Week 35 update:
So, last Saturday I had two big events - part 1 of my 2-part prenatal class and my baby shower. First, the class...
...The prenatal class was pretty good, though in combination with the shower it made for a really long day. The instructor used to be a nurse on the maternity ward for years and now teaches prenatal classes full time. I've talked to some people who think the class is a waste of time, but both JB and I got a lot out of it. The part I found most helpful was talking about positions during labor and breathing exercises, etc. We will be talking more about the subject at Part 2, but we did touch on birth-plans and how you really need to have an idea of your preferences (ie: drugs vs. no drugs) before you check-in to the hospital. I found a lot of the things she had to say were quite affirming and really made me think that maybe I can go through labor the way I want, and not feel pressured by the medical staff. Part 2 of this particular course is tomorrow - we will be covering breastfeeding, birth plans, and postpartum care and concerns.
Next, the shower...
...Two of my close friends out here organized a baby shower for me. I wanted to have my shower before the baby is born because there are too many unknowns when it comes to having one afterwards - what if I feel completely overwhelmed as a new mother for longer than expected, for example (you never know), and really do not want to deal with a large group of people. The shower went really well, I think! There were 12 - 15 people there (some friends, some of JB's family, and 3 of my cousins)... I think my family was feeling a little out-numbered {as a side note, I did discover that the news about my little sister has made it's way into the extended family}. We played a couple games - one was to pick out JB from a group of baby pictures (took me 6 tries with only 11 pictures on the wall!) and the other was a diaper game where 5 chocolate bars were ground up/melted and each put on a diaper... you then had to correctly identify the chocolate bars. My mother-in-law thought that was gross, but everyone else got a kick out of it! I was so overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. We got a whole bunch of stuff... in fact, I really need to do my thank-you cards (hopefully this weekend)! It was great (and I got to take home a Costco-sized bucket of cream puffs, as the girls forgot to put them out with the rest of the food!).
Okay, what next? Well, last night we went to our "Better Beginnings" class at the hospital. This prenatal class (3 hours long) is mandatory for everyone who is planning on giving birth at the hospital. The instructor worked as a maternity ward nurse at the hospital for years before "retiring" and now teaches this class 3 times per week. She is hilarious! At one point she was describing the awful pads that the hospital supplies for you to wear after baby is born and how you have to wear three of them... she had all the class (the men especially) laughing uncontrollably (she made JB cry!). But, she also really knows her stuff and I was very happy to find that nothing she said contradicted the prenatal class from Saturday. Part of this class was to complete all the paperwork for the hospital - this way, when in labor, you simply walk up to the maternity unit and do not have to fill out any paperwork (because that's not something you want to be doing while having contractions!) - and another part was a tour of the maternity unit. I really enjoyed the class up until the point when we went for the tour... then my emotions took over and I started to feel really overwhelmed. I seriously thought I was going to cry when we were in the "laboring room". But, then again, I am a bit emotional even without pregnancy hormones stacked on top of that!
Okay... what's next when it comes to this pregnancy... well, as mentioned earlier, tomorrow is Part 2 of the prenatal class, then on Thursday I go for my next prenatal appointment. Next Saturday (Aug 25) I'm getting professional pregnancy portraits done. And sometime during Week #37 (last week of August) I'm supposed to be going for another (more than likely last... though I thought that with the last one) ultrasound.
Well, I need to run. I have a meeting at 2pm and I have a bit of work to get done before. Then I might head home, as I have not been feeling well today... exhausted, achy, and a whole lot of being kicked from the inside!
August 17, 2007
August 10, 2007
Prenatal update...
Well, I had my prenatal visit yesterday (appointment #8 I think) and all is well in the world of Baby Bee. He is turned (head down) and apparently his head is quite low - my doctor said this is good for two reasons... 1) It means baby can fit when making his entrance into the world, and 2) It may signal that baby will make said entrance sooner rather than later.
The doctor answered a bunch of my questions about epidurals and although he's made it quite clear that he thinks there's no reason not to have an epidural, he also isn't pressuring me. I can make my decision when I go into labor and I can try to go medication-free first and then ask for one (as long as I don't wait too long)... it is up to me (and JB also said the decision is mine, though he sides with my doctor). So, I really don't know for sure what my plan will be. I do know that I do not want narcotic medications - these are the ones that have side-effects for Mom and make Baby dopey after birth. Perhaps I will learn more tomorrow at Part 1 (of 2) of my prenatal class.
The one thing I did learn yesterday (besides the fact that I've basically gained 30 lbs!!! Though I don't think I "look" like I've gained 30 lbs) is that Baby Bee is around/over 6lbs, which is big for this stage... thus Wednesday's ultrasound will not be my last. My doctor will schedule an ultrasound for Week 37 (approx. 3 weeks from now) to see how big Baby Bee is then. If he's looking to get "too big", then I may be induced early from what I understand.
I learned an important lesson today. Although I don't believe I'm "waddling" when I walk (apparently once baby turns and moves downward, pregnant ladies tend to waddle), I cannot walk near as quickly as I normally do. I was walking in the mall and I had to cut my pace to about 1/4 my normal speed... walking too quickly is very uncomfortable and also results in serious cramps. I don't know if it's because of how Baby Bee is positioned or what it is... but man, I'm going to be a slow-walker (not a spilly-talker) for the next little while.
Another pregnancy development... My sciatic pain is all but disappeared. JB thinks that getting the van has been the thing that's made the biggest difference where that is concerned - with the van I literally slide in and out of my seat without really changing height; with my car, I was plopping or falling down into it (landing hard sometimes) and then having to climb back out. I don't know if it's 100% due to the van, but I am so happy not to have that daily pain right now!
Tomorrow is a pregnancy-filled day! From 10am to 3:30pm I have Part 1 of my prenatal class (Part 2 is next Saturday). Then, my baby shower is at 7:00pm! I'm looking forward to the shower... I think it will be a smallish group, but it will be fun. I'm not sure what my friends who are organizing it are scheming... they have been keeping me in the dark! I do believe one of the games involves me blindfolded. :D
Well, enough rambling for now. I need to find my husband... I seem to have lost him and I was hoping to go to the movies tonight. Chat you all later...
