1. I am 19 weeks pregnant today. Hoo-ee. We have started actively trying to think of names and we have a shared spreadsheet on Goo.gle Docs to prove it, but in all likelihood we won't decide until the very last minute. That's just how I roll.
2. My flashdrive got stolen out of my work computer when I stepped away from my desk for two minutes to scarf down a granola bar. Events like that make me really hate being a public librarian. It had a ton of personal info and pictures on it. Oh, and two and a half novels. I hope the thief enjoys reading them. Jerk.
3. I got my Burpee catalog a few weeks ago, and I have been having a lot of fun picking out my veggie seeds for the coming season. I considered not doing a garden this year because of how pregnant/busy mothering a newborn I will be this summer, but I'm gonna do it. Well, I'm going to supervise. There's a really good chance that Nemo will be doing all of the actual work.
4. My new hobby is ogling food. I order cookbooks from the library, take them home, and then just stare at the glossy full-color pictures of the food. It's kind of weird and creepy, but I am just so into food right now.
5. I found out I was pregnant in mid-October. At that point I was running about 10 miles a week. I haven't exercised since, hm...late October. This has got to change. I keep blaming the awful weather, but I totally have a treadmill in the basement. I've been planning on walking in the mornings, but then I always decide to sleep more instead. But it stops this week! I hope.
6. Nemo and I have been trying to do meatless Fridays for the past two weeks. It was his idea and I'm trying to support it but...I am loving meat right now, so it's hard.
7. I am trying to read more this year. I know I'm a librarian but I barely read. When I get home from work I just end up watching Doctor Who or Monk instead. This month I have read three books so far, and I'm almost done with a fourth. They were all historical murder mysteries, but I am totally counting them. I will move onto more mentally stimulating material next month.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
It's a...
My intuition turned out to be spot-on in this instance. Spud is a little BOY!
He wasn't shy about letting us know, either. At one point the tech froze the screen and asked us if we wanted to know the gender. But it was pretty obvious. Nemo blurted out, "It's a boy!" The ultrasound tech might have been a little miffed to have her thunder stolen:)
He looks perfectly healthy. Just a little bit on the big side. Yikes.
We are terribly excited. Although all the good names I had picked out were girls' names! And now I have to make unpleasant decisions, like what to do about circumcision and stuff like that. But mostly excited. A little boy. A son! Wow!
Spud decided to end the wonderful day with a grand finale. I was lying in bed with my hand on my belly, talking with Nemo, when Spud all of a sudden kicked me. And I felt it from the outside! It seemed like mostly luck that my hand was in the right place at the right time, and when Nemo put his hand there to try and feel it I was sure that Spud wouldn't cooperate. But a few minutes later--BANG!--right on target. He's a little squirmer, for sure. I am so grateful to be able to feel him moving around at this relatively early time. And I'm also so happy that Nemo finally gets to share in the sheer wonder of it.
Older Sister, whose new pregnancy I mentioned in my last post, got an ultrasound yesterday as well, which dated her at about six weeks. We went over and over her chart for about two hours one night and just couldn't figure out when the blessed event happened, so I recommended that she push her doctor for an ultrasound. It's a good thing too, because dating it by her LMP turned out to be a week off! But she did see the little bean with a heartbeat, so that's good.
In other news, I STILL haven't told my manager about my pregnancy. Way, way back I mentioned that I had applied for a transfer to a location very close to my house. I interviewed back in November when I was about 8 weeks pregnant, and I figured they would get back to me in December and if I got the job I would have some time to settle in and endear myself to people before announcing that I would be taking maternity leave during Summer Reading, which is only the most important time of the year for a Children's Librarian.
However, they took their sweet time getting back to me, and I couldn't tell me coworkers at my current job until I knew one way or the other. As of last Friday I still hadn't heard, and my belly is getting rather obviously huge. I started having second thoughts about the job. A big part of it is that I didn't think it was fair to them for me to take the job, go on maternity leave five months later, and then possibly not come back at all (depending on how Nemo's interviews turn out, hope hope). So I ended up calling them up and asking to be removed from consideration from the position, citing some "circumstances" that made me not a good fit at the moment. She asked what those circumstances were (the fact that she wanted details made me think that I might have been the candidate chosen) so I spilled, but asked her not to tell anyone. Then I figured I would wait until after we found out the gender to tell my coworkers here. So reveal day is now set for Monday. I will be so relieved to have it out in the open!
