Yup, the toothless vampiress...
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Friday, September 04, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
And she's off....
...to Kindergarten, that is! Maddie's already met her teacher - Miss Melisa - and knows some of the kids in her classroom, but today was different.
It's funny how parents compare our kids to everyone else's. I know Maddie's a fantastic kid. She has a great sense of humor, a growing sense of what's right and what's wrong. She's been reading for a year, and the other day stunned me by telling me the right sum of 8 + 4. She's not ordinary fool, my kid!
I want her to be the great kid in Kindergarten - the kid who makes friends to the lonely kids, the kid that doesn't give a hoot to what others think of her or her hobbies or her friends - the kid who doesn't mind her crazy parents. Don't know whether any of that will happen, but she's off to a fantastic start.
Now, excuse me while I dry my eyes....
It's funny how parents compare our kids to everyone else's. I know Maddie's a fantastic kid. She has a great sense of humor, a growing sense of what's right and what's wrong. She's been reading for a year, and the other day stunned me by telling me the right sum of 8 + 4. She's not ordinary fool, my kid!
I want her to be the great kid in Kindergarten - the kid who makes friends to the lonely kids, the kid that doesn't give a hoot to what others think of her or her hobbies or her friends - the kid who doesn't mind her crazy parents. Don't know whether any of that will happen, but she's off to a fantastic start.
Now, excuse me while I dry my eyes....
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
21 weeks
Baby is size of a CARROT, can you believe it? She's doing just fine. I'm not doing as great. Part of this is I'll be 40 in January, not a young chick. Part of it is that I have fibromyalgia and this pregnancy is kicking my behind.
Wondering it's time to look at my schedule and ask to cut down my time at work.
It's scary to think about. I don't want to be on bed-rest. I don't want to not work. But frankly, I'm tired. I'm tired of throwing up, feeling unrested, being achy all over, all day, being exhausted just being at work.
Wish things were simple. Wish I could make the next 19 weeks zip by. Wish I didn't feel like I needed to take the vicodin or the Tylenol 3 daily to keep my body from screaming.
Wondering it's time to look at my schedule and ask to cut down my time at work.
It's scary to think about. I don't want to be on bed-rest. I don't want to not work. But frankly, I'm tired. I'm tired of throwing up, feeling unrested, being achy all over, all day, being exhausted just being at work.
Wish things were simple. Wish I could make the next 19 weeks zip by. Wish I didn't feel like I needed to take the vicodin or the Tylenol 3 daily to keep my body from screaming.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
going home
I love the home we've made in Green Bay. I didn't think I'd like this town. I grew up in Madison - a long way from this conservative and industrial place. But after a few years, after I figured out the area, I grew to really like this town.
When Maddy was born, I didn't have a network. I had a few friends, but I didn't have a job until after Maddy was 4 months old. I haven't stopped working since then, and I'm ok with that. We bought our first house when she was 1 1/2. I have a number of friends now. We've become members of the area's Unitarian Universalist fellowship. We have a network. And I like it!
But, there is simply nothing like going home. There are songs written about it. There are poems and movies about home. It's a powerful thing.
I grew up south of Madison and I'll always call my parent's home my home away from home, my first home, the home I'll always be able to go back to when times get tough.
Joe Maddy and I haven't been able to get down to see my parents in a long time - a few months actually. We get to go down this weekend for a number of wonderful reasons. My parents just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary by heading to California for a long weekend. Can't wait to hear about it! My mom's birthday is in a few weeks. AND we get to spend Saturday at the Memorial Union to see a fun band (Phat Phunktion!). Too much fun.
I love going home...
When Maddy was born, I didn't have a network. I had a few friends, but I didn't have a job until after Maddy was 4 months old. I haven't stopped working since then, and I'm ok with that. We bought our first house when she was 1 1/2. I have a number of friends now. We've become members of the area's Unitarian Universalist fellowship. We have a network. And I like it!
But, there is simply nothing like going home. There are songs written about it. There are poems and movies about home. It's a powerful thing.
I grew up south of Madison and I'll always call my parent's home my home away from home, my first home, the home I'll always be able to go back to when times get tough.
