We didn’t do baby school this time around. I may regret that when it comes time to breast feed. I turned out to be a brilliant breastfeeder (I’ve always wanted to say that…) but the start was, um, rocky to say the least. But I know we will muddle through with a little help from our friends…. (My best friend is a freakin’ lactation consultant and the proud mother of a pair of ta-tas that have nursed three little ones into toddlerhood….. and she’s just a phone call away….)
I almost got kicked out of baby school for comparing that little plastic thingy that shows the centimeters of dilation to a spaghetti measurer. What? That’s what it looks like. I believe the comment was, “Shit. That’d make enough spaghetti for a football team.”
Hot Stuff almost got kicked out for saying, “No fuckin’ way.” Outloud. When she showed the model of the pelvis and the model of the baby head and how that whole situation was supposed to work. He also swears he wrote “would be better with beer” on the comment card for “Daddy Boot Camp.”
The breathing. Does this actually work for anyone? Now, I did use some very serious yoga-breathing techniques but all that hoo-hoo-hee-hee stuff just made me lightheaded…. It could be that I was thinking I was still in early labor and I was actually in TRANSITION…. So, my mistake.
Don’t let your husband eat onion sandwiches. Really. There were a few choice gems that came out of Baby School…. This was one of them.
Timing contractions. I’m sure they taught us this but damned if I can remember. I think it is from the start of one to the start of the next…. And since I’ve posted about it twice today maybe I should stop obsessing and just look it up on the internet.
Slow dance your partner through her contractions. Hot Stuff says this is the biggest load of crap he’s every heard…. He couldn’t even catch up to me…. Let alone dance with me. He finally looked deeply into my eyes and said, “I’ll do whatever you need. If you need me I’ll be sitting in this chair right here.” And I went back to pacing my little lap around the room…. Pausing only to stand straddled over the toilet during contractions because I felt like I was going to pee…. Sorry, tmi, but I think people need to KNOW these things are a possibility….
Think of a flower bud opening gracefully. Yes, indeed, this is the image I am supposed to have of my cervix. You wanna know what I thought about? Some sort of sci-fi telescope aperture. You know what I’m talking about…. I wish I could find a picture….
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Because it isn't all about me.....
In other news:
I finally dusted my living room and the only spot that wasn’t totally coated was the “naughty chair.” Yes, indeed, we are two now.
Sweet Boy LOVES the diving board. I believe this is another case of his physical development being far in advance of his mental development. He has NO FEAR about the diving board and bails off while mama-shamu floats nearby with a funoodle and prays his skinny little arms don’t squirt out of his arm floaties. He doesn’t know he should be scared to jump and now has started doing silly arm motions like he’s going to dive like he sees the big kids do…. NO FEAR. Sprinklers, on the other hand, terrify him.
My dear sweet boy has no idea what he is in for..... I just hope he continues to be so good at entertaining himself. Last night he wanted to paint so we got out his "painting box" (a white boot box that is turning into quite the work of art) and his paints (sponge-tops… the only way to go) and we sat on the porch and painted until the wind started blowing. I got to read most of a magazine, put my feet up & drink a big glass of peppermint tea all the while congratulating myself on fostering my son's creativity & independent spirit.
Driving home the other night. Sweet Boy & I have the tunes turned up loud & we are rocking out to the Shrek soundtrack. SB says, “Wait, Mama, Cwap.” (Cwap? Did he just hooey in his pants? Is this going back to the, “Look, Mama, it’s full of cwap.” Thing when he filled his toy horse trailer with play dough? Mama brains move at lightning speed when trying to decipher the babbling of the young.) I say, “What?” And SB responds with, “Cwap. Mama. Cwap. Like dis.” And he starts clapping his hands in time to the music.
I finally dusted my living room and the only spot that wasn’t totally coated was the “naughty chair.” Yes, indeed, we are two now.
Sweet Boy LOVES the diving board. I believe this is another case of his physical development being far in advance of his mental development. He has NO FEAR about the diving board and bails off while mama-shamu floats nearby with a funoodle and prays his skinny little arms don’t squirt out of his arm floaties. He doesn’t know he should be scared to jump and now has started doing silly arm motions like he’s going to dive like he sees the big kids do…. NO FEAR. Sprinklers, on the other hand, terrify him.
My dear sweet boy has no idea what he is in for..... I just hope he continues to be so good at entertaining himself. Last night he wanted to paint so we got out his "painting box" (a white boot box that is turning into quite the work of art) and his paints (sponge-tops… the only way to go) and we sat on the porch and painted until the wind started blowing. I got to read most of a magazine, put my feet up & drink a big glass of peppermint tea all the while congratulating myself on fostering my son's creativity & independent spirit.
Driving home the other night. Sweet Boy & I have the tunes turned up loud & we are rocking out to the Shrek soundtrack. SB says, “Wait, Mama, Cwap.” (Cwap? Did he just hooey in his pants? Is this going back to the, “Look, Mama, it’s full of cwap.” Thing when he filled his toy horse trailer with play dough? Mama brains move at lightning speed when trying to decipher the babbling of the young.) I say, “What?” And SB responds with, “Cwap. Mama. Cwap. Like dis.” And he starts clapping his hands in time to the music.
Happy Due Date to Me.....
Every morning I check around the bed just to make sure the baby didn’t fall out during the night. So far…. Nothing. There seem to be several reasons I’m just not quite ready to go into labor.
1. FYE. It’s a big deadline for me at work and it is officially over today. Well, at midnight tonight.
2. My sis-in-law is here and my sister isn’t. Don’t get me wrong. I’m sure I’ve mentioned my sis-in-law is wonderful person. I KNOW if I go into labor she will want to be supportive & helpful & in the delivery room if at all possible. WE MUST AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS…. Because who wants to see another child in the system just because a mom couldn’t control herself and killed her sister-in-law during labor and delivery?? And I just don’t think I would be very good at making license plates…..
3. My sister isn’t here. She’s in Calgary at the Stampede (and having her own “Could I plead insanity if I killed someone in Canada right now?” issues as my mother is traveling with her and can be, ehem, a bit of a challenge.) She gets back Sunday and would really like me to hold off hatching until then.
4. I can’t remember how to time contractions. Seriously. I think it is the beginning of one to the beginning of the next one but I’m just not sure. How did women do this stuff before they knew they were supposed to time their contractions??
5. My teats aren’t waxy.
6. My husband keeps staying out late on fires… this is actually a good thing since we need that overtime pay to cover the costs of having a baby. Indeed, I put the baby on the credit card…. So I’m getting frequent flyer miles AND a new kid. I’d call that a bargain at ANY price.
7. I have ice cream to finish. I will switch to Wilcoxson’s fudgecicles after the baby is born…. I can wolf those down one-handed…. But for now there is a carton of Dreyer’s slow-churned (that stuff is GOOD) calling my name and it requires two hands (or The Shelf) to eat. Have I mentioned I’m actually SCARED to eat a root beer float?? I have so much to do at work and I’m so worried about SIL wanting to be in l&d with me I am AVOIDING things that, superstitiously, MIGHT put me into labor (well, the root beer float seemed to be what did it LAST time…. Says my pregnant brain….)
8. My loving & supportive husband (who assures me there is no way ON GOD’S GREEN EARTH I DON’T CARE IF HELL DID JUST FREEZE OVER & YOU”RE MAKING MARGARITAS FOR THE PARTY his sister will be anywhere NEAR the hospital for delivery) is having strange anxiety dreams about redneck mafia guys and fire protection issues and being run off the road by fancy black cars & redneck pickups and it cracks me up.
9. We’ve decided on names…. Officially. (oops…. That’s a reason TO go into labor, isn’t it??)
10. I’m wearing really cute panties today and I just can’t WAIT for another trial run at the stirrups for my appointment this afternoon. Really. You can’t practice that stuff enough.
11. Everyone says I’m really gorgeous in the shamu-suit.
12. I bought a pack of newborn diapers and they are so tiny I don’t want to use them…. So I’m waiting until the kid is too big for them like Sweet Boy was….I
13. ’m really out of shape. At some point in the next 3-4 days I really need to get in shape for delivery…. Hit the gym, do some yoga, go for a walk…. something. You know the phrase, “Damn, I wish I’d done some Kegal’s.” is going to come out of my mouth during the drive to the hospital. There. I just did a few now…. I feel better, don’t you??
1. FYE. It’s a big deadline for me at work and it is officially over today. Well, at midnight tonight.
2. My sis-in-law is here and my sister isn’t. Don’t get me wrong. I’m sure I’ve mentioned my sis-in-law is wonderful person. I KNOW if I go into labor she will want to be supportive & helpful & in the delivery room if at all possible. WE MUST AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS…. Because who wants to see another child in the system just because a mom couldn’t control herself and killed her sister-in-law during labor and delivery?? And I just don’t think I would be very good at making license plates…..
3. My sister isn’t here. She’s in Calgary at the Stampede (and having her own “Could I plead insanity if I killed someone in Canada right now?” issues as my mother is traveling with her and can be, ehem, a bit of a challenge.) She gets back Sunday and would really like me to hold off hatching until then.
4. I can’t remember how to time contractions. Seriously. I think it is the beginning of one to the beginning of the next one but I’m just not sure. How did women do this stuff before they knew they were supposed to time their contractions??
5. My teats aren’t waxy.
6. My husband keeps staying out late on fires… this is actually a good thing since we need that overtime pay to cover the costs of having a baby. Indeed, I put the baby on the credit card…. So I’m getting frequent flyer miles AND a new kid. I’d call that a bargain at ANY price.
7. I have ice cream to finish. I will switch to Wilcoxson’s fudgecicles after the baby is born…. I can wolf those down one-handed…. But for now there is a carton of Dreyer’s slow-churned (that stuff is GOOD) calling my name and it requires two hands (or The Shelf) to eat. Have I mentioned I’m actually SCARED to eat a root beer float?? I have so much to do at work and I’m so worried about SIL wanting to be in l&d with me I am AVOIDING things that, superstitiously, MIGHT put me into labor (well, the root beer float seemed to be what did it LAST time…. Says my pregnant brain….)
8. My loving & supportive husband (who assures me there is no way ON GOD’S GREEN EARTH I DON’T CARE IF HELL DID JUST FREEZE OVER & YOU”RE MAKING MARGARITAS FOR THE PARTY his sister will be anywhere NEAR the hospital for delivery) is having strange anxiety dreams about redneck mafia guys and fire protection issues and being run off the road by fancy black cars & redneck pickups and it cracks me up.
9. We’ve decided on names…. Officially. (oops…. That’s a reason TO go into labor, isn’t it??)
10. I’m wearing really cute panties today and I just can’t WAIT for another trial run at the stirrups for my appointment this afternoon. Really. You can’t practice that stuff enough.
11. Everyone says I’m really gorgeous in the shamu-suit.
12. I bought a pack of newborn diapers and they are so tiny I don’t want to use them…. So I’m waiting until the kid is too big for them like Sweet Boy was….I
13. ’m really out of shape. At some point in the next 3-4 days I really need to get in shape for delivery…. Hit the gym, do some yoga, go for a walk…. something. You know the phrase, “Damn, I wish I’d done some Kegal’s.” is going to come out of my mouth during the drive to the hospital. There. I just did a few now…. I feel better, don’t you??
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Update.....
Yeah.... nothin'.
But I did have fun last night at the grocery store telling people I was due in 36 hours......
But I did have fun last night at the grocery store telling people I was due in 36 hours......
Friday, July 07, 2006
"Are your teats getting waxy??"
"Are your teats getting waxy??"
Ok, so that is going on record as the STRANGEST pregnant-lady question EVER. And guess who asked? MY DAD. He's a vet and, apparently, mares get waxy teats just before they foal. (And, hey, who knows?? Might help with that nursing nipple pain... maybe the horses are on to something.) But I do love how he refers to it as foaling. Not labor, not delivery... just, "So, have you foaled yet??"
The Wednesday stats: 39weeks0days. 38 cm... same as last week. Up less than a pound. 25 lbs for the pregnancy. 140-150 heart rate. Head down. No internal exam so nothing to report there. I did put in a few minutes in the outside hot tub (it isn't very hot but more like a warm bath....) and several hours in the pool this week so I'm hoping that helps the dilation.
My doc says, "You are at 39 weeks. You've had a text book pregnancy so far. You have a week left.... don't screw it up." I love that man. We discussed c-section rates in the area and his personal views on it. We also discussed car seat positioning for two in a car, a Jeep Cherokee & a bigger pickup with suicide doors. He told me the only way he can maintain an office practice as a family doc is because most women go into labor at night so he rarely has to cancel his office hours. Isn't that interesting?
I'm in that last little stage of pregnancy that I sort of forgot about... the one where you can't call anyone.... because when your number shows on caller id they answer all breathless and asking, "Is it a girl? Is it a boy?" and I have to say, "No, it's just me." And then they sound so disappointed. I can't handle disappointing people like that.
And the nesting..... I'm a nesting sort of person by nature.... pregnancy just takes it to a new level... a boarderline psychotic level..... Wednesday morning I decided I could start packing up maternity clothes. I was one week from delivery and I know he won't let me go more than 14 days over my due date so if I keep out my favorite 7 outfits and plan to wear each of them three times.... yes, people, this is mommy-math and it is going to do nothing but get funnier after baby #2 is born.....
And just for those of you wondering... the 7 favorite outfits are: 1. The 1940's curtains top (see previous picture) with denim capris. 2. the white Adidas t-shirt with pale blue capris. 3. the red Old Navy camisole top with dark blue shorts. 4. the black t-shirt with the black flowered skirt (a non-maternity item) 5. The blue-black striped stretchy shirt & denim skirt. 6. the white sleeveless polo and black yoga pants. 7. The stretchy pink & black flowered shirt & the black skirt or black capris. And, of course, the famous shamu suit.... I really must get pics of my maternity swimwear this weekend.... because you all deserve a good solid gut laugh for sticking with me through this whole post.
And with that.... I'm outta here. Maybe my next post will have baby pictures.... but probably not.....
Weekly Update from Nadine's Mama
Hello dear friends!
Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July weekend -- we sure did. We dragged the whole family up to Lincoln for the Rodeo on Sunday. It almost felt like a regular old summer watching Levi look for his boots in "The Boot Race!" He was the last little guy in the arena, because some other kid took one of his boots, and therefore the two left were not a matched set. He knew the rules, and he was supposed to put on HIS boots!!!!!
We went to the (name removed) Ranch for our annual July 4th barbeque and fireworks, and were delighted to be there as usual. Didn't think we'd probably make it this year.....
Nadine had her check-up this morning, and here's what we know:
1. We'll check back in to St. Pete's first thing Monday morning to start round three of chemo.
2. Sometime on Tuesday they'll do a full-body CT Scan, to make sure that nothing new is growing where it shouldn't be.... (that scares the cr...p out of me).
3. We'll be there about a week. She usually is feeling great for visitors the first day, and into the mid-afternoon of the second day. The second evening and third day really stink, and we keep her knocked out as much as possible. Sleeping is merciful, in this case. Then, by that evening and into day 5, she has seemed to perk up again. Keep in mind that I'm basing this on her previous two rounds of this chemo protocol, and this one could be completely different!!!
4. This means that we have the rest of this week and the weekend to really LIVE IT UP!!!
Friday evening, July 7th, Levi will be riding sheep (aka "Mutton-Busting") at the East Helena Rodeo. He will ride in the "pre-rodeo" which is about 6:30pm. The regular rodeo schedule starts at 7:00 pm. We'll be there in the Levi cheering section, with Nadine, and hope you can come to cheer him on!!!
Saturday, July 8th, we'll all be attending mass at "Our Lady of Lourdes" in Marysville (the little country church where we got married) and then attending the annual Marysville Pioneer Picnic. This is the once-a-year opportunity to attend mass in this beautiful historic building. Father Dan, from Our Lady of the Valley, serves mass, and usually the Brennan's are the music ministry. It's awesome. If you can join us, that would be wonderful. Also, the Pioneer Picnic is a lovely family afternoon in our little ghost town with a colorful past! Games for kids, Baron of Beef picnic lunch, live music and auctions, etc. Hope to see you here.
Thanks to everyone for keeping us sane this summer, and helping in so many ways.
Love, The Mama
Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July weekend -- we sure did. We dragged the whole family up to Lincoln for the Rodeo on Sunday. It almost felt like a regular old summer watching Levi look for his boots in "The Boot Race!" He was the last little guy in the arena, because some other kid took one of his boots, and therefore the two left were not a matched set. He knew the rules, and he was supposed to put on HIS boots!!!!!
We went to the (name removed) Ranch for our annual July 4th barbeque and fireworks, and were delighted to be there as usual. Didn't think we'd probably make it this year.....
Nadine had her check-up this morning, and here's what we know:
1. We'll check back in to St. Pete's first thing Monday morning to start round three of chemo.
2. Sometime on Tuesday they'll do a full-body CT Scan, to make sure that nothing new is growing where it shouldn't be.... (that scares the cr...p out of me).
3. We'll be there about a week. She usually is feeling great for visitors the first day, and into the mid-afternoon of the second day. The second evening and third day really stink, and we keep her knocked out as much as possible. Sleeping is merciful, in this case. Then, by that evening and into day 5, she has seemed to perk up again. Keep in mind that I'm basing this on her previous two rounds of this chemo protocol, and this one could be completely different!!!
4. This means that we have the rest of this week and the weekend to really LIVE IT UP!!!
Friday evening, July 7th, Levi will be riding sheep (aka "Mutton-Busting") at the East Helena Rodeo. He will ride in the "pre-rodeo" which is about 6:30pm. The regular rodeo schedule starts at 7:00 pm. We'll be there in the Levi cheering section, with Nadine, and hope you can come to cheer him on!!!
Saturday, July 8th, we'll all be attending mass at "Our Lady of Lourdes" in Marysville (the little country church where we got married) and then attending the annual Marysville Pioneer Picnic. This is the once-a-year opportunity to attend mass in this beautiful historic building. Father Dan, from Our Lady of the Valley, serves mass, and usually the Brennan's are the music ministry. It's awesome. If you can join us, that would be wonderful. Also, the Pioneer Picnic is a lovely family afternoon in our little ghost town with a colorful past! Games for kids, Baron of Beef picnic lunch, live music and auctions, etc. Hope to see you here.
