Beaner has arrived! Matthew Joseph Rickenbach, aka BEAN, was born into this world on December 4th, 2010 at 3:23 PM, Saturday afternoon at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma Washington.
Now.. I realize this was like, 5 weeks ago, but I have 5 weeks worth of excuses as to why I have not posted this wonderful obviously vital information! For starters... labor and delivery was by far the worst experience of my life... I'm pretty sure it topped major back surgery. 25 hours of petocin induced labor with contractions coming every 45 seconds for 45 seconds 20 hours straight. No medication. Horrible anesthesiologist who probably lost her job due to major negligence in not looking at my X-rays or reading my surgeon's report and attempting to put needles into my back where my rods and screws were... (genius!)
Needless to say, this was unsuccessful and so I had no medications.
Now... after that I came home and was an on-demand baby bottle for an IUGR 4 pound 14 oz. baby boy. Therefore, what he wanted, he got. So for the first two weeks I didn't know what sleep was. My mom helped my husband take care of the details: pump parts cleaning, cooking, house upkeeping, laundry, and of course, throw in the fact that we were due to move across the country two weeks later, so we took care of movers coming into our place, packing everything up, etc. etc. Oh, plus the fact that our clutch went out on our car the day we returned from the hospital with baby Bean, had to trade in the car the same night baby went back to the hospital for high billyruben levels for jaundice. Hmmmm.... then there were all of the extra doctor's appointments scheduled here there and everywhere.
Okay, so now I'll fill you in on the trip. We left Bremerton, WA on the 23rd of December in our pick up truck, towing our car, and with us, my mom rode to SD. We arrived in SD on Christmas night. We spent several days with family. Bean got to be held all the time. January 2nd we dedicated Matthew Joseph to God at United Churches. His Aunt Bonnie made a beautiful gown for the dedication ceremony. Bean weighed 6 pounds 5 ounces when we left WA for SD. About January 1st we estimated Bean at 7 pounds based on the home scale having Daddy weigh self and then he held Bean in his arms afound weighed again.
January 3rd we drove from SD to CT, this time without Grammy consoling Bean in the back seat. I spent the entire trip going from front to back seat and back to front. I pumped in the car to feed little Bean on the road.
We arrived in CT on January 6th. We spent four nights at the Navy Lodge and signed for a house rental in military housing on the 10th. Which brings me to recent events:
Yesterday afternoon we moved into our new home. We spent last night on an air mattress and I fed Matthew on the stairs, on the air bed, on the floor...all lovely and comfortable places! (sarcasm). Our semi full of our household goods was to arrive tomorrow, Wednesday, however, due to the predicted 12 MORE inches of snow for our area tomorrow, we will not be getting our stuff. Therefore, we will enjoy this air bed for the entire week and hope to get our stuff Friday (weather cooperation necessary.)
I am currently attempting to write as much as I can while Bean is lying in his little bed. No, he's not sleeping. Instead, he is making grunting noises and supposed to be sleeping. Today, the navy marine corp relief society baby nurse stopped by. (Bean hasn't seen a doctor for over two weeks now!) She played with him, answered my questions, weighed him, and taught me some things about crying babies. Just because he cries does not always mean he's hungry, sometimes it's because he is sleepy! ... Hence the lying by himself right now. One month and one week after birth...today, he is exactly EIGHT POUNDS! He is 21 and 3/4 inches long. (Birth he was 18 inches). So he is growing like a healthy little weed.
Between moving, driving, packing, hotels, unpacking, feeding, feeding, and more feeding... this is literally the first chance I have had to update! And now I am done because Bean is screaming. :) Welcome to motherhood! It's great! I hope to update from here on out at least once a week again!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Less than a week!
Thanksgiving went well. My brother, his girlfriend, and my dad were all here for a few days. My brother is a good cook and did most of the work which was nice. I still had my share of dish duty! My dad was also a big help. The Friday after, I took them all to one of Beaner's appointments and let them listen to the heartbeat for twenty minutes, followed by an ultrasound. My nurse and I did not think they were as amused or animated as they should have been for such an experience! Granted, the mom will always be the most excited when viewing her own little baby on the screen, but we don't think they really knew what a treat they were in for! Beaner was awake, first off, and had many expressions to give us. He even sucked on his hand and moves his tongue and made sucking gestures...all things which we normally do not get to see. In other words, he was putting on a show for his audience and being of utmost cuteness. After the ultrasound my brother took the pictures my nurse printed for me and refused to give them back. I did not even get to see them. I thought he was teasing at first then I found out he was serious. It was only after I knew he had a plan to eventually return them to me and wanted to use them for some sort of gift he has for me, did I finally calm down.
My birthday was Saturday. Dave took me for my Starbucks gingerbread latte and we picked up caramel pecan sticky rolls. That afternoon we went to see the movie Megamind in 3D. Sunday Dave had duty and had to go into work overnight.
It is now Thursday. Dave had duty again last night. I miss him. I don't see him very much at all anymore. I can't wait to be done with the boat. Everything is beginning to overlap each other. Dave will be home tonight and I will finally get to see him, but my mom will be here as well. And in less than a week our baby will also join us. Life only seems to speed up and never slow down. These are all bittersweet moments I suppose. I'm excited to see my mom today. I'm also excited to see Dave and of courese I'm excited for little Bean to join me on the outside of my stomach, but it's all happening at once and everything will be new.
Two amazing friends came over a few days ago and helped me start the process of cleaning my house and getting it ready for the movers. Also of course, getting it ready for baby. There is an endless list of things that must be done and I move at a snail's pace. I know it will all work out though!
Time to get ready for yet another Beaner appointment. Driving to the hospital so often does give me something to do, but I'm looking forward to no longer having to go.
My birthday was Saturday. Dave took me for my Starbucks gingerbread latte and we picked up caramel pecan sticky rolls. That afternoon we went to see the movie Megamind in 3D. Sunday Dave had duty and had to go into work overnight.
It is now Thursday. Dave had duty again last night. I miss him. I don't see him very much at all anymore. I can't wait to be done with the boat. Everything is beginning to overlap each other. Dave will be home tonight and I will finally get to see him, but my mom will be here as well. And in less than a week our baby will also join us. Life only seems to speed up and never slow down. These are all bittersweet moments I suppose. I'm excited to see my mom today. I'm also excited to see Dave and of courese I'm excited for little Bean to join me on the outside of my stomach, but it's all happening at once and everything will be new.
Two amazing friends came over a few days ago and helped me start the process of cleaning my house and getting it ready for the movers. Also of course, getting it ready for baby. There is an endless list of things that must be done and I move at a snail's pace. I know it will all work out though!
Time to get ready for yet another Beaner appointment. Driving to the hospital so often does give me something to do, but I'm looking forward to no longer having to go.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Snow White, Snow Green?
Since my last post, the snow continued to fall and yesterday I sat in my chair watching the snow fall from early morning and late through the night. By six PM, the wind was whipping, the electricity was flickering, and my phone was uncooperative for sending or receiving phone calls. I tried to get a hold of my husband to tell him to stay on the boat and not try to come home. This is an almost impossible task when 1. my phone doesn't dial out and 2. unknowingly to me the boat lost power. I received a few text messages from my boat wives about some of the information of the boat. Apparently, they closed base and were not letting anyone off. This was relieving to me because I knew he would not be able to drive home and would be safe. At about 8 PM my phone rang through finally and it was Dave. He told me he was down town by H&R Block, which is just a few blocks from the corner of base. I couldn't believe he tried to come home! He was clearly frustrated, telling me he left work an hour earlier and had been sitting in the exact same spot down town for half an hour. My friend who lives further down the road from me in a different town, she called to tell me that her husband had been trying to get home from down town Bremerton since 3 PM. She wanted to know if he could stay with us if he had enough luck to pull off the road and walk. Of course that was fine with me. I immediately called Dave back to tell him the road he was on had been blocked since 3 PM because further up there were cars that tried to cross the bridge and ended up getting stuck in the middle of the road. Dave said if they were inching along he would be fine but the traffic was not even moving. I started praying to get Dave home and ten minutes later, he called to tell me he was able to get out of the line of blocked in cars, pulled into an alley way and parked the truck. He was already walking on foot toward main gate. Just trying to be helpful, I offered to pick him up at the gate. Of course he said no way; he didn't want me driving even a short distance. He told me the car would not make it and he didn't want me to walk on the ice.
Dave finally made it home and we went to bed. This morning we were up at 4:30 AM to get him out the door. He walked to the truck and called me when he made it to work at 6 AM. I had an appointment at 11 AM this morning that I knew I was not going too. I called my nurse to cancel the non-stress test. My concern with this is the fact that I haven't had an ultra sound for two weeks (by the time I see her next) because we forgot the last one! My nurse called me around 11 to let me know she received my message and informed me she went into a ditch last night and also was not going to work. In fact, half the hospital was shut down for the day. Depending on weather and if she will be working Friday, I may or may not have an appointment. Beaner is still moving all over so I feel fairly confident that the Bean is doing well.
After Dave left, I read in bed for a while then went back to sleep. When I woke up again, I took a step outside to see the windy damage. The once covered white lawns are now completely covered in pine green tree branches scattered across in every direction. My beautiful Christmasy atmosphere is there, but the nastiness of the storm looms still. Dave told me last night as we were lying in bed that if I were to go into labor now, he would have to deliver me on the floor because there would be NO WAY to get to any hospital. Although I like the pretty snow, I am hoping when it is time to get to the hospital that we are able to get out, and even more so, I am hoping the weather will cooperate when it is time to travel with little Bean. Only time will tell...
Dave finally made it home and we went to bed. This morning we were up at 4:30 AM to get him out the door. He walked to the truck and called me when he made it to work at 6 AM. I had an appointment at 11 AM this morning that I knew I was not going too. I called my nurse to cancel the non-stress test. My concern with this is the fact that I haven't had an ultra sound for two weeks (by the time I see her next) because we forgot the last one! My nurse called me around 11 to let me know she received my message and informed me she went into a ditch last night and also was not going to work. In fact, half the hospital was shut down for the day. Depending on weather and if she will be working Friday, I may or may not have an appointment. Beaner is still moving all over so I feel fairly confident that the Bean is doing well.
After Dave left, I read in bed for a while then went back to sleep. When I woke up again, I took a step outside to see the windy damage. The once covered white lawns are now completely covered in pine green tree branches scattered across in every direction. My beautiful Christmasy atmosphere is there, but the nastiness of the storm looms still. Dave told me last night as we were lying in bed that if I were to go into labor now, he would have to deliver me on the floor because there would be NO WAY to get to any hospital. Although I like the pretty snow, I am hoping when it is time to get to the hospital that we are able to get out, and even more so, I am hoping the weather will cooperate when it is time to travel with little Bean. Only time will tell...
Sunday, November 21, 2010
It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!
