Good afternoon Humble Readers...
Sooo it turns out that my blood pressure is still higher than it should be. My systolic is ok-ish, but my diastolic is the frightening one. He took my blood pressure 5 times (I have bruises on my arm now from the cuff), just to make sure that it wasn't white coat syndrome.
Dr B prescribed 50mg of Trandate (also known as labetalol), three times a day. I asked him specifically if it was ok for me to take being pregnant and he said yes. Now that I'm home, and doing my usual online research, I have found out that it is a category C drug. For those who don't know, this means that it's not been tested enough on pregnant humans to be certain of side effects, but in pregnant animal test subjects there has been documented side effects (slowed fetal heartrate, potential birth defects).
I am going to be seeking Dr U's opinion for clarification, but I'm wondering if there is anyone out there who has been on this med during pregnancy.
I'm cutting as much salt out of my diet as I can, and caffiene has already taken a hike (as soon as I got pregnant). Any other suggestions of what I can do to lower my blood pressure?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
18 Weeks: Oh My Aching Back
Greetings Humble Readers!
I hope that you all had a great weekend! Mine was pretty dull... just worked. I'm seriously looking forward to my next week off. Just over two weeks away now.
How far along? 18w0d
Maternity clothes? Yup. Can't live without them!
Body Oddities? Constipation and back pain are the name of the game right now. Yesterday was particularly challenging on both fronts. Even my chiropractor asked me today what the hell I had done to myself. Oh, and that weight I lost? Looks like it found me again. On an unrelated-to-pregnancy note, I thought when I stopped taking my b-vitamins my skin issues would ease up. Specifically, the reaction I get to being in the sun (small, mildly itchy, red spots). They're baaack. Odd...
Sleep? Still easily fatigued, but overall things are better. I'm sleeping at night (altho finding a comfortable positition is getting to be challenging), and needing fewer naps during the day.
Best moment this week? No really outstanding things this week. Just being able to find the Halfling's heartbeat easily has been a real blessing.
Worst moment? That dream I had the other night. I haven't been that freaked out since just before my viability scan. Thank heaven for my doppler.
Movement? Not yet. Soon I hope.
Food cravings? chocolate milk, red meat, and buttered popcorn
Rings? Still on, but I won't count on that lasting. I'm actually kind of surprised that I've lasted this long.
Gender? Not going to find out, but I think it's a boy
Intense Dreams? Mostly nightmares, some about losing the baby. Other scary images too.
Medical Concerns? Blood pressure is a bit high (hopefully it will be down a bit when I see Dr B on Wednesday... if white coat syndrome doesn't kick in), and I will be going for multiple (3+) GD tests... yuck!
What I miss? Sushi, sushi, sushi!
What I look forward to: Feeling movement, my longer ultrasound on July 5th, reaching viability
Emotional State? Up and down. Primarily connected to my physical state... when my back is really sore I'm a lot more moody and sensitive.
I hope that you all had a great weekend! Mine was pretty dull... just worked. I'm seriously looking forward to my next week off. Just over two weeks away now.
How far along? 18w0d
Maternity clothes? Yup. Can't live without them!
Body Oddities? Constipation and back pain are the name of the game right now. Yesterday was particularly challenging on both fronts. Even my chiropractor asked me today what the hell I had done to myself. Oh, and that weight I lost? Looks like it found me again. On an unrelated-to-pregnancy note, I thought when I stopped taking my b-vitamins my skin issues would ease up. Specifically, the reaction I get to being in the sun (small, mildly itchy, red spots). They're baaack. Odd...
Sleep? Still easily fatigued, but overall things are better. I'm sleeping at night (altho finding a comfortable positition is getting to be challenging), and needing fewer naps during the day.
Best moment this week? No really outstanding things this week. Just being able to find the Halfling's heartbeat easily has been a real blessing.
Worst moment? That dream I had the other night. I haven't been that freaked out since just before my viability scan. Thank heaven for my doppler.
Movement? Not yet. Soon I hope.
Food cravings? chocolate milk, red meat, and buttered popcorn
Rings? Still on, but I won't count on that lasting. I'm actually kind of surprised that I've lasted this long.
Gender? Not going to find out, but I think it's a boy
Intense Dreams? Mostly nightmares, some about losing the baby. Other scary images too.
Medical Concerns? Blood pressure is a bit high (hopefully it will be down a bit when I see Dr B on Wednesday... if white coat syndrome doesn't kick in), and I will be going for multiple (3+) GD tests... yuck!
What I miss? Sushi, sushi, sushi!
What I look forward to: Feeling movement, my longer ultrasound on July 5th, reaching viability
Emotional State? Up and down. Primarily connected to my physical state... when my back is really sore I'm a lot more moody and sensitive.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Have I Mentioned...
... how thankful I am for my doppler?
Humble Readers, last night I had the most horrible dream. I dreamt that I had misscarried again and it was awful. I woke up in tears and was feeling really panicky.
Once I was really awake, I needed some reassurance. I know it was just a dream, but I needed to know everything was okay. Using the doppler immediately brought me peace. That beautiful thumpity-thumpity-thumpity was perfect.
A couple of friends irl have laughed at my 'paranoia', but no one can tell me that we wasted the money renting one.
