This was an interesting week. I mean, Queen? I kind of like Queen, and all, but I'm not really sure anyone but Freddie Mercury should be singing their songs. Speaking of which, he was mysteriously absent from the proceedings tonight. Hmmm.
This week we have group-reviews, kind of like your own personal Randy/Paula/Simon, except much less repetetive and stupid. If I do say so myself.
Ray is my dad; Jean is my sister. I believe you are acquainted with Meg and Joel.
Bucky
Ray: That was tedious, monotonous and wasn't my cup of tea. (Ray was actually drinking a cup of tea at the time, so he speaks from experience.)
Jean: Some parts were not on key.
Meg: I agreed with Jean, but I thought the performance was okay. Why is Paula so orange?
Joel: Boring If he could have changed up, or increased the tempo, then it would have been his, dawg.
Ace -- "We Will Rock You"
Ray: I agree with Simon --it should only be sung by Queen. And I think Ryan Seacrest is getting shorter each week!
Jean: Why is he stomping through the whole number?
Meg: This is not even a song! His pants needed to be way tighter. Besides, someone that pretty isn't going to rock anything. Also, I'm surprised during the line "blood on your face" that he didn't touch his face. He's usually so all over the built-in choreography.
Joel: This is a tough song to make your own.
Kellie -- "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Ray: This was the best Pickler's ever done.
Jean: It was great!
Meg: I don't believe I'm saying this, but I really, really liked it.
Joel: Quite honestly, it was the best of the first three. She rocked it!
Chris "Galway Dave" -- "Innuendo"
Ray: I like this guy, Chris, but it just got kind of repetetive.
Jean: I thought he sang it well, but the song was boring.
Meg: Ellen should have married him when she had the chance!! I totally loved it, eyeliner and all.
Joel: He did a great job, but it's not that good of a song.
Katharine -- "There's No Time For Us"
Ray: Boy, she is just beautiful.
Jean: Overall, I liked it; some parts were off.
Meg: Her voice wasn't quite good enough for the song, but it was still really good.
Joel: I'm changing Lucy's diaper! What's happening?
Elliott -- "Somebody To Love"
Ray: Good performance. Dumb song. (Aside: My dad likes music from the '50s. REAL rock-n-roll, like Buddy Holly, The Kingston Trio, etc.)
Jean: Good voice. I like that he has more hair this week. Like, they maybe shaved his leg hair and pasted it on top of his head. It's nice.
Meg: Okay, I think maybe Paula is eating too many carrots. That can turn you orange, right? Or WAIT! Maybe she's jaundiced! Pull out the billi lights!
Joel: I'm brushing Lucy's teeth! What's happening?
Trevor -- "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
Ray: This is a Queen song? I actually like it!
Jean: Hilarious. I love him. I'm going to ask him to be my date for the next wedding I go to!
Meg: (After Trevor's failed attempts at kicking over the microphone stand) And... this is why I love him.
Joel: Dude, it's all corn. ("But!" we protested, "It's supposed to be corny!") No, I'm saying it's still on the cob. It's canned corn. He's trying to be goofy, but that's not his original deal. He'll get through, though, because America is stupid.
Paris -- "The Show Must Go On"
Ray: Dial carefully; those are 866 numbers, not 800 numbers.
No, wait, that's Ryan Seabreeze's comment. What did my dad say?!? I have no idea.
Jean: Why does she have the Budweiser symbol on her hip?
Meg: She could not be any more short-waisted. Her waist is 3 inches below her armpits.
Joel: Did she just do the "muscle man"? That has to go.
Summary: Bottom three are Bucky, Ace and Paris.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
What Did The Nuk Ever Do To You?
...except try its little Nuk-hardest to make you happy??
Ed hates his Nuk. Like, really really hates it. About 65% of the time. The other 35%, it soothes him like a good Nuk should. I just don't get it.
Ed is kind of a weird kid. Sometimes he just doesn't want to be held. Unheard-of! So we put him down, he's happy, and the world keeps turning. And, like, he's never been what I would call "colicky," but every once in a while he just has these screaming fits. Doesn't want to be held, doesn't want his swing, couldn't be hungry, diaper is clean... who knows?
Ground Beef 101
OR
Joel is Funny, Part XII
OR
One of my favorite parts of being married is still finding out new things about each other, even six years later.
So... I occasionally cook things with ground beef, right? And one of my pet peeves is when I don't manage to chop up the beef finely enough as I'm cooking it. I think cooked ground beef ought to be of a nice, even, small consistency, first of all so it picks up all the sauce or whatever I'm doing with it, and more importantly so that I don't end up with gynormous chunks of MEAT that are unevenly cooked or at the very least gross out my palate.
So I mention this to Joel one day (after apologizing for not chopping up the pieces quite to my satismafaction)... and he looks at me, kind of dumbfounded.
"Meggo," he says, "That's how groundbeef is supposed to be."
"WHAT?!" I stammer. "No!" I proceed to outline the aforementioned reasons for chopping up the beef thoroughly.
"Yeah," he replies, "Well, that's why whenever you cook, I'm like, Where is all the meat?"
You guessed it: this is crying out for another poll. Here goes:
Ed hates his Nuk. Like, really really hates it. About 65% of the time. The other 35%, it soothes him like a good Nuk should. I just don't get it.
Ed is kind of a weird kid. Sometimes he just doesn't want to be held. Unheard-of! So we put him down, he's happy, and the world keeps turning. And, like, he's never been what I would call "colicky," but every once in a while he just has these screaming fits. Doesn't want to be held, doesn't want his swing, couldn't be hungry, diaper is clean... who knows?
Ground Beef 101
OR
Joel is Funny, Part XII
OR
One of my favorite parts of being married is still finding out new things about each other, even six years later.
So... I occasionally cook things with ground beef, right? And one of my pet peeves is when I don't manage to chop up the beef finely enough as I'm cooking it. I think cooked ground beef ought to be of a nice, even, small consistency, first of all so it picks up all the sauce or whatever I'm doing with it, and more importantly so that I don't end up with gynormous chunks of MEAT that are unevenly cooked or at the very least gross out my palate.
So I mention this to Joel one day (after apologizing for not chopping up the pieces quite to my satismafaction)... and he looks at me, kind of dumbfounded.
"Meggo," he says, "That's how groundbeef is supposed to be."
"WHAT?!" I stammer. "No!" I proceed to outline the aforementioned reasons for chopping up the beef thoroughly.
"Yeah," he replies, "Well, that's why whenever you cook, I'm like, Where is all the meat?"
You guessed it: this is crying out for another poll. Here goes:
Photos, yeah photos
Monday, April 10, 2006
Joel is funny, Part XI
So JG and I are driving home from Mandy's wedding on Sunday morning. And the big story in the paper over the weekend was that "Gospel of Judas" they found in Egypt, right? Now, JG and I were both raised Catholic, and we both read The DaVinci Code, so we get a little interested in this sort of thing. So we're talking about the Judas thing a little. And the conversation moves to The DaVinci Code.
"It's like that thing from the DaVinci Code," I say.
"Yeah," Joel answers. "That's right. But the point of The DaVinci Code was that Jesus was a woman."
<<<>>>
Um... WHAT?
Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS to Mandy and her new husband Shawn. The wedding was just lovely, the weather could not have been more perfect, and as a little bonus, Ed was an angel all weekend. Oh! Pictures! Let me see what I can do here...
"It's like that thing from the DaVinci Code," I say.
"Yeah," Joel answers. "That's right. But the point of The DaVinci Code was that Jesus was a woman."
<<<>>>
Um... WHAT?
Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS to Mandy and her new husband Shawn. The wedding was just lovely, the weather could not have been more perfect, and as a little bonus, Ed was an angel all weekend. Oh! Pictures! Let me see what I can do here...
Thursday, April 06, 2006
'Fess Up.
Okay, I HAVE to know: who are you two people who answered "No" to the poll below? Because I have my guesses. :)
Okay, fine, twist my arm, I'll tell you: I think one is my mom, and I think the other is Peg. I'm less certain about Peg. :)
Well?!?!
Okay, fine, twist my arm, I'll tell you: I think one is my mom, and I think the other is Peg. I'm less certain about Peg. :)
Well?!?!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
A.I. April 4
Okay, there's laundry to put away, a kitchen floor in grave need of sweeping, a Target trip of which to hide evidence ("Another $75 at Target!??! Damn identity thieves!"), and while one baby is sleeping, the other teeters precariously on the edge of waking up...
But am I accomplishing these tasks? NO! I am blogging! Because you COUNT on me! Because it is my DUTY! My DUTY, dammit!
I was going to post my American Idol reviews, but first I must obtain a promise from Ellen that she will read no farther (because, El, YOUR reviews are coming in the mail and I want you to read them then. Do you think you can manage, El? Do ya?). Okay, then, here goes.
Taylor: Taylor, your violinist looks like a homeless man. Also, I am afraid this song is WAY too high for you. I love you, you weird old man, but tonight you are not good. Bottom Three!
Mandisa: Dear LORD this is going to be a long night. At the risk of sounding like Simon (and is that really a bad thing?), this is a very dreadful karaoke rendition of this song. Oi. And are you actually running out of breath?? Heavens! Make it stop! Bottom Three!
Elliott: Now, you can hardly go wrong with Garth Brooks. I am not sure what's with that shoulder-dip-dance, but this was prolly my favorite performance of the night.
Paris: Pretty good! And you are so cute.
Ace: What are we going to do with you, Ace? You and all your brothers are just too pretty for your own good. If you aren't careful you will be subject to terrorist attack, not unlike the Baldwin brothers in that one South Park episode.
Quick aside: how bad is it to tape the nuk to your baby's mouth? Like, if you know it will make him happy? And if you use that nice, low-tack blue painting tape?
Right.
Oh, and back to Ace: I am fairly certain that he and I have the exact same hairdo. Which does not bode well for either one of us.
Oh, and Ace, you were boring.
Kellie: Two breasts does not a performance make! I would like to see more performing; I don't think she can skate by on looks and nice singing for much longer. Bottom Three!
Bucky: I know I watched his performance... I can't remember a dang thing other than he was wearing a cowboy hat. Isn't country supposed to be his "thang"??
Chris ("Galway Dave"): Pretty good. Unfortunately, also pretty boring. (At this point in the show I was distracted by Lucy's bedtime, though, so that may be part of my problem.)
Katharine: I think she was actually pretty good ... but I couldn't figger out what on EARTH that song was about. You're bringing out the empress in me? You barely get near Everest with me? Or is it one of those spelling songs, like B-I-N-G-O?
And seriously, was that actually Kenny Rogers or was that the MAD-TV guy impersonating him? Whoever it was, was frightening.
But am I accomplishing these tasks? NO! I am blogging! Because you COUNT on me! Because it is my DUTY! My DUTY, dammit!
I was going to post my American Idol reviews, but first I must obtain a promise from Ellen that she will read no farther (because, El, YOUR reviews are coming in the mail and I want you to read them then. Do you think you can manage, El? Do ya?). Okay, then, here goes.
Taylor: Taylor, your violinist looks like a homeless man. Also, I am afraid this song is WAY too high for you. I love you, you weird old man, but tonight you are not good. Bottom Three!
Mandisa: Dear LORD this is going to be a long night. At the risk of sounding like Simon (and is that really a bad thing?), this is a very dreadful karaoke rendition of this song. Oi. And are you actually running out of breath?? Heavens! Make it stop! Bottom Three!
Elliott: Now, you can hardly go wrong with Garth Brooks. I am not sure what's with that shoulder-dip-dance, but this was prolly my favorite performance of the night.
Paris: Pretty good! And you are so cute.
Ace: What are we going to do with you, Ace? You and all your brothers are just too pretty for your own good. If you aren't careful you will be subject to terrorist attack, not unlike the Baldwin brothers in that one South Park episode.
Quick aside: how bad is it to tape the nuk to your baby's mouth? Like, if you know it will make him happy? And if you use that nice, low-tack blue painting tape?
Right.
Oh, and back to Ace: I am fairly certain that he and I have the exact same hairdo. Which does not bode well for either one of us.
Oh, and Ace, you were boring.
Kellie: Two breasts does not a performance make! I would like to see more performing; I don't think she can skate by on looks and nice singing for much longer. Bottom Three!
Bucky: I know I watched his performance... I can't remember a dang thing other than he was wearing a cowboy hat. Isn't country supposed to be his "thang"??
Chris ("Galway Dave"): Pretty good. Unfortunately, also pretty boring. (At this point in the show I was distracted by Lucy's bedtime, though, so that may be part of my problem.)
Katharine: I think she was actually pretty good ... but I couldn't figger out what on EARTH that song was about. You're bringing out the empress in me? You barely get near Everest with me? Or is it one of those spelling songs, like B-I-N-G-O?
And seriously, was that actually Kenny Rogers or was that the MAD-TV guy impersonating him? Whoever it was, was frightening.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Random Tuesday Stuff
It's Opening Day! Go Twins!
Last night was the first night of my new swing and latin dance classes. They were very, very fun -- my students seem pretty cool and pretty untalented, which is just how I like 'em. And Joel survived (mostly) the 2.5 hours home alone with the kids.
Look for my American Idol recap tomorrow! Looks like it's Country Night tonight. Oh, Lordy, I'm not sure how that bodes for Chris "Galway Dave" Daughtry. Or any of them, if I'm being honest. I seem to remember previous years' Country Nights being near-total nightmares. Feel free to share your thoughts in the Comments!
Oh, can you send some "power" our way? Lucy fell off a chair (upon which she was standing, unfortunately -- I was trying to help her wash her hands!) and bonked her head on the kitchen floor this morning. I get into the swing of things and start thinking either A) my kids are indestructible and/or B) Lucy's a bigger (and more coordinated) girl than she really is and this is dangerous. I think she is okay but I feel so, so terrible.
Oh, and if you need a photographer for your kids or your family or whatever, please check out my Neighborino Pat's work. He is just awesome with little kids (and probably bigger kids too) and he is extremely talented.
Another FYI: I am sure none of you are trying to email me at my work email address, right? BECAUSE I AM ON LEAVE UNTIL MAY 30. So if you are writing me at an address that ends "libertysite.com" or "altafimarketing.com" or "harlandics.net" please don't. Because I can't read it. :)
Last night was the first night of my new swing and latin dance classes. They were very, very fun -- my students seem pretty cool and pretty untalented, which is just how I like 'em. And Joel survived (mostly) the 2.5 hours home alone with the kids.
Look for my American Idol recap tomorrow! Looks like it's Country Night tonight. Oh, Lordy, I'm not sure how that bodes for Chris "Galway Dave" Daughtry. Or any of them, if I'm being honest. I seem to remember previous years' Country Nights being near-total nightmares. Feel free to share your thoughts in the Comments!
Oh, can you send some "power" our way? Lucy fell off a chair (upon which she was standing, unfortunately -- I was trying to help her wash her hands!) and bonked her head on the kitchen floor this morning. I get into the swing of things and start thinking either A) my kids are indestructible and/or B) Lucy's a bigger (and more coordinated) girl than she really is and this is dangerous. I think she is okay but I feel so, so terrible.
Oh, and if you need a photographer for your kids or your family or whatever, please check out my Neighborino Pat's work. He is just awesome with little kids (and probably bigger kids too) and he is extremely talented.
Another FYI: I am sure none of you are trying to email me at my work email address, right? BECAUSE I AM ON LEAVE UNTIL MAY 30. So if you are writing me at an address that ends "libertysite.com" or "altafimarketing.com" or "harlandics.net" please don't. Because I can't read it. :)
Monday, April 03, 2006
Does it count?
Okay, so Eddie may or may not have rolled over yesterday. I know, I know, he's not even four weeks old! You say, and you are justified. Also, I didn't exactly witness it, and if Mom didn't see it, did it really happen? But here's the sitch:
I was taking a shower. No, wait, I had run downstairs to do a quick 20-minute video workout. I can't remember. Anyway, I walk back into the living room to see Ed on his side on the floor and Joel and Lucy kind of hovering over him. Next thing we know, he's on his back. So... okay, that is not "rolling over" but: Joel says he started on his front. Not exactly on his tummy, but kind of bunched up on his hands and knees.
It was definitely an accident, but the truth remains that Ed started on his front and wound up on his back. You make the call: is it a roll-over? My pen stands poised over the baby book.
Oh! CONGRATULATIONS are in order to my coworkers Lisa and Kelly on their respective baby boys born over the weekend! I hope everyone is doing well, I have only the sketchiest of details. Best wishes to both gals and their husbands and the new men in their lives!
I was taking a shower. No, wait, I had run downstairs to do a quick 20-minute video workout. I can't remember. Anyway, I walk back into the living room to see Ed on his side on the floor and Joel and Lucy kind of hovering over him. Next thing we know, he's on his back. So... okay, that is not "rolling over" but: Joel says he started on his front. Not exactly on his tummy, but kind of bunched up on his hands and knees.