Last night was freezing. That says a lot because I haven't been cold for months now! And I'm always cold! However, last night seemed very cold to me, and we are not even seeing snow yet! So this morning when I woke up, I walked to the living room and smelled heat. Yes, heat has a smell. My wonderful husband turned the heaters on last night because he said this morning that he wanted me to be toasty warm while watching my football games today! So sweet! Unfortunately he had to go to work today, yes, on a Sunday. So here I am sitting in my chair and getting ready for my games to start! The warmth inside, cozy robe, and fuzzy pants make me feel like Christmas is here! I want to set up a tree in the corner, even though I would have to take it down before Christmas is even here, due to our move! But still! I might just do that! The only problem is that the tree is up three flights of stairs in the attic and I'm pretty sure everyone would frown upon bed rest me walking up there to get the tree. And, I don't know if I could talk my husband into getting the tree down only to have to put it back in a few weeks anyway!
Thursday was my last appointment I had for non-stress-tests. We were so distracted talking that we forgot to do the ultra sound! Oh well, I go back Tuesday, which is soon enough. The Bean has been doing his/her fair share of moving around so I'm not too worried. In fact, I haven't really been worried about anything. It seems things are going so well for us lately, God is really blessing us. My biggest complaint is that I can't go shopping! :( However, I am determined to see if the mall has wheel chairs because I would LOVE to go to the mall on black Friday, and maybe my husband would give me even a little bit of money to pick out a birthday gift. That would make my day! I know the NEX has a huge sale that morning so I might go down there, since it's right down the street and a small store. I'm getting so close to my induction day that I am getting less worried about walking too much. They have told me I can start walking and pretty much be off restriction a week prior to induction, so I might start taking advantage of that. There seems to be so much to do lately! The move is coming up faster than expected, family is coming for Thanksgiving, Dave is working a TON lately, and then the baby will be here! I can't 'nest' if I'm on bed rest!
Friday night I was able to go to dinner with two of my girlfriends at Red Robin. It was nice to get out but I can see why I'm on bed rest! It was a long evening even just sitting there eating! I'm used to pretty much eating in my recliner lazy style, and sitting straight up in a bar chair was tough on the squished rib cage!
The nurses reassured me that baby will be pretty safe to travel upcoming. I was worried about baby being squished in car seat and having breathing troubles. They said not to worry and as long as baby is born healthy without breathing issues, then he/she will travel just fine. They even suggested I can breast feed in the back seat! I'm not sure I like that idea so much! Scares me! What is the point of having a car seat if you take the baby out? We are going to play it all by ear!
I'm so excited to see snow except I don't want us to have a dangerous travel experience, so mixed feelings there. I guess that's all for now! I have to go check on my fantasy football teams to make sure I have the best players ready to go!
Thursday was my last appointment I had for non-stress-tests. We were so distracted talking that we forgot to do the ultra sound! Oh well, I go back Tuesday, which is soon enough. The Bean has been doing his/her fair share of moving around so I'm not too worried. In fact, I haven't really been worried about anything. It seems things are going so well for us lately, God is really blessing us. My biggest complaint is that I can't go shopping! :( However, I am determined to see if the mall has wheel chairs because I would LOVE to go to the mall on black Friday, and maybe my husband would give me even a little bit of money to pick out a birthday gift. That would make my day! I know the NEX has a huge sale that morning so I might go down there, since it's right down the street and a small store. I'm getting so close to my induction day that I am getting less worried about walking too much. They have told me I can start walking and pretty much be off restriction a week prior to induction, so I might start taking advantage of that. There seems to be so much to do lately! The move is coming up faster than expected, family is coming for Thanksgiving, Dave is working a TON lately, and then the baby will be here! I can't 'nest' if I'm on bed rest!
Friday night I was able to go to dinner with two of my girlfriends at Red Robin. It was nice to get out but I can see why I'm on bed rest! It was a long evening even just sitting there eating! I'm used to pretty much eating in my recliner lazy style, and sitting straight up in a bar chair was tough on the squished rib cage!
The nurses reassured me that baby will be pretty safe to travel upcoming. I was worried about baby being squished in car seat and having breathing troubles. They said not to worry and as long as baby is born healthy without breathing issues, then he/she will travel just fine. They even suggested I can breast feed in the back seat! I'm not sure I like that idea so much! Scares me! What is the point of having a car seat if you take the baby out? We are going to play it all by ear!
I'm so excited to see snow except I don't want us to have a dangerous travel experience, so mixed feelings there. I guess that's all for now! I have to go check on my fantasy football teams to make sure I have the best players ready to go!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The BIG One!
Madigan was yesterday. We haven't been there for three and a half weeks. Last growth chart ultrasound baby was 2 pounds nine ounces estimated weight. If the baby continued the same forward progress then up through birth, estimated birth weight would be 3 pounds five ounces. However, there is a massive army of prayer warriors on our side. Yesterday Dave and I took bets. I guessed 3 pounds six ounces and he guessed 4 pounds. We were both surprised. Dun dunn dunn dunnnnnnn......drum roll please!....
Beaner's big movements are because Beaner is big... estimated weight CURRENTLY is 4 pounds seven ounces!!!
Granted, we know this is give or take and could be less. But, we are fairly confident that birth weight will be at least 4 pounds and we are pulling for 5 to 5 and a half! This is the story of God being good and working together for those of His with faith! Even my doctors were shocked. The percentile Bean has been in from the beginning was 2 to 3. This lasted for a good 16 weeks. Suddenly, Bean decided to show off and move up to the sixth percentile. While still high risk and below 10, things are looking positive!
Blood flow and fluid levels were great, movement as usual is nearly obsessive, and now we have a bigger baby. Our move is working out great with dates and timing and at this point we are hoping for Bean to only spend maybe a few days in the hospital and be able to come home before we travel across country.
On the downside for the pregnant woman... I have found out that I cannot labor in the tub, cannot use a hot shower for pain relief, cannot even go walking the hallways, definitely cannot get an epidural (because of my back surgery), and may not have the option of delivering the way I had chosen. This pretty much means the only natural pain remedies I have used previously for my back I cannot use during labor. On top of that, being induced only adds to the length and intensity. So yes, I am whining, and rightfully so. However, with this new knowledge three weeks prior to the day, I will figure out a way to happily suffer through completely reinventing my birth plan. As long as Bean keeps kicking and comes out screaming, I will be a happy woman. The process though is to be decided...
It's official: My mom has bought her ticket!! Now we are waiting and hoping and continuing to pray that things don't kick start early. My dad will be here for Thanksgiving and I can only see the humor in having baby come while Dad is here unprepared and mom is not here. This would be the typical type of event that unfolds with me. However, I really doubt either of them would be even a bit amused! The doctors are not worried about pre-term labor and I have not had any warning signs or major concerns. It is looking quite optimistic that things will progress as expected.
Now onto my husband... the bum has duty the night I am to be checked into the hospital! What!? This means he will either have to drive over in the morning and hope he didn't miss much (although if he missed it all I don't think he'd be too disappointed) (I WOULD BE FURIOUS!) or I will have to basically tell the doctors that I cannot come in until the morning of the 8th. He is a good man and very committed to helping out the boat knowing he will no longer be on it, but some things I do feel fair to say I want to be selfish with. If he even has the option of switching duties with someone else, this might prevent him from being there the 9th, 10th, and the weekend when the baby is actually here. I really don't want that to happen!
I have my bag packed, Bean and Dave's bags are also packed. We hope they don't leave the house for another three weeks, but we're prepared anyway.
I asked the doctors about six weeks ago if I could make a difference by eating a lot more. They said it wouldn't help. I beg to differ. I have eaten a lot more and although not always healthy (lots of fast food) I think it was just what Bean was looking for! Speaking of which, it's time for lunch, Bean is kicking me because he knows when it's time to eat!
Beaner's big movements are because Beaner is big... estimated weight CURRENTLY is 4 pounds seven ounces!!!
Granted, we know this is give or take and could be less. But, we are fairly confident that birth weight will be at least 4 pounds and we are pulling for 5 to 5 and a half! This is the story of God being good and working together for those of His with faith! Even my doctors were shocked. The percentile Bean has been in from the beginning was 2 to 3. This lasted for a good 16 weeks. Suddenly, Bean decided to show off and move up to the sixth percentile. While still high risk and below 10, things are looking positive!
Blood flow and fluid levels were great, movement as usual is nearly obsessive, and now we have a bigger baby. Our move is working out great with dates and timing and at this point we are hoping for Bean to only spend maybe a few days in the hospital and be able to come home before we travel across country.
On the downside for the pregnant woman... I have found out that I cannot labor in the tub, cannot use a hot shower for pain relief, cannot even go walking the hallways, definitely cannot get an epidural (because of my back surgery), and may not have the option of delivering the way I had chosen. This pretty much means the only natural pain remedies I have used previously for my back I cannot use during labor. On top of that, being induced only adds to the length and intensity. So yes, I am whining, and rightfully so. However, with this new knowledge three weeks prior to the day, I will figure out a way to happily suffer through completely reinventing my birth plan. As long as Bean keeps kicking and comes out screaming, I will be a happy woman. The process though is to be decided...
It's official: My mom has bought her ticket!! Now we are waiting and hoping and continuing to pray that things don't kick start early. My dad will be here for Thanksgiving and I can only see the humor in having baby come while Dad is here unprepared and mom is not here. This would be the typical type of event that unfolds with me. However, I really doubt either of them would be even a bit amused! The doctors are not worried about pre-term labor and I have not had any warning signs or major concerns. It is looking quite optimistic that things will progress as expected.
Now onto my husband... the bum has duty the night I am to be checked into the hospital! What!? This means he will either have to drive over in the morning and hope he didn't miss much (although if he missed it all I don't think he'd be too disappointed) (I WOULD BE FURIOUS!) or I will have to basically tell the doctors that I cannot come in until the morning of the 8th. He is a good man and very committed to helping out the boat knowing he will no longer be on it, but some things I do feel fair to say I want to be selfish with. If he even has the option of switching duties with someone else, this might prevent him from being there the 9th, 10th, and the weekend when the baby is actually here. I really don't want that to happen!
I have my bag packed, Bean and Dave's bags are also packed. We hope they don't leave the house for another three weeks, but we're prepared anyway.
I asked the doctors about six weeks ago if I could make a difference by eating a lot more. They said it wouldn't help. I beg to differ. I have eaten a lot more and although not always healthy (lots of fast food) I think it was just what Bean was looking for! Speaking of which, it's time for lunch, Bean is kicking me because he knows when it's time to eat!
