I'm a big fan of Christmas, and I usually get my decorations out just before or during Thanksgiving. Most of my decorations are more "winter" than traditional Christmas, which allows me to leave them out a bit longer. This year, we had Thanksgiving at our house...so Christmas decor had to wait until our guests left.
I completely expected to be super happy about dragging out all of my decorations and setting up Christmas in our new house for the first time this past weekend. I wanted to turn to a Christmas music station on DirecTV and drink hot chocolate...and, you know, get all Christmas-y.
But I couldn't. I still can't. I couldn't figure out why until I went outside with Gus the other night...
It's still HOT outside!!!
Seriously. Today was the first day it's been even moderately cool in weeks, and it's only sticking around for the day. Back to 75 tomorrow. Oh, and I just looked...80 on Sunday.
Granted, I'm not asking for -20 degrees or anything, but the necessity of a coat might be nice for a change.
I think I need to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
22+ Weeks
Yeah, so I've been a little delinquent in updating this portion of my blog. Sorry.
So, some randoms about the past month...
I have a feeling that our kiddo's personality might be a reflection of how he made is presence known to me. I never felt the soft butterfly wings or "tickle" that most everyone said that they felt. I had been feeling some pressures, but it wasn't until I saw where he was positioned during our anatomy scan that I realized that it was him that I was feeling; not indigestion. Since then, he's been rolling, kicking, and punching away. Kyle can feel him really well when he's active, which is neat. Other than our bellies getting big, pregnancy isn't really a tangible thing for men, so I love that Kyle can "communicate" with our baby prior to his arrival.
Something somewhat unnerving, but a reality, that my doctor and I discussed at my last appointment was the fact that a baby is technically "viable" after 24 weeks. She said that if we were considering saving our baby's cord blood, that we should go ahead and order the kit because in the event I delivered in the few weeks...we would need it. Holy crap, that's in two weeks!! Obviously, a baby being born at 24 weeks isn't ideal, but the fact that our health care systems have the ability to help a baby born that early to survive is absolutely incredible. Still, I'm not near ready for Baby Boy to show his face just yet.
Even though it's expected that your body will change during pregnancy, it's still very hard for me to get used to. I suppose part of the reason is that when I gain weight in general, I know where it's going to go and how my body is going to respond. Pregnancy is a whole new ballgame! I realize that I have never been in triathlon competition shape, but I've always watched my weight/size. [Okay, well, there was that time my sophomore year in college when I was eating pancakes and biscuits & gravy everyday for breakfast that didn't go in my favor...but I think it was then that I realized that I could no longer eat whatever I wanted and stay the same size.] Other than tracking calories and staying active, there's not a whole lot of control you have over how your body morphs during pregnancy. It just does what it's going to do. And to be honest, I've made peace with that because, after all, my body is performing a miracle...and that's pretty awesome. I have, however, taken Jenny McCarthy's advice, and I won't be looking at my back side naked in the mirror until at least this time next year. I think it will save me some mental anguish.
It also seems that there is a (relevant) movement among healthcare professionals to really monitor the weight of their pregnant patients. I completely understand that gaining excessive weight can lead to problems...pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, risks for c-sections goes up, etc. There has long been the mantra of "you're eating for two" that gave women the permission to eat whatever they wanted. Well, we're not eating for two, we're eating 1.1-ish. We really only need about 300-500 extra calories a day for our babies to thrive and grow. However, I also think that some women are held to an unrealistic standard, and that some women just seem predisposed to gain a certain amount of weight during pregnancy. I was told that I didn't need to gain more than 25 lbs., which I'm not sure if that will happen or not. My goal from day one was to be around 30 lbs... especially with two holidays in between conception and delivery. What I find unrealistic is that we are all mostly held to the same standard, but I don't really see how my barely 5'0" tall and 100 lb. friend's pregnancy weight is in any way comparable to my 6'0" tall and not 100 lb. friend's pregnancy weight. I suppose I would feel a little better if there was more of a focus on what was being eaten and how much exercise was being performed, rather than the variance between the weights on the scale. Of course, as I'm writing this, I'm polishing off a small bowl of a cream cheese laden dip that my sister-in-law made while she was here for Thanksgiving. Baby needs the calcium, right?!
So, some randoms about the past month...
