She's Here!

By now, if you don't know for sure you can probably guess that my princess is here. It was a rough 2-3 hrs but we made it through. She's happy and healthy and she knows she's gorgeous. If you haven't checked her blog lately (like in the past 15 minutes) take a click over there and see the newest pictures. For those who wanna know how it all went down, I put a post up there about that too (it's not for the squeamish).

What else is going on? I've been getting lots of rest. This girl can eat (she has my appetite) and she can sleep (yeah, she gets that from me too). She's even a night owl like I used to be. She has me up from midnight to 3 a.m. every night. But in general the rest I get in between feedings is priceless. I've needed it. Last week I could hardly walk! I have a two-story house so I spent most of the time upstairs having food brought to me (I love my husband). This week is much, much better. Thank God for friends and family. A girlfriend of mine called last Friday and offered to cook for me the next day. At first I declined. I really wasn't up to "entertaining" plus I have a hard time accepting help from people. Hubby convinced me I was crazy to turn her down so I ended up taking her up on her offer and was glad I did. We enjoyed the company of her, her husband, and daughter. Makes me miss the times when I used to be more social.

Anyhoo, I can tell you I am SO GLAD to not have to go to work! I could be a stay at home mom. I would find stuff to do. Maybe I'd volunteer work part-time at Sid's school. They have a daycare there too so Shelby would be nearby.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

We Have A Winner!

Chele is our grand-prize winner this weekend. Her prizes include a trip down memory lane with stories of newborn drama and...a new car!

Ok, well, not the last one, but the memory lane I'm sure I could do. I'll be updating Shelby's blog with all the latest dirt.

While there are an infinite possibility of answers, for the purpose of this contest other correct answers include:

• Having interminable contraction pains every 3 minutes while being stuck behind a school bus picking up children in wheelchairs.
• Knocking an engorged breast against the shower door on your way in.
• A bad breastfeeding latch.

Let's See

Who can finish this sentence correctly?

Hell is ___________.

There Must Be Something About Mondays

That makes me have babies.

It's 7:00 am and I've been having contractions since 1:00 am, anywhere from 10-15 minutes apart. Now they're down to almost 5 minutes apart. I got up around 2:30 to make sure I was packed. Now all we have to do is get Sid ready for school, drop him off, then take me to the hospital. Hopefully I'm almost ready to deliver cause these contractions are tiring.

If you don't hear from me over the next few days it's because I don't have Internet access at the hospital.

Wish me luck!

YAY!

I got my pictures!!

The Countdown Continues

Less than two weeks to go now! My mother keeps telling me how anxious she is for her granddaughter to get here, as if I can up and push her out! lol. On the other hand, one my managers at work keeps telling me how deer can delay labor under stress!! Yes, they are special at my job.

There was a surprise shower for me yesterday (missed you SP). Some people ruined the surprise for me. I really hate when that happens because I love surprises. There was a mix up with the dates and one lady brought me a gift yesterday apologizing for not making it to my shower the week before. That's when I knew something was actually in the making. Just that morning I realized I only had two weeks left and I hadn't even planned anything for myself, and I really didn't think anyone was planning anything for me. So I was there feeling somewhat sorry for myself and all forgotten when this lady came and ruined my surprise. Not longer after she left another girl said something about having something to give me at my "thingy" later. That made it worse cause then I knew when it was happening and based on the person who made that statement I knew who was throwing it. I had to complain to hubby cause it aggravates me when people don't pay attention. How could not have known it was a surprise whether it was for me or anyone. If it was for someone else I would have been just as upset. Anyway 10:30 pm came and I was still sitting around waiting for hubby to finish some meetings and then we headed home. I figured they must have changed something because there was no way they were going to keep a pregnant lady out on the road away from her bed so late at night. Boy, was I wrong. Hubby made a detour and took me straight there. It was really nice and I was touched by the gestures of love. This little baby girl surely won't lack love, that's for sure. We had a good time with games (which I thankfully didn't have to participate in but watched from my 'throne' in the corner, haha), and there were snacks and drinks and food and presents. A great effort was put into decorating the room where we were. I was/am very appreciative of everything that was done for me and my family. I couldn't have asked for anything better.

I'm still waiting for the rest of my pix, Shawn, I'm not holding out, trust me! :) And, you know, I don't know what I was thinking offering that woman my book. Just trying to be nice, I guess. I try to give mankind the benefit of doubt but more often than not I am left sorely disappointed.