Friday, November 12, 2010
More appointments, movies, and boredom
This morning I woke up at 7:30 thinking I would have time to eat in the hospital cafeteria before my appointment. (Don't laugh, it's actually really good! And I get all food groups for three bucks and I don't have to cook it myself!) So I woke up and called only to find out they stop serving at 8. I was hoping for 9! Oh well, so already awake and ready to go, I decided to stop at the Pancake House for breakfast. Rarely do I take myself out for a meal unless it is McDonald's drive thru. I am sick of sitting at home so it was kind of nice. I had banana pancakes, side of strawberries, one piece of bacon and one egg. Oh, and a big glass of orange juice! I thought it would be entertaining to get Beaner all wired before doing the ultrasound with the doctor. Hmmm.... I don't know if I wrote that story! So if I did, you get a refresher... Last time we went to the doctor, Beaner would kick the cord right before the doctor would get the measurement. Every time! So the doctor would just about push the button on the cord to check blood flow and Beaner's right foot would come and kick it away. Then he tried again and Beaner's left foot would kick it away. This went on about four times, feet alternating each time. Finally, the doctor stopped, looked at my belly and spoke right to Bean and said, "Now, you just calm down so I can do my job!" And immediately after he said that, it was as if Bean was looking right into the camera, he lifted his right hand and gave us a wave! Then the doctor tried for one more measurement and Bean kicked the cord away! So the doctor then said, "Please just one more time, let me get this measurement." Immediately after Bean lifted his little hand and put his thumb in his mouth and stayed still. True story!
So today the appointment went well. Everything looks good still. I had my non-stress test and afterwards spoke to a midwife. She told me different options for the induction day. She also told me to expect an uphill steep long battle and that most people who get petocin opt for the epidural. It seems they all think I'm crazy wanting to do this naturally. I probably am but I have not committed fully either way.
Today's agenda consists of more Christmas movies, apple juice, and some leftover banana pancakes! Oh, and just maybe, in two weeks I will be off bed rest and encouraged to walk this baby out of me! The big appointment is on Monday so that is the determining day for many things.
So today the appointment went well. Everything looks good still. I had my non-stress test and afterwards spoke to a midwife. She told me different options for the induction day. She also told me to expect an uphill steep long battle and that most people who get petocin opt for the epidural. It seems they all think I'm crazy wanting to do this naturally. I probably am but I have not committed fully either way.
Today's agenda consists of more Christmas movies, apple juice, and some leftover banana pancakes! Oh, and just maybe, in two weeks I will be off bed rest and encouraged to walk this baby out of me! The big appointment is on Monday so that is the determining day for many things.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
More or Less To Do
Wow! I'm off on this writing ordeal! Sorry about that, it has been approximately ten days since my last post. Speaking of writing ordeals, my friend scored me a job, not only a job, but a job in my alley! No, I don't get paid. But that's not the point! The point is, I can put my pretty little Professional Communications degree to use! This comes at the most appropriate time, because today I was put on official home bed rest. Meaning, I'm bored and need a project! So here's the project: I get to email the six or so local news stations in the area to write an informative yet concise email to attempt to persuade them to visit our Naval Avenue Elementary School the day after Veteran's Day for a program where the Captain of the Sea Wolf and crew, the mayor and other elected political officials, and several veteran's will all be in attendance. On top of that, I may or may not have the chance to write an article for one of the papers about the event. (I have freelanced for them in prior months.) I might be such a nerd, but things like this are the things for me!
So yes, bed rest it is. Today Dave surprised me by coming home early to take me to my appointment. I had my non stress test and heartbeat was good, fluid levels were good, and baby's position is good. My next Madigan appointment has been moved up a week, which is really good, because we get to see sooner rather than later how the Bean is growing.
The unofficial news is my induction tentatively planned on December 8th. We are hoping that will not change because it works great with our move plans. Of course, every plan we make will be created around the health of the Bean. After labor and delivery, we will stay at a house on the Madigan base until Bean gets to come home. So far it sounds like Bean won't be able to be home for very long at all prior to taking off across the country. Again, everything is tentative and up in the air.
About my last post, all I can say is I think things will work out and I think I can officially say we are moving to Groton, CT.
Dave made Lieutenant this week. I was able to go to his ceremony and pin on his stripes. This is a big accomplishment and we are excited about it.
Not much new to report, other than I do have contractions now and I have some pretty annoying rib pain at times because, regardless of what the ultrasound says, I swear this baby is bigger than they know!
So yes, bed rest it is. Today Dave surprised me by coming home early to take me to my appointment. I had my non stress test and heartbeat was good, fluid levels were good, and baby's position is good. My next Madigan appointment has been moved up a week, which is really good, because we get to see sooner rather than later how the Bean is growing.
The unofficial news is my induction tentatively planned on December 8th. We are hoping that will not change because it works great with our move plans. Of course, every plan we make will be created around the health of the Bean. After labor and delivery, we will stay at a house on the Madigan base until Bean gets to come home. So far it sounds like Bean won't be able to be home for very long at all prior to taking off across the country. Again, everything is tentative and up in the air.
About my last post, all I can say is I think things will work out and I think I can officially say we are moving to Groton, CT.
Dave made Lieutenant this week. I was able to go to his ceremony and pin on his stripes. This is a big accomplishment and we are excited about it.
Not much new to report, other than I do have contractions now and I have some pretty annoying rib pain at times because, regardless of what the ultrasound says, I swear this baby is bigger than they know!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Prizes, Hearbeats, Heartaches, and Clowns.
Friday night we went to a boat party for my husband's work. My friend Sarah helped me make a Bun in the Oven costume. We painted a box black, made it into an oven, drew a loaf of bread on a brown shirt, cut out a door and put saran wrap on the box so you could see my belly and topped my head with a teapot made of foil. The party was fun and I won most original, which won a target gift card (baby stuff!).
Saturday we went to birth class all day long. The best thing about the whole day is when Dave said at the end of the day " I didn't really realize before today how hard labor can be." This was so good because I finally feel like he will be really supportive. Gone are the days of the comments "Oh, just call me when you're pushing and I'll show up!" :)
I met with my high risk OB doctor today from Madigan. He drove here. He said baby sounds good and he answered some of my questions about labor, which I will go into more detail next post. Then I had a non-stress test and baby hearbeat for half hour was good. Then I had an ultrasound but couldn't see anything because the nurse kept the light on. And just as I think I'm finally leaving the hospital, I think to speak to the EFM coordinator again, who once again, gives me the doom and gloom scenerio and tells me the navy has no problem splitting my husband and I up and that will probably be their course of action. Again, I will explain this later more too. I'm just trying to summarize for now. So....because of that, I waited another two hours to see my primary care doctor to speak to him about his connections to Groton's hospital to discuss their level of care meeting my back needs. Long story short, we are still on hold for if and when we move and where. Gotta love the navy... The EFM people are the clowns, and the heartache is the wait.
More to come, hope you're so curious you'll come back!
Saturday we went to birth class all day long. The best thing about the whole day is when Dave said at the end of the day " I didn't really realize before today how hard labor can be." This was so good because I finally feel like he will be really supportive. Gone are the days of the comments "Oh, just call me when you're pushing and I'll show up!" :)
I met with my high risk OB doctor today from Madigan. He drove here. He said baby sounds good and he answered some of my questions about labor, which I will go into more detail next post. Then I had a non-stress test and baby hearbeat for half hour was good. Then I had an ultrasound but couldn't see anything because the nurse kept the light on. And just as I think I'm finally leaving the hospital, I think to speak to the EFM coordinator again, who once again, gives me the doom and gloom scenerio and tells me the navy has no problem splitting my husband and I up and that will probably be their course of action. Again, I will explain this later more too. I'm just trying to summarize for now. So....because of that, I waited another two hours to see my primary care doctor to speak to him about his connections to Groton's hospital to discuss their level of care meeting my back needs. Long story short, we are still on hold for if and when we move and where. Gotta love the navy... The EFM people are the clowns, and the heartache is the wait.
More to come, hope you're so curious you'll come back!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Recap
Last week had cord blood to baby blood flow checks and all went well. I also had two ultrasounds which both looked good and I got to see the cutest profile picture yet of Beaner. Until those, I really wasn't for sure if Beaner was super cute. But now I'm convinced. I'm not sure what I wrote last. Two weekends ago we went camping for the first time with our truck and I did really well. 12 hours of great warm sleep, even in a tent!
I had an awesome baby shower yesterday. The only thing that could have made it better is if people actually showed up! Okay, a bit of sarcasm there. Those who did show up were all amazing wonderful women and I am very greatful to have them in my life. My hosts did an amazing wonderful beautiful job. We had great decor, great food, great company, great people on Skype joining us, great games, and great gifts. I just felt somewhat bad that people I really thought were coming did not show. But what can you do?
Thank you to my hosts and all the help! You guys are AMAZING!
This morning I had a home nurse visit me. We talked, did paperwork, and chit chatted for two hours! We talked about everything under the sun and even a little about baby! My nurse is a wonderful sweet black woman. I bring up her color because half our conversation consisted of culture, race, and different areas in the country we have lived where we both had our sets of culture shock. I told her I am from South Dakota and until I moved to SC with my husband, I have probably seen one or two black people in my life! She laughed at me but shared the same stories with me when moving to Washington back in 1991 and being looked at funny because there were so many white people! Then we discussed Seattle itself, bringing ins: all new shocks for both of us: sexual prefereces, politics, religions and lack of. She is a great woman and I feel very comfortable knowing she will be helping me out when baby Bean is born.
This afternoon I went to a non-stress test and we listened to Bean's heart beat for twenty minutes. I had a new nurse this time and we chatted a bit. She didn't say much about the charting and I forgot to ask but I'm sure if all is not well I will be hearing from them. In my non-professional opinion, all looked as it did last week when things were fine so I'm not really worried.
And that's your recap!
I had an awesome baby shower yesterday. The only thing that could have made it better is if people actually showed up! Okay, a bit of sarcasm there. Those who did show up were all amazing wonderful women and I am very greatful to have them in my life. My hosts did an amazing wonderful beautiful job. We had great decor, great food, great company, great people on Skype joining us, great games, and great gifts. I just felt somewhat bad that people I really thought were coming did not show. But what can you do?
Thank you to my hosts and all the help! You guys are AMAZING!
This morning I had a home nurse visit me. We talked, did paperwork, and chit chatted for two hours! We talked about everything under the sun and even a little about baby! My nurse is a wonderful sweet black woman. I bring up her color because half our conversation consisted of culture, race, and different areas in the country we have lived where we both had our sets of culture shock. I told her I am from South Dakota and until I moved to SC with my husband, I have probably seen one or two black people in my life! She laughed at me but shared the same stories with me when moving to Washington back in 1991 and being looked at funny because there were so many white people! Then we discussed Seattle itself, bringing ins: all new shocks for both of us: sexual prefereces, politics, religions and lack of. She is a great woman and I feel very comfortable knowing she will be helping me out when baby Bean is born.