Joe Maddy and I haven't been able to get down to see my parents in a long time - a few months actually. We get to go down this weekend for a number of wonderful reasons. My parents just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary by heading to California for a long weekend. Can't wait to hear about it! My mom's birthday is in a few weeks. AND we get to spend Saturday at the Memorial Union to see a fun band (Phat Phunktion!). Too much fun.
I love going home...
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
16 weeks & 5 days
It's been a month since I've blogged. I'm feeling quite lazy lately. My poor vegetable garden is more weed than vegetables. Perhaps my mood is cuz we haven't had decent rain in a long while - perhaps it's cuz I'm still puking every morning. That takes a lot of out of me.
I'm doing well - 16 weeks & 5 days. My belly is rounding out. I'm looking less lumpy and more pregnant. I've been able to feel baby moving around a bit since week 14. It's been hiding in the back more when we go to listen to the heartbeat. Stinker.
I only have a few items of my non-maternity clothes I can wear lately. This pregnancy, I am able to spend money on clothes for work, which is nice. Styles have certainly changed since I was pregnant with Madeline 6 years ago!!!
We have our next ultrasound on August 4th - just 2 short weeks. It's a big one where they look at the baby's organs and heart and possibly even tell what 'flavor' it is. Yes, we are going to attempt to identify the sex of the baby. We might even tell you if you ask nicely. :) We will wait until baby is born to name it officially. Madeline is sure the names will be either Isaac or Purple Iris. I told her we'll take those names into consideration.
I'm doing well - 16 weeks & 5 days. My belly is rounding out. I'm looking less lumpy and more pregnant. I've been able to feel baby moving around a bit since week 14. It's been hiding in the back more when we go to listen to the heartbeat. Stinker.
I only have a few items of my non-maternity clothes I can wear lately. This pregnancy, I am able to spend money on clothes for work, which is nice. Styles have certainly changed since I was pregnant with Madeline 6 years ago!!!
We have our next ultrasound on August 4th - just 2 short weeks. It's a big one where they look at the baby's organs and heart and possibly even tell what 'flavor' it is. Yes, we are going to attempt to identify the sex of the baby. We might even tell you if you ask nicely. :) We will wait until baby is born to name it officially. Madeline is sure the names will be either Isaac or Purple Iris. I told her we'll take those names into consideration.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
non-pregnancy stuff
Well, not really. I mean, I am a huge sack of hormones, attempting to suppress the necessity to cry at the slightest provocation.
No, I won't mention that I'm now 10-weeks along and have my OB appointment tomorrow. If everything goes well, I'll be the furthest along in the last 3 pregnancies.
No, I won't mention that I'm eating approximately every 1 1/2 hours - anything - but I need to eat, otherwise I get nauseous.
And I would never mention that I have pregnancy acne (at the tender age of 39!!!!) just like I did with Maddy.
I won't mention anything about those things. I WILL mention that my damn knee is really hurting me, and now I know why!
For the past 5 years or so, my right knee has been giving me more and more trouble. It creaks badly walking up stairs. It hurts not even doing anything. So I went in to my good old orthopedic surgeon (from the ulna nerve transposition in October 2006) and he suggested an MRI, which is safe for pregnant women.
Thankfully I didn't freak, like I had previously.
What the MRI showed was that I have early arthritis (yippee), and some fluid in the knee. The worst part is that I have osteochondritis dissecans. I'm certainly glad I took that medical terminology class years ago.
Basically, I need to rest it, do some walking (even though it hurts) and get some cortisone shots in the knee (yippee - such a fan of needles - not) to help with the inflammation. It probably would be better if I lost weight, but that's not going to happen any time soon.
No, I won't mention that I'm now 10-weeks along and have my OB appointment tomorrow. If everything goes well, I'll be the furthest along in the last 3 pregnancies.
No, I won't mention that I'm eating approximately every 1 1/2 hours - anything - but I need to eat, otherwise I get nauseous.
And I would never mention that I have pregnancy acne (at the tender age of 39!!!!) just like I did with Maddy.
I won't mention anything about those things. I WILL mention that my damn knee is really hurting me, and now I know why!
For the past 5 years or so, my right knee has been giving me more and more trouble. It creaks badly walking up stairs. It hurts not even doing anything. So I went in to my good old orthopedic surgeon (from the ulna nerve transposition in October 2006) and he suggested an MRI, which is safe for pregnant women.
