Wow! What can I say to describe the last few days? Everyone said that having a baby is a life changing experience and I must say that while I understood this all on the theoretical level, it sure is something difficult to understand until you acutally live it.
Where can I begin to describe it all? As you probably know from either Don's blog updates or phone calls, it was not an easy birth. Our little one was not all that eager to come as early as we needed him to. The induction started Thursday night in preparation for the delivery on Friday. It was a long, long process. While it was the most painful experience of my life, all I remember about it all now is how tired Don and I were just before they told me to start pushing and how much of a difference it made for me having him there by my side. I'm sure that I don't have to tell anyone just how wonderful he is. I was sorry that I couldn't have more of my family in the room with us - they were just too concerned about my blood pressure to allow it but it was also very reassuring knowing they were all waiting to greet our little one. Even my 5 year old niece, Nicola, was there till the end [but she fell asleep just 1/2 hour before Calum arrived].
The moment Calum arrived and the days that have followed have been amazing. I dream about him at night, hold him close during the day and am delighted [though more than a little sleep deprived already] by his every movement and sound. I got my wish, we have a little snuggle bunny! Desiree and Dakota have been great big sisters. You should see them with him, it's so amazing. This kid is not ever going to want for attention. Well I have so much more to share and tell you all, I think I'll let Don's pictures speak for themselves. We are all home, happy and loved. Calum is upstairs with Dad and his sisters but I still don't like to be too far away from him so I'm going to head back up.
Before I go though, I wanted to thank everyone who gave us their support before, during and after the whole process. Don and I agree that we have some pretty amazing friends and family and even though we have been so wrapped up in how our little world has changed we want everyone to know we do appreciate you all. Now I'm off to cuddle with our little guy if I can get him away from his dad.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Baby Calum on Schedule
Angie checked into Burnaby General at 7:30 am this morning. As you can read in Angie's post below, they have started the inducing/induction of Baby Calum. In other words, we sat around all day! I did my best to entertain Angie with my witty jokes (and retorts) and my detailed stories of lore (note: she likes my stories). We had visitors during the day (thanks for the flowers UBCIC), talked on our cells (the hospital allows the use of cell phones - call us!) and in general just tried to relax.
Angie's family arrived late this afternoon to be here for the Calum's big day tomorrow.
Angie's blood pressure is still a concern and tonight she had to take some medication for it. Angie asked about side-effects and the nurse brought a huge reference book so Angie could read what this particular drug would do and its side-effects. The nurses and doctors at Burnaby General are great.
It's 9:00 pm, Angie kicked me out and told me to get some sleep.
A sincere thank you to all of you for calling, texting, emailing and for your thoughts of support.
Angie's family arrived late this afternoon to be here for the Calum's big day tomorrow.
Angie's blood pressure is still a concern and tonight she had to take some medication for it. Angie asked about side-effects and the nurse brought a huge reference book so Angie could read what this particular drug would do and its side-effects. The nurses and doctors at Burnaby General are great.
It's 9:00 pm, Angie kicked me out and told me to get some sleep.
A sincere thank you to all of you for calling, texting, emailing and for your thoughts of support.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
SPECIAL ADVISORY - NEW ETA FOR BABY CALUM
Okay,
Let's hope that this is the last time we have to change the ETA for our little one. Don and I have just returned from the latest round of tests. We had another stress test and blood test and had my blood pressure checked once again. Guess what? The darn thing is still too high. I was afraid that they would keep me at the hospital again but after the nurse talked to my doctor we decided to bump up another of my appointments and I was to see her at her office first thing in the morning. On our way home, we were told to page my doctor and she said she now wants me to check into the hospital tomorrow morning so we can begin preparing for the induction.
I don't know what the whole process involves but I do know it involves the insertion of a catheter into my cervix to start the dilation. I'm thinking that there are going to be some drugs involved somewhere along the way too and an IV drip. This will all lead up to a scheduled birth for Friday! That's right, Friday, March 11 will be the day our new bundle arrives. Is it okay to get a little scared now? I'm trying to keep my excitement down but you know this little guy isn't making it easy. Yesh, we haven't even set up the crib yet.
So, we now go into blog silence mode until we have more news to report. I'll be in Burnaby General Hospital as of tomorrow morning. Let the real adventure begin.
Let's hope that this is the last time we have to change the ETA for our little one. Don and I have just returned from the latest round of tests. We had another stress test and blood test and had my blood pressure checked once again. Guess what? The darn thing is still too high. I was afraid that they would keep me at the hospital again but after the nurse talked to my doctor we decided to bump up another of my appointments and I was to see her at her office first thing in the morning. On our way home, we were told to page my doctor and she said she now wants me to check into the hospital tomorrow morning so we can begin preparing for the induction.
I don't know what the whole process involves but I do know it involves the insertion of a catheter into my cervix to start the dilation. I'm thinking that there are going to be some drugs involved somewhere along the way too and an IV drip. This will all lead up to a scheduled birth for Friday! That's right, Friday, March 11 will be the day our new bundle arrives. Is it okay to get a little scared now? I'm trying to keep my excitement down but you know this little guy isn't making it easy. Yesh, we haven't even set up the crib yet.
So, we now go into blog silence mode until we have more news to report. I'll be in Burnaby General Hospital as of tomorrow morning. Let the real adventure begin.
Monday, March 07, 2005
New moms and their babies
Okay, I'm trying my best to rest but it's not easy. I just wanted to share a little more news and more of the experience with everyone. One thing that I forgot to mention about my brief hospital stay was that I was put into the maternity ward with all of the new moms and babies. I had a private room but with 8 babies in my wing it was hard not to know they were around. It was an interesting experience and I learned a lot. Mostly, I got used to hearing all 8 of the babies crying at different times of the day and night. Some of them were pretty vocal while others had very distinct cries - the "I am hungry" and "Change me" type. It was the new moms that were the most amusing. You know those call bells people have to summon the nurses? Well, you could definitely tell the new moms from those more experienced. I had a new mom in the room next to me and I lost track of the number of times she used her call bell. At night the sound really carried so I got to hear all sorts of things like "Why is my baby still crying?", "Is she eating enough?" and "Is this normal?" I wonder if I will be like that when Calum comes?
On the news front, I've got appointments most of the week. We have another stress test at the hospital, an ultrasound, a blood test and another visit with my doctor. Don's working from home as much as possible this week so we don't have a repeat of last Friday. If the baby doesn't come earlier, my doctor has scheduled us for an induction next Monday for sure. Baby will soon be on the way! I'm going back to rest now - next week our lives will be turned upside down.
On the news front, I've got appointments most of the week. We have another stress test at the hospital, an ultrasound, a blood test and another visit with my doctor. Don's working from home as much as possible this week so we don't have a repeat of last Friday. If the baby doesn't come earlier, my doctor has scheduled us for an induction next Monday for sure. Baby will soon be on the way! I'm going back to rest now - next week our lives will be turned upside down.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
A trial run
What can I say? As you can see from Don's post we had a real adventure since Friday afternoon. It all started innocently enough. I went to my regular weekly check up and it quickly went downhill from there. As Don so nicely explained, my high blood pressure and protein spill were not good signs so I was immediately sent to the hospital for a stress test and consultation with a specialist.
It was just our luck that it happened to be the one day that Don was out of town at a meeting. To make a long story short, my husband is amazing and managed to leave the meeting, arrange a plane ride back to Vancouver, have my future sister-in-law pick him up and take him to the hospital and to contact our family to make sure someone was at my side just in case we had to do an emergency delivery. My wonderful brother-in-law, Rob, was at the hospital before I even finished my tests and was ready [though nervous] to be there for me in the delivery room.
At that point I was feeling a bit more relaxed and was more concerned that Desiree and Dakota have someone to pick them up so Rob went off to take care of them and to rescue our poor cat that I had left outside just before leaving to see my doctor. He also managed to pick up our truck that was out at the ferry terminal. Don and Jen arrived shortly afterwards and we quickly learned that I was being admitted to the hospital for more tests and monitoring.
The rest of the weekend passed with us not knowing if we would have to have the baby within the hour or within days. It seems that the doctors wanted us to hold out for as long as possible as long as my health didn't decline. My blood pressure remained high all day Saturday but went down during the night and was looking good, well, better, today. I am now home resting in bed. My doctor will continue to monitor my condition and as long as things don't take a drastic turn we will try to hold out for another week. I do get my wish though, baby will indeed be coming early!
Though it was a bit of a frightening weekend, we did get a good trial run in. We all know our way around the hospital now. We know a lot of the staff, have seen the birthing suite and found out that you can now use cell phones at the hospital so we will be able to keep in touch with everyone on the day of the real adventure. Our son already has earned himself a nickname with one of the nurses. She called him a little stinker because he wouldn't remain still enough for us to set up the stress monitoring test. Another called him a little angel because he seemed to behave for her. I think that we are going to get a very healthy mix of both. Oh, we also got another ultrasound done and Dakota and Don got to have a good look at our baby. You will be happy to know he no longer looks like a blob. I also had plenty of time to finish that 800 page book!
For all of our family and friends who offered us support over the weekend we thank you. Sorry for the scare but this kid doesn't seem to want to do anything the easy way. Expect more news within a week or so. While my doctor wants to induce a week from Monday I'm starting to think the baby may make that decision for us before then. Be assured that baby and I are getting the best possible care and much TLC from Don and the girls. It won't be long now! Also, FYI, I was able to be admitted under Angie Bain, instead of Shuter so if you are trying to track us down at the hospital at some point give them my married name.
I'm off for more bed rest before Don comes down and carries me back upstairs. I promised my doctor not to do much this week so if you don't hear from us for awhile it's just because we are being good and obeying orders.
It was just our luck that it happened to be the one day that Don was out of town at a meeting. To make a long story short, my husband is amazing and managed to leave the meeting, arrange a plane ride back to Vancouver, have my future sister-in-law pick him up and take him to the hospital and to contact our family to make sure someone was at my side just in case we had to do an emergency delivery. My wonderful brother-in-law, Rob, was at the hospital before I even finished my tests and was ready [though nervous] to be there for me in the delivery room.
At that point I was feeling a bit more relaxed and was more concerned that Desiree and Dakota have someone to pick them up so Rob went off to take care of them and to rescue our poor cat that I had left outside just before leaving to see my doctor. He also managed to pick up our truck that was out at the ferry terminal. Don and Jen arrived shortly afterwards and we quickly learned that I was being admitted to the hospital for more tests and monitoring.
The rest of the weekend passed with us not knowing if we would have to have the baby within the hour or within days. It seems that the doctors wanted us to hold out for as long as possible as long as my health didn't decline. My blood pressure remained high all day Saturday but went down during the night and was looking good, well, better, today. I am now home resting in bed. My doctor will continue to monitor my condition and as long as things don't take a drastic turn we will try to hold out for another week. I do get my wish though, baby will indeed be coming early!
Though it was a bit of a frightening weekend, we did get a good trial run in. We all know our way around the hospital now. We know a lot of the staff, have seen the birthing suite and found out that you can now use cell phones at the hospital so we will be able to keep in touch with everyone on the day of the real adventure. Our son already has earned himself a nickname with one of the nurses. She called him a little stinker because he wouldn't remain still enough for us to set up the stress monitoring test. Another called him a little angel because he seemed to behave for her. I think that we are going to get a very healthy mix of both. Oh, we also got another ultrasound done and Dakota and Don got to have a good look at our baby. You will be happy to know he no longer looks like a blob. I also had plenty of time to finish that 800 page book!
For all of our family and friends who offered us support over the weekend we thank you. Sorry for the scare but this kid doesn't seem to want to do anything the easy way. Expect more news within a week or so. While my doctor wants to induce a week from Monday I'm starting to think the baby may make that decision for us before then. Be assured that baby and I are getting the best possible care and much TLC from Don and the girls. It won't be long now! Also, FYI, I was able to be admitted under Angie Bain, instead of Shuter so if you are trying to track us down at the hospital at some point give them my married name.
I'm off for more bed rest before Don comes down and carries me back upstairs. I promised my doctor not to do much this week so if you don't hear from us for awhile it's just because we are being good and obeying orders.
Whew!
Angie just called, she is coming home with the strict order of bed rest. Doctor Ross will keep an eye on her as she has scheduled regular appointments and tests.
I am sure Angie will be online soon enough to tell you all about it.
I am sure Angie will be online soon enough to tell you all about it.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Friday, March 04, 2005
You are hereby on notice!
Hello all
I let the following text message that I received today from Angie tell the story:
Have 2 go 2 hospital for stress test. Baby expected early - Monday or maybe 1 week. Looks like will induce.
Now on top of that, Angie did not answer her cell for almost an hour after she sent this message! Here I was sitting in a meeting in Victoria going absolutely crazy!
At this point, I will tell you that Angie and Baby are both doing well but Angie is in Burnaby General Hospital for the weekend for observation. It is now apparent that the little one will be born within hours or days!
The concern is that Angie's blood pressure has been high and her tests from this week showed protein in her urine. Both are symptoms of preeclampsia, a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and is affecting Angie and baby. The concern is that preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood possibly causing low birth weight and other problems for the baby. In severe cases preeclampsia can result in a condition called eclampsia (seizures).
Ok...I cheated above with cutting and pasting from websites about preeclampsia. The doctors agreed that Angie should be monitored for the next 24-36 hours. It could be that the decision to induce can be hours away or we can wait for a few more days.
The baby is 36 weeks 5 days as of today, a few more days in the womb would allow his lungs to develop a little more.
Here we are, on the edge of our seats and Angie turns to me and says "You have to update the blog!" I definitely love my nerdy wife!
I let the following text message that I received today from Angie tell the story:
Have 2 go 2 hospital for stress test. Baby expected early - Monday or maybe 1 week. Looks like will induce.
Now on top of that, Angie did not answer her cell for almost an hour after she sent this message! Here I was sitting in a meeting in Victoria going absolutely crazy!
At this point, I will tell you that Angie and Baby are both doing well but Angie is in Burnaby General Hospital for the weekend for observation. It is now apparent that the little one will be born within hours or days!
The concern is that Angie's blood pressure has been high and her tests from this week showed protein in her urine. Both are symptoms of preeclampsia, a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and is affecting Angie and baby. The concern is that preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood possibly causing low birth weight and other problems for the baby. In severe cases preeclampsia can result in a condition called eclampsia (seizures).
Ok...I cheated above with cutting and pasting from websites about preeclampsia. The doctors agreed that Angie should be monitored for the next 24-36 hours. It could be that the decision to induce can be hours away or we can wait for a few more days.
The baby is 36 weeks 5 days as of today, a few more days in the womb would allow his lungs to develop a little more.