This afternoon I went to a non-stress test and we listened to Bean's heart beat for twenty minutes. I had a new nurse this time and we chatted a bit. She didn't say much about the charting and I forgot to ask but I'm sure if all is not well I will be hearing from them. In my non-professional opinion, all looked as it did last week when things were fine so I'm not really worried.
And that's your recap!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Change, Change, and More Change
Where do I even begin? Do I tell you that we will be moving across the country a week and a half after my due date? Or do I tell you first that I have been bumped up to high risk complicated OB in a matter of days? Or that we bought a new pick up? Okay well, apparently I've just told it all! Details you ask? Okay then, what first?
The baby of course! So yes, little Bean, although still said to be healthy, is having issues. Beaner is tiny, small, ever so little, munchkin, mini me, itty bitty. The last post discussed my doubt in the ultra sound machines. But last week I was sent to Madigan Medical Center in Tacoma (half hour away) to be seen by a high risk OB doctor who did bone growth measurements on Beaner and confirmed that yes, our baby is growing in the 3rd percentile, meaning that only 3% of babies at this stage are this small. Bean has been growing consistently, just very small. So they decided I would be seen at Madigan once a week until delivery to check growth and blood flow between the placenta and the baby.
Then, today, I get a phone call from my hospital OB clinic telling me they are trying to help the driving situation and have re scheduled my next blood flow check appointment from Madigan to Bremerton so that I do not have to drive as far. They said the equipment at Bremerton will be sufficient and I will continue to go to Madigan for the growth chart checks. Then she continued to talk and suddenly, she had me scheduled for five more appointments in the span of two weeks! I was pretty shocked I guess you could say, going from one appointment a week to now three a week. Once a week I will be checked for blood flow from me to the baby, once a week I will have a non-stress test performed on the baby, and the third appointment will be every other week to measure growth and tracking bone length/size of the baby. Plus, I will have additional appointments to do regular OB check ups, labs, and whatever else they decide necessary. I have decided I should probably get a little calendar just to keep track of it all! Beaner moves daily, A LOT! Kicks, rolls, flips, turns, punches--you name it, I feel it. This is a great thing. Also, every time Bean has been checked, heart beat is strong and healthy. So far, I have decided Bean is an anomaly, because he/she is a one of a kind power house in a tiny little body. There is no sign of brain damage, chromosome abnormalities, lack of nutrition or caloric intake, or anything else majorly wrong. Bean is just slow to grow. I hope it stays this way and maybe in a few weeks Bean will become mighty and catch up.
It is official: Bean's first permanent home of record will be Groton, CT. This will be intersesting to see how the next weeks and months play out. We plan to pull away from WA the 1st or 2nd of January (of course, all pending on the condition of the Bean.) This goes hand in hand with the other big change: a pick up. Dave has been wanting a truck for over a year now, searching, running numbers, finding exactly what he likes. With Bean on the way we figured a second vehicle is inevitable. With such a huge move, a truck now made sense to haul our car and two months worth of stuff across country. (We won't settle in Groton until the end of February.) Because we will be traveling in January and February from coast to coast, weather will be an issue and a four wheel drive half ton pick up sounded like the safest bet. Oh! Which brings me to the surprise I discussed last post and haven't told yet. We were very excited to learn that Dave's parents and sister went in on the Britax stroller and car seat together, so thank you to them for such a nice gift! While truck browsing, we brought the car seat along only to find it did not fit in the cab we originally wanted, so we upgraded our needs to a four door truck, seating six. The car seat fits perfectly with room to spare! With my prior sales experience, I decided I "do not negotiate with terrorists" as I told Dave, and I told the dealer what we would pay, not the other way around! So we purchased the exact truck we wanted with the exact features for the exact price Dave was willing to pay (Eleven thousand dollars cheaper!).
So yes, there is a lot of change going on in the Rickenbach family. Feeling little Bean move so much reassures me and makes me think it's just his/her way of telling me "Mom, I'm going to be okay." And I believe it. The doctors say I will most likely not make it to my due date, but all of this is of course up in the air. As my upcoming appointments progress, I will keep you all posted on the status of the Bean. For now, keep saying your prayers and keep on reading!
The baby of course! So yes, little Bean, although still said to be healthy, is having issues. Beaner is tiny, small, ever so little, munchkin, mini me, itty bitty. The last post discussed my doubt in the ultra sound machines. But last week I was sent to Madigan Medical Center in Tacoma (half hour away) to be seen by a high risk OB doctor who did bone growth measurements on Beaner and confirmed that yes, our baby is growing in the 3rd percentile, meaning that only 3% of babies at this stage are this small. Bean has been growing consistently, just very small. So they decided I would be seen at Madigan once a week until delivery to check growth and blood flow between the placenta and the baby.
Then, today, I get a phone call from my hospital OB clinic telling me they are trying to help the driving situation and have re scheduled my next blood flow check appointment from Madigan to Bremerton so that I do not have to drive as far. They said the equipment at Bremerton will be sufficient and I will continue to go to Madigan for the growth chart checks. Then she continued to talk and suddenly, she had me scheduled for five more appointments in the span of two weeks! I was pretty shocked I guess you could say, going from one appointment a week to now three a week. Once a week I will be checked for blood flow from me to the baby, once a week I will have a non-stress test performed on the baby, and the third appointment will be every other week to measure growth and tracking bone length/size of the baby. Plus, I will have additional appointments to do regular OB check ups, labs, and whatever else they decide necessary. I have decided I should probably get a little calendar just to keep track of it all! Beaner moves daily, A LOT! Kicks, rolls, flips, turns, punches--you name it, I feel it. This is a great thing. Also, every time Bean has been checked, heart beat is strong and healthy. So far, I have decided Bean is an anomaly, because he/she is a one of a kind power house in a tiny little body. There is no sign of brain damage, chromosome abnormalities, lack of nutrition or caloric intake, or anything else majorly wrong. Bean is just slow to grow. I hope it stays this way and maybe in a few weeks Bean will become mighty and catch up.
It is official: Bean's first permanent home of record will be Groton, CT. This will be intersesting to see how the next weeks and months play out. We plan to pull away from WA the 1st or 2nd of January (of course, all pending on the condition of the Bean.) This goes hand in hand with the other big change: a pick up. Dave has been wanting a truck for over a year now, searching, running numbers, finding exactly what he likes. With Bean on the way we figured a second vehicle is inevitable. With such a huge move, a truck now made sense to haul our car and two months worth of stuff across country. (We won't settle in Groton until the end of February.) Because we will be traveling in January and February from coast to coast, weather will be an issue and a four wheel drive half ton pick up sounded like the safest bet. Oh! Which brings me to the surprise I discussed last post and haven't told yet. We were very excited to learn that Dave's parents and sister went in on the Britax stroller and car seat together, so thank you to them for such a nice gift! While truck browsing, we brought the car seat along only to find it did not fit in the cab we originally wanted, so we upgraded our needs to a four door truck, seating six. The car seat fits perfectly with room to spare! With my prior sales experience, I decided I "do not negotiate with terrorists" as I told Dave, and I told the dealer what we would pay, not the other way around! So we purchased the exact truck we wanted with the exact features for the exact price Dave was willing to pay (Eleven thousand dollars cheaper!).
So yes, there is a lot of change going on in the Rickenbach family. Feeling little Bean move so much reassures me and makes me think it's just his/her way of telling me "Mom, I'm going to be okay." And I believe it. The doctors say I will most likely not make it to my due date, but all of this is of course up in the air. As my upcoming appointments progress, I will keep you all posted on the status of the Bean. For now, keep saying your prayers and keep on reading!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Frustrating
I have new Beaner pics. Yet, I haven't looked at them once since the Dr.s office yesterday. I don't mean to jump boat or anything, but I think it's time I do what I do best and pursue the answers. I am going to make myself another appointment, tomorrow in fact, in order to discuss with my normal doctor a second consult visit for ultrasound. The ultrasound doctor yesterday was the bearer of bad news, and I'm beginning to get suspicious. He placed our baby below the 10th percentile for fetal growth at this point. This was based on leg/head/stomach measurements. Yet, when those measurements are computed in the GE ultrasound machine, the machine approximates baby weight at 2 pounds. This makes no sense when you begin to research/know/are told that a 2 pound baby at 27 weeks pregnant is perfectly normal. Yet, if the measurements of the baby is small, then how can the baby be 2 pounds and vice versa? Unless.... either 1. something is wrong or 2. the measurements are off. Fundal height is up to date and correct and my weight gain has certainly been obvious and regular, so I really don't know what is going on.
The major questions arise when we look back at the pattern with our ultrasound doctor from the beginning. In the beginning, he said I had a heart shaped uterus. The next appointment that was quickly dismissed and apparently no longer an issue. Then it came up again as something just to keep an eye on. Last appointment he told us the baby was measuring small which is why we went again yesterday to see if growth continued, which it did, just not at the rate he thinks it should be going. Then yesterday he said "Did I mention last time your baby was breached? Well it still is." No, he did NOT mention that. And then I got all concerned about it, except for again if you do the research and gain knowledge from knowledgeable sources (other moms, other nurses, and other doctors) you will find that a breached baby this early is still okay because babies could turn up to 38 weeks and some even days before delivery. So why does this doctor seem so concerned with it?
He seems to be fairly intelligent and he is a nice guy, he is older so he has experience. Which is exactly why I want a second opinion, either from an obgyn ultrasound doctor or a maternal fetal medicine doctor. Yes, they might be annoyed at me about being so direct with my requests when I am not the knowledgeable one, yet, I am the one that will or will not have a baby and that could depend on how involved I choose to be.
The major questions arise when we look back at the pattern with our ultrasound doctor from the beginning. In the beginning, he said I had a heart shaped uterus. The next appointment that was quickly dismissed and apparently no longer an issue. Then it came up again as something just to keep an eye on. Last appointment he told us the baby was measuring small which is why we went again yesterday to see if growth continued, which it did, just not at the rate he thinks it should be going. Then yesterday he said "Did I mention last time your baby was breached? Well it still is." No, he did NOT mention that. And then I got all concerned about it, except for again if you do the research and gain knowledge from knowledgeable sources (other moms, other nurses, and other doctors) you will find that a breached baby this early is still okay because babies could turn up to 38 weeks and some even days before delivery. So why does this doctor seem so concerned with it?