Thanks to everyone for keeping us sane this summer, and helping in so many ways.
Love, The Mama
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Further Evidence to Support the Theory of Evolution....
Is it coincidence a pint of Ben & Jerry's nestles perfect spoon-distance on the anatomy of a pregnant woman? I think not.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Wednesday Stats: T minus 2 weeks....
Well, I gained another pound. I'm up 23 for the pregnancy, but only 3 for the month. Hooray for cooler weather and no swelling. Measuring 38 cm.
Did the internal exam & strep b test today.
Dilated to 2 cm & 30% effaced. This will be my last exam until my due date on the 12th unless I ask for one.... who in their right-mind would ASK for an exam??
So far here is what everyone is predicting...... I will remind ya'll there will be fabulous prizes for whoever comes the closest.....
KR: Boy, July 14, 8lbs 1oz.
One Crue Girl: Girl, July 15, 9lbs 4oz.
Susan: Girl, July 17, 6lbs, 8oz.
Me, I'll just be sitting here daydreaming about a Mother's ring with two diamonds (hey, something COULD happen before Friday).
Did the internal exam & strep b test today.
Dilated to 2 cm & 30% effaced. This will be my last exam until my due date on the 12th unless I ask for one.... who in their right-mind would ASK for an exam??
So far here is what everyone is predicting...... I will remind ya'll there will be fabulous prizes for whoever comes the closest.....
KR: Boy, July 14, 8lbs 1oz.
One Crue Girl: Girl, July 15, 9lbs 4oz.
Susan: Girl, July 17, 6lbs, 8oz.
Me, I'll just be sitting here daydreaming about a Mother's ring with two diamonds (hey, something COULD happen before Friday).
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
This week
The last weekend in June is, traditionally, the Augusta Rodeo. This rodeo used to be a true hell raiser. I'm talkin' a guy driving a dozer through town every morning to clear the beer cans out of the street..... seriously. Bodies everywhere. People making a fortune on recycling cans.
I use the last weekend in June to, as Jimmy Buffet would say, "I took off for a weekend last month just to try and recall the whole year."
6 years ago this week: A friend of mine keeps bugging me to meet this friend of her boyfriend. I finally caved and met him in August. August 12th actually.
4 years ago this week: I was a newlywed and we were trying to make a baby. I always get confused about this because the date on our groom's cake was the wrong year..... yup, it said "June 1, 2001" and it wasn't....
3 years ago this week: We had survived a year of Hot Stuff teaching in a town about 45 minutes (plus hell construction) away. Every vehicle we owned had a broken windshield and he was completely burnt out on teaching. After a little over a year of trying & several "probable but unconfirmed" miscarriages I was finally truly pregnant and we had just announced the news to our families. Little did I know..... next week I would miscarry and require copious quantities of tequila and maxi pads to make it through the weeks ahead.
2 years ago this week: I had a new baby and we took him to his first rodeo.
Last year this week: We were trying for baby #2. My best friend was visiting with her three little ones and we were having a blast going to the "lake" and the carousel and making lovely meals every evening (Lala, I miss your enchiladas). Hell, Target becomes a 5 star destination when you have two mamas of similar spirit and adventure running the show. We painted my bathroom & my dryer. (I need you to come back..... Sweet Boy's room needs painting and you KNOW I can't pick a color without you.) It really made me understand how a polygamist relationship could actually be a good thing..... well....
This year this week: I have a sweet little boy who doesn't yet know a 2-year-old is supposed to be naughty and another one due any day. I spend my time contemplating the same things other mamas think about..... "When did Dyson vs Oreck become important?" and "How do I maintain hip-mama status with a minivan & a sun visor?" and "How do I figure out what kind of new, sexy music to listen too that is for grown ups?" and "How do I fit-in with the other mamas without becoming one of those moms?" and "Which super hero would I be?"
I use the last weekend in June to, as Jimmy Buffet would say, "I took off for a weekend last month just to try and recall the whole year."
6 years ago this week: A friend of mine keeps bugging me to meet this friend of her boyfriend. I finally caved and met him in August. August 12th actually.
4 years ago this week: I was a newlywed and we were trying to make a baby. I always get confused about this because the date on our groom's cake was the wrong year..... yup, it said "June 1, 2001" and it wasn't....
3 years ago this week: We had survived a year of Hot Stuff teaching in a town about 45 minutes (plus hell construction) away. Every vehicle we owned had a broken windshield and he was completely burnt out on teaching. After a little over a year of trying & several "probable but unconfirmed" miscarriages I was finally truly pregnant and we had just announced the news to our families. Little did I know..... next week I would miscarry and require copious quantities of tequila and maxi pads to make it through the weeks ahead.
2 years ago this week: I had a new baby and we took him to his first rodeo.
Last year this week: We were trying for baby #2. My best friend was visiting with her three little ones and we were having a blast going to the "lake" and the carousel and making lovely meals every evening (Lala, I miss your enchiladas). Hell, Target becomes a 5 star destination when you have two mamas of similar spirit and adventure running the show. We painted my bathroom & my dryer. (I need you to come back..... Sweet Boy's room needs painting and you KNOW I can't pick a color without you.) It really made me understand how a polygamist relationship could actually be a good thing..... well....
This year this week: I have a sweet little boy who doesn't yet know a 2-year-old is supposed to be naughty and another one due any day. I spend my time contemplating the same things other mamas think about..... "When did Dyson vs Oreck become important?" and "How do I maintain hip-mama status with a minivan & a sun visor?" and "How do I figure out what kind of new, sexy music to listen too that is for grown ups?" and "How do I fit-in with the other mamas without becoming one of those moms?" and "Which super hero would I be?"
Monday, June 26, 2006
So my brother has a girlfriend and I think she’s a Selkie…..
…. And other news from the weekend.
Mellow weekend. Saturday: Washed the infant carseat liner. Weeded the flowerbeds. Went to the Farmer’s Market. Walked around downtown with Sweet Boy. Still need to pack a hospital bag. Hooked up the portable air conditioner. Barbequed steaks & made amazing salads for dinner.
We went to the Augusta Rodeo yesterday and met my brother’s new girlfriend. I have a theory. You know that old folklore about Selkie women? They are seals but can shed their skin and take on lithe female form. If you steal their skins they have to stay in human form and marry you. Well, brother, hide that skin well…. I think she’s a keeper. Truly, it’s the only way I can figure a guy like my little bro could get a girl like her. She’s cute (stunning eyes) and funny. Smart. Motivated. She has opinions and plans. She seems to like my brother. She likes farming and knows a lot about it. She didn’t seem too fazed by meeting the whole nerd-herd in one big swoop. Sweet Boy likes her… he gave her a sticky little boy (alternate layers of sunscreen & dirt) hug when we left.
I tried to be nice & inviting. I managed to hide my awe as to the fact that she was with my brother. Hot Stuff made me promise not to smother her with questions and to give the two of them space. I tried. I hope I didn’t appear standoffish. I resisted the urge to document her photographically just to prove my brother is capable of dating.
Dating when you are (almost) 30 is different. He seems more relaxed and confident about himself. They seem comfortable together. Granted, there weren’t a whole lot of pda’s… but hell, it was about 95 degrees…. True affection was shown by sharing Nalgene bottles of fluids, not bodily fluids.
Now we just have to wait and see if the whole “family experience” was too much and she runs for the hills…..
Mellow weekend. Saturday: Washed the infant carseat liner. Weeded the flowerbeds. Went to the Farmer’s Market. Walked around downtown with Sweet Boy. Still need to pack a hospital bag. Hooked up the portable air conditioner. Barbequed steaks & made amazing salads for dinner.
We went to the Augusta Rodeo yesterday and met my brother’s new girlfriend. I have a theory. You know that old folklore about Selkie women? They are seals but can shed their skin and take on lithe female form. If you steal their skins they have to stay in human form and marry you. Well, brother, hide that skin well…. I think she’s a keeper. Truly, it’s the only way I can figure a guy like my little bro could get a girl like her. She’s cute (stunning eyes) and funny. Smart. Motivated. She has opinions and plans. She seems to like my brother. She likes farming and knows a lot about it. She didn’t seem too fazed by meeting the whole nerd-herd in one big swoop. Sweet Boy likes her… he gave her a sticky little boy (alternate layers of sunscreen & dirt) hug when we left.
I tried to be nice & inviting. I managed to hide my awe as to the fact that she was with my brother. Hot Stuff made me promise not to smother her with questions and to give the two of them space. I tried. I hope I didn’t appear standoffish. I resisted the urge to document her photographically just to prove my brother is capable of dating.
Dating when you are (almost) 30 is different. He seems more relaxed and confident about himself. They seem comfortable together. Granted, there weren’t a whole lot of pda’s… but hell, it was about 95 degrees…. True affection was shown by sharing Nalgene bottles of fluids, not bodily fluids.
Now we just have to wait and see if the whole “family experience” was too much and she runs for the hills…..
Friday, June 23, 2006
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Predictions
*UPDATE AT END
I'm back from my second once-a-week appointment.
The stats:
I gained half a pound and am up 22 lbs for the whole pregnancy. (Impressive until you remember I was 10-15 lbs heavy BEFORE the pregnancy.) And that is without the swelling weight I'm sure I'll gain later this week when the weather gets hot.
My belly is 35cm. Down one from last week due to baby shifting and dropping. If it goes down 2-3cm in a week they worry about amniotic fluid. He is guessing it will be a smaller baby (SB was 8lbs, 10oz & 22 in) and if he had to guess he'd say low 7's for weight.
We don't know if it is a girl or boy and, honestly, don't care. Hot Stuff would like a girl. I have mixed feelings..... I just want it to be definitively one or the other and I'll be happy. We are making our friends and family crazy by not finding out the sex..... too late for another ultrasound now.
We are having some due date issues. Based on my lmp date (which is very, very accurate.... I won't go into details but I'd just returned from a long trip and Hot Stuff was on a fire after that....) my due date is July 12. Based on my February ultrasound my due date is July 15. So... whatever. I'm using "mid-July" as my due date.
Sweet Boy was lmp due May 25 (again with the very accurate thing.... what? Hot Stuff was headed to a 14-day dispatch and we figured we'd miss the window for that month anyway so we just had a fun one.... and that's why SB is my little love child.... all that stress and careful planning and in the end he was just a lucky little swimmer) and his multiple-ultrasound due date was May 17th. He was born June 1st. So... whatever.
So you want my predictions? I'm saying it will be a girl on July 17th. 7lbs, 7oz. (Tune in tomorrow when I post about the ten pound boy I just had......)
*Game ON. My friend K just emailed to say it will be a boy on July 14th. 8lbs, 1oz.
I'm back from my second once-a-week appointment.
The stats:
I gained half a pound and am up 22 lbs for the whole pregnancy. (Impressive until you remember I was 10-15 lbs heavy BEFORE the pregnancy.) And that is without the swelling weight I'm sure I'll gain later this week when the weather gets hot.
My belly is 35cm. Down one from last week due to baby shifting and dropping. If it goes down 2-3cm in a week they worry about amniotic fluid. He is guessing it will be a smaller baby (SB was 8lbs, 10oz & 22 in) and if he had to guess he'd say low 7's for weight.
We don't know if it is a girl or boy and, honestly, don't care. Hot Stuff would like a girl. I have mixed feelings..... I just want it to be definitively one or the other and I'll be happy. We are making our friends and family crazy by not finding out the sex..... too late for another ultrasound now.
We are having some due date issues. Based on my lmp date (which is very, very accurate.... I won't go into details but I'd just returned from a long trip and Hot Stuff was on a fire after that....) my due date is July 12. Based on my February ultrasound my due date is July 15. So... whatever. I'm using "mid-July" as my due date.
Sweet Boy was lmp due May 25 (again with the very accurate thing.... what? Hot Stuff was headed to a 14-day dispatch and we figured we'd miss the window for that month anyway so we just had a fun one.... and that's why SB is my little love child.... all that stress and careful planning and in the end he was just a lucky little swimmer) and his multiple-ultrasound due date was May 17th. He was born June 1st. So... whatever.
So you want my predictions? I'm saying it will be a girl on July 17th. 7lbs, 7oz. (Tune in tomorrow when I post about the ten pound boy I just had......)
*Game ON. My friend K just emailed to say it will be a boy on July 14th. 8lbs, 1oz.
Nadine is headed home from #2
Just got an email that Nadine & family are going home today. She checked in last Thursday for round 2 of treatment. After all the hubbub, fear & concern over her white cell counts last weekend it feels almost "normal" to be back into the "routine" of treatment.
I can't remember if I posted this or not but she has already lost all of her hair and that was very difficult for her (again). Her mom says her hospital social worker (or whatever her official title is.... she's a little patient advocate & counselor type person) approved her to order a wig and they were on sale so they ordered two. Both are blondish-brown... one is a bob and the other is pigtails. So she has at least a few options if she wants to dress up her gorgeous little globe of a head. It is really important to her and she's quite excited to get them.
Many thanks to all of you who have sent and are sending cards & packages.
I can't remember if I posted this or not but she has already lost all of her hair and that was very difficult for her (again). Her mom says her hospital social worker (or whatever her official title is.... she's a little patient advocate & counselor type person) approved her to order a wig and they were on sale so they ordered two. Both are blondish-brown... one is a bob and the other is pigtails. So she has at least a few options if she wants to dress up her gorgeous little globe of a head. It is really important to her and she's quite excited to get them.
Many thanks to all of you who have sent and are sending cards & packages.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Just Ask
Tomorrow is National Ask Day.* Please do it.
*For the record: Yes. Many. All handguns are in locking cases in the laundry room pantry on the top shelf. All rifles & shotguns have safety locks. All ammunition is stored in the garage. All keys are in the empty cigar box on top of the computer armoire.
And if you think this means I'm an "easy mark" for robbery or something..... think again. I have a 4-D maglite named Mary by my bed and I actually HAVE practiced beating the hell out of a heavy bag with her. (What? I used to teach self-defense.) And I have a dog that only weighs 45 pounds but he will EAT YOUR SHIT if you mess with me or mine....
*For the record: Yes. Many. All handguns are in locking cases in the laundry room pantry on the top shelf. All rifles & shotguns have safety locks. All ammunition is stored in the garage. All keys are in the empty cigar box on top of the computer armoire.
And if you think this means I'm an "easy mark" for robbery or something..... think again. I have a 4-D maglite named Mary by my bed and I actually HAVE practiced beating the hell out of a heavy bag with her. (What? I used to teach self-defense.) And I have a dog that only weighs 45 pounds but he will EAT YOUR SHIT if you mess with me or mine....
T-minus 3 weeks and one day to my "official" due date of July 12th.
Anyone like to place bets as to when this child will hatch?
Keep in mind:
1. Sweet Boy was about 5-6 days late.
2. I'm measuring smaller with this baby. (But SB was 8lbs, 10oz and 22 inches.)
3. I feel amazing. No swelling yet. No heartburn. Sleeping well. No napping after work. (go ahead... hate me..... I'm sure I'll pay by having a naughty baby.)
4. I'm having fairly regular Braxton-Hicks contractions... as a matter of fact, I'm having one right now. But nothing that gets into any sort of pattern. And sometimes they do something to that nerve on the inside of my leg and it hurts... what's that about??
5. My best friend called me over a week ago and said, "How does it feel to be more pregnant that I ever was?" (She never made it past 36 weeks with any of her 3 kids.) I'm still not sure what my snappy-clever-witty response SHOULD have been..... but what I did say was, "Uuhhhh. Bitch." Clever, I know.
Things I am not prepared for:
1. I can't find one box of tiny baby stuff. I'm pretty sure it is the tiny clothes & the night-time nursing bras... who knows what else. The only remaining place it could be is the garage rafters (we had an unfortunate stuff-stashing incident with the rafters... Hot Stuff couldn't take it anymore and started jamming boxes up there.) So I've decided I am not climbing up there or down will come baby... belly and all.... so I wait patiently for my knight-in-shining to get off his ass and go up there.... or I wait for being home after delivery.... I can climb up there my own damn self then.
2. The hospital bag.... it is not packed. (Although the camera is charged & I have some take-out menus printed.... why aren't take-out menus on any of those "what to pack" lists?)
3. A lengthy delivery. Last time my big fear was being sent home from the hospital with false labor.... I really dreaded that condescending pat on the head from some salty old nurse. Well, she tried that with her, "Are you SURE you are in labor?" (Well, no, it's my first baby and, well, I woke up at 1:30 and I got here about 5:00.... did I come in too early?) and "We'll put a sheet on the bed before we exam you so we don't mess the bed up for the next gal." (And, to quote my doc less than two hours later, "Go ahead and push and why the hell is there a sheet on this bed?") So, you see, I have some serious standards to live up too this time.... everyone is expecting a record-breaking roadside delivery from me..... what if I have 76 hours of labor? I will cry.
Keep in mind:
1. Sweet Boy was about 5-6 days late.
2. I'm measuring smaller with this baby. (But SB was 8lbs, 10oz and 22 inches.)
3. I feel amazing. No swelling yet. No heartburn. Sleeping well. No napping after work. (go ahead... hate me..... I'm sure I'll pay by having a naughty baby.)
4. I'm having fairly regular Braxton-Hicks contractions... as a matter of fact, I'm having one right now. But nothing that gets into any sort of pattern. And sometimes they do something to that nerve on the inside of my leg and it hurts... what's that about??
5. My best friend called me over a week ago and said, "How does it feel to be more pregnant that I ever was?" (She never made it past 36 weeks with any of her 3 kids.) I'm still not sure what my snappy-clever-witty response SHOULD have been..... but what I did say was, "Uuhhhh. Bitch." Clever, I know.
Things I am not prepared for:
1. I can't find one box of tiny baby stuff. I'm pretty sure it is the tiny clothes & the night-time nursing bras... who knows what else. The only remaining place it could be is the garage rafters (we had an unfortunate stuff-stashing incident with the rafters... Hot Stuff couldn't take it anymore and started jamming boxes up there.) So I've decided I am not climbing up there or down will come baby... belly and all.... so I wait patiently for my knight-in-shining to get off his ass and go up there.... or I wait for being home after delivery.... I can climb up there my own damn self then.
2. The hospital bag.... it is not packed. (Although the camera is charged & I have some take-out menus printed.... why aren't take-out menus on any of those "what to pack" lists?)
