Monday, August 31, 2009
Good Health Care Debate Article
Thanks to "A" who posted this in a networking forum I'm on. It clears up a lot of questions. And I still haven't found the longer version of that bill. I guess I need to look harder. Feeling too icky at the moment though.
The Five Biggest Lies in the Health Care Debate
And to be quite honest, a few of them sound so patently ridiculous, that if you took them at face value just because someone else told you they were true... well then it frightens me. I'm not saying the government can't do very wrong things. I'm just saying it's amazing what people will swallow without doing any research on their own whatsoever.
The Five Biggest Lies in the Health Care Debate
And to be quite honest, a few of them sound so patently ridiculous, that if you took them at face value just because someone else told you they were true... well then it frightens me. I'm not saying the government can't do very wrong things. I'm just saying it's amazing what people will swallow without doing any research on their own whatsoever.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Bleary
Yes. I am up at 6:25AM despite the fact that I do not need to be because along with not being able to breathe, I have had my first attack of heartburn.... ever. Oh joyous day. We all should try everything once after all huh?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Octopus Helper
Good for hanging the diapers with style - compliments of Ikea.*
*With whom I have a mad, mad love affair. Shhh
*With whom I have a mad, mad love affair. Shhh
Sick
At first I thought maybe I was developing some new allergy, as one has already popped up that I never had before. But no, I believe I have caught a cold. Why is it that everything feels like a threat to your baby when you're pregnant? But logically I know that he'll be fine. He's been moving non-stop since yesterday. OK - maybe he stops for 10 minutes or even an hour here or there, but then he's moving with urgency shortly thereafter. Is this indicative of how he'll be? Oh no. Maybe he'll resemble his father in more than just looks.
Anyway, my question is: Is there anything I can do to ease the stuffed up nose, sore throat and such while I'm trying to sleep? It makes it pretty miserable, and my doctor is not in to call.
Anyway, my question is: Is there anything I can do to ease the stuffed up nose, sore throat and such while I'm trying to sleep? It makes it pretty miserable, and my doctor is not in to call.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Anatomy Scan Results
To say I get anxious before each Doctor's appointment is a little bit of an understatement. I don't actually feel all that anxious, but I have nightmares to write home about the day or two before... usually dealing with the baby. This appointment was a biggie as I was to find out the results of our anatomy scan (other than BOY. :)
What a fucking GIANT relief to find that he is all healthy as far as they can tell! No evidence of any abnormalities, and growth seems right on track! WAHOOO! I could expire from relief at this whole pregnancy so far, let me tell you. He's my little champ. He's getting a high five when he gets outta there.
Everything seems on track with me too. The only thing we're a little worried about is a tendency to get a pounding heartbeat and nausea if I haven't gotten enough rest. The doctor thinks it's still to do with electrolytes, but since it's still happening (usually only in the AM) even with my continued intake of around 32 oz a day, he wants me to have my GP do an EKG just in case. I do have a benign murmur. Could that have anything to do with it?
In my daily life, work is getting harder - especially in this heat. Doctor says to no longer lift over 25 pounds and to take frequent breaks. It's just difficult because you don't want to put too much on your coworkers. He says that my career should be fine though and since I'm physically active, I should actually be healthier.
Because of work though, I've been getting a lot of leg aches at night along with a lower back ache. I have to look into pregnancy orthotics. Does anyone have tips on good ones? I was thinking about that back support thing that holds up your belly too. Again - any info?
And finally, I've started spotting just a teeny bit of colostrum from my huge left Mama. I noticed it the other day on my shirt and brushed it off as nothing. It couldn't be YET right? But then last night, here it came again.. completely unmistakable. The funny thing is, when I check the offender, there's no sign of it. So weird. Does this bode well for my ability to breast feed? It's something about which I've been very worried.
Other than the usual pregnancy weirdness, I feel pretty darn good. My emotions are hectic, but way better than during the clomid and injectibles days, so I can handle it.
What a fucking GIANT relief to find that he is all healthy as far as they can tell! No evidence of any abnormalities, and growth seems right on track! WAHOOO! I could expire from relief at this whole pregnancy so far, let me tell you. He's my little champ. He's getting a high five when he gets outta there.
Everything seems on track with me too. The only thing we're a little worried about is a tendency to get a pounding heartbeat and nausea if I haven't gotten enough rest. The doctor thinks it's still to do with electrolytes, but since it's still happening (usually only in the AM) even with my continued intake of around 32 oz a day, he wants me to have my GP do an EKG just in case. I do have a benign murmur. Could that have anything to do with it?
In my daily life, work is getting harder - especially in this heat. Doctor says to no longer lift over 25 pounds and to take frequent breaks. It's just difficult because you don't want to put too much on your coworkers. He says that my career should be fine though and since I'm physically active, I should actually be healthier.
Because of work though, I've been getting a lot of leg aches at night along with a lower back ache. I have to look into pregnancy orthotics. Does anyone have tips on good ones? I was thinking about that back support thing that holds up your belly too. Again - any info?
