Well it's been a long 24 hours (longer for Doug I'm sure considering I slept quite a bit of it away). Cody's friend came over around 2:00 yesterday for a birthday sleepover. We took 'em skating and they complained for the first 30 mins. or so that their feet hurt. Well no joke. Wasn't our idea to take 'em skating. Anyway, they calmed down after awhile and actually did some skating. When we got home, we had pizza/cake/ice-cream/treat bags and presents.
Cody's friend's manners has made our kids look like little angels. We are always on the kids, especially at the table, about using their manners. They need to eat properly/clean their messes/be polite etc. or we give them grief for it, sometimes I think we are on them too much for that stuff especially now that I see another nine year old in all his glory. When we were walking through a store to exit the mall, I had Cody by the hand and just happened to turn around as his friend was reaching up to pinch the nipples of this mannequin (yes it had nipples!). I called his name out and he was pretty embarrassed (as I told him he should be). He even tried to say Cody did it too meanwhile remember I got Cody by the hand. Oh well, it was a bit comical. I'm sure his mother would die if she knew he did something like that.
The dogs have basically not stopped barking at this new kid in the house. It's been very tiring. They are not socialized at all and Bella is actually the worse. She is usually the one who gets Dexter going, but whoever it is, it's getting old now. I'm about ready to take a paper to swat their behinds and I never thought I would (Of course I say that as they are barking their asses of now and notice they still haven't been swatted yet). Hopeless.
The boys were pretty hyper most of the night, thanks to all the sugar we loaded them up on. We let them stay up till about 11 'ish, by midnight Doug fed 'em the riot act of not being allowed to have sleepovers anymore this summer, etc etc etc. That seemed to work, they finally slept. Keep in mind, we weren't trying to be mean, but every noise they made last night, not only kept us awake but made the dogs start barking their asses off again. We kept the pugs with us for as long as we could. They are used to going to bed (we crate the dogs at night) by 10 'ish, so to have them still barking at midnight was a bit much! Do I sound like a cranky 'ole mother hen? Gosh have I become my mother!!!??? Ha ha I can say that cuz I know she'll be reading my blog this week and will probably kick my ass or having something smart to say about that comment =). Oh gosh, she'll be able to comment on my blog while she's here for two months.. Hrmmmm.. may have to disable comments temporarily. *snicker*
Oh and I also think Doug is having future flashes or something, I've caught him numerous times calling Cody's friend by the name we have picked out for the baby. Very funny! Doug says, they just sound similiar. Not ha ha. Anyway, we are getting ready to herd them off to the park, then we'll have some lunch THEN we will take them all swimming! Oh lordy someone save me.....please?
Cody's birthday is tomorrow. He'll be nine. It scares me to think about the age difference between him and the baby. Labor with Cody was pretty fast. It started some time through the night. I kept waking up and by about five a.m. or so, I finally stayed awake long enough to figure out what kept waking me up. The contractions came steady and got pretty strong by the time I got to my doctor's office around 10:00. I was checked and told that I was already dialated 6 cm. The doctor told me that he's meet me at the hospital.
I made a quick pit stop on the way to the hospital to a relatives house and because of that the doctor actually beat me to the hospital. When I arrived he was pacing and beginning to think something happened along the way. Cody was born exactly one hour after arriving. I remember pushing him out the most (out of all three kids) because he seemed to come out in slow motion like what you'd see on t.v. (you know, here comes the head...PUSH... now stop...breathe...PUSH, breathe...PUSH... PUSH...here come the shoulders now...PUSH). I'm sure it was only minutes, but it felt much longer and I begged for something for pain by then. Uncontrollable pain. Nasty it was! But then it was over and there he was. 7 lbs 4 oz bouncing baby boy and for once NO complications!
Cody will be having his friend over night tomorrow. We'll take them ice skating then come home for cake/pizza/presents etc. I hope it's not a long night with the boys being all hyped up on sugar =). Part of Cody's presents this year is money in a card. He was impossible to shop for, so I'm letting him do it himself. We got him a bunch of little stuff to open and his sister even spent some of her hard earned money on him (all her own idea too).
Cody's cake is in the oven as I type. I used to always make their cakes myself up until a few years ago when I started buying them. Well this year he wants a bubblegum cake like he got when he was five (funny what they remember eh? Something I threw together and it's what he wants now). What a time I had finding gumballs though. I just haven't had luck this week shopping for either birthday. At least there's a couple of weeks before the next birthday.