3. A lengthy delivery. Last time my big fear was being sent home from the hospital with false labor.... I really dreaded that condescending pat on the head from some salty old nurse. Well, she tried that with her, "Are you SURE you are in labor?" (Well, no, it's my first baby and, well, I woke up at 1:30 and I got here about 5:00.... did I come in too early?) and "We'll put a sheet on the bed before we exam you so we don't mess the bed up for the next gal." (And, to quote my doc less than two hours later, "Go ahead and push and why the hell is there a sheet on this bed?") So, you see, I have some serious standards to live up too this time.... everyone is expecting a record-breaking roadside delivery from me..... what if I have 76 hours of labor? I will cry.
The things you hear if you listen long enough....
"I don't know if mice taste good... let's not find out, ok buddy?" (Hot Stuff & Sweet Boy on the front porch this morning watching the cat enjoy her fresh breakfast.)
"Well, her daddy's big farm sure makes her ass look smaller." (Only my brother could say something like that.....)
"I wish we had a bigger fuckin' tv." (ME..... watching game 7 of the Stanley Cup..... crouched about 2 feet in front of the tv doing some amazingly graceful contortions while I watched the Oilers go down fighting.)
"I want a cookie. I want a yellow cookie." (Sweet Boy... talking in his sleep..... that's my boy.)
"Roll over. I'm tired of serving in the advanced capacity as a glorified wheel chuck to keep you from sleeping on your back. And don't try to justify it by calling is SNUGGLING." (Hot Stuff to me.... but he didn't remember saying it because when I called him "Chuck" this morning he didn't know what I was talking about.)
"Crap. It's crap, mama." (Sweet Boy, as he fills his horse trailer with play-dough.)
"My goodness, that boy sure is starting to enunciate his rrr's, isn't he?" (My mom, after Sweet Boy tells HER it's crap.)
"They swimmin'." (Sweet Boy's response when I ask why all his little plastic men are in my watering can.)
"Well, her daddy's big farm sure makes her ass look smaller." (Only my brother could say something like that.....)
"I wish we had a bigger fuckin' tv." (ME..... watching game 7 of the Stanley Cup..... crouched about 2 feet in front of the tv doing some amazingly graceful contortions while I watched the Oilers go down fighting.)
"I want a cookie. I want a yellow cookie." (Sweet Boy... talking in his sleep..... that's my boy.)
"Roll over. I'm tired of serving in the advanced capacity as a glorified wheel chuck to keep you from sleeping on your back. And don't try to justify it by calling is SNUGGLING." (Hot Stuff to me.... but he didn't remember saying it because when I called him "Chuck" this morning he didn't know what I was talking about.)
"Crap. It's crap, mama." (Sweet Boy, as he fills his horse trailer with play-dough.)
"My goodness, that boy sure is starting to enunciate his rrr's, isn't he?" (My mom, after Sweet Boy tells HER it's crap.)
"They swimmin'." (Sweet Boy's response when I ask why all his little plastic men are in my watering can.)
Who needs toys when you have a dog food tub??
He really WANTED me to put the lid on the tub. He did. I didn't. He loves it when I push him around on the bare floors and spin the "car" in circles. This was originally our dog food container.... now it is a mobile toy box (note destructive toy mess in background of photo). Have you ever seen such delicious legs?
Monday, June 19, 2006
Monday, June 05, 2006
Redneck Parenting 101
I go to the farm for 2 days and all of my redneck parenting instincts just bloom.
Your hands are covered in filth from the shop floor.... here, have a goldfish cracker.
You want to ride a 4-wheeler? Sure. The helmet is vintage 1974? No problem... I'm sure it will protect your precious gourd if you fall off.
Carseats? Fertilizer trucks don't have carseats.
Going into a mud puddle over your boot tops does so count as washing between your toes.
You want to wear the same grime-encrusted jeans you wore yesterday? Why not? Less laundry.
Cwap? The cattle trailer is full of..... oh, my, I can't wait to hear what new words you teach the other daycare kids on Monday.
Why hasn't Fisher Price developed a toy that mimics the hydraulics on a tractor bucket?
A packet of "pressed meat," 3 slices of cheese and a baby carrot is a perfect lunch.
Wiping your nose on a baby kitten isn't really excellent social etiquette.
Fishing for blue gills and crying when Daddy catch-n-releases them because you wanted to pet them like the kittens.
Your grandpa trying to potty train you by showing you how to pee in the dirt.
Sure you can go drive the hantavirus-infested old schoolbus parked behind the shop... I think they just use it to store deadly chemicals now.
You picking up a giant sledge hammer and trying to take a swing at the sprayer boom.
The air compressor scaring you.
Going out to feed cows with grandpa at 6:30 am and then needing to eat a second breakfast around 9:00 because you've been working so hard.
You played on a dirt pile most of one afternoon while the guys put in forms to pour concrete..... I've never seen such a filthy child.
We sent Auntie up to test out the treehouse before we let you go up with her... so we are sort of responsible parents, aren't we? Oh, and we didn't let you light the garbage barrels on fire (that's daddy's job) and we made you come in the house (and quit playing on the giant METAL swingset) when the lightening started.....
Your hands are covered in filth from the shop floor.... here, have a goldfish cracker.
You want to ride a 4-wheeler? Sure. The helmet is vintage 1974? No problem... I'm sure it will protect your precious gourd if you fall off.
Carseats? Fertilizer trucks don't have carseats.
Going into a mud puddle over your boot tops does so count as washing between your toes.
You want to wear the same grime-encrusted jeans you wore yesterday? Why not? Less laundry.
Cwap? The cattle trailer is full of..... oh, my, I can't wait to hear what new words you teach the other daycare kids on Monday.
Why hasn't Fisher Price developed a toy that mimics the hydraulics on a tractor bucket?
A packet of "pressed meat," 3 slices of cheese and a baby carrot is a perfect lunch.
Wiping your nose on a baby kitten isn't really excellent social etiquette.
Fishing for blue gills and crying when Daddy catch-n-releases them because you wanted to pet them like the kittens.
Your grandpa trying to potty train you by showing you how to pee in the dirt.
Sure you can go drive the hantavirus-infested old schoolbus parked behind the shop... I think they just use it to store deadly chemicals now.
You picking up a giant sledge hammer and trying to take a swing at the sprayer boom.
The air compressor scaring you.
Going out to feed cows with grandpa at 6:30 am and then needing to eat a second breakfast around 9:00 because you've been working so hard.
You played on a dirt pile most of one afternoon while the guys put in forms to pour concrete..... I've never seen such a filthy child.
We sent Auntie up to test out the treehouse before we let you go up with her... so we are sort of responsible parents, aren't we? Oh, and we didn't let you light the garbage barrels on fire (that's daddy's job) and we made you come in the house (and quit playing on the giant METAL swingset) when the lightening started.....
Friday, June 02, 2006
The eyes have it....
Hot Stuff had cataract surgery 3 years ago. Recently his eyesight has been getting cloudy and dark and blurry so the doc needed to go in and dynamite a hole with a laser to fix it. Seriously…. That’s how Hot Stuff described it. And that’s why I generally treat him like a 6-year-old regarding medical issues. But, turns out, basically, he’s accurate. So Wednesday we trekked to Great Falls where the ophthalmologist that works with his regular eye doctor performs this procedure twice a month.
It all started with a bad book choice. I hit the library’s “new releases” section Tuesday night because I didn’t want the other people in the ophthalmologist’s office to know I’ve been reading trashy Nora Roberts books for the last two weeks (why I bothered, I don’t know…. None of those people could SEE the title of my book anyway now could they?). So I got a book by Terry Goodkind. Why is he such a big seller? I remember reading the first two of his sci-fi series long ago. I thought they were fine but nothing stellar. So why did I pick up this one? Well, I just read and enjoyed (do I sound surprised? I was surprised) a book by Diana Gabaldon. The concept? A woman accidentally goes back in time in Scotland. (You understand the surprise now, no?) So I thought maybe I needed more sci-fi but I couldn’t find the second in the Gabaldon series…. So I ended up with Terry and bored. The magazine selection was less than thrilling and the waiting room was packed so, when left to my own devices, I eavesdropped and people-watched and made judgmental assessments in my head.
First, the process. This is cattle-call surgery at it’s finest. Patients go to one building to check in and get dilated (their eyes…. Although hugely pregnant me thought of THAT too). Then they are sent to ANOTHER building for the procedure. We walked over because Hot Stuff looked and said the parking lot was full. The parking lot wasn’t full but that’s what I get for trusting a guy who needs eye surgery to look. We needed the exercise anyway which brings me to my next thought…. SIZE. No, not just the fact that all the “vision center” signs were in teeny text…. I’m talking size as in super-size me. The majority of the people were huge….. why? Is it the obesity epidemic I keep hearing about? Is it some correlation between being overweight, diabetes & cataracts? I don’t know but somebody should write a book about it.
They called Hot Stuff back and put a purple sharpie dot over the eye he was having worked on…. Then she dilated him…. Again. I’m pretty sure that was a big oopsie. He came back to the waiting room and gave me his personal stuff (we weren’t sure at this point how big a deal this procedure was going to be so he gave me his hat, sunglasses, pen, St. Florian’s medal & cell phone) and then they called 6 patients up. I watched them line up in chairs along a hallway. They each got two packets of eyedrops and post-op instructions. Then they called them in one at a time and as each one went in (I’m not kidding) they all had to move down one chair and a new person was called to fill in the empty seat. Hot Stuff said it was disconcerting but not really too bad until the guy next to him (a retired music teacher) started singing some sort of twisted “musical chairs” theme.
Meanwhile, the nurse is calling for James. There are, apparently, two people named James in the office. One is back in the musical chairs line and paying attention and keeps perking up at her when she says his name. The other is lost somewhere in the sea of people in the waiting room. And there is this poor little woman named Jane who keeps trying to get in line every time the nurse calls for James. Picture a tiny, deaf, perhaps slightly demented woman in polyester pants standing about 6 inches from the nurse yelling, “Are you saying Jane? JANE? J-A-N-E? I’m Jane.”
And then Hot Stuff went through the procedure room door. And Jane wandered back and took his seat. Hot Stuff was in there less than 4 minutes. He came out, took his sunglasses & hat, and we were outta there. Seriously.
And off to our traditional Jaker’s soup-n-salad bar lunch. Indeed, it is where we go whenever anyone has medical procedures in Great Falls. Fabulous high-end salad bar and 5 different lovely soups. I had shrimp bisque & homemade tomato (with blue cheese sprinkles…. And don’t hassle me that pregnant women shouldn’t eat blue cheese…. Pregnant women shouldn’t eat unpasturized cheese and I challenge you to find a restaurant in Great Falls Montana that serves unpasturized cheese) and a giant plate of fresh greens smothered in oh-so-healthy things like creamy dressing, cheese, bacon bits & hard-boiled eggs. And, since we were celebrating Hot Stuff’s newfound (refound?) eyesight I had a hand-squeezed lemonade and he had a heffeweizen. (I admit… I stole a few sips…. Damn, that stuff is good… go ahead, hassle me about it.)
And I stole a packet of those little breadstick things for Sweet Boy because my grandma always used to bring those to me when I was little and I loved to pretend they were cigars or magic wands and then eat them. But I left a really big tip…. Because I felt guilty about being a master thief and because I always feel sorry for waitstaff when there is a buffet-style meal… I don’t think people tip well in those situations. And because I wanted to surprise and impress our waitress…. She tried to give the credit card slip to Hot Stuff (because he looks like a big tipper) and had a slightly crestfallen look when I took it…. I remember that about waiting tables….. the fear of stingy-wife syndrome.
So we headed for home, Hot Stuff took a nap, I cranked the ipod & wondered all the way home if Jane ever got the correct procedure done…..
It all started with a bad book choice. I hit the library’s “new releases” section Tuesday night because I didn’t want the other people in the ophthalmologist’s office to know I’ve been reading trashy Nora Roberts books for the last two weeks (why I bothered, I don’t know…. None of those people could SEE the title of my book anyway now could they?). So I got a book by Terry Goodkind. Why is he such a big seller? I remember reading the first two of his sci-fi series long ago. I thought they were fine but nothing stellar. So why did I pick up this one? Well, I just read and enjoyed (do I sound surprised? I was surprised) a book by Diana Gabaldon. The concept? A woman accidentally goes back in time in Scotland. (You understand the surprise now, no?) So I thought maybe I needed more sci-fi but I couldn’t find the second in the Gabaldon series…. So I ended up with Terry and bored. The magazine selection was less than thrilling and the waiting room was packed so, when left to my own devices, I eavesdropped and people-watched and made judgmental assessments in my head.
First, the process. This is cattle-call surgery at it’s finest. Patients go to one building to check in and get dilated (their eyes…. Although hugely pregnant me thought of THAT too). Then they are sent to ANOTHER building for the procedure. We walked over because Hot Stuff looked and said the parking lot was full. The parking lot wasn’t full but that’s what I get for trusting a guy who needs eye surgery to look. We needed the exercise anyway which brings me to my next thought…. SIZE. No, not just the fact that all the “vision center” signs were in teeny text…. I’m talking size as in super-size me. The majority of the people were huge….. why? Is it the obesity epidemic I keep hearing about? Is it some correlation between being overweight, diabetes & cataracts? I don’t know but somebody should write a book about it.
They called Hot Stuff back and put a purple sharpie dot over the eye he was having worked on…. Then she dilated him…. Again. I’m pretty sure that was a big oopsie. He came back to the waiting room and gave me his personal stuff (we weren’t sure at this point how big a deal this procedure was going to be so he gave me his hat, sunglasses, pen, St. Florian’s medal & cell phone) and then they called 6 patients up. I watched them line up in chairs along a hallway. They each got two packets of eyedrops and post-op instructions. Then they called them in one at a time and as each one went in (I’m not kidding) they all had to move down one chair and a new person was called to fill in the empty seat. Hot Stuff said it was disconcerting but not really too bad until the guy next to him (a retired music teacher) started singing some sort of twisted “musical chairs” theme.
Meanwhile, the nurse is calling for James. There are, apparently, two people named James in the office. One is back in the musical chairs line and paying attention and keeps perking up at her when she says his name. The other is lost somewhere in the sea of people in the waiting room. And there is this poor little woman named Jane who keeps trying to get in line every time the nurse calls for James. Picture a tiny, deaf, perhaps slightly demented woman in polyester pants standing about 6 inches from the nurse yelling, “Are you saying Jane? JANE? J-A-N-E? I’m Jane.”
And then Hot Stuff went through the procedure room door. And Jane wandered back and took his seat. Hot Stuff was in there less than 4 minutes. He came out, took his sunglasses & hat, and we were outta there. Seriously.
And off to our traditional Jaker’s soup-n-salad bar lunch. Indeed, it is where we go whenever anyone has medical procedures in Great Falls. Fabulous high-end salad bar and 5 different lovely soups. I had shrimp bisque & homemade tomato (with blue cheese sprinkles…. And don’t hassle me that pregnant women shouldn’t eat blue cheese…. Pregnant women shouldn’t eat unpasturized cheese and I challenge you to find a restaurant in Great Falls Montana that serves unpasturized cheese) and a giant plate of fresh greens smothered in oh-so-healthy things like creamy dressing, cheese, bacon bits & hard-boiled eggs. And, since we were celebrating Hot Stuff’s newfound (refound?) eyesight I had a hand-squeezed lemonade and he had a heffeweizen. (I admit… I stole a few sips…. Damn, that stuff is good… go ahead, hassle me about it.)
And I stole a packet of those little breadstick things for Sweet Boy because my grandma always used to bring those to me when I was little and I loved to pretend they were cigars or magic wands and then eat them. But I left a really big tip…. Because I felt guilty about being a master thief and because I always feel sorry for waitstaff when there is a buffet-style meal… I don’t think people tip well in those situations. And because I wanted to surprise and impress our waitress…. She tried to give the credit card slip to Hot Stuff (because he looks like a big tipper) and had a slightly crestfallen look when I took it…. I remember that about waiting tables….. the fear of stingy-wife syndrome.
So we headed for home, Hot Stuff took a nap, I cranked the ipod & wondered all the way home if Jane ever got the correct procedure done…..
Rambling, ambling......
Well, after all that I though you could use something a bit uplifting.....
My options are to be shallow and brag about my day yesterday or be funny and tell you about my day Wednesday..... I'll start with yesterday.
June 1 is a Big Day for our family. My mom's birthday, our anniversary, my son's birthday. So we try to spread the celebration out over the course of at least a week..... Hot Stuff took the day off to "recover" from eye surgery (read: mow the lawn, find the perfect anniversary gift, play with Sweet Boy).
Around 10:00 the boys show up at my office with roses. Our receptionist had MADE A CAKE for Sweet Boy. So we had lemon cake & he got a present. Good start to the day. Then he got to go to the transfer station (aka. the dump) and that is his favorite place in the whole world. Grandma took him to story hour (why do they call it story hour when it is 20 minutes??) and I met them there. Then he got to go to Auntie's house and "help" her. (For some reason he has a fascination with cleaning her toilet.... I'm still trying to figure that one out.) He spent the evening eating pizza and being spoiled rotten by Grandma & Auntie while Hot Stuff & I went out for a romantic dinner. (AND my in-laws got us a gift certificate to the restaurant so we did it up right.) I wore my cute black skirt and we ate and talked and laughed. I only missed having a glass of wine with dinner a little bit. I made up for it by ordering a lovely dessert. For the first time EVER in his life Hot Stuff had to get a doggie bag. (Have I mentioned how skinny my husband is lately? I actually matched him on the scale last week and I'm sure I've passed him by this week.)
We got home from dinner in time to tuck our freshly bathed & jammied little boy into bed. Then we gave my mom her birthday present. Expensive but wonderful CK panties. Then we got into a big panty discussion and Hot Stuff had to go outside to move the sprinklers.... What? A discussion about undies with your mother-in-law is a problem?