And finally, I've started spotting just a teeny bit of colostrum from my huge left Mama. I noticed it the other day on my shirt and brushed it off as nothing. It couldn't be YET right? But then last night, here it came again.. completely unmistakable. The funny thing is, when I check the offender, there's no sign of it. So weird. Does this bode well for my ability to breast feed? It's something about which I've been very worried.
Other than the usual pregnancy weirdness, I feel pretty darn good. My emotions are hectic, but way better than during the clomid and injectibles days, so I can handle it.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
First Registry Gift
We got our first registry gift in the mail yesterday! WOO HOO! It was the snap and go car seat carrier/stroller. We were very excited. It's even better than Christmas! Hub did a rough assembly in about 5 minutes so that he could push it around and pretend to coo at the non-existent baby (or car seat for that matter) clipped into it. Pretty cute, I must admit. I guess he'll make an ok Dad. ;)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
I Read it! (And BOY is it dry, just like this post)
Thank you so much to Kristin of Dragondreamer's Lair for posting the link to her opinion on the healthcare reform bill which includes a link to the bill itself. I actually did read a large portion of it to see what I thought about her and others' comments on the bill. Thanks so much because I've been wanting to find it, but kept getting only news reports in my searches. And I love Kristin's ideas on Nationwide Medical Insurance Plans!
Here are my interpretations of the Bill and a few other related things. Please please feel free to correct me if I am way off base, as much of it is in legal-ease, which does NOT facilitate ease of reading. I had to look up several definitions and supporting articles (along with conferring with Hub) to figure out what I thought it meant. Feel free to read the Bill and see if you agree!
In reference to that piece, I do want to say that you can have other insurance or pay out of pocket even if you are eligible for Medicare. The part of Medicare that you are automatically enrolled in is Plan A - which only includes hospitalization and is generally free if you have reached 65 and paid into the system (or a myriad of other combinations). You may pay for Plan A if you choose if not eligible for a free plan, and you may pay to add the further plans (medical, drug benefits etc) to your Medicare insurance if you choose. Medicare is meant as either a back-up, a supplemental insurance or full coverage depending on your needs and eligibility. My Grandfather maintained his military pension insurance and his Medicare simultaneously as far as I understand, and his wife now continues that coverage. I got my information here amongst other sources that explained how it works similarly, but I felt the Medicare page itself was probably the most credible.
In the bill, I could not find anything about not being allowed to have other insurance or being assessed fees or fines for paying out of pocket or using other insurance. On the contrary, I found sections that said you may stay in your preexisting insurance plan regardless of the new quality controls if you enrolled before the Bill became law. On page 28, line 19 this document begins a description of how enrollment would be managed by the government for insurance. From what I understood, it basically says that the government will help people who are not covered by health care and help them find "qualifying health care" (which appears to mean they meet certain standards - read the bill for more info) whether that be a Federal program of any type including Medicaid and CHIP or private insurance company. Page 34, line 1 appears to address choice in the program in a more extensive manner, and it seems as if there is a fair amount of free choice. I couldn't find anything that said you would be forced into the system. (Please correct me if you find otherwise.)
Some points I found that may be troubling for companies or others if I am correct in my interpretation:
Page 16, line 20 says to me basically that an employer cannot self insure if it has 250 enrollees in the group or under. I do not understand the financial savings of self insuring, or the ramifications of taking away that option for a smaller "group," but I assume this could cause concern. I also think it probably wouldn't be the government's place to make this ruling.
On page 26, line 15 the Bill discusses the administrative fees to cover the government's assessments of each insurer. Fees are always a concern to companies, though as far as I know, they already incur governmental administrative fees. This copy of the Bill was very vague as to if these fees would be more or less and did not include details.
Page 27, line 1 gave me some trouble. I think I may have figured it out, but again, help if you can! It seems to me that companies would incur a fee if they employ an incorrect assessment of the risk their enrollees have in comparison to the average calculation of all the other qualified insurers? Again, this was really confusing for me.
And something that did concern me greatly for small business owners... page 96, section 1 states that there will be a penalty charged to employers that do not OFFER insurance to employees. I assume that means to ANY employees. If this is the case, that could be distressing for struggling, small businesses. Is this right?
Overall, the spirit of this bill seems to be streamlining costs, oversight, trying to offer insurance to those who need it in whatever way possible and trying to weed out overspending and inefficiency. I really really do not see that it is trying to become a true universal government run health care system. It doesn't seem like it would run private insurers out of business, but I am by no means any sort of expert. It seems to be more of an options thing. Despite that, I am still not convinced we can implement the full extent of the bill Obama wants with our current financial situation, and am concerned about the government not paying healthcare providers what they need to operate properly. But as I've said before, I can barely wrap my brain around what this stuff entails, let alone understand the complex economic impacts. One of my other big concerns is what happens when all the people currently not getting medical care flood into our existing hospitals and care centers. Are we equipped to handle the patient load? Believe me, I am definitely one who wants us to improve the amount of care offered to our citizens, but I want it to be done well.