It was definitely an accident, but the truth remains that Ed started on his front and wound up on his back. You make the call: is it a roll-over? My pen stands poised over the baby book.
Oh! CONGRATULATIONS are in order to my coworkers Lisa and Kelly on their respective baby boys born over the weekend! I hope everyone is doing well, I have only the sketchiest of details. Best wishes to both gals and their husbands and the new men in their lives!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Naps are for sissies
Just kidding. I do enjoy a good nap now and again. I could have napped today (both kids slept simultaneously for once!)... I didn't. A missed opportunity. Instead, I looked at houses online and listened to the Twins' penultimate spring training game. Kinda boring.
I am obsessed with dessert. Like, it's all I want to eat, ever. Like, I know I should try to exhibit some self-control, especially when I have a bridesmaid dress to cram myself into in eight days... but dessert is just so darn yummy.
The kids and I took a lovely walk today, over to Dee's house. (I needed her to sign some tax forms.) It was fun to chat with Dee, and Lucy got to see all her little buddies again. And the walk was very nice -- I broke a little sweat pushing that double stroller, and the rain held off until we got home.
Ed's birth announcement is in the Monticello Times: http://monticellotimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=102&ArticleID=13155&TM=56112.3
Apparently Joel's grandparents (Wilbur and Luci) have moved to Florida. I can't believe they didn't tell anyone! :)
CONGRATULATIONS to Jill (an old college roomie) and Brent on the birth of Alex Michael! Alex was born on Tuesday and was 7 lbs. 8 oz., 20" long. Mom and baby are doing fine. Welcome to the world, Alex... and welcome to parenthood Brent and Jilly.
I am obsessed with dessert. Like, it's all I want to eat, ever. Like, I know I should try to exhibit some self-control, especially when I have a bridesmaid dress to cram myself into in eight days... but dessert is just so darn yummy.
The kids and I took a lovely walk today, over to Dee's house. (I needed her to sign some tax forms.) It was fun to chat with Dee, and Lucy got to see all her little buddies again. And the walk was very nice -- I broke a little sweat pushing that double stroller, and the rain held off until we got home.
Ed's birth announcement is in the Monticello Times: http://monticellotimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=102&ArticleID=13155&TM=56112.3
Apparently Joel's grandparents (Wilbur and Luci) have moved to Florida. I can't believe they didn't tell anyone! :)
CONGRATULATIONS to Jill (an old college roomie) and Brent on the birth of Alex Michael! Alex was born on Tuesday and was 7 lbs. 8 oz., 20" long. Mom and baby are doing fine. Welcome to the world, Alex... and welcome to parenthood Brent and Jilly.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Congrats Bree!
CONGRATULATIONS to my cousin Bridget (and her husband Dan and their daughter Megan) on the birth of their new baby boy, Ryan Philip!
Unfortunately I have no other details, i.e. date, size, or how anything went other than everyone looks like they're doing great from the pictures. But CONGRATS no less!
I should really get Lu up from her nap, but I'm sooo enjoying the quiet (Ed passed out on my lap after his latest feeding... he "Moro reflex"-es every few minutes, whacking his hand on the TV tray I have my computer balanced on, but not waking up. Cute).
So Ed is kind of a weird kid. By Lucy standards, anyway, which are of course the only standards I have to go by. Last night it was bedtime but Ed was fussing. So the three of us tucked into our bed and tried to sssh him to sleep (with the help of a pacifier as well as out pinkie fingers to suck on). No luck, and JG and I were gearing up for a loooong and dreadful night, when we decided just to put him in his bassinet to see what happened. Unbelievably, he was out like a light. I had to wake him up for his feedings all night. Amazing. Apparently he just wanted to be left alone. Our little, somewhat-more-masculine Marlene Dietrich.
Anyway, during the day he is completely unpredictable with his naps and feedings. BUT! Good news, his bilirubin is decreasing, meaning the jaundice is indeed abating. In fact, he's even starting to look a little less "swarthy".
REALLY have to go wake up Lu.
Unfortunately I have no other details, i.e. date, size, or how anything went other than everyone looks like they're doing great from the pictures. But CONGRATS no less!
I should really get Lu up from her nap, but I'm sooo enjoying the quiet (Ed passed out on my lap after his latest feeding... he "Moro reflex"-es every few minutes, whacking his hand on the TV tray I have my computer balanced on, but not waking up. Cute).
So Ed is kind of a weird kid. By Lucy standards, anyway, which are of course the only standards I have to go by. Last night it was bedtime but Ed was fussing. So the three of us tucked into our bed and tried to sssh him to sleep (with the help of a pacifier as well as out pinkie fingers to suck on). No luck, and JG and I were gearing up for a loooong and dreadful night, when we decided just to put him in his bassinet to see what happened. Unbelievably, he was out like a light. I had to wake him up for his feedings all night. Amazing. Apparently he just wanted to be left alone. Our little, somewhat-more-masculine Marlene Dietrich.
Anyway, during the day he is completely unpredictable with his naps and feedings. BUT! Good news, his bilirubin is decreasing, meaning the jaundice is indeed abating. In fact, he's even starting to look a little less "swarthy".
REALLY have to go wake up Lu.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Gah!
Please email me if you want me to send you some photos -- just send me an email with "photos please" as the subject and nothing in the body copy (I'll just send a mass email then). Blogger is KILLING me, I can't upload a single one. Dang it all straight to heck.
Okay! Time for an update! Had Ed in for his 2-week checkup today (one day early).
A) I need a new clinic; we spent over an hour waiting for the nurse, and then the doc. And we had a 9:30 AM appointment!
B) Ed is terrific. He's up to 10 lbs (they want kids to regain their birth weight by 2 weeks, so obvoiusly he has managed that and then-some). He grew 3/4" in length too, and his head is up almost 1" as well.
C) Except... the doc was concerned that he looked a little jaundiced, so then we had to take him to the hospital lab for a blood test. Poor little guy. And poor Lucy, who prolly didn't know WHAT was happening, though I'm sure she was grateful that she wasn't the one getting poked and prodded. I maintain that he's not jaundiced at all -- he's just a little swarthy. Oh well. We wait for the doc to call with results.
D) Lu was such a trooper, sitting with us through the long waits, and the medical personnel torturing her brother, with neither a snack nor a diaper change to distract her. I swore I'd never be this kind of mother but... we went to McDonald's. *sigh* Another chink in my au-naturel, tree-huggin', granola-lovin' armor.
E) I'm so happy to be listening to the Twins spring training game on the radio. COME ON, SPRING!!!
Okay! Time for an update! Had Ed in for his 2-week checkup today (one day early).
A) I need a new clinic; we spent over an hour waiting for the nurse, and then the doc. And we had a 9:30 AM appointment!
B) Ed is terrific. He's up to 10 lbs (they want kids to regain their birth weight by 2 weeks, so obvoiusly he has managed that and then-some). He grew 3/4" in length too, and his head is up almost 1" as well.
C) Except... the doc was concerned that he looked a little jaundiced, so then we had to take him to the hospital lab for a blood test. Poor little guy. And poor Lucy, who prolly didn't know WHAT was happening, though I'm sure she was grateful that she wasn't the one getting poked and prodded. I maintain that he's not jaundiced at all -- he's just a little swarthy. Oh well. We wait for the doc to call with results.
D) Lu was such a trooper, sitting with us through the long waits, and the medical personnel torturing her brother, with neither a snack nor a diaper change to distract her. I swore I'd never be this kind of mother but... we went to McDonald's. *sigh* Another chink in my au-naturel, tree-huggin', granola-lovin' armor.
E) I'm so happy to be listening to the Twins spring training game on the radio. COME ON, SPRING!!!
Friday, March 17, 2006
Good time to call
Hi there. I know, you're DYING to call us at home, aren't you? But I bet you're afraid it's a bad time. Well, sometimes it isn't!
A Bad Time to call would be before 8 AM.
Also, 1-7:30 PM.
Also, after 9 PM.
Here, wait, let me make it easier: GOOD times to call are 8 AM - 1 PM. And 7:45-9 PM. There, did that help?
All times listed are Central Time.
A Bad Time to call would be before 8 AM.
Also, 1-7:30 PM.
Also, after 9 PM.
Here, wait, let me make it easier: GOOD times to call are 8 AM - 1 PM. And 7:45-9 PM. There, did that help?
All times listed are Central Time.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Chutzpah!
Hi.
Well, it's been a week -- 1 week and 2 days.
And 2 snowstorms...
And 2 visits from grandpa...
And 1 business trip for Joel...
And 8 loads of laundry...
And 93 email messages...
And 0 (zero!) crying fits for me!
When Lucy was born, I cried for, like, a week afterward. All happy tears. I suppose I probably cried myself out (frustrated tears) the last couple days before Ed was born.
It's hard knowing where to start writing, now that this chapter has begun. So much of what's happening is too mundane (Lucy's toys. Doing dishes. Squeaking in a shower.) and/or too personal (um, everything having to do with recovery from childbirth) to start trying to share. So, a couple points:
- Ed is a champion breastfeeder (and Joel's so proud, LOL).
- And, get this, he actually occasionally sleeps at night. Amazing.
- It's Day Five of Being Home on Leave and I am already very, very tired of the theme song from "Maya & Miguel." It haunts my dreams.
- Having a second kid is just as amazing as having one... if not more so. I look at Lucy and I can guess, kinda, how Eddie will grow. It makes all the feedings and diaper changes and soothing somehow worth it, knowing how quickly he'll be a "big kid."
Oy, I think they're all waking up. Better go. Oh! I'm sorry, super-quick Funny Joel story I have been telling a lot of people but it will be new to some of you:
So Joel's p's went to DC a couple weeks ago for Joel's mom's brother's official retirement from the Navy. (There was a big ceremony at the Pentagon, and the family toured DC for a few days.) Anyway, at the Holocaust memorial, they found out that the town of Gronau (in Germany) was originally (or at least, at one time) a large Yiddish settlement. "Who knew?" they said to themselves (and to us)... "We're Jewish!"
Joel is tickled to be Jewish, of course (he's quite ticklish), and he starts trying to incorporate Yiddish and/or Hebrew (I can't tell them apart, I'm sorry, I'M not the Jewish one) phrases into his repertoire. So he's talking about Lucy being such a character, and he wants to say that she has a lot of "chutzpah"... except he pronounces it:
wait for it...
"SHIT-spa."
Yup, ladies and gentlemen, let' s give it up for Joel Gronau, one night only, don't forget to tip your waiters and bartenders.
Well, it's been a week -- 1 week and 2 days.
And 2 snowstorms...
And 2 visits from grandpa...
And 1 business trip for Joel...
And 8 loads of laundry...
And 93 email messages...
And 0 (zero!) crying fits for me!
When Lucy was born, I cried for, like, a week afterward. All happy tears. I suppose I probably cried myself out (frustrated tears) the last couple days before Ed was born.
It's hard knowing where to start writing, now that this chapter has begun. So much of what's happening is too mundane (Lucy's toys. Doing dishes. Squeaking in a shower.) and/or too personal (um, everything having to do with recovery from childbirth) to start trying to share. So, a couple points:
- Ed is a champion breastfeeder (and Joel's so proud, LOL).
- And, get this, he actually occasionally sleeps at night. Amazing.
- It's Day Five of Being Home on Leave and I am already very, very tired of the theme song from "Maya & Miguel." It haunts my dreams.
- Having a second kid is just as amazing as having one... if not more so. I look at Lucy and I can guess, kinda, how Eddie will grow. It makes all the feedings and diaper changes and soothing somehow worth it, knowing how quickly he'll be a "big kid."
Oy, I think they're all waking up. Better go. Oh! I'm sorry, super-quick Funny Joel story I have been telling a lot of people but it will be new to some of you:
So Joel's p's went to DC a couple weeks ago for Joel's mom's brother's official retirement from the Navy. (There was a big ceremony at the Pentagon, and the family toured DC for a few days.) Anyway, at the Holocaust memorial, they found out that the town of Gronau (in Germany) was originally (or at least, at one time) a large Yiddish settlement. "Who knew?" they said to themselves (and to us)... "We're Jewish!"
Joel is tickled to be Jewish, of course (he's quite ticklish), and he starts trying to incorporate Yiddish and/or Hebrew (I can't tell them apart, I'm sorry, I'M not the Jewish one) phrases into his repertoire. So he's talking about Lucy being such a character, and he wants to say that she has a lot of "chutzpah"... except he pronounces it:
wait for it...
"SHIT-spa."
Yup, ladies and gentlemen, let' s give it up for Joel Gronau, one night only, don't forget to tip your waiters and bartenders.
Monday, March 13, 2006
one-handed typing
working on getting more photos up -- there are more i promise!
1st day home with both kids (jg at work) was heaven, believe it or not.
had an awesome blizzard here this morning.
having heartburn (why on earth NOW?).
will try to write more tomorrow.
1st day home with both kids (jg at work) was heaven, believe it or not.
had an awesome blizzard here this morning.
having heartburn (why on earth NOW?).
will try to write more tomorrow.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Hi everyone!
Greetings! We're home from the hospital. Ed is great -- nursing, filling his diapers and making us fuss over him like an old pro. Lucy is very intrigued with the new guy. We put a large book up by Ed's pack-n-play so Lu can stand on it and peek in. She's spent a good part of the last hour standing there, jabbering on her "phone" and gesturing wildly at him.
I had my first "welcome to the NFL" moment this afternoon. JG was napping in the basement and Lu was napping in her room, so I went to change Ed's diaper. I was trying to put the gel on his little circumcision and of course he peed everywhere (soaking his clothes, blanket, and changing pad), then pooped on the clean diaper, then started screaming... then Lucy started screaming... then the dryer buzzed. Argh!
Thanks again everyone for sticking with us during this WILD pregnancy. You know where to find us, but I am going to try to get back to everone to whom I owe phone calls/emails. Many beams of love going out to all of you.
Meg
I had my first "welcome to the NFL" moment this afternoon. JG was napping in the basement and Lu was napping in her room, so I went to change Ed's diaper. I was trying to put the gel on his little circumcision and of course he peed everywhere (soaking his clothes, blanket, and changing pad), then pooped on the clean diaper, then started screaming... then Lucy started screaming... then the dryer buzzed. Argh!
Thanks again everyone for sticking with us during this WILD pregnancy. You know where to find us, but I am going to try to get back to everone to whom I owe phone calls/emails. Many beams of love going out to all of you.
Meg
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
It's a Baby!!!
Edward Cornelius Gronau
March 7, 2006
8:08 AM
9 pounds 5 ounces, 22” long, 13 ½” head
Dark brown hair (but we’ve been fooled by that before!)
Monday: extreme frustration. After almost three weeks of false labor (regular but painless contractions), we called the hospital at 5:45 AM for our induction, only to be told that they were completely full; we should call back at 9:0 AM. I called Dr. Syal at the clinic at 8:30 -- she was going to try to get me in. She called back -- nothing yet; she’d call back by 10:30. 10:30 came and went, with no call -- I called the clinic twice and then the hospital trying to track down some info about whether or not I was ever going to have this kid! Joel, Lucy and I ran some errands and took Lu to her 18-month checkup. We finally got an update at 3:00: we’re first on the induction list… for Wednesday. Well, no way was I going to make it another 38 hours without giving birth. I thought about going to work on Tuesday, and I thought about “enjoying” another day at home.. and I cried. And cried. JG and I made plans to take Lu to day care in the morning and then catch lunch and a matinee movie.
Monday evening, Jean came over for dinner, bearing one of those roaster chickens from Cub and a Baker’s Square French Silk pie. We ate, and I beat Jean in Scrabble. Jean beat me in Canasta, we reciprocate that way. I went to bed, for the first time in three weeks, not even thinking about contractions.
3:30 AM Tuesday: I woke up with tummy troubles. Ooh, too much roaster chicken! I thought. The indigestion went away, but came back a few minutes later. The same thing happened three or four times, and I thought: hmmm, maybe these are contractions! Around 4:15, I elbowed Joel: “I think I might be having contractions.”
Joel: “Unggh, whuh? Oh, yeah, I had a dream about that. I’ll tell you in the morning.”
I got up around 5:00 and went to the bathroom, then sat on my birth ball in the dark kitchen and wrote down the contractions, which were now 4-5 minutes apart and getting quite painful. At 5:30 I woke up Joel (again), and said we might want to call someone to take care of Lucy. Joel sprang into action, calling Dee to warn her of an early drop-off; I called the hospital. St. John’s said they didn’t have any nurses for me, but that they’d call back. I jumped in the shower. When I got out, Joel had Lucy up and had info from St. John’s: we were headed to Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury.