Teasers

The Silhouette


Abstract Outline

Baby Update

No news yet. Still waiting. 15 days to go. Weekly doctor visits til she's done baking. Did I mention that I'm 160lbs now?! I'm exhausted these days. Late nights. (Seemingly) long days at work. Although, since I heard that the powers that be don't care if my app comes out in Dec or Mar my mind has shut down and I haven't been too productive the past two days. I'm so glad the weekend is almost here. I just want to go to bed. It'll be nice when the baby gets here and I can take off work. I get six weeks off (and a pay cut because we don't get maternity leave, we have to take disability leave). Of course, I still won't be getting enough sleep but at least it should be less mentally draining. Hubby will be around to help so I won't go stir crazy for adult interaction. Maybe Auntie Mocha will make it down to help change some diapers??

Another Pet Peeve

Don't you hate it when you lend people things and they don't give it back? I should have learned my lesson when I lent this guy in college some books for a class and they did come back but they were all tore up. But no, I still lent another guy my absolute favorite Calculus book (yes, I had a favorite Calculus book) and up to this day he doesn't know what happened to it. And even after those two experiences I still went and lent somebody a book. I offered the book to her no less!

I was reading Sula a few months ago and there was a lady I would see in the mornings sometimes. We came in opposite entrances but we made it to the elevator about the same time. Well, she saw me reading the book and asked me about it and went on to tell me how it was recommended to her by one of her friends. Ok, cool. When I was done with the book I brought it with me thinking why don't I lend it to her so she can read it? So I did. She thought it was a nice gesture and said it was perfect timing because she was about to go on vacation and she could read it then. We formally introduced ourselves and off we went. I got off on the 2nd floor and she went on up to the 4th. There are only four floors so how could she not find me when the time came to return the book. Should be easy enough, right?

A few weeks went by and I hadn't heard anything from her. Not that I was anxious to get the book back, but it's the principle of the thing.

A few more weeks went by. Still nothing. During that time her company moved out of my building and into one next door. I glimpsed her once but I wasn't able to get to her at the time. And I haven't seen her since.

Now, you would think that since I offered the book the least she could do is bring it back to me? If the roles were reversed I would go out of my way to make sure whatever I had would be returned to its owner, regardless of the worth of the item.

Is it just me?

Labor Day

Of course I don't have any stories to tell about this past weekend. It was, thankfully, quiet. Watched Hurricane starring Den.zel, slept, slept some more. It rained quite a bit. Felt like a lazy weekend. It's getting more difficult to get comfortable, but that's to be expected, I guess. The dr checked me on Friday and said I'm not ready to deliver yet but I'm getting "ripe." I didn't ask for an explanation. lol. My next appt is this Friday. The due date is less than three weeks away. Work is...work. Still too much to do. I'd hate to leave them hanging but the baby will come when she will. It's not so much leaving them hanging as much as it is my co-worker will have to take on my responsibilities for awhile, and he doesn't know anything about what I do. This week is mind-meld week where I'm supposed to get him up to speed. Ok. Sure. Anyway, Tues night I had some pictures taken - real pictures. Once the photographer uploads them (and if they look decent) I'll post a link. K and Sid were there too so I let them take some pix with me. :) It was an okay experience, I must say. I would have been better if it wasn't at the end of the day (8:30 pm) but I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would have been. Granted, I didn't know how to pose but we made it through. We took over 125 pix in less than two hours.

I know, it's late. I'm going to bed now. G'nite.

Pet Peeves

One of the things I can't stand is the "whole world revolves around me" syndrome, especially when combined with the "I'm the victim" mentality and the "manipulate by guilt" trait. How does one person have all three characteristics AND a stank attitude to boot?? Unfortunately, for whatever reason, some people have to remain in our lives. Maybe these trials are to make me stronger? More patient? More understanding? I don't know. I do know how aggravating and stressful our interactions are. I try to keep the frequency to a minimum but that's not always possible. It takes me a while to think of responses and I'm usually in shock that I'm being confronted at all. To the other person this may be perceived as admission or agreement which it never is. I don't want to say the wrong thing so I don't say anything. I have to work on that. By the time I do have time to come up with an appropriate response I don't want to bring up the subject again. And it becomes a cycle. Wonder where/when this became a part of me?