The bill in the link Kristin provided appears to me to be only 167 pages, and I know that I've heard it's longer than that in many arenas, so I don't know if it's complete. If you know of a more complete version, leave a link in the comments!
Here are my interpretations of the Bill and a few other related things. Please please feel free to correct me if I am way off base, as much of it is in legal-ease, which does NOT facilitate ease of reading. I had to look up several definitions and supporting articles (along with conferring with Hub) to figure out what I thought it meant. Feel free to read the Bill and see if you agree!
In reference to that piece, I do want to say that you can have other insurance or pay out of pocket even if you are eligible for Medicare. The part of Medicare that you are automatically enrolled in is Plan A - which only includes hospitalization and is generally free if you have reached 65 and paid into the system (or a myriad of other combinations). You may pay for Plan A if you choose if not eligible for a free plan, and you may pay to add the further plans (medical, drug benefits etc) to your Medicare insurance if you choose. Medicare is meant as either a back-up, a supplemental insurance or full coverage depending on your needs and eligibility. My Grandfather maintained his military pension insurance and his Medicare simultaneously as far as I understand, and his wife now continues that coverage. I got my information here amongst other sources that explained how it works similarly, but I felt the Medicare page itself was probably the most credible.
In the bill, I could not find anything about not being allowed to have other insurance or being assessed fees or fines for paying out of pocket or using other insurance. On the contrary, I found sections that said you may stay in your preexisting insurance plan regardless of the new quality controls if you enrolled before the Bill became law. On page 28, line 19 this document begins a description of how enrollment would be managed by the government for insurance. From what I understood, it basically says that the government will help people who are not covered by health care and help them find "qualifying health care" (which appears to mean they meet certain standards - read the bill for more info) whether that be a Federal program of any type including Medicaid and CHIP or private insurance company. Page 34, line 1 appears to address choice in the program in a more extensive manner, and it seems as if there is a fair amount of free choice. I couldn't find anything that said you would be forced into the system. (Please correct me if you find otherwise.)
Some points I found that may be troubling for companies or others if I am correct in my interpretation:
Page 16, line 20 says to me basically that an employer cannot self insure if it has 250 enrollees in the group or under. I do not understand the financial savings of self insuring, or the ramifications of taking away that option for a smaller "group," but I assume this could cause concern. I also think it probably wouldn't be the government's place to make this ruling.
On page 26, line 15 the Bill discusses the administrative fees to cover the government's assessments of each insurer. Fees are always a concern to companies, though as far as I know, they already incur governmental administrative fees. This copy of the Bill was very vague as to if these fees would be more or less and did not include details.
Page 27, line 1 gave me some trouble. I think I may have figured it out, but again, help if you can! It seems to me that companies would incur a fee if they employ an incorrect assessment of the risk their enrollees have in comparison to the average calculation of all the other qualified insurers? Again, this was really confusing for me.
And something that did concern me greatly for small business owners... page 96, section 1 states that there will be a penalty charged to employers that do not OFFER insurance to employees. I assume that means to ANY employees. If this is the case, that could be distressing for struggling, small businesses. Is this right?
Overall, the spirit of this bill seems to be streamlining costs, oversight, trying to offer insurance to those who need it in whatever way possible and trying to weed out overspending and inefficiency. I really really do not see that it is trying to become a true universal government run health care system. It doesn't seem like it would run private insurers out of business, but I am by no means any sort of expert. It seems to be more of an options thing. Despite that, I am still not convinced we can implement the full extent of the bill Obama wants with our current financial situation, and am concerned about the government not paying healthcare providers what they need to operate properly. But as I've said before, I can barely wrap my brain around what this stuff entails, let alone understand the complex economic impacts. One of my other big concerns is what happens when all the people currently not getting medical care flood into our existing hospitals and care centers. Are we equipped to handle the patient load? Believe me, I am definitely one who wants us to improve the amount of care offered to our citizens, but I want it to be done well.
The bill in the link Kristin provided appears to me to be only 167 pages, and I know that I've heard it's longer than that in many arenas, so I don't know if it's complete. If you know of a more complete version, leave a link in the comments!
21 Weeks
Hey - we got it on the day this time! Although I am late posting it. Apparently my small midsection and petite size are taking the "nowhere to go but out" saying very seriously.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Healthcare Revisited
Remember how I asked for information about the proposed health care plan? I didn't find much other than opinion for a while, but I have found a few pieces with opinion mixed with fact since then. This is one of them. This is actually more about the state of our health care system, but that's important to know also in order to make an informed decision.
Natalie at Relaxing Doesn't Make Babies also has posted a lot of information from her interesting view as a Canadian living in the U.S. Please, if anyone has opinion/information pieces pertaining to why this plan may not work as well as we'd like, leave them in the comments. I really don't want the doomsday, smear type of pieces. If it seems dry, I'll like it. If it's incendiary, I will not, as they generally contain a lot less fact.