He wasn't shy about letting us know, either. At one point the tech froze the screen and asked us if we wanted to know the gender. But it was pretty obvious. Nemo blurted out, "It's a boy!" The ultrasound tech might have been a little miffed to have her thunder stolen:)
He looks perfectly healthy. Just a little bit on the big side. Yikes.
We are terribly excited. Although all the good names I had picked out were girls' names! And now I have to make unpleasant decisions, like what to do about circumcision and stuff like that. But mostly excited. A little boy. A son! Wow!
Spud decided to end the wonderful day with a grand finale. I was lying in bed with my hand on my belly, talking with Nemo, when Spud all of a sudden kicked me. And I felt it from the outside! It seemed like mostly luck that my hand was in the right place at the right time, and when Nemo put his hand there to try and feel it I was sure that Spud wouldn't cooperate. But a few minutes later--BANG!--right on target. He's a little squirmer, for sure. I am so grateful to be able to feel him moving around at this relatively early time. And I'm also so happy that Nemo finally gets to share in the sheer wonder of it.
Older Sister, whose new pregnancy I mentioned in my last post, got an ultrasound yesterday as well, which dated her at about six weeks. We went over and over her chart for about two hours one night and just couldn't figure out when the blessed event happened, so I recommended that she push her doctor for an ultrasound. It's a good thing too, because dating it by her LMP turned out to be a week off! But she did see the little bean with a heartbeat, so that's good.
In other news, I STILL haven't told my manager about my pregnancy. Way, way back I mentioned that I had applied for a transfer to a location very close to my house. I interviewed back in November when I was about 8 weeks pregnant, and I figured they would get back to me in December and if I got the job I would have some time to settle in and endear myself to people before announcing that I would be taking maternity leave during Summer Reading, which is only the most important time of the year for a Children's Librarian.
However, they took their sweet time getting back to me, and I couldn't tell me coworkers at my current job until I knew one way or the other. As of last Friday I still hadn't heard, and my belly is getting rather obviously huge. I started having second thoughts about the job. A big part of it is that I didn't think it was fair to them for me to take the job, go on maternity leave five months later, and then possibly not come back at all (depending on how Nemo's interviews turn out, hope hope). So I ended up calling them up and asking to be removed from consideration from the position, citing some "circumstances" that made me not a good fit at the moment. She asked what those circumstances were (the fact that she wanted details made me think that I might have been the candidate chosen) so I spilled, but asked her not to tell anyone. Then I figured I would wait until after we found out the gender to tell my coworkers here. So reveal day is now set for Monday. I will be so relieved to have it out in the open!
Friday, January 14, 2011
I make a new friend
Something extraordinary happened to me.
Last Wednesday, very early in the morning, I was packing up the last of my stuff before we headed to the airport for our mini-vacation in New Orleans. One of the last things I needed to grab was my laptop and as I was trying to unplug it my middle finger accidentally touched one of the prongs and...ZZZTTTTT. It didn't hurt, but I definitely felt the electrical current vibrating in my fingers.
So of course I got on Dr. Goo.gle and looked up "electrical shock" and "pregnancy", and the answer was pretty grim. The only thing that was holding me back from a full fledged panic attack was that I wasn't actually sure I had shocked myself, since it didn't hurt.
But I was worrying, worrying, worrying all morning. When we finally got on the plane I was exhausted, worried, and just trying to drift off to sleep when I felt a sudden inclination to ask St. Therese of Lisieux for help. Which was weird because, as worthy as she is, she just isn't one of the saints that I usually look to for help. So anyway, drowsy and upset, I prayed that if my baby was still alive, would she please send me a sign? And I thought specifically of a single red rose. Not white. Red.
Then I did end up sleeping for most of the flight. When we deplaned in New Orleans, I wasn't feeling much better. In fact, I was feeling downright woozy. At baggage claim I abruptly decided that I couldn't stand anymore, and crossed the room to sit down. So I was sitting there, slumping a little, staring off into space, and almost instantly a woman walked within six feet of me carrying in her hand a single red rose, the stem wrapped in a plastic baggie full of water. It took me a few seconds for my mind to process what I had just seen and realize the significance of it. Once I did I was absolutely godsmacked.
That woman ended up being on our shuttle to downtown. She was traveling alone and no one had met her at the airport. One has to wonder where and why she had come by that red rose. Of course it could have been a collossal coincidence, but it gave me an incredible feeling of peace.