He seems to be fairly intelligent and he is a nice guy, he is older so he has experience. Which is exactly why I want a second opinion, either from an obgyn ultrasound doctor or a maternal fetal medicine doctor. Yes, they might be annoyed at me about being so direct with my requests when I am not the knowledgeable one, yet, I am the one that will or will not have a baby and that could depend on how involved I choose to be.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Fast week slow days
Somehow it is already Friday, even though each day seemed to drag on and on and on! I am getting really bored and I don't really feel like cleaning every minute of every day. Therefore, cleaning is still a viable option but not a fun one! I have finally sewed all the squares together for my quilt and have yet to put a backing and maybe a middle in. Once again, I have the time to do it, but now I lack proper motivation. I still feel so good about finally getting the pieces together I am not ready to break into the finish! Same with scrapbooking...I finally finished the year 2008 and now have 2009 to complete, not to mention 2010. However, if I get all my stuff out again, the living room floor will be cluttered for another week or two, and then the vicious cycle of thinking my house is so messy begins again! So I am at a stand still. During the past few days I have worked on my class work, arranged my NFL fantasy teams to be just right, and have caught up on an amazing amount of television, mostly comprised of baby shows and different TV series shows. The weather is nice today but my left lower back/hip seems to think it is okay to stab me like needles, so I haven't done much walking this week. Beaner kicks continually and usually curls into my lower left hip, so I am thinking I might blame the Bean on this back pain! Don't worry, Bean's tough, he/she doesn't mind being blamed. In fact, if I were reading this out loud as I am writing Bean would probably laugh with mischief!
I looked up a moby wrap today. I decided I want to try one out which also made me decide I can make it myself. The video makes it look so fancy and complicated, but it is simply a five yard piece of cloth by 20 inches wide. So basically, to make it, all I have to do is buy a five yard piece of cloth and cut it to the proper width. And viola! I have a baby carrier. But this brings us back to the sewing machine, which means I will have to pull it out again and start this new project when I still haven't finished my quilt! I think to motivate myself maybe I shouldn't start my wrap until I finish my quilt. And really, there is no sewing required even, except I want to make the edges look nice.
When Dave gets home today he said he was going to wash and wax the car. I will be very impressed if this gets done! I will be even more impressed if he can talk me into helping! I have some exciting news but cannot share it this early as of yet. I have to work out some details first then I will share. And no, I still don't know what I am having, no I still don't know where I am moving, and no, I am not having twins. So maybe it is not that exciting, but you'll have to wait till next post to judge the excitement yourself!
I looked up a moby wrap today. I decided I want to try one out which also made me decide I can make it myself. The video makes it look so fancy and complicated, but it is simply a five yard piece of cloth by 20 inches wide. So basically, to make it, all I have to do is buy a five yard piece of cloth and cut it to the proper width. And viola! I have a baby carrier. But this brings us back to the sewing machine, which means I will have to pull it out again and start this new project when I still haven't finished my quilt! I think to motivate myself maybe I shouldn't start my wrap until I finish my quilt. And really, there is no sewing required even, except I want to make the edges look nice.
When Dave gets home today he said he was going to wash and wax the car. I will be very impressed if this gets done! I will be even more impressed if he can talk me into helping! I have some exciting news but cannot share it this early as of yet. I have to work out some details first then I will share. And no, I still don't know what I am having, no I still don't know where I am moving, and no, I am not having twins. So maybe it is not that exciting, but you'll have to wait till next post to judge the excitement yourself!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Baby Gear
Shopping for baby gear can be really fun, especially if you
are a mom-to-be without a job, social agenda, or school! In other words, lately
I have really enjoyed looking at baby items. The number one thing a new parent
must purchase is a car seat. Baby cannot even come home from the hospital
without one!
The journey of car seat searching began several months ago when I made my baby
registries. Without any prior knowledge on the topic, Dave and I chose two car
seats from Babies R Us: one was a stroller car seat combo and the other was a
car seat you leave in your vehicle and cannot carry baby around in. The
stroller combo caught our eye mostly because of the stroller. We liked the
three wheels (or so we thought) and Dave was very excited that the thing had cup
holders! (Yes, let a guy go shopping with you and you find the REAL things that
matter :) !! ) Upon first glance at the car seat, everything appeared to be
'safe' and just fine. To see our pick, go to: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3904359
The second car seat we picked out was similar to a Chico, Graco, Evenflo or
Cosco. We liked the size, seeming to be 'safer' than a smaller car seat and
there 'appeared' to be comfy padding and necessary safety features. We
picked one out only with the comparison of the other car seats in the store.
I'm sure our choice looked similar to this: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3882167
Just this week I deleted both car seats from our Babies R Us registry. After a
little more research and suggestions from friends, I decided to add the Combi
Cocorro car seat combo. Without seeing it in person, I have decided that I
love, love, love the color, and the seemingly ease of use and carrying the baby
around were also pluses. The car seat can be taken in and out of the car and
also attached to the cocorro stroller. The Combi is made in Japan. Although
this car seat looks fun and appears to be great in the beginning, I have also
decided against this car seat as well. Why? First of all, I couldn’t find many
tests or reviews on the safety and ratings of this seat. Second, it does not
come with a base which means every time you want to carry baby in it, you must
take it out of the car only to re-strap it in upon your next trip. This didn't
seem as 'safe' to me, because without a base, you have to get it in perfectly
every time to have maximum safety. Also, because it is so compact, I started to
think maybe smaller isn't always better, especially when it comes to keeping
baby safe. I would feel safer with more bulk, more protection. Then, when I
really got picky I decided I didn't like that it doesn't have a sun/wind visor
on it and the stroller itself, other than light weight and easy to haul, really
had no features. I still think this is a neat car seat to look at and probably
easy in terms of carrying weight, but I just wasn't sold. To see the one I thought
I wanted, click here: http://www.combi-intl.com/Products/Item.aspx?Item=12&Color=7
are a mom-to-be without a job, social agenda, or school! In other words, lately
I have really enjoyed looking at baby items. The number one thing a new parent
must purchase is a car seat. Baby cannot even come home from the hospital
without one!
The journey of car seat searching began several months ago when I made my baby
registries. Without any prior knowledge on the topic, Dave and I chose two car
seats from Babies R Us: one was a stroller car seat combo and the other was a
car seat you leave in your vehicle and cannot carry baby around in. The
stroller combo caught our eye mostly because of the stroller. We liked the
three wheels (or so we thought) and Dave was very excited that the thing had cup
holders! (Yes, let a guy go shopping with you and you find the REAL things that
matter :) !! ) Upon first glance at the car seat, everything appeared to be
'safe' and just fine. To see our pick, go to: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3904359
The second car seat we picked out was similar to a Chico, Graco, Evenflo or
Cosco. We liked the size, seeming to be 'safer' than a smaller car seat and
there 'appeared' to be comfy padding and necessary safety features. We
picked one out only with the comparison of the other car seats in the store.
I'm sure our choice looked similar to this: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3882167
Just this week I deleted both car seats from our Babies R Us registry. After a
little more research and suggestions from friends, I decided to add the Combi
Cocorro car seat combo. Without seeing it in person, I have decided that I
love, love, love the color, and the seemingly ease of use and carrying the baby
around were also pluses. The car seat can be taken in and out of the car and
also attached to the cocorro stroller. The Combi is made in Japan. Although
this car seat looks fun and appears to be great in the beginning, I have also
decided against this car seat as well. Why? First of all, I couldn’t find many
tests or reviews on the safety and ratings of this seat. Second, it does not
come with a base which means every time you want to carry baby in it, you must
take it out of the car only to re-strap it in upon your next trip. This didn't
seem as 'safe' to me, because without a base, you have to get it in perfectly
every time to have maximum safety. Also, because it is so compact, I started to
think maybe smaller isn't always better, especially when it comes to keeping
baby safe. I would feel safer with more bulk, more protection. Then, when I
really got picky I decided I didn't like that it doesn't have a sun/wind visor
on it and the stroller itself, other than light weight and easy to haul, really
had no features. I still think this is a neat car seat to look at and probably
easy in terms of carrying weight, but I just wasn't sold. To see the one I thought
I wanted, click here: http://www.combi-intl.com/Products/Item.aspx?Item=12&Color=7
Four months ago
when we began our car seat shopping, we
really didn’t know what we were getting into, what we needed, or what mattered.
Our first pick came mostly based on the stroller, with the car seat as ‘just a
part’ of the package. The second pick seemed a bit safer as we did read the
features listed and compared it to the car seats next to it. The third pick we
put a little more thought into, mostly seeing convenience, quality, and compact
size.
when we began our car seat shopping, we
really didn’t know what we were getting into, what we needed, or what mattered.
Our first pick came mostly based on the stroller, with the car seat as ‘just a
part’ of the package. The second pick seemed a bit safer as we did read the
features listed and compared it to the car seats next to it. The third pick we
put a little more thought into, mostly seeing convenience, quality, and compact
size.
Four months ago
of course I was pregnant and I knew I would
love this baby no matter what. But the difference today is that I physically
feel the life inside of me moving, kicking, and rolling. I have heard the
heartbeat
and seen the silhouette of our child. I’m not sure if many parents go through
this or not, but when reality sets in and you can feel the life, you start
thinking differently about everything. Now that I ‘look’ pregnant and I feel
the baby every day, there is a new connection. This reality is getting stronger
that one day soon I will have this baby in my arms, on the outside of my body.
And when I think of it like this, I start to really think about safety,
especially when it comes to car seats.
of course I was pregnant and I knew I would
love this baby no matter what. But the difference today is that I physically
feel the life inside of me moving, kicking, and rolling. I have heard the
heartbeat
and seen the silhouette of our child. I’m not sure if many parents go through
this or not, but when reality sets in and you can feel the life, you start
thinking differently about everything. Now that I ‘look’ pregnant and I feel
the baby every day, there is a new connection. This reality is getting stronger
that one day soon I will have this baby in my arms, on the outside of my body.
And when I think of it like this, I start to really think about safety,
especially when it comes to car seats.
Dave and I never
forget about our terrible car-totaling
crash about three years ago. When I think about the damage that happened to the
car and the simple miracle we are okay, I start to think about what if baby was
in the back seat? And when you have lived through such an experience, you can
really picture vividly the reality of the situation. And when I think about
putting our baby in the first car seat, I now cannot see the advantages to that
particular seat. So then I start to research safety ratings, crash tests, and
all the little extras that keep our little bundle of joy safe.
forget about our terrible car-totaling
crash about three years ago. When I think about the damage that happened to the
car and the simple miracle we are okay, I start to think about what if baby was
in the back seat? And when you have lived through such an experience, you can
really picture vividly the reality of the situation. And when I think about
putting our baby in the first car seat, I now cannot see the advantages to that
particular seat. So then I start to research safety ratings, crash tests, and
all the little extras that keep our little bundle of joy safe.