Humble Readers, last night I had the most horrible dream. I dreamt that I had misscarried again and it was awful. I woke up in tears and was feeling really panicky.
Once I was really awake, I needed some reassurance. I know it was just a dream, but I needed to know everything was okay. Using the doppler immediately brought me peace. That beautiful thumpity-thumpity-thumpity was perfect.
A couple of friends irl have laughed at my 'paranoia', but no one can tell me that we wasted the money renting one.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: 300th Post & Randomness
Good Morning Humble Readers...
It's still pretty early here, but it is a beautiful day. We had a kick ass thunderstorm last night just after I got home from work, with lots of thunder and lightning. While I enjoyed it, I know it wasn't a good thing for those living a few hours south of us. The south eastern corner of our province is under a state of emergency because of severe flooding. Praying that they get some relief soon.
*****
I can't believe that I have babbled on and on here enough to have 300 posts. It's been an interesting journey to get here. I started this blog long before I knew about the ALI community, when I innocently wanted to keep a journal of my first pregnancy. Through two losses, and the long road to get where we are now, this has been my safe place, and I appreciate all your support so much.
*****
I have a love hate relationship with televised sports. My Beloved is a true Canadian, being a hockey and Canadian football freak. I enjoy hockey (I prefer to watch live rather than on tv)... I really do, but does the season have to last all year? Really, the only month that doesn't have any hockey in it is August. I know that the Stanley Cup playoffs are over, but with the awards ceremonies and the draft... it just needs to end.
*****
Serious moment: While I'm getting more and more used to the idea that this pregnancy is the real deal and that in just a few months we could be bringing home a little one of our own, I still have lots of those moments where it just seems like it could all go to hell at any second. Specifically, every time I get to/have to share our news with someone, I wonder if they are going to be the last person I get to tell before it all goes wrong. With people who have known from the beginning, I can talk about the baby all I want and I can be happy and even a little giddy. But when I run into someone who hasn't heard, I get nervous. I never claimed to be rational.
*****
My Beloved got to pick up our new car yesterday. When he picked me up from work last night it was so odd. It's far too nice a car to be ours. The dealership had it detailed and it looks amazing. I almost felt bad when we had to park it in our dusty little gravel parking lot behind our building. I can almost imagine bringing our baby home in it. Almost.
It's still pretty early here, but it is a beautiful day. We had a kick ass thunderstorm last night just after I got home from work, with lots of thunder and lightning. While I enjoyed it, I know it wasn't a good thing for those living a few hours south of us. The south eastern corner of our province is under a state of emergency because of severe flooding. Praying that they get some relief soon.
*****
I can't believe that I have babbled on and on here enough to have 300 posts. It's been an interesting journey to get here. I started this blog long before I knew about the ALI community, when I innocently wanted to keep a journal of my first pregnancy. Through two losses, and the long road to get where we are now, this has been my safe place, and I appreciate all your support so much.
*****
I have a love hate relationship with televised sports. My Beloved is a true Canadian, being a hockey and Canadian football freak. I enjoy hockey (I prefer to watch live rather than on tv)... I really do, but does the season have to last all year? Really, the only month that doesn't have any hockey in it is August. I know that the Stanley Cup playoffs are over, but with the awards ceremonies and the draft... it just needs to end.
*****
Serious moment: While I'm getting more and more used to the idea that this pregnancy is the real deal and that in just a few months we could be bringing home a little one of our own, I still have lots of those moments where it just seems like it could all go to hell at any second. Specifically, every time I get to/have to share our news with someone, I wonder if they are going to be the last person I get to tell before it all goes wrong. With people who have known from the beginning, I can talk about the baby all I want and I can be happy and even a little giddy. But when I run into someone who hasn't heard, I get nervous. I never claimed to be rational.
*****
My Beloved got to pick up our new car yesterday. When he picked me up from work last night it was so odd. It's far too nice a car to be ours. The dealership had it detailed and it looks amazing. I almost felt bad when we had to park it in our dusty little gravel parking lot behind our building. I can almost imagine bringing our baby home in it. Almost.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Kitchen Adventures: Chicken or Fish?
Good Morning Humble Readers...
More than a week ago I promised you all a recipe... and I am just now getting around to it. Soooo, because I made you wait so long, I'm throwing in a second one for kicks. Both are super easy.
Goat Cheese & Herb Stuffed Chicken
One boneless skinless chicken breast per person
Sun-dried tomato & Oregano Salad Dressing
Goat Cheese
Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley (whatever herbs you like)
One Salmon filet per person
Two tomatoes, diced
Two-Three green onions, chopped fine
Minced Garlic
Lemon pepper
Lemon juice
Basil
Combine tomatoes, green onions, and basil. Place salmon filets in a lightly oiled baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice and lemon pepper. Carefully spread minced garlic on filets. Top with tomatoe mixture. Bake in a 350 oven for 20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily. I served this one with lemony greek potatoes and a cabbage salad.
Both were super easy and super yummy! They also are easily adapted for different numbers of people. I'm sorry I don't have a picture of the second one.
More than a week ago I promised you all a recipe... and I am just now getting around to it. Soooo, because I made you wait so long, I'm throwing in a second one for kicks. Both are super easy.