I am a hurting unit tonight. My husband is going to rub me down later (he just might not know it). By the time Sarah and I finished shopping, I could barely walk to the car. My whole belly burns and my back aches! My doctor's appt. went well yesterday. Doctor says if I start labor now, she's not going to worry about it. She also chuckled while checking me when she felt how low I was carrying the baby. I guess that explains why I walk so funny. As I told my co-worker, if you had a head stuck between your legs, you'd walk funny too! ;)
We bought another plane ticket tonight for Mom's friend. Wayne will arrive on July 24, spend the weekend with us, then him and Mom will hit the highway with my little car for their long journey home. I'm really glad he was willing to do this. I can't imagine Mom driving across the country by herself. I still can't believe she'll be here in a week. Time is flying by now. The kids have their last day of school on Thursday too!
Today is Doug's birthday. He opened presents and had cake and ice-cream which always pleases the kids. I also went to his favorite restaurant with him for lunch. It's that fishy place he loves and I tolerate. I'll never forget the first time he took me there. The look on the waitor's face was hilarious when he found out Doug brought his wife to a "Seafood" restaurant and she doesn't like seafood. It's even funnier when people know where I'm from and THEN they find out I don't like seafood. Actually, I really think I might as well lick the bottom of the ocean then eat seafood. heh. Nasty! Nevertheless, we don't go there to eat too often, so it's a real treat for Doug when he gets me to go =).
I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon for a re-check, then she says if all is well, I can go back to my two week intervals (which isn't going to matter much, considering when two more weeks pass, I'll be down to my one week appts. anyway, heh). I've been real sore this week, I wouldn't be surprised if my cervix has dialated more. We'll see though.
Doug and I usually laze around in bed later in the evenings watching my belly bounce around. I swear the baby knows when it's bed time. Last night was pretty wild. We saw something, either his little butt or knee, poke so far out of me, I had to cringe and hold my breath. It felt like he was going to pop right out of me. It was the largest movement yet (and we've had some big ones!), even Doug's eyes got big. He was like "holy, look at that". Of course I'm barely breathing at this point saying "uhh...ya babe, I FEEL it" gah! It's feelin' pretty freaky these days. I can't imagine what women who carry twins go through! My anticipation is increasing with those big kicks, I can't wait to hold this little guy!
The kids had half a day of school today, so we planned on heading out to shop for Cody's birthday while we had the chance alone. The shopping was short lived. I didn't feel well today. I felt physically exhausted. To walk took great effort. Doug brought me home and I slept for another 4+ hours. I can't believe how much I've slept this weekend and I still feel tired. Cody is determined to get a trampoline for his birthday. We've already told him not only do we not have room for a one in the backyard, but that we won't be spending that much for a birthday. He figured a small one would be fine too. We looked at them today. I'm not impressed with them and they don't look safe anyway. He'd jump on one of those small ones for about 30 minutes, long enough to realize he can't do flips on it and it's boring. He'll need to pick something else for his birthday.
Doug's birthday is tomorrow. He is nasty to shop for, no wonder his parents just give him money. This next month is really birthday season for us. Doug's and Cody's is this week. Doug's Mom's is next week. Sarah's is in 3 weeks and Justin's is in 4 weeks. To top that off, the baby is due two weeks after Justin's. Funny. not.
Well baby left his wallet at the library. Luckly I checked the messages shortly after we got home because they close at six and are not re-opening until Tuesday. So we left the oldest home and Doug dropped me off at the store with Cody and him and Sarah proceeded to the library. I'm pretty sure Doug's learned that not only am I SLOW at shopping, but it always cost us MUCH more money when I do it. =) He buys the same things over and over, I have to walk slowly up and down EVERY isle, pondering over what would be good, should we try this...or maybe this and finally a few hours later and a couple of hundred dollars, we're done! Poor Doug. He always tries to hide his beaten down look when he shops with me hehe!
We're having corn on the cob tonight for supper with chicken and something. Can't decide heh. I'd love to have a really good recipee for chicken. One that isn't complicated or have gross stuff in it for just chicken legs or thighs (we prefer dark meat) baked in the oven. A good casserole would rock too! I'm starving now that I've looked at all that food. I remember a few months ago to walk around a grocery store would make me throw up heh.
/action walks away rubbing her hungry baby belly and heads to the kitchen to eye the strawberries again!
My husband spoils me. I'm sure he regrets is sometimes too! ha ha. I came home yesterday to a completely scrubbed house. He wanted me to have time to go to the library today with him and the kids so he cleaned his ass off all day yesterday to surprise me. He also went to Motherhood Maternity store to buy me some maternity underwear (the price of 'em, they should have been trimmed in gold) in my size so I didn't have to feel so stupid wearing granny panties! So sweet he is!