The doctor answered a bunch of my questions about epidurals and although he's made it quite clear that he thinks there's no reason not to have an epidural, he also isn't pressuring me. I can make my decision when I go into labor and I can try to go medication-free first and then ask for one (as long as I don't wait too long)... it is up to me (and JB also said the decision is mine, though he sides with my doctor). So, I really don't know for sure what my plan will be. I do know that I do not want narcotic medications - these are the ones that have side-effects for Mom and make Baby dopey after birth. Perhaps I will learn more tomorrow at Part 1 (of 2) of my prenatal class.
The one thing I did learn yesterday (besides the fact that I've basically gained 30 lbs!!! Though I don't think I "look" like I've gained 30 lbs) is that Baby Bee is around/over 6lbs, which is big for this stage... thus Wednesday's ultrasound will not be my last. My doctor will schedule an ultrasound for Week 37 (approx. 3 weeks from now) to see how big Baby Bee is then. If he's looking to get "too big", then I may be induced early from what I understand.
I learned an important lesson today. Although I don't believe I'm "waddling" when I walk (apparently once baby turns and moves downward, pregnant ladies tend to waddle), I cannot walk near as quickly as I normally do. I was walking in the mall and I had to cut my pace to about 1/4 my normal speed... walking too quickly is very uncomfortable and also results in serious cramps. I don't know if it's because of how Baby Bee is positioned or what it is... but man, I'm going to be a slow-walker (not a spilly-talker) for the next little while.
Another pregnancy development... My sciatic pain is all but disappeared. JB thinks that getting the van has been the thing that's made the biggest difference where that is concerned - with the van I literally slide in and out of my seat without really changing height; with my car, I was plopping or falling down into it (landing hard sometimes) and then having to climb back out. I don't know if it's 100% due to the van, but I am so happy not to have that daily pain right now!
Tomorrow is a pregnancy-filled day! From 10am to 3:30pm I have Part 1 of my prenatal class (Part 2 is next Saturday). Then, my baby shower is at 7:00pm! I'm looking forward to the shower... I think it will be a smallish group, but it will be fun. I'm not sure what my friends who are organizing it are scheming... they have been keeping me in the dark! I do believe one of the games involves me blindfolded. :D
Well, enough rambling for now. I need to find my husband... I seem to have lost him and I was hoping to go to the movies tonight. Chat you all later...
August 08, 2007
33 weeks, 5 days:
I'm feeling mostly-okay this week. I fell victim to a heat rash on my belly which was quite annoying and extremely itchy for a while. Now the itch seems to be gone, but the little bumps are still present... hopefully they go away soon (I'm having professional pregnancy photos taken on either August 18 or 25, so they had better be gone by then!).
I am suffering from a bit of insomnia these days... which is making me really quite tired during the day (ie: now!). It seems that no matter how tired I am, I can't fall asleep until after midnight. On top of that, I suspect Baby Bee may have turned (head-down) as I'm feeling him in different part of me now - one not so good thing is that I think he enjoys giving me a swift kick to the stomach during the night because I've woken up a couple times now where I've gone from a deep sleep to nearly throwing up! Let me tell you... the first time that happened (which was the worst), it was not a pleasant surprise!
Hmmm... other than that, things are pretty good. I still don't have a *huge* belly, but wow... is it ever difficult to move in ways that I definitely took for granted before. Some simple actions are not so simple any more! I have an ultrasound today, so I will try to post later on tonight (if all else fails, I will post when I should be sleeping but am unable to fall asleep!).
I am feeling a little stressed at work this week - there are a lot of people on vacation in my one department, which means some extra work has landed on my desk (with short deadlines). I'm trying to wrap things up, not take on new projects. Bah!
The last thing I will mention is that I am sad for my friend JK. She went for an ultrasound yesterday (she's due on Sept 3) and her baby is breach. The specialist gave her three options and said she had to be back in on Friday with her decision - leave things as is, hope for the baby to turn, and undergo an emergency c-section if the baby doesn't turn; go to Edm or Cal to see a specialist who attempts to turn baby - only a 50% success rate; or schedule a c-section. I think she's going with the third option (schedule a c-section). My only concern is that her first daughter was born 3 weeks early... this c-section won't be scheduled until week 39 or 40 (baby is already over 7lbs, so is a good healthy size now)... what if this baby is early too - then she'll undergo the stress of the emergency c-section anyways. If her baby doesn't turn in time, things will be really hard for her after because you are basically not allowed to lift anything heavier than your newborn... her 2.5 year-old daughter will not understand why Mommy can't pick her up - she's already being a "terrible two" combined with the growing realization that she's not going to be an only child for much longer. Poor JK... this is going to be difficult unless that baby can manage to turn on time...
Edit: "About 4.75lbs" (see ticker above) my behind! According to today's ultrasound, Baby Bee is around the 6.00lbs mark. Here's what the doctor said: "That's a good size baby already, but you're a big girl - you can handle it." Oh my... there's still 6 weeks, plus or minus, for the little squirt to grow! Other news from the ultrasound - Baby Bee is head down (hip hip hooray!) and he is surrounded by lots of fluid, both of which are good things. The only thing that made me pause was the doctor asking the tech to measure the size of the chambers of Baby Bee's heart. But, there's no point stressing over it - I have a doctor appointment tomorrow afternoon, and I made sure to tell the ultrasound tech so that my results make it over there in time.
I am suffering from a bit of insomnia these days... which is making me really quite tired during the day (ie: now!). It seems that no matter how tired I am, I can't fall asleep until after midnight. On top of that, I suspect Baby Bee may have turned (head-down) as I'm feeling him in different part of me now - one not so good thing is that I think he enjoys giving me a swift kick to the stomach during the night because I've woken up a couple times now where I've gone from a deep sleep to nearly throwing up! Let me tell you... the first time that happened (which was the worst), it was not a pleasant surprise!
Hmmm... other than that, things are pretty good. I still don't have a *huge* belly, but wow... is it ever difficult to move in ways that I definitely took for granted before. Some simple actions are not so simple any more! I have an ultrasound today, so I will try to post later on tonight (if all else fails, I will post when I should be sleeping but am unable to fall asleep!).
I am feeling a little stressed at work this week - there are a lot of people on vacation in my one department, which means some extra work has landed on my desk (with short deadlines). I'm trying to wrap things up, not take on new projects. Bah!