Goat Cheese & Herb Stuffed Chicken
One boneless skinless chicken breast per person
Sun-dried tomato & Oregano Salad Dressing
Goat Cheese
Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley (whatever herbs you like)
Carefully cut a deep pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Place chicken breasts in a zipper bag and cover with the salad dressing. Allow to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour (longer is better). When the breasts have marinated long enough, take them out of the bag and discard remaining marinade. Carefully sprinkle inside the pocket liberally with your herbs of choice. Then stuff with goat cheese. I baked this at 350 for about twenty mintues, but you could also grill it just as easily. I served it with bbq-style potatoes and onions, and a creamy cucumber salad.
Tomatoey Baked Salmon
One Salmon filet per person
Two tomatoes, diced
Two-Three green onions, chopped fine
Minced Garlic
Lemon pepper
Lemon juice
Basil
Combine tomatoes, green onions, and basil. Place salmon filets in a lightly oiled baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice and lemon pepper. Carefully spread minced garlic on filets. Top with tomatoe mixture. Bake in a 350 oven for 20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily. I served this one with lemony greek potatoes and a cabbage salad.
Both were super easy and super yummy! They also are easily adapted for different numbers of people. I'm sorry I don't have a picture of the second one.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Petey's Prognosis
Good evening Humble Readers...
I know what you must be thinking... two posts in one day?!?! What's going on here?
Well, Petey the PT Cruiser may not be a part of our family for much longer. My Beloved and I went out tonight and test drove a 2007 Toyota Prius. My family has a great history with Priuses and I felt comfortable in it right away. It's got 76000km on the odometer, and the hybrid components have another 5 years on the factory warranty. They aren't going to give us much for a trade in value, but really, Petey is pretty much a disaster on wheels. The payments are a little higher than we would have liked, too, but it includes a three year/60000 km extended warranty. And we are getting a great deal on the price. Apparently, the hybrids aren't all that popular here (go figure... in the middle of ranch/oil country) so they are just trying to get it off the lot. It's been fully inspected and 100% okay (in terms of the recent Toyota issues).
We were preapproved for the financing, so hopefully it's just a matter of getting the paperwork done tomorrow. When my Beloved picks me up from work tomorrow, it could be in a beautiful new (to us) car.
We'll have to come up with a name for her.
I know what you must be thinking... two posts in one day?!?! What's going on here?
Well, Petey the PT Cruiser may not be a part of our family for much longer. My Beloved and I went out tonight and test drove a 2007 Toyota Prius. My family has a great history with Priuses and I felt comfortable in it right away. It's got 76000km on the odometer, and the hybrid components have another 5 years on the factory warranty. They aren't going to give us much for a trade in value, but really, Petey is pretty much a disaster on wheels. The payments are a little higher than we would have liked, too, but it includes a three year/60000 km extended warranty. And we are getting a great deal on the price. Apparently, the hybrids aren't all that popular here (go figure... in the middle of ranch/oil country) so they are just trying to get it off the lot. It's been fully inspected and 100% okay (in terms of the recent Toyota issues).
We were preapproved for the financing, so hopefully it's just a matter of getting the paperwork done tomorrow. When my Beloved picks me up from work tomorrow, it could be in a beautiful new (to us) car.
We'll have to come up with a name for her.
The 'Oh My' Meme
Greetings Humble Readers... I hope the second day of summer is treating you well!
The wonderful Kristin over at Dragondreamer's Lair posted this, and I couldn't resist. I'm a sucker for the random trivia stuff...
1. The phone rings; who don't you want it to be? Work... I hate getting calls from work on my day off, because I know it's not going to end up being a day off.
2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? At the grocery store, absolutely. At Costco, I admit I don't always.
3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Like my short-statured, hairy toed, hobbit cousins, I tend to be on the shy side, so listening is more my style.
4. What was the last compliment that someone gave you? My Beloved tells me I'm beautiful every day... but he's just after me for my cooking.
5. Do you play the lottery? Every once in a while, but pretty rarely.
6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, who would you want with you? Dumbledore! Then he could apparate us back to civilization.
7. Do you like to ride horses? Nope. I was kicked when I was 13 or so, and since then I have been particularly nervous around them.
8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Once, I went to Circle Square Ranch. Which is particularly ironic considering number 7.
9. What is your favorite party game? Things In A Box... the funniest game I have ever played. Dutch Blitz is a close second.
10. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married, would you go for it? Not a chance!
11. When was the last time that you lied? There is a white lie I tell fairly regularly when I open the store. We 'have to' answer the phone before we open just in case it's a staff member calling in sick or someone from head office. But if it's a customer I tell them that we don't open until 10 and our computers aren't up and running until then.
12. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? I don't think so. It's important to me to be able to worship with my husband.
13. If you have a S/O, who pursued who? If not, do you like to pursue or be pursued? A little of both. He contacted me first (on eHar.mony) but shortly after he closed the match, and I went after him. :)
14. Use six words to describe yourself. Creative, faithful, loyal, shy, quiet, helpful
15. Name a song that could make you cry? It's an old one, but it gets me every time... "Dance Little Jean" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I bawl every time I hear it.