We set out today to pick up my medicine, go eat and then hit the library. We managed to get the medicine and go to the library. Cody's been complaining of random ear aches lately. I think it's time now to go see a doctor about them. He's the only kid that's not had tubes in their ears. Both Sarah and Justin have had them in multiple times. So, we headed home to get some tylenol for him and just take a breather from the trip out.
We took the van out today as a "family" for the first time. My kids just aren't fun to be around sometimes (a lot of times acutally). I can't decide if I just don't have enough patience or if they really are annoying. Even separated in the vehicle, they still manage to pick and bicker at one another. Justin disappoints me the most being almost 14 years old. At one point should I expect somewhat mature behavior? We don't expect perfection out of any of the kids, but damn... a little respect for everyone once in awhile isn't too much I don't think. I find myself more and more beat down everytime we try to go anywhere and I'm tired of getting after them, I'm tired of Doug getting after them...just tired. sigh.
So, here we sit. We need to go to the store. Ideally I'd like to all go, but realistically, we know from experience what kind of trip that normally turns out to be. My choices: I can either give Doug a thought up list or go myself all because to take them with us is just a big fat pain in the ass! I have a long weekend ahead of me, the kids all have to go to school for a make up day on Monday, so Doug and I will be alone, which will be nice. I'm sure I'll just sleep half of it away. I slept for over 14 hours last night and I'm still feeling groggy today.
The indigestion is nearly killing me these past few days too. I eat WAY TOO many rolaids now (20++/day) and it's not working to keep it away. It's been really hard to find a comfortable position at night that the gas doesn't make feel like I'll throw up. Nasty I tell ya! Last night my finger starting itching, when I scratched it, I realized that my fingers were swelled up. I could barely get my wedding ring off, it took lots of lotion and lots of painful tugging! I have it around my neck now. I'm scared my fingers will keep swelling and I'd have to get it cut off =(. Seven more weeks and counting...
I guess it's been awhile since I posted anything. Those who read hubby's blog already know what we dealt with on Monday, but for those who don't...I'll sum it up. I had a regular doctor's appointment early Monday morning. Aside from our youngest getting suspended from school (as we were on our way out the door) and having to wait two hours in the waiting room, everything seemed to be going fine. I had some concerns/questions over some bleeding I had experienced just a few days prior to the appointment. When I mentioned the bleeding to my doctor, she kind of took two steps back and decided I needed a much more thorough examination.
I was first put on the fetal monitor. The baby was moving around so much, it became very difficult to track his heart beat. Finally we managed to get enough data. Then she did a pelvic check which as always was very uncomfortable and somewhat painful due to my usual "being pregnant discomfort". She decided then to scoot me over to the ultrasound room to get a better look at the baby.
The ultrasound confirmed my fear of a big head. She laughed as I told her all the stories I had heard of the "Ingram head". She says "well he certainly does have a slightly large head, the measurements put it about two weeks more advanced than the rest of his body". Oh great eh? lol. He was wide spread and proudly showing his jewels too which reconfirmed he's definitely a boy. I told her how so many people tell me stories about ultrasounds being wrong. She says this one sure won't become one of those stories.
We also got to see a pretty good face shot. He's got cute, little chubby cheeks and his estimated weight is five pounds already which the doctor says is a pretty good milestone at that age. I say he's gonna be a monster sized baby if he goes to term! OUCH! Anyways, on with my story...she sat us down after the ultrasound and basically says she can't find any sign of active bleeding, placenta, baby and fluid all look good, BUT, she uncovered another problem. I was having contractions about every three minutes. What concerned her is that I didn't know it. She told me she'd have to send me over to the hospital to be monitored and that I needed to prepare myself for a needle and perhaps even an overnight stay.
Of course as soon as I hear hospital/needle, I start to boo hoo like a baby. So, there we are, two cars, one kid, no sitter, all from a routine doctor's appt...crap. So to sum up my hospital stay...it sucked! I was uncomfortable and hurting the entire time because I had to stay on the fetal monitor, mostly on my back. I ended up with my first shot about 2 hours after arriving and Doug wasn't there! He had to take Cody home and meet his mother at the house. I cried like a baby while the nurse did it. I can't imagine what she thought about a 31 year old crying like that. The doctor had warned her already about my fear of needles, so I guess she kind of expected it.