The last thing I will mention is that I am sad for my friend JK. She went for an ultrasound yesterday (she's due on Sept 3) and her baby is breach. The specialist gave her three options and said she had to be back in on Friday with her decision - leave things as is, hope for the baby to turn, and undergo an emergency c-section if the baby doesn't turn; go to Edm or Cal to see a specialist who attempts to turn baby - only a 50% success rate; or schedule a c-section. I think she's going with the third option (schedule a c-section). My only concern is that her first daughter was born 3 weeks early... this c-section won't be scheduled until week 39 or 40 (baby is already over 7lbs, so is a good healthy size now)... what if this baby is early too - then she'll undergo the stress of the emergency c-section anyways. If her baby doesn't turn in time, things will be really hard for her after because you are basically not allowed to lift anything heavier than your newborn... her 2.5 year-old daughter will not understand why Mommy can't pick her up - she's already being a "terrible two" combined with the growing realization that she's not going to be an only child for much longer. Poor JK... this is going to be difficult unless that baby can manage to turn on time...
Edit: "About 4.75lbs" (see ticker above) my behind! According to today's ultrasound, Baby Bee is around the 6.00lbs mark. Here's what the doctor said: "That's a good size baby already, but you're a big girl - you can handle it." Oh my... there's still 6 weeks, plus or minus, for the little squirt to grow! Other news from the ultrasound - Baby Bee is head down (hip hip hooray!) and he is surrounded by lots of fluid, both of which are good things. The only thing that made me pause was the doctor asking the tech to measure the size of the chambers of Baby Bee's heart. But, there's no point stressing over it - I have a doctor appointment tomorrow afternoon, and I made sure to tell the ultrasound tech so that my results make it over there in time.
August 02, 2007
Blasted hormones!
Wow... am I ever in a cranky mood today! First off, I took the wrong way to work this morning (I'm attempting to conserve fuel consumption and am trying to see which of my two routes is actually longer, distance-wise). Then I got "voluntold" at my one department's weekly meeting (I'm part of two departments at work, which sometimes makes me feel like I'm being pulled apart... but overall I'm quite happy) that I have to work on a project that I didn't have on my to-do list until this morning - I am trying to keep organized and extra work at a minimum due to the fact that I only have 4 weeks & 1.5 days of work left (but who's counting). After that I was trying to track down answers to why our new mortgage payment hasn't come out yet, when it said it was coming out on August 1st. Then, after all those annoyances, I discovered that my expenses - which were submitted correctly and on time - will not be deposited tomorrow like they should be. (Okay, the only reason that last one annoys me is because I may be *slightly* hormonal right now and my morning was full of annoyances... but still!) Can I go home now?
~ ~ ~
Okey dokey... pregnancy update... Well, let's see - it is now Week 32, Day 6 of my pregnancy and I am into the home stretch (literally) now. My belly has been super-itchy the past few days and JB keeps bugging me that I'm growing new stretch-marks, which I think I am! I'm still not overly "huge", but that's okay. It is definitely a challenge to bend over if I need to pick up something I dropped, getting in/out of bed, and even rolling over in bed! JB gets to laugh at me quite often... but he's still a very supporting, loving husband - it's just in his nature to pick on me.
I might get professional maternity pictures done... I got info from a co-worker about a photographer who does amazing work - I'm just not sure if I'll be able to fit into her schedule. So far the one day she had an opening that she mentioned is one of the days my prenatal class is on and I can't reschedule that. This weekend I'm getting a manicure done to help my hands get a little nicer - if I do manage to get booked in with her, she recommends having "nice hands" as some of her shots involve close-ups. As she is an actual photographer, the prices are a little higher than going to Superstore or Wal-Mart, but I've seen her work and it is beautiful... I just don't know if I'll be beautiful in the maternity session - I'm sure Baby Bee will be gorgeous in the infant session.
I'm attempting to get my "hospital bag" packed and a "birth plan" created. However, both of those things make the idea of Baby Bee's arrival a little too *real*. I know that sounds dumb... stuff wise, we are ready for him to arrive... mentally, I am apparently not quite ready. In a little over 6 weeks (perhaps sooner, you never know) my life, and JB's too, will be changing forever. We've been preparing for this change - getting the necessary baby stuff, re-financing, getting the van, etc. - but it still seems "not quite real" to me. Packing that bag and actually sitting down and really thinking about labor makes the imminent change in our lives that much more concrete. I don't know how else to explain how I'm feeling.
I have one more (most likely the last) ultrasound scheduled for August 8th - my doctor likes to do a late-pregnancy one to make sure there's nothing wrong and get an idea of how big baby is compared to how big Mommy is. Besides that, I'm now on a 2-week schedule for prenatal appointments (next = August 9) until Week 36, after which appointments become weekly.
Hmmm... lunch is over... must quit chatting now!
~ ~ ~
Okey dokey... pregnancy update... Well, let's see - it is now Week 32, Day 6 of my pregnancy and I am into the home stretch (literally) now. My belly has been super-itchy the past few days and JB keeps bugging me that I'm growing new stretch-marks, which I think I am! I'm still not overly "huge", but that's okay. It is definitely a challenge to bend over if I need to pick up something I dropped, getting in/out of bed, and even rolling over in bed! JB gets to laugh at me quite often... but he's still a very supporting, loving husband - it's just in his nature to pick on me.
I might get professional maternity pictures done... I got info from a co-worker about a photographer who does amazing work - I'm just not sure if I'll be able to fit into her schedule. So far the one day she had an opening that she mentioned is one of the days my prenatal class is on and I can't reschedule that. This weekend I'm getting a manicure done to help my hands get a little nicer - if I do manage to get booked in with her, she recommends having "nice hands" as some of her shots involve close-ups. As she is an actual photographer, the prices are a little higher than going to Superstore or Wal-Mart, but I've seen her work and it is beautiful... I just don't know if I'll be beautiful in the maternity session - I'm sure Baby Bee will be gorgeous in the infant session.
I'm attempting to get my "hospital bag" packed and a "birth plan" created. However, both of those things make the idea of Baby Bee's arrival a little too *real*. I know that sounds dumb... stuff wise, we are ready for him to arrive... mentally, I am apparently not quite ready. In a little over 6 weeks (perhaps sooner, you never know) my life, and JB's too, will be changing forever. We've been preparing for this change - getting the necessary baby stuff, re-financing, getting the van, etc. - but it still seems "not quite real" to me. Packing that bag and actually sitting down and really thinking about labor makes the imminent change in our lives that much more concrete. I don't know how else to explain how I'm feeling.