We dropped off Lu at Dee’s around 6:20 and hightailed it over to Woodwinds, arriving at 6:40. We put the Hypnobirthing CD on in the van and I had to concentrate to breathe through the contractions. They weren’t terribly painful, but I did have to really focus on relaxing each time. We got into room #264 immediately and they hooked me up to the monitors and checked my cervix -- a stretchy 5! Joel put the CD on in the room and they told me they would monitor me for 20 minutes and then I could get in the tub and/or on the birth-ball, if I wished. The monitoring went on longer than 20 minutes, though -- they eventually hooked up my IV (for the group-B-strep antibiotics) and I continued to breathe through the contractions, which were getting progressively stronger. I kept trying to consciously relax every muscle from my forehead on down to my bottom area, and I also kept telling myself, “it’s not pain, it’s just pressure“. It actually worked. Joel would stroke the back of my arm, or caress my back and forehead, during the surges. Oh! He wants me to tell you that he also pressed “play” at least three times on the CD player.
The doc arrived at 7:45 and the surges were getting very, very difficult to control. I had two kinda bad ones (it didn’t help that the doc was asking me Very Silly Questions, like “how are we doing?” and “do you feel like pushing?”), and my forehead was getting really sweaty, and I thought, you know what? This is very silly. I think I might just ask for an epidural, because this is SO much work and is this really worth it? And then the doc says “OK, we’re going to check you” and MUCH to my surprise, I was fully dilated! The only thing holding this baby back was a large blob of water, which the doc broke. I felt like then I made a conscious decision to start pushing, and while I tried the “birth breathing” it felt much easier to actually push. The doc and nurses were encouraging that anyway -- the doc kept asking me to hold my own legs, when I really thought it would be more productive for me to keep my arms relaxed and let Joel and the nurse hold my legs up for her. Regardless. I kind of half-pushed, half-breathed until I could really feel the head come out. I pushed again to get the shoulders out and really, the rest was easy (total, I pushed through about 4 surges or so?).
And at 8:08, our little Eddie was born! All 9lbs., 5 oz. and 22 inches of him. The doc handed him to me as Joel said “It’s a boy!” and I got to snuggle with him and kiss his dark little head while Joel cut the cord. I got some stitches (by far, the worst part of the whole thing!) and they weighed and measured the little guy. I nursed him about 40 minutes later, and he, amazingly, latched right on. Joel started making phone calls around 9:00.
So far we’ve had so many wonderful visitors: Joel’s p’s and sisters, My p’s, Jean, Jan and Lucy (who took one look at Ed and said “baby baby baby?”); Carol, Pat and Josie; Michelle and Nikki; Tricia; and Daycare Dee and Darrell. Ed’s doing great, and I am too (despite the bewildering fact that there’s no nursery here, so new moms don’t really get the best possible sleep at night). Joel and all the grandparents are beside themselves, of course. We just can’t believe, after all that, that he finally decided to come on his own. Fabulous. So happy.
March 7, 2006
8:08 AM
9 pounds 5 ounces, 22” long, 13 ½” head
Dark brown hair (but we’ve been fooled by that before!)
Monday: extreme frustration. After almost three weeks of false labor (regular but painless contractions), we called the hospital at 5:45 AM for our induction, only to be told that they were completely full; we should call back at 9:0 AM. I called Dr. Syal at the clinic at 8:30 -- she was going to try to get me in. She called back -- nothing yet; she’d call back by 10:30. 10:30 came and went, with no call -- I called the clinic twice and then the hospital trying to track down some info about whether or not I was ever going to have this kid! Joel, Lucy and I ran some errands and took Lu to her 18-month checkup. We finally got an update at 3:00: we’re first on the induction list… for Wednesday. Well, no way was I going to make it another 38 hours without giving birth. I thought about going to work on Tuesday, and I thought about “enjoying” another day at home.. and I cried. And cried. JG and I made plans to take Lu to day care in the morning and then catch lunch and a matinee movie.
Monday evening, Jean came over for dinner, bearing one of those roaster chickens from Cub and a Baker’s Square French Silk pie. We ate, and I beat Jean in Scrabble. Jean beat me in Canasta, we reciprocate that way. I went to bed, for the first time in three weeks, not even thinking about contractions.
3:30 AM Tuesday: I woke up with tummy troubles. Ooh, too much roaster chicken! I thought. The indigestion went away, but came back a few minutes later. The same thing happened three or four times, and I thought: hmmm, maybe these are contractions! Around 4:15, I elbowed Joel: “I think I might be having contractions.”
Joel: “Unggh, whuh? Oh, yeah, I had a dream about that. I’ll tell you in the morning.”
I got up around 5:00 and went to the bathroom, then sat on my birth ball in the dark kitchen and wrote down the contractions, which were now 4-5 minutes apart and getting quite painful. At 5:30 I woke up Joel (again), and said we might want to call someone to take care of Lucy. Joel sprang into action, calling Dee to warn her of an early drop-off; I called the hospital. St. John’s said they didn’t have any nurses for me, but that they’d call back. I jumped in the shower. When I got out, Joel had Lucy up and had info from St. John’s: we were headed to Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury.
We dropped off Lu at Dee’s around 6:20 and hightailed it over to Woodwinds, arriving at 6:40. We put the Hypnobirthing CD on in the van and I had to concentrate to breathe through the contractions. They weren’t terribly painful, but I did have to really focus on relaxing each time. We got into room #264 immediately and they hooked me up to the monitors and checked my cervix -- a stretchy 5! Joel put the CD on in the room and they told me they would monitor me for 20 minutes and then I could get in the tub and/or on the birth-ball, if I wished. The monitoring went on longer than 20 minutes, though -- they eventually hooked up my IV (for the group-B-strep antibiotics) and I continued to breathe through the contractions, which were getting progressively stronger. I kept trying to consciously relax every muscle from my forehead on down to my bottom area, and I also kept telling myself, “it’s not pain, it’s just pressure“. It actually worked. Joel would stroke the back of my arm, or caress my back and forehead, during the surges. Oh! He wants me to tell you that he also pressed “play” at least three times on the CD player.
The doc arrived at 7:45 and the surges were getting very, very difficult to control. I had two kinda bad ones (it didn’t help that the doc was asking me Very Silly Questions, like “how are we doing?” and “do you feel like pushing?”), and my forehead was getting really sweaty, and I thought, you know what? This is very silly. I think I might just ask for an epidural, because this is SO much work and is this really worth it? And then the doc says “OK, we’re going to check you” and MUCH to my surprise, I was fully dilated! The only thing holding this baby back was a large blob of water, which the doc broke. I felt like then I made a conscious decision to start pushing, and while I tried the “birth breathing” it felt much easier to actually push. The doc and nurses were encouraging that anyway -- the doc kept asking me to hold my own legs, when I really thought it would be more productive for me to keep my arms relaxed and let Joel and the nurse hold my legs up for her. Regardless. I kind of half-pushed, half-breathed until I could really feel the head come out. I pushed again to get the shoulders out and really, the rest was easy (total, I pushed through about 4 surges or so?).
And at 8:08, our little Eddie was born! All 9lbs., 5 oz. and 22 inches of him. The doc handed him to me as Joel said “It’s a boy!” and I got to snuggle with him and kiss his dark little head while Joel cut the cord. I got some stitches (by far, the worst part of the whole thing!) and they weighed and measured the little guy. I nursed him about 40 minutes later, and he, amazingly, latched right on. Joel started making phone calls around 9:00.
So far we’ve had so many wonderful visitors: Joel’s p’s and sisters, My p’s, Jean, Jan and Lucy (who took one look at Ed and said “baby baby baby?”); Carol, Pat and Josie; Michelle and Nikki; Tricia; and Daycare Dee and Darrell. Ed’s doing great, and I am too (despite the bewildering fact that there’s no nursery here, so new moms don’t really get the best possible sleep at night). Joel and all the grandparents are beside themselves, of course. We just can’t believe, after all that, that he finally decided to come on his own. Fabulous. So happy.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Limbo
And I don't mean that fun, hilarious party game with the broomstick and the stupid song.
It took about seven phone calls (mostly me calling my clinic and the hospital to try to track down my doctor, who promised to call me back and still has not) to finally find out that St. John's is on "divert" status today (meaning they're not even accepting ambulances) and they'll put me back on the list...
for Wednesday.
I simply have No Idea what on earth I am going to do with myself for the next 33 hours. I'm seroiusly considering going to work tomorrow, if they'll even have me.
Oh, but I'm first on the list for Wednesday. Is that supposed to make me feel better?
It took about seven phone calls (mostly me calling my clinic and the hospital to try to track down my doctor, who promised to call me back and still has not) to finally find out that St. John's is on "divert" status today (meaning they're not even accepting ambulances) and they'll put me back on the list...
for Wednesday.
I simply have No Idea what on earth I am going to do with myself for the next 33 hours. I'm seroiusly considering going to work tomorrow, if they'll even have me.
Oh, but I'm first on the list for Wednesday. Is that supposed to make me feel better?
It's hard out here for a preggo
Postponed.
I know what you're about to say: Are you kidding?
We dutifully called the hospital this morning at 5:45. "I'm sorry, we can't have you come in this morning. Call back at 9:00."
It's 8:13.
Lucy was up all night, crying, for no apparent reason. Nightmares? Tummy troubles? A couple good things (trying really, really hard to look on the bright side):
1. In the last two weeks, Lu has learned a couple key things. She'll now take something to the kitchen trash and throw it out for you, if you ask her to. She has also gotten pretty dang good at using a spoon to feed herself with. If I ever have this baby, those little things are going to be extremely helpful.
2. All our family is Officially Home from their various sojourns around the globe. Of course, I probably could have gone with them, had I any clue I would be charging straight at 42 weeks with no baby in sight. Seriously, though, I'm happy that everyone's back in town, and it sounds like they all had wonderful vacations.
8:20. If they can't get me in when I call at nine, I'm taking Lulu out on a few errands.
I know what you're about to say: Are you kidding?
We dutifully called the hospital this morning at 5:45. "I'm sorry, we can't have you come in this morning. Call back at 9:00."
It's 8:13.
Lucy was up all night, crying, for no apparent reason. Nightmares? Tummy troubles? A couple good things (trying really, really hard to look on the bright side):
1. In the last two weeks, Lu has learned a couple key things. She'll now take something to the kitchen trash and throw it out for you, if you ask her to. She has also gotten pretty dang good at using a spoon to feed herself with. If I ever have this baby, those little things are going to be extremely helpful.
2. All our family is Officially Home from their various sojourns around the globe. Of course, I probably could have gone with them, had I any clue I would be charging straight at 42 weeks with no baby in sight. Seriously, though, I'm happy that everyone's back in town, and it sounds like they all had wonderful vacations.
8:20. If they can't get me in when I call at nine, I'm taking Lulu out on a few errands.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Induction Junction
Hey there!
It's Sunday and we went to the hospital this morning because I thought I might have been leaking some amniotic fluid. I wasn't, but they did agree to mov my induction... to...
Monday!
So around 7:00 Monday morning, they're going to start the Pitocin. They can't just break my water because the baby is, hmm, I wonder how this is spelled: bill-OTT-able, meaning it's not pressing against the cervix. Essentially, should they break my water in this circumstance, they would hope that the head would just fall down, like a cork. However, because the head is still a little floaty, potentially the cord would be what goes down first, and then I'd be in for an emergency C-section.
That's the news! Who knows how fast it will go once they start the Pitocin. We'll be in touch.
It's Sunday and we went to the hospital this morning because I thought I might have been leaking some amniotic fluid. I wasn't, but they did agree to mov my induction... to...
Monday!
So around 7:00 Monday morning, they're going to start the Pitocin. They can't just break my water because the baby is, hmm, I wonder how this is spelled: bill-OTT-able, meaning it's not pressing against the cervix. Essentially, should they break my water in this circumstance, they would hope that the head would just fall down, like a cork. However, because the head is still a little floaty, potentially the cord would be what goes down first, and then I'd be in for an emergency C-section.
That's the news! Who knows how fast it will go once they start the Pitocin. We'll be in touch.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Happy Saturday!
Oh, what fun it is to post from my kitchen table! Joel, Lucy and my dad are all still sleeping. I am enjoying a lovely mug of coffee and savoring the quiet of my house.
Yup, I am still pregnant. One of my clients (at work yesterday) emailed and said "did you have your baby yet? What is it?" And I was, like, PUH-LEEZE, I'm a dedicated employee and all, but no fargin' way would I be working if I had just given birth!
Had contractions all day yesterday. Are you getting tired of reading that yet? I'm getting a little tired of typing it. They were, like, 6-8 minutes apart, consistently. Dad and I went for a 2.5-mile walk (to Target and back) last night, to no avail.
According to Peg, it's "false labor"; were it "real" it wouldn't go away when I slept. My doctor told me to keep walking all night, if necessary. I maintain that it's better if I get some sleep, hello, since I may be called upon to push a 10-pound baby out my tuchas sometime in the next couple days here.
My dad was planning to go home today, but he woke up feeling ill this morning (believe me, I'm starting to make myself sick; I can only imagine what my housemates are feeling... at least he's managed to avoid insanity thus far!) so I don't know what the plan is. JG and I may take Lucy down to the MOA to just walk... and walk... and walk.
My doc said to call her first thing Monday morning, and I will. Feel free to call, or write... we have no plans. :)
Yup, I am still pregnant. One of my clients (at work yesterday) emailed and said "did you have your baby yet? What is it?" And I was, like, PUH-LEEZE, I'm a dedicated employee and all, but no fargin' way would I be working if I had just given birth!
Had contractions all day yesterday. Are you getting tired of reading that yet? I'm getting a little tired of typing it. They were, like, 6-8 minutes apart, consistently. Dad and I went for a 2.5-mile walk (to Target and back) last night, to no avail.
According to Peg, it's "false labor"; were it "real" it wouldn't go away when I slept. My doctor told me to keep walking all night, if necessary. I maintain that it's better if I get some sleep, hello, since I may be called upon to push a 10-pound baby out my tuchas sometime in the next couple days here.
My dad was planning to go home today, but he woke up feeling ill this morning (believe me, I'm starting to make myself sick; I can only imagine what my housemates are feeling... at least he's managed to avoid insanity thus far!) so I don't know what the plan is. JG and I may take Lucy down to the MOA to just walk... and walk... and walk.
My doc said to call her first thing Monday morning, and I will. Feel free to call, or write... we have no plans. :)
Friday, March 03, 2006
Pregnant. Still.
Hey there, so I'm back at work today.
Appt yesterday went well. I was dilated to 3. She "stripped my membranes" again and gave the baby a non-stress-test, which Gus passed with flying colors (which basically means (s)he is super, duper happy and comfy in there). The doc put me on the schedule for an induction next Wednesday, March 8, but she said that even if I was induced, all they'd most likely have to do is break my water and I would be going. I had had regular contractions (5-8 minutes) all day yesterday, and after the appointment they were more like 3-5 minutes and getting really strong. So Joel and Jan and Dad and I packed up all my bags, and stacked everything by the door. I even called the hospital to see what the room situation was.
At 9:00 (after The Office, natch), I said, well, we can go to the hospital, or I can try to go to sleep.
So I went to sleep.
Woke up at 10:00 PM in a PANIC... I hadn't had ANY contractions for an HOUR!?!??! Called the hospital and apparently it's normal for the contrax to heat up in the evening but then disappear when you sleep. WHATever. I went back to bed, slept until 6:30... and here I am at work. Gus is kicking around, happy as a stinkin' clam. I am going to go forage for some hot chocolate, or something.
*sigh*
:)
Appt yesterday went well. I was dilated to 3. She "stripped my membranes" again and gave the baby a non-stress-test, which Gus passed with flying colors (which basically means (s)he is super, duper happy and comfy in there). The doc put me on the schedule for an induction next Wednesday, March 8, but she said that even if I was induced, all they'd most likely have to do is break my water and I would be going. I had had regular contractions (5-8 minutes) all day yesterday, and after the appointment they were more like 3-5 minutes and getting really strong. So Joel and Jan and Dad and I packed up all my bags, and stacked everything by the door. I even called the hospital to see what the room situation was.
At 9:00 (after The Office, natch), I said, well, we can go to the hospital, or I can try to go to sleep.
So I went to sleep.
Woke up at 10:00 PM in a PANIC... I hadn't had ANY contractions for an HOUR!?!??! Called the hospital and apparently it's normal for the contrax to heat up in the evening but then disappear when you sleep. WHATever. I went back to bed, slept until 6:30... and here I am at work. Gus is kicking around, happy as a stinkin' clam. I am going to go forage for some hot chocolate, or something.
*sigh*
:)
Thursday, March 02, 2006
41 weeks!
Well, here I am... 41 weeks. Thank you, thank you, it's lovely to be here. I'm feeling good, have been having pretty regular contractions all day... everything's OK. I will report after my appointment at 2:45. :)
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Distraction from the fact there's no baby yet...
Yes, indeed, these were taken with our New Digital Camera and uploaded on our New Computer!! YEAH!!