An hour or so later, I had to have shot number two and finally just after six that night, the doctor let me go. Instructions were complete bed rest until Wednesday morning (my next appt with her). It was a really long day. Frustrating. My Wed. morning appt. went ok. Again we had to wait forever, but at least I was given the go ahead for work (part days, no more full time), she wants me horizontal for at least 4 hours a day and I have to see her again in a week. Sigh. We did a lot of reading up on pre-term labor when we got home and I understand it ok, the risks, medications etc..., but I still can't help but wonder if it's just mother nature doing its thing. I was 2-3 cm dialated with Cody weeks prior to his delivery. I can't help but think my body is only doing what its supposed to be doing, but then again, this pregnancy has been very different and perhaps it was something they needed to stop before it became too serious. I guess I won't really know. Better to be safe than sorry, although in a couple more weeks, I won't be opposed to his coming early. He at least won't weigh no nine pounds!! ;)
Last night we hit some dealerships to begin our search for a minivan. I won't say much here about it because hubby has summed it up so well on his blog. Today we have a friend from work coming to babysit the rugrats for us (well two of the rugrats, one is still at his friend's place), so we can get some shopping done. I finally unloaded all the bags from the shower, but still have no where to put the stuff. I think by the end of the summer we're going to wish we had a bigger house!
We were going to look at more vans today, but because we narrowed it down so well last night, we are heading to Babies-R-us. We have one duplicate gift to return, a gift card to spend and a carseat/stroller to pick out. I also have to get the baby a dresser today. I have to get stuff washed and put away. It's driving me nuts to feel so unprepared. And well I also need GRANNY PANTIES. My belly is swelling so big now, I have to break down and buy big, belly covering panties! Grrrh. Current panties hide in places they just shouldn't now! =)
I had such fun at my shower the other day! It started at noon and we finished up around 1:30. It could have easily gone longer, but we avoided games and such because this was held during everyone's lunch hour and we wanted to keep it within that time period. The table was so cute with all the decorations. They had lunch and a big slab cake that we polished away. One little corner was left and I brought that home for the kids. We had 28 people in attendance and most of those who couldn't come sent gifts anyway!
We had some of the guys (building staff) come help us load all the gifts into Doug's Mom's mini van. It wouldn't have fit in Doug's car. Basically we have two large items left to buy on our registry... a dresser and a playpen, plus little items that we still need such as bottles, more clothes, diapers etc. Everything else has been bought for us! My supervisor even spent a small fortune on our highchair for us! I couldn't believe it. The hostesses split on the Ultrasaucer and our crib, mattress and stroller/car seat unit has been purchased by Doug's parents. We even ended up with our little kick and play chair and a complete bedding set with a matching lamp (that you can't see in the picture) as gifts. So many other wonderful items too...just look!! All those bags are packed full of baby items. I was so excited. Better than Christmas! It really made me count my blessings! Now for all the thank-you notes! Gosh!
While I was uploading pics, I decided to include the kids and their new bikes. Here's Justin's, Sarah's and Cody's. Justin's class goes to Houston tomorrow for their class trip. Doug's gonna drop him off at the school at 4:00 a.m.! What a god awful time. I guess he's going to visit the Johnson Space Center. He'll get back 11:30 tomorrow night if they are on time (which we doubt). School is really winding down for them now.
I will post tomorrow (hopefully with pictures) about my baby shower that was held today at work. We had a really great turn out with 28 in attendance and let's just say they used a flat bed cart and a two tier cart to lug the stuff out to Doug's Mom's mini-van. It was awesome, I'm just too tired to post and upload tonight to do it justice. We also got the room re-organized and Doug and his dad set the crib up. With the crib now in our bedroom, it really feels like the baby's comin'...soon!
The day started a bit rough. I almost blogged earlier, but I was so cranky at the kids that I didn't want to turn my Mother's Day entry into a bitch fest. I think Justin was still cranky and tired from the camping trip they went on the night before. Everything today out of his mouth has been... "fine then" (dripped with attitude and sarcasm, of course).
We decided to go to Ton's to eat. We haven't been there in a couple of months. Last time we went, I got pretty sick and had to go sit in the car. Of course the kids didn't want to go there. Doug had to remind them a dozen times today that it was Mother's Day. I wanted to shop a bit at the mall for a birthday gift and a few gifts for the co-workers that are hosting my baby shower (which is Tuesday by the way, hehe). Well we spent the entire mall trip herding kids. You'd think at their age that wouldn't be necessary. Ha. I can't count how many people they bumped into because they weren't watching where they were going. It just makes it not fun, so we headed home.