16. Are you pleased with your education? Yes, certainly, even though I don't use it in my professional life any more.
17. How do you feel about gun control? I could get some flack for saying so, I don't see the need to own a gun.
18. If your house was on fire, what thing would be the first thing you grabbed? Provided that my family is out and safe, then I would probably go for the pictures and my heirloom violin.
19. How often do you have a romantic weekend? ummmm... married people do that?
20. Do you think more about the past, present or future? it varies day to day, but I wish I could live more in the moment.
21. What was the last adult magazine that you have read? People actually 'read' those magazines? I know I peaked through one when I was in highschool
22. What are you told about your eyes? that they would look so much prettier if I wore contacts
23. How tall is just right? I always wanted to be 5'5'' but I never got there. But I think my Beloved is perfect at 6'3''
24. Where is your dream house located? I don't know for sure. Somewhere with lots of trees, hills, and water somewhere near by, but still within easy reach of a metropolitan area.
25. Do you have a secret fetish? If I did, I don't think I would admit it here... lol
26. Have you tried bourbon? If yes, what type? not that I know of
27. Have you ever seen a male or female stripper? Yes, a very long time ago
28. When was the last time you were at TGI Fridays? Last fall, in the Newark airport when we were on our way home from NYC.
29. When was the last time you were at Church? Sunday morning
30. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? My chiropractor's office downtown.
31. What was your favorite job? I love my current job, but I really enjoyed working for my college way back when. I worked the front desk, and during the summer it really was a lot of fun.
32. What condiments do you like at your BBQ? Grainy mustard, steak sauce, pickles, onions
33. Do you look like your mom or dad? both! From the nose down, I'm my mom (or her side of the family), and eyes up I look like my dad.
34. Who was the last person that you showered with (it's okay to leave out the name)? My Beloved
The wonderful Kristin over at Dragondreamer's Lair posted this, and I couldn't resist. I'm a sucker for the random trivia stuff...
1. The phone rings; who don't you want it to be? Work... I hate getting calls from work on my day off, because I know it's not going to end up being a day off.
2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? At the grocery store, absolutely. At Costco, I admit I don't always.
3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Like my short-statured, hairy toed, hobbit cousins, I tend to be on the shy side, so listening is more my style.
4. What was the last compliment that someone gave you? My Beloved tells me I'm beautiful every day... but he's just after me for my cooking.
5. Do you play the lottery? Every once in a while, but pretty rarely.
6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, who would you want with you? Dumbledore! Then he could apparate us back to civilization.
7. Do you like to ride horses? Nope. I was kicked when I was 13 or so, and since then I have been particularly nervous around them.
8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Once, I went to Circle Square Ranch. Which is particularly ironic considering number 7.
9. What is your favorite party game? Things In A Box... the funniest game I have ever played. Dutch Blitz is a close second.
10. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married, would you go for it? Not a chance!
11. When was the last time that you lied? There is a white lie I tell fairly regularly when I open the store. We 'have to' answer the phone before we open just in case it's a staff member calling in sick or someone from head office. But if it's a customer I tell them that we don't open until 10 and our computers aren't up and running until then.
12. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? I don't think so. It's important to me to be able to worship with my husband.
13. If you have a S/O, who pursued who? If not, do you like to pursue or be pursued? A little of both. He contacted me first (on eHar.mony) but shortly after he closed the match, and I went after him. :)
14. Use six words to describe yourself. Creative, faithful, loyal, shy, quiet, helpful
15. Name a song that could make you cry? It's an old one, but it gets me every time... "Dance Little Jean" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I bawl every time I hear it.
16. Are you pleased with your education? Yes, certainly, even though I don't use it in my professional life any more.
17. How do you feel about gun control? I could get some flack for saying so, I don't see the need to own a gun.
18. If your house was on fire, what thing would be the first thing you grabbed? Provided that my family is out and safe, then I would probably go for the pictures and my heirloom violin.
19. How often do you have a romantic weekend? ummmm... married people do that?
20. Do you think more about the past, present or future? it varies day to day, but I wish I could live more in the moment.
21. What was the last adult magazine that you have read? People actually 'read' those magazines? I know I peaked through one when I was in highschool
22. What are you told about your eyes? that they would look so much prettier if I wore contacts
23. How tall is just right? I always wanted to be 5'5'' but I never got there. But I think my Beloved is perfect at 6'3''
24. Where is your dream house located? I don't know for sure. Somewhere with lots of trees, hills, and water somewhere near by, but still within easy reach of a metropolitan area.
25. Do you have a secret fetish? If I did, I don't think I would admit it here... lol
26. Have you tried bourbon? If yes, what type? not that I know of
27. Have you ever seen a male or female stripper? Yes, a very long time ago
28. When was the last time you were at TGI Fridays? Last fall, in the Newark airport when we were on our way home from NYC.
29. When was the last time you were at Church? Sunday morning
30. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? My chiropractor's office downtown.
31. What was your favorite job? I love my current job, but I really enjoyed working for my college way back when. I worked the front desk, and during the summer it really was a lot of fun.
32. What condiments do you like at your BBQ? Grainy mustard, steak sauce, pickles, onions
33. Do you look like your mom or dad? both! From the nose down, I'm my mom (or her side of the family), and eyes up I look like my dad.
