Well Wishes for Crystal

I heard Crystal was in a car accident this morning and haven't seen her post yet. Just wanted to say I am glad she is ok and man that stinks about her new car! When she feels better, I am sure she will update us on the details and drama.

Baby Room Pictures

Baby Baby Baby Posting!

I wanted to start with a giant Thank You to Jess for organizing the baby shower and to everyone else who was able to attend. For those that couldn't make the trip(stupid airlines, why must you charge so much to fly?) I appreciate the gifts and well wishes. Although Ryan was anti-baby shower, he is very appreciative as well. LBF has a ton of great things to start him on the path to spoil-dom when he arrives.

This morning, despite everyone's hangovers (see Ryan's post), we put all the loot away and organized the room. The drawers are packed with clothes and goodies, the bouncer is put together, and all in all, things are shaping up. I will need to back and wash things but I have 10 weeks to do that, right? LOL!

I am going to try to post the pictures of the baby room in a separate post since blogger is being mean. I didn't get any good belly shots so maybe later today I will take one. Looks like I am the last to hop in the shower so I best be moving along.

Thank you again for all the great loot, conversation, and well wishes yesterday!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Happy Birthday to Ryan! He's still older than me but not wiser :) Just kidding honey!

I think he will probably have a decent birthday. He already opened his loot. The boys are taking him to lunch today and I am taking him out for dinner.

One thing I must note, we are both bad parents. We forgot it was Jazzy's birthday too! The baby isn't even here and we already forgot about her! Granted, she escaped on me last night so she was on my poop list. I revoked it for another day :)

One More Baby Post

I seem to be posting a lot about the baby lately (well, more so about how much I hate being pregnant). Here's a couple tidbits and then I will lay off until after the shower and finally post pictures of everything (including my gut).

Tuesday, LBF decided to ride up under the ribs and take up residency. What a pain, literally. No position is comfortable.

Wednesday, pregnancy took over. By this I mean I actually showered, barely dried my hair, put on a dress since no clothes felt comfortable, and went to work without shaving my legs. For those that have seen hairy Erin legs, you understand what I am talking about. The will to be cute and sexy is gone. I am officially a MOM!

I came home from work today to find the furniture has arrived. Ryan will put the crib together while I go get his b-day presents in line. I am pretty pumped for this to finally happen. Then we can rest easy as we are as prepared as we can be at this point.

Baby classes start in April. I am interested but not looking forward to 6 nights of class. Can't they put this stuff online or do it in one day over the weekend?

11 weeks left to go. The countdown is on.

Day Off

I took today off to drive (well, ride) back from my parents. We left around 10 and were home shortly after 2. Unpacked, looked at the mail and then took a 2 hour nap. It was glorious. I am ready to go to bed but it isn't even 7pm yet so I need to find something constructive to do. I might read a little or watch some tv.

Starting tomorrow I have to start lifting some weights or I will never be able to hold LBF or lift his stroller. I figure 11 weeks of something for my arms is better than none. For now, the couch is calling.

I did pretty well in staying off my bb today. I did read my messages and only responded to two. I should have done more but I figure they need to learn to live without me. (and I need to learn to live without working)

Maternity Clothes and Bra Shopping

Ryan, Annie, and I headed up to my parents for Easter weekend. We got up super early to beat traffic and arrived around 10am. After a shower and some lunch, my mom and I headed out in search of some maternity clothes and a bra or two that doesn't eat my ribs raw. My barely Bs have increased to the size strippers would long to have and it isn't pleasant.

After visiting several larger clothing stores without any luck in either department; we were told, "Most women don't want maternity clothes, just buy bigger normal clothes," by a sales associate! Ummm, I am not so sure that lady has ever been pregnant. Larger normal clothes just doesn't cut it at a certain point. This was also the store where I went into the dressing room to try on some bras and came face to face with a wrinkly old lady wearing nothing but her underwear and bra standing in front of the 3 way mirrors. If you ever wondered what a prune wearing underwear looks like...I now know! I was so shocked I turned around and said "Let's go. This can wait for another day. I can't believe what I just saw!"