Today is allowance day, so they have spent the past couple of hours cleaning their rooms, well two of the kids have. Cody on the other hand has picked this time to give me grief. He's done now (with his room and his attitude), but not without my temper being lost a few times and Doug's supervision over progress. As I sit here, they are still out there picking at one another. On a normal day, it doesn't seem so bad, but for some reason this weekend, I could just scream. I just haven't been in the mood to listen to it.
I got the dogs bathed and nails trimmed (Doug has the scratches on his arms to prove it heh). I am very careful when I do their nails. I only trim the edge off and that's it, but for some reason the past two times I've done Bella's nails, one of them has bled a bit. Not a lot of bleeding, but it still upsets me none the less. I'm so careful, yet it still happens. Folded laundry too. Oh joy! Got the bathrooms to clean next. Sigh. Doug got the lawn mowed and snipped which is a cursed job to do. Overall, it's been a pretty productive day considering how cranky I've been at the kids.
I think I'll take the pugs out for a "walkie". They get so excited when they know they're going! Dexter immediately starts crying and jumping. Comical. It's been really muggy and HOT out for the past few weeks. Odd for only being April/May. Last night a bit of a cold front came through for some relief. Today has been beautiful (75-80 as opposed to 90 + all the humidity). I hope all you Mom's out there had a nice Mother's Day and that your kids at least behaved themselves on your day =).
One of my pet peeves is a double clicker. Ever teach someone something on the computer or watch someone doing something and they constantly "click click" on everything, even stuff that only requires ONE CLICK! It drives me batty. I want to grab their mouse from them and yell "GAH ONE CLICK PLEASE". My co-worker's pet peeve (as she pointed out today) is when someone says "it's not rocket science". Drives her nuts! What's your pet peeve?
Everything went okay at the doctor's office today (aside from the fact that she was out delivering another baby, so our 9:15 appt. quickly became a 10:45 appt.). Doug JUST made it back to work in time to hand out the final to his students. (I can't believe the bum only has a few days left then he's off for the next three weeks. I'm so jealous!) Weight gain has been going very well. Under 2 lbs. in 4 weeks. I'm not complaining. I only hope it keeps up with that rate towards the end! Mind you I feel much heavier. A lot of pressure lately from the baby. Kicks are starting to hurt in places and he's very active at night when I lay down. Makes it tricky to fall asleep. And I swear my bladder feels like it's going to bust every 30 minutes or so. I sit to go and get a little tinkle. SWEET RELIEF!! lol. We are at 30 weeks now, with ten to go and I'm a getting more and more scared about it. Big chicken at your service.
We have a friend coming over today to watch the kids while Doug and I go to the hospital for a mini tour.
Sarah: Is Kaywin coming today?
me: yes
Sarah: Why? Where are you going?
me: to the hospital.
Sarah: What for?
me: so, I can see where I'll have the baby.
Sarah: *confused look* Well, the baby comes from here *points down*.
me: Umm... *grins*
My ex did not show up for court today. His lawyer came in his place and withdrew his application. The file is now closed. The only disadvantage to having him withdraw the application is that the Judge didn't render a decision on it, meaning he could come back in a few months (or whenever he wanted to) and put me through this all again. My lawyer says he would have to have substantial evidence to connect myself or the children back to Nova Scotia before he could ever be successful in bringing the new application before a Judge. Considering I don't plan on moving back, I don't think I need to worry about this. I'll handle that if it ever comes to that.
My lawyer did have the substituted service order vacated which means in the future the court will not be able to serve my family, all documents will have to come to me, unless of course, again they go through all the channels they did this time to get another court order (which took them a few months). So, basically he jerked my chain, stressed me out and cost us a few thousand dollars. On his terms, to some degree, he was successful. All I care about now is the fact that it's over. Thanks for all the good thoughts sent our way!
Well, I have two tidbits to share. First, I started on the Zofran again this morning and have had a sick free day so far! No dizzy/weak spells either! Hurray!
Secondly, I got an email update from my lawyer today. As you know, our court appearance is tomorrow and the ex's lawyer was supposed to have his submissions to us prior to the court date for our review. My lawyer contacted his lawyer this morning and received the following response: "I haven't
heard from my client since I advised him last week that he has no
valid argument to keep the jurisdiction of this matter in Nova Scotia". This sounds like great news to me, but as I told my lawyer in response: "Sounds great, but I'll still hold my breathe until after tomorrow". I can't help but think it's good news though. It's hard not to get my hopes up for a dismissal of the application! Fingers are officially crossed.