In theory our "anniversary gift" is the refrigerator we were going to get for Valentine's Day. (It will be delivered on Monday.) But we decided a few little things would be ok. I got Hot Stuff the new Ivan Doig book (his favorite author) and a very cool fly-fishing book. And a few small practical items like rechargable batteries for his camera. My gift? Oh, I've been wanting adirondack (sp?) chairs for about 4 years now and we've never been able to find any. On our way into town on Wednesday we drove by this new place called (I'm not kidding) Gazebo Depot..... rotten location out in the middle of a field on North Montana and they will probably never last but..... THEY HAD CHAIRS. So, big score by Hot Stuff.... although he went way over the allowed $50 spending limit. He also got me a pack of AAA batteries (get your mind out of the gutter) and a flowered-handled screw driver. The batteries? Well, the night before he'd tried to change the batteries in Sweet Boy's electric toothbrush and realized EVERY SINGLE battery in a 15-pack of Rayovac's was dead..... expiration date: 2011. And he knows I forget to turn the ipod radio-transmitter-thing-a-ma-jig off in my car all the time and it eats the batteries. The screwdriver? Well, I have a red-handled 4-way screwdriver that is the "house" screwdriver and we were doing some "home repairs" on Saturday and SOMEHOW the screwdriver disappeared. (Most likely.... it is in the bottom of the toybox courtesy of one small mechanic or it got knocked in the garbage can and is gone, gone, gone.) But the cabinet thingy we put up looks very Pottery-Barn and I like it a lot.
We ended the day watching part of "The Producers" and laughing like lunatics. It really was quite lovely and perfect.
My options are to be shallow and brag about my day yesterday or be funny and tell you about my day Wednesday..... I'll start with yesterday.
June 1 is a Big Day for our family. My mom's birthday, our anniversary, my son's birthday. So we try to spread the celebration out over the course of at least a week..... Hot Stuff took the day off to "recover" from eye surgery (read: mow the lawn, find the perfect anniversary gift, play with Sweet Boy).
Around 10:00 the boys show up at my office with roses. Our receptionist had MADE A CAKE for Sweet Boy. So we had lemon cake & he got a present. Good start to the day. Then he got to go to the transfer station (aka. the dump) and that is his favorite place in the whole world. Grandma took him to story hour (why do they call it story hour when it is 20 minutes??) and I met them there. Then he got to go to Auntie's house and "help" her. (For some reason he has a fascination with cleaning her toilet.... I'm still trying to figure that one out.) He spent the evening eating pizza and being spoiled rotten by Grandma & Auntie while Hot Stuff & I went out for a romantic dinner. (AND my in-laws got us a gift certificate to the restaurant so we did it up right.) I wore my cute black skirt and we ate and talked and laughed. I only missed having a glass of wine with dinner a little bit. I made up for it by ordering a lovely dessert. For the first time EVER in his life Hot Stuff had to get a doggie bag. (Have I mentioned how skinny my husband is lately? I actually matched him on the scale last week and I'm sure I've passed him by this week.)
We got home from dinner in time to tuck our freshly bathed & jammied little boy into bed. Then we gave my mom her birthday present. Expensive but wonderful CK panties. Then we got into a big panty discussion and Hot Stuff had to go outside to move the sprinklers.... What? A discussion about undies with your mother-in-law is a problem?
In theory our "anniversary gift" is the refrigerator we were going to get for Valentine's Day. (It will be delivered on Monday.) But we decided a few little things would be ok. I got Hot Stuff the new Ivan Doig book (his favorite author) and a very cool fly-fishing book. And a few small practical items like rechargable batteries for his camera. My gift? Oh, I've been wanting adirondack (sp?) chairs for about 4 years now and we've never been able to find any. On our way into town on Wednesday we drove by this new place called (I'm not kidding) Gazebo Depot..... rotten location out in the middle of a field on North Montana and they will probably never last but..... THEY HAD CHAIRS. So, big score by Hot Stuff.... although he went way over the allowed $50 spending limit. He also got me a pack of AAA batteries (get your mind out of the gutter) and a flowered-handled screw driver. The batteries? Well, the night before he'd tried to change the batteries in Sweet Boy's electric toothbrush and realized EVERY SINGLE battery in a 15-pack of Rayovac's was dead..... expiration date: 2011. And he knows I forget to turn the ipod radio-transmitter-thing-a-ma-jig off in my car all the time and it eats the batteries. The screwdriver? Well, I have a red-handled 4-way screwdriver that is the "house" screwdriver and we were doing some "home repairs" on Saturday and SOMEHOW the screwdriver disappeared. (Most likely.... it is in the bottom of the toybox courtesy of one small mechanic or it got knocked in the garbage can and is gone, gone, gone.) But the cabinet thingy we put up looks very Pottery-Barn and I like it a lot.
We ended the day watching part of "The Producers" and laughing like lunatics. It really was quite lovely and perfect.
More Update Info....
This is from a family friend....
Hello all. For those of you who haven’t heard, after (name removed) sent this e-mail yesterday they ended up taking Nadine into the hospital and she was admitted. She will be there for at least a week if not longer. “Neutropenic” means that her immune system is very compromised and she is very susceptible to any and all kinds of buggies out there. (Name removed) says that Nadine is up for visitors. However, it has been suggested though to please limit visits to those who are very healthy. They ask that no flowers be sent as they carry pollens and other things that could make Nadine sick.
Nadine has lost 7 ½ pounds this past week due to the sores in her mouth and throat. The cells in the mouth and throat are the fastest growing and the chemo kills these, thus the cells in the lining of her mouth and throat cannot regenerate fast enough. This is causing her a lot of pain when she tries to eat. They are starting her on nutrition today, I am assuming through an IV drip of some sort.
(Name removed... another family friend) will try and e-mail later a more detailed update (her computer is temporarily down), but for now suffice it to say that the seriousness of this treatment is here. Levi is spending the day with family friends but is of course concerned about his sister.
Keep those prayers going!
Thank you all and God Bless you!
(family friend)
Hello all. For those of you who haven’t heard, after (name removed) sent this e-mail yesterday they ended up taking Nadine into the hospital and she was admitted. She will be there for at least a week if not longer. “Neutropenic” means that her immune system is very compromised and she is very susceptible to any and all kinds of buggies out there. (Name removed) says that Nadine is up for visitors. However, it has been suggested though to please limit visits to those who are very healthy. They ask that no flowers be sent as they carry pollens and other things that could make Nadine sick.
Nadine has lost 7 ½ pounds this past week due to the sores in her mouth and throat. The cells in the mouth and throat are the fastest growing and the chemo kills these, thus the cells in the lining of her mouth and throat cannot regenerate fast enough. This is causing her a lot of pain when she tries to eat. They are starting her on nutrition today, I am assuming through an IV drip of some sort.
(Name removed... another family friend) will try and e-mail later a more detailed update (her computer is temporarily down), but for now suffice it to say that the seriousness of this treatment is here. Levi is spending the day with family friends but is of course concerned about his sister.
Keep those prayers going!
Thank you all and God Bless you!
(family friend)
From Nadine's Momma
Hello friends of Nadine and Levi!
Thank you so much for all your wonderful visits, cards, gifts, prayers, thoughts, etc. these past weeks.
Yesterday at her Doctor's appointment, Nadine was diagnosed to be "neutropenic." This means her white blood cells (specifically the neutrophils) are WAY TOO LOW and we must exercise precautions so as not to expose her to nasty bugs, bacteria, viruses, etc. Mostly, she just feels like laying in bed anyway, so that's not too difficult. The movies are coming in VERY HANDY! She and Levi end each day by laying together in her hospital bed, and watching a movie together on the little DVD player. It's wonderful to see them adjust to the new reality!
She has lots of sores in her mouth, and a very sore throat, so she's not eating or drinking anything, unfortunately. Dr. (name removed) said that if she isn't eating by her check-up tomorrow, she'll probably be checking back into the hospital for a while.
For now, we're going into the Cancer Treatment Center every day, for her "Neupogin" shots. We were supposed to be able to give them to her at home, but our insurance company informed us that the prescription co-pay was going to be $700 per WEEK!!!!! So we're trying to figure out a different way of getting her those necessary white-cell-booster-shots. We've got some very good people working with us on this problem, so with luck, it will be worked out soon.
Thank you to (name removed) for his beautiful reminder of our little guy, Levi. He is, without a doubt, the one having the hardest time right now. He is really struggling, so I'm glad so many of you have responded to (name removed) note, and want to do something for him!!!
I've had quite a few emails and calls today, asking what type of thing Levi would like? He's such a wonderful little brother, he just wants to be with Nadine. He doesn't want to go off and play by himself without her. And he doesn't much care for being away from mommy and daddy right now, either!
Today, he asked me, "Mommy, when I get cancer, will people send movies to me?" It broke my heart. Of course I explained that he was not going to get cancer, and his 4-year-old logic immediately interpretted that to mean that he wasn't going to get any of his own movies, either. So, for those of you who asked, I guess he'd like to have some dvds of his own!
He loves animal adventures, so maybe things like "Free Willy," "The Bear," "The Seal," Etc. He loves wildlife and animal planet and things like that. He really loved the Harry Potter series. Does this help? (He already has Benji: Off the Leash, and Stuart Little) Oh, and he loves Toy Story and Toy Story II. Oh, I don't know. Whatever you think. And THANK YOU.
Much, much love to everyone. We can feel your support, and it's what is keeping us going right now.
Love,
The Momma of Nadine
Thank you so much for all your wonderful visits, cards, gifts, prayers, thoughts, etc. these past weeks.
Yesterday at her Doctor's appointment, Nadine was diagnosed to be "neutropenic." This means her white blood cells (specifically the neutrophils) are WAY TOO LOW and we must exercise precautions so as not to expose her to nasty bugs, bacteria, viruses, etc. Mostly, she just feels like laying in bed anyway, so that's not too difficult. The movies are coming in VERY HANDY! She and Levi end each day by laying together in her hospital bed, and watching a movie together on the little DVD player. It's wonderful to see them adjust to the new reality!
She has lots of sores in her mouth, and a very sore throat, so she's not eating or drinking anything, unfortunately. Dr. (name removed) said that if she isn't eating by her check-up tomorrow, she'll probably be checking back into the hospital for a while.
For now, we're going into the Cancer Treatment Center every day, for her "Neupogin" shots. We were supposed to be able to give them to her at home, but our insurance company informed us that the prescription co-pay was going to be $700 per WEEK!!!!! So we're trying to figure out a different way of getting her those necessary white-cell-booster-shots. We've got some very good people working with us on this problem, so with luck, it will be worked out soon.
Thank you to (name removed) for his beautiful reminder of our little guy, Levi. He is, without a doubt, the one having the hardest time right now. He is really struggling, so I'm glad so many of you have responded to (name removed) note, and want to do something for him!!!
I've had quite a few emails and calls today, asking what type of thing Levi would like? He's such a wonderful little brother, he just wants to be with Nadine. He doesn't want to go off and play by himself without her. And he doesn't much care for being away from mommy and daddy right now, either!
Today, he asked me, "Mommy, when I get cancer, will people send movies to me?" It broke my heart. Of course I explained that he was not going to get cancer, and his 4-year-old logic immediately interpretted that to mean that he wasn't going to get any of his own movies, either. So, for those of you who asked, I guess he'd like to have some dvds of his own!
He loves animal adventures, so maybe things like "Free Willy," "The Bear," "The Seal," Etc. He loves wildlife and animal planet and things like that. He really loved the Harry Potter series. Does this help? (He already has Benji: Off the Leash, and Stuart Little) Oh, and he loves Toy Story and Toy Story II. Oh, I don't know. Whatever you think. And THANK YOU.
Much, much love to everyone. We can feel your support, and it's what is keeping us going right now.
Love,
The Momma of Nadine
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Memorial Day or Labor Day...
I tried to go into labor last night. Really, I did. I went into labor with Sweet Boy at 1:30 am the day after Memorial Day…. So I tried for a repeat but failed.
Doc appt Friday was uneventful. Well, except he sprung a surprise “Let’s check your cervix” clause into the contract. He’s supposed to be so hands-off. Hah! Nothing says “holiday weekend” like a little cramping and spotting. Didn’t bother me too much but it makes Hot Stuff crazy and, of course, makes him deny me sexual favors….. which makes me grumpy.
The doc also said I’m measuring smaller than I did with Sweet Boy. I tried to get more info. Does that mean it is a girl? Does that mean s/he isn’t positioned correctly for the record-breaking speed birth I’m planning? Should I be eating more? Does this mean the baby needs more ice cream? Are you concerned? Should I be concerned? Is it because I started the pregnancy a solid 10 pounds heavier than I should be? You can hide a lot of baby in 10 pounds, can’t you? He gave me that mild look and said, “It doesn’t mean anything.” Rats.
I now officially go to two-week appointments. Next one is June 14th.
So then on Sunday one of my favorite ex-boyfriends called. He (and his wife) were in Yellowstone and would be through in the late afternoon…. Could they spend the night?
Um. Sure.
So we added two more chairs for the Major Birthday Bash ™ we had planned and continued with our lives.
Doc appt Friday was uneventful. Well, except he sprung a surprise “Let’s check your cervix” clause into the contract. He’s supposed to be so hands-off. Hah! Nothing says “holiday weekend” like a little cramping and spotting. Didn’t bother me too much but it makes Hot Stuff crazy and, of course, makes him deny me sexual favors….. which makes me grumpy.
The doc also said I’m measuring smaller than I did with Sweet Boy. I tried to get more info. Does that mean it is a girl? Does that mean s/he isn’t positioned correctly for the record-breaking speed birth I’m planning? Should I be eating more? Does this mean the baby needs more ice cream? Are you concerned? Should I be concerned? Is it because I started the pregnancy a solid 10 pounds heavier than I should be? You can hide a lot of baby in 10 pounds, can’t you? He gave me that mild look and said, “It doesn’t mean anything.” Rats.
I now officially go to two-week appointments. Next one is June 14th.
So then on Sunday one of my favorite ex-boyfriends called. He (and his wife) were in Yellowstone and would be through in the late afternoon…. Could they spend the night?
Um. Sure.
So we added two more chairs for the Major Birthday Bash ™ we had planned and continued with our lives.
Major Birthday Bash ™
Sweet Boy turns 2 on Thursday. Hot Stuff is having cataract surgery (again) the day before AND Thursday is also our anniversary AND my mom’s birthday AND my daycarista has this week off.
So we celebrated on Sunday night with spaghetti and chocolate cake. (With my amazing chocolate frosting.) I am not one of those people who believes in having a big party for a little person…. But I do love a party. We had the in-laws, Hot Stuff’s sister & family, my ex-college boyfriend & his wife (more on that later) and my sister. This weekend we will go to “the farm” and continue celebrating there. Much laughter, several small squealing children, no major calamities….. that pretty much sums it up. Sweet Boy ate his broccoli (even as his two cousins literally gagged on it) and did his best Shrek impersonation while eating his spaghetti… (Ah, weedrat….)
I actually LISTENED to Hot Stuff when he said we have TOO MANY TOYS in our house and got Sweet Boy a bike helmet, a spiderman toothbrush, new sippy cups, a few little art supplies and NO TOYS. Hot Stuff got him a giant bulldozer, a big backhoe & a little pickup and trailer (which Sweet Boy insisted on sleeping with). Do you see the issue here? Yes, my spouse is two-faced…. A nice ass, but two-faces.
So we celebrated on Sunday night with spaghetti and chocolate cake. (With my amazing chocolate frosting.) I am not one of those people who believes in having a big party for a little person…. But I do love a party. We had the in-laws, Hot Stuff’s sister & family, my ex-college boyfriend & his wife (more on that later) and my sister. This weekend we will go to “the farm” and continue celebrating there. Much laughter, several small squealing children, no major calamities….. that pretty much sums it up. Sweet Boy ate his broccoli (even as his two cousins literally gagged on it) and did his best Shrek impersonation while eating his spaghetti… (Ah, weedrat….)
I actually LISTENED to Hot Stuff when he said we have TOO MANY TOYS in our house and got Sweet Boy a bike helmet, a spiderman toothbrush, new sippy cups, a few little art supplies and NO TOYS. Hot Stuff got him a giant bulldozer, a big backhoe & a little pickup and trailer (which Sweet Boy insisted on sleeping with). Do you see the issue here? Yes, my spouse is two-faced…. A nice ass, but two-faces.
One more update...
Email from the momma on Monday:
We were released from the hospital this morning -- Nadine's blood counts were great and she's eating and drinking on her own. We're delighted to be home.
We arrived to find a hospital bed in the middle of our great room -- PERFECT!
Thank you all so much for everything. The DVDs and TV/DVD player were a God-Send. She loves all the movies, and watched endless hours of them...
Love, (the momma)
We were released from the hospital this morning -- Nadine's blood counts were great and she's eating and drinking on her own. We're delighted to be home.
We arrived to find a hospital bed in the middle of our great room -- PERFECT!
Thank you all so much for everything. The DVDs and TV/DVD player were a God-Send. She loves all the movies, and watched endless hours of them...
Love, (the momma)
Little Hero
Background: Nadine's mom & dad are these two totally lovely and lovable people. A lot of email has been flying around regarding the purchase of dvd's for Nadine. (The family got her a dvd/tv combo but they only own a total of FOUR dvd's.) The following is a reply to an email from a family friend who said, "I just got Princess Diaries 2 and Robots (for Levi)."
This is great.
I have no idea who is on this list and typically would not reply if I did not know the audience. I however was moved by the last entry in this email which simply stated:
"(for Levi)"
Let us not as a Christian family forget this beautiful bright eyed miracle named Levi whom is also a part of this family and the obstacles they have gone through and will continue to go through.
Levi is my hero and Cheri and Dan have done a wonderful job as his parents keeping him loved and comforted. Levi also needs to be remembered by us.
I say one more time so you all do not misunderstand me. LEVI is my hero!
Proudly signed by a father (of two little boys like Levi) who is proud of this strong little boy whom also has had to walk through a small bit of hell in all this.
(name removed)
This is great.
I have no idea who is on this list and typically would not reply if I did not know the audience. I however was moved by the last entry in this email which simply stated:
"(for Levi)"
Let us not as a Christian family forget this beautiful bright eyed miracle named Levi whom is also a part of this family and the obstacles they have gone through and will continue to go through.
Levi is my hero and Cheri and Dan have done a wonderful job as his parents keeping him loved and comforted. Levi also needs to be remembered by us.
I say one more time so you all do not misunderstand me. LEVI is my hero!
Proudly signed by a father (of two little boys like Levi) who is proud of this strong little boy whom also has had to walk through a small bit of hell in all this.
(name removed)
Friday, May 26, 2006
Chemo. Round One.
Following is an email update from a family friend.