Here we are, on the edge of our seats and Angie turns to me and says "You have to update the blog!" I definitely love my nerdy wife!
Is it too early for one of these?
I found a neat web site while doing some online shopping [http://www.coolpedalcars.com/]. It has some really nice looking reproduction peddle cars and planes for toddlers. They look a lot more sturdy than the typical plastic ones you see these days. I was tempted to order one but I do think it will be awhile before the baby is big enough for one.
There's not much to report this week. I'm still fighting morning sickness in the afternoons and have picked up a sore throat. The baby seems fairly active still. He's really been making it clear when he is not comfortable in there and has been making me toss and turn at night. Don had fun last night trying to decide what part of his little body was sticking out of my tummy. I think the kid mooned us a few times and I've almost been tempted to hold one of his little shoes up to the foot that keeps sticking out to see if we will have a good fit.
Don's off to Victoria for the day and has had a busy, busy week full of meetings. It's pretty funny though because he still makes time to call and check up on me a few times a day. Sometimes I get some odd text messages too. That guy sure loves his phone.
I've got a doctor's appointment this morning. Only 2-3 more left after this one! Although it has seemed like a long journey we are almost at the end. I've been trying to imagine what our days will be like when the baby arrives. I think we all may be fighting for our turn at cuddle time, at least until the diaper get dirty. I know it's probably a new mom thing but I think that it's going to be hard to get the baby out of my arms for the first little while. We've been through a lot together already and all I want to do is meet this little person and see just how much he will be like his dad. Do you think that it is too much to ask for curly hair and long eyelashes?
Happy Friday everyone.
There's not much to report this week. I'm still fighting morning sickness in the afternoons and have picked up a sore throat. The baby seems fairly active still. He's really been making it clear when he is not comfortable in there and has been making me toss and turn at night. Don had fun last night trying to decide what part of his little body was sticking out of my tummy. I think the kid mooned us a few times and I've almost been tempted to hold one of his little shoes up to the foot that keeps sticking out to see if we will have a good fit.
Don's off to Victoria for the day and has had a busy, busy week full of meetings. It's pretty funny though because he still makes time to call and check up on me a few times a day. Sometimes I get some odd text messages too. That guy sure loves his phone.
I've got a doctor's appointment this morning. Only 2-3 more left after this one! Although it has seemed like a long journey we are almost at the end. I've been trying to imagine what our days will be like when the baby arrives. I think we all may be fighting for our turn at cuddle time, at least until the diaper get dirty. I know it's probably a new mom thing but I think that it's going to be hard to get the baby out of my arms for the first little while. We've been through a lot together already and all I want to do is meet this little person and see just how much he will be like his dad. Do you think that it is too much to ask for curly hair and long eyelashes?
Happy Friday everyone.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Expecting a call?
I get an interesting reaction these days whenever I make a phone call. The first question I get asked is "Are you alright?" It usually takes me a moment to respond. I'll admit, with the morning sickness, sore throat, flu [or whatever this latest is] I'm not always sure what people are really asking. Then it hits me. Everyone is expecting THE CALL. Believe me, I'd also prefer that be the reason I'm calling. And I thought I was the only one who is impatient. I'll have to come up with a code word or phrase to use when we really are calling because of the baby. Maybe something like "My husband will suffer".
Don has told me that I must preformat a text message just in case I can't get through to him on his cell while he is in a meeting. I suggested something like "Baby is coming" followed a minute or two later by "Just kidding" but he didn't seem too keen on that idea. Now, I may have no experience with this whole giving birth thing but everyone I've talked to has given me the impression that it all takes a bit longer than 20 minutes. With my luck, it will likely be on the other end of the spectrum and people will be saying "Would you just have the baby already!"
Dakota was a little disappointed when she asked if we would take them out of class once I went into the hospital. I told her that it is likely to take a long, long time and that I doubted we would have to do that. Then she asked if her and Desiree would be waiting at the hospital and I said that I was sure they wouldn't want to be there the whole time but hopefully they could be there towards the end. I've a feeling the whole experience is just going to seem much too long for her. She'll probably remember it in terms of the shows she missed while waiting for the baby as that is how she seems to measure time.
In other news, I've been having fun selecting a few more toys and even more fun opening the packages that are arriving via UPS, Priority Post and through regular mail. That little toy box that I built is getting close to full already. Dakota has been carefully inspecting all of the toys and has informed me that she may even sneak a few out to play with now and then. I told her that is what brothers and sisters do and that she better be ready for the baby to want to get into her stuff too [Desiree and Dakota have pretty different personalities so tend to stay away from each others things]. We both laughed when we tried to picture a baby wearing her street hockey gear but I suspect it will happen one day. While I like hockey, Don and the girls are true fans so I suspect the baby [and I] won't have much choice. I will draw the line at anyone painting his face with a Canucks logo or putting a blue wig on his little head. Now a cute little hat, well that's a different story.
Don has told me that I must preformat a text message just in case I can't get through to him on his cell while he is in a meeting. I suggested something like "Baby is coming" followed a minute or two later by "Just kidding" but he didn't seem too keen on that idea. Now, I may have no experience with this whole giving birth thing but everyone I've talked to has given me the impression that it all takes a bit longer than 20 minutes. With my luck, it will likely be on the other end of the spectrum and people will be saying "Would you just have the baby already!"
Dakota was a little disappointed when she asked if we would take them out of class once I went into the hospital. I told her that it is likely to take a long, long time and that I doubted we would have to do that. Then she asked if her and Desiree would be waiting at the hospital and I said that I was sure they wouldn't want to be there the whole time but hopefully they could be there towards the end. I've a feeling the whole experience is just going to seem much too long for her. She'll probably remember it in terms of the shows she missed while waiting for the baby as that is how she seems to measure time.
In other news, I've been having fun selecting a few more toys and even more fun opening the packages that are arriving via UPS, Priority Post and through regular mail. That little toy box that I built is getting close to full already. Dakota has been carefully inspecting all of the toys and has informed me that she may even sneak a few out to play with now and then. I told her that is what brothers and sisters do and that she better be ready for the baby to want to get into her stuff too [Desiree and Dakota have pretty different personalities so tend to stay away from each others things]. We both laughed when we tried to picture a baby wearing her street hockey gear but I suspect it will happen one day. While I like hockey, Don and the girls are true fans so I suspect the baby [and I] won't have much choice. I will draw the line at anyone painting his face with a Canucks logo or putting a blue wig on his little head. Now a cute little hat, well that's a different story.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Monday morning blues
Monday again. It was a nice weekend here in Vancouver but I didn't get a lot done. The office is still a mess, receipts still have to be organized for tax time and work to be finished. Luckily, Don fixed the timer on the washing machine so laundry is done. We also finished the usual weekend chores like grocery shopping. Poor Don wasn't feeling well yesterday but is off to work this morning. Now I'm feeling sick again but hope it's whatever he had because it seemed to go away pretty quickly. Once Dakota goes off for school I'm going to go back to bed for awhile and hopefully all will be well when I wake up again.
The baby was very active yesterday. I had a little foot sticking out for most of the day and was being kicked like crazy. I wonder what got him so excited. I had a few conversations with him telling him to leave his mom alone but all to no avail. I sure hope that this isn't a sign of things to come. Oh, I also discovered that he has a strange reaction to tea. I haven't had much since becoming pregnant but had some with breakfast yesterday and with every sip I had an answering kick. We are really going to have to keep anything containing caffeine away from this kid.
I'm almost nodding off here so I think I'll take care of a few things for work then head back to bed a bit earlier than planned. I hope you all have a good start to your week.
The baby was very active yesterday. I had a little foot sticking out for most of the day and was being kicked like crazy. I wonder what got him so excited. I had a few conversations with him telling him to leave his mom alone but all to no avail. I sure hope that this isn't a sign of things to come. Oh, I also discovered that he has a strange reaction to tea. I haven't had much since becoming pregnant but had some with breakfast yesterday and with every sip I had an answering kick. We are really going to have to keep anything containing caffeine away from this kid.
I'm almost nodding off here so I think I'll take care of a few things for work then head back to bed a bit earlier than planned. I hope you all have a good start to your week.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
A sleepless night
Would you look at the time. Baby Calum has decided that he would much rather mom be up than asleep so I turn to the net to pass some time. To top it off, I've got a bad case of heartburn tonight. It's near impossible to lie down and get some sleep. I managed for a couple of hours but woke up just as bad as I did when I nodded off. The bad thing is I can't take much to make it go away. I detest milk and tums, my calcium supplement, just makes me ill when I'm feeling like this. So my choices are to ignore it or to get upright and kill some time till it passes.
I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. This one was one of the bigger check ups. My doctor checked on baby's position and offered some predictions regarding his expected time of arrival. I was happy to hear that he is indeed settling into a head down position and dropping a bit lower but was dismayed to find out I am not dilating yet and there seems to be little thinning of the cervix [both sure signs that baby could come early]. She told me that some women are in fact experiencing both of the above at this point but that it's more common for women to go past their due date. You can guess how happy I was to have her confirm this news.
I left with directions to take yet another blood test. This, hopefully will be the last. I go back again next week for what I hope will be one of the few remaining check ups I will have before the little guy arrives. I don't care what anyone says, I'm still going to hold out for an early birth [heck, I'll take a day at this point]. My doctor has had a busy week - almost nonstop deliveries. She said that she's been back and forth to the hospital so much this week that she is almost forgetting what day it is.
I've been experiencing what I hope to be another side effect of pregnancy [not a sign of growing older I hope]. On Thursday Don and I were supposed to go for a hospital tour and I didn't remember till I was reminding Don not to forget about it. It seems I was a day [and half an hour] off myself and when Don reminded me that it was Thursday I was more than a little mad at myself. I even had it written down on my desk calendar that was sitting before my eyes all morning. Now we have to wait another week or two before the next tour.
Desiree's birthday is coming up. She will be fifteen on Monday. Yeah, fifteen! It must seem a very strange thing for her to see us preparing for a new baby while she's just a few years away from graduating from high school. While she's a very smart girl and is unlikely to jump at being in our position anytime soon, I must say it probably is the best example for both her and Dakota about how much being pregnant can change your life. After hearing me complain for months I highly doubt either will be wanting to experience this anytime soon.
In some ways though, if I were in her position, I think I would have enjoyed being so much older than my siblings. My sister and I are 2.5 years apart and by brother and I are 8 years apart. While I remember having my sister as a playmate, I remember a lot more about when my brother was a baby because I was old enough to see him as more than a rival. Don tells me that I remember just a little too much about him because I always have lots of stories - I'm just saving them up for his kids. I think our little one is going to be pretty lucky to have both Desiree and Dakota as sisters. At the very least, it will save them from their old fashioned and nerdy parents.
Well, I'm going to do a little more surfing and then try to get back to sleep. Calum has stopped his kicking at least so I may be able to settle back in bed soon. The heartburn is still there though so I'm not ready to turn in just yet. If I'm lucky, everyone else will want to sleep in a bit in the morning so we can delay the start of the new day. Our goal for the weekend is to fix the timer on our washing machine - the darn thing has been acting up all week making it a real chore to get a load of laundry done. Other than that, I guess I'll get a start on getting my tax documents together since it's almost that time again.
I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. This one was one of the bigger check ups. My doctor checked on baby's position and offered some predictions regarding his expected time of arrival. I was happy to hear that he is indeed settling into a head down position and dropping a bit lower but was dismayed to find out I am not dilating yet and there seems to be little thinning of the cervix [both sure signs that baby could come early]. She told me that some women are in fact experiencing both of the above at this point but that it's more common for women to go past their due date. You can guess how happy I was to have her confirm this news.
I left with directions to take yet another blood test. This, hopefully will be the last. I go back again next week for what I hope will be one of the few remaining check ups I will have before the little guy arrives. I don't care what anyone says, I'm still going to hold out for an early birth [heck, I'll take a day at this point]. My doctor has had a busy week - almost nonstop deliveries. She said that she's been back and forth to the hospital so much this week that she is almost forgetting what day it is.
I've been experiencing what I hope to be another side effect of pregnancy [not a sign of growing older I hope]. On Thursday Don and I were supposed to go for a hospital tour and I didn't remember till I was reminding Don not to forget about it. It seems I was a day [and half an hour] off myself and when Don reminded me that it was Thursday I was more than a little mad at myself. I even had it written down on my desk calendar that was sitting before my eyes all morning. Now we have to wait another week or two before the next tour.
Desiree's birthday is coming up. She will be fifteen on Monday. Yeah, fifteen! It must seem a very strange thing for her to see us preparing for a new baby while she's just a few years away from graduating from high school. While she's a very smart girl and is unlikely to jump at being in our position anytime soon, I must say it probably is the best example for both her and Dakota about how much being pregnant can change your life. After hearing me complain for months I highly doubt either will be wanting to experience this anytime soon.
In some ways though, if I were in her position, I think I would have enjoyed being so much older than my siblings. My sister and I are 2.5 years apart and by brother and I are 8 years apart. While I remember having my sister as a playmate, I remember a lot more about when my brother was a baby because I was old enough to see him as more than a rival. Don tells me that I remember just a little too much about him because I always have lots of stories - I'm just saving them up for his kids. I think our little one is going to be pretty lucky to have both Desiree and Dakota as sisters. At the very least, it will save them from their old fashioned and nerdy parents.
Well, I'm going to do a little more surfing and then try to get back to sleep. Calum has stopped his kicking at least so I may be able to settle back in bed soon. The heartburn is still there though so I'm not ready to turn in just yet. If I'm lucky, everyone else will want to sleep in a bit in the morning so we can delay the start of the new day. Our goal for the weekend is to fix the timer on our washing machine - the darn thing has been acting up all week making it a real chore to get a load of laundry done. Other than that, I guess I'll get a start on getting my tax documents together since it's almost that time again.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Caution - Feeling just a little grumpy
Unfortunately, there is also not a lot I can do about any of this at the moment. The baby will come when he is ready. I’ve got to wrap things up at work before I go off for a bit so I can’t jump into any new projects or tasks. I’m too tired and sore at the end of the day to do much of interest at home even if there was anything exciting for an 8-month pregnant woman to do [and believe me, the options feel pretty slim]. Don comes home and tells me about his busy day, the girls come home and have stories about what they have been up to, even the cat had a little excitement this week when she caught a rat in the front flower bed. And me - well the most excitement that I had this week was reaching the 500 page mark in my book.