Bust at the doc's
Joel and I met at the doc's office at 3 today, only to find out that my doc was called into surgery at the last minute and was unavailable. Could I see someone else? Well, sure, no problem. We waited another 20 minutes, only to find out that the only "someone else" available...
was...
KT, the nurse-practitioner who, last July, informed me I was certainly NOT pregnant. Remember this? "How sure are you?" we asked. "100% sure."
Remember this?
I blanched.
I would not, could not see this nurse.
I could not, would not, to be terse.
I would not see this nurse, KT.
I could not see her, no sirree!
So I burst into tears and asked to reschedule for tomorrow. So... I'm supposed to go in tomorrow. More news to come at that time.
was...
KT, the nurse-practitioner who, last July, informed me I was certainly NOT pregnant. Remember this? "How sure are you?" we asked. "100% sure."
Remember this?
I blanched.
I would not, could not see this nurse.
I could not, would not, to be terse.
I would not see this nurse, KT.
I could not see her, no sirree!
So I burst into tears and asked to reschedule for tomorrow. So... I'm supposed to go in tomorrow. More news to come at that time.
I *have* started to waddle... is that "progress"?
Gus and I had a nice chat last night, but to no avail. (I even sang him/her show tunes, trying to give the vibe that if (s)he likes them, there's much more where that came from... and if (s)he doesn't, then if (s)he comes out (s)he can let me know and I will stop!) I'm having pretty much zero contractions at this point. Which is SO WEIRD. Anyway, I don't think I will be able to post this evening after my doc appt at 3 PM, but I will post in the morning.
I am going to try to steer the convo with my doc AWAY from the pros/cons of induction (I feel like I have an excellent handle on that, thank you to EVERYONE who has "commented," called or emailed in the last couple days). I more want to talk to her about how we're going to monitor the baby, when this induction can/should be scheduled, and perhaps seek some insights as to why I haven't started labor yet (especially after those regular contractions Sat/Sun and Monday!).
Here's where I'm at: if Gus is in any danger, let's just get him/her out of there. I only hope that there isn't something else halting the birthing that will cause me to have to go through the contractions with the pitocin, only to end up with a C-section because Gus wasn't positoined correctly to start with, or something. It gives me pause that my labor with Lucy was progressive and natural, and this one is getting stalled. What's the difference? I suppose I'll never know, "all pregnancies are different," yadda yadda.
I am going to try to steer the convo with my doc AWAY from the pros/cons of induction (I feel like I have an excellent handle on that, thank you to EVERYONE who has "commented," called or emailed in the last couple days). I more want to talk to her about how we're going to monitor the baby, when this induction can/should be scheduled, and perhaps seek some insights as to why I haven't started labor yet (especially after those regular contractions Sat/Sun and Monday!).
Here's where I'm at: if Gus is in any danger, let's just get him/her out of there. I only hope that there isn't something else halting the birthing that will cause me to have to go through the contractions with the pitocin, only to end up with a C-section because Gus wasn't positoined correctly to start with, or something. It gives me pause that my labor with Lucy was progressive and natural, and this one is getting stalled. What's the difference? I suppose I'll never know, "all pregnancies are different," yadda yadda.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Still here
Well yesterday I had regular contrax all morning, like 5-8 minutes apart... only to be thwarted by lunch and the nice walk I took afterward. It's, like, all the things that are supposed to START labor are actually STOPPING it for me. Bah.
We think Lu caught something like the roto-virus or whatever (can someone with some medical knowledge PLEASE tell Joel that it's not named "roto-virus" simply because it has the same "cleaning out effect" as Roto-Rooter... please??) Oh, wait, I just googled it and it's more like "rotavirus." Well anyway, apart from some nasty diapers at Dee's yesterday and her vomiting on Saturday and her lack of appetite on Sunday... she seemed totally fine this morning. SuperGramps flew up this AM to take care of her, since I didn't feel good about taking her to day care if she's still contagious... what on earth would we do without my dad? Seriously. Though as I mentioned Lu appears to be totally fine today.
OK, back to me: I am getting the impression that *something* is stopping or impeding my labor. Now, I'm not sure if Gus just isn't ready to join us, or if it's something psychological with me, or something physical that just puts a stop on it whenever it starts to get going... but I am feeling strongly that I am going to have to be induced. I would like to try to wait it out as long as possible (as long as Gus is still doing OK in there, and as long as I am not miserable).
OK I better post this, apparently some of you have started to harass Michelle Crandall. :)
We think Lu caught something like the roto-virus or whatever (can someone with some medical knowledge PLEASE tell Joel that it's not named "roto-virus" simply because it has the same "cleaning out effect" as Roto-Rooter... please??) Oh, wait, I just googled it and it's more like "rotavirus." Well anyway, apart from some nasty diapers at Dee's yesterday and her vomiting on Saturday and her lack of appetite on Sunday... she seemed totally fine this morning. SuperGramps flew up this AM to take care of her, since I didn't feel good about taking her to day care if she's still contagious... what on earth would we do without my dad? Seriously. Though as I mentioned Lu appears to be totally fine today.
OK, back to me: I am getting the impression that *something* is stopping or impeding my labor. Now, I'm not sure if Gus just isn't ready to join us, or if it's something psychological with me, or something physical that just puts a stop on it whenever it starts to get going... but I am feeling strongly that I am going to have to be induced. I would like to try to wait it out as long as possible (as long as Gus is still doing OK in there, and as long as I am not miserable).
OK I better post this, apparently some of you have started to harass Michelle Crandall. :)
Monday, February 27, 2006
Due date plus four days
Things to be thankful for
Joel. Sweet, kind, patient Joel. Who walked all around Maplewood Mall with me and Lucy for a couple hours Sunday morning, to keep my mind off the fact that I'm not in labor. Who sent me off to see "Grease" at a local community theatre, to keep my mind off the fact that I'm not in labor. Who bought me curried chicken to try to bring on labor. Who chased Lucy around much of the weekend so I could rest. Who now puts my socks on for me every morning with, well, it's not exactly a smile but it is certainly Enthusiasm.
Gus, who is apparently doing fine in there, even if (s)he seems to be settling in for the long haul. And who is, as I type, trying to stick a foot out through my belly button. This kid has Joel's sense of direction, poor misguided thing.
Lucy, who pulled through a weird but fortunately acute bout of vomiting early Sunday morning. And remains the cutest little thing in shoe leather.
Gus NOT being born this weekend, thereby avoiding becoming a reincarnation of Don Knotts. Dodged a bullet on that one, I tell you what.
So, it's Monday, and I'm back at work. Stupid Circuit City still doesn't have my laptop ready, dang fools. I think I'm ready to have this baby now, really. Oh, if you're interested, here are the Gory Details (not too gory though): contractions all weekend but only regular for a few hours at a time, and never closer than 7-8 minutes. Not strong enough to keep me up at night... so we're just kind of in a holding pattern. I'll report again tomorrow (Tuesday) but will prolly not have news until after my doc appt on Wednesday). Thanks everyone for all the kind words and check-in-phone calls.
Joel. Sweet, kind, patient Joel. Who walked all around Maplewood Mall with me and Lucy for a couple hours Sunday morning, to keep my mind off the fact that I'm not in labor. Who sent me off to see "Grease" at a local community theatre, to keep my mind off the fact that I'm not in labor. Who bought me curried chicken to try to bring on labor. Who chased Lucy around much of the weekend so I could rest. Who now puts my socks on for me every morning with, well, it's not exactly a smile but it is certainly Enthusiasm.
Gus, who is apparently doing fine in there, even if (s)he seems to be settling in for the long haul. And who is, as I type, trying to stick a foot out through my belly button. This kid has Joel's sense of direction, poor misguided thing.
Lucy, who pulled through a weird but fortunately acute bout of vomiting early Sunday morning. And remains the cutest little thing in shoe leather.
Gus NOT being born this weekend, thereby avoiding becoming a reincarnation of Don Knotts. Dodged a bullet on that one, I tell you what.
So, it's Monday, and I'm back at work. Stupid Circuit City still doesn't have my laptop ready, dang fools. I think I'm ready to have this baby now, really. Oh, if you're interested, here are the Gory Details (not too gory though): contractions all weekend but only regular for a few hours at a time, and never closer than 7-8 minutes. Not strong enough to keep me up at night... so we're just kind of in a holding pattern. I'll report again tomorrow (Tuesday) but will prolly not have news until after my doc appt on Wednesday). Thanks everyone for all the kind words and check-in-phone calls.
Friday, February 24, 2006
40 weeks plus one day checkup
Just got back from the doc. Everything's fine... I guess... I think what I was hoping for was for the doc to say "Omigosh! You're dilated to eight! Let's get you over to St. John's pronto!" and when all she actually said was "You should go into labor," well, that just didn't make me feel too good.
Anyway, I have an appointment next Wednesday (3/1) and they'll schedule an induction after that, if nothing is still happening.
That's it!
Meh.
Anyway, I have an appointment next Wednesday (3/1) and they'll schedule an induction after that, if nothing is still happening.
That's it!
Meh.
Happy Due Date Plus One to Me!
Yup, I'm still here. Doc appt at noon -- I promise to check in afterward. Thanks everyone for the phone calls and kind thoughts/words... I owe some of you an email or callback and if I get caught up today I will try to reach you.
Oh, I bought a digital camera and a laptop yesterday. Fun! Now I have literally 12 rebate forms to fill out. Oh, hey, if you personally have an opinion on whether or not I shoud buy an extended warranty from Circuit City on the laptop, PLEASE SPEAK NOW. Thank you!
Oh, I bought a digital camera and a laptop yesterday. Fun! Now I have literally 12 rebate forms to fill out. Oh, hey, if you personally have an opinion on whether or not I shoud buy an extended warranty from Circuit City on the laptop, PLEASE SPEAK NOW. Thank you!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Notes from Ellen
OK, I had to share. My sister Ellen emailed me this morning. I am still laughing.
How's the pregnancy going? Actually I'm pretty up to date cause I read your blog like I read Mark Trail. Religiously. Speaking of which there's talk of building a casino in Lost Forest! Horrors! Jean and I went to Alpine Valley yesterday and it was a blast! We tried snowboarding at first and boy, let me tell you. It is tougher than it looks. I actually felt like I was catching on, but we switcher to skiis for the big hills. A compete stranger called me Bode Miller. Was it because of my superior skiing? My disapointing Olympic performance? No. It was after I crashed through a fence at the bottom of the hill meant to prevent people from ending up in a river. Not only did I go through the fence, but I took the whole thing down with me. This was just one of the falls that resulted in Jeans wet pants and an injury that prompted my mother to say, "Why Ellen. It looks like you have 3 buttcheeks."
How's the pregnancy going? Actually I'm pretty up to date cause I read your blog like I read Mark Trail. Religiously. Speaking of which there's talk of building a casino in Lost Forest! Horrors! Jean and I went to Alpine Valley yesterday and it was a blast! We tried snowboarding at first and boy, let me tell you. It is tougher than it looks. I actually felt like I was catching on, but we switcher to skiis for the big hills. A compete stranger called me Bode Miller. Was it because of my superior skiing? My disapointing Olympic performance? No. It was after I crashed through a fence at the bottom of the hill meant to prevent people from ending up in a river. Not only did I go through the fence, but I took the whole thing down with me. This was just one of the falls that resulted in Jeans wet pants and an injury that prompted my mother to say, "Why Ellen. It looks like you have 3 buttcheeks."
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Wednesday Check-in
Hi there!
Remember yesterday I said, in the immortal words of Phil Collins, that I [could] feel it, coming in the air tonight? Oh Lord?
Well this morning I feel like I've regressed. Yup, I'm like a week and a half out now.
Gus is kicking kind of faintly this morning, as if to say, Mom, I'm still here but I'm feeling a little sluggish today -- sluggish. Like a wet sponge. (Gus is a fan of early '80s sophomoric humor.) And I think I'm just going to snuggle back up and take a nap. I'll see ya in a couple weeks.
JG, Lulu and Pat Daly and I attended a community meeting last night at the high school regarding a Level 3 sex offender who's moving into the neighborhood (about eight blocks from our house, 5 blocks from the Dalys). *sigh* It was very educational and informative. I'm glad they have these meetings... I'm sad they have to. I'm fired up to help improve my community... I know I won't be taking any actual positive action in that direction. I wonder if staying in the city and "improving the neighborhood by my presence" is:
a. enough
b. foolish
c. hopeless
d. lazy
...or some combination thereof.
Lucy and Joel didn't stick around for the meeting; it was close to bedtime and SOMEONE preferred to toddle around the auditorium calling "Mama!" (her new favorite word; YESS!) rather than sit and listen to police officers talk. P-Dids and I took notes, though, and if any of our neighbors reading this want more info or want to talk about it, you know where to find me.
Speaking of neighbors, our neighbors-to-the-west let us know that their son, born in November with two holes in his heart, has been home for about three weeks and is doing just fine. Thank goodness. Welcome to the neighborhood; we're so glad you're home!
Todd my cube-neighbor is updating me daily on the celebrities who have birthdays every day, ostensibly so I can see, should Gus get born today, who (s)he'll share his/her bday with. Today is Dr. J, Michael Chang, Vijay Singh, and Amy Alcott. I was impressed with the diversity of sports, ethnicities and religions represented in that group, and I said so, so I don't think I'll jinx Gus's future as a professional athlete by having him/her today.
P.S. It's George Washington's birthday too.
P.P.S. It's Wednesday, in February. Could there BE any worse words to spell? Gaah!
Remember yesterday I said, in the immortal words of Phil Collins, that I [could] feel it, coming in the air tonight? Oh Lord?
Well this morning I feel like I've regressed. Yup, I'm like a week and a half out now.
Gus is kicking kind of faintly this morning, as if to say, Mom, I'm still here but I'm feeling a little sluggish today -- sluggish. Like a wet sponge. (Gus is a fan of early '80s sophomoric humor.) And I think I'm just going to snuggle back up and take a nap. I'll see ya in a couple weeks.
JG, Lulu and Pat Daly and I attended a community meeting last night at the high school regarding a Level 3 sex offender who's moving into the neighborhood (about eight blocks from our house, 5 blocks from the Dalys). *sigh* It was very educational and informative. I'm glad they have these meetings... I'm sad they have to. I'm fired up to help improve my community... I know I won't be taking any actual positive action in that direction. I wonder if staying in the city and "improving the neighborhood by my presence" is:
a. enough
b. foolish
c. hopeless
d. lazy
...or some combination thereof.
Lucy and Joel didn't stick around for the meeting; it was close to bedtime and SOMEONE preferred to toddle around the auditorium calling "Mama!" (her new favorite word; YESS!) rather than sit and listen to police officers talk. P-Dids and I took notes, though, and if any of our neighbors reading this want more info or want to talk about it, you know where to find me.
Speaking of neighbors, our neighbors-to-the-west let us know that their son, born in November with two holes in his heart, has been home for about three weeks and is doing just fine. Thank goodness. Welcome to the neighborhood; we're so glad you're home!
Todd my cube-neighbor is updating me daily on the celebrities who have birthdays every day, ostensibly so I can see, should Gus get born today, who (s)he'll share his/her bday with. Today is Dr. J, Michael Chang, Vijay Singh, and Amy Alcott. I was impressed with the diversity of sports, ethnicities and religions represented in that group, and I said so, so I don't think I'll jinx Gus's future as a professional athlete by having him/her today.
P.S. It's George Washington's birthday too.
P.P.S. It's Wednesday, in February. Could there BE any worse words to spell? Gaah!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Doo doo doo doo. Doo doo doot doo doo.
Yes, (in case you didn't recognize it from the lyrics above,) it's The Final Countdown!
I'm 39.7143 weeks this morning. Thank you, thank you, it's good to be here. Er, wait, no... no, it's not. My hip sockets are killing me, I'm so huge I can't even wash my own knee-pits, and I seem to have badly pulled a muscle up in my rib cage. Not to mention, I'm starting to get the *teensiest* bit peevish. About Everything. Like, for example, if I ask you to put on my socks for me, I want it Now and I want it Cheerful and Enthusiastic.
Gus is still moving around a lot, whicn is so reassuring at this stage. Oh! And we may have a new girl name (if you haven't had it run by you yet, then you just might have to wait until she's born! Thanks Nikki for the idea).
We got a couple more things done this weekend, and I think I finally feel ready. Really. Honest. I do. My folks flew in for a visit on Saturday and it was wonderful to see them. My aunt and my p's found a place for my grandma to live up here, too, and she's moving up from Florida sometime in the next two months.
Had a *couple* contractions last night (nothing to write home about, though technically by blogging them I suppose I just did!). I think it will be sometime in the next week... but maybe that's wishful thinking. We'll see...