The Inconvenience of it All

Update: The dr's office said that once you've reached 36 weeks, you're expected to go to the hospital if there is a hurricane. The hospital said that you only come in if a hurricane warning is issued, and even then make sure to call the hotline number first for instructions. They also said no family members are allowed - no husbands, no children, no anyone. Well, it's looking like only a tropical storm anyway which is good.

If Ernie decides to keep his hurricane status and keep coming my way then I may have to check into the hospital tomorrow evening. And I'm pretty sure that would mean no kids allowed, including Sid. How could I be expected to be apart from Sid with a hurricane passing through and me not be there to comfort him if he gets scared? I could be jumping the gun because I haven't even called my dr yet to find out what he wants me to do. I do have almost four weeks until my due date. Ok, I'll call him before I start worrying.

Feeling A Bit Overwhelmed

My feet are swollen.
Someone stole my bike.
Sid has to be at school by 8:00 am.
I haven't been getting enough sleep.

And then there was...me

Words of Wisdom

I live in a cube farm. Sorry, I work in a cube farm. There are about 13 of us in this room and the walls are chin high - when you're sitting down. Needless to say there is almost zero privacy. But that's not what this post about. Every now and then my boss likes to come out and stand by my cube (the podium) at the front of the room and share his gems of wisdom. I'll give him his props - he's not a dumb guy and he knows how to politic. In the past he's said things like, "If you want to know the health of a company, follow the money," "It's all about perceptions," and "With change comes opportunity." In today's spiel he encouraged us young'uns to write down our past experiences because as we get older we'll remember less and less of them.

That made me start thinking a bit about the things I did in my youth. I'm talking about 20 years ago. That's a looong time ago. The one thing that stuck in my mind were the times that my cousin and I would go bike riding around the neighborhood. Well, we didn't just go around the neighborhood but that's not important right now. My cousin S is three months older than me so we were very close. Her younger brother, on the other hand, is a couple of years younger than us. That, coupled with the fact that he is a boy, did not make fun times for him back then. The times that he was around S and I would try to get out of the house without him knowing - but he always heard and would come running after us. We would then jump on our bikes and take off. He would scramble for his and then he was on our tails. We always got away. The fun for us was in the running. The chasing was not fun for him however. We either didn't realize or didn't care or a bit of both. A few years ago he let me know how much it bothered him the way we treated him back then. I apologized from my heart. I really was (and still am) sorry.

I've been quite busy doing some pretty geeky things lately. Not that I mind. I love to learn. I don't know where to start and I'm still in the midst of things but I can give you a quick rundown.

I'm very active in my church. On any given Saturday good luck if you find me sitting in one place for more than five minutes (I can usually go about 1/2 hr during the sermon until some "fire" erupts that I have to put out). All of the geeky stuff I've been working on lately has been directly related to my duties at church - trying to retrieve data from a harddrive, transfering domain and email hosting, and upgrading our website. This in addition to creating a budget and proposal for my department, sitting through lengthy church board meetings, editing our newsletter, working on announcement newscasts, and preparing for Communication & Technology Day, which happens to be this upcoming Saturday. My husband does the capturing and video editing of the services (at home) so I have my part to play in that too. After this Saturday, when the day is finally over, and I know I don't have to go back up on the platform, my stress levels will stabilize. In the meantime, I barely have two more days to go and I haven't written my editorial or my welcome or my introduction of the speaker yet, among many other things like doing up schedules, committee member packets, blah, blah, blah.

At work, I have a project due on Nov 1, nevermind that I'll be out in a few weeks. That means I have to do as much as I can by the end of this month and hope I still have time to handover whatever is left.

Plus, did I mention I'm having a baby? I went to the doctor's yesterday and he asked me if I wanted to choose a date. He said a lot of families do it for the convenience. I'm sitting there thinking, he's asking me if I want to decide when I want to go into natural labor?? That's not something I want to think about and work towards. Let it happen when I don't expect it. Basically you choose a date and the day before, if you've been having minor contractions or braxton hicks, and if you're dilated, then the next day you get admitted to the hospital and you get pitocin to induce labor. Umm, no thank you. First of all, I have not heard anything good about induced labor. Secondly, my family doesn't need the 'convenience' of knowing where I'm going to be beforehand, they can find out when I do. Maybe some women would prefer the select-your-labor-day option if they need to make plans for childcare and husband taking off work, but I don't have to think about that. Fortunately I have enough family and friends, and co-workers even, who can pitch in to make things work. So I'll pass on that offer, thanks.