The girls have another professional development day tomorrow so today is the end of their school week. I’ve got a house full of kids at the moment with two of Dakota’s friends over playing with her in the next room and Desiree is upstairs with her boyfriend Chris. My darling husband is out with a friend and while I don’t begrudge any of them these enjoyments it doesn’t help the grumpy mood considering I’m still in my office trying to get some work done and thinking about the mess the house will be in when they all leave.
I think I’m going to take a page from Don’s book and turn on some music and loose myself in a computer game and forget the rest of the world exists for awhile. I guess it would help if I actually enjoyed those things but right now I feel like creating a little havoc so maybe it won’t be so bad. Tomorrow will be sunny and I’ll make myself go into the office in the morning for a change of scenery. I’ve also got a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon and maybe I’ll get some good news. Something like an earlier than expected delivery date would cheer me up right now.
On the good news front, my parents are now online. Welcome to the cyber world and don't worry, I'll pick myself up out of this grump after I blast a few aliens or something.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Map to Hospital
Because we are getting closer to the due date I though I'd share some info for those of you who may visit us in the hospital.
Baby Bain is expected to make an appearance in the world on Sunday March 27, 2005. Here are some important facts:
- He will be born at the Burnaby Hospital [3935 Kincaid Street, Burnaby, BC, V5G 2X6]. You can reach the hospital at (604) 434-4211. The hospital is located quite near the Burnaby Campus for BCIT. If you are coming off of Highway 1 take the Willingdon Ave. exit. Head south just past BCIT and you will see signs for the hospital on your right.
- If you arrive at the hospital before the baby arrives, you are welcome to sit in the family lounge of the Birthing Suite. There is a cafeteria on the 3rd floor which closes at around 6:30 but there are vending machines available. Visiting hours are open in the Birthing Suite.
- When Baby and I move to the maternity unit, visiting hours for family and friends are from 12-8pm.
- Don can be reached on his cell at (604) 813-9709. If his cell is off, leave a message or try our home number at (604) 435-8804. Desiree may also be available by cell at (778) 828-2822.
- Because I am still awaiting my new Care Card, I am registered under my maiden name of Angie Shuter.
Baby Bain is expected to make an appearance in the world on Sunday March 27, 2005. Here are some important facts:
- He will be born at the Burnaby Hospital [3935 Kincaid Street, Burnaby, BC, V5G 2X6]. You can reach the hospital at (604) 434-4211. The hospital is located quite near the Burnaby Campus for BCIT. If you are coming off of Highway 1 take the Willingdon Ave. exit. Head south just past BCIT and you will see signs for the hospital on your right.
- If you arrive at the hospital before the baby arrives, you are welcome to sit in the family lounge of the Birthing Suite. There is a cafeteria on the 3rd floor which closes at around 6:30 but there are vending machines available. Visiting hours are open in the Birthing Suite.
- When Baby and I move to the maternity unit, visiting hours for family and friends are from 12-8pm.
- Don can be reached on his cell at (604) 813-9709. If his cell is off, leave a message or try our home number at (604) 435-8804. Desiree may also be available by cell at (778) 828-2822.
- Because I am still awaiting my new Care Card, I am registered under my maiden name of Angie Shuter.
My husband the fisherman
Another nice picture of a younger Don. Since I actually don't like the taste of fish all that much I am more than happy to have him teach our baby how to fish. Maybe if I'm lucky they'll catch more of the same.
Now I'm off to hide my albums so Don can't get his revenge.
Now I'm off to hide my albums so Don can't get his revenge.
Monday, February 21, 2005
A neat idea
My friend Anna had a neat idea on her blog [http://www.livejournal.com/users/fluzie/]. Name ten things that you have done that most people probably haven't. In no particular order, here is my list:
1. Chatted with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark about school theme songs while drinking wine [and being just a little drunk] in Napier.
2. Was convinced that when I was a kid I saw a headless ghost in my grandmothers house. She lived in a house that was once an old houseboat and it was dark and scary for a kid. It had a set of long narrow stairs leading up to the second floor and I remember looking up and seeing this thing coming out of a room and walking down the stairs towards me. Mom said I ran home and wouldn't visit grandma for awhile. I don't know if I believe it today but it is a pretty clear image.
3. Been propositioned by a French man outside of the Louvre in Paris while reading a 3-day old English newspaper and writing post cards to family and friends back in Canada [okay, maybe this happens a lot but you never know]. Got away from said man by agreeing to meet for coffee after I collected my parents from a nearby hotel because I was sure that they would also want to spend the afternoon with him. He suddenly remembered he had a pressing engagement elsewhere.
4. Made obsidian and bone projectile points for archaeology class using only stones to sharpen and shape them. In same vein, conducted an archaeological experiment on the effects of trampling on different types of ceramic materials by setting up a plot in parents garden and walking back and forth over the site for hours at a time [yes, I felt pretty silly].
5. Had boyfriend [yes I do mean Don] fly from Canada to New Zealand to propose to me. Have said proposal made at the top of Skytower in Auckland [after Don's repeated attempts to ensure we were facing west before he asked the question] and days later have an entire roomful of Maori sing us a song of congratulations on the engagement.
6. Had a close encounter with a cougar while riding bike around small community conducting a survey on community visits to a small museum for a math project. The cougar was not harmed due to this encounter.
7. Had roommates from Pakistan, Nigeria, Turkey, Japan, Eritrea, London, Germany, Sri Lanka and almost every province in Canada. You'll be happy to hear I also learned a great deal from these roommates, including how to swear in over a half dozen languages.
8. Spent an entire morning looking for [and waving at] webcams around Glasgow in Scotland just so I could see the places I had seen on the web.
9. While snowed in at college, helped save the day by skiing out to collect mail, wine and sushi for anthropology class party. I had to do it because several people had threatened to turn my pet sea cucumber into a meal if we didn't have snacks for the party. Also while at college, spent numerous days listening to Les Miserables with a friend while cleaning whale bones for a Grey Whale reconstruction project. It will forever be associated with that distinct whale smell!
10. After graduating from university, averaged 4 hours or less of sleep per night for 6 months while working as researcher by day and bookseller by night just to pay off student loan before the government would start to collect interest. During this time I also had several instances of working just under 72 hours straight because I couldn't say no to extra shifts. Ah, the powers of youth!
That's it. I've done a few more interesting things but as this is a family-oriented blog I really can't share. What would you put on your list?
1. Chatted with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark about school theme songs while drinking wine [and being just a little drunk] in Napier.
2. Was convinced that when I was a kid I saw a headless ghost in my grandmothers house. She lived in a house that was once an old houseboat and it was dark and scary for a kid. It had a set of long narrow stairs leading up to the second floor and I remember looking up and seeing this thing coming out of a room and walking down the stairs towards me. Mom said I ran home and wouldn't visit grandma for awhile. I don't know if I believe it today but it is a pretty clear image.
3. Been propositioned by a French man outside of the Louvre in Paris while reading a 3-day old English newspaper and writing post cards to family and friends back in Canada [okay, maybe this happens a lot but you never know]. Got away from said man by agreeing to meet for coffee after I collected my parents from a nearby hotel because I was sure that they would also want to spend the afternoon with him. He suddenly remembered he had a pressing engagement elsewhere.
4. Made obsidian and bone projectile points for archaeology class using only stones to sharpen and shape them. In same vein, conducted an archaeological experiment on the effects of trampling on different types of ceramic materials by setting up a plot in parents garden and walking back and forth over the site for hours at a time [yes, I felt pretty silly].
5. Had boyfriend [yes I do mean Don] fly from Canada to New Zealand to propose to me. Have said proposal made at the top of Skytower in Auckland [after Don's repeated attempts to ensure we were facing west before he asked the question] and days later have an entire roomful of Maori sing us a song of congratulations on the engagement.
6. Had a close encounter with a cougar while riding bike around small community conducting a survey on community visits to a small museum for a math project. The cougar was not harmed due to this encounter.
7. Had roommates from Pakistan, Nigeria, Turkey, Japan, Eritrea, London, Germany, Sri Lanka and almost every province in Canada. You'll be happy to hear I also learned a great deal from these roommates, including how to swear in over a half dozen languages.
8. Spent an entire morning looking for [and waving at] webcams around Glasgow in Scotland just so I could see the places I had seen on the web.
9. While snowed in at college, helped save the day by skiing out to collect mail, wine and sushi for anthropology class party. I had to do it because several people had threatened to turn my pet sea cucumber into a meal if we didn't have snacks for the party. Also while at college, spent numerous days listening to Les Miserables with a friend while cleaning whale bones for a Grey Whale reconstruction project. It will forever be associated with that distinct whale smell!
10. After graduating from university, averaged 4 hours or less of sleep per night for 6 months while working as researcher by day and bookseller by night just to pay off student loan before the government would start to collect interest. During this time I also had several instances of working just under 72 hours straight because I couldn't say no to extra shifts. Ah, the powers of youth!
That's it. I've done a few more interesting things but as this is a family-oriented blog I really can't share. What would you put on your list?
Sunday, February 20, 2005
35 weeks gone, 35 days to go
I just realized that my counter is actually a day off. The baby is due on March 27th, not the 28th as our last test results indicated that we were off by a day. So, that makes me 35 weeks pregnant with only 35 days remaining. For those of you who measure time in a non-baby world way, March 27th is Easter Sunday. Or, if I want to be the optimist, that means the baby could come anytime after two weeks! Wow, the time is going by fast.
I'm not sure if we are prepared yet for just how much our lives are going to change when the baby gets here but I don't think we have much choice at this point. I'm getting pretty excited. For the first time in my life, the day-to-day things going on at work just seem less significant. I still get the job done but nothing seems as captivating as it did a few months ago so I guess I'm going to really enjoy the bit of time I will have off with the baby.
It bothers me a bit that I am less driven - I suspect I have let a few opportunities pass me by where I would have jumped at them before I had the baby to consider. I think that there is still the perception out there about the different roles of the mother and father. I've noticed it a bit with Don and I lately. We are both going to have this little bundle in our lives soon but for him the perception of it, at least to others, is much different. Nobody seems to be expecting him to take time off from work, or thinks that his priorities will change after the baby comes. He's actually been given more work to do. People seem surprised when I tell them that I am only planning on taking a little time off from work. I guess that it bothers me the most because although Don and I have agreed that having the baby meant that each of us would participate equally in raising it while still allowing ourselves the opportunity to have our careers, that's certainly not what is considered the norm. On the otherhand, maybe I'm just a bit more sensitive to these things right now as I get closer to having to step away from it all for a couple of months.
In pregnancy related news, the little kicker has been active this weekend. It's getting harder to bend over because I am very conscious of where his head is now and I try not to squish him. I'm still not sleeping all that well. I wake up often and sometimes find my hands are tingling or my leg is cramped or I just need to change position to work out some of the aches and pains. Unfortunately, I can only really sleep on one side so even if I do turn over, it is only a brief respite until I have to turn back again to try to get more sleep. Luckily, Don can fall asleep faster than anyone I know and doesn't wake up everytime I toss and turn. He will get his turn of sleepless nights soon enough. Speaking of sleep, I think I had better head that way now. The kids are down for the count and Don probably is too.
I'm not sure if we are prepared yet for just how much our lives are going to change when the baby gets here but I don't think we have much choice at this point. I'm getting pretty excited. For the first time in my life, the day-to-day things going on at work just seem less significant. I still get the job done but nothing seems as captivating as it did a few months ago so I guess I'm going to really enjoy the bit of time I will have off with the baby.
It bothers me a bit that I am less driven - I suspect I have let a few opportunities pass me by where I would have jumped at them before I had the baby to consider. I think that there is still the perception out there about the different roles of the mother and father. I've noticed it a bit with Don and I lately. We are both going to have this little bundle in our lives soon but for him the perception of it, at least to others, is much different. Nobody seems to be expecting him to take time off from work, or thinks that his priorities will change after the baby comes. He's actually been given more work to do. People seem surprised when I tell them that I am only planning on taking a little time off from work. I guess that it bothers me the most because although Don and I have agreed that having the baby meant that each of us would participate equally in raising it while still allowing ourselves the opportunity to have our careers, that's certainly not what is considered the norm. On the otherhand, maybe I'm just a bit more sensitive to these things right now as I get closer to having to step away from it all for a couple of months.
In pregnancy related news, the little kicker has been active this weekend. It's getting harder to bend over because I am very conscious of where his head is now and I try not to squish him. I'm still not sleeping all that well. I wake up often and sometimes find my hands are tingling or my leg is cramped or I just need to change position to work out some of the aches and pains. Unfortunately, I can only really sleep on one side so even if I do turn over, it is only a brief respite until I have to turn back again to try to get more sleep. Luckily, Don can fall asleep faster than anyone I know and doesn't wake up everytime I toss and turn. He will get his turn of sleepless nights soon enough. Speaking of sleep, I think I had better head that way now. The kids are down for the count and Don probably is too.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Mission accomplished [sort of]
Today has been a successful day afterall. Dakota took the shovel and cleaned out her room, Don and I washed the carpets [lots of cat hair], I finally put the wheels on the toy box that I made for the baby and moved it upstairs, Don did some plumbing work and fixed a water drainage problem that was threatening to turn our showers into baths and he washed the front window so that our neighbours can clearly see into our living room now. We also got to make a trip to Rona for supplies. There is nothing like a trip to the hardware store to give you a sense of accomplishment. We had to pick up some project supplies for Desiree and even got to leave with a 2X4. Something about carrying around a large piece of wood really makes you feel like a handy person [Dad would be proud]. Mind you, anyone who looks closely at my thumb nails will know different. I liked to hammer when I was a kid but my aim was always a little off. I now have two permanent reminders that some kids should stay away from hammers.
We've decided to tackle the recycling project in the morning. That will really give us a sense of accomplishment once we clear the house of all the bits and pieces that are currently blocking the hallway and are piled high in the basement. It's probably time for me to do another cleaning of the office too but that may wait for next week. I'm going to go back upstairs and see if I can't find Don's off button. It sounds like he's still working on the carpets and I've about had enough. Maybe we will watch Motorcycle Diaries since we haven't gotten around to it yet. He probably will be more interested in his box set though - it contains episodes from Unsolved Mysteries and is full of legends and lore about things like Bigfoot, the Bermuda Triangle, sea serpents and Elmo. [Okay I added the last one but don't you think it would add to the collection?]
Hope everyone in BC is enjoying the sunshine today. Our cat is finding it hard to move away from her sunbeam.
We've decided to tackle the recycling project in the morning. That will really give us a sense of accomplishment once we clear the house of all the bits and pieces that are currently blocking the hallway and are piled high in the basement. It's probably time for me to do another cleaning of the office too but that may wait for next week. I'm going to go back upstairs and see if I can't find Don's off button. It sounds like he's still working on the carpets and I've about had enough. Maybe we will watch Motorcycle Diaries since we haven't gotten around to it yet. He probably will be more interested in his box set though - it contains episodes from Unsolved Mysteries and is full of legends and lore about things like Bigfoot, the Bermuda Triangle, sea serpents and Elmo. [Okay I added the last one but don't you think it would add to the collection?]