And then, that week while we were in New Orleans, I felt Spud move. I couldn't be 100% sure, but there were bumps and tickles that I couldn't attribute to anything else. And now that I have been feeling it several times a day for the last week, I am sure that's what it is. And when we got back into town I went in to listen to the heartbeat again, and it was very healthy.
And, just now as I was writing this I realized that St. Therese's feast day is on October 1, which was the day that Spud was probably conceived.
It would seem that she is in my corner.
Last Wednesday, very early in the morning, I was packing up the last of my stuff before we headed to the airport for our mini-vacation in New Orleans. One of the last things I needed to grab was my laptop and as I was trying to unplug it my middle finger accidentally touched one of the prongs and...ZZZTTTTT. It didn't hurt, but I definitely felt the electrical current vibrating in my fingers.
So of course I got on Dr. Goo.gle and looked up "electrical shock" and "pregnancy", and the answer was pretty grim. The only thing that was holding me back from a full fledged panic attack was that I wasn't actually sure I had shocked myself, since it didn't hurt.
But I was worrying, worrying, worrying all morning. When we finally got on the plane I was exhausted, worried, and just trying to drift off to sleep when I felt a sudden inclination to ask St. Therese of Lisieux for help. Which was weird because, as worthy as she is, she just isn't one of the saints that I usually look to for help. So anyway, drowsy and upset, I prayed that if my baby was still alive, would she please send me a sign? And I thought specifically of a single red rose. Not white. Red.
Then I did end up sleeping for most of the flight. When we deplaned in New Orleans, I wasn't feeling much better. In fact, I was feeling downright woozy. At baggage claim I abruptly decided that I couldn't stand anymore, and crossed the room to sit down. So I was sitting there, slumping a little, staring off into space, and almost instantly a woman walked within six feet of me carrying in her hand a single red rose, the stem wrapped in a plastic baggie full of water. It took me a few seconds for my mind to process what I had just seen and realize the significance of it. Once I did I was absolutely godsmacked.
That woman ended up being on our shuttle to downtown. She was traveling alone and no one had met her at the airport. One has to wonder where and why she had come by that red rose. Of course it could have been a collossal coincidence, but it gave me an incredible feeling of peace.
And then, that week while we were in New Orleans, I felt Spud move. I couldn't be 100% sure, but there were bumps and tickles that I couldn't attribute to anything else. And now that I have been feeling it several times a day for the last week, I am sure that's what it is. And when we got back into town I went in to listen to the heartbeat again, and it was very healthy.
And, just now as I was writing this I realized that St. Therese's feast day is on October 1, which was the day that Spud was probably conceived.
It would seem that she is in my corner.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
My Brother and My Sister
1. Last year my brother graduated from a top-notch school with a degree in history. Given the state of the job market, he has so far been unable to find a job. So, with a lack of anything better to do, he joined the Nat.ional Guar.d late last year. He left for basic training on Sunday.
I'm in two minds about his decision (and I have to keep reminding myself that he is a grown man and it is HIS decision). On one hand I think it will be a good experience for him. He needs direction and structure in his life.
On the other hand I am very worried for him. He has never been very good at following directions and he has very little respect for authority, as my parents will attest. I'm having a really hard time envisioning him successfully completing basic training.
Of course there is nothing I can do about it--it's not like I can kidnap him from under the Army's nose! I'm just hope hope hoping that it goes well for him. I'm sure he will surprise me.
2. Even though we don't always get along, Older Sister is probably my best friend. At least in the sense that we tell each other everything. Last night she texted me to tell me that she was on CD 36, when her normal cycles are 27-30 days. Now, she has been sick for a full month, first with severe bronchitis and then with a stomach virus. She was sure that illness had screwed up her cycle, but she had suspicions. So I told her to email her chart to me and I would look it over.
Then early this morning she called to tell me that her temperature had dropped significantly that morning, but she decided to take a test anyway...and it was positive! Of course I'm worried, mostly because she had recently been prescribed belladonna to help her cope with the stomach virus. I'm no expert, but that doesn't sound very healthy for tiny babies. That coupled with the drop in temperature--I don't know. It sounds bad. I think I will start a Novena tonight.
I'm still waiting for her to send her chart to see if I can decipher it. She has no idea when this could have happened! She didn't even think she ovulated this cycle! Underneath to worry I am very excited. I'm excited for my lovely little Niecey, who is 20 months old, to have a little brother or sister. She is such a nurturing little girl! She'll be a great big sister. And of course I would love for Spud to have a cousin around his or her age. All of my cousins are a generation older than I am, so I can appreciate same-age cousins.