Natalie at Relaxing Doesn't Make Babies also has posted a lot of information from her interesting view as a Canadian living in the U.S. Please, if anyone has opinion/information pieces pertaining to why this plan may not work as well as we'd like, leave them in the comments. I really don't want the doomsday, smear type of pieces. If it seems dry, I'll like it. If it's incendiary, I will not, as they generally contain a lot less fact.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
This Made Me Happier
Thanks to Lizzy for posting this in a forum I frequent. I think I am now relaxed enough from laughing to sleep. However, I have to post a disclaimer that I do like some of these names.
Bad Baby Names
P.S. The later pages become much more hilarious, and I like far fewer of the names. Or is this just the sleep deprived mania talking?
Bad Baby Names
P.S. The later pages become much more hilarious, and I like far fewer of the names. Or is this just the sleep deprived mania talking?
Anxiety
Yes, I am awake at 3:01 am, typing on my blog. Practice for baby? Perhaps. I call it plain old fashioned anxiety rearing its head as usual, along with a good healthy side dose of "my belly is stretching painfully in a brand new place, my body is a blast furnace, and I can't get comfortable." I remember being astonished in the early stages of this pregnancy that I was so little affected by the mood swings everyone seems to experience. I thought at the time that perhaps I just had such severe mood swings often in my every day life, that these seemed minor in comparison. Now I think maybe that nature was just holding on to throw it at me later.
I'm very stable and happy most of the time but my anxiety levels have been humming at a slightly higher frequency for a while. When you throw in the occasional mood-swingy day, it adds up to a not so pretty picture. Today (yesterday now?) was one of those days. The slightest frustration has the tears welling. Things that normally would annoy me in passing become a fixation. At the same time, issues that have bothered me quite a lot for a while become matters of national security. I feel vulnerable, anxious, unable to affect change and inadequate. Is this what the pregnancy books mean when they say you may be experiencing "uncertainty, fears and changes in emotion?" The funny thing is, it's rarely about the baby himself. For example, right now it has been:
-"How am I going to work full time and care for my baby adequately? I'm a bad Mom!"
-"I'm so tired, I can hardly drag myself into work now. Is this going to continue?"
-"I feel guilty that Hub seems to be eating for two along WITH me at a time when he can't afford to do that either!"
-"People are going to notice my mood swings and think it's something they did, or think I'm ungrateful for this sweet, wonderful miracle in my life."
-"I'm costing us so much money in food and energy costs (because of being so hot at night I have to turn the a/c down), and that's horrible when we need to save so badly."
-"I'm never going to get enough done in this house, and Hub is so busy he doesn't help me enough!"
-"I hardly see Hub for fun stuff anymore, and I hate his work because of it!"
-And the reverse, "I feel guilty for expecting Hub to help me more when he's at a critical break through in his career! I need to support him more, especially since he's waited so long for this and supported me emotionally for years while I did what I needed to do in my career!"
ARGH. I suppose this is the kind of stuff that doesn't end with the birth of the baby huh? Compromises suddenly become huge deals. What a learning curve this all is. I wouldn't give it up for the world, but wow.
I'm very stable and happy most of the time but my anxiety levels have been humming at a slightly higher frequency for a while. When you throw in the occasional mood-swingy day, it adds up to a not so pretty picture. Today (yesterday now?) was one of those days. The slightest frustration has the tears welling. Things that normally would annoy me in passing become a fixation. At the same time, issues that have bothered me quite a lot for a while become matters of national security. I feel vulnerable, anxious, unable to affect change and inadequate. Is this what the pregnancy books mean when they say you may be experiencing "uncertainty, fears and changes in emotion?" The funny thing is, it's rarely about the baby himself. For example, right now it has been:
-"How am I going to work full time and care for my baby adequately? I'm a bad Mom!"
-"I'm so tired, I can hardly drag myself into work now. Is this going to continue?"
-"I feel guilty that Hub seems to be eating for two along WITH me at a time when he can't afford to do that either!"
-"People are going to notice my mood swings and think it's something they did, or think I'm ungrateful for this sweet, wonderful miracle in my life."
-"I'm costing us so much money in food and energy costs (because of being so hot at night I have to turn the a/c down), and that's horrible when we need to save so badly."
-"I'm never going to get enough done in this house, and Hub is so busy he doesn't help me enough!"
-"I hardly see Hub for fun stuff anymore, and I hate his work because of it!"
-And the reverse, "I feel guilty for expecting Hub to help me more when he's at a critical break through in his career! I need to support him more, especially since he's waited so long for this and supported me emotionally for years while I did what I needed to do in my career!"
ARGH. I suppose this is the kind of stuff that doesn't end with the birth of the baby huh? Compromises suddenly become huge deals. What a learning curve this all is. I wouldn't give it up for the world, but wow.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Half Baked
Last night one of my very dear friends here in Florida took me out to celebrate my half baked baby. We got a lot of juvenile pleasure out of saying that phrase as much as possible. Who says 30 and 40 somethings don't get to be silly?
We went to a Lebanese restaurant we'd both been wanting to try. I've only had bits and pieces of Lebanese food throughout the years, and most of it wasn't the high quality stuff (other than my cousin's grape leaves. Mmmmmmmm). Neither of us knew much about what we were doing, so we ordered bits and pieces off the menu and shared. It's my favorite way to dine.