Hi all--
Nadine checked in on Tuesday, May 23 to start her first (of six, I think) rounds of chemo. Today is day 4 of the process and I'm sure you are anxious for an update. The procedure for Nadine's chemo is to start her on anti-nausea drug, followed by a "rescue" drug that is designed to protect her bladder and remaining kidney from the harsh effects of chemo. After those drugs are in her system they start her on her chemo which, depending on the day, is a mix of 2 or 3 drugs (all of which have really long names). She repeats this process for 5 days in a row and then waits for the chemo to kill the fast growing cancer cells. Unfortunately it kills off good things too so she'll lose her hair in 2-3 weeks. She will then need to regain strength and her white blood count before beginning the process all over again.
Nadine has been rather sick and has not tolerated the chemo all that well. At first the anti-nausea drug made her 'floppy' and she couldn't control her body at all. They have increased her dose to a level that makes her very sleepy...the next step will be to find the right level that will keep her feeling well AND able to interact a bit more. Momma & Dad are taking turns with the night shift and hanging in there. Reality sets in a bit more everyday...today it was the news that there is a chance that Nadine may be in the hospital for weeks on end depending on her reaction to the chemo and side effects. Nadine will hopefully get out of the hospital on Sunday or Monday...I'll keep you posted.
BUT Nadine has, and will continue, to amaze us and today is no exception... I just got off the phone with Momma who reports that Nadine has tolerated chemo extremely well today, hasn't had her anti-nausea drug since around 10 a.m., drank some ginger ale and ate one dorito (all of which stayed DOWN!), and is in a feisty mood! She also had beautiful finger and toe nails, and darling PJs, an amazing daddy who is keeping her entertained with magic tricks and making balloon animals, and an amazing momma who is giving her loving but also making
her remember her manners!
Remember to keep those cards, phone calls, and prayers a coming...
Nadine
c/o Miss Rodeo Montana 2006
PO Box 6951
Helena MT 59604
Hi all--
Nadine checked in on Tuesday, May 23 to start her first (of six, I think) rounds of chemo. Today is day 4 of the process and I'm sure you are anxious for an update. The procedure for Nadine's chemo is to start her on anti-nausea drug, followed by a "rescue" drug that is designed to protect her bladder and remaining kidney from the harsh effects of chemo. After those drugs are in her system they start her on her chemo which, depending on the day, is a mix of 2 or 3 drugs (all of which have really long names). She repeats this process for 5 days in a row and then waits for the chemo to kill the fast growing cancer cells. Unfortunately it kills off good things too so she'll lose her hair in 2-3 weeks. She will then need to regain strength and her white blood count before beginning the process all over again.
Nadine has been rather sick and has not tolerated the chemo all that well. At first the anti-nausea drug made her 'floppy' and she couldn't control her body at all. They have increased her dose to a level that makes her very sleepy...the next step will be to find the right level that will keep her feeling well AND able to interact a bit more. Momma & Dad are taking turns with the night shift and hanging in there. Reality sets in a bit more everyday...today it was the news that there is a chance that Nadine may be in the hospital for weeks on end depending on her reaction to the chemo and side effects. Nadine will hopefully get out of the hospital on Sunday or Monday...I'll keep you posted.
BUT Nadine has, and will continue, to amaze us and today is no exception... I just got off the phone with Momma who reports that Nadine has tolerated chemo extremely well today, hasn't had her anti-nausea drug since around 10 a.m., drank some ginger ale and ate one dorito (all of which stayed DOWN!), and is in a feisty mood! She also had beautiful finger and toe nails, and darling PJs, an amazing daddy who is keeping her entertained with magic tricks and making balloon animals, and an amazing momma who is giving her loving but also making
her remember her manners!
Remember to keep those cards, phone calls, and prayers a coming...
Nadine
c/o Miss Rodeo Montana 2006
PO Box 6951
Helena MT 59604
Thursday, May 25, 2006
How could I have missed this??
I was just nibbling on a little deer thuringer for lunch and I noticed the label. (Now, keep in mind, this is a neon pink label that I'VE NEVER NOTICED BEFORE.) It says:
TIZER MEATS*
"WE'LL GIVE YOUR MEAT A FAIR SHAKE!"
Well, hello. The 12-year-old boy in me salutes the 12-year-old boy in you.....
So then I decided I MUST SHARE my favorite mascot. Meet Sammy. (And if you order now it will be there in time for Father's Day!!!)
*I'd like to add that Tizer Meats does an excellent job processing meat. We have all our elk & deer done there. They are quick & they treat the carcasses well (especially if you bring them in well-cleaned & cared for) and they don't mix the carcasses which is important to me.
TIZER MEATS*
"WE'LL GIVE YOUR MEAT A FAIR SHAKE!"
Well, hello. The 12-year-old boy in me salutes the 12-year-old boy in you.....
So then I decided I MUST SHARE my favorite mascot. Meet Sammy. (And if you order now it will be there in time for Father's Day!!!)
*I'd like to add that Tizer Meats does an excellent job processing meat. We have all our elk & deer done there. They are quick & they treat the carcasses well (especially if you bring them in well-cleaned & cared for) and they don't mix the carcasses which is important to me.
I've got the blues....
.... well, not really (and now that I've got that old mac-n-cheese commercial stuck in your head....).... People, I need some blue advice.... as in blue paint. For Sweet Boy's room. Darn, I wish I had some pictures of his room so you could see what I'm working with.... Ok, here's my potterybarnkids inspiration.... the light blue, the dark blue, the animals in between..... except, of course, it won't be MONKEYS. No. Hot Stuff hates monkeys. It will be elk or cows or platipi (what IS the plural of platapus?) or dogs or something.So what is your favorite blue paint? Give me names, numbers, brands..... inspire me.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Holy Shit.... Company is coming.....
So this morning I got an email from Susan saying, essentially, GAME ON PEOPLE. We are gonna take this Princess card thing and RUN with it.... oh, and by the way..... Blogging Baby is on-board too.
SHIT.
I need to clean house. You know that feeling when company is coming and you really want to impress them but you realize you won't get your house painted and new furniture before they arrive in, oh, 15 minutes?? That's how I feel. I need a funny post RIGHT NOW. Something clever. Something poignant (hell, I can't even spell that.... how can I be that?)
So, welcome to my humble home, feel free to poke around and open all the closets and cupboards.... have some iced tea or a margarita... I promise to post something funny about pregnancy, sex or things my son says in the next day or two if you'd like to check back... if not, well, the mailing address for Nadine is:
Nadine
c/o Miss Rodeo Montana 2006
PO Box 6951
Helena, MT 59604
Oh, and Susan also made a very good point.... Nadine has a little brother, Levi, who needs some loving.... so be thinking of him too.
AND PS: Our daycarista DOES NOT have cancer. Her lump turned out to be benign.... she has to do mammograms every 3 months (just like slamming your tit in the refrigerator door!) but so far she is cancer-free!!!!
SHIT.
I need to clean house. You know that feeling when company is coming and you really want to impress them but you realize you won't get your house painted and new furniture before they arrive in, oh, 15 minutes?? That's how I feel. I need a funny post RIGHT NOW. Something clever. Something poignant (hell, I can't even spell that.... how can I be that?)
So, welcome to my humble home, feel free to poke around and open all the closets and cupboards.... have some iced tea or a margarita... I promise to post something funny about pregnancy, sex or things my son says in the next day or two if you'd like to check back... if not, well, the mailing address for Nadine is:
Nadine
c/o Miss Rodeo Montana 2006
PO Box 6951
Helena, MT 59604
Oh, and Susan also made a very good point.... Nadine has a little brother, Levi, who needs some loving.... so be thinking of him too.
AND PS: Our daycarista DOES NOT have cancer. Her lump turned out to be benign.... she has to do mammograms every 3 months (just like slamming your tit in the refrigerator door!) but so far she is cancer-free!!!!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Well Wishes for Nadine
Ok people.
Here's your chance to DO SOMETHING.
Many of you have read Nadine's story here and here. To recap..... cancer sucks. But, due to the generous nature of Miss Rodeo Montana 2006 I now have a PO Box and a chance to make myself feel better by getting you involved in this little girl's life.
Please send cards (especially princess cards) to:
Nadine
c/o Miss Rodeo Montana 2006
PO Box 6951
Helena MT 59604
Her first round of chemo & hospital stay is May 23-26.
I know there aren't a lot of people who read this blog but the more cards we can get to her the better I will feel..... so pass along the request and the address to anyone else who would like to participate.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
When all else fails.... cook.
So Phase I of Operation Making-myself-feel-better-disguised-as-compassion will consist of several actual to-do projects and recipes.
Remember this cake? When I forgot to grease the pan? Well, it is an EXCELLENT take-to-things cake.... no pan to forget, no frosting to mess. It's also oinky* enough for comfort food. I stole the recipe from Carmen.
A side note about Carmen: She & I would never be friends..... not because we wouldn't get along well either.... We would both be too geeky to make the first move. You know the "hey, you wanna come play with me?" move that most people master sometime between the ages of 2-6? Neither one of us seems to have it.... it's one of the many reasons I love reading her blog.
So, about that cake....
one chocolate cake mix (I think I usually get the kind with Hershey's syrup in it)
one box instant chocolate pudding mix (I get a big box)
4 eggs
½ c warm water
1/2 cup oil
8 ounces sour cream
Mix until satiny smooth - this is the important part, about 5 minutes. Stir in one bag of chocolate chips (or those heavenly Hershey's kisses minis). Bake in a bundt pan for 45-60 minutes, or until it tests done. This cake is best served warm, with whipped cream or ice cream, and strawberries or other fruit. It also freezes well.
*oinky -as defined by my boss- is a requirement for foods taken to people in need.
Remember this cake? When I forgot to grease the pan? Well, it is an EXCELLENT take-to-things cake.... no pan to forget, no frosting to mess. It's also oinky* enough for comfort food. I stole the recipe from Carmen.
A side note about Carmen: She & I would never be friends..... not because we wouldn't get along well either.... We would both be too geeky to make the first move. You know the "hey, you wanna come play with me?" move that most people master sometime between the ages of 2-6? Neither one of us seems to have it.... it's one of the many reasons I love reading her blog.
So, about that cake....
one chocolate cake mix (I think I usually get the kind with Hershey's syrup in it)
one box instant chocolate pudding mix (I get a big box)
4 eggs
½ c warm water
1/2 cup oil
8 ounces sour cream
Mix until satiny smooth - this is the important part, about 5 minutes. Stir in one bag of chocolate chips (or those heavenly Hershey's kisses minis). Bake in a bundt pan for 45-60 minutes, or until it tests done. This cake is best served warm, with whipped cream or ice cream, and strawberries or other fruit. It also freezes well.
*oinky -as defined by my boss- is a requirement for foods taken to people in need.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
So and then #2....
I bet you thought, by the title, I was going to talk about poop. Well I'm not. Well, ok, since you asked.... just for a second. I've pooped 7 days in a row. Yes, indeed. A record. Stickers on the calendar. It all started last Wednesday when I went to see my wonderful doc..... he's a naturopath/chiropractor/accupunturist and he makes the world all right for me. I have no idea how he did it..... he pounded on my back a lot..... maybe it is psychosomatic (sp?) but who cares? I'll be scrubbing the toilet with glee this weekend because I MADE IT DIRTY.
But on to the real reason for this post.
My dear daycarista is ill. She found a lump just before Easter. Have you ever noticed how everyone knows what you are talking about when you say "found a lump" that way?? She says she was worried she was growing a third boob.
So.... the key words & phrases to take away from all this are..... cyst, lump, on mammogram since 2003, first doctor ignored, second doctor didn't, cyst looks clear, tissue around cyst is worrisome, family history, surgery today.
Sweet Boy is at home with daddy. They had big plans... hair cuts & a trip to the dump.
Then we just wait and see what the pathology report finds.....
If these things truly come in three's I'm willing to wait patiently.....
Except I'm not patient. I want to DO, DO, DO something. I might do a series of posts about this stuff. Compassion, power in a powerless situation, the kindness of strangers, really good recipes to make for the freezer.......
But on to the real reason for this post.
My dear daycarista is ill. She found a lump just before Easter. Have you ever noticed how everyone knows what you are talking about when you say "found a lump" that way?? She says she was worried she was growing a third boob.
So.... the key words & phrases to take away from all this are..... cyst, lump, on mammogram since 2003, first doctor ignored, second doctor didn't, cyst looks clear, tissue around cyst is worrisome, family history, surgery today.
Sweet Boy is at home with daddy. They had big plans... hair cuts & a trip to the dump.
Then we just wait and see what the pathology report finds.....
If these things truly come in three's I'm willing to wait patiently.....
Except I'm not patient. I want to DO, DO, DO something. I might do a series of posts about this stuff. Compassion, power in a powerless situation, the kindness of strangers, really good recipes to make for the freezer.......
Monday, May 08, 2006
It's just a dream buddy, go back to sleep...
Sweet Boy woke up sobbing last night saying, "Mama, don't let Gunnar eat my pizza."
He gets that from me.... that love of pizza.
So, after getting him settled back down but before going back downstairs to watch the incredibly bad movie my husband picked out (Did you hear that? A stinker... from Hot Stuff... usually I pick the bad movies.....) I took a moment to dwell on the evening in all it's perfection.
Homestead's recipe for a perfect Sunday night:
The laundry is done. (Never mind the couch cushion slipcovers... that's a story for another post.)
The house is relatively clean and tidy.
The husband went to town to pick up pizza & a dvd.
Wilcoxson's fudgecicles for dessert.
The sister is entertaining with stories of her weekend.
The child is playing adorably.... racing around the living room pretending he is a puma or a dragon or a puma-dragon. (I have to find out where he is getting this "puma" thing.)
The mama is parked in the ugly comfy recliner with a big glass of water with lemon and a surprisingly good novel.
I'm just so content. We survived the hussle and bussle of graduation weekend (Good job Sister!!) and ate breakfast at IHOP to celebrate Mother's Day while my mom was here. We did a bit of "that" shopping.... toothpaste, laundry detergent, pet treats. I got stuff to dye the couch cushion covers (again). Hot Stuff did a bit of mowing. I pulled a few weeds. We played trucks in the dirt. I didn't worry too much about anything on my "to do" list. I read and talked to my sis while Sweet Boy napped. We ate Hershey's dark chocolate kisses and went for a little walk. I wish weekends like this could go on forever.
He gets that from me.... that love of pizza.
So, after getting him settled back down but before going back downstairs to watch the incredibly bad movie my husband picked out (Did you hear that? A stinker... from Hot Stuff... usually I pick the bad movies.....) I took a moment to dwell on the evening in all it's perfection.
Homestead's recipe for a perfect Sunday night:
The laundry is done. (Never mind the couch cushion slipcovers... that's a story for another post.)
The house is relatively clean and tidy.
The husband went to town to pick up pizza & a dvd.
Wilcoxson's fudgecicles for dessert.
The sister is entertaining with stories of her weekend.
The child is playing adorably.... racing around the living room pretending he is a puma or a dragon or a puma-dragon. (I have to find out where he is getting this "puma" thing.)
The mama is parked in the ugly comfy recliner with a big glass of water with lemon and a surprisingly good novel.
I'm just so content. We survived the hussle and bussle of graduation weekend (Good job Sister!!) and ate breakfast at IHOP to celebrate Mother's Day while my mom was here. We did a bit of "that" shopping.... toothpaste, laundry detergent, pet treats. I got stuff to dye the couch cushion covers (again). Hot Stuff did a bit of mowing. I pulled a few weeds. We played trucks in the dirt. I didn't worry too much about anything on my "to do" list. I read and talked to my sis while Sweet Boy napped. We ate Hershey's dark chocolate kisses and went for a little walk. I wish weekends like this could go on forever.
Friday, May 05, 2006
50-50
I know I published a post about Nadine somewhere earlier in this blogging business.
Nadine just turned seven and is in the first grade. She was diagnosed and treated for a Wilms tumor on her kidney (kidney removed, radiation, chemo) last year. (Was it only last year? Yes, when she was in kindy-grade.) She was given an "all clear" on her last few appointments..... until last week.
A small jellybean of a tumor was detected.
She had surgery yesterday. My sister & I went to visit her today to give her some princess posters and to give her little brother some Color Wonder. She looks good and she is in good spirits. She gets to go home tonight.
The tumor was bigger than a golf ball.
Most likely it is not a return of the Wilms tumor (98% chance of full recover from those little guys....) but a very aggressive, freakishly fast growing cancer that was, possibly, existing in small patches in conjunction with the Wilms tumor. Ana-something-or-other.
So she will be on chemo-radiation treatment 4 times stronger than last time.... basically the toughest stuff they've got. It goes in over the course of 4-5 days and she gets treated approximately once a month. She will most likely end up hospitalized, getting blood transfusions and isolated to prevent exposure to infection. She has a 50-50 chance.
If this doesn't work the only remaining alternative is stem cells. I, of course, offered our umbilical stem cells if they match. What's a few stem cells between friends? And I can donate blood for her. And if it comes to it... well, I'm already on the marrow donor registery if that makes any difference.
My office gathered together some cash and we will do what we can to support any fundraising efforts on her behalf. I'll be on the lookout for princess cards to mail to her and ways to give her mama & dad a break.
I try and try to think of things I can DO and I feel so helpless and vaguely selfish. I want to DO SOMETHING to make myself feel better. And, of course, there is more than a tiny bit of guilt (and, I won't lie, relief) this is happening to THEM and not US. I can only pretend to imagine what they are going through and they all appear so STRONG. I spent a few hours with them and all I want to do is curl up in a ball twined together with my sweet, sweet son and watch him sleep. They are living this day to day and moment to moment.
So, if you get a chance..... think about them.
Nadine just turned seven and is in the first grade. She was diagnosed and treated for a Wilms tumor on her kidney (kidney removed, radiation, chemo) last year. (Was it only last year? Yes, when she was in kindy-grade.) She was given an "all clear" on her last few appointments..... until last week.
A small jellybean of a tumor was detected.
She had surgery yesterday. My sister & I went to visit her today to give her some princess posters and to give her little brother some Color Wonder. She looks good and she is in good spirits. She gets to go home tonight.
The tumor was bigger than a golf ball.
Most likely it is not a return of the Wilms tumor (98% chance of full recover from those little guys....) but a very aggressive, freakishly fast growing cancer that was, possibly, existing in small patches in conjunction with the Wilms tumor. Ana-something-or-other.