I have a feeling that our kiddo's personality might be a reflection of how he made is presence known to me. I never felt the soft butterfly wings or "tickle" that most everyone said that they felt. I had been feeling some pressures, but it wasn't until I saw where he was positioned during our anatomy scan that I realized that it was him that I was feeling; not indigestion. Since then, he's been rolling, kicking, and punching away. Kyle can feel him really well when he's active, which is neat. Other than our bellies getting big, pregnancy isn't really a tangible thing for men, so I love that Kyle can "communicate" with our baby prior to his arrival.
Something somewhat unnerving, but a reality, that my doctor and I discussed at my last appointment was the fact that a baby is technically "viable" after 24 weeks. She said that if we were considering saving our baby's cord blood, that we should go ahead and order the kit because in the event I delivered in the few weeks...we would need it. Holy crap, that's in two weeks!! Obviously, a baby being born at 24 weeks isn't ideal, but the fact that our health care systems have the ability to help a baby born that early to survive is absolutely incredible. Still, I'm not near ready for Baby Boy to show his face just yet.
Even though it's expected that your body will change during pregnancy, it's still very hard for me to get used to. I suppose part of the reason is that when I gain weight in general, I know where it's going to go and how my body is going to respond. Pregnancy is a whole new ballgame! I realize that I have never been in triathlon competition shape, but I've always watched my weight/size. [Okay, well, there was that time my sophomore year in college when I was eating pancakes and biscuits & gravy everyday for breakfast that didn't go in my favor...but I think it was then that I realized that I could no longer eat whatever I wanted and stay the same size.] Other than tracking calories and staying active, there's not a whole lot of control you have over how your body morphs during pregnancy. It just does what it's going to do. And to be honest, I've made peace with that because, after all, my body is performing a miracle...and that's pretty awesome. I have, however, taken Jenny McCarthy's advice, and I won't be looking at my back side naked in the mirror until at least this time next year. I think it will save me some mental anguish.
It also seems that there is a (relevant) movement among healthcare professionals to really monitor the weight of their pregnant patients. I completely understand that gaining excessive weight can lead to problems...pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, risks for c-sections goes up, etc. There has long been the mantra of "you're eating for two" that gave women the permission to eat whatever they wanted. Well, we're not eating for two, we're eating 1.1-ish. We really only need about 300-500 extra calories a day for our babies to thrive and grow. However, I also think that some women are held to an unrealistic standard, and that some women just seem predisposed to gain a certain amount of weight during pregnancy. I was told that I didn't need to gain more than 25 lbs., which I'm not sure if that will happen or not. My goal from day one was to be around 30 lbs... especially with two holidays in between conception and delivery. What I find unrealistic is that we are all mostly held to the same standard, but I don't really see how my barely 5'0" tall and 100 lb. friend's pregnancy weight is in any way comparable to my 6'0" tall and not 100 lb. friend's pregnancy weight. I suppose I would feel a little better if there was more of a focus on what was being eaten and how much exercise was being performed, rather than the variance between the weights on the scale. Of course, as I'm writing this, I'm polishing off a small bowl of a cream cheese laden dip that my sister-in-law made while she was here for Thanksgiving. Baby needs the calcium, right?!
How Far Along: 22 Weeks
Size of baby: Roughly 10 inches long, and weighs about 1 pound
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Let's just say, at my last doctor's visit, the scale revealed a number that I've never been associated with previously.
Maternity Clothes: Finally ordered some maternity tops and dresses. It's not so much the circumference, but the length of tops and dresses that are becoming an issue.
Movement: Oh yes! Little rolls and thuds. Hard enough now that Kyle can feel them.
Sleep: Generally, I sleep really well. I've had a few night recently where I've had a difficult time getting comfortable, but not enough to deter sleep.
What I miss: I'm a pretty independent, resourceful, and self-sufficient girl...so it's somewhat difficult for me when I get comments about what will make me tired or what I should/shouldn't be doing because I'm pregnant. I know people mean well, but I'm not going to do anything to put my baby's or my health in jeopardy...so I will be the first to say if I need a break, can't go, or shouldn't do "that".
Cravings: Nothing in particular. I just really enjoy "meat & potatoes" type meals.
Symptoms: Round Ligament Pain. Oh my. Apparently my belly doesn't grow gradually, it grows/changes over a few hour period while stretching my muscles and ligaments to the max. I'm not convinced that Baby Boy isn't stretched out like a starfish when this is happening either.