Without knowing
where to go next, I again recruit my
husband, hoping this time he will see more than just the perks of cup holders
on a stroller! This time we do our research. We watch videos, we read reviews,
and we find, simply put, the best. Unfortunately, ‘the best’ also happens to be
the most expensive. I cannot say from my own experience because I have not even
purchased the seat yet, but hours have been poured into reading other parent’s
reviews from various sites. We have
finally decided on a car seat combo that we like, that we trust, that has, over
and over, proven to be the best overall when you read what everyone else says
about it. We really like the Britax Chaperone seat and stroller combo. The
chaperone is a carrying car seat that has a base you install in the car. The
seat itself can be taken on and off the base and easily attached to the
stroller. The stroller itself can be used alone or with the car seat for
various configurations. The car seat has been tested in real collisions,
unlike other car seats that are tested
in lab settings. The car seat itself only weighs 10 pounds, which is comparable
to the ‘lightweight’ Combi. Also, the car seat has the additional features I
liked, with a visor for sun and rain. The stroller has been reviewed as very
well-made, sturdy. The bad reviews say it is bulky and heavy, but that is
almost a welcome thing to us, because we feel that means it is of better
quality and more sturdy. An added benefit to the chaperone is that it can
actually be taken off the base and installed in a second car without the base.
The idea here is if the base is in mommy’s car and daddy has to pick the child
up from daycare but does not have the base, all he has to do is strap the car
seat right into the car!
where to go next, I again recruit my
husband, hoping this time he will see more than just the perks of cup holders
on a stroller! This time we do our research. We watch videos, we read reviews,
and we find, simply put, the best. Unfortunately, ‘the best’ also happens to be
the most expensive. I cannot say from my own experience because I have not even
purchased the seat yet, but hours have been poured into reading other parent’s
reviews from various sites. We have
finally decided on a car seat combo that we like, that we trust, that has, over
and over, proven to be the best overall when you read what everyone else says
about it. We really like the Britax Chaperone seat and stroller combo. The
chaperone is a carrying car seat that has a base you install in the car. The
seat itself can be taken on and off the base and easily attached to the
stroller. The stroller itself can be used alone or with the car seat for
various configurations. The car seat has been tested in real collisions,
unlike other car seats that are tested
in lab settings. The car seat itself only weighs 10 pounds, which is comparable
to the ‘lightweight’ Combi. Also, the car seat has the additional features I
liked, with a visor for sun and rain. The stroller has been reviewed as very
well-made, sturdy. The bad reviews say it is bulky and heavy, but that is
almost a welcome thing to us, because we feel that means it is of better
quality and more sturdy. An added benefit to the chaperone is that it can
actually be taken off the base and installed in a second car without the base.
The idea here is if the base is in mommy’s car and daddy has to pick the child
up from daycare but does not have the base, all he has to do is strap the car
seat right into the car!
Safety 1st
car seats also received high safety
ratings and reviews, but time and again people said they are not as quality
made as the Britax. And I can understand why! What is the third complaint of
Britax? Cost!!! The American-made car seat rated #1 is also the most expensive.
But if you know me, you know I have magical ways of finding deals J. The total
cost for
the car seat and the stroller on the website itself is $538.00!!! This same set
can be found at Amazon for $479.00. But trust me, I don’t stop there! I
searched the Internet far and wide for two hours this morning. I would find
sites that have both, but not sold in a package. I would find discounts, but
then one would be out of stock. I found a really good site, strollers.com that
sells the combo set for $379.00. Now I knew I was getting closer! Oh, I should
mention that Britax.com has a combo special for $299.00 IF you like the only
overstocked color offered, which is navy blue diamonds. The fabric isn’t bad,
but it isn’t my first choice. Which is what sent me searching elsewhere for the
same deal with a different color. Now, the stroller.com site also offered a
promo discount that, viola!—made the combo $303.00 with free shipping! I saw
this and was very excited! Then I saw there were only three left! So I called
the company. After all of that, I find out they haven’t updated their site and
the deal is no longer available for that color! Bummer. But, don’t give up
right? So, then I went to diapers.com and looked around. They offered the
package deal for $379.00. As I was just about to settle and pay the money for
the color I wanted, I had a last minute idea! I called the company, and lo and
behold, they match other dealers! Which means, I have, at last, found my combo
car seat and stroller for $303!! Dave of course made me be open to other combo
brands and to check costs. I found most other combos that would have decent
safety ratings were still going for 250-300 total. So, to have the one I want
and trust, which is originally $538 for $303, I definitely feel safe with this
decision! To see our final decision, visit:
car seats also received high safety
ratings and reviews, but time and again people said they are not as quality
made as the Britax. And I can understand why! What is the third complaint of
Britax? Cost!!! The American-made car seat rated #1 is also the most expensive.
But if you know me, you know I have magical ways of finding deals J. The total
cost for
the car seat and the stroller on the website itself is $538.00!!! This same set
can be found at Amazon for $479.00. But trust me, I don’t stop there! I
searched the Internet far and wide for two hours this morning. I would find
sites that have both, but not sold in a package. I would find discounts, but
then one would be out of stock. I found a really good site, strollers.com that
sells the combo set for $379.00. Now I knew I was getting closer! Oh, I should
mention that Britax.com has a combo special for $299.00 IF you like the only
overstocked color offered, which is navy blue diamonds. The fabric isn’t bad,
but it isn’t my first choice. Which is what sent me searching elsewhere for the
same deal with a different color. Now, the stroller.com site also offered a
promo discount that, viola!—made the combo $303.00 with free shipping! I saw
this and was very excited! Then I saw there were only three left! So I called
the company. After all of that, I find out they haven’t updated their site and
the deal is no longer available for that color! Bummer. But, don’t give up
right? So, then I went to diapers.com and looked around. They offered the
package deal for $379.00. As I was just about to settle and pay the money for
the color I wanted, I had a last minute idea! I called the company, and lo and
behold, they match other dealers! Which means, I have, at last, found my combo
car seat and stroller for $303!! Dave of course made me be open to other combo
brands and to check costs. I found most other combos that would have decent
safety ratings were still going for 250-300 total. So, to have the one I want
and trust, which is originally $538 for $303, I definitely feel safe with this
decision! To see our final decision, visit:
Car seat: Check!
The rest of the baby gear will probably be
used and bough off of Craig’s list, which I am a-okay with! We have a beautiful
brand new bassinet and we will soon have the ‘American Dream’ car seat combo. I
might be eating ramen noodles for the rest of the month, but as long as I take
my prenatals, all will be successful.
The rest of the baby gear will probably be
used and bough off of Craig’s list, which I am a-okay with! We have a beautiful
brand new bassinet and we will soon have the ‘American Dream’ car seat combo. I
might be eating ramen noodles for the rest of the month, but as long as I take
my prenatals, all will be successful.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Outtings
Tuesday morning my friend invited me to Bible study at the church. I went, thinking it would be good to get out of the house and maybe have some daily structure and social connection, other than sitting my house alone all day. I figured there would be about 8-10 people. Nope! We get there and walk into a room with almost fifty women! I guess that 'connection' is available!
Wednesday morning I worked on my quilt quite a bit. As my first quilt ever, things proved difficult when trying to sew strips together both horizontally and vertically! Oh well, the baby probably won't notice the absolute mismatch of corners! The project kept me busy all afternoon at least!
Today, Friday, my eight month pregnant friend Sarah picked me up and we stopped at Starbucks for some pumpkin spice chai teas. Then, we headed over to the base to attend a Budgeting for Baby class. The class was actually very informative and organized: two things I did not expect! At the end of class, they give each expectant mother a gender neutral layette set worth $75.00 and we get to pick out a baby boy or baby girl blanket. Because I do not know what I am having, I chose a baby girl blanket. My mom made me a beautiful baby boy blanket last year and so if it is a boy I will be set! And now if it is a girl I am set! Sarah and I then went to Rumple New Skins, which is a baby store with some new and mostly gently used items. We had a good time just looking around. When we arrived back at my place, I was pleasantly surprised to see the co sleeper/bassinet which my mom had ordered for me was at my door! Sarah and I spent half the time trying to unzip the gear from the bag it came in! The zipper would not budge and for no obvious reason! Finally, (like 20 minutes later) we were able to get started! Two pregnant women bending, twisting, lifting--it would have been a site to behold! But together we managed to assemble into the co sleeping position, which is a rectangle with one side lowered that sits next to the bed. For our moving situation and timing, this is the perfect option for baby right now. We plan to look at cribs when we get to our new place in January and go from there. The co sleeper is very nice and very flexible as far as what you can do with it. We can use it as a bassinet, a small play pen, a traveling bed, or the actual co sleeper. I am excited for Dave to get home and see our hard work and beautiful new gift!
The Nebraska Corn huskers play the Washington Huskies tomorrow in college football, in Seattle. We thought about going but decided our big TV would be just fine, after seeing the tickets began at $125.00!! That is more than we would have to pay to go to an NFL game in Seattle! Go Big Red!
The Colts play on Sunday and Beaner has told me his/her eager anticipation for the game, in hopes that they turn there previous game play around and possibly step it up! So, this weekend will be the Beaner/Mommy/Daddy (?) football weekend. When the games are on, the Bean is kicking!
Wednesday morning I worked on my quilt quite a bit. As my first quilt ever, things proved difficult when trying to sew strips together both horizontally and vertically! Oh well, the baby probably won't notice the absolute mismatch of corners! The project kept me busy all afternoon at least!
Today, Friday, my eight month pregnant friend Sarah picked me up and we stopped at Starbucks for some pumpkin spice chai teas. Then, we headed over to the base to attend a Budgeting for Baby class. The class was actually very informative and organized: two things I did not expect! At the end of class, they give each expectant mother a gender neutral layette set worth $75.00 and we get to pick out a baby boy or baby girl blanket. Because I do not know what I am having, I chose a baby girl blanket. My mom made me a beautiful baby boy blanket last year and so if it is a boy I will be set! And now if it is a girl I am set! Sarah and I then went to Rumple New Skins, which is a baby store with some new and mostly gently used items. We had a good time just looking around. When we arrived back at my place, I was pleasantly surprised to see the co sleeper/bassinet which my mom had ordered for me was at my door! Sarah and I spent half the time trying to unzip the gear from the bag it came in! The zipper would not budge and for no obvious reason! Finally, (like 20 minutes later) we were able to get started! Two pregnant women bending, twisting, lifting--it would have been a site to behold! But together we managed to assemble into the co sleeping position, which is a rectangle with one side lowered that sits next to the bed. For our moving situation and timing, this is the perfect option for baby right now. We plan to look at cribs when we get to our new place in January and go from there. The co sleeper is very nice and very flexible as far as what you can do with it. We can use it as a bassinet, a small play pen, a traveling bed, or the actual co sleeper. I am excited for Dave to get home and see our hard work and beautiful new gift!
The Nebraska Corn huskers play the Washington Huskies tomorrow in college football, in Seattle. We thought about going but decided our big TV would be just fine, after seeing the tickets began at $125.00!! That is more than we would have to pay to go to an NFL game in Seattle! Go Big Red!
The Colts play on Sunday and Beaner has told me his/her eager anticipation for the game, in hopes that they turn there previous game play around and possibly step it up! So, this weekend will be the Beaner/Mommy/Daddy (?) football weekend. When the games are on, the Bean is kicking!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Super Hero
Hobbling down the street and
Trying to take a little breather-
Breaking for the day underneath
The leafy cedar
Looking forward as the hill
Seems always longer
Steeper distant-
Feeling sharp pains every step
Every instant.