So she will be on chemo-radiation treatment 4 times stronger than last time.... basically the toughest stuff they've got. It goes in over the course of 4-5 days and she gets treated approximately once a month. She will most likely end up hospitalized, getting blood transfusions and isolated to prevent exposure to infection. She has a 50-50 chance.
If this doesn't work the only remaining alternative is stem cells. I, of course, offered our umbilical stem cells if they match. What's a few stem cells between friends? And I can donate blood for her. And if it comes to it... well, I'm already on the marrow donor registery if that makes any difference.
My office gathered together some cash and we will do what we can to support any fundraising efforts on her behalf. I'll be on the lookout for princess cards to mail to her and ways to give her mama & dad a break.
I try and try to think of things I can DO and I feel so helpless and vaguely selfish. I want to DO SOMETHING to make myself feel better. And, of course, there is more than a tiny bit of guilt (and, I won't lie, relief) this is happening to THEM and not US. I can only pretend to imagine what they are going through and they all appear so STRONG. I spent a few hours with them and all I want to do is curl up in a ball twined together with my sweet, sweet son and watch him sleep. They are living this day to day and moment to moment.
So, if you get a chance..... think about them.
Nadine
Hi Friends! I just wanted to send you this picture, of me and my brother Levi having a great time two weeks ago -- we were branding at our Godparents' ranch.
I met my surgeon, Dr. Harper, yesterday. He's a nice man. He made me laugh. He made me feel ok about him cutting the jelly bean out of my side.
When he asked me if I had any questions for him, I told him I really liked the clear tape stitches better than the black sewn stitches because those kind hurt when they come out.... He doesn't use any stitches that need to come out!!! So I like him a lot.
Please pray for me on Thursday -- my operation will be at 1:00 pm. Dr. Harper said I'll only have to stay in the hospital one night! That's not so bad. If you want to come see me, it will have to be Thursday night or Friday before late afternoon, ok? I'd love to see you.
Thanks for thinking of me.
Nadine
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Proof the coffee I'm drinking is decaf....
I saw this bumper sticker today:
And I thought, "Huh, I wonder if he grows organic lentils too....."
PROUD TO
BEAN
AMERICANS
And I thought, "Huh, I wonder if he grows organic lentils too....."
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Who says they can't be trained.....
I've been reading about the terrible 2's (not to mention tweens.... I'm trading him in....) and all the horrors I have to look forward too.... so, I figure I better get all the work out of Sweet Boy I can before he turns two and gets too cool for mama....
Things my 23-month-and-one-day old child can do....
1. Deliver diet pepsi to his daddy when he is working in the yard.
2. Fetch a hammer.
3. Feed the dog. (Dry food)
4. Stock diet pepsi from a 12-pack onto the bottom shelf of the fridge.
5. Get his jammies from the hook in the bathroom.
6. Put his clothes in the laundry hamper. (And his dad piles his on the washer..... hmmm....)
7. Throw a ball to entertain the dog.
8. Bring his plate to the sink from the dinner table.
9. Unload the silverware from the dishwasher. (He has trouble sorting it....)
10. Put toys in the toybox.... while singing the "clean up" song.
11. Push the button to start the coffee maker.
12. Pile bark in his little wheel barrow and move it from one place to another.
13. Feed m&m's to his mama.
Now if I could just teach him how to give a decent backrub and wave a palm frond.....
Things my 23-month-and-one-day old child can do....
1. Deliver diet pepsi to his daddy when he is working in the yard.
2. Fetch a hammer.
3. Feed the dog. (Dry food)
4. Stock diet pepsi from a 12-pack onto the bottom shelf of the fridge.
5. Get his jammies from the hook in the bathroom.
6. Put his clothes in the laundry hamper. (And his dad piles his on the washer..... hmmm....)
7. Throw a ball to entertain the dog.
8. Bring his plate to the sink from the dinner table.
9. Unload the silverware from the dishwasher. (He has trouble sorting it....)
10. Put toys in the toybox.... while singing the "clean up" song.
11. Push the button to start the coffee maker.
12. Pile bark in his little wheel barrow and move it from one place to another.
13. Feed m&m's to his mama.
Now if I could just teach him how to give a decent backrub and wave a palm frond.....
Monday, May 01, 2006
A Question of Calcium
How much do you pay at the grocery for a gallon of homogenized milk? (And do you think of Greenie every time you see "homo" on the lid?)
How about a dozen extra large AA eggs?
2 pounds of cheddar cheese?
Half gallon of orange juice?
A quart of half & half?
16 ounces of sour cream?
Cottage cheese?
A pound of butter?
Any other dairy-type things?
And how much would you be willing to pay for weekly delivery of these items?
No, I'm not suddenly working for a polling company..... I'm trying to justify home-delivery.
How about a dozen extra large AA eggs?
2 pounds of cheddar cheese?
Half gallon of orange juice?
A quart of half & half?
16 ounces of sour cream?
Cottage cheese?
A pound of butter?
Any other dairy-type things?
And how much would you be willing to pay for weekly delivery of these items?
No, I'm not suddenly working for a polling company..... I'm trying to justify home-delivery.
Friday, April 28, 2006
The Hunt.
Seeing the look on his face in all three of these pictures I really can't believe his first words weren't, "What the fuck?"
Easter Pictures.... late but cute.
4 adults. Degrees in English, History, Secondary Education, Nursing, Biology/Pre-Med, Engineering (a masters even), Business and portions of master's training. Not to mention various certificates in coaching, education, massage therapy, cpr-first responder-emt, information technology and practical working experience. Still, we couldn't figure out how to get the glitter shaker to work. So we MacGuyver'ed it and all was well.
Can you feel the intensity? Can you see all those cartons of eggs?? This was before we let the kids just start chucking eggs into the colors.
I see the horizon.....
Horizontal stripes on maternity clothing..... just another thing there should be a law against....
I don't own any other clothing with horizontal stripes... and yet I have several maternity shirts in striped. Why? Who thought this was a good idea?
I'm going to have to slap a "wide load" sign on my ass before I go out this afternoon....
I don't own any other clothing with horizontal stripes... and yet I have several maternity shirts in striped. Why? Who thought this was a good idea?
I'm going to have to slap a "wide load" sign on my ass before I go out this afternoon....
Thursday, April 27, 2006
cc:
So I just sent my sister (and cc: my mom) an email telling sis how mature, practical, reasonable & thoughtful something was that she had written.
My mom responds with: Your email was equally as mature, reasonable, and upbeat and positive, also!
Then I email back telling her: Oh, you missed the phone call when I called her a poopless poopy head. Grown up. Uh-huh. I wanted her to go to the bank and then bring me a milkshake and she said she had to talk to you first.....
Mom's response: I did not say YOU were, I said your EMAIL was! Lovingly, your Mom
I love my family.
My mom responds with: Your email was equally as mature, reasonable, and upbeat and positive, also!
Then I email back telling her: Oh, you missed the phone call when I called her a poopless poopy head. Grown up. Uh-huh. I wanted her to go to the bank and then bring me a milkshake and she said she had to talk to you first.....
Mom's response: I did not say YOU were, I said your EMAIL was! Lovingly, your Mom
I love my family.
O is for Orange
*UPDATED*
Tuesday I got to glug the orange sticky drink that ensures I will be able to eat m&m's with reckless abandon for the rest of my pregnancy. The doc sent the gooey stuff home with me with the following instructions: Drink it really, really cold and really fast.
I slammed it down at work just so my non-childbearing coworkers could revel in the nastiness. But you know what? It isn't that bad. It's way better than drinking prune juice & mineral oil. (Please don't ask.... or I will tell you in very specific detail.) In a strange way I rather enjoy the carbonated over-sugared goodness. It's like Sunkist on speed.
The moment of karmic realization came just after my appointment when I pulled a snack out of my purse (what? It had been AT LEAST an hour since I'd eaten last....) and saw..... ORANGE CREME flavored yogurt.
I almost stopped on the way back to work for a bag of those gummy-sugar orange slices.... just to complete the orangacious-trimverate that was my day.
*UPDATED: Yes, I got the call and I passed the test! Bring on the m&m's.....
Tuesday I got to glug the orange sticky drink that ensures I will be able to eat m&m's with reckless abandon for the rest of my pregnancy. The doc sent the gooey stuff home with me with the following instructions: Drink it really, really cold and really fast.
I slammed it down at work just so my non-childbearing coworkers could revel in the nastiness. But you know what? It isn't that bad. It's way better than drinking prune juice & mineral oil. (Please don't ask.... or I will tell you in very specific detail.) In a strange way I rather enjoy the carbonated over-sugared goodness. It's like Sunkist on speed.
The moment of karmic realization came just after my appointment when I pulled a snack out of my purse (what? It had been AT LEAST an hour since I'd eaten last....) and saw..... ORANGE CREME flavored yogurt.
I almost stopped on the way back to work for a bag of those gummy-sugar orange slices.... just to complete the orangacious-trimverate that was my day.
*UPDATED: Yes, I got the call and I passed the test! Bring on the m&m's.....
Finances... a confessional.
I was mean and unfair to my husband in the last post. I called his questions dumb. They weren't exactly.... dumb. They were.... uninformed. Anything financial FREAKS HIM OUT and he tends to take on a challenging tone of voice and get that strange darting look in his eyes. He also gets very defensive because he doesn't make much money and most of our bills are his expenses so he feels very guilty.
He's a very smart man so the whole denial of any understanding of anything financial makes me laugh. When I say things like, "Wow, I was looking at the credit card statement and we spent a lot last month on gas." He will respond with, "Oh, ok, I'll pay cash for some of my gas this month." Um, because why? So I can't track our spending at all? Because, honey, it all comes outta the same pot.
I admit to pushing his buttons. I check our bank statements on-line from work several times a week (gotta get the info there since he isn't writing it in any bank book) and I like to call him up around 1:15 in the afternoon and say, "So, what did you have for lunch at Bob's today?" I also torture him because my moderately-conservative IRA fund is doing better than his very-conservative IRA fund.
My financial philosophy is simple. Make it easy for yourself and save in little bits wherever you can.... for example, student loans. The rate is high. 8%. So I found out they'd drop it .25% if we switched to electronic payment. So, we save .25% plus 39 cents and an envelope every month, plus the cost of buying new checks sooner (and you know I have to get Hot Stuff those pricey duplicate ones AND I splurge and get him the cutesy ones from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.... I use the plain-Jane cheapos even though we share an account), we never have to worry about late fees and with eft you can vary the amount you pay in any given month if you want to pay extra. So Hot Stuff was ok with that switch.... he was even ok with me upping the amount we pay every month is a desparate attempt to pay something beyond just interest. (I swear the total loan NEVER goes down.) The real beauty of eft is I can sneak in extra money whenever I can and he doesn't know about it. How terrible is that?
Hot Stuff believes in having all of your money where you can get at it. If it was up to him nothing would ever get invested and we would make tiny payments on everything over long periods of time. I like to pay cash. Wait, no, I like to put it on the credit card and get airline miles for it and then pay off the card. The compromise we made was this.... He let me get a financial advisor and put a pile (oh, it was a small pile) of money into a money market. Pretty conservative stuff and we have an actually checkbook if we need to get at it. Then I set it up so once it reaches a certain amount they take anything over that amount and put it into longer term and less liquid accounts. I also set up a lovely little college fund for the children. And where was I going with this? Oh, the compromise.... the compromise is, well, there isn't one. I ask his opinion and then do whatever the hell I want anyway.... there it is in black print.... I confess I am an elitist.
Money. Finances. Jobs. Careers. These are the things that are worrying me these days. I know the worries won't ever go away but I recently made a decision to get serious about getting a new career after we have the baby. Because the 5 year plan is looking pretty bleak. I can't afford to be a stay-at-home-mom and, the way things are right now, I can't even afford to cut back to part-time (my ideal). I've been here 7 years and I'm topped out, burned out & in need of new challenges. (And more money, of course....)
So I think. And I think. And I realize the thing I need to do is figure out what I want to DO. What could I do every day that would be interesting to me? Or at least not bore me to tears? And then I can't think of anything and I think I'm a boring person with no skills and talents and I have to go eat chocolate and get over it. Ya'll know the cycle.....
Um, ok. Enough whining. End of Post. Out.
He's a very smart man so the whole denial of any understanding of anything financial makes me laugh. When I say things like, "Wow, I was looking at the credit card statement and we spent a lot last month on gas." He will respond with, "Oh, ok, I'll pay cash for some of my gas this month." Um, because why? So I can't track our spending at all? Because, honey, it all comes outta the same pot.
I admit to pushing his buttons. I check our bank statements on-line from work several times a week (gotta get the info there since he isn't writing it in any bank book) and I like to call him up around 1:15 in the afternoon and say, "So, what did you have for lunch at Bob's today?" I also torture him because my moderately-conservative IRA fund is doing better than his very-conservative IRA fund.
My financial philosophy is simple. Make it easy for yourself and save in little bits wherever you can.... for example, student loans. The rate is high. 8%. So I found out they'd drop it .25% if we switched to electronic payment. So, we save .25% plus 39 cents and an envelope every month, plus the cost of buying new checks sooner (and you know I have to get Hot Stuff those pricey duplicate ones AND I splurge and get him the cutesy ones from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.... I use the plain-Jane cheapos even though we share an account), we never have to worry about late fees and with eft you can vary the amount you pay in any given month if you want to pay extra. So Hot Stuff was ok with that switch.... he was even ok with me upping the amount we pay every month is a desparate attempt to pay something beyond just interest. (I swear the total loan NEVER goes down.) The real beauty of eft is I can sneak in extra money whenever I can and he doesn't know about it. How terrible is that?
Hot Stuff believes in having all of your money where you can get at it. If it was up to him nothing would ever get invested and we would make tiny payments on everything over long periods of time. I like to pay cash. Wait, no, I like to put it on the credit card and get airline miles for it and then pay off the card. The compromise we made was this.... He let me get a financial advisor and put a pile (oh, it was a small pile) of money into a money market. Pretty conservative stuff and we have an actually checkbook if we need to get at it. Then I set it up so once it reaches a certain amount they take anything over that amount and put it into longer term and less liquid accounts. I also set up a lovely little college fund for the children. And where was I going with this? Oh, the compromise.... the compromise is, well, there isn't one. I ask his opinion and then do whatever the hell I want anyway.... there it is in black print.... I confess I am an elitist.
Money. Finances. Jobs. Careers. These are the things that are worrying me these days. I know the worries won't ever go away but I recently made a decision to get serious about getting a new career after we have the baby. Because the 5 year plan is looking pretty bleak. I can't afford to be a stay-at-home-mom and, the way things are right now, I can't even afford to cut back to part-time (my ideal). I've been here 7 years and I'm topped out, burned out & in need of new challenges. (And more money, of course....)
So I think. And I think. And I realize the thing I need to do is figure out what I want to DO. What could I do every day that would be interesting to me? Or at least not bore me to tears? And then I can't think of anything and I think I'm a boring person with no skills and talents and I have to go eat chocolate and get over it. Ya'll know the cycle.....
Um, ok. Enough whining. End of Post. Out.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Color me Shocked.
My sister told me (in greatest confidence and after a couple vodka-lemonades) my husband is NOT ATHLETIC. What? Yes he is. He is. He has an athlete’s body and he’s very coordinated. She has played football with him and says he is very competitive and physical but not athletic. My fear, of course, is that she is right and our children are doomed to be dorks because they aren’t getting any athletic ability from me.
Hot Stuff opened and looked at our quarterly financial statements. He even asked questions (dumb ones, but questions….). This from a man who refuses to even consider balancing the checkbook and has no idea of our net worth or how our taxes get done. I was so excited I poured out our entire financial plan in a rush of words and dramatic hand gestures. He lectured me about it….. which makes me get a pained look on my face and pat him on the head like the confused mental patient he really is.
Hot Stuff opened and looked at our quarterly financial statements. He even asked questions (dumb ones, but questions….). This from a man who refuses to even consider balancing the checkbook and has no idea of our net worth or how our taxes get done. I was so excited I poured out our entire financial plan in a rush of words and dramatic hand gestures. He lectured me about it….. which makes me get a pained look on my face and pat him on the head like the confused mental patient he really is.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Tidbits from the weekend
My sister-in-law is serious about Easter. We dyed 72 eggs. Well, actually, we dyed 64 eggs…. My mother-in-law snagged some for the potato salad and Sweet Boy ate two that cracked before they were dyed.
I made this cake Saturday. It was amazing. Although somehow in my hurry-up-and-get-shit-done haze I forgot to oil the bundt pan. And, bigger sin, I didn’t take a picture of the result. Hot Stuff commented, “Just like a bear in the woods….” But he ate it anyway. Who knew something that looked like a pile of bear dung could be so tasty?? Next time I will grease the damn pan.
I finally remembered to get bird seed. Sweet Boy LOVES to watch the birds. His comment, “Mama, yook, kitty watchin’ buwdies wi me.” Stick to the mice, mrow-mrow.
Who knew Easter was a major gift giving holiday?? Sweet Boy made an absolute haul. I got prenatal vitamins. Hhhhmmmm.
The other day there was a smell in our house that had me yelling at the dog for rolling in calf-scours & horse shit over at the neighbor’s. Um, yeah, the dog went out and yet the smell lingered…. And lingered…. And got stronger?? Sweet Boy must be potty-trained soon.
Somehow a party accidentally happened at our house on Saturday night. Many people needed naps on Sunday afternoon.
I made this cake Saturday. It was amazing. Although somehow in my hurry-up-and-get-shit-done haze I forgot to oil the bundt pan. And, bigger sin, I didn’t take a picture of the result. Hot Stuff commented, “Just like a bear in the woods….” But he ate it anyway. Who knew something that looked like a pile of bear dung could be so tasty?? Next time I will grease the damn pan.
I finally remembered to get bird seed. Sweet Boy LOVES to watch the birds. His comment, “Mama, yook, kitty watchin’ buwdies wi me.” Stick to the mice, mrow-mrow.
Who knew Easter was a major gift giving holiday?? Sweet Boy made an absolute haul. I got prenatal vitamins. Hhhhmmmm.