I have one more (most likely the last) ultrasound scheduled for August 8th - my doctor likes to do a late-pregnancy one to make sure there's nothing wrong and get an idea of how big baby is compared to how big Mommy is. Besides that, I'm now on a 2-week schedule for prenatal appointments (next = August 9) until Week 36, after which appointments become weekly.
Hmmm... lunch is over... must quit chatting now!
July 29, 2007
July 24, 2007
*sigh*
Well, although it does not excuse in any way the mean, spiteful, and quite possibly unforgiveable things my mother said to me, I may have just found out why she was "set off" so easily.
*sigh*
My sister is two months pregnant.
*sigh*
My sister is two months pregnant.
July 21, 2007
The biggest baby-purchase:
Our new-to-us mini-van...
- 2000 Ford Windstar SEL Limited (ie: top model, fully loaded)
- Black exterior (looks kind of blue-ish in the pic)
- Tan, leather interior
- Lots of little features I'm discovering!
- 2000 Ford Windstar SEL Limited (ie: top model, fully loaded)
- Black exterior (looks kind of blue-ish in the pic)
- Tan, leather interior
- Lots of little features I'm discovering!
July 20, 2007
Situation update:
The current situation between me and my mother has gone from bad to worse than I could ever have imagined. She was not impressed that I talked to my Dad about the situation. The things she has said to me are more hateful and mean than I could have possibly thought up.
I feel like throwing up. I don't think I'll be staying at work for much longer, but I just thought I'd send a quick update.
Edit: I'm home now. I think I'll take a nap and then maybe head back into town later on to get my copy of HP#7 (I deserve something to make me happy today). Here's the latest from my Mum that has left me feeling nauseaus and more hurt than I thought I could ever feel:
"You are very disrespectful to your parents. And let me tell you this: What goes around, comes around and you will get yours when your family grows up and treats you the same way as you treat us. If you do not respect your parents, which you don't, then your children will not respect you. I sincerely hope that your children do not invite you to any of their weddings and act like spoiled brats when their parents extend a kind gesture in the form of a wedding dance.
You have a lot of emotional growing up to do. I would suggest that you find your biological mother and father and then perhaps you will stop blaming me for all your emotional hang ups. You began to disrespect me when you met [best friend] and her family and from that moment on you never stopped. Your respect level has remained at about 14 yrs old.
Don't bother Dad with your teenage level e-mails complaining about me. I thought you would be grown up enough to write something interesting when he's working in extreme conditions with a lot of stress related issues on a rig that doesn't want to drill because of inexperienced men and technology that is not well tested. But then I forgot--life is all about YOU isn't it?
Stuff it, [NB].
Mum"
I feel like throwing up. I don't think I'll be staying at work for much longer, but I just thought I'd send a quick update.
Edit: I'm home now. I think I'll take a nap and then maybe head back into town later on to get my copy of HP#7 (I deserve something to make me happy today). Here's the latest from my Mum that has left me feeling nauseaus and more hurt than I thought I could ever feel:
"You are very disrespectful to your parents. And let me tell you this: What goes around, comes around and you will get yours when your family grows up and treats you the same way as you treat us. If you do not respect your parents, which you don't, then your children will not respect you. I sincerely hope that your children do not invite you to any of their weddings and act like spoiled brats when their parents extend a kind gesture in the form of a wedding dance.
You have a lot of emotional growing up to do. I would suggest that you find your biological mother and father and then perhaps you will stop blaming me for all your emotional hang ups. You began to disrespect me when you met [best friend] and her family and from that moment on you never stopped. Your respect level has remained at about 14 yrs old.
Don't bother Dad with your teenage level e-mails complaining about me. I thought you would be grown up enough to write something interesting when he's working in extreme conditions with a lot of stress related issues on a rig that doesn't want to drill because of inexperienced men and technology that is not well tested. But then I forgot--life is all about YOU isn't it?
Stuff it, [NB].
Mum"
July 19, 2007
World War 3: Mother vs. Daughter
So, I'm in a bit of a foul mood today, and have been since yesterday. But first, let's start with the positive...
I believe I had mentioned that we were in the process of re-financing our mortgage to consolidate high interest loans / credit cards and have everything on one payment. Well, that process is complete! My name is now on the mortgage and the land title (I wasn't before) and thus I officially own half our land and half our mortgage... I think one of those is a good thing. ;) All our loans are getting paid out - I'm mailing some of the more obscure ones today. And... drum roll please... we may be going vehicle shopping tomorrow! We've had our eye on a mini-van in Edmonton for a couple weeks now, but couldn't do anything until our finances got sorted out. Well, they are 95% sorted out and we don't want to lose that van, as it is exactly what we are looking for with a lot less mileage than we were expecting to be able to afford. It's a 2000 Ford Windstar SEL Limited - the "limited" is the key... that is the top of the line when it comes to Ford mini-vans and includes things like power doors, leather seats, etc. There are very few available in the province that fall into our price range. We knew we'd be getting an early 2000's model and were expecting 120,000 - 150,000 km's... this one only has 79,000 km's! I have all my fingers and toes crossed that JB can get the day off tomorrow and that the van is still on the lot.
Okay, that was a happy blurb. Now for the not-so-happy portion of my rant...
It seems I've managed to instigate WW3... mind you, it seems like it was only a matter of time before this happened. I don't remember if I ever told you girls (and guy if Matt is reading) about the *fun* I experienced with my Mum when planning our wedding reception. The long and short of that story is that my Mum hosted her wedding reception - JB and I were told that's how the reception was going to be run, and she didn't care what we did with his family (and we were told this in no uncertain terms). So, knowing that story, you may have some insight into what my mother is like... I love her, but some days she is very trying. Anyways, back to WW3...
Mum and I were having a nice little chat yesterday evening until I mentioned that she should keep the evening of August 11th open. "Why?" she asked, "Is that your baby shower?" When I said, yes, she proceeded to tell me that was not good because she only likes and has been to baby showers after the baby is born so that people can see the baby and pass the baby around. She also said, and I quote, "I know it's not something people like to think about, but what if something happens to baby?" to which I replied that I would return the gifts (I was getting pretty upset at this point). We finished our conversation, but she called back 5 minutes later to tell me that she would host a shower after baby is born and that all I would have to do is show up with baby... and that I should think about it.