Three days now no more relaxing walks
To take-
Inside the house catch your breath-
Catch a break.
Labor and Delivery it's time to plan
A visit-
But not for the big moment "This is it!"
No instead to find out that
The ligament is pulled-
Strained stretched done for now-
The uterus its job to hold.
No more outside walks,
No more cool breeze on the face.
Finding the bed to be
The new molding place.
A day before the party
The graduation the big day-
Where friends and food will gather
Playing games the night away,
And don't think this pregnant lady will
Roll the dice to chance,
A big soft recliner keeps me rollin
The party still will dance.
So no I'm not the super hero
I'm the princess in distress-
And my super hero husband
Did the house chores did the rest.
He cleaned all day and rearranged
My house to hold the fun,
He pampered me and cared for me
And when I thought he's done-
He ran the errands, set the stage
He was the greatest host.
A daddy in the making-
The one I love the most!
The night was such a huge success
The show does go on-
My super hero made it possible to play
Almost till dawn-
And when the guests left for the night
And we went fast asleep-
I knew my super hero was ready,
For any giant future leap.
This Beaner will have the greatest
Daddy of them all,
For all the love he shows mommy
Daddy knows his Daddy call.
Trying to take a little breather-
Breaking for the day underneath
The leafy cedar
Looking forward as the hill
Seems always longer
Steeper distant-
Feeling sharp pains every step
Every instant.
Three days now no more relaxing walks
To take-
Inside the house catch your breath-
Catch a break.
Labor and Delivery it's time to plan
A visit-
But not for the big moment "This is it!"
No instead to find out that
The ligament is pulled-
Strained stretched done for now-
The uterus its job to hold.
No more outside walks,
No more cool breeze on the face.
Finding the bed to be
The new molding place.
A day before the party
The graduation the big day-
Where friends and food will gather
Playing games the night away,
And don't think this pregnant lady will
Roll the dice to chance,
A big soft recliner keeps me rollin
The party still will dance.
So no I'm not the super hero
I'm the princess in distress-
And my super hero husband
Did the house chores did the rest.
He cleaned all day and rearranged
My house to hold the fun,
He pampered me and cared for me
And when I thought he's done-
He ran the errands, set the stage
He was the greatest host.
A daddy in the making-
The one I love the most!
The night was such a huge success
The show does go on-
My super hero made it possible to play
Almost till dawn-
And when the guests left for the night
And we went fast asleep-
I knew my super hero was ready,
For any giant future leap.
This Beaner will have the greatest
Daddy of them all,
For all the love he shows mommy
Daddy knows his Daddy call.
Friday, September 3, 2010
It's Official
My new title: I am officially the coolest house wife ever! In the past two weeks I have baked homemade bread, made homemade blackberry jam (from berries I picked myself!), cleaned the entire house, completed an entire scrap book, set up a mutual fund, opened a savings account, enrolled for a certification class, prepared meals from scratch, created two baby registries, and the icing on the cake: I am now 100% football season ready, after creating my NFL.com fantasy football team!!!!!!!! WHOOO HOOOOO!!!!
So top that June Cleaver! The best thing about finishing college in August is having all the time in the world to watch every preseason and regular season game! This is pretty easy to do with a DVR! :) So I may not make money and I may not be getting any more college education, but I am a highly efficient NFL football game watcher :) Beaner loves it too and I know this for a fact because when big things happen on the big screen, Beaner kicks and flips and cheerleads along! Plus, I think we have telepathy when it comes to football :) So my offical new NFL draft team name is Beaner's Blitzers. If you don't know what a blitz is, that is when the line breaks out of ordinary play in order to surprise or come up behind the quarterback for a sack. :) See, told you I'm the coolest house wife ever!
In other Beaner news: next doctor's appointments are not yet set but soon will be scheduled for three to four weeks out. Until then, I must stock up on the nachos, chicken wings, sparkling alcoholic free punch, and watch the games :)
So top that June Cleaver! The best thing about finishing college in August is having all the time in the world to watch every preseason and regular season game! This is pretty easy to do with a DVR! :) So I may not make money and I may not be getting any more college education, but I am a highly efficient NFL football game watcher :) Beaner loves it too and I know this for a fact because when big things happen on the big screen, Beaner kicks and flips and cheerleads along! Plus, I think we have telepathy when it comes to football :) So my offical new NFL draft team name is Beaner's Blitzers. If you don't know what a blitz is, that is when the line breaks out of ordinary play in order to surprise or come up behind the quarterback for a sack. :) See, told you I'm the coolest house wife ever!
In other Beaner news: next doctor's appointments are not yet set but soon will be scheduled for three to four weeks out. Until then, I must stock up on the nachos, chicken wings, sparkling alcoholic free punch, and watch the games :)
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Movement
Movement is occurring everywhere lately. The degree is completed. The future new home is being decided. The numbers on the scale move up. And the Bean moves constantly! All the time. In every direction. Never ending. Seriously! Jumping Bean. So recent entertainment has been performed by taking random objects and placing them on my stomach then watching them jump up and down or get knocked off completely. With no job and no school, what else should I be doing!?
This week I plan to begin the continuation of my quilt. I figure there is no better time than now. I had a check up on Thursday. The next doctor's appointment will be in four weeks, where I will have an ultra sound to check baby's weight, lab work, and the RH shot. Which, I am a bit concerned about. Because they still cannot give a 100% answer on my blood type, I am wondering if the shot is really necessary. As far as I understand, if Dave is positive, and there is the possibility I am negative, then I need the shot. But, if I am positive and Dave is negative, the shot is not necessary. This is also true if I am negative and Dave is negative. Therefore, since I am pretty sure Dave is negative, then I am wondering why I am getting the shot? The question is, how come my doctor has not once asked about Dave's blood type? He does not seem to think it matters but all of my research has been based on the two parents, not just the mother. Getting the shot when unnecessary is not harmful so I guess we are just playing it safe.
The doctor measured my fundal height (the length between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus) and told me I am exactly where I need to be. Other than that, no new baby news.
I went to a few garage sales yesterday. Because I am unsure of the gender, I have decided to buy for both when I see a deal I cannot resist. Yesterday was eight pairs of little boy shoes in perfect condition! I looked up the costs online and the total was around 160 dollars, when I spent 8! So that was pretty exciting. Of course, if we have a girl I will just have a box of boy stuff ready for the next round :)
Today is house cleaning, ,movie watching, pizza eating day!
This week I plan to begin the continuation of my quilt. I figure there is no better time than now. I had a check up on Thursday. The next doctor's appointment will be in four weeks, where I will have an ultra sound to check baby's weight, lab work, and the RH shot. Which, I am a bit concerned about. Because they still cannot give a 100% answer on my blood type, I am wondering if the shot is really necessary. As far as I understand, if Dave is positive, and there is the possibility I am negative, then I need the shot. But, if I am positive and Dave is negative, the shot is not necessary. This is also true if I am negative and Dave is negative. Therefore, since I am pretty sure Dave is negative, then I am wondering why I am getting the shot? The question is, how come my doctor has not once asked about Dave's blood type? He does not seem to think it matters but all of my research has been based on the two parents, not just the mother. Getting the shot when unnecessary is not harmful so I guess we are just playing it safe.
The doctor measured my fundal height (the length between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus) and told me I am exactly where I need to be. Other than that, no new baby news.
I went to a few garage sales yesterday. Because I am unsure of the gender, I have decided to buy for both when I see a deal I cannot resist. Yesterday was eight pairs of little boy shoes in perfect condition! I looked up the costs online and the total was around 160 dollars, when I spent 8! So that was pretty exciting. Of course, if we have a girl I will just have a box of boy stuff ready for the next round :)
Today is house cleaning, ,movie watching, pizza eating day!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sound of Silence at a Stand-Off
The 12 day blog withdrawal is officially over. So today I applied for a blog job, and only after doing so did I fail to remember that I don't bother editing, spellchecking, and correcting my errors in my current blog! Wow, when they look at this I'm sure going to look uhnedukayted.
Anyway! My friend is doing well, all things considered. She lost her baby to heaven last week and I think my hormone fits are in direct connection to her situation. That, or this lack of school and job is getting the better of me. Anyone have any suggestions? So far I have the idea to scrapbook, quilt, clean the house to perfection, attempt to find small writing jobs which will pay me enough to buy lunch every day, and I might even take another class in order to keep my brain running!
Here's a good story! (Pregnancy related even!) So upon my doctor's desperate attempt to get me to gain weight, I agreed to see a dietitian. We sat there for an hour going over all the obvious food ideas that I already knew. Then, upon completion of seeing my 'food journal' she suggested the following: "You should increase your calories by your beverages. Since you already drink milk and juice, you should add soda pop to your diet." Umm, really!?!?!? Did you read that!? Yes, my dietitian suggested soda to a pregnant lady! You know, the sugary, caffeinated carbon bubblies that take away from calcium absorption in the bones! Pregnant women are to limit their caffeine intake, sugar is a door opener for gestational diabetes, and the carbonated bubblies eat calcium from my bones! I tell you what! Unless I GET diabetes, I may never step foot into a dietitian's office again!
So, yes, I have not gained the weight they are looking for me to gain. I am trying though still!! I have gained weight though! 13 pounds since the beginning. Baby Beaner is 2 oz. below his necessary weight so I am feeding him more milk and peanut butter. The joys of being a navy housewife with nothing better to do (or required) than to take hand to mouth and stuff face over and over.
Aside from the every day eating frenzy, I work on small tasks. For example, right now I am currently fighting tooth and nail with my school so that, just maybe, I will get my degree this weekend! Yes, that's right, graduation is upon me. However, a $150.30 late fee that they absolutely insist is my fault for tuition, it looms over me like the messenger of death. I am stubborn and upset and absolutely refuse to pay this ridiculous trivial penny ripping scheme. Long story short, the military account that paid for my tuition paid later than should be and I am stuck with the bill. Because I did not certify mail a letter sent back in April, they have no proof the letter was ever sent and therefore, I am a liar and must pay. Lesson: Never trust a company, business, corporation, administration, or the like. You MUST learn that people screw people and there is no longer this thing called forgiveness and mercy. Amen.
See what happens when I don't write for a long time? All the entrapment spews forth and you are left to read the gloriousness of it all.
I do have a positive note though! My sister and brother in law and two nephews came to visit last week. They spent two days at our house and we spent two days camping with them in La Push, Washington, aka Twilight Jacob's werewolf abode. The ocean at La Push is gorgeous. We drove to Cape Flattery, WA, the most northwest point of the United States. Absolutely breathtaking! If I decide not to be lazy later on, I may just post a picture or two of the spectacular views!
Next doctor's appointment: Thursday. Next ultrasound: approximately three weeks. Next snack time: Now. So see you later!
