Well, considering I started the weekend off with not much to do, I've managed to get through one day pretty busy and am now sitting here with much back pain. I woke up fairly early 'tis morning. I was laying on my side (as usual) and the baby was kicking so hard up against the mattress, it actually woke me up. Then, of course, my bladder was serving him as a water bed, had to pull the plug on that. There was no going back to sleep after that. I layed in bed for a bit flipping through some baby magazines while Doug read his book.
We needed some things at the store, so Doug and Justin headed to Walmart, while I poked around picking up clutter here and there. When Doug got back, I decided to scrub my floors and clean up, so Doug took the rugrats to the library for an hour and a half and brought me back lunch from McDonalds. He also found me a book to a series that I read awhile back. I didn't even know there were more books (I hate when that happens), I actually didn't even realize these two books were book 1 and book 2 to a 4 book series, turns out, Doug found book 4, so he's going to go back and get me book 3, then I'll have something to read tonight while he plays that silly computer game he likes.
I also popped on to Clanlord with Biff for a bit of coin hunting. I actually found a cacao pod for the first time ever. I happily handed that over to Kiriel, who has baked for Felicity on more than one occasion. I cooked a roast for supper tonight. Not the greatest cut of beef though. Anyone know what cut the tender, stringy kind of beef is? I hardly ever cook any kind of roast, so Doug and I are both at a loss as to what's good, what's not. Oh, I almost forgot, in between cleaning and cooking, I did manage to romp his brains out once. MEOW! What fun.
I am starting to look at plane tickets for my mom. We'll be flying her down the very end of May. Doug's first day of summer class is June 2, the kid's last day of school is May 29. Not much room in there for a break eh. Mom will be helping out with childcare to save us the expense for putting the kids into a camp for 4 weeks. She'll be driving my leased car back with her to use for the next two years. We won't need it anymore with Doug's car and the new mini van we have to get. We'll also be flying a friend down in August to drive back with Mom, so she won't be going across the country alone, so that's two tickets regardless.
Doug thought we should get a return ticket just in case something happens that she needs to return or what have you, to save us from having to buy another ticket this summer. When I did a quick search for cheapest ticket from halifax to Fort Worth, for two months, I laughed when I saw the price starting at 1070.00. I'm thinking that return flight isn't so important now, considering when I checked the cost for a one week flight, it was back at what we paid last time being 470.00. Anyways, I'll keep searching. I'm sure I can find something half decent. I do expect the price to be a bit different because we are buying during peak times as opposed to Nov. like last time.
I was also doing some calculations from work with my sick time, vacation time, comp time, time left before I'm done, time I'm gone etc... to figure out exactly how many hours I'll need to get paid during my maternity leave. Turns out I'd actually have to stay every day till 5:00 just to earn enough comp time. That was depressing. I will have to work some from home, go in during my maternity leave periodically and maybe work some weekends to make sure I don't loose any well needed income. The things people will do for a stupid paycheck.
We have no plans this weekend. It's supposed to be cool out so I can't even plan on getting some well needed sun on my 31 year old, white, legs. Poor Doug I think I'll drive him nuts this weekend. I feel boredom scratching at my ass already. Maybe I'll have to keep him in bed this weekend and just romp his brains out. Ha Ha Hrmmm, guess I can't do that with the kids home all weekend. Sigh, See nothing to do, nothing to do...MY WANT BABY THINGS!!!!!!!!!!
Well, as you know our router has been funky lately, only letting one of us connect at a time. Doug bought a new one today and it works great! Hurray! We've had wonderful weather lately, nice and warm. We went shopping on Sunday for more maternity clothes. I like how Doug calls them "cute". Heh, they're cute as long as I'm pregnant, let's see what he thinks when all I have is flabby belly left and am still stuck wearing them for awhile lol. I did find 4 more outfits, some capris pants and shirts, a jumper and a summer skirt. Very comfy stuff. We are entering into the third trimester this week. Our next doctor's check is next week and I'll have to get blood taken for the glucose test. ick.