Thankfully I didn't freak, like I had previously.
What the MRI showed was that I have early arthritis (yippee), and some fluid in the knee. The worst part is that I have osteochondritis dissecans. I'm certainly glad I took that medical terminology class years ago.
Basically, I need to rest it, do some walking (even though it hurts) and get some cortisone shots in the knee (yippee - such a fan of needles - not) to help with the inflammation. It probably would be better if I lost weight, but that's not going to happen any time soon.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
week #9
I feel gun shy when it comes to announcing my week's progress - but it is a big deal to me. It's funny that I don't mind doing it here, in this venue, or on Facebook, but I won't make a whole-world email announcement until we reach week #12.
There aren't any guarantees, but it'll be that much more further.
I'm feeling the same sort of effects of pregnancy as I did with Madeline, which I think is awesome. I have pregnancy acne - the big awful ones. I am nauseous and hungry at the same time. I can't fit into my regular pre-pregnancy pants any more, and I'm "busting" out of my brassieres. already. I think that's a really great sign indeed.
Going in for my now weekly ultrasound tomorrow.
There aren't any guarantees, but it'll be that much more further.
I'm feeling the same sort of effects of pregnancy as I did with Madeline, which I think is awesome. I have pregnancy acne - the big awful ones. I am nauseous and hungry at the same time. I can't fit into my regular pre-pregnancy pants any more, and I'm "busting" out of my brassieres. already. I think that's a really great sign indeed.
Going in for my now weekly ultrasound tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Week 7
I made it to Week #7. 33 more to go. Feeling nauseous still, but I'm quite glad about that. It means everything is working as it should.
Since my first miscarriage last April, I've contemplated keeping subsequent pregnancies secret until a certain time. We didn't keep anything secret in November & we had miscarriage #2. I've tried to figure out why I haven't kept this one a secret. I think I know why.
I need the support of whatever happens. There are no guarantees, even once we hit the magic week #12 mark. My dear cousin Danielle lost a baby when she 8 months pregnant. I'm high risk due to the previous miscarriages, the surgery to remove 5 fibroids (which is believed to be the contributing factor of the miscarriages), as well as my age. I'm 39 years old. Not a spring-chick anymore.
It's purely selfish of me to want to have this support from friends and family. My coworkers were among the first to know cuz they see me daily. Besides, the office water must have hormones in it - there are many pregnant women at the college and guys whose wives just gave birth or will any day now.
Since my first miscarriage last April, I've contemplated keeping subsequent pregnancies secret until a certain time. We didn't keep anything secret in November & we had miscarriage #2. I've tried to figure out why I haven't kept this one a secret. I think I know why.
I need the support of whatever happens. There are no guarantees, even once we hit the magic week #12 mark. My dear cousin Danielle lost a baby when she 8 months pregnant. I'm high risk due to the previous miscarriages, the surgery to remove 5 fibroids (which is believed to be the contributing factor of the miscarriages), as well as my age. I'm 39 years old. Not a spring-chick anymore.
It's purely selfish of me to want to have this support from friends and family. My coworkers were among the first to know cuz they see me daily. Besides, the office water must have hormones in it - there are many pregnant women at the college and guys whose wives just gave birth or will any day now.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
no guarantees
I know that no matter what, there aren't any guarantees.
I know that even if we reach the magical week 12 with no complications that there won't be.
I know that last year's miscarriages didn't help with my risk-factor.
I know all these things.
However, I also know that I can't be in control of everything, despite wanting to. I had the surgery to remove the 5 fibroids for a reason - so that in the event of a success pregnancy, I'd be giving the embryo the best start I could.
Doesn't mean that I also know that I'm scared silly, and trying my best to take it one day at a time. I can't be in control of this except for eating as healthfully as I can when I feel like eating.
"What will be will be...."
I know that even if we reach the magical week 12 with no complications that there won't be.
I know that last year's miscarriages didn't help with my risk-factor.
I know all these things.
However, I also know that I can't be in control of everything, despite wanting to. I had the surgery to remove the 5 fibroids for a reason - so that in the event of a success pregnancy, I'd be giving the embryo the best start I could.