We finally ended up at JC Penney's (of all places) and had the best experience! I am thinking about calling or writing a letter. First, we saw a sales associate and asked about maternity clothes. She directed us to the one isle and apologized they had so little to chose from. I didn't care, anything will do. I hit the gold mine! I found some great shorts, capris, work pants, dress shirts, t-shirts, tanks, etc. To top it all off, it was all on sale! Then I headed to the lingerie section and asked a sales associate for help. I showed her my issue with a raw chest and she felt so bad for me. I think she spent over an hour helping me. I was measured, waited on, adjusted, more styles and sizes to try and finally, I ended up with two sports bras for some relief and some support (I wore one home out of the store) and another regular bra. I haven't had a shopping spree where I opened a store credit card in a while but I figured this justified the additional 10% off. Not only did I get that, they also gave me a $15 coupon that was in the paper I didn't know about. Kudos to the store and staff!

After that long day of shopping we came home to a home cooked dinner (dad made Ryan meatloaf and awesome baked potatoes). My mom and I went on a beer and movie run. We both got carded! Ummm...55 year old mom and 30 year old pregnant lady buying beer...would you card us? Didn't think so. We laughed about that and came home to watch American Gangster. Pretty good flick.

Today we are going to see if Walmart is open to purchase an outdoor game because it's so nice out. Otherwise it's to the club house for a little shuffle board (hey, they live in Florida-shuffle board capital just outside of Arizona I bet).

Annie hasn't eaten Mallory the cat and Mally hasn't swatted or clawed Annie so I think they are ok with each other.

That's all.

Misc. Posting

Here is some randomness.

Where did the day/week go? Up at 6:45 (can't get out of bed much earlier these days), off to work at 7:45, work 8:30-7 something, home at 8 something, chow down some food, start laundry, ready for bed but must stay up to finish laundry. I am exhausted but since Ryan is still at work and we leave Saturday for my parents, I probably should do something around the house before I sit down.

My sister and I have been replaced by my parent's pets. Yes, they now send pictures of their cat and dog to people like our friends pass pictures of their kids and drinking events. I hope once they have a grandkid they send pictures of him to their friends instead of cat and dog pictures. Wait, that would mean I would have to take pictures of LBF...need to start practicing that.

I was told FU from a dear friendwho lives in CO now, through a coworker mind you, that is too cool to email or blog. I guess nothing changes. If he were here in person, I would get the same warm greeting. Good to know distance doesn't change our friendship. That's right, I am talking about Big K. Nice to make Erika your messenger.

In search of a good bra. That's right. I have no boundaries and now that I am pregnant, I feel like I can blog about this. Underwires used to be my friend. Now I just want a giant, soft, nonbinding over the shoulder-boulder holder. Looks like the $200+ I have dropped on support features since becoming pregnant is about to go up. Poor Ryan just wants a pair of tennis shoes or a pair of jeans-I say go buy 10 for what I have bought since I became pregnant.

Randomness...always fun how things can pop in and out of my head. I honestly have a list running but I guess my lists make some of you feel lazy. I need to go write down a few things for our trip, a few things for work, and a few chores. Do you think my brain starts hopping from topic to topic because it focuses all day long and by the end of the day it is just shot?

Glucose Test Day

Today was my glucose test day (testing for gestational diabetes-routine for all preggos). After hearing the horror stories of how awful the sugar mixture would be to drink, I think I had prepped myself for a bad experience. Honestly, it wasn't that bad. The stuff they gave me to drink had been chillin in the fridge since my last visit so it was definitely cold. It was clear and "lemon lime" flavored. Not the cola or orange soda flavor everyone warned me about. It was thicker than water but not as thick as I had assumed it would be. Luckily it was only 5 oz so that went down in 3 swigs.

After I drank it, I had an hour to get to the dr. and have them draw blood. I headed out, arrived with 15 minutes to spare and checked in. They asked me what time I needed to be tested and then called me in a few minutes before I "expired." I had a nice lab lady draw my blood. The only hitch was they split the blood as they draw it and one vial didn't fill so they had to work some magic while I looked away. Still 100 times better than the day they drew the 100 vials of blood (I think it was 6 or 8 but it felt like 100 that time).

The sugar obviously made me feel a little off since I normally stay away from it. I would compare it to eating several dozen Krispy Kreme donuts in one sitting and washing it down with a Dunkin Donuts Coolata. Yep, pretty darn sweet.

I am not sure when I get my results back. I forgot to ask. I figured if they don't call within a week, I will check in. Otherwise, on my next visit in 2 weeks I will find out. Cross your fingers I passed because the next test takes 3 hours and is ickier.