Best Moment this week: It's not really baby related, but I really loved having my Mom's whole side of the family (minus one) down to our house for Thanksgiving. We had a good time hanging out and cooking. And, of course, it doesn't hurt this preggo's feelings that 70% of the leftovers are in my refrigerator ; )
Monday, November 19, 2012
Evening Shenanigans
A couple of nights ago, we decided some fresh air and a walk sounded nice, so that's what we did. We put Gus's collar and leash on and headed around the block.
When we got back to our street, we started talking about this one house that we really hadn't seen much, if any, activity at. Most of the houses on the street were either built by a family, like us, or they were purchased as a spec home straight from the builder. Well, this one house in particular had a realtor's "for sale" sign in the yard for quite some time, and then a little later it had a "for lease" sign...which is pretty unusual for our area. So, our assumption was that someone had purchased it and was adding some things to lease it out to families that were only going to be here short-term. On top of that, we've never seen a moving van, a vehicle, or even so much as a light on around that house.
When we got to the house we saw that the fence was down on the side where a pool was being put it in. Since the fence was down and the back yard lights were on, we thought we'd take a peek at the pool. (Side note: It's very common in a building communities like ours for people to roam even purchased homes as they're being built) So we stroll into the back yard and look at the pool and concrete work that whoever has purchased the house has done. About that time, something catches my eye. I turn and look in the back window of the house and see what looks like the glow from a fish tank.
I said, "uh, Kyle?!" and he responded "Go! Go! Go! Run!"
He scooped up Gus and we ran as quietly as possible across the three lawns that separate our houses, hoping not to be heard or followed. We bust into our house and fall down in the foyer laughing our rears off! I can't remember the last time that we've laughed that hard.
And then we discovered the red dirt on our shoes and Gus's feet. I suppose that's what we get for trespassing ; )
When we got back to our street, we started talking about this one house that we really hadn't seen much, if any, activity at. Most of the houses on the street were either built by a family, like us, or they were purchased as a spec home straight from the builder. Well, this one house in particular had a realtor's "for sale" sign in the yard for quite some time, and then a little later it had a "for lease" sign...which is pretty unusual for our area. So, our assumption was that someone had purchased it and was adding some things to lease it out to families that were only going to be here short-term. On top of that, we've never seen a moving van, a vehicle, or even so much as a light on around that house.
When we got to the house we saw that the fence was down on the side where a pool was being put it in. Since the fence was down and the back yard lights were on, we thought we'd take a peek at the pool. (Side note: It's very common in a building communities like ours for people to roam even purchased homes as they're being built) So we stroll into the back yard and look at the pool and concrete work that whoever has purchased the house has done. About that time, something catches my eye. I turn and look in the back window of the house and see what looks like the glow from a fish tank.
I said, "uh, Kyle?!" and he responded "Go! Go! Go! Run!"
He scooped up Gus and we ran as quietly as possible across the three lawns that separate our houses, hoping not to be heard or followed. We bust into our house and fall down in the foyer laughing our rears off! I can't remember the last time that we've laughed that hard.
And then we discovered the red dirt on our shoes and Gus's feet. I suppose that's what we get for trespassing ; )
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Kitchen Wrecks
Well, I've had a few kitchen disasters recently. I suppose it's like anything else...you do it long enough, something bad will happen. You ride horses long enough, you will get thrown off. You play soccer for a long time, you're likely to have an ankle or knee injury.
Stuff just happens sometimes.
So what did I do?
Well, Saturday, I was making a salad that I wanted to put thinly sliced apples in, so I pulled out my handy-dandy mandolin, that looks a lot like this...
Stuff just happens sometimes.
So what did I do?
Well, Saturday, I was making a salad that I wanted to put thinly sliced apples in, so I pulled out my handy-dandy mandolin, that looks a lot like this...
[I'm sure you can already tell where this is going]
I'm always super careful when I use it, and I didn't use the safety guard this time because I knew that I wasn't taking the apple all the way down...just part of the way.
Well, part of the way was just enough for me to catch my thumb on the blade. I quickly grabbed my thumb with a towel so that I wouldn't get blood on anything, and raced to the bathroom. I washed it off as best I could and then proceeded to put three band-aids on it. And then I bled through those, so I re-wrapped it with three more band-aids and finished it off with some vet-wrap. It's actually healing a lot better than I thought it would, but I have to keep a bandage on it because as it dries, the edges of the cut curl up and the dry skin catches on other things. Grossed out yet?!