The other day there was a smell in our house that had me yelling at the dog for rolling in calf-scours & horse shit over at the neighbor’s. Um, yeah, the dog went out and yet the smell lingered…. And lingered…. And got stronger?? Sweet Boy must be potty-trained soon.
Somehow a party accidentally happened at our house on Saturday night. Many people needed naps on Sunday afternoon.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Project Eat-A-Bean Update
We had a major mealtime setback recently. We’ve been doing pretty well with project “Eat-A-Bean” at our house. No beans, but corn & carrots are successfully navigating Sweet Boy’s digestive tract on a regular basis these days. Not perfect (he will still ask to go to bed rather than eat peas), but we had definite progress (this from the kid who won’t eat green goldfish from the rainbow packets… at least he isn’t red-green color blind). And then last week happened. Hot Stuff’s dad was in the hospital with diverticulitis (he’s home now and fine). Let’s just say our collection of fast food restaurant toys increased exponentially last week and SB now thinks “nuggets” are a food group.
As far as I know Sweet Boy ate mashed potatoes, m&m’s, crackers & tortilla chips with salsa on Sunday…. And not much else. He had eggs & corn flakes for breakfast and it all went downhill after that….. every time I turned around someone was giving him a chip or a cracker.
He has re-adapted to normal eating surprisingly easily. Although it took a day or two for me to realize when he said he wanted “eggies” he meant the brightly colored plastic kind with one m&m in each rather than the kind that come out of a chicken’s butt.
I finally had to throw all the candy in the freezer in the garage…. I froze most of it Sunday night but it was just a little too convenient in the fridge-freezer. At least now I have to put on shoes and run across the snow/muck yard to get a Reeses Peanutbutter Egg fix. Heck, dashing across the yard like that…. I’d even call it a workout.
As far as I know Sweet Boy ate mashed potatoes, m&m’s, crackers & tortilla chips with salsa on Sunday…. And not much else. He had eggs & corn flakes for breakfast and it all went downhill after that….. every time I turned around someone was giving him a chip or a cracker.
He has re-adapted to normal eating surprisingly easily. Although it took a day or two for me to realize when he said he wanted “eggies” he meant the brightly colored plastic kind with one m&m in each rather than the kind that come out of a chicken’s butt.
I finally had to throw all the candy in the freezer in the garage…. I froze most of it Sunday night but it was just a little too convenient in the fridge-freezer. At least now I have to put on shoes and run across the snow/muck yard to get a Reeses Peanutbutter Egg fix. Heck, dashing across the yard like that…. I’d even call it a workout.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Starting a Legacy....
Susan asked for it. The Redneck Recipe Series will commence now with......
Jello Shot Jigglers
I know. Ya'll can't wait. But first.... a disclaimer. I made these as a joke last year for Easter because my mom got me these egg jello molds.... but they were a hit so I might just make them again. My brother is in charge of the "serious" booze for the holiday... I think he's buying a 50 gallon drum of Black Velvet. By about 3:00 pm it is going to be all about the ham & BV. I'll be the one drinking seltzer. Thank you very much. (Are these the "sacrifices moms must make" those Mommy-War people keep talking about??)
Back to jello... My basic recipe is to replace one cup of water with one cup of vodka. The end. But if you want to get creative....
1 package watermelon jello
1 cup boiling water
1 cup Malibu® coconut rum
Mix hot water and jello. Add rum. Pour into 2 ounce cups. Serve after the
jello has set.
Other clever combos:
Orange or cherry jello, brandy
Peach jello, bourbon
Lime jello, tequila and triple sec
Orange jello, orange cognac/brandy (ie. grand marnier) or peach schnapps
Raspberry jello, raspberry schnapps
Tropical fruit jello, mango liqueur or dark rum
Unflavored jello + lemonade, kentucky whisky
Strawberry jello, light rum and strawberry liqueur
Apricot jello, amaretto
Grape jello, vodka
I do recall making these with "champagne" jello once..... jello you added 7-up too? Was that real or did I dream it? We always made them extra-strong and served them in little paper cup things. For a true redneck experience the paper shot cup should be held by the mouth, cleavage or other pincer-like or wedge-shaped body part of your favorite partner (hell, if you've done enough of them.... that becomes optional....).
Do you suppose future generations of my family will refer to this as "Grandma's Jello Recipe" and when they do will they say it with awe, laughter or shame?
Enjoy.
Jello Shot Jigglers
I know. Ya'll can't wait. But first.... a disclaimer. I made these as a joke last year for Easter because my mom got me these egg jello molds.... but they were a hit so I might just make them again. My brother is in charge of the "serious" booze for the holiday... I think he's buying a 50 gallon drum of Black Velvet. By about 3:00 pm it is going to be all about the ham & BV. I'll be the one drinking seltzer. Thank you very much. (Are these the "sacrifices moms must make" those Mommy-War people keep talking about??)
Back to jello... My basic recipe is to replace one cup of water with one cup of vodka. The end. But if you want to get creative....
1 package watermelon jello
1 cup boiling water
1 cup Malibu® coconut rum
Mix hot water and jello. Add rum. Pour into 2 ounce cups. Serve after the
jello has set.
Other clever combos:
Orange or cherry jello, brandy
Peach jello, bourbon
Lime jello, tequila and triple sec
Orange jello, orange cognac/brandy (ie. grand marnier) or peach schnapps
Raspberry jello, raspberry schnapps
Tropical fruit jello, mango liqueur or dark rum
Unflavored jello + lemonade, kentucky whisky
Strawberry jello, light rum and strawberry liqueur
Apricot jello, amaretto
Grape jello, vodka
I do recall making these with "champagne" jello once..... jello you added 7-up too? Was that real or did I dream it? We always made them extra-strong and served them in little paper cup things. For a true redneck experience the paper shot cup should be held by the mouth, cleavage or other pincer-like or wedge-shaped body part of your favorite partner (hell, if you've done enough of them.... that becomes optional....).
Do you suppose future generations of my family will refer to this as "Grandma's Jello Recipe" and when they do will they say it with awe, laughter or shame?
Enjoy.
WRONG.
In celebration of Easter weekend I invite your judgement on the following....
Is it WRONG that I'm not at all concerned what preschool/kindergarten/elementary school my kids go too?
Is it WRONG that I want my house to look like an ad for Pottery Barn?
Is it WRONG that my son & I look at each other, laugh and say, "Tooted. 'Scuse me." whenever anyone in our house farts?
Is it WRONG that my son & I ate granola and m&m's for breakfast?
Is it WRONG that the real reason I don't want an SUV (not gas mileage as I claim) is because I don't want to be one of "those moms"?
Is it WRONG to remind my brother that Hot Stuff & I will be having loud sex while he is visiting us this weekend?
Is it WRONG that almost all of my son's clothing is hand-me-downs and I'm proud of that fact?
Is it WRONG that I use the word "that" too much?
Is it WRONG to slightly dread a visit from my sister-in-law?
Is it WRONG to hide my husband's Easter present in the one place he won't look? (HIS closet.)
Is it WRONG to give gifts for Easter?
Is it WRONG to buy people things they already need and CALL them gifts?
Is it WRONG to invite all of your family to dinner with the actual intention of getting them to put together a swingset?
Is it WRONG to buy your brother presents and Easter candy so he will install a new hard drive in your computer?
Is it WRONG to try to sell your brother on ebay?
Is it WRONG that I'm not at all concerned what preschool/kindergarten/elementary school my kids go too?
Is it WRONG that I want my house to look like an ad for Pottery Barn?
Is it WRONG that my son & I look at each other, laugh and say, "Tooted. 'Scuse me." whenever anyone in our house farts?
Is it WRONG that my son & I ate granola and m&m's for breakfast?
Is it WRONG that the real reason I don't want an SUV (not gas mileage as I claim) is because I don't want to be one of "those moms"?
Is it WRONG to remind my brother that Hot Stuff & I will be having loud sex while he is visiting us this weekend?
Is it WRONG that almost all of my son's clothing is hand-me-downs and I'm proud of that fact?
Is it WRONG that I use the word "that" too much?
Is it WRONG to slightly dread a visit from my sister-in-law?
Is it WRONG to hide my husband's Easter present in the one place he won't look? (HIS closet.)
Is it WRONG to give gifts for Easter?
Is it WRONG to buy people things they already need and CALL them gifts?
Is it WRONG to invite all of your family to dinner with the actual intention of getting them to put together a swingset?
Is it WRONG to buy your brother presents and Easter candy so he will install a new hard drive in your computer?
Is it WRONG to try to sell your brother on ebay?
Thursday, April 13, 2006
The to-do listing continues.....
Things to do NOW as I head into the 3rd trimester. (I am almost there, aren’t I??)
Continue moving.
Increase yoga.
Start watching the sodium levels. I already ate my “last meals” of a few things…. The high sodium broccoli cheddar soup & pad thai I love.
Add lemon to my water from here on out. (I swear it helps with swelling.)
Accept that I am really wearing maternity clothes.
Schedule prenatal massage(s).
Set up the hammock so I have a sweet place to elevate my swollen ankles.
Things to buy for baby
Teensy-weensy diapers
Scent-free wipes
Arms-reach cosleeper (ok, you know I’m not really going to get this but I WANT it. I’ve tried justifying it by saying we NEED it because the baby will be in our room for a long time (2 bedroom house) and all….. and the mini goes to 23 lbs & the original goes to 30 lbs) But my practical side is winning out over my yuppie-wanna-be side.)
“D” batteries (this is what I learned from my first child. Have lots of D batteries on hand for the swing & bouncy seat.
Pacifiers (I have one pack but I will wait to get more until I know what this kid likes….)
Um, I probably should get a new pack of bottle nipples too…. Is it gross to reuse those kid to kid?
A new backwards-baby car mirror…. The one I have is cloudy.
A bath tub sponge mat.
I thought of one other thing to buy but I can’t remember what it is…. So it must be REALLY important. Help me out.
Things to buy for me
Stool softener.
Maxi pads.
One really great outfit to wear as a “uniform” those first months after baby. (Last time it was a pair of olive green khaki drawstring capris, my Salomon amphibians & a few white t-shirts. The tennies made me feel sporty. I started with a baggy white shirt & slowly slimmed them down as time went on… it was so nice to just have one thing to put on that I knew fit & looked ok for when people wanted to “see” me and I could keep a white t-shirt in the diaper bag for emergencies…. Actually, I kept a white t-shirt that fit both Hot Stuff & I in the diaper bag the first few months because I’m paranoid like that.)
Boobie pads. I like the Gerber kind without the sticky stuff on the backs.
New nursing bras. It appears Motherhood doesn’t have the snap-between-the-tits kind I like anymore…. At least not on-line. So I must find someone who does. HEAR ME NEW MAMA’S…. get the snap-between-the-tits kind….. no rooting around under your shirt clear up to your shoulder to hook and unhook… and if they are, um, accidentally “sprung” by your giant bazooms, well, the ones that snap at the bottom at least don’t sproing down like a roller-blind.
Things to do the last few weeks
Get out, sort and wash the boxes of tiny clothes & blankets
Install the car seat base
Set up and clean the swing, bouncy seat etc.
Notice the longest list is things to buy for me??? Obviously not my first child, isn’t it???
Continue moving.
Increase yoga.
Start watching the sodium levels. I already ate my “last meals” of a few things…. The high sodium broccoli cheddar soup & pad thai I love.
Add lemon to my water from here on out. (I swear it helps with swelling.)
Accept that I am really wearing maternity clothes.
Schedule prenatal massage(s).
Set up the hammock so I have a sweet place to elevate my swollen ankles.
Things to buy for baby
Teensy-weensy diapers
Scent-free wipes
Arms-reach cosleeper (ok, you know I’m not really going to get this but I WANT it. I’ve tried justifying it by saying we NEED it because the baby will be in our room for a long time (2 bedroom house) and all….. and the mini goes to 23 lbs & the original goes to 30 lbs) But my practical side is winning out over my yuppie-wanna-be side.)
“D” batteries (this is what I learned from my first child. Have lots of D batteries on hand for the swing & bouncy seat.
Pacifiers (I have one pack but I will wait to get more until I know what this kid likes….)
Um, I probably should get a new pack of bottle nipples too…. Is it gross to reuse those kid to kid?
A new backwards-baby car mirror…. The one I have is cloudy.
A bath tub sponge mat.
I thought of one other thing to buy but I can’t remember what it is…. So it must be REALLY important. Help me out.
Things to buy for me
Stool softener.
Maxi pads.
One really great outfit to wear as a “uniform” those first months after baby. (Last time it was a pair of olive green khaki drawstring capris, my Salomon amphibians & a few white t-shirts. The tennies made me feel sporty. I started with a baggy white shirt & slowly slimmed them down as time went on… it was so nice to just have one thing to put on that I knew fit & looked ok for when people wanted to “see” me and I could keep a white t-shirt in the diaper bag for emergencies…. Actually, I kept a white t-shirt that fit both Hot Stuff & I in the diaper bag the first few months because I’m paranoid like that.)
Boobie pads. I like the Gerber kind without the sticky stuff on the backs.
New nursing bras. It appears Motherhood doesn’t have the snap-between-the-tits kind I like anymore…. At least not on-line. So I must find someone who does. HEAR ME NEW MAMA’S…. get the snap-between-the-tits kind….. no rooting around under your shirt clear up to your shoulder to hook and unhook… and if they are, um, accidentally “sprung” by your giant bazooms, well, the ones that snap at the bottom at least don’t sproing down like a roller-blind.
Things to do the last few weeks
Get out, sort and wash the boxes of tiny clothes & blankets
Install the car seat base
Set up and clean the swing, bouncy seat etc.
Notice the longest list is things to buy for me??? Obviously not my first child, isn’t it???
Monday, April 10, 2006
The Morning Report
Important things we did this weekend:
1. Cleaned the house. (Well, it wasn't that messy.... but I dusted & vacuumed & washed sheets & stuff like that..... Hot Stuff sorted & organized & put away.)
2. It rained a lot this weekend so we watched 4 movies... Lion King, Dreamer (very sweet), Fantastic Four (obviously a pregnancy-related choice?!?) & Lion King again (hence the title of this post).
3. MISSED Blues Clues on Sunday morning because some other stupid thing was on. (This is a special treat for Sweet Boy. It is on at 9:30 and he gets to lounge on our bed (the tv upstairs is the only one that gets the channel) and eat snacks and watch "Cous-Cous" on tv while I put away laundry or clean whatever needs to be cleaned in our bedroom... Ok, right, or lounge on the bed next to him eating rabbit crackers.)
4. Played baseball with Sweet Boy. He sort-of gets it but there were several Forest-Gump moments.
5. Read a book. A real book. Ok, I read part of it while Sweet Boy was napping..... but I'm over half way and I will finish it.
6. Went to the dump. We say Sweet Boy's daycare provider's husband there. He drives the loader. Sweet Boy was in HEAVEN watching him and cried when we left.
7. Went for a drive with my boys.
8. Saw some helicopters on display. Again.... nothing so fun as the wonder of a little kid.
9. Got deer, elk & moose license applications done. (Go sweetheart.... fill the freezer.... this vegetarian trend won't last forever....)
10. Bought new shoes. Salomon amphibians. They are the greatest. My old pair is falling apart.
11. Got a few groceries. I love going to the grocery store with Hot Stuff & Sweet Boy. Not only is negotiating the parking lot with Hot Stuff hilarious, but Sweet Boy's new game is, well, he calls it "ooker guy" which I take to mean C-ooker guy (and not H-ooker guy, right?). He sits in the cart and makes things for me. I ask for a chocolate milk shake and he does some complicated things with his hands and makes some funny noises and then hands me my shake. Then he asks if I want some cottage cheese. Mmmm. My favorite. Chocolate shake with a side of cottage cheese.
12. Went to Target with my mother in law. We meant to go to the nursery but it was closed. We bought Easter candy & Sweet Boy picked out Mr. Bubble bubble bath after we smelled them all.
13. Made more play dough. Got red food coloring everywhere. Oops. We are a walking oxiclean commercial.
14. Taught Sweet Boy how to drive the jeep. It's one of those little battery operated numbers a neighbor gave us.... he had a blast and just about mortally wounded his poor daddy. Daddy... with the broken leg.... was following him and holding onto the roll bar to keep him from running into a fence or something.
15. Planned Easter dinner with my sister. (This is her thinking: We must have stuffing. Your husband won't be happy without stuffing. (My husband hated stuffing until he had some of my mom's special recipe* stuffing. Now he loves it.) Let's have mashed potatoes. I know baked potatoes are traditional with ham but mashed feels so much more festive. (I suggested going with something other than ham..... and was met with a stunned silence.... she said the only reason she was coming to my house was for the ham & Easter candy.)) So what kind of gravy do you make with ham?? We called my brother and told him he was in charge of potatoes & booze. He said he'll be here with a burlap bag of spuds & 3 cases of PBR. Lord help us. I have to find my jello egg molds so I can make redneck jello shots.... what? It's the only way to get people involved in the egg hunt......
So that's about it for us. Nothing fabulous but just a really great weekend. It is so nice to have Hot Stuff out of the lounger and back playing with us.... he still tires quickly and has to take long time-outs to ice & rest but he's getting back to normal.
*Stove Top
1. Cleaned the house. (Well, it wasn't that messy.... but I dusted & vacuumed & washed sheets & stuff like that..... Hot Stuff sorted & organized & put away.)
2. It rained a lot this weekend so we watched 4 movies... Lion King, Dreamer (very sweet), Fantastic Four (obviously a pregnancy-related choice?!?) & Lion King again (hence the title of this post).
3. MISSED Blues Clues on Sunday morning because some other stupid thing was on. (This is a special treat for Sweet Boy. It is on at 9:30 and he gets to lounge on our bed (the tv upstairs is the only one that gets the channel) and eat snacks and watch "Cous-Cous" on tv while I put away laundry or clean whatever needs to be cleaned in our bedroom... Ok, right, or lounge on the bed next to him eating rabbit crackers.)
4. Played baseball with Sweet Boy. He sort-of gets it but there were several Forest-Gump moments.
5. Read a book. A real book. Ok, I read part of it while Sweet Boy was napping..... but I'm over half way and I will finish it.
6. Went to the dump. We say Sweet Boy's daycare provider's husband there. He drives the loader. Sweet Boy was in HEAVEN watching him and cried when we left.