34. Who was the last person that you showered with (it's okay to leave out the name)? My Beloved
Monday, June 21, 2010
Week 17 - Waking Up
Good Morning Humble Readers! I have missed you! I'm finally starting to feel like some of my energy might be returning, and I am hoping to capitalize on that.
How far along? 17w0d
Maternity clothes? Yup. I think we're going to have to make another trip to Edmonton so that I can get a few more things. I need a couple more shirts for work, and I'm going to need a pair of jeans eventually.
Body Oddities? It's been a quiet week. My lower back is pretty sore most days after work, but I'm not getting the shooting pain down my leg anymore (thank you wonderful chiropractor!). Weight gain, or should I say loss, has been a little strange. Up to 16wks I had gained about 3.5 pounds. This week I lost almost all of that. If I weren't pregnant I wouldn't think anything of it, I can fluctuate that much in a day with water retention. Just odd. Oh, and the sex drive that's been MIA for the last three months... yeah, let's say my Beloved is really happy these days.
Sleep? I feel like I'm finally starting to wake up. I could still sleep for 10 hours at a stretch, but at least when I wake up in the morning I'm not feeling like I'm swimming through molasses just to get out of bed.
Best moment this week? Hearing the Halfling's heartbeat! Finally! Yeah, we had seen it several times on the u/s screen, but I found it last week Tuesday with my doppler. It was perfect! About 150bpm.
Worst moment? Nothing major, just some back pain and some appalling round ligament pain (particularly when I sneeze).
Movement? Not yet. I don't really expect any for another few weeks.
Food cravings? chocolate milk, red meat, and today I'm really wanting fish
Rings? Still on, but I won't count on that lasting.
Gender? Not going to find out, but I think it's a boy
Intense Dreams? Lately they have featured just about anything I'm reading, so I'm getting a bizarre mix of prehistoric creatures, butcher shops, and birth plans.
Medical Concerns? Blood pressure is a bit high, and I will be going for multiple (3+) GD tests... yuck!
What I miss? Sushi (I am a hobbit obsessed), and my allergy meds
What I look forward to: Feeling movement, my longer ultrasound on July 5th, reaching viability
Emotional State? The mood swings are pretty irritating. I get crabby really easily (my poor long suffering Beloved). I've had a few moments where it hits me that this is really real and I get pretty emotional and freaked out.
How far along? 17w0d
Maternity clothes? Yup. I think we're going to have to make another trip to Edmonton so that I can get a few more things. I need a couple more shirts for work, and I'm going to need a pair of jeans eventually.
Body Oddities? It's been a quiet week. My lower back is pretty sore most days after work, but I'm not getting the shooting pain down my leg anymore (thank you wonderful chiropractor!). Weight gain, or should I say loss, has been a little strange. Up to 16wks I had gained about 3.5 pounds. This week I lost almost all of that. If I weren't pregnant I wouldn't think anything of it, I can fluctuate that much in a day with water retention. Just odd. Oh, and the sex drive that's been MIA for the last three months... yeah, let's say my Beloved is really happy these days.
Sleep? I feel like I'm finally starting to wake up. I could still sleep for 10 hours at a stretch, but at least when I wake up in the morning I'm not feeling like I'm swimming through molasses just to get out of bed.
Best moment this week? Hearing the Halfling's heartbeat! Finally! Yeah, we had seen it several times on the u/s screen, but I found it last week Tuesday with my doppler. It was perfect! About 150bpm.
Worst moment? Nothing major, just some back pain and some appalling round ligament pain (particularly when I sneeze).
Movement? Not yet. I don't really expect any for another few weeks.
Food cravings? chocolate milk, red meat, and today I'm really wanting fish
Rings? Still on, but I won't count on that lasting.
Gender? Not going to find out, but I think it's a boy
Intense Dreams? Lately they have featured just about anything I'm reading, so I'm getting a bizarre mix of prehistoric creatures, butcher shops, and birth plans.
Medical Concerns? Blood pressure is a bit high, and I will be going for multiple (3+) GD tests... yuck!
What I miss? Sushi (I am a hobbit obsessed), and my allergy meds
What I look forward to: Feeling movement, my longer ultrasound on July 5th, reaching viability
Emotional State? The mood swings are pretty irritating. I get crabby really easily (my poor long suffering Beloved). I've had a few moments where it hits me that this is really real and I get pretty emotional and freaked out.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Week 16 Update & Financial Matters
Happy Monday, Humble Readers!
How far along? 16w0d
Maternity clothes? Yup. I alternate between mat clothes and regular pants with a bella band. Oddly enough, I can't wear my work/dressier clothes without a bella band, but I can still wear my jeans just fine. Hmmmm...
Body Oddities? Nothing too crazy, just some nasal congestion and excessive dry mouth. I've been really thirsty too. My eyes have also been dry and sore, but that's probably just allergies.
Sleep? I can't seem to get enough sleep. The insomnia has eased off a bit (I'm not waking up a whole lot in the night any more) but I could sleep 12 hours a day and still feel exhausted.
Best moment this week? Getting to see the halfling again when I was at my OB's office. It was just a quick peak, but it was great to know that all was well. He/she was moving around a lot and it was fun to watch the little arms and legs waving around.