A friend at work brought over a really cute change table that she's giving us. I've not seen one like it before and it's just like new. It was my first baby item, so I was pretty excited. Another co-worker has a bunch of infant clothes for a boy that she's going to pass along to us tomorrow, so that'll be nice too! I was also given a baby monitor today. Things are starting to roll in. I'm really anxious for the baby shower, no date yet, but we're thinking sometime in May. There's about 32 people so far on the list. Anyone else feel like driving to Texas for a baby shower? I can get you "on the list". Wink Wink. hehe.
We didn't end up going to Denton, his Mom was away, so maybe this weekend we'll do something. I haven't seen them since Christmas, so a visit would be nice. All for now, hubby is home with supper. Big Mac and hot fudge sundea. Meow!
Well, audit is finished and now I get to spend the next week trying to get caught up and re-file everything from 2002 that I pulled for them. What a mess!
Seems Doug and I are having router problems. Our laptop won't connect at all and now only one of us can be connected at the same time. It's annoying, especially with such a busy weekend ahead for Doug. We have no idea why it's doing this, nor any clue as to how to fix it, aside from replacing the whole stupid thing. As soon as he shut his computer down, I was able to connect. Now he can't connect. Retarded.
Might go to Denton to visit his family this weekend, other than that, no special plans. Chow all.
I'm brain dead tonight. I've been wrapped up for so long with this audit that my brain feels like it's turning to mush. I am mentally exhausted. We start preparing for this in December with each step continually getting bigger and more tedious the closer we get to audit time. Now that the auditors are here, you'd think I'd be finished. I wish. I am continually at their beck and call to answer questions, provide support documentation upon request, run reports, pull piles of invoice, checks and deposits from random lists they provide. It's been grueling. I'm falling behind with everything and my office is in shambles. It actually looks like I've been living in my office with all the leftover food, pop and garbage everywhere. heh.
The one good thing that this audit provides is another year of experience under my belt which makes me that more valuable in my position. I've been able to answer the questions and provide whatever they have needed so far without having to go to my supervisor. He's been very happy with that, not to be bothered with any of the issues and certainly understands my falling behind with everything. I think he almost finds it comical. I'll be glad when things are back to normal. It'll take me about a week to get caught up again.
My birthday yesterday was fun. Let's see...when I got to work, Doug surprised me with a gardening book and a co-worker got me a cute pug candle holder and peach lotion from another co-worker. I was taken to lunch by the "gals" to my favorite restaurant, Olive Garden and when I got back, there was a cookie bouquet from Doug's Dad and step-mom waiting for me at the front desk. I'm told they are the best cookies in the world, we'll find out tonight! When I got home, there was another card/check waiting for me from Doug's Dad and step-mom. I got a total of $150 from family for my birthday, not too shabby for turning 31...ah hem, I mean for having my second anniversary to my 29th birthday! Sarah made me a picture of flowers and we all had cake and ice-cream after supper. Yum of course!
Then later on the evening, I was talking with a co-worker and she surprised me with the news of a baby shower that she wants to have for me with all the gals from work! I'm so excited now! What fun! I just need to pick when. I'm so happy and thankful. I think I've moaned and groaned so much about it, it might even be a pity shower lol.
And to top my whole evening off, I even got some whoopee from my hubby! MEOW!!
Okay, as embarrassing as this is, here is a picture of our little baby belly (and I use the term "little" loosely) and let's hold all "fat jokes" to ourselves, shall we? I'm pregnant and feeling particularly chunky these days! I know you all will be nice to me, tomorrow is my birthday afterall. =P
Baby belly
While I was at it, here are some other pictures to share.
Doug and I at Christmas time
Kids at Christmas time
Dexter and Bella all comfy with Mama
Here I sit with my back aching once again. I've sadly neglected my blog this week. My bad. I've been pre-occupied with thoughts of work, the baby and springtime. Since we got back from our trip to Sea World, I've been tired and busy. This was the last week at work to prepare for our audit on Monday. It's kept me busy.