Hope everyone in BC is enjoying the sunshine today. Our cat is finding it hard to move away from her sunbeam.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Clear or blurry?
Today was a day of appointments. I had my regular check-up with my doctor [baby is moving on down and everything else seems fine] then decided to see the optometrist to get some new specks. It's been awhile since I've worn anything but contacts. I do have a pair of glasses but while I was in New Zealand [years ago] they got squashed on one of my many back-packing excursions and now sport some lovely scratches. I figured I'd need new glasses if I want to be able to see the baby when I get up to feed and change him at night. I haven't decided if I want to be able to see everything during the delivery though. Sometimes that nice blurry edge around everything helps. I could also say that the delivery went by so fast it was all a blur!
Anyway, I got my new glasses and picked up more baby supplies including the remaining items we will need for our brief hospital stay. I picked up some film but won't give it to Don right away because we do need to be sure that we both understand no pictures are to be taken of little heads making their first appearance into the world. Nope, not something I want pictures of. Now when the baby comes out, that's okay. I also picked up the dreaded breast pump. I don't like the idea of it but I have to be fair and let everyone else have a turn at feeding the little one. Okay, it's been mentioned a few times that it is "our baby" and I will have to share. Dakota is even getting ready for diaper duty and just wants us to show her how it's done a time or two before she's set to go.
Don just got home from work and dinner is waiting so I'd better go. Tonight, our friend Greg and his two daughters are visiting from Montreal. Desiree is off swimming with friends but Dakota is here to help entertain. This weekend looks like it will be a weekend of chores - a final carpet shampoo before the baby arrives and a few trips to the recycling plant with all of the boxes from toys, etc. I don't think that we will get to it all till Sunday though because with all of the walking and shopping I did today I'm afraid that tomorrow is going to be one of those days where I do more of a waddle than a walk. Ouch!
Anyway, I got my new glasses and picked up more baby supplies including the remaining items we will need for our brief hospital stay. I picked up some film but won't give it to Don right away because we do need to be sure that we both understand no pictures are to be taken of little heads making their first appearance into the world. Nope, not something I want pictures of. Now when the baby comes out, that's okay. I also picked up the dreaded breast pump. I don't like the idea of it but I have to be fair and let everyone else have a turn at feeding the little one. Okay, it's been mentioned a few times that it is "our baby" and I will have to share. Dakota is even getting ready for diaper duty and just wants us to show her how it's done a time or two before she's set to go.
Don just got home from work and dinner is waiting so I'd better go. Tonight, our friend Greg and his two daughters are visiting from Montreal. Desiree is off swimming with friends but Dakota is here to help entertain. This weekend looks like it will be a weekend of chores - a final carpet shampoo before the baby arrives and a few trips to the recycling plant with all of the boxes from toys, etc. I don't think that we will get to it all till Sunday though because with all of the walking and shopping I did today I'm afraid that tomorrow is going to be one of those days where I do more of a waddle than a walk. Ouch!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Back online
Whew, it didn't take much longer after I drafted the last blog before I was able to get back online. It's strange just how much it can disrupt your day not to be able to connect first thing in the morning. I think I've finally gotten caught up and it's almost the end of my work day.
Poor Don suffered the most I think. He was offsite at a Chiefs Council meeting for most of the day and probably didn't have much opportunity to check his email on anything other than his phone. Today of all days too! We were waiting to hear the really-truly-this-is-the-final-word on the future of the NHL season today. At least working from home I was able to have the news playing in the background as I cursed all things in the e-verse.
Speaking of my darling husband, he's on his way home now and I'm hoping he was able to stop and get a copy of the newly released "Motorcycle Diaries" movie. As I promised to download his email to prevent an explosion of his inbox I'd better do that before he walks in the door. I truly hope tomorrow will be a better day.
Poor Don suffered the most I think. He was offsite at a Chiefs Council meeting for most of the day and probably didn't have much opportunity to check his email on anything other than his phone. Today of all days too! We were waiting to hear the really-truly-this-is-the-final-word on the future of the NHL season today. At least working from home I was able to have the news playing in the background as I cursed all things in the e-verse.
Speaking of my darling husband, he's on his way home now and I'm hoping he was able to stop and get a copy of the newly released "Motorcycle Diaries" movie. As I promised to download his email to prevent an explosion of his inbox I'd better do that before he walks in the door. I truly hope tomorrow will be a better day.
A curse on all things IT
Well, our internet connection is down at the moment so I don't know when I will actually be able to post this. I've been trying now for about an hour and a half to get it back up but as Shaw was doing some upgrades this morning I suspect there may be a small glitch. I'm loath to call tech support because (1) it's never a quick and easy call, (2) they assume women do not know anything about a computer [I do indeed know how to reboot, refresh and reconfigure and do not need to be told how to do so in terms even our unborn baby would understand] and (3) it's not easy for a pregnant woman to bend down to unplug and reconnect the router and modem over and over again as the bored technician has you run through everything that you've already tried a dozen times yourself. So......I'll give it another half hour and contemplate my options. I hate to loose my morning, especially when I've got things to do for work but some days it's best to just admit defeat and head off to do some more shopping.
In other news, Larry and Tabitha dropped by last night with presents from Mom and Dad for the little one. Calum [we are fairly certain the name is going to stick] received two lovely blankets that mom had made, a beautiful sweater and a tonne of clothes. We are going to have to have a rotation chart to just make sure he gets the chance to wear everything before he grows too much. Actually, aside from having to purchase some seasonal wear and replace things like socks and shoes, I think that this kid is set for the first year. It's a nice thought as it is completely opposite to the reaction that we are getting from Desiree and Dakota who, in typical teen fashion, complain constantly of needing more clothes.
Tabitha reminded me that I still have to pack my hospital bag. I've seen so many suggestions on what to bring with you to the hospital that I have to laugh. If all goes well, I expect we won't be there for a whole lot of time anyway so what will I really need to bring with me for the few days that we are there. Don has been tasked to get the word out when the baby arrives so I apoligize now to anyone who recieves a call at some ungodly hour. Also, if you happen to hear a screaming woman in the background telling her husband to just get off of the %*&#^& phone, I suspect that would be me. I'm afraid that it's going to take a fair bit of convincing to keep him in the delivery room with me and not have him running off to give everyone hourly updates.
Well, I'm off to try to reboot, reconnect and reconfigure. Wish me luck.
In other news, Larry and Tabitha dropped by last night with presents from Mom and Dad for the little one. Calum [we are fairly certain the name is going to stick] received two lovely blankets that mom had made, a beautiful sweater and a tonne of clothes. We are going to have to have a rotation chart to just make sure he gets the chance to wear everything before he grows too much. Actually, aside from having to purchase some seasonal wear and replace things like socks and shoes, I think that this kid is set for the first year. It's a nice thought as it is completely opposite to the reaction that we are getting from Desiree and Dakota who, in typical teen fashion, complain constantly of needing more clothes.
Tabitha reminded me that I still have to pack my hospital bag. I've seen so many suggestions on what to bring with you to the hospital that I have to laugh. If all goes well, I expect we won't be there for a whole lot of time anyway so what will I really need to bring with me for the few days that we are there. Don has been tasked to get the word out when the baby arrives so I apoligize now to anyone who recieves a call at some ungodly hour. Also, if you happen to hear a screaming woman in the background telling her husband to just get off of the %*&#^& phone, I suspect that would be me. I'm afraid that it's going to take a fair bit of convincing to keep him in the delivery room with me and not have him running off to give everyone hourly updates.
Well, I'm off to try to reboot, reconnect and reconfigure. Wish me luck.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day everyone and a very happy birthday to my sister.
We hope that you all had a nice weekend. Ours was quite enjoyable. We did some more shopping for the baby. Desiree and Dakota helped us to pick out some toys. Dakota told me my tastes are kind of "old fashioned" and I decided to take that as a compliment. Don had to remind me a few times that it would be awhile before the baby would be interested in some of the toys meant for older kids. The baby isn't even born yet and I have a bit of a dilemma. I want him to remain a baby for a good amount of time so that we can enjoy it to the fullest but I also want him to grow up quickly so that we can see what sort of personality he will have.
I also told Don that since he already got to experience this all before with Des and Dakota that it would only be fair if our son was a "momma's boy". It seemed like a reasonable suggestion to me but I guess those words are never to be mentioned in the same sentence around a guy from Surrey. Equally unacceptable, according to Dakota, is that I even suggest our boy might be a bit bookish. Apparently she is going to do everything in her power to ensure that her brother does not turn into a nerd. She qualified it a bit though, saying that it probably will be a bit of a computer nerd since "everyone else in the family" [excluding herself] is. Again, I fail to see how this is a bad trait.
My "old fashioned" sensibilities were truly tested once again this weekend. After some wheeling and dealing, the girls managed to convince Don to allow them to dye their hair again. Yes, we've been through this before and I had hoped that they were beyond this stage. Des, luckily, has opted for a more mature look these days and sticks to black. Dakota however, is still at the age where she thinks bright colours are cool. This time she decided cool means having green streaks in your hair. See, here is where my old fashioned sensibilites are tested. As I recall, if you had green in your hair when I was younger it meant that something went horribly wrong and you had grounds to sue the hairdresser or at the very least have a good cry over it all. Now, kids want to pay $100 to have it done on purpose. What will it be like when our baby grows up?
So let me sum up what I learned over the weekend. Surrey boys do not like the term "Momma's Boy", toys that do not beep, glow, or have an on/off switch are "old fashioned", green hair is a "good thing" and being labelled a nerd still isn't fashionable. Is there any hope for me?
We hope that you all had a nice weekend. Ours was quite enjoyable. We did some more shopping for the baby. Desiree and Dakota helped us to pick out some toys. Dakota told me my tastes are kind of "old fashioned" and I decided to take that as a compliment. Don had to remind me a few times that it would be awhile before the baby would be interested in some of the toys meant for older kids. The baby isn't even born yet and I have a bit of a dilemma. I want him to remain a baby for a good amount of time so that we can enjoy it to the fullest but I also want him to grow up quickly so that we can see what sort of personality he will have.
I also told Don that since he already got to experience this all before with Des and Dakota that it would only be fair if our son was a "momma's boy". It seemed like a reasonable suggestion to me but I guess those words are never to be mentioned in the same sentence around a guy from Surrey. Equally unacceptable, according to Dakota, is that I even suggest our boy might be a bit bookish. Apparently she is going to do everything in her power to ensure that her brother does not turn into a nerd. She qualified it a bit though, saying that it probably will be a bit of a computer nerd since "everyone else in the family" [excluding herself] is. Again, I fail to see how this is a bad trait.
My "old fashioned" sensibilities were truly tested once again this weekend. After some wheeling and dealing, the girls managed to convince Don to allow them to dye their hair again. Yes, we've been through this before and I had hoped that they were beyond this stage. Des, luckily, has opted for a more mature look these days and sticks to black. Dakota however, is still at the age where she thinks bright colours are cool. This time she decided cool means having green streaks in your hair. See, here is where my old fashioned sensibilites are tested. As I recall, if you had green in your hair when I was younger it meant that something went horribly wrong and you had grounds to sue the hairdresser or at the very least have a good cry over it all. Now, kids want to pay $100 to have it done on purpose. What will it be like when our baby grows up?
So let me sum up what I learned over the weekend. Surrey boys do not like the term "Momma's Boy", toys that do not beep, glow, or have an on/off switch are "old fashioned", green hair is a "good thing" and being labelled a nerd still isn't fashionable. Is there any hope for me?
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Don as baby
Don's parents have joined me in trying to illustrate just how "tough" Don was as a baby.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Sigh....morning sickness back again
I guess I spoke too soon or my head isn't hard enough and I should have knocked on a whole forest of trees. I foolishly thought I could stop taking the anti-nausea medication once again because I didn't want to mix it with the cold medication. Silly me.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Where did the weekend go?
The weekend sure went by fast! As predicted, we didn't feel up to doing a whole lot. Don and I stayed around the house on Saturday while the girls went to the Monster Truck thing with Larry and Tabs. We had a nice quiet time at home then went out for dinner. We were "resting our eyes" by the time the kids got back and were ready for bed soon afterwards.
Sunday was a bit more productive. I decided that it was time to set up the change table, which required the removal of a bookshelf and some rearranging of furniture. Don even managed to convince me that it was time to think about donating some of our books - not an easy task since I've had some of them with me since high school. I've moved a lot since then and have always carted them along with me, even if I've only read them once or twice. However, we did need to make room for the baby books so it was time to clear out some of the old stuff. It's funny how your priorities change when you have a baby on the way.
Don decided to tackle some of our strange electrical problems that we have been having in the kitchen and basement. We were just a little tired of having to replace lightbulbs every few days and having to tweak the light fixtures to get them to turn on. This repair job required a trip to Rona and also required a stop at our local Dairy Queen on the way back. So, we did get our ice cream afterall. I was suitably impressed with Don's repair job as I would never touch anything electrical even if someone paid me.
I had a nice chat with my mom on Saturday night. Everytime we talk she has some amusing story about my niece, Nicola. Nicola has always been a real character. This kid was just born with personality and really sees the world in a very unique way. She turned 5 at the end of January and told my sister that she was ready for kindergarten. She was very disappointed to learn that she would have to wait until September to enroll. Nicola loves to shop and I've been told that she's had a hand in picking out some things "for the little fella". I hadn't really thought of it until now but Jenny and Nicola will be the only cousins for our little one. At least he will have some great role models [including his big sisters].
Baby the cat and the baby in development were having another fight for space last night. It was a half-hearted attempt on both sides though. The cat was lying on my belly, thwacking her tail. This would get a response from the baby and the game would continue. I let it go on for about 15 minutes until I had enough and pushed the cat off again. In a strange way I'm going to miss all of those kicks after the baby is born. It's an impossible feeling to describe to others and is one of the most bizarre things you can imagine when you watch your own tummy jump up and down as if it has a life of its own [I guess it does]. I've had the foot or elbow sticking out experience a few times and that is really weird. It's very hard to picture just how he is positioned in there sometimes.
Well, I've got a busy work week ahead so expect we will get through another week rather quickly. Unfortunately that tingly sensation in my right had is still there and when I described it to my doctor she knew right away that it was carpal tunnel syndrome. She offered to splint it but I'm going to see how it goes this week with all of the typing I will have to do. I'm hoping that if I take enough rests during the day it will be fine. I'm down to visiting my doctor every 2 weeks now so will see her soon if need be.