This morning she sent me an email that I was expecting but at the bottom was tacked on, "I do hope you reconsider the date of your baby shower." At this point, I was quite upset as I am honestly tired of her trying to run events in my life without any consideration of what I might want or without any consideration of anyone else involved in the event besides herself. So, I probably shouldn't have emailed back due to the high emotions involved, but I did. Here's how the short sequence of emails went:
Me: "Seeing as how I know you will likely be as persistent with this as you were with our wedding reception, you can host a baby shower with [our] family members after Baby is born. I will leave the planning up to you, but I ask that you check with me about the date before-hand to see how I'm feeling. I will still be having a shower in August with my friends and JB's family."
Mum: "OK, forget it. Don't bother sending me an invitation. We will not be coming, and I will not be hosting a shower for you either. I've already given you a gift, so there's not point attending. You are very rude."
Me: "I apologize if I came across as rude but I know from experience that this will not get dropped until you get the shower to happen after the Baby is born. I do appreciate very much the fact that you were willing to host a shower at your house and take care of the planning. I just know from talking to other new mom's that things can be very overwhelming during the months after Baby arrives and that is perhaps the biggest reason that I had planned on having the shower before hand, as many people do. If you still would like to host a shower in late September/early October, that would be very nice and I will help however I can. However, if you don't want to host one, that is okay as well - it is entirely up to you. Again, I apologize if the tone of my email was not as friendly as it should have been - it was not intended to come across that way."
Mum: "I will not be hosting a shower for you regardless of the date. Do as you wish."
*sigh* And that's where things sit as of now. I'm still having the baby shower, as planned, on August 11th, but the guest list will be cut down and will be people that I want to be there (not my entire extended family). I am so tired of trying to constantly please my Mum, as there really is no winning there. I'm going to keep my distance and let her cool down. I emailed my Dad in Saudi to let him know what's going on and share my side of the story with him, so that he doesn't only get Mum's version.
I probably was rude in that first email, but quite honestly, I'm not entirely sad about this entire situation. Yes, dealing with my mother for the next while will be very stressful (she tends to hold grudges and bring up things you did years ago as ammo), but she cannot continue to think that she is going to run every major event in my life.
I don't want the shower after Baby Bee is born because I don't know how overwhelmed by everything I'll be feeling. I've talked with some recent new moms who had planned on having a shower after baby was born, only to change her mind because of all the turmoil and change that accompanies becoming a new mother. But, my Mum doesn't care what your reasons are if you don't have the same opinion she does. That is a lesson I learned many years ago.
I don't know what I expect you guys to say, I just needed to vent. The past day and a half has been very, very stressful. I think I'm going to bed now... I need a good night's sleep.
I believe I had mentioned that we were in the process of re-financing our mortgage to consolidate high interest loans / credit cards and have everything on one payment. Well, that process is complete! My name is now on the mortgage and the land title (I wasn't before) and thus I officially own half our land and half our mortgage... I think one of those is a good thing. ;) All our loans are getting paid out - I'm mailing some of the more obscure ones today. And... drum roll please... we may be going vehicle shopping tomorrow! We've had our eye on a mini-van in Edmonton for a couple weeks now, but couldn't do anything until our finances got sorted out. Well, they are 95% sorted out and we don't want to lose that van, as it is exactly what we are looking for with a lot less mileage than we were expecting to be able to afford. It's a 2000 Ford Windstar SEL Limited - the "limited" is the key... that is the top of the line when it comes to Ford mini-vans and includes things like power doors, leather seats, etc. There are very few available in the province that fall into our price range. We knew we'd be getting an early 2000's model and were expecting 120,000 - 150,000 km's... this one only has 79,000 km's! I have all my fingers and toes crossed that JB can get the day off tomorrow and that the van is still on the lot.
Okay, that was a happy blurb. Now for the not-so-happy portion of my rant...
It seems I've managed to instigate WW3... mind you, it seems like it was only a matter of time before this happened. I don't remember if I ever told you girls (and guy if Matt is reading) about the *fun* I experienced with my Mum when planning our wedding reception. The long and short of that story is that my Mum hosted her wedding reception - JB and I were told that's how the reception was going to be run, and she didn't care what we did with his family (and we were told this in no uncertain terms). So, knowing that story, you may have some insight into what my mother is like... I love her, but some days she is very trying. Anyways, back to WW3...
Mum and I were having a nice little chat yesterday evening until I mentioned that she should keep the evening of August 11th open. "Why?" she asked, "Is that your baby shower?" When I said, yes, she proceeded to tell me that was not good because she only likes and has been to baby showers after the baby is born so that people can see the baby and pass the baby around. She also said, and I quote, "I know it's not something people like to think about, but what if something happens to baby?" to which I replied that I would return the gifts (I was getting pretty upset at this point). We finished our conversation, but she called back 5 minutes later to tell me that she would host a shower after baby is born and that all I would have to do is show up with baby... and that I should think about it.
This morning she sent me an email that I was expecting but at the bottom was tacked on, "I do hope you reconsider the date of your baby shower." At this point, I was quite upset as I am honestly tired of her trying to run events in my life without any consideration of what I might want or without any consideration of anyone else involved in the event besides herself. So, I probably shouldn't have emailed back due to the high emotions involved, but I did. Here's how the short sequence of emails went:
Me: "Seeing as how I know you will likely be as persistent with this as you were with our wedding reception, you can host a baby shower with [our] family members after Baby is born. I will leave the planning up to you, but I ask that you check with me about the date before-hand to see how I'm feeling. I will still be having a shower in August with my friends and JB's family."
Mum: "OK, forget it. Don't bother sending me an invitation. We will not be coming, and I will not be hosting a shower for you either. I've already given you a gift, so there's not point attending. You are very rude."
Me: "I apologize if I came across as rude but I know from experience that this will not get dropped until you get the shower to happen after the Baby is born. I do appreciate very much the fact that you were willing to host a shower at your house and take care of the planning. I just know from talking to other new mom's that things can be very overwhelming during the months after Baby arrives and that is perhaps the biggest reason that I had planned on having the shower before hand, as many people do. If you still would like to host a shower in late September/early October, that would be very nice and I will help however I can. However, if you don't want to host one, that is okay as well - it is entirely up to you. Again, I apologize if the tone of my email was not as friendly as it should have been - it was not intended to come across that way."
Mum: "I will not be hosting a shower for you regardless of the date. Do as you wish."
