go. I didn't get to the suitcases until 10:00 p.m. I had to give my Mom all the instructions about Grace's schedule and important info. I had 5 e-bay auctions end that I had to figure out how to get there stuff shipped (thank's Mom), and I had to pay the bills that would be due while we were gone. Whew!
After my hectic day on Thursday, I was glad for vacation to officially start on Friday. Our plane left at 9 a.m. Eastern time. We had about 90 minutes layover in Minneapolis and had a nice lunch with my coworker and her husband (also on the trip). Then we had an 8 hour flight to Honolulu. I didn't sleep much on the plane, but it was nice. We brought headphones and the seats all had there own TV's and a good selection of movies. I read a book, watched Pirates of the Carribean 3 and In Her Shoes. Our flight landed about 3 p.m. Hawaii time (6 hours behind us). It took a while to get off the plane (we had some hydrolic issues in flight and had to be towed to the gate after landing). Then getting our bags took forever (huge plane!) and we rented a car (Mustang hardtop), so the car rental place takes a while too. By the time we got to the hotel and checked in it was 6:45 p.m. We asked about food and the front desk clerk made us a 7:00 reservation. Just enough time to drop our bags and head down. Charity and Jeff joined us and we ate at The Golden Dragon (chinese). The food was so expensive! It was just normal Chinese food, but it cost about $80 for Eric and I and we weren't even drinking alcohol. Good thing work was paying! After a relaxed dinner, we went back upstairs and unpacked, got settled. Didn't go to bed until 9:45 p.m (3:45 a.m. our time!).
Turns out staying up late the first night is the best thing you can do. Saturday we managed to sleep until 5:30 a.m.! We got dressed and went down for the breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant ($52!). Then we headed to the Convention Center to register for the conference. We must have arrived around 7:30 a.m., but it still took us about an hour and a half to stand in line and get registered. Eric wasn't feeling well, he thought he might be getting another kidney stone, so after registration we went back to the hotel. Our original plan was to go to Pearl Harbor, but we didn't think it was wise to stray far from the hotel. He toughed it out for a few hours and then started feeling better. We just hung out on Waikiki Beach at the hotel and relaxed for the day. The CPCU Conferment Ceremony was at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, so we got dressed up and went back to the convention center. It was a nice ceremony. There was good entertainment (little girls hula dancing, a Hawaiian female vocalist group, the King's Guard rifle troup). Then the keynote speaker was Erik Weihenmayer who was the blind man that climbed Mount Everest. Really good speaker and very funny. After the ceremony, Charity and Jeff had dinner with one of her clients that was there. Eric and I went to the Congratulatory reception for a little while, but with 3,900 new designees, there were too many people for me, so we left shortly after and went to dinner at the Kobe Japanese steakhouse across from the hotel.
Sunday we just grabbed some muffins and drinks from the convenience store for breakfast, then headed back to the convention center for the Keynote speaker and Opening session. It wasn't quite as exciting as the conferment ceremony, but the keynote speaker was James Bradley (author of Flags of Our Fathers). I'm not overly intersted in history, so I probably didn't get as much out of it as the history buffs would have. After the opening we headed back and got into our beach wear. Then we drove to Hanuama Bay. It's this really beautiful nature preserve with an amazing reef and snorkeling. We rented snorkeling gear and spent a couple hours floating around the reef and looking at the fish. There were so many and such gorgeous colors all very close to shore and in very shallow water. It was the best snorkeling I'd ever done! There wasn't food on the beach though, so around 1:30, I was starving and ready to leave and get some food. We did and just went back to the hotel to hang out until our evening event. There was a reception for my company in one of the suites in our building. We had 29 designees from all over the company, so they had snacks and drinks for us all. We also received a signed book from the new CPCU president who happens to work at my company. After the reception we went down for dinner with Jeff and Charity. We went to the Villiage Steak and Seafood restaurant. I had a nice steak and Eric had lobster. Yum! Then we met up with one of Charity's other friends at an outdoor bar for some more conversation and drinks (funny after my glass of wine, I didn't feel right, so I just drank water, maybe I knew I was pregnant?). I was so tired by the time they closed at 11 p.m., so we headed to bed.
Monday, we did breakfast at the buffett again, and then spent the morning wondering around all the hotel shops looking at some souveniers. We found a couple of good things. Then we went back to the convention center for the seminar, "Aligning your Passions with Your Career." There were some interesting tips and a workbook, so maybe Eric will do it soon. I feel like I'm already working towards my ideal career. That seminar was over at noon, so we went back, changed and then left for the North Shore. We stopped at several beaches. The first one was my favorite. The water was warm and gentle. You could just bob in place for hours, but it was the first one, so we moved on. We got in the water at Bonzai and were quickly knocked down and realized we aren't cut out to be body surfers. We went up and spent a little time at sunset beach, but decided we didn't want to wait around until sunset, so we started heading back to towards the town of Haleiwa to look for a beach with a shower to change for dinner. We ended up finding one and after we cleaned up as best we could and put on real clothes, we watched a beautiful sunset (pictures included). Then we went into town and ate at a local place, Pizza Bob's although we both got burgers. Then we headed home.