I'm 39.7143 weeks this morning. Thank you, thank you, it's good to be here. Er, wait, no... no, it's not. My hip sockets are killing me, I'm so huge I can't even wash my own knee-pits, and I seem to have badly pulled a muscle up in my rib cage. Not to mention, I'm starting to get the *teensiest* bit peevish. About Everything. Like, for example, if I ask you to put on my socks for me, I want it Now and I want it Cheerful and Enthusiastic.
Gus is still moving around a lot, whicn is so reassuring at this stage. Oh! And we may have a new girl name (if you haven't had it run by you yet, then you just might have to wait until she's born! Thanks Nikki for the idea).
We got a couple more things done this weekend, and I think I finally feel ready. Really. Honest. I do. My folks flew in for a visit on Saturday and it was wonderful to see them. My aunt and my p's found a place for my grandma to live up here, too, and she's moving up from Florida sometime in the next two months.
Had a *couple* contractions last night (nothing to write home about, though technically by blogging them I suppose I just did!). I think it will be sometime in the next week... but maybe that's wishful thinking. We'll see...
Friday, February 17, 2006
One week more!
Or, you know, two or three. Gained another, like, half a pound. BP and baby's heartbeat were both good (no specifics, sorry). I might be dilated "almost to one" -- hmm, doesn't that sound familiar?
Anyway, I still feel great -- looking forward to this three-day weekend WOO HOO! My folks are coming up on Saturday, too -- it will be good to hang out with them without any "event" planned.
It is SO COLD outside today. Bundle up!
Oh! Stupid story: so I had to buy milk last night, so I went to Jimmy's and got two gallons of skim and one whole, and I heave them up onto the counter, and Jimmy is like, well, it looks like you're all set for the weekend and I'm like, yup, we're just going to sit around all weekend drinking milk and he's like, well, you're prepared then and I'm like, yup, it's going to be some party and it was a dumb conversation but it made me laugh.
Oh! And I got a haircut last night and the gal flat-ironed my hair which I hated for about 14 hours but it's starting to grow on me and now I'm actually thinking of buying a flat-iron. Leave it to me. I started using a blow-dryer on my hair about 2 weeks before Lu was born. Why am I becoming *more* high maintenance in my old age?
Anyway, I still feel great -- looking forward to this three-day weekend WOO HOO! My folks are coming up on Saturday, too -- it will be good to hang out with them without any "event" planned.
It is SO COLD outside today. Bundle up!
Oh! Stupid story: so I had to buy milk last night, so I went to Jimmy's and got two gallons of skim and one whole, and I heave them up onto the counter, and Jimmy is like, well, it looks like you're all set for the weekend and I'm like, yup, we're just going to sit around all weekend drinking milk and he's like, well, you're prepared then and I'm like, yup, it's going to be some party and it was a dumb conversation but it made me laugh.
Oh! And I got a haircut last night and the gal flat-ironed my hair which I hated for about 14 hours but it's starting to grow on me and now I'm actually thinking of buying a flat-iron. Leave it to me. I started using a blow-dryer on my hair about 2 weeks before Lu was born. Why am I becoming *more* high maintenance in my old age?
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Johnny Weir, you're not fooling anyone.
Yesterday, I actually had someone ask if I was pregnant.
I mean, really.
Had a lovely V-day at home with JG and LD -- we got gyros from Pappy's for the first time (delicious), and Joel brought me some tulips and cookies. Lucy was an absolute sweetheart last night, eating her dinner and playing "ring around the rosie" with us until bedtime.
Last night's repeatisms: "ball," "baby," "cookie," and, I forgot our new favorite:
"Lucy, it's bedtime, what do you say?"
"Nye-nye!"
Eeeee! So fun.
I mean, really.
Had a lovely V-day at home with JG and LD -- we got gyros from Pappy's for the first time (delicious), and Joel brought me some tulips and cookies. Lucy was an absolute sweetheart last night, eating her dinner and playing "ring around the rosie" with us until bedtime.
Last night's repeatisms: "ball," "baby," "cookie," and, I forgot our new favorite:
"Lucy, it's bedtime, what do you say?"
"Nye-nye!"
Eeeee! So fun.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Hubbies say the darndest things
Joel's been reading the pregnancy websites. He's so cute. As you may know (that is, if YOU'VE been reading the pregnancy websites), toward the end, the baby "drops" -- basically the head of the baby (eventually followed by the rest of the baby) moves down, into the mom's hipbone. This is called "engagement," or, more euphemistically, "lightening."
So anyway, last night Joel's trying to sound smart and goes, "How's Gus?"
"Good," I say (or something like that), "I'm feeling lots of pressure downward."
"Oh!" He says, clearly excited that he recognizes the symptom, "Are you feeling enlightened?"
:) :) :)
Yup. Om.
So anyway, last night Joel's trying to sound smart and goes, "How's Gus?"
"Good," I say (or something like that), "I'm feeling lots of pressure downward."
"Oh!" He says, clearly excited that he recognizes the symptom, "Are you feeling enlightened?"
:) :) :)
Yup. Om.
Blessed are the shirts of Joel, for they shall inherit my girth
I have finally eschewed my maternity shirts and moved into Joel's closet. (Even though it's dark in there and hard to get to the light switch.) No, seriously, my tum sticks out so far that those cute "maternity shirts" are leaving about 4 inches of bare skin before you get to my pants. Which is fine if I'm hanging out exclusively with tall people. But since I frequently have to walk in to coworkers' cubes while they are seated, I'd rather spare them my stretch marks.
Monday, February 13, 2006
38-week report
Hi again. Went to the doc for my 38-week checkup, and truly there is nothing to report. Blood pressure is "beautiful" (110/60-something, I think?). I gained another 4 pounds. Baby's heartbeat is good, and I'm not dilated any more than I was 2 weeks ago. I'm still feeling relatively great (found another v. good pillow configuration, so I'm sleeping well too), so I'm ready for the long haul these last few weeks here.
Still haven't hung up the pictures in Lucy's or Gus's rooms -- if you live in the Twin Cities and have a good sense of where to hang things, PLEASE come over (I will make food or something!) and tell me what to do. I would really appreciate it. If you and I happen to be friends or family, all the better, as it would probably be good to see you. Though I make no promises. :)
Still haven't hung up the pictures in Lucy's or Gus's rooms -- if you live in the Twin Cities and have a good sense of where to hang things, PLEASE come over (I will make food or something!) and tell me what to do. I would really appreciate it. If you and I happen to be friends or family, all the better, as it would probably be good to see you. Though I make no promises. :)
Nine is a rhyme
Lucy spent the weekend repeating... everything.
"Lucy, look, a kitty! Meow!"
"M'ow."
"Lucy, look, it's Josie!"
"Josie."
"Lucy, look, mommy's butt!"
"Butt."
No joke. It's the funnest ever. She even, sort of, repeated us counting:
"One."
"Un."
"Two."
"Oo."
"Three."
"Eee."
"Four."
"Nine."
Nine is her new favorite. Everything is nine. Of course, she's at least 1/3 German, so she probably means "nein" -- seeing as how "no" is her favorite word in English.
"Lucy, look, a kitty! Meow!"
"M'ow."
"Lucy, look, it's Josie!"
"Josie."
"Lucy, look, mommy's butt!"
"Butt."
No joke. It's the funnest ever. She even, sort of, repeated us counting:
"One."
"Un."
"Two."
"Oo."
"Three."
"Eee."
"Four."
"Nine."
Nine is her new favorite. Everything is nine. Of course, she's at least 1/3 German, so she probably means "nein" -- seeing as how "no" is her favorite word in English.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Gus's Room! Gus's Room! Party Time! Excellent!
Ok, you have to picture these photos going around the room, clockwise. It's swell, clockwise.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Woes of a mid-February citrus craving
If you've been keeping up, I have been eating Clementine oranges like they've been going out of style for the last month. And, apparently, they HAVE been going out of style, or at least out of season, since the last box I bought was only about 60% good. And cost about $7.
So yesterday I thought I'd branch out and buy some tangerines. Or, I think they were tangerines. I'm going to have to check their little labels. Anyway, I tried the first one this morning, and... it's just not a Clementine. First of all, it's got these big honkin' seeds, like THREE in each slice. And the flavor is vaguely toothpastey at times. And there's more of that abhorrent white stuff than I generally like to deal with.
See, this is why I haven't made it a point to buy oranges or anything of their ilk before; it is just neverending heartbreak. Anticipation, followed by the inevitable letdown, not to mention seeds and scraps of white-stuff everywhere, plus really, really sticky hands.
So I've a dilemma. I might try navel oranges next, but I fret about the seeds (smaller and harder to pick out?) and the evil white-stuff (at least on the tangerines-or-whatever, it comes off easily; I have vague childhood recollections of orange slices with completely immovable white-stuff).
I can see how genetically-engineered "perfect fruit" could find a following.
So yesterday I thought I'd branch out and buy some tangerines. Or, I think they were tangerines. I'm going to have to check their little labels. Anyway, I tried the first one this morning, and... it's just not a Clementine. First of all, it's got these big honkin' seeds, like THREE in each slice. And the flavor is vaguely toothpastey at times. And there's more of that abhorrent white stuff than I generally like to deal with.
See, this is why I haven't made it a point to buy oranges or anything of their ilk before; it is just neverending heartbreak. Anticipation, followed by the inevitable letdown, not to mention seeds and scraps of white-stuff everywhere, plus really, really sticky hands.
So I've a dilemma. I might try navel oranges next, but I fret about the seeds (smaller and harder to pick out?) and the evil white-stuff (at least on the tangerines-or-whatever, it comes off easily; I have vague childhood recollections of orange slices with completely immovable white-stuff).
I can see how genetically-engineered "perfect fruit" could find a following.
Tank top, the sweetest thing.
PHOTOS!
My fab sister busted out her new digital camera last night and we went to town. Please note Joel in the background, trying to be funny with a ball under his shirt.
I am also working on getting some photos of Gus's room. Patience. :)
In the last couple days, I've had several random people (not that the people themselves have been random, but people I know from random areas of my life, i.e. cousins, ex-coworkers, and friends-of-friends) make a point to mention that they are reading this with some regularity. I wanted to say THANKS for reading, I really appreciate it. I am going to make an effort to keep posting regularly -- it's difficult with work and all, but it's so good to know that you guys enjoy it.
Oh! So get this (some of you know this backstory already), when I pulled out all my old maternity clothes AGAIN last August or Septemberish, I was boondoggled when I couldn't find my maternity jeans and two tank tops. I mean, seriously devastated. They were an awesome pair of jeans -- comfy & cute (as cute as maternity jeans get, if you know what I mean). And the tanks were so versatile... anyway, I threw a fit and was pretty sure I'd accidentally given them all to Goodwill. I have been beating myself up about this since September.
Flash forward to last Saturday, when Joel and I are emptying out the garage of all Lucy's baby stuff that is now getting a reincarnation. Eureka! The jeans. And tank tops. I nearly cried. Joel actually told me to calm down. I celebrated by spending $137 at Target, including $4.94 on a pair of clearance-rack gold flats TO WEAR WITH MY JEANS.
It's the little things. :)
P.S. I am so sorry to gloat about this, but I got another fabulous sleep last night. I know it will all go away soon so I am really appreciative, while it lasts.
Monday, February 06, 2006
I'm in love with a girl
So, maybe it's taken me longer than most moms, but I have fallen madly in love with Lucy. I can't explain it, but when I'm with her I just want to hold her and kiss her cheeks and play with her hair and rub my nose on hers. She's turned into such a little person in the last few months. It's awe-inspiring.
Though maybe it's just the pregnancy hormones, because I've become kind of extra-attached to a lot of things these days, i.e. clementine oranges (or tangerines? what ARE they?), ginger Altoids, the new lamp we got for Gus's room, Joel, and the writing of Augusten Burroughs.
Seriously, though, it's a really cute lamp.
I'm officially in end-stage pregnancy (or "morbidly pregnant," as I prefer)... my hip joints are definitely loosening up in preparation to pass a basketball, and I am having trouble getting comfortable pretty much ever. I tried sleeping Lucy-style last night, "butt up" on my knees with three pillows under my head and chest, and another one under my bottom-area. Not so good. In fact, I haven't the foggiest notion how Lu sleeps that way all night -- my feet fell asleep, for starters, and I felt like my femurs were going to dislocate from my pelvis. Yow.
My constant wakefulness also causes me to remember my dreams, which are increasingly weird. A couple nights ago Steve Martin and I were ballroom-dancing in Boston with a tidal wave about to hit... last night I was at the hospital talking to a mean doctor when my car was towed, and then my company was taken over by this super-"creative" agency where all the women had very short spiky red hair and horn-rimmed glasses and everyone was super-secretive about the work they did... which all took place on a grassy hillside.
Anyway. Got a LOT done this weekend in preparation for Gus's imminent arrival. Lucy spent the weekend with Papa and Grandma Gronau, to the mutual delight of all involved. Joel worked in the basement... we cleaned the house... I packed my hospital bag. And we realized that we are being DESERTED by our family... Gus is due 2/23, right? My sister Jean is going to London 2/23, my aunt Jan is going to China 2/24, and Joel's p's are going to DC on 2/28. We're going to have this baby and be very, very alone. Not that I begrudge anyone a midwinter getaway, but it just makes me a little nervous.
Though maybe it's just the pregnancy hormones, because I've become kind of extra-attached to a lot of things these days, i.e. clementine oranges (or tangerines? what ARE they?), ginger Altoids, the new lamp we got for Gus's room, Joel, and the writing of Augusten Burroughs.
Seriously, though, it's a really cute lamp.
I'm officially in end-stage pregnancy (or "morbidly pregnant," as I prefer)... my hip joints are definitely loosening up in preparation to pass a basketball, and I am having trouble getting comfortable pretty much ever. I tried sleeping Lucy-style last night, "butt up" on my knees with three pillows under my head and chest, and another one under my bottom-area. Not so good. In fact, I haven't the foggiest notion how Lu sleeps that way all night -- my feet fell asleep, for starters, and I felt like my femurs were going to dislocate from my pelvis. Yow.
My constant wakefulness also causes me to remember my dreams, which are increasingly weird. A couple nights ago Steve Martin and I were ballroom-dancing in Boston with a tidal wave about to hit... last night I was at the hospital talking to a mean doctor when my car was towed, and then my company was taken over by this super-"creative" agency where all the women had very short spiky red hair and horn-rimmed glasses and everyone was super-secretive about the work they did... which all took place on a grassy hillside.
Anyway. Got a LOT done this weekend in preparation for Gus's imminent arrival. Lucy spent the weekend with Papa and Grandma Gronau, to the mutual delight of all involved. Joel worked in the basement... we cleaned the house... I packed my hospital bag. And we realized that we are being DESERTED by our family... Gus is due 2/23, right? My sister Jean is going to London 2/23, my aunt Jan is going to China 2/24, and Joel's p's are going to DC on 2/28. We're going to have this baby and be very, very alone. Not that I begrudge anyone a midwinter getaway, but it just makes me a little nervous.
Friday, January 27, 2006
36-week checkup
Quick! Sorry!
Hemoglobin good. Blood pressure good. Protein good.
Gained 2.7 lbs. in 2.7 weeks. Good.
Baby's heartbeat in 140s-ish. Good.
Baby is head down, but turning side to side. Good. Baby's not fully "engaged" ("dropped") yet. No problem.
I'm starting to dilate ("a fingertip," she said, which is not quite a 1). Good.
And... I'm 50-75% effaced! Making progress!
Of course, when I asked the nurse-practitioner exactly how she could tell I was effacing ("thinning"), because she just goes in and pokes around a bit, and it's not like you can exactly take a caliper to a cervix, she admitted it was kind of a guess. So, take it for what it's worth.
Still feeling good. Happy weekend to all!
Hemoglobin good. Blood pressure good. Protein good.
Gained 2.7 lbs. in 2.7 weeks. Good.
Baby's heartbeat in 140s-ish. Good.
Baby is head down, but turning side to side. Good. Baby's not fully "engaged" ("dropped") yet. No problem.
I'm starting to dilate ("a fingertip," she said, which is not quite a 1). Good.
And... I'm 50-75% effaced! Making progress!
Of course, when I asked the nurse-practitioner exactly how she could tell I was effacing ("thinning"), because she just goes in and pokes around a bit, and it's not like you can exactly take a caliper to a cervix, she admitted it was kind of a guess. So, take it for what it's worth.
Still feeling good. Happy weekend to all!
Real Men Eat Lots and Lots of Quiche
Hey there, things have been better the rest of the week. I picked up a stinker of a stuffy nose after water aerobics on Wednesday, and Lucy has a fever of 102-103 (but no other symptoms) but other than that we are all doing great. Gus is kicking up a storm, and I have my 36-week checkup today (results to follow).
Lucy's been super-funny recently about pretending everything is a phone. (Flash-forward to teenage years.) She takes a shoe, or a stuffed animal, or a pre-wrapped sausage, holds it up to her ear, and says "hello!" and then various other gibberish, and then "go!" We get such a kick out of her.