I ordered some little cheese rolls with sweet pepper and spices in them. They were wrapped in what seemed like a spring roll wrapper. They were delicious but very cheesy. I also ordered vegetarian grape leaves. They were good, but quite strong with the vinegar. I have to say that my cousin's were better. My friend got some spinach pies. These were my favorite dinner item. It was a light little air puffed pastry with a mix of spinach, onion, garlic and what tasted like cinnamon and maybe some type of nut mixed in. My favorite food moments are the ones when I am completely surprised by seemingly contradictory flavors. The sweet and savory mix of this pastry was groan inducing. We also shared bits of "Chicken Cedar." I think it was a house dish, but it was greens stuffed chicken in a lemony, olive sauce that was just to die for. And to finish it all off, we had the absolute tastiest baklava I've ever had in my entire life. Most baklava I have is far too sweet, or far too dense, or far too short on the nut taste. This was such a balance of light, nutty, sweet perfection that it was gone with only crumbs to show in seconds.
God am I glad that food is back with a vengeance. It was torture to have those months where nothing was good except potatoes and tomatoes. Now I just have to be careful to eat small bits at a time or it feels as if the ligaments supporting my abdomen will be ripped right out of their anchor points.
We went to a Lebanese restaurant we'd both been wanting to try. I've only had bits and pieces of Lebanese food throughout the years, and most of it wasn't the high quality stuff (other than my cousin's grape leaves. Mmmmmmmm). Neither of us knew much about what we were doing, so we ordered bits and pieces off the menu and shared. It's my favorite way to dine.
I ordered some little cheese rolls with sweet pepper and spices in them. They were wrapped in what seemed like a spring roll wrapper. They were delicious but very cheesy. I also ordered vegetarian grape leaves. They were good, but quite strong with the vinegar. I have to say that my cousin's were better. My friend got some spinach pies. These were my favorite dinner item. It was a light little air puffed pastry with a mix of spinach, onion, garlic and what tasted like cinnamon and maybe some type of nut mixed in. My favorite food moments are the ones when I am completely surprised by seemingly contradictory flavors. The sweet and savory mix of this pastry was groan inducing. We also shared bits of "Chicken Cedar." I think it was a house dish, but it was greens stuffed chicken in a lemony, olive sauce that was just to die for. And to finish it all off, we had the absolute tastiest baklava I've ever had in my entire life. Most baklava I have is far too sweet, or far too dense, or far too short on the nut taste. This was such a balance of light, nutty, sweet perfection that it was gone with only crumbs to show in seconds.
God am I glad that food is back with a vengeance. It was torture to have those months where nothing was good except potatoes and tomatoes. Now I just have to be careful to eat small bits at a time or it feels as if the ligaments supporting my abdomen will be ripped right out of their anchor points.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Reading List
Kristin from Dragondreamer's Lair wants to know what books are on our reading lists. I have a hard time keeping up with fun questions, awards and such on others' blogs, but you can always reel me in with book stuff. So I thought I'd share mine.
I recently finished a bunch of books, but these are some I still have waiting for me and some I still need to order from the library.
1. The Sight - David Clement-Davies
2. Chalice - Robin McKinley
3. Number the Stars - Lois Lowry (thanks to Jen)
4. A Swiftly Tilting Planet - Madeleine L'Engle
5. Valiant - Holly Black
6. Marked - Kristin & PC Cast
7. Shadow Mountain - Renee Askins
8. Auralia's Colors - Jeffrey Overstreet
There are more, but these are the most immediate ones on my list. Please share and let a note in the comments if you'd like so I can browse.
I recently finished a bunch of books, but these are some I still have waiting for me and some I still need to order from the library.
1. The Sight - David Clement-Davies
2. Chalice - Robin McKinley
3. Number the Stars - Lois Lowry (thanks to Jen)
4. A Swiftly Tilting Planet - Madeleine L'Engle
5. Valiant - Holly Black
6. Marked - Kristin & PC Cast
7. Shadow Mountain - Renee Askins
8. Auralia's Colors - Jeffrey Overstreet
There are more, but these are the most immediate ones on my list. Please share and let a note in the comments if you'd like so I can browse.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Annoying Things Post
I usually like to try to do Happy Things lists because it feels so much more positive and fulfilling. However, right now I'm sleepy, a bit grumpy and annoyed. I don't feel the happy happy joy joy. Thus - my very first annoying things post is born.
Things that have been annoying me:
1. Acquaintances who pass harsh judgment when I say we aren't sharing baby's name until he's born. I hardly think it keeps them awake nights wondering. Besides, we won't be sure until he's born. And if you think that's weird? Keep it to yourself ok? That's just how we are.
2. In the same vein - acquaintances who HOUNDED me for the baby's gender... asking me at LEAST every other day when and/or IF I was going to find out and assuring me they were just DYING to know. Apparently they weren't losing sleep over THAT either since they forgot my answer at least every other day and had to ask me again.