Tuesday was the last day of the conference, but we didn't have anything until the evening. We walked to a local McDonald's for breakfast (I started feeling guilty about the $52 buffet). Then we drove to Diamond Head and hiked to the top for a spectacular view. Then we drove over to the East side of the island which is more rainforest like. We went to Pali Lookout which had some gorgeous views and then to Kailua Beach which was another fun one to hang out in. That evening, we had the "Final Night Celebration." Again, there were 7,000 people at this conference, so once we got there there were lines everywhere and it was just so crowded. The food was set up in stations with a different food (small serving) at each station. We went through one food line and walked around a bit before deciding to leave. Then for our last night in Honolulu we went back to the Kobe Steakhouse (I love Hibatchi).
Wednesday we were up bright and early to check out, return the rental car and head to the airport. Our flight to Maui left at 9:35 a.m. Once we got there and picked up our new rental car (this time a Sebring convertible) and got to the hotel, it was close to noon, but they had our room ready and let us check in early. This hotel, was not nearly as nice as the Hilton, but it was a place to leave our stuff and sleep (although we did sleep in separate beds since the room was equiped with 2 full size beds). After checking in we drove down the south shore line and checked out several beaches. They were nice, but for some reason, I like the Oahu beaches better. We came back to the hotel, showered, and then drove 30 minutes to the town of Lahaina which was a very cute historic town. They had lots of shops and restaurants. We ate at Moose McGuillicuddy's which was a funky place that again had great burgers.
Thursday we did the drive to Hana. We started around 9 a.m. and hit the town of hana around 1 p.m. The drive is only 45 miles, but with all the twists and turns, one-lane bridges, and waterfalls and scenic lookouts to stop out, it takes 3 to 4 hours. It was so fun. That part of the island is like a rainforest. In fact in rained 4 times on the way down. Once we got to Hana we found a sandwich place for lunch, checked out Hamoa Beach and then continued the drive to see the best waterfalls of all. I drove back and it didn't take nearly as long because we didn't stop on the way back, but boy are those curves scary! On the way back we saw another cool beach with tons of surfers. We got some pictures of them. Wow, they must be brave. Once we got back and showered, we set out in search of a Mexican restaurant (I think I was in Chipotle withdrawl). We found a decent place that was a mix between fast food and set down. You ordered at the counter, but they had a full menu. I wasn't feeling too great, so afterwards we just went back to sleep.
Friday morning we got up at 2:00 a.m. and checked out of the hotel. We drove to Haleakala Crater to watch the sunrise. We were the second car in the parking lot at 3:30 a.m. It was so cold up there (30 degrees), so we stayed in the car until about 4:15 a.m. when lots of others started showing up, so we thought we should go get a good spot. Luckily we packed for the cold. I was wearing jeans, a t-shirt, long-sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, gloves, and stocking hat, plus I brought a small blanket. It was still cold. It started getting light around 5 a.m., but sunrise officially was around 6:10 a.m. The pictures are gorgeous, however, at the time, I was just cold and tired, so don't think I enjoyed it as much as I should have. After sunrise, we walked around a bit and stopped a few scenic spots on the way down the mountain. We got back to town around 8 a.m. so went to Denny's for breakfast. After breakfast we didn't know what to do, so we decided to turn in the car and see if we couldn't get an earlier flight back to Honolulu (we were scheduled for 2:45 p.m.). We got to the airport at around 10:00 and were able to get on a 10:30 a.m. flight. We thought we were running late (got our boarding passes at 10:15), so we ran like idiots and ended up embarrassing ourselves by running down the jetbridge to try to catch the plane (no one was at the gate), only to find out the plane at the end had just landed and was ready to deplane, ours hadn't started boarding yet. Once we got to Honolulu we had another problem in that one of our bags didn't make the flight. That was resolved however, when it arrived on the 12:30 p.m. flight. Whew. We got dinner at the airport, read some books, sat around, and finally left at 5:20 p.m. We attempted sleep on the plane.
Saturday morning we arrived in Minneapolis at 5:46 a.m. Central time. We got breakfast and settled in at the next gate to wait on our flight. Flight left at 9:01 a.m. and we finally landed at home around noon.
So that's the end. Lot's of good food, I read 5 books! and we visited lots of beaches. Just what a Hawaiian vacation should be.
Thursday is really when everything got started, because Wednesday was my last day in the office. I took Grace to her Speech Therapy appointment at 7:30 a.m. and then dropped her off at the daycare. That gave me about an hour until my 9:30 a.m. MRI. I grabbed a breakfast sandwhich and headed to the hospital. I was there by 9 a.m., so I headed up to the lab to get my bloodwork done. That went quickly and I was in the Radiology department by 9:15 a.m. We did all the paperwork, changed clothes and they told me the MRI would last 30-45 minutes. Sure enough, I finished up there at about 10:45 a.m. Then I had to drive to another building on the hospital campus for my mammogram scheduled at 11:00 a.m. I got there in time, but realized I left my previous films in the car, so had to go back to the garage, so I was running a little late from that appointment. Got through that one, dressed again and had to go downstairs to register for my Chest X-Ray (11:30). Didn't get done with that one until about 12:15 p.m. Next I had to go to the airport to pick up my Mom. Her plane landed while I was waiting to get my x-ray. I got her, we grabbed lunch on the go, and then swung by the daycare to get Grace. I dropped them off at home and then had to drive 45 minutes to a client appointment at 2:30 p.m. It finished at a reasonable time and I was home by 5:30 p.m. The evening was spent getting ready to go. I didn't get to the suitcases until 10:00 p.m. I had to give my Mom all the instructions about Grace's schedule and important info. I had 5 e-bay auctions end that I had to figure out how to get there stuff shipped (thank's Mom), and I had to pay the bills that would be due while we were gone. Whew!