*sigh* And that's where things sit as of now. I'm still having the baby shower, as planned, on August 11th, but the guest list will be cut down and will be people that I want to be there (not my entire extended family). I am so tired of trying to constantly please my Mum, as there really is no winning there. I'm going to keep my distance and let her cool down. I emailed my Dad in Saudi to let him know what's going on and share my side of the story with him, so that he doesn't only get Mum's version.
I probably was rude in that first email, but quite honestly, I'm not entirely sad about this entire situation. Yes, dealing with my mother for the next while will be very stressful (she tends to hold grudges and bring up things you did years ago as ammo), but she cannot continue to think that she is going to run every major event in my life.
I don't want the shower after Baby Bee is born because I don't know how overwhelmed by everything I'll be feeling. I've talked with some recent new moms who had planned on having a shower after baby was born, only to change her mind because of all the turmoil and change that accompanies becoming a new mother. But, my Mum doesn't care what your reasons are if you don't have the same opinion she does. That is a lesson I learned many years ago.
I don't know what I expect you guys to say, I just needed to vent. The past day and a half has been very, very stressful. I think I'm going to bed now... I need a good night's sleep.
July 15, 2007
30 weeks, 2 days... less than 10 weeks to go!
Alrighty then... what shall I tell you? My last prenatal appointment went well - based on the heart rate, my doctor agrees with the 3D ultrasound in saying Baby Bee is a boy! But, we will still have two names picked out... just in case. I'm now on the two-week rotation for prenatal appointments until week 36, after which time the appointments become weekly. Around week 36 I may be going for another ultrasound to see how big Baby Bee's head is and whether or not he has turned (head-down).
I feel my sciatic pain every day, but the strength of that pain varies. Most days it is tolerable. Today is a little worse, as two days ago I twisted kind of funny when getting up from a chair and I knew then that I inflamed the pain. :'( But, oh well... that is my life right now.
This heat is killing me! I've been doing everything I can think of to cool off the house - it's a little better today after purchasing one very large fan for the main floor. JB also bought me a really nice air mattress (inflates and deflates itself) so that I can permanently move into the basement, as I cannot sleep upstairs in this weather. Yesterday I was trying to clean my bedroom and I'd work for 20 minutes and then go hide downstairs for 20 minutes... not very productive, and yet I still managed to over-exert myself and feel like crap today! This heat is not very nice to me this year.
Our finances are coming into order here this week and today I had a "bite" when it comes to selling my car - it wouldn't surprise me if the guy that called to see it calls back to buy it. I feel like things are coming together nicely - I'm even managing to get the house clean a little at a time! The next two months is filled with prenatal appointments, prenatal classes, and my baby shower (Aug 11)... the time will fly.
I can feel Baby Bee move more strongly now - feeling his hiccups is the funniest sensation! JB can definitely feel him moving (he puts his hand on my belly and can feel the kicks). Things are going well... I did wake up in the middle of the night not too long ago thinking I was going to "lose my lunch"... but I managed to contain it. Not pleasant! I still don't feel like I look as large as other women around the same due-date as myself (though heaven knows I've gained enough weight)... but who knows - perhaps I'll balloon in the next two months!
I feel my sciatic pain every day, but the strength of that pain varies. Most days it is tolerable. Today is a little worse, as two days ago I twisted kind of funny when getting up from a chair and I knew then that I inflamed the pain. :'( But, oh well... that is my life right now.
This heat is killing me! I've been doing everything I can think of to cool off the house - it's a little better today after purchasing one very large fan for the main floor. JB also bought me a really nice air mattress (inflates and deflates itself) so that I can permanently move into the basement, as I cannot sleep upstairs in this weather. Yesterday I was trying to clean my bedroom and I'd work for 20 minutes and then go hide downstairs for 20 minutes... not very productive, and yet I still managed to over-exert myself and feel like crap today! This heat is not very nice to me this year.
Our finances are coming into order here this week and today I had a "bite" when it comes to selling my car - it wouldn't surprise me if the guy that called to see it calls back to buy it. I feel like things are coming together nicely - I'm even managing to get the house clean a little at a time! The next two months is filled with prenatal appointments, prenatal classes, and my baby shower (Aug 11)... the time will fly.
I can feel Baby Bee move more strongly now - feeling his hiccups is the funniest sensation! JB can definitely feel him moving (he puts his hand on my belly and can feel the kicks). Things are going well... I did wake up in the middle of the night not too long ago thinking I was going to "lose my lunch"... but I managed to contain it. Not pleasant! I still don't feel like I look as large as other women around the same due-date as myself (though heaven knows I've gained enough weight)... but who knows - perhaps I'll balloon in the next two months!
July 12, 2007
Sorry...
...but I'm annoyed at the whole world and over-heating (perhaps the two are linked). I'll post an update in a day or two. Perhaps tomorrow if I'm feeling better, seeing as how tomorrow is 30 weeks - seems like it should be a milestone somehow... it does signify the single digit weekly countdown. Anyways... chat you later.
July 03, 2007
New Template:
Well, I've found a new template and it is up and running (mostly). It will take a while to get links back, as this template is one of the "new blogger templates" and thus isn't edited the same as the old ones. The one thing I'm not sure about is whether I'll be able to put my ticker on the blog somewhere... although it would be a little more colorful than the template, I will try to get it attached.
Edit: Well, I got my ticker - and I customized it so that it matches this new template a little better. I'm one happy blogger right now! :)
Edit: Well, I got my ticker - and I customized it so that it matches this new template a little better. I'm one happy blogger right now! :)
Template
This template is temporary until I find a new baby-themed one I like. Stay tuned for futher developments...
July 02, 2007
June 30, 2007
28 wks, 1 day: Prego-Pics!
Okay, I managed to get a couple half-decent pics (though in two of them I don't look as pregnant as in other - never to be posted - pics):
June 27, 2007
Too funny!
I was having a bath tonight (trying to relax my back muscles - I went for a massage in hopes of it helping my sciatic nerve issues) and watching my belly. Well, at one point, Baby Bee kicked or rolled so hard that I could see the left side of my belly shift! It was pretty funny to watch...
What the hell?!
I was checking everyone's blogs this morning, including my own as I check for comments, and my post from last night isn't showing. What the fricking hell?!