3. And when those same acquaintances who hounded me before my day off for the appointment, telling me I must text them (when we don't even have each others' phone numbers) then proceeded to forget all about asking when I saw them again. OBVIOUSLY no sleep lost. If you don't really care, then leave me alone ok??
4. SLOW ASS DRIVERS WHO SIT IN THE LEFT AND RIGHT LANE AT 10 MPH UNDER THE LIMIT WHEN I'M TRYING TO GET TO WORK.
5. People who act as if animals do not deserve similar consideration as humans. For example, people who would never shout randomly at other humans in a public situation will readily scream, clap, whistle, bang and throw things at animals and expect them to at least come to them and sometimes to LIKE them. It boggles the mind. A good rule of thumb it to treat a strange animal similarly to how you would treat a stranger whom you had just met and were trying to get to know.
I also still find myself in that squirmy place I mentioned before. Now though, I find myself squirming when people who are not very close to me ask all kinds of things about the baby and about our plans with him in passing conversation. I know it doesn't seem odd to them, but to me it feels very out of place and private for that type of conversation with someone of that relationship. Sometimes it makes me so uncomfortable, I find myself becoming snippy and angry as a reaction. I try to hide it, but I can't deny that I feel it.
In this case, it feels to me almost as if people I wasn't very close to at all asked very intimate questions about my and Hub's relationship when we were starting it. I guess that's the closest I can approximate. I know they mean absolutely no harm, and I know it seems as if I am harsh, but I do my best not to hurt anyone with it. Stopping my feelings? That's a lot more difficult. It's just so weird that people who before wouldn't really care about my day feel that it's ok to ask such close questions about my baby. Where the hell did this protective feeling come from? It's like it swooped in with the hormones! I'm protective and in love. It's crazy. I'm a little scared of its intensity when he's born.
Things that have been annoying me:
1. Acquaintances who pass harsh judgment when I say we aren't sharing baby's name until he's born. I hardly think it keeps them awake nights wondering. Besides, we won't be sure until he's born. And if you think that's weird? Keep it to yourself ok? That's just how we are.
2. In the same vein - acquaintances who HOUNDED me for the baby's gender... asking me at LEAST every other day when and/or IF I was going to find out and assuring me they were just DYING to know. Apparently they weren't losing sleep over THAT either since they forgot my answer at least every other day and had to ask me again.
3. And when those same acquaintances who hounded me before my day off for the appointment, telling me I must text them (when we don't even have each others' phone numbers) then proceeded to forget all about asking when I saw them again. OBVIOUSLY no sleep lost. If you don't really care, then leave me alone ok??
4. SLOW ASS DRIVERS WHO SIT IN THE LEFT AND RIGHT LANE AT 10 MPH UNDER THE LIMIT WHEN I'M TRYING TO GET TO WORK.
5. People who act as if animals do not deserve similar consideration as humans. For example, people who would never shout randomly at other humans in a public situation will readily scream, clap, whistle, bang and throw things at animals and expect them to at least come to them and sometimes to LIKE them. It boggles the mind. A good rule of thumb it to treat a strange animal similarly to how you would treat a stranger whom you had just met and were trying to get to know.
I also still find myself in that squirmy place I mentioned before. Now though, I find myself squirming when people who are not very close to me ask all kinds of things about the baby and about our plans with him in passing conversation. I know it doesn't seem odd to them, but to me it feels very out of place and private for that type of conversation with someone of that relationship. Sometimes it makes me so uncomfortable, I find myself becoming snippy and angry as a reaction. I try to hide it, but I can't deny that I feel it.
In this case, it feels to me almost as if people I wasn't very close to at all asked very intimate questions about my and Hub's relationship when we were starting it. I guess that's the closest I can approximate. I know they mean absolutely no harm, and I know it seems as if I am harsh, but I do my best not to hurt anyone with it. Stopping my feelings? That's a lot more difficult. It's just so weird that people who before wouldn't really care about my day feel that it's ok to ask such close questions about my baby. Where the hell did this protective feeling come from? It's like it swooped in with the hormones! I'm protective and in love. It's crazy. I'm a little scared of its intensity when he's born.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Five Months
Five months. Wow. Sometimes it just seems incomprehensible to me. Hub and I have decided that this little dude is a tough one. He showed up and stayed when no others would.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
First Purchase
I broke through a barrier. I bought my first purchase for the baby last week. I saw it, felt it and just couldn't help myself. Plus it was a good price and Hub loves Pooh. I can't wait for my baby to hold it.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Project House
Our guest shower is finally complete! I think it's quite lovely. And it only took us 3 years! Now we just have to make the rest of the bathroom match. But.. priorities and all.
The original shower was plain white tile with a textured white, plastic pan and 27 year old plastic fixtures spray painted silver. Niiiiice. It was also moldy and rotted behind the tile, which is why we had to rip it up.
The original shower was plain white tile with a textured white, plastic pan and 27 year old plastic fixtures spray painted silver. Niiiiice. It was also moldy and rotted behind the tile, which is why we had to rip it up.