So yeah, lots of stuff has been happening. And, in just 10 short days we will (depending on his or her cooperation) find out if Spud is a little boy or a little girl. I am just this side of overwhelmed:)
I'm in two minds about his decision (and I have to keep reminding myself that he is a grown man and it is HIS decision). On one hand I think it will be a good experience for him. He needs direction and structure in his life.
On the other hand I am very worried for him. He has never been very good at following directions and he has very little respect for authority, as my parents will attest. I'm having a really hard time envisioning him successfully completing basic training.
Of course there is nothing I can do about it--it's not like I can kidnap him from under the Army's nose! I'm just hope hope hoping that it goes well for him. I'm sure he will surprise me.
2. Even though we don't always get along, Older Sister is probably my best friend. At least in the sense that we tell each other everything. Last night she texted me to tell me that she was on CD 36, when her normal cycles are 27-30 days. Now, she has been sick for a full month, first with severe bronchitis and then with a stomach virus. She was sure that illness had screwed up her cycle, but she had suspicions. So I told her to email her chart to me and I would look it over.
Then early this morning she called to tell me that her temperature had dropped significantly that morning, but she decided to take a test anyway...and it was positive! Of course I'm worried, mostly because she had recently been prescribed belladonna to help her cope with the stomach virus. I'm no expert, but that doesn't sound very healthy for tiny babies. That coupled with the drop in temperature--I don't know. It sounds bad. I think I will start a Novena tonight.
I'm still waiting for her to send her chart to see if I can decipher it. She has no idea when this could have happened! She didn't even think she ovulated this cycle! Underneath to worry I am very excited. I'm excited for my lovely little Niecey, who is 20 months old, to have a little brother or sister. She is such a nurturing little girl! She'll be a great big sister. And of course I would love for Spud to have a cousin around his or her age. All of my cousins are a generation older than I am, so I can appreciate same-age cousins.
So yeah, lots of stuff has been happening. And, in just 10 short days we will (depending on his or her cooperation) find out if Spud is a little boy or a little girl. I am just this side of overwhelmed:)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Spud
We've taken to calling the baby "Spud". This came about because during our second ultrasound at 6.5 weeks, he or she looked like a little bean, but at the next ultrasound at 12 weeks he or she had sprouted like a potato, arms and legs everywhere.
Everything still seems to be going well. No more spotting. I am really digging this "come in and listen to the heartbeat whenever you want" policy the midwives have. I've been in pretty much every week! I went in today to have a listen so I can relax on our New Orleans getaway (we leave tomorrow). Spud's heartbeat was nice and strong at 155, and a lot of interference coming over the speakers from his or her very developed swimming skills. So now Nemo has decided that the baby's full name is Spud "Micha.el Ph.elps" ____ (our last name). It's pretty cute.
The baby news is out to the world in general now. Nemo told his doctoral advisor, which I guess makes things pretty darn official. Being "openly pregnant" gives me mixed feelings. I have a hard time admitting Spud's existence to myself sometimes, let alone other people. Is this for real? Is this really happening?
I've been thinking a lot about the suffering we had to bear before getting this far. Suffering that most couples never have to taste. I think about how things would be different if this was my first pregnancy. Who would I be if I had never conceived Iris and Lily? I used to be mad--now I'm just confused and don't really know what to think. I'm sad about losing them, but I can't completely regret it either. It's a weird feeling.
Everything still seems to be going well. No more spotting. I am really digging this "come in and listen to the heartbeat whenever you want" policy the midwives have. I've been in pretty much every week! I went in today to have a listen so I can relax on our New Orleans getaway (we leave tomorrow). Spud's heartbeat was nice and strong at 155, and a lot of interference coming over the speakers from his or her very developed swimming skills. So now Nemo has decided that the baby's full name is Spud "Micha.el Ph.elps" ____ (our last name). It's pretty cute.
The baby news is out to the world in general now. Nemo told his doctoral advisor, which I guess makes things pretty darn official. Being "openly pregnant" gives me mixed feelings. I have a hard time admitting Spud's existence to myself sometimes, let alone other people. Is this for real? Is this really happening?
I've been thinking a lot about the suffering we had to bear before getting this far. Suffering that most couples never have to taste. I think about how things would be different if this was my first pregnancy. Who would I be if I had never conceived Iris and Lily? I used to be mad--now I'm just confused and don't really know what to think. I'm sad about losing them, but I can't completely regret it either. It's a weird feeling.
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