Worst moment? a pretty bad IBS flare that kind of came out of no where (I haven't had a flare in over a month). The cramps were so bad that I was getting a bit worried.
Movement? Not yet. I don't really expect any for another few weeks.
Food cravings? still chocolate milk, strawberries, red meat
Rings? Still on, but I won't count on that lasting.
Gender? Not going to find out, but I think it's a boy
Intense Dreams? They've started again, and have featured a very ugly baby, Frank Burns (from MASH), and the Mythbusters
Medical Concerns? Blood pressure is a bit high, and I will be going for multiple (3+) GD tests... yuck!
What I miss? I want sushi something awful!
What I look forward to: Feeling movement, my longer ultrasound on July 5th
******
It's been a bit of a rough week financially for the Hobbit and the Ent. I found out on Friday that I wasn't going to be getting my annual bonus. I knew it was possible that we wouldn't get it because it was a tough year for our store with the recession finally hitting the oil patch here on the flatland, but I was still hoping. I had earmarked that money to pay for our new furnace that we have to pay for this summer.
Then we got our property tax bill... ugh!
And we have (FINALLY!) come to the agreement that it's time to get rid of Petey the PT Cruiser. He's sucking us dry. It seems that every six months we are dumping between $500 and $900 in to him. The the a/c has gone now and the temp light comes on if we get stuck at a red light (something we supposedly had fixed last year). Which leads me to a question for all my Humble Readers...
Have any of you leased a vehicle? We are leaning toward leasing, but I want some imput.
How far along? 16w0d
Maternity clothes? Yup. I alternate between mat clothes and regular pants with a bella band. Oddly enough, I can't wear my work/dressier clothes without a bella band, but I can still wear my jeans just fine. Hmmmm...
Body Oddities? Nothing too crazy, just some nasal congestion and excessive dry mouth. I've been really thirsty too. My eyes have also been dry and sore, but that's probably just allergies.
Sleep? I can't seem to get enough sleep. The insomnia has eased off a bit (I'm not waking up a whole lot in the night any more) but I could sleep 12 hours a day and still feel exhausted.
Best moment this week? Getting to see the halfling again when I was at my OB's office. It was just a quick peak, but it was great to know that all was well. He/she was moving around a lot and it was fun to watch the little arms and legs waving around.
Worst moment? a pretty bad IBS flare that kind of came out of no where (I haven't had a flare in over a month). The cramps were so bad that I was getting a bit worried.
Movement? Not yet. I don't really expect any for another few weeks.
Food cravings? still chocolate milk, strawberries, red meat
Rings? Still on, but I won't count on that lasting.
Gender? Not going to find out, but I think it's a boy
Intense Dreams? They've started again, and have featured a very ugly baby, Frank Burns (from MASH), and the Mythbusters
Medical Concerns? Blood pressure is a bit high, and I will be going for multiple (3+) GD tests... yuck!
What I miss? I want sushi something awful!
What I look forward to: Feeling movement, my longer ultrasound on July 5th
******
It's been a bit of a rough week financially for the Hobbit and the Ent. I found out on Friday that I wasn't going to be getting my annual bonus. I knew it was possible that we wouldn't get it because it was a tough year for our store with the recession finally hitting the oil patch here on the flatland, but I was still hoping. I had earmarked that money to pay for our new furnace that we have to pay for this summer.
Then we got our property tax bill... ugh!
And we have (FINALLY!) come to the agreement that it's time to get rid of Petey the PT Cruiser. He's sucking us dry. It seems that every six months we are dumping between $500 and $900 in to him. The the a/c has gone now and the temp light comes on if we get stuck at a red light (something we supposedly had fixed last year). Which leads me to a question for all my Humble Readers...
Have any of you leased a vehicle? We are leaning toward leasing, but I want some imput.
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Hobbit Vs The World: Where Have All The "Excuse Me's" Gone?
Good Evening Humble Readers...
This post has been percolating for a while, and I hope you will bear with me. I have ranted about some of these things before, but I need to revisit for the sake of my sanity.
You are probably aware that I work in retail. In general I love my job. I enjoy interacting with our customers, and I enjoy our staff. I know I gripe a fair bit about work, but really, there aren't many other jobs that I think I would enjoy as much.
But one of the things that I love about the job also makes me want to tear my hair out... the customers. I could go on and on about how the customer is NOT always right, and some of the loony things that I have experienced over the years, but that's not the point today.
Today I'm talking about manners...
Now, it may be because I am a large hobbit and I take up a fair bit of space, but I think everyone appreciates their personal space. So when meandering the aisles of my store, why do customers find it acceptable to push past me without saying 'excuse me'? Why do they think it's okay to practically knock me over (as happened two days ago, without so much as an apology) to get by? If they were to simply do the polite thing and let me know they are there, I would gladly get out of their way!
And when someone needs assistance and I am focused on tidying up a shelf, why don't they speak up, say 'excuse me' and ask for help? Why do they feel it's alright to either tap me on the shoulder & scare the bejeepers out of me, or just stand there staring at me until I get that creepy feeling of someone watching me? All they have to do is say 'excuse me' and I would be happy to help them.
Do not even get me started on the people who snap their fingers at me, or start our conversation with 'hey you'.