I'm also getting itchy for baby stuff. I know we have close to four months left before the little guy makes his appearance, but I'm just anxious to feel "ready". Without knowing about any plans someone may have, I have to be content on waiting to make any purchases. I've also found it difficult to breathe lately, especially at night. Sometimes I feel like I have to sit right up just to gasp for air. I told Doug that it's like I can breathe, but it feels like someone's hand is loosely covering my mouth. I hate it. Makes getting to sleep tougher.
We have had beautifully warm spring weather here this week. It gave me the gardening bug. I drug Doug and the kids out to Home Depot yesterday for dirt, tools and flowers after we finished with a breakfast buffet at Golden Corral. We got home shortly after noon and went to work on the front flowerbed. It had been obviously neglected for the past few years, so we dug everything out, re-soiled, then planted some annuals for now. Needless to say, I hurt like hell and could barely move when we were through at suppertime.
Today, after we went out to eat (again), I chased everyone (even the pugs) outdoors, so I could clean my floors. I vacuumed, bathed pugs, dusted, scrubbed floors and bathrooms and tidied up clutter in all our rooms ('cept for the kid's rooms, 'cuz I make 'em do their own) and guess what? I HURT again - ALL OVER. I'm so tired, but it was nice to get caught up on some well overdue cleaning and even nicer to have the windows wide open.
Something seems screwy with my blog too. My posts show in my archives, but only Mar. 11 post shows up on my blog. I've tried to rebuild all files, but nothing. Anyone got any ideas for that?
Catch some trip details at hubby's blog. I just haven't had the time to update yet. I might post some pictures. I don't know though. I think I would find someone else's trip pics borin, but we'll see.
Right now though, I think I will go throw up that Brownie ice-cream treat from Dairy Queen! Urg!
Well we made it back last night and we all hurt. It's hard work registering yourself for gifts/needs. I really tried hard to avoid asking for wants, it makes me feel guilty. I mean does the baby need Winnie the Pooh wall decorations? I think not, but I WANT them!!! So, it was tough making decisions. I'm not totally impressed with the car seats we chose, nothing jumped out at me, so I feel like we "settled" for one. Playpens nowadays are pretty neat units and we found cribs hugely expensive! The "fancy" crib sets were like $140 and up. We managed to find the cheaper section of the store and picked out a Winnie the Pooh set for $40. I just found the whole evening stressful and not as fun as I would have liked. It's just as bad as picking out tampons now!
I don't even know if anyone will have a baby shower for me. I told Doug when any of my kids have babies, that'll be the first thing I tell them that I will do , is hold a shower for them. Aside from having the crib and car seat purchased for us (which is HUGE I know), we'll probably be getting the rest of the stuff ourselves. It won't be that bad, it's just that if someone was planning a "surprise" shower, then I guess I'd rather know, so we could hold off getting stuff until after the shower. Oh well, in the end, everything is going to be fine.
I won't be around blogging for a couple of days. We are leaving for San Antonio Sea World tomorrow. We will spend one night in the city and on Monday we'll tour the park. Doug is getting ready to tell the kids now. It'll be the first time ever that me or the kids have ever been to anything like this. I'm excited, but dreading the car ride down heh. We had made all of these plans, then remembered we had two pugs. Thankfully, our babysitter also loves pet sitting we found out and was free this weekend! I know I'm going to ache from head to toe just because last night walking around that store for a few hours nearly killed me. It'll be worth it, the kids will have a lot of fun and so will we!
Off we go to Babies-R-Us to register our baby boy's crib, car seat and a few other essentials, so grandma and grandpa know what to get =). Chow for now!
Well, sorry so late in posting. Stupid connection was down all night. It's late, so I'll post more tomorrow about our day. For now though...take a peek!