Doesn't mean that I also know that I'm scared silly, and trying my best to take it one day at a time. I can't be in control of this except for eating as healthfully as I can when I feel like eating.
"What will be will be...."
Monday, May 11, 2009
Long time ... no see
I've been in hibernation.
I'm ready to blossom.
I'm ready for spring.
I'm ready to attempt pregnancy yet one-more-time.
More after this brief announcement...
I'm ready to blossom.
I'm ready for spring.
I'm ready to attempt pregnancy yet one-more-time.
More after this brief announcement...
We are pregnant!
I'm high risk due to 2 miscarriages last year and being so blessed old, so I get weekly ultrasounds for the time-being. Saw the little peanut this morning. So small yet - only 7 weeks along on Wednesday) but its heart is good and strong @ 130+ beats per minute.
I'm happy and cautiously optimistic.
:) Welcome SPRING.
I'm happy and cautiously optimistic.
:) Welcome SPRING.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
What now?
If you are reading this, undoubtedly you've noticed I haven't spent a lot of time blogging. Looking back this past year, it's been a vehicle to vent my frustrations and anguish about the miscarriages. So now what the heck should I use it for?
I could talk about the weather in Green Bay, Wisconsin: (it's 9°F, feels like: 5°F today).
I could talk about Madeline: (she's 5 going on 13; still loves princess; she just told me she wanted to be an astronaut; she knows the order of the planets; she is really funny).
I could whine about how much my knee is bothering me: (I blame it on my father sharing his genetic disposition for bad knees).
I could exclaim my enjoyment and delight that I still have a great job: (libraries have tough to get a job in - I'm thankful for having a job that I still like).
eh ... I'll think about it.
I could talk about the weather in Green Bay, Wisconsin: (it's 9°F, feels like: 5°F today).
I could talk about Madeline: (she's 5 going on 13; still loves princess; she just told me she wanted to be an astronaut; she knows the order of the planets; she is really funny).
I could whine about how much my knee is bothering me: (I blame it on my father sharing his genetic disposition for bad knees).
I could exclaim my enjoyment and delight that I still have a great job: (libraries have tough to get a job in - I'm thankful for having a job that I still like).
eh ... I'll think about it.
Monday, February 16, 2009
My baby's growing up
She's lost now 2 teeth! How the heck can that be? It was just yesterday when she was a tiny kid ... (March 2005)
January 2009 (she's the one on the right)
January 2009 (she's the one on the right)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Cheers & Jeers
CHEERS:
Salma Hayek
It takes a village! It's nutrition. There is nothing wrong with feeding a starving child. Get over it, people!
JEERS:
Nadya Suleman
Because, though it takes a village (which she's obviously hoping 'cuz she needs the money), you need to do what is right. Bringing 8 more children into a world when you a) don't a way to support them, b) don't acknowledge that you may not be doing the right thing is NOT the right way to go about it!
Salma Hayek
It takes a village! It's nutrition. There is nothing wrong with feeding a starving child. Get over it, people!
JEERS:
Nadya Suleman
Because, though it takes a village (which she's obviously hoping 'cuz she needs the money), you need to do what is right. Bringing 8 more children into a world when you a) don't a way to support them, b) don't acknowledge that you may not be doing the right thing is NOT the right way to go about it!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
2009
2009=Year of renewal.
I really am glad we went through everything we went through in 2008. I appreciate my health, my family and my sanity so much more. (ok, well, as much sanity as I might have anyway).
I'm looking forward to spending 6 days with Joe and Maddy at Walt Disney World from January 22 through the 27th. I'm looking forward to just meandering around the resort, watching the delight in a young child's eyes. I'm looking forward to simply being.
I'll be back with pictures and how we spent our time.
Hope you all are well!
I really am glad we went through everything we went through in 2008. I appreciate my health, my family and my sanity so much more. (ok, well, as much sanity as I might have anyway).
I'm looking forward to spending 6 days with Joe and Maddy at Walt Disney World from January 22 through the 27th. I'm looking forward to just meandering around the resort, watching the delight in a young child's eyes. I'm looking forward to simply being.
I'll be back with pictures and how we spent our time.
Hope you all are well!
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