........................
My most gut-wrenching offense occurred Thursday night.
I knew I'd be doing some cooking over the weekend for other things, so I wanted to make a big batch of something that we wouldn't mind eating for a few meals over a few days. I had made lasagna and chili the week before...so those were out. Finally I decided to make a pot of seafood gumbo! It's a lot of work, but it's really one of my favorite meals, and Kyle likes it a lot as well. Win, win!
Thursday after work, I went to the grocery store to get all of the items I would need for the gumbo and all of my weekend cooking. For the gumbo, I purchased some fresh Gulf shrimp, lump crab meat, and organic/natural andouille sausage (not supposed to have the preservatives and nitrates in regular sausage during pregnancy).
When I got home, I started to work on my gumbo. One smart thing that I had done previously, was make a big batch of roux from my last gumbo, and froze a portion of it. This saved me at least 45 minutes. Anyway, I sauteed my vegetables in the roux and slowly added all of my other ingredients, including a stock that I made using the shrimp shells and odd pieces of the onion and bell pepper I had diced earlier.
The whole process took about two or so hours, but it was worth it. It was tasting awesome, and I knew that it would taste even better the next day...because that's just what gumbo does.
I set the pot on the counter to cool while I did some other house work, but made sure to keep the kitchen lights on as a reminder to come back in there and put the pot in the refrigerator. My reminder worked because I did remember to go back and put the pot of gumbo in the refrigerator in our laundry room...except I needed to set it on a trivet in the refrigerator because the bottom of the pot was still a little warm.
And that's where it all went to hell in a hand basket.
I went in the laundry room the next morning to feed Gus, and there on the dryer sat my pretty red dutch oven with all of that gumbo goodness. I had never gone back to get the trivet, and I, therefore, never went back to the laundry room to put the pot in the refrigerator.
I thought I was going to cry, but I didn't. I just cussed a lot under my breath.
I haven't felt that stupid in a very long time. Ugh, it still makes me mad!
.........................
On a good note, I did have one kitchen success (sort of) this last weekend. We had a Thanksgiving pot luck with our church group, and I attempted to make my Nana's cornbread dressing. I have to say that it wasn't perfect, but it was pretty darn close!!! I think if I had had the drippings from the turkey and added a little more celery, it would have been spot on! Of course, our family always has this huge debate about whether or not there's not enough/too much sage. I erred on the side of 'not enough', but I may be a little more daring next time and add another 1/8 of a teaspoon and see if I get a rise out of anyone ; )
Friday, November 9, 2012
Boy, Oh BOY!
We went for my anatomy scan today. It was really neat seeing all of the organs, bones, and features of our little one. It was kind of funny because the baby was moving so much, that the technician was having a difficult time getting some of the shots she needed for measurements. She reassured us that the activity level now as in no way any indication of their energy level outside of the womb. We shall see ; )
The fun part, was, however, seeing that we're having a BOY! Kyle had been saying that he knew that it was a girl...but I knew better. As a matter of fact, as soon as I saw that the test was positive, I knew it was a boy. I have to say though, we really didn't have a preference either way. As long as the baby was healthy, we'll take whatever we get!
To be honest though, we've actually known for a few weeks. We kind of just wanted extra confirmation...not that we really needed any, as you can see from the pics below.
16 Weeks...
20 Weeks...
When we were in Tulsa a few weeks back, I contacted a pledge sister of mine, Jamee, who, with her husband, owns and operates Stork Vision Tulsa. I told her that we were going to be in town and that I knew that I was the absolute earliest I could be for gender determination, but I would love for her to be the one to tell me. She was more than happy to set up the appointment for us.
Hospitals, clinics, and anything medical related have a tendency to feel, well, clinical...but I knew my experience with Jamee would be far from that. And I wasn't mistaken. Jamee is one of the sweetest, kindest people I know, and she was genuinely happy to see us and show us our baby in a way that only she could. She would say things like, "Awe, look at that cute little nose!", and I was thinking...it still looks like a Luchador mask to me, but I love that you think my fetus is cute! When it came time for the gender determination, she scanned down to the bottom and paused and said, "Well, there are the little legs, and there's the little bottom...", and I said "...and there's the little penis!". I looked over at Kyle and we both teared up. Okay, we cried. Even though he thought it was a girl, I knew he really wanted a boy, so I was really just thrilled for him more than anything.