After my hectic day on Thursday, I was glad for vacation to officially start on Friday. Our plane left at 9 a.m. Eastern time. We had about 90 minutes layover in Minneapolis and had a nice lunch with my coworker and her husband (also on the trip). Then we had an 8 hour flight to Honolulu. I didn't sleep much on the plane, but it was nice. We brought headphones and the seats all had there own TV's and a good selection of movies. I read a book, watched Pirates of the Carribean 3 and In Her Shoes. Our flight landed about 3 p.m. Hawaii time (6 hours behind us). It took a while to get off the plane (we had some hydrolic issues in flight and had to be towed to the gate after landing). Then getting our bags took forever (huge plane!) and we rented a car (Mustang hardtop), so the car rental place takes a while too. By the time we got to the hotel and checked in it was 6:45 p.m. We asked about food and the front desk clerk made us a 7:00 reservation. Just enough time to drop our bags and head down. Charity and Jeff joined us and we ate at The Golden Dragon (chinese). The food was so expensive! It was just normal Chinese food, but it cost about $80 for Eric and I and we weren't even drinking alcohol. Good thing work was paying! After a relaxed dinner, we went back upstairs and unpacked, got settled. Didn't go to bed until 9:45 p.m (3:45 a.m. our time!).
Turns out staying up late the first night is the best thing you can do. Saturday we managed to sleep until 5:30 a.m.! We got dressed and went down for the breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant ($52!). Then we headed to the Convention Center to register for the conference. We must have arrived around 7:30 a.m., but it still took us about an hour and a half to stand in line and get registered. Eric wasn't feeling well, he thought he might be getting another kidney stone, so after registration we went back to the hotel. Our original plan was to go to Pearl Harbor, but we didn't think it was wise to stray far from the hotel. He toughed it out for a few hours and then started feeling better. We just hung out on Waikiki Beach at the hotel and relaxed for the day. The CPCU Conferment Ceremony was at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, so we got dressed up and went back to the convention center. It was a nice ceremony. There was good entertainment (little girls hula dancing, a Hawaiian female vocalist group, the King's Guard rifle troup). Then the keynote speaker was Erik Weihenmayer who was the blind man that climbed Mount Everest. Really good speaker and very funny. After the ceremony, Charity and Jeff had dinner with one of her clients that was there. Eric and I went to the Congratulatory reception for a little while, but with 3,900 new designees, there were too many people for me, so we left shortly after and went to dinner at the Kobe Japanese steakhouse across from the hotel.
Sunday we just grabbed some muffins and drinks from the convenience store for breakfast, then headed back to the convention center for the Keynote speaker and Opening session. It wasn't quite as exciting as the conferment ceremony, but the keynote speaker was James Bradley (author of Flags of Our Fathers). I'm not overly intersted in history, so I probably didn't get as much out of it as the history buffs would have. After the opening we headed back and got into our beach wear. Then we drove to Hanuama Bay. It's this really beautiful nature preserve with an amazing reef and snorkeling. We rented snorkeling gear and spent a couple hours floating around the reef and looking at the fish. There were so many and such gorgeous colors all very close to shore and in very shallow water. It was the best snorkeling I'd ever done! There wasn't food on the beach though, so around 1:30, I was starving and ready to leave and get some food. We did and just went back to the hotel to hang out until our evening event. There was a reception for my company in one of the suites in our building. We had 29 designees from all over the company, so they had snacks and drinks for us all. We also received a signed book from the new CPCU president who happens to work at my company. After the reception we went down for dinner with Jeff and Charity. We went to the Villiage Steak and Seafood restaurant. I had a nice steak and Eric had lobster. Yum! Then we met up with one of Charity's other friends at an outdoor bar for some more conversation and drinks (funny after my glass of wine, I didn't feel right, so I just drank water, maybe I knew I was pregnant?). I was so tired by the time they closed at 11 p.m., so we headed to bed.
Monday, we did breakfast at the buffett again, and then spent the morning wondering around all the hotel shops looking at some souveniers. We found a couple of good things. Then we went back to the convention center for the seminar, "Aligning your Passions with Your Career." There were some interesting tips and a workbook, so maybe Eric will do it soon. I feel like I'm already working towards my ideal career. That seminar was over at noon, so we went back, changed and then left for the North Shore. We stopped at several beaches. The first one was my favorite. The water was warm and gentle. You could just bob in place for hours, but it was the first one, so we moved on. We got in the water at Bonzai and were quickly knocked down and realized we aren't cut out to be body surfers. We went up and spent a little time at sunset beach, but decided we didn't want to wait around until sunset, so we started heading back to towards the town of Haleiwa to look for a beach with a shower to change for dinner. We ended up finding one and after we cleaned up as best we could and put on real clothes, we watched a beautiful sunset (pictures included). Then we went into town and ate at a local place, Pizza Bob's although we both got burgers. Then we headed home.