7. Went for a drive with my boys.
8. Saw some helicopters on display. Again.... nothing so fun as the wonder of a little kid.
9. Got deer, elk & moose license applications done. (Go sweetheart.... fill the freezer.... this vegetarian trend won't last forever....)
10. Bought new shoes. Salomon amphibians. They are the greatest. My old pair is falling apart.
11. Got a few groceries. I love going to the grocery store with Hot Stuff & Sweet Boy. Not only is negotiating the parking lot with Hot Stuff hilarious, but Sweet Boy's new game is, well, he calls it "ooker guy" which I take to mean C-ooker guy (and not H-ooker guy, right?). He sits in the cart and makes things for me. I ask for a chocolate milk shake and he does some complicated things with his hands and makes some funny noises and then hands me my shake. Then he asks if I want some cottage cheese. Mmmm. My favorite. Chocolate shake with a side of cottage cheese.
12. Went to Target with my mother in law. We meant to go to the nursery but it was closed. We bought Easter candy & Sweet Boy picked out Mr. Bubble bubble bath after we smelled them all.
13. Made more play dough. Got red food coloring everywhere. Oops. We are a walking oxiclean commercial.
14. Taught Sweet Boy how to drive the jeep. It's one of those little battery operated numbers a neighbor gave us.... he had a blast and just about mortally wounded his poor daddy. Daddy... with the broken leg.... was following him and holding onto the roll bar to keep him from running into a fence or something.
15. Planned Easter dinner with my sister. (This is her thinking: We must have stuffing. Your husband won't be happy without stuffing. (My husband hated stuffing until he had some of my mom's special recipe* stuffing. Now he loves it.) Let's have mashed potatoes. I know baked potatoes are traditional with ham but mashed feels so much more festive. (I suggested going with something other than ham..... and was met with a stunned silence.... she said the only reason she was coming to my house was for the ham & Easter candy.)) So what kind of gravy do you make with ham?? We called my brother and told him he was in charge of potatoes & booze. He said he'll be here with a burlap bag of spuds & 3 cases of PBR. Lord help us. I have to find my jello egg molds so I can make redneck jello shots.... what? It's the only way to get people involved in the egg hunt......
So that's about it for us. Nothing fabulous but just a really great weekend. It is so nice to have Hot Stuff out of the lounger and back playing with us.... he still tires quickly and has to take long time-outs to ice & rest but he's getting back to normal.
*Stove Top
Abuse
I’m being abused by both my children…
I’m being pummeled inside & out by my kids. My son got excited and accidentally let fly with a match box car and it connected quite resoundingly with the bridge of my nose. He felt really bad and covered my face with slobbery baby kisses to make me feel better.
But my inner child… my inner child is a remorseless little hellion. Enough with the pounding, pummeling, kick-boxing, lap-swimming & general gymnastics already. WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THERE???
Sweet Boy was active. This kid is non-stop. Maybe all I remember is the end when Sweet Boy was so crowded he couldn’t kick, turn & stomp… that thought gives me hope this one will mellow out in a few weeks. Grow, baby, grow.
I’m 26 weeks. (Or something like that…. I’ve never been very good with keeping track… I always have to look it up on babycenter.com or email my cousin who is due a few days before I am.) Due July 12th. What’s the birth stone for July? A ruby? What’s the zodiac sign? And what is the temperament for that zodiac sign?
This baby likes action movies. We watched a few movies this weekend. Hot Stuff picked “Dreamer” and I picked….. “Fantastic Four.” (Sweet Boy picked “Lion King” and we danced our way through it twice…. Such great music.)
Another interesting thing…. This baby is a vegetarian. Seriously. Meat has no appeal. Hummus, however, has great appeal. So do some rather odd sweets. Peanut butter mixed with powdered sugar and served with chocolate chips or fake-out cookie dough (butter, flour, sugar & brown sugar mashed together in a bowl). What's that all about?
I’m being pummeled inside & out by my kids. My son got excited and accidentally let fly with a match box car and it connected quite resoundingly with the bridge of my nose. He felt really bad and covered my face with slobbery baby kisses to make me feel better.
But my inner child… my inner child is a remorseless little hellion. Enough with the pounding, pummeling, kick-boxing, lap-swimming & general gymnastics already. WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THERE???
Sweet Boy was active. This kid is non-stop. Maybe all I remember is the end when Sweet Boy was so crowded he couldn’t kick, turn & stomp… that thought gives me hope this one will mellow out in a few weeks. Grow, baby, grow.
I’m 26 weeks. (Or something like that…. I’ve never been very good with keeping track… I always have to look it up on babycenter.com or email my cousin who is due a few days before I am.) Due July 12th. What’s the birth stone for July? A ruby? What’s the zodiac sign? And what is the temperament for that zodiac sign?
This baby likes action movies. We watched a few movies this weekend. Hot Stuff picked “Dreamer” and I picked….. “Fantastic Four.” (Sweet Boy picked “Lion King” and we danced our way through it twice…. Such great music.)
Another interesting thing…. This baby is a vegetarian. Seriously. Meat has no appeal. Hummus, however, has great appeal. So do some rather odd sweets. Peanut butter mixed with powdered sugar and served with chocolate chips or fake-out cookie dough (butter, flour, sugar & brown sugar mashed together in a bowl). What's that all about?
And the answer is.....
The Brave Little Toaster Goes To Mars.
Hey, I'll do anything to shower by myself once in a while.
Hey, I'll do anything to shower by myself once in a while.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Which side IS starboard on a laundry basket??
Internet, I’m going to let you in on a little secret (and the real reason I stay at this job)…. No one cares what time I come to work. Except today. Today is Thursday. Our morning receptionist has started taking Thursday’s off so someone has to be here to cover at 8:00 am. Today was my day. This is how it went:
5:00: Sweet Boy (wonder-sleeper who never gets up early) wakes up. Daddy was working until almost 11 last night so they didn’t get any time together so he is determined to see his dad. Now. He asks me to get him some more milk please. I’m ok with that except they are snuggling in the middle of the bed and, not being the sliver I once was, I’m having a hard time balancing myself & the dog on my edge of the bed. I bump Hot Stuff’s bum leg and he groans. Sweet Boy says, “Caewful mama, no hurt daddy, say sowwy.” So I say sorry and Sweet Boy asks, “Need kiss it daddy?” Is your heart just melting at the sweetness of a bed-headed little boy in fuzzy jammies (smelling vaguely like pee) taking care of his daddy? No? It isn’t? Then you are dead to me.
5:something-ish o-dark-thirty: Hot Stuff’s alarm goes off. He snoozes it.
14 seconds later: It goes off again and he staggers out of bed.
6:15: Hot Stuff kisses us goodbye and heads to PT. I try to sneak out of bed but Sweet Boy is awake and follows me.
6:30: I give up and plug in a video* so I can shower, get ready & drink some coffee (fear not…. It’s decaf) while I make some additions to my “todo” list for the day.
7:10: We should be leaving the house.
7:23: We really leave the house.
7:30 (7:24): We leave the garage. (Wait. It doesn’t actually take me that long to slog across the driveway… although sometimes it takes two trips….. the clock in my car is 7 minutes fast. Please don’t ask.)
7:25: See a guy wunning in the wain.
7:26: See a backhoe.
7:27: See 2 guys with a dog.
7:28: See the wimming poowl.
7:29: See a snowplow AND a schoolbus.
7:32: See the “Big Bidge” that is parked in a parking lot in 3 sections and, quite possibly, the highlight of our mornings.
7:33: See a backhoe & a dozer.
7:34: See two more schoolbuses… one with lights flashing.
7:36: Another backhoe or six.
7:38: Arrive at daycare, sign in & say good morning, take off shoes & coat & hat, stash diaper bag, kiss the mama, and head for the breakfast counter.
7:40: Leave daycare and negotiate the left-hand turn onto a 60-mile-per-hour road with heavy 8:00 traffic. This is the only really annoying part of the trip.
7:43: Make it across the railroad tracks with no trains and get through campus without hitting any under-dressed college students.
7:45: Wish I had my ipod with me. Helena radio sucks.
7:48: Complain to self about traffic. Remind self of NY’s resolution to NOT run yellow lights. Laugh about what traffic is like in Denver right now.
7:54: Arrive at work and dash into the building in the rain.
7:59: Unlock door (and congratulate myself on remembering my work keys) & turn on lights….. Exactly on time.
*Movie quote of the morning…. “Which side is starboard in a laundry basket?” Ok, name that video.
5:00: Sweet Boy (wonder-sleeper who never gets up early) wakes up. Daddy was working until almost 11 last night so they didn’t get any time together so he is determined to see his dad. Now. He asks me to get him some more milk please. I’m ok with that except they are snuggling in the middle of the bed and, not being the sliver I once was, I’m having a hard time balancing myself & the dog on my edge of the bed. I bump Hot Stuff’s bum leg and he groans. Sweet Boy says, “Caewful mama, no hurt daddy, say sowwy.” So I say sorry and Sweet Boy asks, “Need kiss it daddy?” Is your heart just melting at the sweetness of a bed-headed little boy in fuzzy jammies (smelling vaguely like pee) taking care of his daddy? No? It isn’t? Then you are dead to me.
5:something-ish o-dark-thirty: Hot Stuff’s alarm goes off. He snoozes it.
14 seconds later: It goes off again and he staggers out of bed.
6:15: Hot Stuff kisses us goodbye and heads to PT. I try to sneak out of bed but Sweet Boy is awake and follows me.
6:30: I give up and plug in a video* so I can shower, get ready & drink some coffee (fear not…. It’s decaf) while I make some additions to my “todo” list for the day.
7:10: We should be leaving the house.
7:23: We really leave the house.
7:30 (7:24): We leave the garage. (Wait. It doesn’t actually take me that long to slog across the driveway… although sometimes it takes two trips….. the clock in my car is 7 minutes fast. Please don’t ask.)
7:25: See a guy wunning in the wain.
7:26: See a backhoe.
7:27: See 2 guys with a dog.
7:28: See the wimming poowl.
7:29: See a snowplow AND a schoolbus.
7:32: See the “Big Bidge” that is parked in a parking lot in 3 sections and, quite possibly, the highlight of our mornings.
7:33: See a backhoe & a dozer.
7:34: See two more schoolbuses… one with lights flashing.
7:36: Another backhoe or six.
7:38: Arrive at daycare, sign in & say good morning, take off shoes & coat & hat, stash diaper bag, kiss the mama, and head for the breakfast counter.
7:40: Leave daycare and negotiate the left-hand turn onto a 60-mile-per-hour road with heavy 8:00 traffic. This is the only really annoying part of the trip.
7:43: Make it across the railroad tracks with no trains and get through campus without hitting any under-dressed college students.
7:45: Wish I had my ipod with me. Helena radio sucks.
7:48: Complain to self about traffic. Remind self of NY’s resolution to NOT run yellow lights. Laugh about what traffic is like in Denver right now.
7:54: Arrive at work and dash into the building in the rain.
7:59: Unlock door (and congratulate myself on remembering my work keys) & turn on lights….. Exactly on time.
*Movie quote of the morning…. “Which side is starboard in a laundry basket?” Ok, name that video.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Barbie
My mother in law just sent this to me. Especially funny since I left my son playing with a Ken doll at daycare this morning.... Ken was dancing, naked, on a table while Sweet Boy sang "Twinkle, twinkle" Sorry. The following will only be funny if you are my brother.
Montana Barbies are FINALLY available!!!!
Kalispell Barbie: This modern day homemaker Barbie is available with a Mercedes 4WD SUV, a Prada handbag and matching Nike Yoga ensemble. She has a masters degree and double-majored, but has the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom with Ken's generous salary. Comes with Percocet prescription and Botox. Starbucks mug and traffic-jamming Blackberry internet/cell phone device sold separately. Husband Ken is into fishing, golfing, baseball and is often "working late." Available at all Seattle-area Starbucks retailers.
Bozeman Barbie: This princess Barbie is only sold at Nordstrom. She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade handbags, your choice of an Audi convertible, Hummer H2 or Subaru Legacy and a long-haired foreign lapdog named "Honey" or black Labrador named Bridger. Also available is her cookie-cutter development dream house. Available with or without tummy tuck, facelift, and breast augmentation. Workaholic, cheating husband, Ken, comes with an all-wheel drive Audi.
Butte Barbie: This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, switchblade, '78 El Camino with dark tinted windows, and a meth lab kit. This model is available only after dark and can only be purchased with cash - preferably small bills, unless you're a cop, then we don't know what you're talking about. Boyfriend Ken is in jail. Available at many pawn shops.
Great Falls Barbie: This tobacco chewing, brassy-haired Barbie comes with a pair of high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased Beer Gut Ken out of Auburn Barbie's trailer. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, strawberry lip gloss and a see-through halter top. Purchase her Mustang convertible separately and get a Confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free. Boyfriend Ken is in treatment. Available at Army Navy Su rplus.
Havre Barbie: This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans 2 sizes too small, steel-toed cowboy boots, a classic Metallica 'T' shirt and a Tweedy Bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has fake fingernails, a six pack of Budweiser, and a Hank Williams, Jr. CD set. she can spit over a distance of 6 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's ass when she is drunk. Also available is the gold-toned cubic zirconium ring that Ken gave her after another one of his "episodes" with his boss's daughter. Comes with Barbie's Dream Double Wide Trailer. Available at Wal-Mart.
Browning Barbie: Pregnant at purchase, this Barbie comes with a stroller and bus pass. Also included is a G.E.D. and a completely filled out food stamps form. Construction worker Ken and his '82 Caddy are optional. Available at Value Village.
Billings Barbie: This big-haired red-head comes smelling slightly of petroleum with smiling bunny decals on her Lee press-on nai ls. Wearing a miss-matched outfit and t-shirt with the logo Catsup is Spicy! purchased at Rimrock Mall, the Billings Barbie drives a late-model Ford Escort and comes with coupons to Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Wish-he-were-workaholic, wish-he-were-cheating husband Ken is playing golf or gardening in the backyard of their tract house with views of the rims. Available at all local Casinos.
Missoula Barbie: This Barbie is made out of recycled plastic and tofu. She has long straight brown hair, archless feet, hairy armpits, no make-up, and Birkenstocks with white socks. She does not want, or need, a Ken doll. If you purchase the optional Subaru wagon, you will receive a free rainbow flag sticker. Available at REI.
Helena Barbie: This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply adding or removing snap on parts. Walks to work. Likes to "experiment," but will never commit. This model is being phased out and is only available f rom the manufacturer.
Livingston Barbie: Similar to the Butte model except she is a working artist with enough money to buy her meth and PBRs. Livingston Barbie comes with a three-primer colored 1989 Ford F-150 pulling a Lavro drift boat and dry, frizzy, dusty hair. Pull the string on her back and she will say I hate going to Bozeman or I hate driving in Bozeman. This model is no longer available. Some may be found blowing down the freeway towards Big Timber.
Montana Barbies are FINALLY available!!!!
Kalispell Barbie: This modern day homemaker Barbie is available with a Mercedes 4WD SUV, a Prada handbag and matching Nike Yoga ensemble. She has a masters degree and double-majored, but has the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom with Ken's generous salary. Comes with Percocet prescription and Botox. Starbucks mug and traffic-jamming Blackberry internet/cell phone device sold separately. Husband Ken is into fishing, golfing, baseball and is often "working late." Available at all Seattle-area Starbucks retailers.
Bozeman Barbie: This princess Barbie is only sold at Nordstrom. She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade handbags, your choice of an Audi convertible, Hummer H2 or Subaru Legacy and a long-haired foreign lapdog named "Honey" or black Labrador named Bridger. Also available is her cookie-cutter development dream house. Available with or without tummy tuck, facelift, and breast augmentation. Workaholic, cheating husband, Ken, comes with an all-wheel drive Audi.
Butte Barbie: This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, switchblade, '78 El Camino with dark tinted windows, and a meth lab kit. This model is available only after dark and can only be purchased with cash - preferably small bills, unless you're a cop, then we don't know what you're talking about. Boyfriend Ken is in jail. Available at many pawn shops.
Great Falls Barbie: This tobacco chewing, brassy-haired Barbie comes with a pair of high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased Beer Gut Ken out of Auburn Barbie's trailer. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, strawberry lip gloss and a see-through halter top. Purchase her Mustang convertible separately and get a Confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free. Boyfriend Ken is in treatment. Available at Army Navy Su rplus.
Havre Barbie: This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans 2 sizes too small, steel-toed cowboy boots, a classic Metallica 'T' shirt and a Tweedy Bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has fake fingernails, a six pack of Budweiser, and a Hank Williams, Jr. CD set. she can spit over a distance of 6 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's ass when she is drunk. Also available is the gold-toned cubic zirconium ring that Ken gave her after another one of his "episodes" with his boss's daughter. Comes with Barbie's Dream Double Wide Trailer. Available at Wal-Mart.
Browning Barbie: Pregnant at purchase, this Barbie comes with a stroller and bus pass. Also included is a G.E.D. and a completely filled out food stamps form. Construction worker Ken and his '82 Caddy are optional. Available at Value Village.
Billings Barbie: This big-haired red-head comes smelling slightly of petroleum with smiling bunny decals on her Lee press-on nai ls. Wearing a miss-matched outfit and t-shirt with the logo Catsup is Spicy! purchased at Rimrock Mall, the Billings Barbie drives a late-model Ford Escort and comes with coupons to Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Wish-he-were-workaholic, wish-he-were-cheating husband Ken is playing golf or gardening in the backyard of their tract house with views of the rims. Available at all local Casinos.
Missoula Barbie: This Barbie is made out of recycled plastic and tofu. She has long straight brown hair, archless feet, hairy armpits, no make-up, and Birkenstocks with white socks. She does not want, or need, a Ken doll. If you purchase the optional Subaru wagon, you will receive a free rainbow flag sticker. Available at REI.
Helena Barbie: This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply adding or removing snap on parts. Walks to work. Likes to "experiment," but will never commit. This model is being phased out and is only available f rom the manufacturer.
Livingston Barbie: Similar to the Butte model except she is a working artist with enough money to buy her meth and PBRs. Livingston Barbie comes with a three-primer colored 1989 Ford F-150 pulling a Lavro drift boat and dry, frizzy, dusty hair. Pull the string on her back and she will say I hate going to Bozeman or I hate driving in Bozeman. This model is no longer available. Some may be found blowing down the freeway towards Big Timber.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
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