People who work in retail are not less intelligent than anyone else, and do not deserve to be treated with anything less than the same respect anyone hopes for in their work.
I will confess, the way I am treated by a customer is directly related with the quality of service I give them. I'm much more inclined to be go above and beyond for someone who treats me with dignity and respect.
My mom always taught me to treat others as I want to be treated. It's just good common sense.
Okay, rant over.
This post has been percolating for a while, and I hope you will bear with me. I have ranted about some of these things before, but I need to revisit for the sake of my sanity.
You are probably aware that I work in retail. In general I love my job. I enjoy interacting with our customers, and I enjoy our staff. I know I gripe a fair bit about work, but really, there aren't many other jobs that I think I would enjoy as much.
But one of the things that I love about the job also makes me want to tear my hair out... the customers. I could go on and on about how the customer is NOT always right, and some of the loony things that I have experienced over the years, but that's not the point today.
Today I'm talking about manners...
Now, it may be because I am a large hobbit and I take up a fair bit of space, but I think everyone appreciates their personal space. So when meandering the aisles of my store, why do customers find it acceptable to push past me without saying 'excuse me'? Why do they think it's okay to practically knock me over (as happened two days ago, without so much as an apology) to get by? If they were to simply do the polite thing and let me know they are there, I would gladly get out of their way!
And when someone needs assistance and I am focused on tidying up a shelf, why don't they speak up, say 'excuse me' and ask for help? Why do they feel it's alright to either tap me on the shoulder & scare the bejeepers out of me, or just stand there staring at me until I get that creepy feeling of someone watching me? All they have to do is say 'excuse me' and I would be happy to help them.
Do not even get me started on the people who snap their fingers at me, or start our conversation with 'hey you'.
People who work in retail are not less intelligent than anyone else, and do not deserve to be treated with anything less than the same respect anyone hopes for in their work.
I will confess, the way I am treated by a customer is directly related with the quality of service I give them. I'm much more inclined to be go above and beyond for someone who treats me with dignity and respect.
My mom always taught me to treat others as I want to be treated. It's just good common sense.
Okay, rant over.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Playing Catch Up
Howdy Humble Readers! I hope all of you are well... (I have yet to delve into my reader, so I really don't know what's up in your world, but I'm really hoping that you are having a nice June!)
There have been so many little things in the last week and a half that I wanted to tell you all about, and now I'm trying to remember them all.
*****
If you read my last, rather pitiful little post, you know that I have been a zombie for the last week or so. Seriously, I can sleep all night, and then sleep half the day. Both yesterday and today I ended up taking naps that were longer than 3 hours. Crazy! My doc (the gp, Dr B) is a bit concerned about my blood pressure and has asked me to stop taking the b vitamin (may be affecting my heart rate a bit), which may also be a small contributing factor to my extreme sleepiness, but personally I think the Halfling is just in the midst of a giant growth spurt.
*****
Have I told you about my chiropractor? I lurrrrve him! I have had three adjustments and my back and neck are sooooo much happier! My hips still end up being very sore at the end of a shift at work, but I haven't noticed the shooting pain down my leg as much. Seriously, it only takes him a few minutes to crunch my back, but it has made a world of difference in my life.
*****
I have two new toys. I love them both, and both are sucking a lot of my not so expendable energy. First up is a Perpl.exus... this time-waster. I can't get past 30, and I feel like I'm a rat in a maze. I just can't find the cheese. There are actually people out there who can complete the puzzle in under a minute. Insane! The second, which I honestly thought I would never ever buy, let alone fall in love with, is my Ko.bo ereader. I am a book lover, and I never thought I'd like something that replaced that tactile sensation of holding a book in my hand. But this thing is great. What sold me on it was the number of books that I give away every year because I will never read them again. The paperback romances, the new-to-me authors that I'm just checking out, the ones I buy on impulse. The ebooks are cheaper and I'm not bringing all that unnecessary paper into our home. Who-da-thunk the hobbit would enjoy ereading?
*****
So guess what I just realized? The next Harry Potter movie... the one that I am already looking forward to immensely... releases November 19th. When is my due date? November 29th. *sigh* Hopefully this little Halfling will hold off until after I see the movie to make his/her appearance. (How's that for unreasonable expectations?)
*****
Speaking of Harry Potter... I caught a bit of a show about the new HP section of Universal Orlando. It looks soooooo fun! I am such a geek.
*****
The weather here on the flatland has been screwy, as usual. Just over a week ago we woke up to wet sloppy snow. Yup, snow. It lasted a day and a half, and then turned to rain. Two weeks before that we had been in the mid to upper 20s (in Celsius... the 80s in Fahrenheit). We've had a few nice days since, but it's pouring down rain again and is supposed to stay the same all week.
*****
In spite of the weather, I am going for a pedicure tomorrow. I haven't had a pedicure since the week before I married my Beloved. I'm a little embarrassed at the state of my hobbit-toes, but hopefully the tech won't be too shocked.