Tuesday was the last day of the conference, but we didn't have anything until the evening. We walked to a local McDonald's for breakfast (I started feeling guilty about the $52 buffet). Then we drove to Diamond Head and hiked to the top for a spectacular view. Then we drove over to the East side of the island which is more rainforest like. We went to Pali Lookout which had some gorgeous views and then to Kailua Beach which was another fun one to hang out in. That evening, we had the "Final Night Celebration." Again, there were 7,000 people at this conference, so once we got there there were lines everywhere and it was just so crowded. The food was set up in stations with a different food (small serving) at each station. We went through one food line and walked around a bit before deciding to leave. Then for our last night in Honolulu we went back to the Kobe Steakhouse (I love Hibatchi).
Wednesday we were up bright and early to check out, return the rental car and head to the airport. Our flight to Maui left at 9:35 a.m. Once we got there and picked up our new rental car (this time a Sebring convertible) and got to the hotel, it was close to noon, but they had our room ready and let us check in early. This hotel, was not nearly as nice as the Hilton, but it was a place to leave our stuff and sleep (although we did sleep in separate beds since the room was equiped with 2 full size beds). After checking in we drove down the south shore line and checked out several beaches. They were nice, but for some reason, I like the Oahu beaches better. We came back to the hotel, showered, and then drove 30 minutes to the town of Lahaina which was a very cute historic town. They had lots of shops and restaurants. We ate at Moose McGuillicuddy's which was a funky place that again had great burgers.
Thursday we did the drive to Hana. We started around 9 a.m. and hit the town of hana around 1 p.m. The drive is only 45 miles, but with all the twists and turns, one-lane bridges, and waterfalls and scenic lookouts to stop out, it takes 3 to 4 hours. It was so fun. That part of the island is like a rainforest. In fact in rained 4 times on the way down. Once we got to Hana we found a sandwich place for lunch, checked out Hamoa Beach and then continued the drive to see the best waterfalls of all. I drove back and it didn't take nearly as long because we didn't stop on the way back, but boy are those curves scary! On the way back we saw another cool beach with tons of surfers. We got some pictures of them. Wow, they must be brave. Once we got back and showered, we set out in search of a Mexican restaurant (I think I was in Chipotle withdrawl). We found a decent place that was a mix between fast food and set down. You ordered at the counter, but they had a full menu. I wasn't feeling too great, so afterwards we just went back to sleep.
Friday morning we got up at 2:00 a.m. and checked out of the hotel. We drove to Haleakala Crater to watch the sunrise. We were the second car in the parking lot at 3:30 a.m. It was so cold up there (30 degrees), so we stayed in the car until about 4:15 a.m. when lots of others started showing up, so we thought we should go get a good spot. Luckily we packed for the cold. I was wearing jeans, a t-shirt, long-sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, gloves, and stocking hat, plus I brought a small blanket. It was still cold. It started getting light around 5 a.m., but sunrise officially was around 6:10 a.m. The pictures are gorgeous, however, at the time, I was just cold and tired, so don't think I enjoyed it as much as I should have. After sunrise, we walked around a bit and stopped a few scenic spots on the way down the mountain. We got back to town around 8 a.m. so went to Denny's for breakfast. After breakfast we didn't know what to do, so we decided to turn in the car and see if we couldn't get an earlier flight back to Honolulu (we were scheduled for 2:45 p.m.). We got to the airport at around 10:00 and were able to get on a 10:30 a.m. flight. We thought we were running late (got our boarding passes at 10:15), so we ran like idiots and ended up embarrassing ourselves by running down the jetbridge to try to catch the plane (no one was at the gate), only to find out the plane at the end had just landed and was ready to deplane, ours hadn't started boarding yet. Once we got to Honolulu we had another problem in that one of our bags didn't make the flight. That was resolved however, when it arrived on the 12:30 p.m. flight. Whew. We got dinner at the airport, read some books, sat around, and finally left at 5:20 p.m. We attempted sleep on the plane.
Saturday morning we arrived in Minneapolis at 5:46 a.m. Central time. We got breakfast and settled in at the next gate to wait on our flight. Flight left at 9:01 a.m. and we finally landed at home around noon.
So that's the end. Lot's of good food, I read 5 books! and we visited lots of beaches. Just what a Hawaiian vacation should be.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Three Happy Results
I promise to update on vacation to Hawaii as soon as I get pictures downloaded, in the mean time...
1. When I got home, I checked my grade in Organic Chemistry 2 and manged to get an "A". Yay!
2. I checked the mail when I got home and had my mammogram results. "Normal." This is good because...
3. I'm pregnant.
Yes, that's right, I'm a bit shocked, so let me give you the back story. As I previously mentioned, I got my IUD removed on August 1st. When I started my cycle on August 18th, Eric and I discussed going ahead and starting to try this month. We had been shooting for starting during our Hawaii trip, but we knew that I'd already be past the prime time by the time we left. So we discussed trying before Hawaii. The only downside was the fact that I was going to be getting the MRI, Mammogram, and Chest X-Ray right before leaving. So I did some research about the effects during early pregnancy (just in case). What I found was that MRI's have not been found to have any negative effects on pregnancy (they don't use radiation). The amount of radiation from a chest x-ray and mammogram is approximately .21 mGy. The amount of radiation shown to cause effects in a pregnancy is 50 mGy (my procedure times 250). Also, radiation is most harmful between 8 and 25 weeks gestation. At most when I had the tests done, I was 3 weeks pregnant, so we took the chance, assuming it would take a couple months anyway.