The Watsons came over last night, bearing dinner (feasty quiche!!) and dessert (homemade blueberry muffins!!). How on EARTH did we get so lucky, to have such amazing neighbors? All three toddlers LOVED the quiche, and we grownups polished off two whole pie-pans full. It was so wonderful of them -- thanks again, guys!
And it's Friday! Yay! I have a massage scheduled first thing tomorrow morning, and then Ellen's coming into town and we're going to try to go to TwinsFest, as long as we're all relatively healthy.
Big HAPPY BIRTHDAYS to Alison and Nikki today. Hope you girls have great days, respectively!
Oh, and we need some help on the girl-name front. I'm open to accept some lengthy and biased opinions on the names at right. Go!
Lucy's been super-funny recently about pretending everything is a phone. (Flash-forward to teenage years.) She takes a shoe, or a stuffed animal, or a pre-wrapped sausage, holds it up to her ear, and says "hello!" and then various other gibberish, and then "go!" We get such a kick out of her.
The Watsons came over last night, bearing dinner (feasty quiche!!) and dessert (homemade blueberry muffins!!). How on EARTH did we get so lucky, to have such amazing neighbors? All three toddlers LOVED the quiche, and we grownups polished off two whole pie-pans full. It was so wonderful of them -- thanks again, guys!
And it's Friday! Yay! I have a massage scheduled first thing tomorrow morning, and then Ellen's coming into town and we're going to try to go to TwinsFest, as long as we're all relatively healthy.
Big HAPPY BIRTHDAYS to Alison and Nikki today. Hope you girls have great days, respectively!
Oh, and we need some help on the girl-name front. I'm open to accept some lengthy and biased opinions on the names at right. Go!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Pregnant Babes at Work
Hey, here's a couple photos of me and the other 2 preggos in my office. I'm the one in the middle. :)
Girl on the left is due exactly one month after I am; girl on the right is due 6 weeks after I.
Oh, and girl on the left wrote a song which I thought was very cute:
We 3 pregos of ALTAFI are
Bearing bellies we've gained thus far
Wide and gorgeous
We are enormous
Following our cravings galore.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Am I blue?
Yeah, I'm a little blue today. For starters, my job... and then there's Lucy. What a kid. She started crying in Target after I picked her up from day care yesterday, and cried all through the dinner hour, and cried when I put her to bed. And though she slept for a couple hours, she was up crying by 10:30 again. And it's this whiny, tired cry... and she points at things she wants, but sometimes it's nothing, and she cries WHILE SHE'S SLEEPING. Completely asleep, eyes closed, crying.
And I'm starting to worry about her lack of verbal skills. At no point in this crying does she say "Mama" or "Dada" or anything that even sounds like a word. Even when she's crying alone in her crib in the middle of the night, and it's obvious that she wants a cuddle from one of us.
I don't know what we should do. She doesn't eat anything after day care anymore -- maybe a Clementine or a fistful of cheese, but nothing resembling dinner. She wants to sit on our laps, then wiggles to get down and then cries when we put her down. She cries when we try to play in the living room. Cries through her bath. But it's really the waking up crying in the middle of the night that gets me! She's been a good sleeper since she was, like, three months old -- what is going on?
Joel's a saint, of course -- he gets up, rocks her, and last night even let her sleep on his chest for a while. And I just feel terrible.
Not to mention, a girl at work accidentally said "this year" rather than "this time" when referring to my current pregnancy... and I just started crying. Is that what people think??
Sorry, I'm just tired I guess.
And I'm starting to worry about her lack of verbal skills. At no point in this crying does she say "Mama" or "Dada" or anything that even sounds like a word. Even when she's crying alone in her crib in the middle of the night, and it's obvious that she wants a cuddle from one of us.
I don't know what we should do. She doesn't eat anything after day care anymore -- maybe a Clementine or a fistful of cheese, but nothing resembling dinner. She wants to sit on our laps, then wiggles to get down and then cries when we put her down. She cries when we try to play in the living room. Cries through her bath. But it's really the waking up crying in the middle of the night that gets me! She's been a good sleeper since she was, like, three months old -- what is going on?
Joel's a saint, of course -- he gets up, rocks her, and last night even let her sleep on his chest for a while. And I just feel terrible.
Not to mention, a girl at work accidentally said "this year" rather than "this time" when referring to my current pregnancy... and I just started crying. Is that what people think??
Sorry, I'm just tired I guess.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Constantine esmoldered at me!
Hey there. What a fun weekend I had! Joel got back from Denver on Friday night and it was sooo good to have him home again. Saturday we slept in 'til 8 and then we all went to open-swim at the high school by our house -- we had the pool to ourselves; it was great. Though Lucy seems to have forgotten how much fun she had in Water Babies last spring.
We just kind of hung out the rest of the day -- napping intermittently, eating occasionally, doing laundry sporadically. Sunday I had book club (always a wonderful time!) and Sunday night Jean and I went to see Constantine (from American Idol) and his band at The Fine Line. We NEVER go to concerts, or out at all really, and it was fun pretending to be young and spontaneous again. The show was pretty good; Constantine is still our boyfriend; I ran into my theatre friend Katie. It was a good night!
Oh, and CONGRATS to my cousin Kate and her husband Joe -- their daughter Isabelle Augusta was born on Saturday, and everyone's doing well.
Special thanks to Joel for letting me indulge in All Things Fun for Meg this weekend. Love you honey!
We just kind of hung out the rest of the day -- napping intermittently, eating occasionally, doing laundry sporadically. Sunday I had book club (always a wonderful time!) and Sunday night Jean and I went to see Constantine (from American Idol) and his band at The Fine Line. We NEVER go to concerts, or out at all really, and it was fun pretending to be young and spontaneous again. The show was pretty good; Constantine is still our boyfriend; I ran into my theatre friend Katie. It was a good night!
Oh, and CONGRATS to my cousin Kate and her husband Joe -- their daughter Isabelle Augusta was born on Saturday, and everyone's doing well.
Special thanks to Joel for letting me indulge in All Things Fun for Meg this weekend. Love you honey!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Thank goodness for black backdrops
... although I guess for those of you who are dying to see "how pregnant" I look, you're out of luck.
Some funny photos of me from my company holiday party. I'm an idiot. :)
Monday, January 16, 2006
Congrats Heather and Brian!
My friends Heather and Brian had their baby early, early Sunday morning. Jackson William was 8 lbs 4 oz and mom and baby are doing fine... I think. :) CONGRATULATIONS and welcome, Jack!!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
34-week checkup
Saw the doc for the 34-week checkup yesterday. Everything's great! I gained another 6.5 lbs for a grand total of somewhere between 25-30 lbs. BP was something like 110/65 or so. I never get precise measurements on the "tummy check" or baby's heartbeat, but apparently both are going strong and as expected.
I did, however, have to ask the doc about what happens right after birth. Because I:
- was so excited
- didn't have my contacts in or glasses on so I was TOTALLY BLIND
- had been given that sedative (Vistaril) five hours before... plus the Nubain
...when Lu was born, I can't seem to remember anything about what happened right after she was born. Anyway, the doc last night thought I was crazy that I'd forgotten everything.
Sorry, I have to go work now. Happy Thursday!
I did, however, have to ask the doc about what happens right after birth. Because I:
- was so excited
- didn't have my contacts in or glasses on so I was TOTALLY BLIND
- had been given that sedative (Vistaril) five hours before... plus the Nubain
...when Lu was born, I can't seem to remember anything about what happened right after she was born. Anyway, the doc last night thought I was crazy that I'd forgotten everything.
Sorry, I have to go work now. Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Little things I am grateful for today:
- - hair binders (whatever did I call these before I moved to Minnesota? hair rubber-bands? hair elastics?)
- - water bottles
- - the sun (actually the sun is very large, but you know what I mean)
- - nice coworkers (some of them are large too -- although not as large as the sun)
- - Famous Dave's gift certificates
Monday, January 09, 2006
Exhausted but happy.
Did you have a nice relaxing weekend, but have a tendency to feel guilty about not getting too much stuff done around the house? Then don't read this. We went, as Joel likes to say, "hog-nuts" this weekend. Recap:
On Friday over my lunch break, I bought paint for Gus's room (Benjamin Moore's "Crown Point Sand") and the basement bathroom (Manda Mudd's "Megan"). Friday evening, Joel took Lucy ot Menard's to buy painting supplies, and I went out to dinner (Enjoy! in Apple Valley) with Mandy and her girlfriends -- it was fun to meet some new people.
Saturday morning, I taped off Gus's room while Jean picked up my p's at the airport. Then Gramps and Gram ("Googly Goo") watched Lu all day while Jean and I primed Gus's room and Joel painted the basement bathroom. Saturday evening was my company holiday party in Brooklyn Center, followed by a birthday party at the Richfield American Legion for Joel's sister Jamie, Joel's sister Julie's boyfriend Kaz, and Aaron Briner.
Sunday, I took my folks to the airport and then stopped by Ikea with Lucy. We bought her a new dresser and a toddler table-and-chairs set, plus some curtains and rugs for Gus's room. Joel's p's came over to watch Lucy and to help Joel start tiling the basement bathroom floor -- I re-taped (stupid blue tape!) and started painting Gus's room. At 3:30 Casey (a guy at my work) and his wife and two boys came over to adopt Hobo from us, which they did. When they left, Joel and I finished painting Gus's room, then I made a run to Target (Lucy was down to ONE diaper). After Lu went to bed, I assembled some of the Ikea furniture before bed.
Observations:
On Friday over my lunch break, I bought paint for Gus's room (Benjamin Moore's "Crown Point Sand") and the basement bathroom (Manda Mudd's "Megan"). Friday evening, Joel took Lucy ot Menard's to buy painting supplies, and I went out to dinner (Enjoy! in Apple Valley) with Mandy and her girlfriends -- it was fun to meet some new people.
Saturday morning, I taped off Gus's room while Jean picked up my p's at the airport. Then Gramps and Gram ("Googly Goo") watched Lu all day while Jean and I primed Gus's room and Joel painted the basement bathroom. Saturday evening was my company holiday party in Brooklyn Center, followed by a birthday party at the Richfield American Legion for Joel's sister Jamie, Joel's sister Julie's boyfriend Kaz, and Aaron Briner.
Sunday, I took my folks to the airport and then stopped by Ikea with Lucy. We bought her a new dresser and a toddler table-and-chairs set, plus some curtains and rugs for Gus's room. Joel's p's came over to watch Lucy and to help Joel start tiling the basement bathroom floor -- I re-taped (stupid blue tape!) and started painting Gus's room. At 3:30 Casey (a guy at my work) and his wife and two boys came over to adopt Hobo from us, which they did. When they left, Joel and I finished painting Gus's room, then I made a run to Target (Lucy was down to ONE diaper). After Lu went to bed, I assembled some of the Ikea furniture before bed.
Observations:
- Grandparents are AWESOME.
- Sisters who help paint are awesome too.
- The Richfield American Legion is very smoky.
- The 16-year-olds who work at Ikea can be very helpful and friendly, if you just ask.
- Benjamin Moore makes some really nice paint.
- Taping a room well, before painting, makes the painting part super-duper painless.
- Life without a dog is much simpler.
- We are going to have a new baby NEXT MONTH. ARGH!
Now I have to work five whole days in a row. But DANG do I feel GOOD!!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Alison has a baby girl!
My friend Alison (from Rolling Meadows HS) had a baby girl on December 28 (geesh Martha, can't get away with ANYTHING around here!). Click here to read her story!
CONGRATULATIONS DAN AND AL!!!
CONGRATULATIONS DAN AND AL!!!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
32-week ultrasound
Got the all-clear from the doc yesterday -- the placenta is now 4.5 cm away from the cervix, so all is well. The baby looks great, super-cute if I do say so myself. Now we just need to:
1. finish the basement bathroom
2. move the guest-room into the basement
3. repaint and furnish Gus's new room
4. sort through Lucy's old eensy-weensy clothes
5. buy some eensy-weensy diapers
...in the next 8 weeks or so. Aaargh!
Oh, and we're adding a new name to the mix: what about Elaine for a girl? We could call her Laine or Lainey, maybe.
We had a WONDERFUL long Christmas weekend (meaning it spilled over into Wednesday) with both our families. Thank you Gronaus, Dahlheimers, Ryans and Evanses (apostrophes omitted intentionally for grammatical correctness) for making this a fabulous Christmas chock-full of love and laughter. And LOTS of laughter. :)
1. finish the basement bathroom
2. move the guest-room into the basement
3. repaint and furnish Gus's new room
4. sort through Lucy's old eensy-weensy clothes
5. buy some eensy-weensy diapers
...in the next 8 weeks or so. Aaargh!
Oh, and we're adding a new name to the mix: what about Elaine for a girl? We could call her Laine or Lainey, maybe.
We had a WONDERFUL long Christmas weekend (meaning it spilled over into Wednesday) with both our families. Thank you Gronaus, Dahlheimers, Ryans and Evanses (apostrophes omitted intentionally for grammatical correctness) for making this a fabulous Christmas chock-full of love and laughter. And LOTS of laughter. :)
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
I keep my pants up with a piece of twine
Grandpa "Googly-goo" Ryan is up this week, playing super-nanny to his favorite granddaughter. I can see why celebrities feel like they can't live without live-in nannies -- it is AWFULLY nice to have someone around of whom you don't expect anything except to entertain the baby. Whoa, that was some nasty syntax.
Joel and I were able to catch a movie last night (YESS!!) -- Walk the Line. It was good. Really good. But maybe a little long? And not exactly action-packed? But I really like Johnny Cash's voice. Or rather, Joaquin Phoenix DOING Johnny Cash's voice. Yum.
(Aside to Joel: Agent John Doggett! That's who it is.)
Had my 30-week checkup this morning and all is well there, too. I've gained 6 more pounds (17 or 26 total, depending where you're starting from), BP and baby's heart are all good. My doc is a doll and she cheerfully signed my cord-blood donation form and answered my silly questions. She always knows just what to tell me to make me stop worrying. Love her.
Joel and I were able to catch a movie last night (YESS!!) -- Walk the Line. It was good. Really good. But maybe a little long? And not exactly action-packed? But I really like Johnny Cash's voice. Or rather, Joaquin Phoenix DOING Johnny Cash's voice. Yum.
(Aside to Joel: Agent John Doggett! That's who it is.)
Had my 30-week checkup this morning and all is well there, too. I've gained 6 more pounds (17 or 26 total, depending where you're starting from), BP and baby's heart are all good. My doc is a doll and she cheerfully signed my cord-blood donation form and answered my silly questions. She always knows just what to tell me to make me stop worrying. Love her.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Exercise and the Pregnant Minnesotan
What a horrid time of year to be hugely pregnant!
1. Because of all the hat, scarf, coat, etc. I have to wear to stay warm, it is not at once obvious that I am pregnant. HALF THE FUN OF BEING PREGNANT IS IT BEING OBVIOUS. Nay, instead, I just look a little rotund.
2. Speaking of exercise... a simple walk around the block is really tough when your city doesn't plow the sidewalks. Most people do their own, but occasionally you get to a block with lazy residents and you're Out Of Luck. Which, for me, could easily also mean On My Butt, followed by Suddenly In Labor.
3. The wind! My god, the wind. Manages to swirl up under my shelf of a belly, beneath my coat and my plenty-long shirt, and freeze my little lower abdomen. Brrr.
4. The shopping! My god, the shopping. Hauling my burgeoning self from the farthest corner of the parking lot, to the store. Lugging gynormous parcels everywhere. And I'm sure people would be delighted to lend me a hand... see #1.
Well, that was kinda dumb. Sorry, I have to go shopping. :)
1. Because of all the hat, scarf, coat, etc. I have to wear to stay warm, it is not at once obvious that I am pregnant. HALF THE FUN OF BEING PREGNANT IS IT BEING OBVIOUS. Nay, instead, I just look a little rotund.
2. Speaking of exercise... a simple walk around the block is really tough when your city doesn't plow the sidewalks. Most people do their own, but occasionally you get to a block with lazy residents and you're Out Of Luck. Which, for me, could easily also mean On My Butt, followed by Suddenly In Labor.
3. The wind! My god, the wind. Manages to swirl up under my shelf of a belly, beneath my coat and my plenty-long shirt, and freeze my little lower abdomen. Brrr.
4. The shopping! My god, the shopping. Hauling my burgeoning self from the farthest corner of the parking lot, to the store. Lugging gynormous parcels everywhere. And I'm sure people would be delighted to lend me a hand... see #1.
Well, that was kinda dumb. Sorry, I have to go shopping. :)
Weekend Wrap
Gus is, as we speak, cuddled up comfortably ON MY INTESTINE. And it really hurts. I just want to jiggle him a little to get him to change position.