I'm not sure if I've posted it here or not... but, I've been suffering from some back pain. Not my usual pregnancy-back pain, but rather it seems I did something to my tailbone early last week and I'm still suffering. I've been to my chiropractor twice. I don't want to go to my doctor becasue he's already given me the strongest drugs he's willing to give for pregnancy back pain (Tylenol 3) and thus would want to take me off work for a few days (I've already done that and as such can't afford any more missed days this pay period). So, I'm suffering. It was feeling better last night, but now it's hurting again - I get pain shooting from my tailbone down my left butt-cheek and leg... especially when walking (when the left leg moves) or if I have to lift my left leg (think... putting lotion on my sunburnt shin). *sigh* So, here I am... a prego-cripple. :'(
Edit: Oh sure... now it shows once I put a new post up, thus making me look like I'm imagining things again... bah!
I'm not sure if I've posted it here or not... but, I've been suffering from some back pain. Not my usual pregnancy-back pain, but rather it seems I did something to my tailbone early last week and I'm still suffering. I've been to my chiropractor twice. I don't want to go to my doctor becasue he's already given me the strongest drugs he's willing to give for pregnancy back pain (Tylenol 3) and thus would want to take me off work for a few days (I've already done that and as such can't afford any more missed days this pay period). So, I'm suffering. It was feeling better last night, but now it's hurting again - I get pain shooting from my tailbone down my left butt-cheek and leg... especially when walking (when the left leg moves) or if I have to lift my left leg (think... putting lotion on my sunburnt shin). *sigh* So, here I am... a prego-cripple. :'(
Edit: Oh sure... now it shows once I put a new post up, thus making me look like I'm imagining things again... bah!
June 26, 2007
You'd think I'd learn...
...not to watch shows like TLC's "A Baby Story" when I'm 38 weeks pregnant! *sigh* And yet, nearly every time I'm home during the day because I'm not feeling well, I watch it. As if the notion of labor doesn't scare me enough at this point... I watch a show that features screaming women in horrible pain during labor. I'm a nut.
I looked at the ticker at the top of this blog... less than 90 days/3 months... I'm not ready for this. Supplies wise (diapers, wipes, etc.), Baby Bee could arrive today if he wanted; birth wise, I'm just feeling a little apprehensive at this point in time. I've been feeling this way for a little while now... I really wish I could turn my brain off!
My first experiment with my sewing machine was a little aggravating. The curtains for Baby Bee's room are done, but the stitching leaves a bit to be desired - it's as if the lower tension was too loose, but there is nowhere on my machine to adjust lower tension. We're thinking that how thin the material I used is could also have played a part. So, I got frustrated and made JB finish the last little part of the project. But, I haven't give up completely... my next little project is going to be a little blanket - not a huge blanket, more of a receiving blanket (because you can never have too many of those).
If that goes well, I'm going to try something a little more complicated - a baby sleep sack. I wanted to buy a Halo Sleep Sack, but I'm not putting anything on my credit card right now and there is no where in Alberta to buy them in-store. So, I bought some really cute (Winnie the Pooh, of course) fleece today and will try my hand at making one. If it goes well, I'll make one for my friend's baby-to-be as part of her gift.
I really need the cleaning-fairy to show up at my house. The "nesting syndrome" you hear about with pregnant women definitely hasn't hit me yet... it had better hit soon... my house is in some serious need of cleaning! I want to clean it, but I'm lazy and there are more fun things to do...
Oh... here's an interesting pregnancy perk... I'm leaking. Yup, you read that right... on occasion (and sometimes at in-opportune times *blush*) I'm leaking. I honestly thought that this only occurred after birth when you're breastfeeding. But, I've learned that when you're pregnant you leak a fluid called colostrum - which is to lubricate things and generally get you ready for breastfeeding. Thus far, not a huge inconvenience... just something else for JB to laugh at me about! ;) I have removed one of my bras from my wardrobe, as it isn't thick enough to absorb anything if I do happen to leak at work... I'm really, really trying to avoid that!
I looked at the ticker at the top of this blog... less than 90 days/3 months... I'm not ready for this. Supplies wise (diapers, wipes, etc.), Baby Bee could arrive today if he wanted; birth wise, I'm just feeling a little apprehensive at this point in time. I've been feeling this way for a little while now... I really wish I could turn my brain off!
My first experiment with my sewing machine was a little aggravating. The curtains for Baby Bee's room are done, but the stitching leaves a bit to be desired - it's as if the lower tension was too loose, but there is nowhere on my machine to adjust lower tension. We're thinking that how thin the material I used is could also have played a part. So, I got frustrated and made JB finish the last little part of the project. But, I haven't give up completely... my next little project is going to be a little blanket - not a huge blanket, more of a receiving blanket (because you can never have too many of those).
If that goes well, I'm going to try something a little more complicated - a baby sleep sack. I wanted to buy a Halo Sleep Sack, but I'm not putting anything on my credit card right now and there is no where in Alberta to buy them in-store. So, I bought some really cute (Winnie the Pooh, of course) fleece today and will try my hand at making one. If it goes well, I'll make one for my friend's baby-to-be as part of her gift.
I really need the cleaning-fairy to show up at my house. The "nesting syndrome" you hear about with pregnant women definitely hasn't hit me yet... it had better hit soon... my house is in some serious need of cleaning! I want to clean it, but I'm lazy and there are more fun things to do...
Oh... here's an interesting pregnancy perk... I'm leaking. Yup, you read that right... on occasion (and sometimes at in-opportune times *blush*) I'm leaking. I honestly thought that this only occurred after birth when you're breastfeeding. But, I've learned that when you're pregnant you leak a fluid called colostrum - which is to lubricate things and generally get you ready for breastfeeding. Thus far, not a huge inconvenience... just something else for JB to laugh at me about! ;) I have removed one of my bras from my wardrobe, as it isn't thick enough to absorb anything if I do happen to leak at work... I'm really, really trying to avoid that!
June 19, 2007
It's a boy...
... Tee hee... most likely anyways! The technician at the 3D ultrasound is very sure Baby Bee is a boy (and it looked pretty obvious on the pic she showed us), which agrees with the technician at ultrasound #2 (see the July 5 post). We will still have two sets of names picked out... but now I can buy cute little boy clothes! And, if they are wrong, we will have some gender-neutral clothes that I have already purchased.