Fast forward to our Hawaii trip. I knew to expect my period on Friday. I had charted this cycle and knew when I ovulated and even took my thermometer with me. On Friday morning my temperature was still up, but we got up really early that day and then began our trip home. We flew overnight, so Saturday morning I awoke on the plane and didn't get to temp. After coming home and taking a nap, I started obsessing about taking a test on Sunday morning. I knew I would think about it until morning, so I decided to go ahead and test that afternoon, and when it was negative would be able to stop thinking about it for a few days. Imagine my shock as I watched the color move across the test window and the plus sign immediately appear.
I got Grace up from her nap and found my Mom had went to the grocery store. Eric was napping on the couch and I was going to wake him up, but then I heard the garage door, so I waited. He slept for 2 more hours! Finally after he woke up and Mom was in the kitchen, I told him I had a surpise. "I'm pregnant." He was very surprised but very happy. He then told me I had to go tell my Mom. I told her and she was very excited too. We called my Dad in China and told him and I called my girlfriends and told them (except for Samara, I made plans to see her today, so I could tell her in person.)
Wow! I'm still a little shocked. I never expected it to happen this fast, but I thank God for allowing this to happen. We didn't know if I would be able to have babies after chemo and then there's the fact that I lost an ovary a couple months ago. We truely are blessed.
I'll try to update a bit more frequently now, but for now, that's the news!
1. When I got home, I checked my grade in Organic Chemistry 2 and manged to get an "A". Yay!
2. I checked the mail when I got home and had my mammogram results. "Normal." This is good because...
3. I'm pregnant.
Yes, that's right, I'm a bit shocked, so let me give you the back story. As I previously mentioned, I got my IUD removed on August 1st. When I started my cycle on August 18th, Eric and I discussed going ahead and starting to try this month. We had been shooting for starting during our Hawaii trip, but we knew that I'd already be past the prime time by the time we left. So we discussed trying before Hawaii. The only downside was the fact that I was going to be getting the MRI, Mammogram, and Chest X-Ray right before leaving. So I did some research about the effects during early pregnancy (just in case). What I found was that MRI's have not been found to have any negative effects on pregnancy (they don't use radiation). The amount of radiation from a chest x-ray and mammogram is approximately .21 mGy. The amount of radiation shown to cause effects in a pregnancy is 50 mGy (my procedure times 250). Also, radiation is most harmful between 8 and 25 weeks gestation. At most when I had the tests done, I was 3 weeks pregnant, so we took the chance, assuming it would take a couple months anyway.
Fast forward to our Hawaii trip. I knew to expect my period on Friday. I had charted this cycle and knew when I ovulated and even took my thermometer with me. On Friday morning my temperature was still up, but we got up really early that day and then began our trip home. We flew overnight, so Saturday morning I awoke on the plane and didn't get to temp. After coming home and taking a nap, I started obsessing about taking a test on Sunday morning. I knew I would think about it until morning, so I decided to go ahead and test that afternoon, and when it was negative would be able to stop thinking about it for a few days. Imagine my shock as I watched the color move across the test window and the plus sign immediately appear.
I got Grace up from her nap and found my Mom had went to the grocery store. Eric was napping on the couch and I was going to wake him up, but then I heard the garage door, so I waited. He slept for 2 more hours! Finally after he woke up and Mom was in the kitchen, I told him I had a surpise. "I'm pregnant." He was very surprised but very happy. He then told me I had to go tell my Mom. I told her and she was very excited too. We called my Dad in China and told him and I called my girlfriends and told them (except for Samara, I made plans to see her today, so I could tell her in person.)
Wow! I'm still a little shocked. I never expected it to happen this fast, but I thank God for allowing this to happen. We didn't know if I would be able to have babies after chemo and then there's the fact that I lost an ovary a couple months ago. We truely are blessed.
I'll try to update a bit more frequently now, but for now, that's the news!
Monday, September 03, 2007
Once Again, I Apologize
I promise my intention has never been to let posting get sporadic, but it seems these days I have so much going on in my daily life, that I never feel I have enough free time to blog. Makes me a little sad though because I love the idea of a journal that I can look back at what's been happening in my life.
So, again, here are some highlights from the last 6 weeks.
School
As I mentioned in my last post, my teacher is not the greatest. I did manage to get a 90% (after the curve) on that first test. However, tests #2 & 3 were only 88 & 83%. Luckily after test 3, the prof decided he will drop our lowest test score, so if I get a 92% on my final (this Wednesday) I could still pull off an A. Otherwise, I'll be looking at my first B. I should be studying now. That's next on the list after this entry. Next quarter I'll be taking my first Organic Chemistry lab. That starts on T&Th starting September 20th. Good news, after Wednesday, I will have completed 7 of the 13 prerequisite classes for med-school. Over 1/2 way!