I had a dreadful episode of sadness on Saturday, precipitated by Lucy's being a total MONSTER for me. The usual, you know: slapping me, pinching my skin, screaming and refusing to sit still for a diaper change, refusing to eat, and general whining and malaise. Made worse, because Joel's been working on the bathroom and I really WANT him to work on the bathroom, and he really WANTS to work on the bathroom, and fer Petey's sake I should be able to take care of my own daughter for one stinking day... right?
Anyway. Turned out what I really needed was just a little nap, and what Lucy needed was to be left alone in her pack and play with 75 different toys and a couple ounces of milk, watching college basketball for about an hour.
We all recovered.
Had my book club's annual cookie-bake on Sunday, and thank God for those girls. I got some ideas for the kids' rooms, lots of "stop worrying, you're doing fine" (which I desperately needed), a few pregnancy workout videos... and it didn't hurt that the cookies were (and are) super, duper yummy. Joel is even eating them with surprising voracity, considering he's never been a "dessert guy."
(Cute aside: because Joel is the Gronau I know best, I often (and sometimes mistakenly) project his qualities onto his family as a unit. Well, once I said something like "Oh, you Gronaus aren't really dessert people!" and Joel's mom was VERY quick to disown this particular trait of Joel's as an anomaly and certainly NOT representative of the family as a whole.)
Thanks also to my Mom (who is probably surprised reading this, since I didn't even actually talk to her) for mentioning to Joel how she is able to enjoy grandparenthood MUCH more than parenthood. It just helped me put things into a larger perspective and realize that I'm normal for not being able to maintain a blissed-out aura of peace and happiness at all times.
I had a dreadful episode of sadness on Saturday, precipitated by Lucy's being a total MONSTER for me. The usual, you know: slapping me, pinching my skin, screaming and refusing to sit still for a diaper change, refusing to eat, and general whining and malaise. Made worse, because Joel's been working on the bathroom and I really WANT him to work on the bathroom, and he really WANTS to work on the bathroom, and fer Petey's sake I should be able to take care of my own daughter for one stinking day... right?
Anyway. Turned out what I really needed was just a little nap, and what Lucy needed was to be left alone in her pack and play with 75 different toys and a couple ounces of milk, watching college basketball for about an hour.
We all recovered.
Had my book club's annual cookie-bake on Sunday, and thank God for those girls. I got some ideas for the kids' rooms, lots of "stop worrying, you're doing fine" (which I desperately needed), a few pregnancy workout videos... and it didn't hurt that the cookies were (and are) super, duper yummy. Joel is even eating them with surprising voracity, considering he's never been a "dessert guy."
(Cute aside: because Joel is the Gronau I know best, I often (and sometimes mistakenly) project his qualities onto his family as a unit. Well, once I said something like "Oh, you Gronaus aren't really dessert people!" and Joel's mom was VERY quick to disown this particular trait of Joel's as an anomaly and certainly NOT representative of the family as a whole.)
Thanks also to my Mom (who is probably surprised reading this, since I didn't even actually talk to her) for mentioning to Joel how she is able to enjoy grandparenthood MUCH more than parenthood. It just helped me put things into a larger perspective and realize that I'm normal for not being able to maintain a blissed-out aura of peace and happiness at all times.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
People are funny
So, I have a banana sitting on my desk. It's not the most beautiful banana in the world; it's probably a day or four past its prime. Reminder: I work in a cube. TWICE today, someone has stopped by my desk and told me how "disgusting" the banana looks. And twice, I have responded, "Hey! You're going to hurt its little banana feelings!"
Now, how often in YOUR life have you gotten to say "little banana feelings"?
Think about THAT. :)
Done? Good. I'm going to take it as a compliment that my co-workers feel comfortable enough with me to openly criticize my food.
It's turning into a good day today, despite itself.
Now, how often in YOUR life have you gotten to say "little banana feelings"?
Think about THAT. :)
Done? Good. I'm going to take it as a compliment that my co-workers feel comfortable enough with me to openly criticize my food.
It's turning into a good day today, despite itself.
Fun With Polls
I'm experimenting with some polls. See the ones at right? You should vote. I want to see if I can make it work within a post, too, so...
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
15 month checkup
Lulu had her 15-month checkup yesterday. Vital stats:
Weight: 24#, 6 oz. (75th %)
Head: 18.25" (63rd %)
Height: 31.5" (83rd %)
So for all of you who keep telling me she's a peanut, she is NO PEANUT!
OK, fine she's a peanut.
Anyhoo, she had three shots (flu booster, MMD and chicken pox), which pretty much knocked her out for the night. But other than that, she's great! Next appointment is at 18 months, at which point she will be (gasp!) a big sister. Holy crumbs!!
Had my last swing and latin dance classes last night. What a fun experience... but exhausting!
Weight: 24#, 6 oz. (75th %)
Head: 18.25" (63rd %)
Height: 31.5" (83rd %)
So for all of you who keep telling me she's a peanut, she is NO PEANUT!
OK, fine she's a peanut.
Anyhoo, she had three shots (flu booster, MMD and chicken pox), which pretty much knocked her out for the night. But other than that, she's great! Next appointment is at 18 months, at which point she will be (gasp!) a big sister. Holy crumbs!!
Had my last swing and latin dance classes last night. What a fun experience... but exhausting!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Penguin Pratfalls
Joel had Lucy in her "penguin suit" this morning (her snowsuit, that is, which is pink, not black and white, but which renders Lucy extremely chubby and waddly and therefore penguin-esque)... and Lucy tipped over and cut her lip on her tooth. Ouch! Joel said there was some blood, of course, and he feels terrible. He said if she was a little older he probably would have taken her straight to Dairy Queen. Golly, I love those two. :)
hills and valleys
Well, after the high that was the beginning of last week, there was bound to be a letdown. Nothing is wrong, I'm just feeling kinda down. I don't feel like I finished anything this weekend -- didn't clean the bathroom, didn't put all the laundry away... the usual. I didn't practice my hynobirthing stuff hardly at all (and when I did it didn't feel satisfying) and I spent a lot of the weekend feeling tired and kind of frumpy. Lucy even sprouted a couple more teeth and I'm just not that excited about it. Oh well.
Just reporting... no big deal. :)
Oh, and I had a BIZARRO dream last night, involving my cousin's wife Lynda, my St. Colette t-shirt, an upside-down elevator and a humongous office building.
I should go get some coffee.
Just reporting... no big deal. :)
Oh, and I had a BIZARRO dream last night, involving my cousin's wife Lynda, my St. Colette t-shirt, an upside-down elevator and a humongous office building.
I should go get some coffee.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Meg in a happy place
Hi. Hypnobirthing totally rocks, is all I have to say today. I don't know what turns Gus's birthing will take, but I am learning to feel completely at ease and prepared for the whole thing. If nothing else, I have learned to relax myself in my daily life (invaluable in my line of work AND as mom to Miss Pants).
It is difficult finding time to practice the relaxation techniques, so I have been taking my CD player into a conference room at lunch. I can honestly say that I think this practicing has helped me focus more on my job, and to handle the problems (which invariably arise) with calmness and professionalism... well, at least as much as I can muster. :)
This weekend starts the holiday celebrations, with the "dice game" at the Gronaus. I diverted from my usual dollar-store purchases of Crap I Hope Doesn't Come Back Home With Me, and instead went for Small Lovely Things Which I Might Find Useful.
One of my clients just spelled my last name "Grouneau." I mean really, I think maybe she's just mocking me.
It is difficult finding time to practice the relaxation techniques, so I have been taking my CD player into a conference room at lunch. I can honestly say that I think this practicing has helped me focus more on my job, and to handle the problems (which invariably arise) with calmness and professionalism... well, at least as much as I can muster. :)
This weekend starts the holiday celebrations, with the "dice game" at the Gronaus. I diverted from my usual dollar-store purchases of Crap I Hope Doesn't Come Back Home With Me, and instead went for Small Lovely Things Which I Might Find Useful.
One of my clients just spelled my last name "Grouneau." I mean really, I think maybe she's just mocking me.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Ketchup!
See, this is what happens when I forget to post. I have to do huuuuge catchup work.
OK, so that one new molar of Lucy's? Turned out to be THREE new molars and one new incisor... all on the right side of her poor little head. She's pleased as punch with her new choppers (or at least, not screaming in agony every evening anymore). She was such a delight this weekend -- I had Lu-duty almost all day Sat and Sun, since Joel was working on the basement bathroom. We ate a lot of leftover Thanksgiving dinner, and she took some gooood naps, and I think she MAY be saying "mama" now. Maybe.
I snuck in a couple baths (for myself) and a few good hypnobirthing practice sessions. And only once did I remember something I forgot to do at work.
We had nice visits with family for Thanksgiving... we celebrated Ellen's 24th birthday... we got some Christmas shopping done... and we moved furniture to make room for a Christmas tree!
OK, so that one new molar of Lucy's? Turned out to be THREE new molars and one new incisor... all on the right side of her poor little head. She's pleased as punch with her new choppers (or at least, not screaming in agony every evening anymore). She was such a delight this weekend -- I had Lu-duty almost all day Sat and Sun, since Joel was working on the basement bathroom. We ate a lot of leftover Thanksgiving dinner, and she took some gooood naps, and I think she MAY be saying "mama" now. Maybe.
I snuck in a couple baths (for myself) and a few good hypnobirthing practice sessions. And only once did I remember something I forgot to do at work.
We had nice visits with family for Thanksgiving... we celebrated Ellen's 24th birthday... we got some Christmas shopping done... and we moved furniture to make room for a Christmas tree!
Fulfilling Stereotypes, One Pickle at a Time
Note: This post is from last Tuesday. I wrote it and then totally forgot to post it. Oops.
So they're having big meetings at work all week with sales reps and whatnot, so of course they cater in all these lovely lunches from Panera and Jimmy John's which means...
LEFTOVER PICKLES!!
There's a huge box of leftover pickles in the company fridge this morning, and one of the other pregnant women at work is in the lunch room with me so I stage-whisper to her:
Psst! Lisa! PICKLES!!
And her eyes light all up and we grab forks and dig in, and I get back to my cube (where I sit next to yet another pregnant woman) and I say:
Hey! Kelly! PICKLES!!
And HER eyes light all up and she goes, "I LOVE pickles!" and we all giggle together. I'm on my second spear and it's only 8:48 AM. Mmmmmm.
So Lucy is wailing last night about some tragedy in her little toddler life, with her mouth wiiiiide open, and I notice: a MOLAR. The girl had only her front two choppers, top and bottom, and out pops a MOLAR. Poor thing!!
Gramps came up yesterday to spoil the Pants for the rest of the week until Thanksgiving. So cute together.
Gus had a little in-utero freak-out yesterday. I watched my belly shake and bounce for a bit and then realized that she might be a little upset in there. So I petted my tummy and whispered "Mommy's here, it's all right" and what do you know, it worked.
So they're having big meetings at work all week with sales reps and whatnot, so of course they cater in all these lovely lunches from Panera and Jimmy John's which means...
LEFTOVER PICKLES!!
There's a huge box of leftover pickles in the company fridge this morning, and one of the other pregnant women at work is in the lunch room with me so I stage-whisper to her:
Psst! Lisa! PICKLES!!
And her eyes light all up and we grab forks and dig in, and I get back to my cube (where I sit next to yet another pregnant woman) and I say:
Hey! Kelly! PICKLES!!
And HER eyes light all up and she goes, "I LOVE pickles!" and we all giggle together. I'm on my second spear and it's only 8:48 AM. Mmmmmm.
So Lucy is wailing last night about some tragedy in her little toddler life, with her mouth wiiiiide open, and I notice: a MOLAR. The girl had only her front two choppers, top and bottom, and out pops a MOLAR. Poor thing!!
Gramps came up yesterday to spoil the Pants for the rest of the week until Thanksgiving. So cute together.
Gus had a little in-utero freak-out yesterday. I watched my belly shake and bounce for a bit and then realized that she might be a little upset in there. So I petted my tummy and whispered "Mommy's here, it's all right" and what do you know, it worked.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Well, I never!
Just got back from my 26-week glucose screen (where they check for gestational diabetes). I passed... but barely. I got a 136, and 140 is the danger-zone cutoff. I can't believe it! I was, like, at 72 with Lucy. Dang! What did I do? Where did I go wrong?
Obviously, I'm not going to stress about it... but geez. I wonder if this has anything to do with the large amounts of Halloween candy I've been eating. I feel like a failure! Cripes.
Obviously, I'm not going to stress about it... but geez. I wonder if this has anything to do with the large amounts of Halloween candy I've been eating. I feel like a failure! Cripes.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Defying Gravity
Quick review of Wicked: IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!
It is so rare to anticipate something as much as I was anticipating seeing Wicked, and actually have it live up to, nay, surpass my expectations. The costumes, the music, the scenery, the dancing, the VOICES were all simply amazing.
We had kind of a scary trip downtown -- we left Mom & Dad's house at 5:45 for an 8:00 show, and the traffic report actually said that the traffic on the part of the Northwest Tollway that we'd be traveling was "horrible and awful" (or something like that, Jean what was the direct quote?). And, I mean, for those of you who know that Chicago traffic is generally horrible and usually awful... to actually hear the announcer describe it that way, well, we were getting VERY nervous about making it down there in time.
Jean set us a goal (apparently having goals is important to nurses these days) of hitting the River Rd. toll plaza by 6:40, which we (barely) made, and then we ended up being about 1/2 hour early for the show. We got our seats (7th row!!!!) and ran into Sarah (Radel) Rudeye (omigosh I have NO idea how to spell that) and her sisters. (Sarah went to WSU and dated Tom Hawbecker for a while, so while I'd never met her, I knew OF her. Joel's the one who recognized her.)
ANYWAY, like I said the show was fabulous. Ana Gasteyer played Elphaba, and who knew she could sing like that?? The rest of the cast was great, and the costumes were totally brilliant (Exhibit A: there was a scene-change where some ensemble members dance across the stage in these extravagant, huge ball gowns that you NEVER SEE AGAIN; Exhibit B: in the "Emerald City" scene there's one ensemble member doing the same choreography as everyone else, but wearing lime-green toe shoes).
The whole show was just gorgeous -- loved it, loved it. All righty, back to work.
It is so rare to anticipate something as much as I was anticipating seeing Wicked, and actually have it live up to, nay, surpass my expectations. The costumes, the music, the scenery, the dancing, the VOICES were all simply amazing.
We had kind of a scary trip downtown -- we left Mom & Dad's house at 5:45 for an 8:00 show, and the traffic report actually said that the traffic on the part of the Northwest Tollway that we'd be traveling was "horrible and awful" (or something like that, Jean what was the direct quote?). And, I mean, for those of you who know that Chicago traffic is generally horrible and usually awful... to actually hear the announcer describe it that way, well, we were getting VERY nervous about making it down there in time.
Jean set us a goal (apparently having goals is important to nurses these days) of hitting the River Rd. toll plaza by 6:40, which we (barely) made, and then we ended up being about 1/2 hour early for the show. We got our seats (7th row!!!!) and ran into Sarah (Radel) Rudeye (omigosh I have NO idea how to spell that) and her sisters. (Sarah went to WSU and dated Tom Hawbecker for a while, so while I'd never met her, I knew OF her. Joel's the one who recognized her.)
ANYWAY, like I said the show was fabulous. Ana Gasteyer played Elphaba, and who knew she could sing like that?? The rest of the cast was great, and the costumes were totally brilliant (Exhibit A: there was a scene-change where some ensemble members dance across the stage in these extravagant, huge ball gowns that you NEVER SEE AGAIN; Exhibit B: in the "Emerald City" scene there's one ensemble member doing the same choreography as everyone else, but wearing lime-green toe shoes).
The whole show was just gorgeous -- loved it, loved it. All righty, back to work.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
The Big Lake They Call Gitchigumee
Hi gang!
Happy Thursday. Guess what? I'm 25 weeks preg today. How the heck did that happen? Other miscellany, with links to things more interesting than this blog:
Happy Thursday. Guess what? I'm 25 weeks preg today. How the heck did that happen? Other miscellany, with links to things more interesting than this blog:
- Happy 30th Anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Does anyone know where the love of God goes?
- The main thing occupying my mind these days is my job, which I will not be blogging about.
- We're going to visit my folks this weekend and we have tickets to Wicked. I CANNOT STINKING WAIT.
- I really love MPR's 89.3 The Current radio station. And I am so glad I can get reception at my desk now.
Monday, November 07, 2005
The Edge of Reason
Am reading "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" and so inner monologue is in stunted weird diary-speak. So blog entry will follow. Apologies if v. confusing.
Not exactly rollicking, child-free wild fun of days gone by, but lovely nonetheless.