Weekend Update

This weekend we did a few chores around here but overall, it was a pretty relaxing weekend. Yesterday I laid around quite a bit because I was feeling pretty exhausted and uncomfortable. Then a little after lunch I began tackling "The File Cabinet." Granted, Ryan took everything out and went through his folders first but man...I am a packrat when it comes to paystubs, bank accounts, and well, just about everything else! I have 10+ years of shredding to do so Ryan decided we will burn it in the smoker rather than have to shred for 5 minutes and let the shredded cool off and repeat 1000 times. I didn't quite finish so that's on this afternoon's list but it should go quickly.

He put together the second night stand yesterday so the guest room will be back in tip top shape once I get my sorting done. Ryan tackles some laundry and some basic cleaning yesterday. I picked up but just didn't have my normal cleaning finesse in me. Then we headed over to Pete and Amy's for a nice relaxing evening with some grilling and "bolo" or "Hillbilly horseshoes" or whatever you want to call that game they made for camping. I sucked at it but it was fun.

This morning we got up and went to get our oil changed and then dropped my car off for some deep cleaning. Crystal just got a sweet new SUV which of course, makes my new car itch even more scratchy. I looked online today at 2 or 3 models that I am interested in. Once I saw their price and their gas mileage, a $50 detail job seemed like the proper investment to keep me driving my car. Plus, gas (premium only for my Japanese car-must remember to lookout for that on all new car purchases) was down to $3.59. It was $3.71 on Friday when I came home from work. We also stopped and picked up a few groceries to get us through a few days and are already home for the afternoon.

Like I mentioned, I am going to finish sorting and filing and then either start a new book or chill in front of the tv. I should do a little work but guess what, Monday will be here soon enough.

Happy Post?

Well, I admit I haven't been full of sunshine and rainbow lately but darn it, nothing has been post worthy other than all the bad things going on. Last night after another longer day, we met some friends for dinner. It was nice to get out and not think about work or the fact that I feel icky again.

Today my boss made me leave work at 4 since I had been working too many hours. I didn't actually leave at 4 but made it out the door by 4:30. It was raining pretty heavily so I skipped stopping for an errand I wanted to do and skipped getting gas. We are going to meet some other friends for dinner and then head home for an early night.

We have no major chores planned this weekend so hopefully I can get a few small things done and chill out. One thing I did learn today-it's a good thing I come home 3 hours after Ryan. Tonight I was home early enough to experience his "rock band" practice where he sings and plays guitar. He can never tease me ever again about my bad singing. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It's not pleasant! Even the animals seem a little disturbed.

Fill_in_the_Blank Sucks

Today sucked in general for many reasons but work took the cake by the end of the day (which didn't end until after 7:30). I think that took its toll on LBF and my body today. I got home after 8, cried for about half an hour and feel like poop. I am too tired to bitch about it.

Just wanted to ask if anyone has any reasonable ways to reduce workload and stress without getting fired; I need help. Blocking time for work, saying no, passively letting others fail, not working. I still somehow take the burden. Oh, and delegating only works to an extent because I have to still double check and take the heat on delegated work.

Home Cooking = Home Sick

I did a little home cooking last night (pizza roll-like stromboli and rice krispy bars). Not sure how that could do me in but my tummy started rumbling last night. I woke up and had sweat through my t-shirt at 1:30am but figured it was nothing. I got up this morning a little early because I had a busy day planned but somehow didn't make it to work early. I was dragging behind and felt like I was going to be sick. I got in the car and headed to work thinking, "I should just turn back." I didn't turn back and felt awful at work. After about an hour of struggling to beat the tummy gurgles and several bathroom trips, I called it a day and headed home. I almost had a "Jess-cident" on the way home. I stopped at a store but before I got out of the car it subsided BUT by the time I got to the driveway...I was hoping I could make the few steps inside the house. I made it, but barely.

I don't think I poisoned Ryan or Jess. Maybe it wasn't my cooking afterall but so far, I think it is quite possible.

LBF's Sibbling Will Be A Puppy!

Yesterday Ryan and I took a trip to Target and Babies R Us to add to our registry and order the baby furniture. Needless to say, we didn't add anything. Here's the break down as to why LBF will only have an adopted puppy as a little brother or sister. Florida's customer service sucks more than a leech.