I'll be honest... I was hoping for a girl a little bit. JB was wanting a little daughter, and I think that's largely because he sees how his best friend is with his daughter and JB really envies that. So, after ultrasound #2 I was feeling a little disappointed for a few days (which, as I've read, is normal for most people to have a preference one way or the other). But, now I'm very excited! I'm glad we found out what we're having so that both of us have/had time to deal with any feelings of disappointment and can now focus on our little Baby Bee and how much fun it will be to have a little boy... and how much fun JB will have teaching that little boy to pick on his Mommy! :p Although I was hoping for a little girl, I got thinking... my original "plans" for a family was to have two children - one boy, one girl - with the boy older (in my mind, the big brother will protect the little sister... I know that doesn't always happen, but that's my little fantasy)... so, my "family plan" is one step closer to coming true! :D
The 3D ultrasound was really neat - I liked it a lot. We didn't get the clearest images because Baby Bee was snuggled right up into my placenta... must have been comfy! Apparently you get better images if there is a gap between the placenta and the baby. But, we couldn't get him to move. Part way through the tech gave me a lolly pop (mmm... sugar) and got me to move around in hopes that Baby Bee would move. Nope... no luck. All that resulted in was being assaulted from the inside out! I'm not sure if he did or didn't like that lemon lolly pop, but man were there some violent kicks after that! One even knocked the tech's device off my belly and then I had a fit of giggles!
I think the web-hosting is just for a couple of our still pics, and not the video. I'll post a link when I have it (I still haven't emailed them what pics to post). Although it was expensive, I'm glad we went... especially since we got to find out, with a fair degree of certainty, that Baby Bee is a boy!
On another note, JB and I spent a couple hours at the bank yesterday morning. It seemed to go pretty well, seeing as how we both have pretty good salaries and we (well, JB anyways) have some investments. Now we are waiting to find out the market-value of our house... if it's high enough we will be able to do the re-financing that we want to do and get everything in on payment with one low interest rate. If we can get a little extra, we are going to build the fence (yes, our fence is falling apart... who doesn't use treated lumber these days!) and the gravel parking pad where, eventually, the garage will go. Although the meeting seemed to go well... I still hate dealing with finances!
My bladder woke me up this morning at 4:15am and I couldn't get back to sleep... hence the early morning post. On the up side... I now have no excuse not to go swimming this morning. I've been wanting to go swimming at least twice a week for quite a while now, but the only time I can fit it in is in the morning before work. So, getting into that routine has been difficult (this will be swim #1 this am)! Hopefully I'll be able to get into a routine... I need to get some exercise and swimming is really good when pregnant (I've been gaining a lot of weight and I'm worried I could exceed what my doctor hopes I'll gain).
Well... I should go get everything together and head off to the pool. Chat you all later...
June 15, 2007
My how time flies...
26 weeks... wow! I can't believe how time flies!
For C-Dub... I believe today is the last day of my second-trimester. As of tomorrow, I'm officially in the home-stretch (aka: third-trimester)! Tomorrow is the 3D ultrasound - I really hope Baby Bee cooperates and we get some good images; I also hope s/he lets us know if it's a boy or girl.
I've been a little (okay, not so little) ball of stress lately... I'll post on my other blog as to the reason. Because of the stress, my heartburn/acid reflux has been really nasty recently. Gross! I am feeling better today though. I want to go swimming 2 to 3 times per week, but the only times I can go would be before work... and I can't drag my butt out of bed in the mornings... bah humbug! I'm going to make another attempt at getting to the pool next week - I think if I were to get into some sort of routine, I wouldn't have as much trouble getting up to go swimming in the morning. But, getting into that routine is the problem.
Pregnancy-related events coming up for me include:
- 3D Ultrasound - June 16
- Prenatal Appointment #6 - July 10
- "Late" Prenatal Class (1 of 2) - July 28
- "Late" Prenatal Class (2 of 2) - August 11 (daytime)
- Friends & Family Baby Shower - August 11 (evening)
- "Better Beginnings" Class at the Hospital - August 16
Lots of stuff is coming up. I need to get on top of my baby registry before August or I'll hear about it from my cousins! I'm registering at Babies R Us, as I despise Wal-Mart registries. I'm not a big fan of registries, but I guess they are helpful to those who want to get you something (whether it be for a wedding, baby shower, etc.) and don't want to get a gift card but want you to like what you're getting... hmmm... I think I'm babbling!
JB and I are heading to the bank on Monday to look into a home-equity type loan to consolidate some bills at a lower interest. We need to get our finances organized before I stop working... but I really do not enjoy dealing with money, especially when I'm stressed, and especially because I feel so bad that I have my student line-of-credit that JB will basically be paying for as I don't plan on working full-time after Baby Bee is born. *sigh* Money makes the world go round, right?
For C-Dub... I believe today is the last day of my second-trimester. As of tomorrow, I'm officially in the home-stretch (aka: third-trimester)! Tomorrow is the 3D ultrasound - I really hope Baby Bee cooperates and we get some good images; I also hope s/he lets us know if it's a boy or girl.
I've been a little (okay, not so little) ball of stress lately... I'll post on my other blog as to the reason. Because of the stress, my heartburn/acid reflux has been really nasty recently. Gross! I am feeling better today though. I want to go swimming 2 to 3 times per week, but the only times I can go would be before work... and I can't drag my butt out of bed in the mornings... bah humbug! I'm going to make another attempt at getting to the pool next week - I think if I were to get into some sort of routine, I wouldn't have as much trouble getting up to go swimming in the morning. But, getting into that routine is the problem.
Pregnancy-related events coming up for me include:
- 3D Ultrasound - June 16
- Prenatal Appointment #6 - July 10
- "Late" Prenatal Class (1 of 2) - July 28
- "Late" Prenatal Class (2 of 2) - August 11 (daytime)
- Friends & Family Baby Shower - August 11 (evening)
- "Better Beginnings" Class at the Hospital - August 16
Lots of stuff is coming up. I need to get on top of my baby registry before August or I'll hear about it from my cousins! I'm registering at Babies R Us, as I despise Wal-Mart registries. I'm not a big fan of registries, but I guess they are helpful to those who want to get you something (whether it be for a wedding, baby shower, etc.) and don't want to get a gift card but want you to like what you're getting... hmmm... I think I'm babbling!
JB and I are heading to the bank on Monday to look into a home-equity type loan to consolidate some bills at a lower interest. We need to get our finances organized before I stop working... but I really do not enjoy dealing with money, especially when I'm stressed, and especially because I feel so bad that I have my student line-of-credit that JB will basically be paying for as I don't plan on working full-time after Baby Bee is born. *sigh* Money makes the world go round, right?
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