GWO's
The weekend of July 19-22 I had a GWO. This one was in Lafayette. I have been budgeting for these, but need to get better at sticking to the budget. This time everything I purchased was less than $10, but I guess multiple items, even if inexpensive add up. It was as always a needed good time. Next one is scheduled in October. It will be interesting. Samara gets to go this time and we're bringing all the kids! Jamie's son (Danialle's nephew) Coen is having his 1st birthday party and I think there will be costumes and a big Halloween themed party. Also, very exciting it will be held in Erica's new home (she closes end of September).
House Sale
Speaking of new living arrangements. We have decided on the apartment/townhome we will be living in when the time comes. We decided on the one with the attached garage and no basement. I just liked the living space better and the community and overall think it will be a better fit for our family. I had hoped we'd be there before the pool closes for the season, but seeing how it's now September, we may have to wait until next summer for that feature. I am still optimistic about the sale of our house. We have now been on the market for just over 11 weeks. In that time we have had 16 showings and 1 open house. Three of the 16 showings were 2nd showings. We have also had 1 offer. We made a couple of counters, but I don't think the buyers could really afford the house, so that didn't work out. The offer was 3 weeks ago (4 showings since then), so I'm hoping for another one soon.
Softball
Our softball season ended on 7/29 with us winning the tournament for the 2nd year in a row. We only lost one regular season game, so it was fun. It makes me feel active, so I really enjoy playing. Grace behaves herself too playing with her friend Evan.
Medical
On August 1st, I had my IUD removed. I got a little freaked out for a moment, because I had recently started tracking my cycles again to be sure I am ovulating now that I'm off Tamoxifen and with only one ovary. Eric and I had only considered using alternative protection after the IUD was out, so when I realized I was going to be getting the IUD out on day 14 of my cycle I wondered if our actions prior to that date could have resulted in a "whoops." I did discuss with the doctor though and she seemed pretty confident that the IUD also works as a spermicide, so while there was a slim chance, it was very slim indeed. And sure enough, a couple weeks later it was confirmed that no accidents happened.
Garage Sale
I organized a community garage sale for the weekend of August 10&11. We ended up with about 8 families on the culdesac participating. Traffic wasn't as high as I would have liked, but I did sell alot of stuff. I had a ton to sell. Once we move, I will have one less living room, no basement, and one less bedroom, so downsizing is key. I made just over $1,000 during those two days and sold a couple of big items (2 leather recliners, tall bookshelf, small entertainment center, 32" TV, barstools, living room tables, and lamps). However, I still had lots of big stuff left (couch, chair, loveseat, oak entertainment center, futon, desk, 2 short bookshelves, 2 media shelves, treadmill, weight bench). I put the big stuff on Craigslist and have since gotten rid of the futon, desk, and all shelves. I've had a couple of leads on the living room furiniture, but right now it looks like my mother-in-law may buy it from us. I also am hoping a lead at work might help me unload the treadmill. It feels good to watch stuff leave and watch the money go in the bank.
Financials
We didn't do a great job in August at sticking to the budget when it comes to food. We're going to try much harder in September. But because of the Garage Sale, I didn't have to dig into the emergency fund and kept paying extra on the snowball. I'm pleased to say that in October we will make the final payment on Eric's student loan and will have paid off the fifth credit card or installment loan since February. We've reduced the debt by just over $12,000 now, so I can't complain. If we can be in the new apartment by February, we could be completly debt free by December 2009.
Grace
Wow. I don't have a baby anymore. Grace is definately growing up and she's hilarious. We're starting to be a bit more lenient on her bedtime, now it's sometimes after 8 p.m. before we get her to bed, but she's just so fun, I don't want to quit playing either. Over the last week or so, we've tried to put a focus on potty training, but she's so stubborn. She never wants to sit on the potty for me. I started giving her M&M's for just sitting on the potty and a hershey's kiss or similar type candy if she goes on the potty. I put her in underwear for a weekend and she would cry if she had an accident, but she never asked to go (I had to beg her to sit and then she would only sit for as long as I made her before she could qualify for an M&M). Then as the day went on, even the promise of an M&M wasn't enough to get her to sit. She would just say no and cry if I tried to make her. Maybe she's not ready? They say don't force it, so I guess I won't. It would be nice to stop buying diapers though.
Also, on August 16th Grace started speech therapy. She goes for 30 minutes every Thursday. The first week was mostly playing, but the last week she really started making progress. One of the key things we are trying to do is get her to keep the air out of her nose when she talks. We've been practicing directing the air through her mouth by blowing on things. She's not very good yet, but if you hold her nose, she can do a good job. We try to blow kleenex across the table, we have a pinwheel, whistles/horns, and just last night found a toy harmonica you have to blow to play. Last week we also started trying to work on the "k" and "g" sounds. She uses her tounge on the front of mouth for these, not the back, so they more like "n" or "m" sounds. This one's harder for me to work on at home, but I feel like Alicia (the therapist) knows what she's doing.
COMING UP
We've still got alot going on in the next two weeks. This weekend we're enjoing the rest. Then our schedule goes a little something like this:
Tuesday
Work & Study for Final
Wednesday
Work
Final Exam
Laundry and Start Packing
Thursday
7:30 - 8:00 Grace's Speech Therapy
9:30 Breast MRI
11:15 Bilateral Mammogram
11:45 Chest X-Ray
(sometime at the hospital, I need to go get some bloodwork done too)
11:58 - Mom's flight arrives
Take Mom by the house
2:30 - 5? Client Meeting (45 minutes away from home)
Finish packing and go over all instructions with Mom
Friday
9:05 a.m. Depart for Hawaii!