Sunday was a bit more productive. I decided that it was time to set up the change table, which required the removal of a bookshelf and some rearranging of furniture. Don even managed to convince me that it was time to think about donating some of our books - not an easy task since I've had some of them with me since high school. I've moved a lot since then and have always carted them along with me, even if I've only read them once or twice. However, we did need to make room for the baby books so it was time to clear out some of the old stuff. It's funny how your priorities change when you have a baby on the way.
Don decided to tackle some of our strange electrical problems that we have been having in the kitchen and basement. We were just a little tired of having to replace lightbulbs every few days and having to tweak the light fixtures to get them to turn on. This repair job required a trip to Rona and also required a stop at our local Dairy Queen on the way back. So, we did get our ice cream afterall. I was suitably impressed with Don's repair job as I would never touch anything electrical even if someone paid me.
I had a nice chat with my mom on Saturday night. Everytime we talk she has some amusing story about my niece, Nicola. Nicola has always been a real character. This kid was just born with personality and really sees the world in a very unique way. She turned 5 at the end of January and told my sister that she was ready for kindergarten. She was very disappointed to learn that she would have to wait until September to enroll. Nicola loves to shop and I've been told that she's had a hand in picking out some things "for the little fella". I hadn't really thought of it until now but Jenny and Nicola will be the only cousins for our little one. At least he will have some great role models [including his big sisters].
Baby the cat and the baby in development were having another fight for space last night. It was a half-hearted attempt on both sides though. The cat was lying on my belly, thwacking her tail. This would get a response from the baby and the game would continue. I let it go on for about 15 minutes until I had enough and pushed the cat off again. In a strange way I'm going to miss all of those kicks after the baby is born. It's an impossible feeling to describe to others and is one of the most bizarre things you can imagine when you watch your own tummy jump up and down as if it has a life of its own [I guess it does]. I've had the foot or elbow sticking out experience a few times and that is really weird. It's very hard to picture just how he is positioned in there sometimes.
Well, I've got a busy work week ahead so expect we will get through another week rather quickly. Unfortunately that tingly sensation in my right had is still there and when I described it to my doctor she knew right away that it was carpal tunnel syndrome. She offered to splint it but I'm going to see how it goes this week with all of the typing I will have to do. I'm hoping that if I take enough rests during the day it will be fine. I'm down to visiting my doctor every 2 weeks now so will see her soon if need be.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Things still going well
Well, I've just returned from another appointment. This is the first time ever that I was done within 15 minutes of walking in the door. Apparently it is much quieter after lunch on a Friday. I even brought the 800 page book to pass the time. Not much to report for this visit. Everything seems on track. Since I've still got a cough the doctor checked me over and said I can take cough medicine with DM. The baby's head is still pretty much just below my belly button [which I may add is now an outty, not an inny] but seems a little lower [Yeah!].
Another small parcel of clothes has arrived today. I've placed a few orders from a place in Calgary that has an online store with stock that rotates ever few weeks. I've found some great bargains there and really like the clothes. Included in this batch is a small pair of rain boots. Now I know the baby actually won't really be walking through any puddles anytime soon but they look adorable and will keep his feet dry while we go out on some of the many walks I have planned for us.
We have a nice park not too far from our house that I think will be an ideal place for a daily walk. I'm going to need one if I want to stay sane and loose some of this maternity weight. This is the same park that has a path that runs along a ravine but we won't tackle that for awhile. Don and I walked it once and while it is a beautiful little walk on the way down, you have to climb back up about 200 stairs. I'm sorry to report we needed to stop and "enjoy the view", "tie our shoes" and "admire the folliage" a few times on the way back - while being passed by a small elderly lady going at a good clip the whole way up.
We've not got much planned for the weekend. My brother, Larry, and his girlfriend Tabitha are taking Desiree and Dakota to a Monster Truck event on Saturday. I'm going to take the opportunity to take my husband out on a date if I can get him away from his computer for awhile. Mind you, I don't expect either of us will be up for much of a wild and crazy time. I think perhaps he will be very happy with a trip out for ice cream - and now that morning sickness is no longer a part of my life [knock on wood], I think I'd like that too.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Another small parcel of clothes has arrived today. I've placed a few orders from a place in Calgary that has an online store with stock that rotates ever few weeks. I've found some great bargains there and really like the clothes. Included in this batch is a small pair of rain boots. Now I know the baby actually won't really be walking through any puddles anytime soon but they look adorable and will keep his feet dry while we go out on some of the many walks I have planned for us.
We have a nice park not too far from our house that I think will be an ideal place for a daily walk. I'm going to need one if I want to stay sane and loose some of this maternity weight. This is the same park that has a path that runs along a ravine but we won't tackle that for awhile. Don and I walked it once and while it is a beautiful little walk on the way down, you have to climb back up about 200 stairs. I'm sorry to report we needed to stop and "enjoy the view", "tie our shoes" and "admire the folliage" a few times on the way back - while being passed by a small elderly lady going at a good clip the whole way up.
We've not got much planned for the weekend. My brother, Larry, and his girlfriend Tabitha are taking Desiree and Dakota to a Monster Truck event on Saturday. I'm going to take the opportunity to take my husband out on a date if I can get him away from his computer for awhile. Mind you, I don't expect either of us will be up for much of a wild and crazy time. I think perhaps he will be very happy with a trip out for ice cream - and now that morning sickness is no longer a part of my life [knock on wood], I think I'd like that too.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Can I have another one please?
Don keeps trying to convince me that he is not and wasn't ever "cute". I've been told to use more appropriate terms like "tough", "mean" and "scary". I've agreed, but only under duress. Personally, I sure wouldn't mind it if our little one took after his dad.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Fair enough
Okay, lessons learned here. I can see that I'm a bit impatient to get the whole pregnancy thing over with. Anyone following this blog knows I've not enjoyed it at all. This week has been full of other wonderful changes including a new tingly sensation in the tips of the fingers of my right hand due to too much typing. Typing! You know, that really strenuous exercise that is the most basic and necessary component of my work. I checked online and yes, this is normal for some women and it is recommended that you rest your hand as much as possible. Rest! How am I supposed to get anything done if I can't even type for an average workday? Now, I don't even want to get into details regarding my newly developed waddle. It doesn't last long but is as uncomfortable as everything else about pregnancy.
Don has also learned not to jolt a hormonally charged pregnant woman back into reality. I had to mention the cup just to get my point across. When we decided to have a baby we agreed that we would equally share in the experience and I'm just trying to think of creative ways of letting him experience the whole thing.
Personally, I much prefer the encouragement that I got from my sister. My niece Nicola arrived exactly on the day she was due. So ya see, there is hope.
Don has also learned not to jolt a hormonally charged pregnant woman back into reality. I had to mention the cup just to get my point across. When we decided to have a baby we agreed that we would equally share in the experience and I'm just trying to think of creative ways of letting him experience the whole thing.
Personally, I much prefer the encouragement that I got from my sister. My niece Nicola arrived exactly on the day she was due. So ya see, there is hope.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
ok, let me tell ya...
You know the funny thing about Angie is that many of you know her as a down-to-earth person who is kind-hearted and generous. The reality, at times, is very much different...case in point - the previous post!
Angie is really, really (I mean REALLY) hoping that our little one will be making his appearence into this world of ours sometime within the 2 weeks prior to his due date of March 27. All I did was to remind her that he could very well be born 2 weeks after the due date, her reply was a simple one "You better wear a cup!" OUCH!
Angie is really, really (I mean REALLY) hoping that our little one will be making his appearence into this world of ours sometime within the 2 weeks prior to his due date of March 27. All I did was to remind her that he could very well be born 2 weeks after the due date, her reply was a simple one "You better wear a cup!" OUCH!
The blame game
Don told me last night that both Desiree and Dakota were born later than expected. He estimated the actual birthday of our baby to be two weeks late. That would mean that the baby would be born as late as April 11th and that just better not happen. I know that very few women actually give birth on the day that is expected and that it all depends on when baby is ready to greet the world but if our son decides to make a late appearance, I blame Don!
I actually have evidence to back this up if need be. Ever since I have known him, my charming husband has lived by his own rules, including his own perception of time. Before I knew him, I was one of those annoying people who had to be early for everything. It's a family trait [I used to hate it because we were always the ones who were ready hours before any event]. So, you can imagine what it was like when Don and I first started dating. I would tend to be early for everything [first date was an exception and I expect to hear about that for the rest of my life] and Don would be just a wee bit late. Now, in polite society, being a little late is not a problem. However, when you combine that with the inevitable wait of the notoriously early person, it can truly try your patience. It's a good thing that I found out early on that he is well worth it.
Dakota also seems to share this trait with Don. In fact, she really lives in a different world when it comes to being able to tell time. If you tell her that it is okay to visit her friend down the street but to call at a specific time, you can almost always predict that she will either forget to call or will call hours later. The first time this happened I was in such a panic imagining everything that could have gone wrong and the worst of it was I wasn't entirely sure what house her friend lived at and didn't have a phone number. Another issue is bedtime. Dakota goes to bed at 10 pm - for me, this means she should have finished brushing her teeth, chasing the cat, talking about her latest sports injury, remembered that she had an important notice for us from school about a bake sale the next day, etc. and be in bed at 10 pm. For her, this means she will wait about 15 minutes until Don reminds her that she has to go to bed, wait another 5 minutes before she is told to brush her teeth, then come back and do all of the above and suddenly develop a fascination with the nightly news and stand watching it until Don or I tell her once again that it is in fact her bedtime. That kid never actually gets into bed until about 10:30 then wonders why she's so sleepy in the mornings. I must remember to ask Don's parents if this is what he was like as a child.
Now I know that my own pecularities are not necessarily a good thing. It's nobodies fault but my own that I have spent a good amount of my time waiting. Over the years, I've managed to relax to the point where I manage to just be on time - not too early, not late. A researcher that I am working with in Ottawa always laughs at me though because I call her every Friday at 1pm on the dot. I don't have to even identify myself, she just knows it's me. I tried once to call her a little later but only managed to wait for about a minute or two before I broke down and made the call.
The point is, as much as I know you can't plan ahead in terms of things concerning the baby, logic and statistics just don't factor into my own world at the moment. I was told the baby was due on March 28th and it had better come on March 28th - or even a little earlier if it takes after me [Yup, I was a born early - by a month and a half]. If it doesn't, well, I'm just saying you can draw your own conclusions.
I actually have evidence to back this up if need be. Ever since I have known him, my charming husband has lived by his own rules, including his own perception of time. Before I knew him, I was one of those annoying people who had to be early for everything. It's a family trait [I used to hate it because we were always the ones who were ready hours before any event]. So, you can imagine what it was like when Don and I first started dating. I would tend to be early for everything [first date was an exception and I expect to hear about that for the rest of my life] and Don would be just a wee bit late. Now, in polite society, being a little late is not a problem. However, when you combine that with the inevitable wait of the notoriously early person, it can truly try your patience. It's a good thing that I found out early on that he is well worth it.
Dakota also seems to share this trait with Don. In fact, she really lives in a different world when it comes to being able to tell time. If you tell her that it is okay to visit her friend down the street but to call at a specific time, you can almost always predict that she will either forget to call or will call hours later. The first time this happened I was in such a panic imagining everything that could have gone wrong and the worst of it was I wasn't entirely sure what house her friend lived at and didn't have a phone number. Another issue is bedtime. Dakota goes to bed at 10 pm - for me, this means she should have finished brushing her teeth, chasing the cat, talking about her latest sports injury, remembered that she had an important notice for us from school about a bake sale the next day, etc. and be in bed at 10 pm. For her, this means she will wait about 15 minutes until Don reminds her that she has to go to bed, wait another 5 minutes before she is told to brush her teeth, then come back and do all of the above and suddenly develop a fascination with the nightly news and stand watching it until Don or I tell her once again that it is in fact her bedtime. That kid never actually gets into bed until about 10:30 then wonders why she's so sleepy in the mornings. I must remember to ask Don's parents if this is what he was like as a child.
Now I know that my own pecularities are not necessarily a good thing. It's nobodies fault but my own that I have spent a good amount of my time waiting. Over the years, I've managed to relax to the point where I manage to just be on time - not too early, not late. A researcher that I am working with in Ottawa always laughs at me though because I call her every Friday at 1pm on the dot. I don't have to even identify myself, she just knows it's me. I tried once to call her a little later but only managed to wait for about a minute or two before I broke down and made the call.
The point is, as much as I know you can't plan ahead in terms of things concerning the baby, logic and statistics just don't factor into my own world at the moment. I was told the baby was due on March 28th and it had better come on March 28th - or even a little earlier if it takes after me [Yup, I was a born early - by a month and a half]. If it doesn't, well, I'm just saying you can draw your own conclusions.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
The good old days
Hi again,
Don was playing around with code last night and managed to make my pregancy counter actually work. Now you too can count down the days with us.
I was doing some online browsing yesterday just to see what kind of new toys are out there. There are some pretty cool toys available but I can't help thinking about the "good old days" [am I that old already]. I remember the toys we had as kids. Mostly I remember having lots and lots of books that we used to make roads and towers out of. Dad used to make us wooden boats out of scraps of wood and big pieces of bark and we would happily name them and tow them along behind us through the big mud puddles near our house. He also used to bring things home from work - ball bearings made great marbles and a tractor inner tube made a nice trampoline. I used to love it when he picked up reams of blank newsprint from our local weekly and we would set up our own "daily paper", colouring for hours on end and then trying to sell them to our poor relatives.
Mom used to keep us entertained with loads of arts and crafts. We often made salt dough and used it like play dough until we forgot to keep it moist and ended up with bits of rock hard balls. We made kites out of plastic bags and bits of paper and almost always had fun just trying to get the things to fly. Our Christmas tree was decorated with things we had made out of pine cones, nuts, pipe cleaners and glitter. There were many adventures outside too. We often lived in a world of make believe with mom and dad right there along with us.
So, as I look at all the wonderful new toys available out there, I find myself hesitant to buy the latest Disney it-glows-talks-rattles-and-rumbles toy. Sure, I'll pick up a few of the more entertaining toys and old classics. However, I won't forget that sometimes even an old cardboard box can bring hours of fun. Maybe the best thing we can give the baby is our time and share our imaginations. It's certainly what I remember most fondly from my childhood.
Don was playing around with code last night and managed to make my pregancy counter actually work. Now you too can count down the days with us.