*****
So, I had an appointment with my GP last week. It was my officially first normal prenatal appointment for this pregnancy. I piac, I got weighed (down 2.5 pounds from my last visit a month ago), had my bp checked (too high), did a medical history, and had a pap smear taken. Dr. B tried to find the Halfling's heartbeat, but he wasn't able to. I'm not stressed, knowing that he/she likes to hide. I had an appointment with my OB, Dr. U last week, but while I was sitting in his waiting room he made a mad dash out of the office on the way to an emergency c-section. My appointment has been rescheduled for Wednesday, and hopefully he should have all the results of my NT scan and triple screen. I think I want to ask him to order blood work to check my iron levels, just to make sure that this tiredness is just normal preggo tiredness. I'll probably get quick u/s at his office too.
*****
I know there was more I wanted to tell all of you, but I have forgotten most of it. Coming later this week... a rant and a recipe.
There have been so many little things in the last week and a half that I wanted to tell you all about, and now I'm trying to remember them all.
*****
If you read my last, rather pitiful little post, you know that I have been a zombie for the last week or so. Seriously, I can sleep all night, and then sleep half the day. Both yesterday and today I ended up taking naps that were longer than 3 hours. Crazy! My doc (the gp, Dr B) is a bit concerned about my blood pressure and has asked me to stop taking the b vitamin (may be affecting my heart rate a bit), which may also be a small contributing factor to my extreme sleepiness, but personally I think the Halfling is just in the midst of a giant growth spurt.
*****
Have I told you about my chiropractor? I lurrrrve him! I have had three adjustments and my back and neck are sooooo much happier! My hips still end up being very sore at the end of a shift at work, but I haven't noticed the shooting pain down my leg as much. Seriously, it only takes him a few minutes to crunch my back, but it has made a world of difference in my life.
*****
I have two new toys. I love them both, and both are sucking a lot of my not so expendable energy. First up is a Perpl.exus... this time-waster. I can't get past 30, and I feel like I'm a rat in a maze. I just can't find the cheese. There are actually people out there who can complete the puzzle in under a minute. Insane! The second, which I honestly thought I would never ever buy, let alone fall in love with, is my Ko.bo ereader. I am a book lover, and I never thought I'd like something that replaced that tactile sensation of holding a book in my hand. But this thing is great. What sold me on it was the number of books that I give away every year because I will never read them again. The paperback romances, the new-to-me authors that I'm just checking out, the ones I buy on impulse. The ebooks are cheaper and I'm not bringing all that unnecessary paper into our home. Who-da-thunk the hobbit would enjoy ereading?
*****
So guess what I just realized? The next Harry Potter movie... the one that I am already looking forward to immensely... releases November 19th. When is my due date? November 29th. *sigh* Hopefully this little Halfling will hold off until after I see the movie to make his/her appearance. (How's that for unreasonable expectations?)
*****
Speaking of Harry Potter... I caught a bit of a show about the new HP section of Universal Orlando. It looks soooooo fun! I am such a geek.
*****
The weather here on the flatland has been screwy, as usual. Just over a week ago we woke up to wet sloppy snow. Yup, snow. It lasted a day and a half, and then turned to rain. Two weeks before that we had been in the mid to upper 20s (in Celsius... the 80s in Fahrenheit). We've had a few nice days since, but it's pouring down rain again and is supposed to stay the same all week.
*****
In spite of the weather, I am going for a pedicure tomorrow. I haven't had a pedicure since the week before I married my Beloved. I'm a little embarrassed at the state of my hobbit-toes, but hopefully the tech won't be too shocked.
*****
So, I had an appointment with my GP last week. It was my officially first normal prenatal appointment for this pregnancy. I piac, I got weighed (down 2.5 pounds from my last visit a month ago), had my bp checked (too high), did a medical history, and had a pap smear taken. Dr. B tried to find the Halfling's heartbeat, but he wasn't able to. I'm not stressed, knowing that he/she likes to hide. I had an appointment with my OB, Dr. U last week, but while I was sitting in his waiting room he made a mad dash out of the office on the way to an emergency c-section. My appointment has been rescheduled for Wednesday, and hopefully he should have all the results of my NT scan and triple screen. I think I want to ask him to order blood work to check my iron levels, just to make sure that this tiredness is just normal preggo tiredness. I'll probably get quick u/s at his office too.
*****
I know there was more I wanted to tell all of you, but I have forgotten most of it. Coming later this week... a rant and a recipe.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Apologies
I am sorry, Humble Readers...
My energy level this past week has been in the barely functional range. The good news is I have been getting better sleep at night, but I then end up taking major naps during the day (we're talking 2-3 hours at least). I thought the second trimester was supposed to be less sleepy... my poor Beloved has been having to cook his own meals, and you know when I'm too tired to cook I must be comatose.
I have 3 days off coming up, starting on Sunday. I'm hoping to get caught up on what's going on in your corners of the world and post something worth reading.
Until then, be well and stay smurfy, Humble Readers!
My energy level this past week has been in the barely functional range. The good news is I have been getting better sleep at night, but I then end up taking major naps during the day (we're talking 2-3 hours at least). I thought the second trimester was supposed to be less sleepy... my poor Beloved has been having to cook his own meals, and you know when I'm too tired to cook I must be comatose.
I have 3 days off coming up, starting on Sunday. I'm hoping to get caught up on what's going on in your corners of the world and post something worth reading.
Until then, be well and stay smurfy, Humble Readers!
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