There are not enough hours in the day.

Don't laugh because the only thing I can make these days is chicken pot pie. Hubby asked for it so I made it again. So there!

What's Up With You?

I'm here. No baby yet. She's not due til Sep 23. I know, that's less than two months away! Am I ready? You bet. I wanna see her and hold her and hug her and squeeze her. And I sure am ready to take a break from work and the daily routine. Sid is still adamantly telling people that she's his baby. lol. Her name is still up in the air. I'm rooting for Shelby. Some love it, some hate it. Hubby frowns at it. He's voting for Courtney as is my mother. My mother says if I go with Shelby she won't call her by that name. Yeah, right.

Speaking of boys, stepson is in TN right now visiting his aunt and he doesn't want to come back. Why? You know why - he's in l.o.v.e.! Unfortunately he has to come back to his life here in SFL.

No news from Uncle yet either. He says he only checks his email on Sundays. Ok. Two Sundays have past since the first 'hello' message I sent. No response to the letter I wrote to Aunt either. Hmm.

I had a dream last night that I met Mocha and Nikki. Is there anything to that? Are they headed my way or am I going on a road trip? (I love road trips but these gas prices are no joke! My little V6 took $45 to fill up yesterday. When I had my gas-guzzling Beamer five years ago it used to cost that much. Prices have DOUBLED since then. I can't imagine having to pay $90+ for gas at least once a week. I wonder what the mileage is for a Honda Odyssey minivan?)

Poor hubby - the company he works for has been indefinitely absorbed by it's parent because the money wasn't coming in fast enough. They let almost all of the sales guys go. Being as he was the one making the appointments for those guys I don't know what all this means for him. Of course, he had a dream a few days prior that there were only three people working in the office - the two owners and himself. Maybe this will turn out to be a good thing.

I finished "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston. I thought it was pretty good. I tried starting "Beloved" by Toni Morrison but it's taking me a while to get into it. In the meantime I also finished "Red Dragon" by Thomas Harris, the author of "Silence of the Lambs." It was ok. I liked the twist near the end. I haven't given up on "Beloved" but I'm taking suggestions of other books to read.

Oh yeah, the new bed is great. I don't know what to do with all the room I have!

Random thought: Why doesn't everyone iron their clothes before coming to work? I'm not saying that if you wore something already and you're wearing it again it necessarily has to be ironed even though you know it has those "I've been worn before wrinkles." I'm talking about those "I was folded and put down and not even folded properly, see my creases" kind of wrinkles. How do you come to work like that?

Finally!

We're FINALLY getting a new bed! With a frame! All courtesy of my mother-in-law (she's the sweetest). It's scheduled to be delivered this Thursday. I can't wait to go to bed Thursday night! (hehe) Our old bed, is, well, old. It's a queen-sized bed that sags all over. When you move it moves with you. My husband had it way before we got married five years ago and we never got around to replacing it. The new bed on the other hand is a firm KING.

Everywhere I look in my house I see things that need changing. The new bed will be screaming for a bedroom set and I don't blame it. There are a lot of mix-matched pieces in my bedroom. We'll need new sheets too of course, but Macy's is having a sale (as usual) starting Thursday so you know that's where I'll be Thursday evening after work. The television in our room is small but it still takes up too much space. A flat-panel LCD hanging on the wall would be much more efficient. As for the nest of cables behind the television in the living room - what can I say about that except that it needs to go. A proper wall unit is in order. Then I'll have somewhere to store my CDs instead of in my bedside table. But the wall unit will have to come after we repaint the living room. I have a red couch (sort of the color of ketchup) so I have to find something that will complement it.

********************

My mother spoke to one of my uncles last week and he told her that he had just come back from vacation. When she asked him if he came to Florida he said no, Vancouver. I don't know if he meant to say it or if it slipped out before he realized what he was telling her, but we all know that's where my father is. He admitted to seeing him and he apparently told him that he has a grandson, for which my father was supposedly excited. I couldn't bring myself to call my uncle and ask him my questions myself so I emailed him instead. We'll see if he responds.