Barbette or Hub Jr.?
A BOY! He gave us lots of bits and pieces shots. In fact, that was the first shot we got. What an incredible experience! I hardly even realized I had tears trickling from my eyes the whole time. I suspect Hub may have been similarly moved. We are both so excited.
We've been calling him our little goat ever since we realized he's going to be a Capricorn, and he lived up to that nickname today. He had his face turned to my back and really did not want to move so we could see it. The tech had to shake him up a bit so he'd turn over. In fact, all those uncomfortable rolls in my lower abdomen? Yes, that's where my little goat's head is. He just did a hard roll with his head down there right now as if to agree. Of course, I'm sitting and leaning forward, and that's just not acceptable. His little feet are up near my belly button, which explains the tap taps I get in that area. I'm sure the pressure there will increase. Oh, and speaking of the tech, Miss Personality was NOT with us today. Hallelujah! We had a wonderful, kind, warm woman who seemed to love this part of her job. What a relief.
So with no more delay, I give you Hub Jr.
This is the 2nd try at a profile shot. The first resulted in a blurry photo as he promptly turned back to the position he was so rudely shaken from thankyouverymuch.
And this is where I have decided that I am gestating a mini Hub. The bridge on that nose and the flare at the end is all Hub. I even suspect the chin of being his. Perhaps I will be granted ears or something. ;-) It makes me misty just to contemplate the photos again. He is so much more real to me now. Oh... and everything seems ok. At least we got a lot of, "he's on target" and no frowns or scurries from the room to consult with the doctor. I take that to mean we're all right.
We've been calling him our little goat ever since we realized he's going to be a Capricorn, and he lived up to that nickname today. He had his face turned to my back and really did not want to move so we could see it. The tech had to shake him up a bit so he'd turn over. In fact, all those uncomfortable rolls in my lower abdomen? Yes, that's where my little goat's head is. He just did a hard roll with his head down there right now as if to agree. Of course, I'm sitting and leaning forward, and that's just not acceptable. His little feet are up near my belly button, which explains the tap taps I get in that area. I'm sure the pressure there will increase. Oh, and speaking of the tech, Miss Personality was NOT with us today. Hallelujah! We had a wonderful, kind, warm woman who seemed to love this part of her job. What a relief.
So with no more delay, I give you Hub Jr.
This is the 2nd try at a profile shot. The first resulted in a blurry photo as he promptly turned back to the position he was so rudely shaken from thankyouverymuch.
And this is where I have decided that I am gestating a mini Hub. The bridge on that nose and the flare at the end is all Hub. I even suspect the chin of being his. Perhaps I will be granted ears or something. ;-) It makes me misty just to contemplate the photos again. He is so much more real to me now. Oh... and everything seems ok. At least we got a lot of, "he's on target" and no frowns or scurries from the room to consult with the doctor. I take that to mean we're all right.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Hijack!
This blog has been hijacked! That's right, this is NOT Barb. Someone else has gone to Barb's house and taken over her computer. But I shall not tell you who it is. You shall have to figure it out by yourself, with no clues at all.
Have I mentioned lately that Jen is really awesome? She is just so nice and beautiful and gorgeous and, above all else, modest.
Barb is in the other room, getting ready to go to IKEA. She should really know better than to leave her computer unguarded, with a New Post window open. Don't you agree? Hmm, I wonder what else we could do to Barb's house or blog?
Barb has just emerged from her room. She's wearing a purple shirt and capris and looks quite cute. I like that shirt. Perhaps I shall steal it the next time she leaves it unguarded. She went back in her room again and left me to continue my hijacking.
Barb has the same futon that I do. She has good taste in futons. I got mine for my birthday one year. I set it up while I was watching that movie where that blond lady plays a superhero. Wait, I remembered the name of it, it is called My Super Ex-Girlfriend. It is hard to set up a futon all by yourself. This stream of consciousness blogging is quite weird. The baby is chewing on one of Barb's computer cables. Do not be concerned! It is not plugged in. I have not (yet) allowed the baby to be electrocuted so that I can hijack someone else's blog.
She's back! Now, to pretend to be all innocent...
Have I mentioned lately that Jen is really awesome? She is just so nice and beautiful and gorgeous and, above all else, modest.
Barb is in the other room, getting ready to go to IKEA. She should really know better than to leave her computer unguarded, with a New Post window open. Don't you agree? Hmm, I wonder what else we could do to Barb's house or blog?
Barb has just emerged from her room. She's wearing a purple shirt and capris and looks quite cute. I like that shirt. Perhaps I shall steal it the next time she leaves it unguarded. She went back in her room again and left me to continue my hijacking.
Barb has the same futon that I do. She has good taste in futons. I got mine for my birthday one year. I set it up while I was watching that movie where that blond lady plays a superhero. Wait, I remembered the name of it, it is called My Super Ex-Girlfriend. It is hard to set up a futon all by yourself. This stream of consciousness blogging is quite weird. The baby is chewing on one of Barb's computer cables. Do not be concerned! It is not plugged in. I have not (yet) allowed the baby to be electrocuted so that I can hijack someone else's blog.