I was doing some online browsing yesterday just to see what kind of new toys are out there. There are some pretty cool toys available but I can't help thinking about the "good old days" [am I that old already]. I remember the toys we had as kids. Mostly I remember having lots and lots of books that we used to make roads and towers out of. Dad used to make us wooden boats out of scraps of wood and big pieces of bark and we would happily name them and tow them along behind us through the big mud puddles near our house. He also used to bring things home from work - ball bearings made great marbles and a tractor inner tube made a nice trampoline. I used to love it when he picked up reams of blank newsprint from our local weekly and we would set up our own "daily paper", colouring for hours on end and then trying to sell them to our poor relatives.
Mom used to keep us entertained with loads of arts and crafts. We often made salt dough and used it like play dough until we forgot to keep it moist and ended up with bits of rock hard balls. We made kites out of plastic bags and bits of paper and almost always had fun just trying to get the things to fly. Our Christmas tree was decorated with things we had made out of pine cones, nuts, pipe cleaners and glitter. There were many adventures outside too. We often lived in a world of make believe with mom and dad right there along with us.
So, as I look at all the wonderful new toys available out there, I find myself hesitant to buy the latest Disney it-glows-talks-rattles-and-rumbles toy. Sure, I'll pick up a few of the more entertaining toys and old classics. However, I won't forget that sometimes even an old cardboard box can bring hours of fun. Maybe the best thing we can give the baby is our time and share our imaginations. It's certainly what I remember most fondly from my childhood.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Books, books, books
Another parcel arrived today from the book club. I've pretty much got a whole shelf full of books for the baby now. It's a good start but there are just so many more books out there that I'm sure he's going to need. The funny thing is, the only toys he's got so far have come from the grandparents [a shelf full of stuffed animals] and one lone little wooden plane that I picked up at a craft sale. Some of his books are very versatile though - they squeek, rattle, crinkle and come with things like mirrors, soft bits, shiny bits, hard bits, etc. I suppose my next shopping trip will be for some toys.
I'm beginning to think we may have a few too many clothes. We've filled up his dresser already and have a whole area in the closet dedicated to his clothes. I am happy that we decided to get a range of sizes though. The best stuff seems to be in the 6 month range. My dad and brother-in-law will be happy to know he already has a fishing outfit, complete with vest and hat. Mom and I will appreciate the nautical themed clothes and the overalls. They remind me very much of my brother when he was a baby. I'm holding off on purchasing the summer stuff though. I've no idea what size he will fit in July and August. I must get more hats too, if only to annoy Don my-boy-isn't-wearing-those Bain. Some friends and I at work are also talking about getting him a doll. Mind you, I think Desiree and Dakota would object more to that than Don simply because they were never interested in those things.
Hope you all have a good weekend [cough, cough]. I'm hoping we do too [sniffle, sniffle].
I'm beginning to think we may have a few too many clothes. We've filled up his dresser already and have a whole area in the closet dedicated to his clothes. I am happy that we decided to get a range of sizes though. The best stuff seems to be in the 6 month range. My dad and brother-in-law will be happy to know he already has a fishing outfit, complete with vest and hat. Mom and I will appreciate the nautical themed clothes and the overalls. They remind me very much of my brother when he was a baby. I'm holding off on purchasing the summer stuff though. I've no idea what size he will fit in July and August. I must get more hats too, if only to annoy Don my-boy-isn't-wearing-those Bain. Some friends and I at work are also talking about getting him a doll. Mind you, I think Desiree and Dakota would object more to that than Don simply because they were never interested in those things.
Hope you all have a good weekend [cough, cough]. I'm hoping we do too [sniffle, sniffle].
Thursday, January 27, 2005
I am officially sick
Well, it was inevitable I suppose. With both of the girls catching the nasty bug that was going around and with me working from home most of the time now I guess that I should have resigned myself to the fact that I too would get sick.
My slight tickle in the throat has blossomed into a full out cold. I'm trying alternative remedies like hot lemon water, drinking plenty of fluids, holding my head over a bowl of hot water to clear the sinuses, etc. but I still think nothing does the trick to mask those symptoms like Buckleys or other such over-the-counter drugs. I haven't given in yet and called my doctor to see what options are available for pregnant women - I do know she told me early on that I could take asprin [in moderation] but not to take anything else. I'll give it another day or so and give her a call if the cough gets worse. My next appointment is in 8 days and hopefully all will be well again before that.
The poor baby probably gets pretty startled by the coughing and sneezing. He's really been moving around a lot at night and it has become a sad comedy. If I'm comfortable, he seems to feel the need to move and if he's quiet, I seem to be jostling him about as I try to find a comfortable position. My poor husband will have a grumpy wife on his hands for awhile. Today might be one of those days when a nap is called for. I don't think I'll have much of a choice in the matter really as it is a mere hour since I got up and I'm already nodding off.
My slight tickle in the throat has blossomed into a full out cold. I'm trying alternative remedies like hot lemon water, drinking plenty of fluids, holding my head over a bowl of hot water to clear the sinuses, etc. but I still think nothing does the trick to mask those symptoms like Buckleys or other such over-the-counter drugs. I haven't given in yet and called my doctor to see what options are available for pregnant women - I do know she told me early on that I could take asprin [in moderation] but not to take anything else. I'll give it another day or so and give her a call if the cough gets worse. My next appointment is in 8 days and hopefully all will be well again before that.
The poor baby probably gets pretty startled by the coughing and sneezing. He's really been moving around a lot at night and it has become a sad comedy. If I'm comfortable, he seems to feel the need to move and if he's quiet, I seem to be jostling him about as I try to find a comfortable position. My poor husband will have a grumpy wife on his hands for awhile. Today might be one of those days when a nap is called for. I don't think I'll have much of a choice in the matter really as it is a mere hour since I got up and I'm already nodding off.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
FAMILY-1
Heh, I found a photo of my nanny, poppa, aunt and cousins. I'll have some stinky diapers for all of you too.
Update from Baby Bain
Hi everybody! Seems like mom and dad have finally gotten around to finding a name for me. Whew, I was getting worried there because mom was starting to suggest things like "Susie". Doesn't she know that I'm gonna be a boy and what kinda name is that for a boy? Dad seemed to like "Max Power", which is only a little better than the alternative "Homer J. Simpson Bain". I'm going to have my work cut out for me with those two.
For those of you who are wondering, I'm doing okay. I like to open and close my eyes now but I have to tell you, there's not an awful lot to see in here [no offense mom]. My hands and feet are fun to play with but it's getting a little tight in here. I can't practice my kicks as much as I used to. I wish mom would stop worrying about the size of her belly and think about how it feels for me. I especially hate it when that big fat cat sits on top of me. You had better watch out hairball because when I get outta here I'm going to sit on you.
Mom seems to think I've been making a lot of "strange movements" recently. Geez mom, ya went to university, seen a bit of the world and ought to know a little something by now. Those "strange movements" are called hiccups. You've had them yourself so stop your complaining. It's no picnic for me either. And while we are on the subject, that round of sneezing you did yesterday is NEVER TO BE REPEATED. It scared me so much I almost....well, no need for the nice people to know about that just yet.
Anyway, tell my sisters that I'm ready to be spoiled rotten, umm...I mean I am really looking forward to tormenting them. No, that's not right either. Just tell them to keep mom and dad in line until I get there. Oh, and there is no need to fight about it. There will be plenty of stinky diapers for the both of you to change. I promise to save a few good ones for the grandparents too.
Monday, January 24, 2005
P.S. - The name thing
Opps, almost forgot the reason I was posting. We've almost certainly decided on the name Calum Elias Bain. We still have about 9 weeks to go though so things may still change.
Yet another thing we are contemplating - which Band do we want to register him with? Don's Band is in Prince George [Lheidli T'enneh] and mine is in Merritt [Lower Nicola]. Des and Dakota are registered with their mom's Band [Upper Nicola] which isn't too bad as I have a lot of relatives with that Band. With our research backgrounds, both Don and I have a fairly good understanding of the history of our Bands and ongoing projects. Unfortunately, this also means that we are well aware of other issues like lack of land for housing developments, family politics and the shortage of education funding. But, none of these problems are new and are a reality for most First Nations. I guess that the real question is will this baby be a NLakapamux or a Carrier? Maybe we should wait to meet him till we decide.
Yet another thing we are contemplating - which Band do we want to register him with? Don's Band is in Prince George [Lheidli T'enneh] and mine is in Merritt [Lower Nicola]. Des and Dakota are registered with their mom's Band [Upper Nicola] which isn't too bad as I have a lot of relatives with that Band. With our research backgrounds, both Don and I have a fairly good understanding of the history of our Bands and ongoing projects. Unfortunately, this also means that we are well aware of other issues like lack of land for housing developments, family politics and the shortage of education funding. But, none of these problems are new and are a reality for most First Nations. I guess that the real question is will this baby be a NLakapamux or a Carrier? Maybe we should wait to meet him till we decide.
Another week gone
Another week has passed! We had a fairly restful weekend. On Saturday, we went out to pick up the change table that we had ordered after Christmas and decided that we needed a nice rocker/recliner/swivel chair, for the baby of course. Sears was having a nice sale so we managed to find something fairly quickly. Unfortunately, it won't arrive till March but at least it should arrive before the baby.
Don picked up a few more DVDs. Donald Duck made it into his selection too so the baby has a growing collection of his own. We watched a few more episodes of 24. The plot on that show has so many twists and turns I'm loosing track. Of course, it could have something to do with the fact that I fell asleep part way through an episode and had to get Don to give me the Coles notes version of the plot.
I did a bit more shopping for the baby during the week. I noticed a decided lack of t-shirts in the clothes I had been buying so stocked up on a few of those. I have another item I should look into but am very reluctant to buy. I know I want to give the baby the "natural stuff" for as long as possible but breast pumps look a bit too much like torture devices for me to want to comtemplate them. I'll just wait a little longer.
Don has threatened to put a blocker on the channel that airs "Birth Stories" on t.v. Everytime I watch them I have a new story for him. Last week, one doula likened the experience of giving birth to trying to get your car out of a snowbank. You keep trying and trying to get the thing out until suddenly out it comes. That doesn't sound too bad. But she added that of course, you have to endure the feeling of your lower half feeling as though it were a ring of fire first. Another thing I think I won't contemplate until I absolutely have to.
Dakota is home today. She informed us last night that it is a Pro-D day for her teachers, and oh yeah, there was a notice for parents but she forgot it at school. It seems like the kids have at least one of these a month so we shouldn't be surprised. Thank goodness she's old enough to entertain herself. Unfortunately though, that usually means she will spend her day in front of the tv or playing X-Box or PS2. I've got a busy day ahead though so as long as she's occupied I'm happy.
Speaking of which, I'd better get started. I hope that you all have a good start to your week.
Don picked up a few more DVDs. Donald Duck made it into his selection too so the baby has a growing collection of his own. We watched a few more episodes of 24. The plot on that show has so many twists and turns I'm loosing track. Of course, it could have something to do with the fact that I fell asleep part way through an episode and had to get Don to give me the Coles notes version of the plot.
I did a bit more shopping for the baby during the week. I noticed a decided lack of t-shirts in the clothes I had been buying so stocked up on a few of those. I have another item I should look into but am very reluctant to buy. I know I want to give the baby the "natural stuff" for as long as possible but breast pumps look a bit too much like torture devices for me to want to comtemplate them. I'll just wait a little longer.
Don has threatened to put a blocker on the channel that airs "Birth Stories" on t.v. Everytime I watch them I have a new story for him. Last week, one doula likened the experience of giving birth to trying to get your car out of a snowbank. You keep trying and trying to get the thing out until suddenly out it comes. That doesn't sound too bad. But she added that of course, you have to endure the feeling of your lower half feeling as though it were a ring of fire first. Another thing I think I won't contemplate until I absolutely have to.
Dakota is home today. She informed us last night that it is a Pro-D day for her teachers, and oh yeah, there was a notice for parents but she forgot it at school. It seems like the kids have at least one of these a month so we shouldn't be surprised. Thank goodness she's old enough to entertain herself. Unfortunately though, that usually means she will spend her day in front of the tv or playing X-Box or PS2. I've got a busy day ahead though so as long as she's occupied I'm happy.
Speaking of which, I'd better get started. I hope that you all have a good start to your week.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Friday at last
Well, we are almost at the end of the work week and both Don and I are more than happy for it. It's been quite the week. Work-wise, things passed quickly but the girls are still sick. Desiree was home for a bit this week, was back at school yesterday but called Don because she wasn't feeling well. He had to knock off from work and take her in to see the doctor. She's developed a bit of a wheeze and has a deep cough so her doctor gave her some medication.
Dakota has been back at school most of the week but continues to have a cough. No matter how often we tell her to wear a jacket in the mornings, she often comes home soaking wet from standing outside without one after school. As everyone probably knows, we've had a lot of rain this week. When she heard that Desiree had to go see the doctor yesterday she asked Don and I if her cold was worse. Any parents out there know that is a bit of a warning sign for an "I-don't-feel-good" complaint the next morning. This morning she complained of a sore stomach but we sent her off to school [bad parents]. Don called awhile ago and said she had contacted him at work - once leaving a message saying she couldn't breathe and the second time calling to say that she took some Pepto and was feeling better. Part of the motivation may be a planned visit to a friends house after school so I'm not entirely sure we've heard the last of that. Needless to say, it's been a trying week.
The still-to-be-named baby Bain is doing well. I'm still getting some pretty solid kicks, especially at night. Our cat seems to have given up on the idea of fighting to share space and now rests on my feet or just near me for warmth. I know that there is still a long time to go before the baby comes but I'm getting all the more anxious for that day.
Heh, just answered the door and it was our postman. Two little parcels from the book club have arrived [that makes four for the week]. Things are looking up! I'm off to finish the rest of the work week and hope that everyone has a restful [germ and cold free] weekend.
P.S. Don took his camera in to work yesterday and came back with some nifty photos of a few of the "UBCIC babies". The youngest was born just before Christmas and the oldest is over a year [I think]. For those UBCIC parents out there - your kids are sure getting cute! Also, thanks for indulging my husband with his passion for snapping photos. He's not allowed to get anywhere near me with his camera at the moment and our poor cat is probably still seeing flashes before her eyes. Mind you, he is pretty good with it and did get some great shots of both the babies and the cat.
Dakota has been back at school most of the week but continues to have a cough. No matter how often we tell her to wear a jacket in the mornings, she often comes home soaking wet from standing outside without one after school. As everyone probably knows, we've had a lot of rain this week. When she heard that Desiree had to go see the doctor yesterday she asked Don and I if her cold was worse. Any parents out there know that is a bit of a warning sign for an "I-don't-feel-good" complaint the next morning. This morning she complained of a sore stomach but we sent her off to school [bad parents]. Don called awhile ago and said she had contacted him at work - once leaving a message saying she couldn't breathe and the second time calling to say that she took some Pepto and was feeling better. Part of the motivation may be a planned visit to a friends house after school so I'm not entirely sure we've heard the last of that. Needless to say, it's been a trying week.