If you live in Tulsa, or the surrounding area, and are looking at your 3D/4D ultrasound options, I highly recommend Stork Vision Tulsa. Jamee will treat you like a friend, not a patient, and will do everything in her power to give you and your loved ones the best experience possible. If you "Like" them on Facebook, she often posts special pricing promotions they are offering and new items they have for sale.
I can't tell you how thankful I am that someone so kind and welcoming was able to provide that special moment for us, rather than a technician in my OB's office.
Before we even went to the appointment, we had discussed not saying anything to our families until after the anatomy scan...just in case. Well, immediately after our appointment with Jamee, we went to McAlister's Deli to get a to-go order, and we called both of our families while we waited to tell them the fun news. We have nieces on both sides of our families, so this will be the first grandson/nephew. I can't wait!
Monday, November 5, 2012
It Ain't Christmas Yet!!!
Let me start by saying this...I love Christmas and the time around Christmas just as much as anyone. I love listening to Christmas songs, decorating our house, baking treats, looking at lights, seeing family, and, of course, Christmas dinner.
I've always noticed that the home stores always have their Christmas decorating paraphernalia out early (although July may be a bit early, Hobby Lobby)...which I get, people need to buy stuff with which to celebrate Christmas. Fine, no biggie.
I even understand my friends that start putting up their decorations in October. It's a fun time of the year and people want it to last as long as possible. I purposely use more "winter" themed decorations just so that I don't have to take them down immediately after Christmas.
But this year, it seems like everyone is totally skipping Thanksgiving! And what I mean by everyone, are retailers. I noticed that Christmas lights and decorations have been put up in the shopping areas. The mall across the street from my office building is having their "lighting ceremony" November 17th...with carolers and everything. I went to the grocery store yesterday and the aisle with all of the seasonal stuff had already been switched from Halloween candy to Christmas candy. Hello! People are going to need chicken stock, canned pumpkin, and French's Fried Onions a lot sooner than they're going to need Christmas candy.
All of this doesn't irk me because I don't like Christmas, because I do love Christmas. It chaps my butt because retailers want the Christmas season to be longer simply so that we'll buy more. I mean, I'm all for pumping some money into the economy, but I don't need to spend my nursery budget on presents. Can't remember if you got Timmy a present because you did your shopping in September? Oh well, just buy him another gift...just in case.
Also, I really love Thanksgiving. I suppose I just really like to eat, but I think getting together with family to remember what you're thankful for, eat some delicious, homemade food, and fall asleep watching football is something that shouldn't be seen as just another thing to do before Christmas time rolls around.
And if I see a bell-ringer at the front of a store before November 22nd...well, I'm not sure that I would do anything...but I won't be happy about it!
I've always noticed that the home stores always have their Christmas decorating paraphernalia out early (although July may be a bit early, Hobby Lobby)...which I get, people need to buy stuff with which to celebrate Christmas. Fine, no biggie.
I even understand my friends that start putting up their decorations in October. It's a fun time of the year and people want it to last as long as possible. I purposely use more "winter" themed decorations just so that I don't have to take them down immediately after Christmas.
But this year, it seems like everyone is totally skipping Thanksgiving! And what I mean by everyone, are retailers. I noticed that Christmas lights and decorations have been put up in the shopping areas. The mall across the street from my office building is having their "lighting ceremony" November 17th...with carolers and everything. I went to the grocery store yesterday and the aisle with all of the seasonal stuff had already been switched from Halloween candy to Christmas candy. Hello! People are going to need chicken stock, canned pumpkin, and French's Fried Onions a lot sooner than they're going to need Christmas candy.
All of this doesn't irk me because I don't like Christmas, because I do love Christmas. It chaps my butt because retailers want the Christmas season to be longer simply so that we'll buy more. I mean, I'm all for pumping some money into the economy, but I don't need to spend my nursery budget on presents. Can't remember if you got Timmy a present because you did your shopping in September? Oh well, just buy him another gift...just in case.
Also, I really love Thanksgiving. I suppose I just really like to eat, but I think getting together with family to remember what you're thankful for, eat some delicious, homemade food, and fall asleep watching football is something that shouldn't be seen as just another thing to do before Christmas time rolls around.
And if I see a bell-ringer at the front of a store before November 22nd...well, I'm not sure that I would do anything...but I won't be happy about it!
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