I've been a tad on the moody side since yesterday. I feel tired and edgy. Being pregnant, they are not good combinations. I'm a little nervous about Thursday's ultrasound. I mean I am anxious to know what sex the baby is, but it's so final and uncontrollable and truthfully, deep down, I am not sure which I want, boy or girl. I know in the end, it doesn't matter, but it's just so out of my hands. Sarah doesn't want a boy, so I hope if it is, I don't get any grief from her for the next 4 months. I'm also hoping everything will turn out ok. The way this pregnancy began makes me worry about further complications.
And it's March, which means another birthday, another stupid year older. I hate age. I also have the first court appearance coming up this month. The kids got their report cards today. They are passing, but that's it. All of Sarah's (and Cody's) marks went down this term, yet we see her working and working and working. It seems she isn't liked by one of her teachers (her toughest one too) which can be really tough. She still hasn't gotten a recess yet either, so they can check off the "needs to improve attitude" box all they want to, I don't blame her for dragging her feet. All the kid does these days is school work. They are just lucky I don't tell Sarah what I think she should tell them to do next time they give her grief for not finishing 5 hours worth of homework. AND HEY, what the heck is up with school picture prices. jesus. Ten bucks for four wallet sized pictures. Keep em'.
Well, I just fnished the letter to my Canadian lawyer enclosing $1,000.00 retainer and a summary of life here in TX. I wish this crap was over when it was over and didn't follow me around like this. We were advised to seek legal advice from a Texas lawyer too, but crap, who can afford one lawyer let alone two? She is wondering if we need to make an application here in Texas to have my Canadian court order enforced. She also thinks it would be one more ball in our court for her to be able to merely provide a "copy" of a TX affidavit for proceedings that are already in process down here when she appears in court up there. She'd be able to argue that jurisdiction is here in TX, not there in NS. Her fear is that if she prepares an affidavit that the court would accept it as being evidence regardless of jurisdiction. Mind you whether we do anything down here with a TX lawyer or not, our argument up there is that the proper jurisdiction is here NOT in NS. The law is on my side with this one, but in most cases it's random and up to the judge. The judge may sympathize with my ex that he has no way of getting down here to fight in TX. I am hoping that he's done enough harm that the court will just see this as an extra benefit to the kids to make this harder for him and pass it off as "nothing we can do, she doesn't live here anymore" sort of thing.
We went out to eat today and did a bit of shopping for clothes for Cody and Doug. Then while Doug was out grocery shopping with Justin, I helped Sarah clean her room and get her new bins organized with toys. All I can say is what a freakin' mess. It took me a few hours to finish. I'm wiped out. Then I bathed the pugs. Heh what a chore. Bella got so excited, she hopped right into Dexter's bath water. It wasn't even her turn. She finally was able to jump up on our bed for the first time yesterday. It's a huge bed, we were so surprised. By the look of the big grin and all the panting she did afterwards, I'd say she was pretty surprised too. I could just blog day after day about how damn cute our pugs are, but I know I'd bore you all to death. I'll tell ya though, anyone out there with a pet knows there isn't a day that goes by that you don't just shake your head laughing at them.
I am very anxious for this Thursday to come. I'm dying to know what this baby's gonna be. Wednesday night I'll post a picture of my belly and stats on the heartbeat, so we can all place our bets =). I'm told I'm not very "big" for five months, but there are days where I feel I'm just going to roll where I need to go instead of walk and I gained five pounds since the last visit already. sigh. Poor Doug has had to be very creative this past month in getting some, my belly is just taking up all the room hehe. Have I ever told you how happy I am that my husband is so creative? =P
I worked today for about 8 hours on the audit. My back is hurting, it was a long day. I've been putting in overtime to bank some hours that I can use and get paid for during my maternity leave this summer. So far 25 hours, which is almost one week's pay for me. Seven more weeks to go, Gah.
We just finished watching the last 24 video, I think it'll leave some kind of a void in my life now heh. Ever get so used to something temporary, like a real good book, then miss it like nuts after its over. Pathetic =). I'll look forward to the second season when it comes out on video. It's entertaining. Anyways, I'm sleepy, more tomorrow. Night.