I will be in Hawaii from the 7th to the 15th. Mom is staying at our house with Grace. I can't wait. Wednesday, September 19th, I have my 2 year appointment with Dr. L. Hopefully, after that, I can start filling my blog with TTC posts. Hopefully, the lab won't be as study intensive as regular class (yeah right!).
Later!
So, again, here are some highlights from the last 6 weeks.
School
As I mentioned in my last post, my teacher is not the greatest. I did manage to get a 90% (after the curve) on that first test. However, tests #2 & 3 were only 88 & 83%. Luckily after test 3, the prof decided he will drop our lowest test score, so if I get a 92% on my final (this Wednesday) I could still pull off an A. Otherwise, I'll be looking at my first B. I should be studying now. That's next on the list after this entry. Next quarter I'll be taking my first Organic Chemistry lab. That starts on T&Th starting September 20th. Good news, after Wednesday, I will have completed 7 of the 13 prerequisite classes for med-school. Over 1/2 way!
GWO's
The weekend of July 19-22 I had a GWO. This one was in Lafayette. I have been budgeting for these, but need to get better at sticking to the budget. This time everything I purchased was less than $10, but I guess multiple items, even if inexpensive add up. It was as always a needed good time. Next one is scheduled in October. It will be interesting. Samara gets to go this time and we're bringing all the kids! Jamie's son (Danialle's nephew) Coen is having his 1st birthday party and I think there will be costumes and a big Halloween themed party. Also, very exciting it will be held in Erica's new home (she closes end of September).
House Sale
Speaking of new living arrangements. We have decided on the apartment/townhome we will be living in when the time comes. We decided on the one with the attached garage and no basement. I just liked the living space better and the community and overall think it will be a better fit for our family. I had hoped we'd be there before the pool closes for the season, but seeing how it's now September, we may have to wait until next summer for that feature. I am still optimistic about the sale of our house. We have now been on the market for just over 11 weeks. In that time we have had 16 showings and 1 open house. Three of the 16 showings were 2nd showings. We have also had 1 offer. We made a couple of counters, but I don't think the buyers could really afford the house, so that didn't work out. The offer was 3 weeks ago (4 showings since then), so I'm hoping for another one soon.
Softball
Our softball season ended on 7/29 with us winning the tournament for the 2nd year in a row. We only lost one regular season game, so it was fun. It makes me feel active, so I really enjoy playing. Grace behaves herself too playing with her friend Evan.
Medical
On August 1st, I had my IUD removed. I got a little freaked out for a moment, because I had recently started tracking my cycles again to be sure I am ovulating now that I'm off Tamoxifen and with only one ovary. Eric and I had only considered using alternative protection after the IUD was out, so when I realized I was going to be getting the IUD out on day 14 of my cycle I wondered if our actions prior to that date could have resulted in a "whoops." I did discuss with the doctor though and she seemed pretty confident that the IUD also works as a spermicide, so while there was a slim chance, it was very slim indeed. And sure enough, a couple weeks later it was confirmed that no accidents happened.
Garage Sale
I organized a community garage sale for the weekend of August 10&11. We ended up with about 8 families on the culdesac participating. Traffic wasn't as high as I would have liked, but I did sell alot of stuff. I had a ton to sell. Once we move, I will have one less living room, no basement, and one less bedroom, so downsizing is key. I made just over $1,000 during those two days and sold a couple of big items (2 leather recliners, tall bookshelf, small entertainment center, 32" TV, barstools, living room tables, and lamps). However, I still had lots of big stuff left (couch, chair, loveseat, oak entertainment center, futon, desk, 2 short bookshelves, 2 media shelves, treadmill, weight bench). I put the big stuff on Craigslist and have since gotten rid of the futon, desk, and all shelves. I've had a couple of leads on the living room furiniture, but right now it looks like my mother-in-law may buy it from us. I also am hoping a lead at work might help me unload the treadmill. It feels good to watch stuff leave and watch the money go in the bank.
Financials
We didn't do a great job in August at sticking to the budget when it comes to food. We're going to try much harder in September. But because of the Garage Sale, I didn't have to dig into the emergency fund and kept paying extra on the snowball. I'm pleased to say that in October we will make the final payment on Eric's student loan and will have paid off the fifth credit card or installment loan since February. We've reduced the debt by just over $12,000 now, so I can't complain. If we can be in the new apartment by February, we could be completly debt free by December 2009.
Grace
Wow. I don't have a baby anymore. Grace is definately growing up and she's hilarious. We're starting to be a bit more lenient on her bedtime, now it's sometimes after 8 p.m. before we get her to bed, but she's just so fun, I don't want to quit playing either. Over the last week or so, we've tried to put a focus on potty training, but she's so stubborn. She never wants to sit on the potty for me. I started giving her M&M's for just sitting on the potty and a hershey's kiss or similar type candy if she goes on the potty. I put her in underwear for a weekend and she would cry if she had an accident, but she never asked to go (I had to beg her to sit and then she would only sit for as long as I made her before she could qualify for an M&M). Then as the day went on, even the promise of an M&M wasn't enough to get her to sit. She would just say no and cry if I tried to make her. Maybe she's not ready? They say don't force it, so I guess I won't. It would be nice to stop buying diapers though.