She's back! Now, to pretend to be all innocent...
Bullet Point Laziness
- I forgot to mention the little fact that Mom and Hub both got to feel the baby rolling at 18 weeks. (At least that's what it felt like to me - a roll. The kicks and punches are little puny things.) Hub almost squealed.
- Baby doesn't like it when I'm sitting hunched or when Hub presses where he/she is. We get a very hard roll then that Mommy does NOT like.
- Why is it that once you get pregnant that the "just relax" PITAs feel that it validated their assertions. Furthermore, it also confirms to them that just as they expected, there was really nothing wrong with you besides stress in the first place, IN SPITE OF medical diagnosis.
- More of the house is done. So much left to do.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Check-Up
I had my checkup this morning.
xo
FCiF
- Right on par with weight gain
- Passed one hour glucose tolerance test with flying colors
- Baby's heartbeat is strong and sure
- All seems to be well!
xo
FCiF
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Quickie
You guys were so awesome with your answers, and I have lots of follow-ups. However, I now have company and will be blogging less for a bit. I hope to ask my questions soon though!
As far as the baby moving - WOW has it gotten stronger every day. Today was the first time it actually felt so odd and different that it was a little freaky. It was so strong to me coming home in the car that I actually blurted, "ooh!" and then said out loud to myself, "That was freaky!" I happened to be belting out "Lightning Crashes" by Live when the kid decided to do what felt like somersaults. I choose to believe it likes my singing.
As far as the baby moving - WOW has it gotten stronger every day. Today was the first time it actually felt so odd and different that it was a little freaky. It was so strong to me coming home in the car that I actually blurted, "ooh!" and then said out loud to myself, "That was freaky!" I happened to be belting out "Lightning Crashes" by Live when the kid decided to do what felt like somersaults. I choose to believe it likes my singing.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Registry Help
I know, I know - it seems too soon. However, in order to have a baby shower back home, I must fly. In order to fly comfortably and with the full support of my doctor, I must fly by a certain time. Therefore, my back home baby shower will be held in about a month. Little Sis is sending out invites this week, and on them will be our registries. Freak out time! I've started two registries, but each only has a handful of things on it as we haven't looked in depth yet. Plus, decor will depend on gender for us.
And finally I get to my point. What are your top 3 must haves for those Moms & Dads out there? Also, the things I'm struggling with specifically are:
1. Do we need a boppy pillow? What about that plastic foamy type chair thing I see all the babies sitting in? What IS that called? Do we need it?
2. Stroller recommendations? I mean the heavy duty kind in this instance. I want something that comes in an offbeat color as well if possible.
3. High chair recommendations? We were thinking of Ikea or Target. Any thoughts?
4. Same as the above for cribs. Thoughts?
5. Hub is kind of obsessed with a changing table. I'm not so convinced we have the space for it. Thoughts on that?
6. Should we register for the higher weight car seat? Or is that just not done? We were given an infant car seat.
7. I hope to breastfeed. HELP! What do I need?? Pads? Pump? What brands? I do need a pump of some sort as I'll have to go back to work early enough. What bottles work best for a breast fed baby? Should we do a little of both (if breastfeeding works) from day one so as to make sure we can switch when we have to?
Oh, I'm sure there are many many more questions. But these will do for now. :)
And finally I get to my point. What are your top 3 must haves for those Moms & Dads out there? Also, the things I'm struggling with specifically are:
1. Do we need a boppy pillow? What about that plastic foamy type chair thing I see all the babies sitting in? What IS that called? Do we need it?
2. Stroller recommendations? I mean the heavy duty kind in this instance. I want something that comes in an offbeat color as well if possible.
3. High chair recommendations? We were thinking of Ikea or Target. Any thoughts?
4. Same as the above for cribs. Thoughts?
5. Hub is kind of obsessed with a changing table. I'm not so convinced we have the space for it. Thoughts on that?
6. Should we register for the higher weight car seat? Or is that just not done? We were given an infant car seat.
7. I hope to breastfeed. HELP! What do I need?? Pads? Pump? What brands? I do need a pump of some sort as I'll have to go back to work early enough. What bottles work best for a breast fed baby? Should we do a little of both (if breastfeeding works) from day one so as to make sure we can switch when we have to?
Oh, I'm sure there are many many more questions. But these will do for now. :)
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Hello?
Guess who decided to make his or her presence known big time last night? I had felt what I thought might be movement.. a sort of watery ripple low in my abdomen on Friday morning, but brushed it off as probably some gas bubbles or something. But then last night, well, I guess it wanted to make sure I knew what was a gas bubble and what wasn't. It seems to like when I'm lying down either in early AM or just to go to sleep best. Or maybe that's just when I notice. But I had so many funny ripples and the lightest of taps in there last night, that there's no doubt in my mind the kid was saying hi. The ripply movements felt almost like when you're in the ocean and a swimming thing brushes by your leg - except in this case, YOU are the ocean. I can't wait until Hub can feel. I love when the kid verifies it's alive.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
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