Anyway! My friend is doing well, all things considered. She lost her baby to heaven last week and I think my hormone fits are in direct connection to her situation. That, or this lack of school and job is getting the better of me. Anyone have any suggestions? So far I have the idea to scrapbook, quilt, clean the house to perfection, attempt to find small writing jobs which will pay me enough to buy lunch every day, and I might even take another class in order to keep my brain running!
Here's a good story! (Pregnancy related even!) So upon my doctor's desperate attempt to get me to gain weight, I agreed to see a dietitian. We sat there for an hour going over all the obvious food ideas that I already knew. Then, upon completion of seeing my 'food journal' she suggested the following: "You should increase your calories by your beverages. Since you already drink milk and juice, you should add soda pop to your diet." Umm, really!?!?!? Did you read that!? Yes, my dietitian suggested soda to a pregnant lady! You know, the sugary, caffeinated carbon bubblies that take away from calcium absorption in the bones! Pregnant women are to limit their caffeine intake, sugar is a door opener for gestational diabetes, and the carbonated bubblies eat calcium from my bones! I tell you what! Unless I GET diabetes, I may never step foot into a dietitian's office again!
So, yes, I have not gained the weight they are looking for me to gain. I am trying though still!! I have gained weight though! 13 pounds since the beginning. Baby Beaner is 2 oz. below his necessary weight so I am feeding him more milk and peanut butter. The joys of being a navy housewife with nothing better to do (or required) than to take hand to mouth and stuff face over and over.
Aside from the every day eating frenzy, I work on small tasks. For example, right now I am currently fighting tooth and nail with my school so that, just maybe, I will get my degree this weekend! Yes, that's right, graduation is upon me. However, a $150.30 late fee that they absolutely insist is my fault for tuition, it looms over me like the messenger of death. I am stubborn and upset and absolutely refuse to pay this ridiculous trivial penny ripping scheme. Long story short, the military account that paid for my tuition paid later than should be and I am stuck with the bill. Because I did not certify mail a letter sent back in April, they have no proof the letter was ever sent and therefore, I am a liar and must pay. Lesson: Never trust a company, business, corporation, administration, or the like. You MUST learn that people screw people and there is no longer this thing called forgiveness and mercy. Amen.
See what happens when I don't write for a long time? All the entrapment spews forth and you are left to read the gloriousness of it all.
I do have a positive note though! My sister and brother in law and two nephews came to visit last week. They spent two days at our house and we spent two days camping with them in La Push, Washington, aka Twilight Jacob's werewolf abode. The ocean at La Push is gorgeous. We drove to Cape Flattery, WA, the most northwest point of the United States. Absolutely breathtaking! If I decide not to be lazy later on, I may just post a picture or two of the spectacular views!
Next doctor's appointment: Thursday. Next ultrasound: approximately three weeks. Next snack time: Now. So see you later!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Today's Plans
As you can see, the ultrasound went very well. Apparently I had a few people fooled with the ultrasound pics, as it says 'twin a' and 'twin b' on the bottom. No, there are not twins. One singleton Beaner only. But a healthy Beaner at that!
So today I am going to try on every dress in my closest to see if I have one fitting and that fits! for an outdoor wedding we are going to today. A fellow officer on the boat is getting married. I am not really sure what I have that fits. I plan on getting all dolled up, as of lately, my husband thinks it is quite hillarious to point out all my flaws which come with pregnancy. So, in order to 'knock him off his feet' I plan on playing dress up today and spending the maximum amount of time getting ready. If all goes well and I feel like I did the trick, I will post for you a picture of my efforts! If all does not go well, well then I am not going to let you see!
Apparently I have missed some very important people in the inclusion of this website. In other words, this site is open to the public and if you know of someone who cares to know the ins and outs of my pregnancy, please pass this site along. In the beginning I was more hush hush, but now the market is open! Other than a few immediate relatives, I'm not really sure if you're reading unless you leave me a comment every once in a while! Maybe, if I get really creative and motivated, I will attempt to post a short video of the ultrasound.
We are due December 22nd. My nephew gets married shortly after and there is most likely no way I will be able to travel across the country to make it. December is a big month! Dave will leave and upon his return, we will move out. Still, we do not know where we are going to be sent. Maybe in another month or two. This actually makes things more exciting because everything will be happening at once!
No doctor has mentioned bed rest to me for several weeks, so maybe I'm in the clear!? Still not sure, but it seems like up to this point, things are going way better than anyone projected them to be. So I will hold up my end of the deal and continue to eat all the time, regardless of my hunger level. Apparently that's the only thing I am pointed out on, so yes, the grocery bill will continue to rise and I will continue to eat. I think I am eating double what I am used to eating and the weight is still coming very slowly. It is almost as if I have quadrupled my metabolism over night! Tomorrow I make pot roast. :) If my Grandma and Mom were here, I would have them help me make cabbage burgers, which is the most amazing thing ever and something I seem to want all the time and don't know how to make. I have been trying to talk my brother into coming over to make me eggrolls. He is either really busy or has since begun to ignore my texts! :) I will keep working on him though.
Please continue to keep my dear friend in your prayers, as her, her baby, and her family is always on my heart.
So today I am going to try on every dress in my closest to see if I have one fitting and that fits! for an outdoor wedding we are going to today. A fellow officer on the boat is getting married. I am not really sure what I have that fits. I plan on getting all dolled up, as of lately, my husband thinks it is quite hillarious to point out all my flaws which come with pregnancy. So, in order to 'knock him off his feet' I plan on playing dress up today and spending the maximum amount of time getting ready. If all goes well and I feel like I did the trick, I will post for you a picture of my efforts! If all does not go well, well then I am not going to let you see!
Apparently I have missed some very important people in the inclusion of this website. In other words, this site is open to the public and if you know of someone who cares to know the ins and outs of my pregnancy, please pass this site along. In the beginning I was more hush hush, but now the market is open! Other than a few immediate relatives, I'm not really sure if you're reading unless you leave me a comment every once in a while! Maybe, if I get really creative and motivated, I will attempt to post a short video of the ultrasound.
We are due December 22nd. My nephew gets married shortly after and there is most likely no way I will be able to travel across the country to make it. December is a big month! Dave will leave and upon his return, we will move out. Still, we do not know where we are going to be sent. Maybe in another month or two. This actually makes things more exciting because everything will be happening at once!
No doctor has mentioned bed rest to me for several weeks, so maybe I'm in the clear!? Still not sure, but it seems like up to this point, things are going way better than anyone projected them to be. So I will hold up my end of the deal and continue to eat all the time, regardless of my hunger level. Apparently that's the only thing I am pointed out on, so yes, the grocery bill will continue to rise and I will continue to eat. I think I am eating double what I am used to eating and the weight is still coming very slowly. It is almost as if I have quadrupled my metabolism over night! Tomorrow I make pot roast. :) If my Grandma and Mom were here, I would have them help me make cabbage burgers, which is the most amazing thing ever and something I seem to want all the time and don't know how to make. I have been trying to talk my brother into coming over to make me eggrolls. He is either really busy or has since begun to ignore my texts! :) I will keep working on him though.
Please continue to keep my dear friend in your prayers, as her, her baby, and her family is always on my heart.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Back from trip!
Our visit to Orlando was fantastic. I had a few pregnancy issues while there. First off, in the airplane as soon as we touched down in Orlando after an overnight flight, I dashed to the plane's bathroom and motion/hungry/pregnancy/thirsty? sickness set in. As soon as I was finished puking, my nose started to bleed! Helloooooooooo ORLANDOOOO!!!
So anyway, then we got to our resort and instead of taking naps, decided to venture out in the blazing sun and play 18 hole Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf! Although I had four holes in one, Dave still beat me! The rest of the week continued with Walt Disney World, one day at each park. We then spent an entire day at Clearwater Beach and went on a dolphin touring boat which was amazing! Then we drove to Cape Canaveral Florida and spent the day at Kennedy Space Center. Our final day we spent at Downtown Disney. We ate lunch at the T-Rex restaurant (similar to Rainforest Cafe). Prior to eating though, I drank my entire glass of iced tea. Having nothing else in my stomach and already an hour over my hunger point, this did not last long! Back to the bathroom and super sick again! Once I sat down though and my food came (lasagna and bread) I was able to not only eat, but polish off the entire meal! This, I must say, is extremely impressive for my small and repulsive appetite! I think, ladies and gentemen, that I may just be getting my appetite back!
When we got home I stepped on the scale to see if the number would please my ever concerned doc! I believe he will be happy the next time he sees me, as that week alone I gained two pounds! And THAT is on top of ALL THAT WALKING!!!
Tomorrow morning is the ultra sound. This will be daddy Dave's first Beaner debut. We are very excited. And yes, I will, in fact, assuming I figure out how.... post the ultrasound picture for all my inquiring Beaner fans (yes, all, seven of you?!)
This week's posts will be brief, as Friday is my final day of school for my Bachelor's Degree! August grad!! YAY!
So anyway, then we got to our resort and instead of taking naps, decided to venture out in the blazing sun and play 18 hole Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf! Although I had four holes in one, Dave still beat me! The rest of the week continued with Walt Disney World, one day at each park. We then spent an entire day at Clearwater Beach and went on a dolphin touring boat which was amazing! Then we drove to Cape Canaveral Florida and spent the day at Kennedy Space Center. Our final day we spent at Downtown Disney. We ate lunch at the T-Rex restaurant (similar to Rainforest Cafe). Prior to eating though, I drank my entire glass of iced tea. Having nothing else in my stomach and already an hour over my hunger point, this did not last long! Back to the bathroom and super sick again! Once I sat down though and my food came (lasagna and bread) I was able to not only eat, but polish off the entire meal! This, I must say, is extremely impressive for my small and repulsive appetite! I think, ladies and gentemen, that I may just be getting my appetite back!
When we got home I stepped on the scale to see if the number would please my ever concerned doc! I believe he will be happy the next time he sees me, as that week alone I gained two pounds! And THAT is on top of ALL THAT WALKING!!!
Tomorrow morning is the ultra sound. This will be daddy Dave's first Beaner debut. We are very excited. And yes, I will, in fact, assuming I figure out how.... post the ultrasound picture for all my inquiring Beaner fans (yes, all, seven of you?!)
This week's posts will be brief, as Friday is my final day of school for my Bachelor's Degree! August grad!! YAY!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Short blurb
Super duper tired. Went to submarine picnic this morning. Trying to stay awake, not sure why. Have class right now but too distracted, as we are packing and getting ready for our trip. Sleeping on an airplane is not my best night's rest. Yuck! Back hurts. Not sure why I'm posting today with nothing to say, I guess I wanted to let you know I'm attempting to continue to post :)
Beaner is moving more every day. I think he has perfected the sommersault!
Beaner is moving more every day. I think he has perfected the sommersault!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)