Also, on August 16th Grace started speech therapy. She goes for 30 minutes every Thursday. The first week was mostly playing, but the last week she really started making progress. One of the key things we are trying to do is get her to keep the air out of her nose when she talks. We've been practicing directing the air through her mouth by blowing on things. She's not very good yet, but if you hold her nose, she can do a good job. We try to blow kleenex across the table, we have a pinwheel, whistles/horns, and just last night found a toy harmonica you have to blow to play. Last week we also started trying to work on the "k" and "g" sounds. She uses her tounge on the front of mouth for these, not the back, so they more like "n" or "m" sounds. This one's harder for me to work on at home, but I feel like Alicia (the therapist) knows what she's doing.
COMING UP
We've still got alot going on in the next two weeks. This weekend we're enjoing the rest. Then our schedule goes a little something like this:
Tuesday
Work & Study for Final
Wednesday
Work
Final Exam
Laundry and Start Packing
Thursday
7:30 - 8:00 Grace's Speech Therapy
9:30 Breast MRI
11:15 Bilateral Mammogram
11:45 Chest X-Ray
(sometime at the hospital, I need to go get some bloodwork done too)
11:58 - Mom's flight arrives
Take Mom by the house
2:30 - 5? Client Meeting (45 minutes away from home)
Finish packing and go over all instructions with Mom
Friday
9:05 a.m. Depart for Hawaii!
I will be in Hawaii from the 7th to the 15th. Mom is staying at our house with Grace. I can't wait. Wednesday, September 19th, I have my 2 year appointment with Dr. L. Hopefully, after that, I can start filling my blog with TTC posts. Hopefully, the lab won't be as study intensive as regular class (yeah right!).
Later!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Why I Need a Sick Day to Study for Organic Chemistry
Excerpt from tonight's review class:
"Well, those aromatic spices were worth more than gold. That is if you talk about price per pound. So you could fill a boat with spices or gold, but you need a big boat for spices, because they are more bulky. You could probably fit the gold in a rowboat. But then how do you get a rowboat back from Borneo? The pirates would kill you. So, you need a bigger boat."
I think self-study may be the way to go this quarter.
"Well, those aromatic spices were worth more than gold. That is if you talk about price per pound. So you could fill a boat with spices or gold, but you need a big boat for spices, because they are more bulky. You could probably fit the gold in a rowboat. But then how do you get a rowboat back from Borneo? The pirates would kill you. So, you need a bigger boat."
I think self-study may be the way to go this quarter.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Last Day
I just wanted to share that today was my last day taking Tamoxifen. So, I may have moved up the quitting a little, but I have good reasoning. I assume that I will get the "all-clear" to resume family planning in early September. Being a planner, I have an appointment to have my IUD removed on August 1st. Now, we certainly do not intend to get pregnant in August, I'm fully supportive of doing one final round of exams before that, but without pretty much guaranteed birth control, we decided that I would stop taking the tamoxifen when I got the IUD out. That way, if there is an accident, the worst that happens is that I don't get to have another mammogram, MRI, and Chest X-ray before we start. I won't have to worry about birth defects or worse because of my medication. So, that was the plan, but today I ran out of pills and just decided I didn't want to get my Rx filled again for these last 2 1/2 weeks.
Before anyone says I should have taken it longer, remember my doctors were on the fence about if I needed it anyway. I have faith that we've been very proactive in fighting off my cancer. I know it could come back, but if it does, I won't beat myself up about quitting the tamoxifen 6 weeks early than my doctor said I could. I'm ready for cancer to be a closed chapter in my life. I'm ready to get back to the fun stuff!
Speaking of fun stuff, I have some really adorable pictures of Grace, including one of her holding a kitten, riding on a kiddie 4-wheeler with her cousin Logan, and wearing silk pajamas that Grandpa sent her from China. However, my camera program just locked up and will require me to reboot the computer, so those will have to wait for another night.
Oh one more note. Our house is still on the market. No offers yet, but we have had 5 showings in the past 3 1/2 weeks. We have faith that when the time is right it will sell and while we sacrifice some space, we'll be able to focus on our debt-free goal and help secure our family's future.
Before anyone says I should have taken it longer, remember my doctors were on the fence about if I needed it anyway. I have faith that we've been very proactive in fighting off my cancer. I know it could come back, but if it does, I won't beat myself up about quitting the tamoxifen 6 weeks early than my doctor said I could. I'm ready for cancer to be a closed chapter in my life. I'm ready to get back to the fun stuff!
Speaking of fun stuff, I have some really adorable pictures of Grace, including one of her holding a kitten, riding on a kiddie 4-wheeler with her cousin Logan, and wearing silk pajamas that Grandpa sent her from China. However, my camera program just locked up and will require me to reboot the computer, so those will have to wait for another night.
Oh one more note. Our house is still on the market. No offers yet, but we have had 5 showings in the past 3 1/2 weeks. We have faith that when the time is right it will sell and while we sacrifice some space, we'll be able to focus on our debt-free goal and help secure our family's future.
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