The still-to-be-named baby Bain is doing well. I'm still getting some pretty solid kicks, especially at night. Our cat seems to have given up on the idea of fighting to share space and now rests on my feet or just near me for warmth. I know that there is still a long time to go before the baby comes but I'm getting all the more anxious for that day.
Heh, just answered the door and it was our postman. Two little parcels from the book club have arrived [that makes four for the week]. Things are looking up! I'm off to finish the rest of the work week and hope that everyone has a restful [germ and cold free] weekend.
P.S. Don took his camera in to work yesterday and came back with some nifty photos of a few of the "UBCIC babies". The youngest was born just before Christmas and the oldest is over a year [I think]. For those UBCIC parents out there - your kids are sure getting cute! Also, thanks for indulging my husband with his passion for snapping photos. He's not allowed to get anywhere near me with his camera at the moment and our poor cat is probably still seeing flashes before her eyes. Mind you, he is pretty good with it and did get some great shots of both the babies and the cat.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
75%!
Checked out my online source for weekly pregnancy info today and found that I am now 75% of the way through [see below]:
http://www.amazingpregnancy.com
Today is Thursday January 20th 2005.
You conceived on Monday July 5th 2004 and your due date is Monday March 28th 2005.
199 days have passed since the conception, and you are 67 days before your due date.
You are 30 weeks into your pregnancy, and you have 10 weeks to go.
You are in the 3rd trimester.
75% of your pregnancy has passed, there is 25% left to go.
and
I also checked out some facts about the baby's birth date:
http://www.babiesonline.com/funfacts/
Fun Facts
Your baby's birthstone will be Aquamarine (Courage)
Your baby's Astrological Sign will be Aries
Your baby's Flower will be Daffodil or Jonquil (White or Light Blue)
Your baby will be born in the Chinese Year of The Rooster
Your baby will start kindergarten in 2010, be old enough to drive a car in 2021, finish high school in 2023, and will graduate from college with the class of 2027 (Give or take a year)
I wonder what high school will be like in 2023? Now the Rooster seems interesting. According to Chinese astrology, Roosters make great lawyers, brain surgeons and accountants, are very observant, like to be well dressed and are very neat. One bad trait is that they tend to be critical of others and need to learn to "live and let live". I don't think that will be a problem with Don as his dad [he's the most forgiving and understanding person that I know]. It will be nice if we did have a neat freak though. It is far from a priority with Desiree and Dakota [especially Dakota who has to be reminded to shovel out her room every now and then].
http://www.amazingpregnancy.com
Today is Thursday January 20th 2005.
You conceived on Monday July 5th 2004 and your due date is Monday March 28th 2005.
199 days have passed since the conception, and you are 67 days before your due date.
You are 30 weeks into your pregnancy, and you have 10 weeks to go.
You are in the 3rd trimester.
75% of your pregnancy has passed, there is 25% left to go.
and
I also checked out some facts about the baby's birth date:
http://www.babiesonline.com/funfacts/
Fun Facts
Your baby's birthstone will be Aquamarine (Courage)
Your baby's Astrological Sign will be Aries
Your baby's Flower will be Daffodil or Jonquil (White or Light Blue)
Your baby will be born in the Chinese Year of The Rooster
Your baby will start kindergarten in 2010, be old enough to drive a car in 2021, finish high school in 2023, and will graduate from college with the class of 2027 (Give or take a year)
I wonder what high school will be like in 2023? Now the Rooster seems interesting. According to Chinese astrology, Roosters make great lawyers, brain surgeons and accountants, are very observant, like to be well dressed and are very neat. One bad trait is that they tend to be critical of others and need to learn to "live and let live". I don't think that will be a problem with Don as his dad [he's the most forgiving and understanding person that I know]. It will be nice if we did have a neat freak though. It is far from a priority with Desiree and Dakota [especially Dakota who has to be reminded to shovel out her room every now and then].
Monday, January 17, 2005
I stand corrected
Don's dad informed us that Calum has only one l. Is it just me or does it look more masculine when it is spelt that way? After all, we must always remember that the baby will have roots in both Surrey and Merritt - both places with a bit of a tougher reputation [or so we like to think]. The name that we had wanted for a girl, Payton, could work for a boy too [as Peyton] but cousins would endlessly tease the poor kid if we picked something like that.
I found a BBC site that helps with pronunciation of Calum [http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/alba/foghlam/beag_air_bheag/section18/index.shtml] but expect we will anglicize it a bit if that is the name we choose. Don's dad also sent us this link http://www.namenerds.com/scottish/ .
We had a quiet weekend. We did the usual chores and shopping. All that I can say is that it is a sad day when you get winded from carrying in the groceries. While I understand the physical reasons why this happens [think of all of your internal organs being pushed up in your body to make room for the growing baby] it is not something you want to acknowledge is happening.
Yesterday we picked up season one of the TV show "24". Season 4 has just started on TV and we watched a few episodes and got hooked. Now, we can go back and see how it all began. Don and I intended to watch one episode [there are 24 in season one] but kept saying "Just one more" till we watched a complete disk [4 episodes]. So far, it's pretty good. Mind you, if the intelligence game were like that it would be a pretty funny world. The story focuses on one main character, Jack Bauer, who works for the counter terrorism unit. We've noticed that around their office, there are a lot of personal politics going on too. Everyone asks everyone else to "do them a favor" until it gets so convoluted you really can't tell the good guys from the bad. Ah well, it's entertaining.
Dakota has mostly recovered from her cold but now Desiree is home sick. You know that they really aren't feeling well when they voluntarily stay in all weekend. I hope that those of you who have picked up a similar cold get healthy soon. For those of you that are healthy now, stay away from our house till we beat this cold for good. At the rate we are going, it could be awhile.
I found a BBC site that helps with pronunciation of Calum [http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/alba/foghlam/beag_air_bheag/section18/index.shtml] but expect we will anglicize it a bit if that is the name we choose. Don's dad also sent us this link http://www.namenerds.com/scottish/ .
We had a quiet weekend. We did the usual chores and shopping. All that I can say is that it is a sad day when you get winded from carrying in the groceries. While I understand the physical reasons why this happens [think of all of your internal organs being pushed up in your body to make room for the growing baby] it is not something you want to acknowledge is happening.
Yesterday we picked up season one of the TV show "24". Season 4 has just started on TV and we watched a few episodes and got hooked. Now, we can go back and see how it all began. Don and I intended to watch one episode [there are 24 in season one] but kept saying "Just one more" till we watched a complete disk [4 episodes]. So far, it's pretty good. Mind you, if the intelligence game were like that it would be a pretty funny world. The story focuses on one main character, Jack Bauer, who works for the counter terrorism unit. We've noticed that around their office, there are a lot of personal politics going on too. Everyone asks everyone else to "do them a favor" until it gets so convoluted you really can't tell the good guys from the bad. Ah well, it's entertaining.
Dakota has mostly recovered from her cold but now Desiree is home sick. You know that they really aren't feeling well when they voluntarily stay in all weekend. I hope that those of you who have picked up a similar cold get healthy soon. For those of you that are healthy now, stay away from our house till we beat this cold for good. At the rate we are going, it could be awhile.
Friday, January 14, 2005
I passed!
Whew - I passed the GTT test without any problem. The doctor was happy with everything, especially the baby’s growth. She showed me where the head is at – which is currently pretty much in the middle of my belly. I guess that all those things I thought were kicks could either be that or punches. I'm picturing our boy as a pretzel right about now. She said that she won’t worry about the position until we get closer to the due date – or around 36 weeks at the earliest. Next week will be 30 weeks so it won’t be long.
At this point it looks like I won’t need another ultrasound. I’ll have another couple of blood tests later on and after my next appointment [in 3 weeks time] I will be visiting the doctor every second week. As she is very busy and I usually end up waiting for at least an hour each visit I guess I can count on seeing a lot of her waiting room. Usually there are a few other expectant mothers to talk to or babies to entertain us. The magazines are so old that very few people bother to read them. I usually load my latest work documents on my palm and just read and edit while I wait so at least I get some work done.
Not much else to report except on the “stuff” front. Thanks to some friends, the little one now has more stuff. They’ve leant us some really cool things like a swing, a doorway jumper, a bouncer saucer, a boppy and a car seat/carrier. Their little guy, Simon, will be one soon and is now walking around and keeping his mom and dad busy.
I also got a great deal on a Baby Bjorn carrier on Ebay. I spoke to mom a while ago and she’s made another sweater and is in the process of making a blanket. Pretty soon the girls are going to get a little upset that the baby has so much stuff. Right now they are happy to play with it all though. They got the swing going and the cat was very suspicious of it. Wonder what she will think of it when there is a crying baby in it. I think she’s going to spend a lot of her time hiding in our office. We also got a subscription to "Todays Parent" magazine that came with a coupon offer we got while out shopping before Christmas. I don't know if I'll read them but at least I can always hand them off to my sister for her daycare or headstart program [and they are free].
We’ve been discussing some names again. I seem to be on a letter “C” phase – I’ve suggested Cullen, Conner, Calvin, Cody, Cohen and Callum. I like Callum the best so far but there are a lot of variations of pronunciation – KAL-um, CALL-um and COL-um. I prefer the first but better check out the Scottish pronunciation or my father-in-law may be constantly correcting us if we opt for that. In non-C names I also like Grayson, Myles and Quentin. Don still seems to be hoping I’ll agree to Jesus but thankfully someone pointed out the other pronunciation of this name [something like Heh-zeus]. Now I'm off to rest a bit before getting back to work. I got very little sleep last night because someone decided they wanted to get in shape for the visit to the doctor and was moving about so much I couldn't get comfortable. I'm really hoping he decides to come a few weeks early so that Don and the girls can start sharing in my fun.
At this point it looks like I won’t need another ultrasound. I’ll have another couple of blood tests later on and after my next appointment [in 3 weeks time] I will be visiting the doctor every second week. As she is very busy and I usually end up waiting for at least an hour each visit I guess I can count on seeing a lot of her waiting room. Usually there are a few other expectant mothers to talk to or babies to entertain us. The magazines are so old that very few people bother to read them. I usually load my latest work documents on my palm and just read and edit while I wait so at least I get some work done.
Not much else to report except on the “stuff” front. Thanks to some friends, the little one now has more stuff. They’ve leant us some really cool things like a swing, a doorway jumper, a bouncer saucer, a boppy and a car seat/carrier. Their little guy, Simon, will be one soon and is now walking around and keeping his mom and dad busy.
I also got a great deal on a Baby Bjorn carrier on Ebay. I spoke to mom a while ago and she’s made another sweater and is in the process of making a blanket. Pretty soon the girls are going to get a little upset that the baby has so much stuff. Right now they are happy to play with it all though. They got the swing going and the cat was very suspicious of it. Wonder what she will think of it when there is a crying baby in it. I think she’s going to spend a lot of her time hiding in our office. We also got a subscription to "Todays Parent" magazine that came with a coupon offer we got while out shopping before Christmas. I don't know if I'll read them but at least I can always hand them off to my sister for her daycare or headstart program [and they are free].
We’ve been discussing some names again. I seem to be on a letter “C” phase – I’ve suggested Cullen, Conner, Calvin, Cody, Cohen and Callum. I like Callum the best so far but there are a lot of variations of pronunciation – KAL-um, CALL-um and COL-um. I prefer the first but better check out the Scottish pronunciation or my father-in-law may be constantly correcting us if we opt for that. In non-C names I also like Grayson, Myles and Quentin. Don still seems to be hoping I’ll agree to Jesus but thankfully someone pointed out the other pronunciation of this name [something like Heh-zeus]. Now I'm off to rest a bit before getting back to work. I got very little sleep last night because someone decided they wanted to get in shape for the visit to the doctor and was moving about so much I couldn't get comfortable. I'm really hoping he decides to come a few weeks early so that Don and the girls can start sharing in my fun.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Is no news good news?
Well, it's been a few days and I haven't heard from my doctor's office yet about the GTT test results. I was warned that if I failed the test I would hear from them pretty quickly. I'll find out tomorrow for sure when I do get in to see my doctor.
In baby news, all seems well. The baby has been really active over the last few days. He's starting to respond to stimuli like snapping fingers in the vicinity of my belly [don't ask how I found this out]. Don tried popping a plastic bag to see if he could get some movement going this morning but it seems he's tired out and didn't move a bit. It could be because he was up at 4 am doing his daily morning exercises and generally annoying me. I think that it's been months since I've actually slept through the night. The baby's movements usually have me waking up at least 3 or 4 times and it takes me forever to get back to sleep. I guess that I'll be ready for those late night feedings and diaper changes. Thank goodness I get to work at home most days because I can get an extra half hour sleep in the morning and toddle downstairs to my home office to start the day in my pjs.
More books have arrived from the book club and Dakota thinks it's amusing that she recognizes some titles because she recently had to read them to her little buddy at school. She did complain that one of them was too long - meaning, I suppose, that she will enjoy reading the baby the little board books but everything else will be up to Don and I. Actually, we'd probably be more likely to start reading the baby things like policy papers and research guides just so we can continue to get our own reading done. Poor little guy! I'm trying to get through "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" at the moment. It's a good book but very large and cumbersome to read when you’re pregnant. I can't rest the 800-page book on my belly because the baby doesn't like it and I can't hold it for too long without my hand feeling as though it's going to fall off. I've contemplated cutting it in half but after a few years of working at a bookstore I can't bring myself to do it.
Look for more news tomorrow.
In baby news, all seems well. The baby has been really active over the last few days. He's starting to respond to stimuli like snapping fingers in the vicinity of my belly [don't ask how I found this out]. Don tried popping a plastic bag to see if he could get some movement going this morning but it seems he's tired out and didn't move a bit. It could be because he was up at 4 am doing his daily morning exercises and generally annoying me. I think that it's been months since I've actually slept through the night. The baby's movements usually have me waking up at least 3 or 4 times and it takes me forever to get back to sleep. I guess that I'll be ready for those late night feedings and diaper changes. Thank goodness I get to work at home most days because I can get an extra half hour sleep in the morning and toddle downstairs to my home office to start the day in my pjs.