Friday night
Had nice dinner (Green Mill) out with Donna, John, Julie, Jamie, Jeff, and Doris and the girls on Friday night. Dinner enjoyable despite having to navigate "The Shoppes of Arbor Lakes" (obviously a misnomer; "Seven Circles of Hell" much more accurate what with curving streets and approximately 400 different strip malls all crammed into one "shopping experience." V. stressful having to navigate; not sure what insidious, evil force would allow such atrocious monstrosity of commercialism to be constructed.)
Was kind of exhausted after that, so just went home instead of to movie.
Saturday, 7:30 a.m.
Awaken and realize nobody in house is wearing a wet diaper and needing to be fed.
Is weird.
8:30 a.m.
Finally haul self out of bed. Enjoy leisurely bowl of cereal but no coffee since out of creamer. Attempt to create homemade "creamer" by steaming milk and adding shot of hazelnut flavoring. Not same. Joel kecks (how do you spell that?) and refuses to drink it. Later gripes about scalded milk stuck to bottom of pan. Sullen uncaffeinated conversation ensues.
9:25 a.m.
Depart for Roseville to pick up my car from my work, where it was left last night despite driving through Roseville on way home from Maple Grove.
10:04 a.m.
Arrive at Amy Jane's Bridal in St. Paul, approximately 15 seconds before Mandy. Yay not late! Fun wedding-dress-trying-on ensues! Meet lovely girl Karen who escorts us through many levels of dresses hidden in cool old building. Have private fitting room with pretty decorating and cup of sweet tea. Just delightful, v. romantic and elegant establishment.
11:15 a.m.
Except I am not the one trying on dresses. Not as much fun.
11:45 a.m.
And pregnant woman getting a little hungry.
12:00 p.m.
Oh dear now we're going to another shop rather than to lunch.
1:45 p.m.
Second shop less spacious but with MANY more dresses, so not as fairy-taley an experience. Plus mother, grandmother, and friend-of-other-bride-in-store keep piling coats/purses/whatnot on only available chair for v.-weak-from-hunger-pangs pregnant woman to sit on. Pregnant woman having to keep asking if OK to remove said coats/purses/whatnot so could sit down in-between dresses being tried on.
Hooray! Pregnant woman found leftover Halloween fun-size Snickers bar in purse. Gobbled quickly, being careful not to touch chocolate with fingers as said fingers might be needed to fondle wedding-gown-train at any moment.
And Mandy found a dress!! Double hooray!! She was so happy and it was really fun getting to share the experience with her. Will have to remember to call Mandy to ask if she went back today to check on dress. Is really beautiful gown and makes Mandy look stunning. Wish her much much happiness on wedding day and always.
And she bought lunch (actually breakfast foods, yum yum YUM!). Hoorays all around.
2:30 p.m.
Arrived home, dropping off special-request three soft-shell Taco Supremes for Joel and then heading out with intent to purchase SHOES for SELF.
3:30 p.m.
Did not buy shoes; bought new shower curtain and liner. And coffee creamer and cereal. IS NOT ADMISSION OF LOSS OF YOUTHFUL EXHUBERANCE. SHOWER CURTAIN WAS IMPULSIVE AND UNNECESSARY PURCHASE!! Ignoring fact that old one was super-mildewy and definitely at least 5 years old.
12:30 a.m.
Just returned from v. wonderful evening out with JG. Dined at Joe's Crab Shack in Roseville (had been craving shellfish despite having shrimp Friday night at Green Mill... but is not a pregnancy thing as shellfish ALWAYS fave food, next to pie and homemade caramel corn and candy-corn-with-peanuts and what was I talking about?). Right. Went a little crazy, ordering virgin daiquiri and extra crab and even dessert. Could really eat crab from now until end of world and never ever tire of it, as long as neverending conveyor belt of crab periodically punctuated by pie.
Went to see Jarhead after; kind of a different flick; I really liked it. Kind of bummed that Child-Free-Weekend did not coincide with release of Rent or Memoirs of a Geisha or Walk the Line or about six other movies I really want to see.
SUNDAY
Met Gronaus and Briners at Bakers Square in Maple Grove (v. grateful this particular restaurant located on very fringe of Arbor Lakes Circles of Hell so did not have to navigate horrid commercialist mess) and had a de-lish brekky. Took Lulu home (v. good to see pudgy little face, missed terribly) and had an afternoon nap. Went to Watsons' for a playdate and watched as Lucy detached self from Watsons' couch and took about eight solo steps toward me before crashing to bottom. Spent entire evening encouraging Lucy to walk from me to Joel and back, which she did with great relish and enthusiasm. Little hoot v. proud of self and rightfully so. Caught a bit of it on video for posterity. But v. difficult to hold running video camera and catch tentatively-toddling 14-month old at same time. But v. v. fun and would not trade for eternal conveyor belt of crabmeat.
Not exactly rollicking, child-free wild fun of days gone by, but lovely nonetheless.
Friday night
Had nice dinner (Green Mill) out with Donna, John, Julie, Jamie, Jeff, and Doris and the girls on Friday night. Dinner enjoyable despite having to navigate "The Shoppes of Arbor Lakes" (obviously a misnomer; "Seven Circles of Hell" much more accurate what with curving streets and approximately 400 different strip malls all crammed into one "shopping experience." V. stressful having to navigate; not sure what insidious, evil force would allow such atrocious monstrosity of commercialism to be constructed.)
Was kind of exhausted after that, so just went home instead of to movie.
Saturday, 7:30 a.m.
Awaken and realize nobody in house is wearing a wet diaper and needing to be fed.
Is weird.
8:30 a.m.
Finally haul self out of bed. Enjoy leisurely bowl of cereal but no coffee since out of creamer. Attempt to create homemade "creamer" by steaming milk and adding shot of hazelnut flavoring. Not same. Joel kecks (how do you spell that?) and refuses to drink it. Later gripes about scalded milk stuck to bottom of pan. Sullen uncaffeinated conversation ensues.
9:25 a.m.
Depart for Roseville to pick up my car from my work, where it was left last night despite driving through Roseville on way home from Maple Grove.
10:04 a.m.
Arrive at Amy Jane's Bridal in St. Paul, approximately 15 seconds before Mandy. Yay not late! Fun wedding-dress-trying-on ensues! Meet lovely girl Karen who escorts us through many levels of dresses hidden in cool old building. Have private fitting room with pretty decorating and cup of sweet tea. Just delightful, v. romantic and elegant establishment.
11:15 a.m.
Except I am not the one trying on dresses. Not as much fun.
11:45 a.m.
And pregnant woman getting a little hungry.
12:00 p.m.
Oh dear now we're going to another shop rather than to lunch.
1:45 p.m.
Second shop less spacious but with MANY more dresses, so not as fairy-taley an experience. Plus mother, grandmother, and friend-of-other-bride-in-store keep piling coats/purses/whatnot on only available chair for v.-weak-from-hunger-pangs pregnant woman to sit on. Pregnant woman having to keep asking if OK to remove said coats/purses/whatnot so could sit down in-between dresses being tried on.
Hooray! Pregnant woman found leftover Halloween fun-size Snickers bar in purse. Gobbled quickly, being careful not to touch chocolate with fingers as said fingers might be needed to fondle wedding-gown-train at any moment.
And Mandy found a dress!! Double hooray!! She was so happy and it was really fun getting to share the experience with her. Will have to remember to call Mandy to ask if she went back today to check on dress. Is really beautiful gown and makes Mandy look stunning. Wish her much much happiness on wedding day and always.
And she bought lunch (actually breakfast foods, yum yum YUM!). Hoorays all around.
2:30 p.m.
Arrived home, dropping off special-request three soft-shell Taco Supremes for Joel and then heading out with intent to purchase SHOES for SELF.
3:30 p.m.
Did not buy shoes; bought new shower curtain and liner. And coffee creamer and cereal. IS NOT ADMISSION OF LOSS OF YOUTHFUL EXHUBERANCE. SHOWER CURTAIN WAS IMPULSIVE AND UNNECESSARY PURCHASE!! Ignoring fact that old one was super-mildewy and definitely at least 5 years old.
12:30 a.m.
Just returned from v. wonderful evening out with JG. Dined at Joe's Crab Shack in Roseville (had been craving shellfish despite having shrimp Friday night at Green Mill... but is not a pregnancy thing as shellfish ALWAYS fave food, next to pie and homemade caramel corn and candy-corn-with-peanuts and what was I talking about?). Right. Went a little crazy, ordering virgin daiquiri and extra crab and even dessert. Could really eat crab from now until end of world and never ever tire of it, as long as neverending conveyor belt of crab periodically punctuated by pie.
Went to see Jarhead after; kind of a different flick; I really liked it. Kind of bummed that Child-Free-Weekend did not coincide with release of Rent or Memoirs of a Geisha or Walk the Line or about six other movies I really want to see.
SUNDAY
Met Gronaus and Briners at Bakers Square in Maple Grove (v. grateful this particular restaurant located on very fringe of Arbor Lakes Circles of Hell so did not have to navigate horrid commercialist mess) and had a de-lish brekky. Took Lulu home (v. good to see pudgy little face, missed terribly) and had an afternoon nap. Went to Watsons' for a playdate and watched as Lucy detached self from Watsons' couch and took about eight solo steps toward me before crashing to bottom. Spent entire evening encouraging Lucy to walk from me to Joel and back, which she did with great relish and enthusiasm. Little hoot v. proud of self and rightfully so. Caught a bit of it on video for posterity. But v. difficult to hold running video camera and catch tentatively-toddling 14-month old at same time. But v. v. fun and would not trade for eternal conveyor belt of crabmeat.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Oi!
What a week. It's a good thing those New Deal guys didn't decide on a 50-hour workweek; I'd be toast.
Lucy's going to spend the weekend with Joel's p's. While it makes me sad, since I get to spend such little time with her all week... I am REALLY looking forward to:
a. napping.
b. taking a bath, or four.
c. reading a book, or three.
d. shopping. Joel doesn't know it but I aim to buy some very cute shoes.
e. wedding dress shopping with Mandy!
f. going out to dinner with Joel tomorrow.
Yay.
Last couple nights, JG and I entertain ourselves by standing Lu up on her little stockinged feet and then gingerly backing up, to try to get her to walk to us. Just watching her work to keep her balance is amazing -- I feel like she's a Barbie doll, and there's no way she can hold her balance for even a few seconds... but that little inner-ear of hers is obviously working, and I can see her catch and re-catch herself. Super cool.
Lucy's going to spend the weekend with Joel's p's. While it makes me sad, since I get to spend such little time with her all week... I am REALLY looking forward to:
a. napping.
b. taking a bath, or four.
c. reading a book, or three.
d. shopping. Joel doesn't know it but I aim to buy some very cute shoes.
e. wedding dress shopping with Mandy!
f. going out to dinner with Joel tomorrow.
Yay.
Last couple nights, JG and I entertain ourselves by standing Lu up on her little stockinged feet and then gingerly backing up, to try to get her to walk to us. Just watching her work to keep her balance is amazing -- I feel like she's a Barbie doll, and there's no way she can hold her balance for even a few seconds... but that little inner-ear of hers is obviously working, and I can see her catch and re-catch herself. Super cool.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
One ultrasound more -- 24 weeks
Hi gang.
Had another U/S this morning to check on that placenta of mine. (Or rather, of Gus's.) It has moved (and the tech actually said that "moved," AKA "migrated" is a misnomer, since it's really attached to the side of the uterus, and the uterus just grows (like a balloon blowing up) so that's why it looks like it's moving) a whole nother centimeter away from the cervix. The doctor says it's probably fine, and explained that the "PR" is still in effect but that it doesn't have to be quite as, erm, restrictive as we thought... um, that's too much detail. Anyway.
Everything else looked fine -- Gus was moving around in there and that's that.
Big sister, however, has been a BEAR. Maybe it was too early to think about taking the nuk away -- oi she's been a very large handful the last couple of days. My friend Nikki told me that when you have 2 kids, taking it "one day at a time" is impossible and you just take it "one minute at a time." I guess she's got a point -- I should just worry about the kids being clothed and fed and safe and let everything else just go by the wayside.
I have another headache. I NEVER had headaches with Lucy. If Gus isn't a boy she's going to have a lot of 'splainin' to do.
Had another U/S this morning to check on that placenta of mine. (Or rather, of Gus's.) It has moved (and the tech actually said that "moved," AKA "migrated" is a misnomer, since it's really attached to the side of the uterus, and the uterus just grows (like a balloon blowing up) so that's why it looks like it's moving) a whole nother centimeter away from the cervix. The doctor says it's probably fine, and explained that the "PR" is still in effect but that it doesn't have to be quite as, erm, restrictive as we thought... um, that's too much detail. Anyway.
Everything else looked fine -- Gus was moving around in there and that's that.
Big sister, however, has been a BEAR. Maybe it was too early to think about taking the nuk away -- oi she's been a very large handful the last couple of days. My friend Nikki told me that when you have 2 kids, taking it "one day at a time" is impossible and you just take it "one minute at a time." I guess she's got a point -- I should just worry about the kids being clothed and fed and safe and let everything else just go by the wayside.
I have another headache. I NEVER had headaches with Lucy. If Gus isn't a boy she's going to have a lot of 'splainin' to do.
A farce of stupid proportions
So yesterday my boss comes flying into my cube at like 11:40 -- she's been in a meeting with a Mystery Client all morning. "Have you eaten? Can you be bribed?" she asks.
Me, and free food? Uh, yes. Now, we work in Roseville where there are approximately 5,000 restaurants within a 3-mile radius. But for some crazy reason, Susan and the Mystery Client just had to have Panera. Panera's good and all, but the closest one is practically in downtown Minneapolis. At best, a 10- or 15-minute drive.
But I hop in my car and tear off, my mind filled with all the brownie points I'm earning, and the free lunch I'm getting. And I don't even mind shelling out a quarter for meter parking, or trotting across the city street in my 4" heels, or standing in a line 50-persons-long to order my sandwich. I finally get my food (three sandwiches, one lemonade and six cookies (apparently Mystery Client requires MANY cookies) for the low, low price of $28.13!!) and drive BACK to Roseville.
And I'm dashing down the freeway at 70 MPH and I realize that in order to avoid the embarrassing scene of "Gee, which sandwich is mine?" when I arrive at the office, I'd better take MY sandwich out of the large brown paper sack. So (still driving) I grab the topmost sandwich, and as soon as I have it up out of the bag and over my lap...
It explodes.
And there is sammy EVERYWHERE. My (black) skirt is covered in flakes of cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, friggin' "artisan" bread chunks and mayonnaisey chicken.
Oh... and I had ordered the roast beef.
So I am swearing and laughing and crying and SWEARING and still driving and I have NO idea how I'm going to re-assemble this sandwich so it even faintly resembles the Handcrafted Delicacy which I'm sure Mystery Client is expecting.
I pull into the lot and try to cram the sandwich back together, and get the Artisan Bread with its fancy diagonal cut re-aligned with the other unscathed sandwich half, and wrap the mess in the paper wrapping, and wrap my coat around my mayonnaisey skirt and head on into the conference room.
Where I smoothly and professionally place the bag on the table, then turn tail and run.
And the roast beef wasn't even that good.
Me, and free food? Uh, yes. Now, we work in Roseville where there are approximately 5,000 restaurants within a 3-mile radius. But for some crazy reason, Susan and the Mystery Client just had to have Panera. Panera's good and all, but the closest one is practically in downtown Minneapolis. At best, a 10- or 15-minute drive.
But I hop in my car and tear off, my mind filled with all the brownie points I'm earning, and the free lunch I'm getting. And I don't even mind shelling out a quarter for meter parking, or trotting across the city street in my 4" heels, or standing in a line 50-persons-long to order my sandwich. I finally get my food (three sandwiches, one lemonade and six cookies (apparently Mystery Client requires MANY cookies) for the low, low price of $28.13!!) and drive BACK to Roseville.
And I'm dashing down the freeway at 70 MPH and I realize that in order to avoid the embarrassing scene of "Gee, which sandwich is mine?" when I arrive at the office, I'd better take MY sandwich out of the large brown paper sack. So (still driving) I grab the topmost sandwich, and as soon as I have it up out of the bag and over my lap...
It explodes.
And there is sammy EVERYWHERE. My (black) skirt is covered in flakes of cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, friggin' "artisan" bread chunks and mayonnaisey chicken.
Oh... and I had ordered the roast beef.
So I am swearing and laughing and crying and SWEARING and still driving and I have NO idea how I'm going to re-assemble this sandwich so it even faintly resembles the Handcrafted Delicacy which I'm sure Mystery Client is expecting.
I pull into the lot and try to cram the sandwich back together, and get the Artisan Bread with its fancy diagonal cut re-aligned with the other unscathed sandwich half, and wrap the mess in the paper wrapping, and wrap my coat around my mayonnaisey skirt and head on into the conference room.
Where I smoothly and professionally place the bag on the table, then turn tail and run.
And the roast beef wasn't even that good.
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