More books have arrived from the book club and Dakota thinks it's amusing that she recognizes some titles because she recently had to read them to her little buddy at school. She did complain that one of them was too long - meaning, I suppose, that she will enjoy reading the baby the little board books but everything else will be up to Don and I. Actually, we'd probably be more likely to start reading the baby things like policy papers and research guides just so we can continue to get our own reading done. Poor little guy! I'm trying to get through "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" at the moment. It's a good book but very large and cumbersome to read when you’re pregnant. I can't rest the 800-page book on my belly because the baby doesn't like it and I can't hold it for too long without my hand feeling as though it's going to fall off. I've contemplated cutting it in half but after a few years of working at a bookstore I can't bring myself to do it.
Look for more news tomorrow.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Miscellaneous thoughts
I just got back from the gestational diabetes test. I won't get the results for a few days and since my doctor's office isn't open on weekends I probably won't hear anything until next week. The test wasn't as bad as I thought. I had to drink a small bottle of a carbonated sugar substance that tasted an awful lot like orange pop. While it's not something I'd like to drink in the morning I managed it better than I had expected. Then, I was sent back out to the waiting room [after the technician kindly showed me where I could lie down if I suddenly started feeling ill] and was told to wait for 1 hour. Good thing I brought a new book [Crow Lake - not bad so far].
It was a pretty amusing wait. I was at a local office of the BC Biomedical Laboratories and it was pretty busy. You could really tell when people were nervous about their tests, most of which probably involved needles. One man spent 15 minutes tapping his foot so fast I thought it would fall off. Another kept trying to get out of his test. He went up to the receptionist about four times asking if she was absolutely sure that they needed to draw blood. One woman kept pacing and another had to get pushed in by her mother. Only one lucky man was spared. His test was to take a few hours and as he had eaten breakfast, he could not take it until after lunch. However, the office was closing early due to the snowfall warning so he happily left.
My hour passed quickly - I contemplated cheating a little and doing some exercises to get the blood moving a bit quicker but thought the other patients were amusing enough. No need to add to the general atmosphere by suddenly jumping up and down or doing some of the strange pregnancy-type stretches I've been doing at home. Nope. No need. I was called back in and they took some blood and that was that.
I had some time to kill before my bus so I went and did a little more baby shopping and bought myself some new clothes to fit my ever growing belly. I picked up some lunch for Dakota and I [she is at home today due to a cold] and went home. I was a little concerned that the bus wouldn't be able to make it down the hill to the stop near our house. It's our second day of snow here in Vancouver and there are so few plows and salt trucks that the residential neighbourhoods don't get their roads cleared properly. We made it okay though and I had the pleasure of walking the few blocks to the house in the soft silence that only snow can bring. I'm glad we got some this year because once again I didn't make it back home [to Merritt]. Mom told me that she and my niece went x-country skiing recently and I was a bit jealous. Then the girls got to go snow boarding and we had to stay home. Now, at least I was able to see some snow.
Unfortunately, we all seem to be getting sick. Dakota had it first. She picked it up in Kamloops and has been fighting it all week. Mind you, the crazy kid stubbornly decided to wear shorts during the week despite winter-like lows. She doesn't get dressed until the last minute and if I'm not upstairs when she leaves for school I don't find out until she gets home. Last night she was coughing most of the night so we decided to keep her home. At about 4:30 in the morning when Don got up to give her some cough medicine I started sniffling and had an itchy throat. This morning Don was also sniffling and Des started coughing too. It seems like at least half of Don's office is off sick and more than a few people from my office are in various stages of recovering. Let's hope that it is a mild bug and we all recover quickly.
I'm going to finish watching the news and get back to work. I'll post an update next week when I hear the results of the test.
It was a pretty amusing wait. I was at a local office of the BC Biomedical Laboratories and it was pretty busy. You could really tell when people were nervous about their tests, most of which probably involved needles. One man spent 15 minutes tapping his foot so fast I thought it would fall off. Another kept trying to get out of his test. He went up to the receptionist about four times asking if she was absolutely sure that they needed to draw blood. One woman kept pacing and another had to get pushed in by her mother. Only one lucky man was spared. His test was to take a few hours and as he had eaten breakfast, he could not take it until after lunch. However, the office was closing early due to the snowfall warning so he happily left.
My hour passed quickly - I contemplated cheating a little and doing some exercises to get the blood moving a bit quicker but thought the other patients were amusing enough. No need to add to the general atmosphere by suddenly jumping up and down or doing some of the strange pregnancy-type stretches I've been doing at home. Nope. No need. I was called back in and they took some blood and that was that.
I had some time to kill before my bus so I went and did a little more baby shopping and bought myself some new clothes to fit my ever growing belly. I picked up some lunch for Dakota and I [she is at home today due to a cold] and went home. I was a little concerned that the bus wouldn't be able to make it down the hill to the stop near our house. It's our second day of snow here in Vancouver and there are so few plows and salt trucks that the residential neighbourhoods don't get their roads cleared properly. We made it okay though and I had the pleasure of walking the few blocks to the house in the soft silence that only snow can bring. I'm glad we got some this year because once again I didn't make it back home [to Merritt]. Mom told me that she and my niece went x-country skiing recently and I was a bit jealous. Then the girls got to go snow boarding and we had to stay home. Now, at least I was able to see some snow.
Unfortunately, we all seem to be getting sick. Dakota had it first. She picked it up in Kamloops and has been fighting it all week. Mind you, the crazy kid stubbornly decided to wear shorts during the week despite winter-like lows. She doesn't get dressed until the last minute and if I'm not upstairs when she leaves for school I don't find out until she gets home. Last night she was coughing most of the night so we decided to keep her home. At about 4:30 in the morning when Don got up to give her some cough medicine I started sniffling and had an itchy throat. This morning Don was also sniffling and Des started coughing too. It seems like at least half of Don's office is off sick and more than a few people from my office are in various stages of recovering. Let's hope that it is a mild bug and we all recover quickly.
I'm going to finish watching the news and get back to work. I'll post an update next week when I hear the results of the test.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Report for mom
This one is for you mom. Don and I were getting the distinct impression that a concerned parent was getting a little worried that the baby still needed "stuff".
You will be happy to know that we did get out and did some shopping before returning to work. The little guy now has most of the necessities including a crib, change table, baby monitor, tub, stroller, bottles, blankets, clothes [including many little socks that Don assures me get lost in the wash], bath and grooming supplies, diaper bag, hats, jackets, shoes, soothers and even a nifty digital thermometer that can take the baby's temp. from under his arm. A friend has offered to loan us her baby car seat as her son has just outgrown it and has even more clothes for the baby.
Next we will stock up on the other little things including many, many diapers. I'm a little concerned though because Don keeps informing me that a tightly wrapped baby diaper [used] makes a good football. Wonder what he will think of a loosely wrapped one tossed in his direction? [No I'm not suggesting I'd do that to him - I'm just saying that it could happen]. The book collection continues to grow and everytime we go out Don keeps looking for the "classic kids" DVDs to add to our collection.
The one thing that we still need is a name. We haven't really discussed it much lately but so far have only agreed on Elias or Eli. Nobody but us seems to like that name though. It's not an easy thing to pick out a name given the size of our families - all family names have been taken up by the cousins and we certainly don't need another junior, junior [Don is a junior and my brother is a junior]. We'll work it out.
Finally, I've started playing music for the baby while I work. I put the speaker close to my belly and let the baby listen to the classics. When I told Don he respectfully requested that I play some Iron Maiden. I tried but just couldn't do it. Unfortunately for him, I'm attached to that belly and short of playing it while I'm sleeping he's out of luck. Not that I'm afraid he'd do something like that - I'm sure he'd think of a much more complicated way like making the phone ring play Crazy Train or something. Mind you, I think Des and Dakota have their own plot going because Dakota told me that you can get baby t-shirts and onsies with logos like the Ramones [a theme common in a lot of her own clothes these days]. It's going to be a challenge but somehow, someway I'm going to make sure the baby learns to appreciate Edith Piaf and Ella Fitzgerald too.
You will be happy to know that we did get out and did some shopping before returning to work. The little guy now has most of the necessities including a crib, change table, baby monitor, tub, stroller, bottles, blankets, clothes [including many little socks that Don assures me get lost in the wash], bath and grooming supplies, diaper bag, hats, jackets, shoes, soothers and even a nifty digital thermometer that can take the baby's temp. from under his arm. A friend has offered to loan us her baby car seat as her son has just outgrown it and has even more clothes for the baby.
Next we will stock up on the other little things including many, many diapers. I'm a little concerned though because Don keeps informing me that a tightly wrapped baby diaper [used] makes a good football. Wonder what he will think of a loosely wrapped one tossed in his direction? [No I'm not suggesting I'd do that to him - I'm just saying that it could happen]. The book collection continues to grow and everytime we go out Don keeps looking for the "classic kids" DVDs to add to our collection.
The one thing that we still need is a name. We haven't really discussed it much lately but so far have only agreed on Elias or Eli. Nobody but us seems to like that name though. It's not an easy thing to pick out a name given the size of our families - all family names have been taken up by the cousins and we certainly don't need another junior, junior [Don is a junior and my brother is a junior]. We'll work it out.
Finally, I've started playing music for the baby while I work. I put the speaker close to my belly and let the baby listen to the classics. When I told Don he respectfully requested that I play some Iron Maiden. I tried but just couldn't do it. Unfortunately for him, I'm attached to that belly and short of playing it while I'm sleeping he's out of luck. Not that I'm afraid he'd do something like that - I'm sure he'd think of a much more complicated way like making the phone ring play Crazy Train or something. Mind you, I think Des and Dakota have their own plot going because Dakota told me that you can get baby t-shirts and onsies with logos like the Ramones [a theme common in a lot of her own clothes these days]. It's going to be a challenge but somehow, someway I'm going to make sure the baby learns to appreciate Edith Piaf and Ella Fitzgerald too.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
The Third Trimester
Well, down to the last third now. It seems like there is so much time left and yet I expect things will pass quickly. Hopefully, the morning sickness will be a distant memory before too long. We know of two babies that were born over the Christmas break and it helps to make everything seem more real for us too.
We hope that everyone had a good Christmas. We didn't get around to sending out cards this year but don't think we weren't thinking about you. We spent a quiet Christmas at home - dinner with family, visit from my parents and the girls took a trip up to Kamloops to visit their relatives.
Don and I had a few days alone and spent most of it resting up for the month ahead. Well, I did. Don was busy defending the universe once again. You'll be happy to know that he finished his latest X-Box game in just a few short days. Apparently this one was a little harder than the last because that one only took him two days to finish. I was happy that he was otherwise occupied though because he finally gave his new Christmas present, a digital camera, a break. There will be plenty of time for photos after the baby is born [you have all been warned].
I got a lovely new computer for Christmas. It's much faster than my old one and I'm enjoying the new monitor. My old one was on its' last legs - I'm beginning to think that it played a part in my morning sickness because I haven't been as bad off since I got the new system. The girls did well too but still manage to have the energy to go shopping. Maybe we should just give them the list of baby items and send them off.
The baby got some gifts from the grandparents - lucky little guy. I was very happy to see that both grandmothers gave him knitted blankets. I wanted some but there was no way I'd learn to knit in the next few months. I was going to try to convince Don that all "manly men" knit but didn't think that he would fall for it. Knowing him, he would have made it an office project and our kid would have ended up being the only one with a "Save the wild salmon" blanket.
I spent a couple of days building a toy box. Well, sort of. We had a pantry shelf that was too large for the house and I modified it into something resembling a toy box. It didn't turn out exactly as I had planned but it kept my mind off work for awhile and I got to use Don's new saw. At least I now have somewhere to put some of those stuffed animals that the grandparents bought. We also bought a new dresser for the baby's clothes and are ready to begin shopping for the rest of the goodies. We may go off tomorrow - the girls just got back from Kamloops but are planning on spending the day snow boarding with their uncle so it will be our last quiet day before returning to work. I can't say that I'm much looking forward to going back to the mall so soon after Christmas though.
This week I have the GTT test and next week will be another check-up. I know that the baby is doing well if the size of my belly is any indication. Everytime I look down I keep thinking "please stop growing" because even though I want a healthy baby he does have to come out at some point. He was very active on New Year's eve - swimming, running and fluttering about for hours. He was like that today too while we were watching the hockey game [a fan already]. He also got his daily fight in with the cat but I'm beginning to think that I'm the only one who is bothered by their constant kicking. They seem to quite enjoy it.
We hope that everyone had a good Christmas. We didn't get around to sending out cards this year but don't think we weren't thinking about you. We spent a quiet Christmas at home - dinner with family, visit from my parents and the girls took a trip up to Kamloops to visit their relatives.
Don and I had a few days alone and spent most of it resting up for the month ahead. Well, I did. Don was busy defending the universe once again. You'll be happy to know that he finished his latest X-Box game in just a few short days. Apparently this one was a little harder than the last because that one only took him two days to finish. I was happy that he was otherwise occupied though because he finally gave his new Christmas present, a digital camera, a break. There will be plenty of time for photos after the baby is born [you have all been warned].
I got a lovely new computer for Christmas. It's much faster than my old one and I'm enjoying the new monitor. My old one was on its' last legs - I'm beginning to think that it played a part in my morning sickness because I haven't been as bad off since I got the new system. The girls did well too but still manage to have the energy to go shopping. Maybe we should just give them the list of baby items and send them off.
The baby got some gifts from the grandparents - lucky little guy. I was very happy to see that both grandmothers gave him knitted blankets. I wanted some but there was no way I'd learn to knit in the next few months. I was going to try to convince Don that all "manly men" knit but didn't think that he would fall for it. Knowing him, he would have made it an office project and our kid would have ended up being the only one with a "Save the wild salmon" blanket.
I spent a couple of days building a toy box. Well, sort of. We had a pantry shelf that was too large for the house and I modified it into something resembling a toy box. It didn't turn out exactly as I had planned but it kept my mind off work for awhile and I got to use Don's new saw. At least I now have somewhere to put some of those stuffed animals that the grandparents bought. We also bought a new dresser for the baby's clothes and are ready to begin shopping for the rest of the goodies. We may go off tomorrow - the girls just got back from Kamloops but are planning on spending the day snow boarding with their uncle so it will be our last quiet day before returning to work. I can't say that I'm much looking forward to going back to the mall so soon after Christmas though.
This week I have the GTT test and next week will be another check-up. I know that the baby is doing well if the size of my belly is any indication. Everytime I look down I keep thinking "please stop growing" because even though I want a healthy baby he does have to come out at some point. He was very active on New Year's eve - swimming, running and fluttering about for hours. He was like that today too while we were watching the hockey game [a fan already]. He also got his daily fight in with the cat but I'm beginning to think that I'm the only one who is bothered by their constant kicking. They seem to quite enjoy it.
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