1) The high chair: I picked out a wooden high chair (sorry kid, it looks better than all that plastic crap and for the hassle, you better love it). My mom said she would pick it up as a shower gift and has spent the last month trying to find it at Target. It's new, but no one has it in stock or online. I decided to check it out at the store where I registered and if they have it, buy it. But first, I wanted to make sure none of the other ones could replace it. (I did end up going back and getting it after a trip to BRU and finding out I hate and don't have room for all the other styles).

2) The pack and play: Either they are too fancy or too limited. Do I really need one? Maybe I will register online, Babies R Us was a zoo yesterday.

3) Stroller/carseat combo: I picked one I liked for look and ease of getting it assembled. Do I know whether it is good for kids and safe, hell no. No one is ever around to tell you anything about them. They have more bells and whistles on them than my car. I probably should research this one a little more since I will be using it much longer than all other purchases.

4) Swings and activity centers: ick! I know they should be colorful and stimulating but please, I don't want that crap all over my house. Again, more bells and whistles than a loaded Mercedes. My kid can play with colored blocks of wood. Maybe even a little lead paint to help him grow a third nipple.

5) The baby furniture saga: found what I like. Tried to order it twice now and they have some silly rule that some # of units must be in stock for them to place the order but of course, there aren't any in stock. I wasn't going to place a partial order not knowing if I couldn't get the changing table/dresser piece. Ryan and I went to another store after a pissing match in the car. We came home pissed off and didn't speak to each other all night.

This morning, he spent half an hour or more calling places in Miami (the furniture isn't sold online, we looked). He finally found one store in the heart of Miami that had the combo piece I needed. So he was off to Miami to get it this morning while I placed an order for the crib, dresser, and side rails. Here we go again...

I was on the phone the first time with them for over 25 minutes. Then they had to call me back to verify my credit card (that's what two lines are for, stupid). Then they didn't place the order for the side rails since they didn't have an order for them. The kid from the furniture department told me he told her and she would take care of it. Back on hold for another 15 minutes I went.

So, to compare baby brewing and preparation to adopting a dog...Annie's process, pick her out, give them background info, they check, they approve, you pick up dog 2-3 days later depending on if they need to spay/neutor. In that time frame, you pick up a leash, collar, some toys, a bed, and some food. Done in one trip to Petsmart! 2nd adoption for Jazzy was even quicker because we were preapproved. Now, you can't tell my LBF #2 will ever be that smooth even with the crap we already have.

Dad's Chore List

My dad drove down for a working visit on Thursday. He came to put in the floor in LBF's room. It looks great! I came home from work and it was in along with the trim boards. (Yes, I will post pictures soon. Blogger is not being friendly this morning as it wouldn't take my comments earlier on other blogs and now is being tempermental).

Yesterday I left work at 4:50 (earliest in a long time) and came home to spend some time with him. We went outside and he trimmed 9 bags worth of growth off our tree out back. I felt bad because I didn't do much other than hold the bags open and point at branches to be chopped. We did get carried away on one side but luckily it isn't the side we have to look at. You would never guess that 4 years ago, that tree was in a pot on Mark's porch or that it was horizontal after hurricane Wilma. That dang thing just keeps growing!

We had a drink after his hard work (yes, water on the rocks with a splash of lemon juice...man, I can't wait for a cold beer) and then headed out for some pizza. We were both pretty tuckered out so after dinner we watched tv for a little bit and were both asleep on the couches around 9pm. We woke up at 9:40 and headed to bed. Such a wild night.

I stayed up to finish my book to send it back to my mom so she could read it. I have to say, it had one hell of an ending and I can't tell if I am happy or not. So many questions (is it the end of this series, what did the last paragraph mean, certain characters won't know the truth...argh!) It was good but I seriously was upset and had a stomach ache trying to think it all through last night. I woke up this morning still wondering what's up. I have been reading books by this author for 4 years. I love her but wonder...what's next? Time to hit google and see what's in-store.

Anyhow, Dad loaded up the motorcycle this morning and was off. We didn't get to spend too much time together and it stunk because I couldn't really think of many things for us to do together. I would have liked to have taken the boat out but we ran out of daylight and I would have gone shooting but I have a feeling preggo's aren't supposed to target practice. Oh well. Hopefully he had fun with me and I will see him in two weeks for Easter.

Doctor's Office Update

I fumed up until my appointment and here is how it went.

I arrived and signed in. I was called in within 10 minutes.

After my weigh in, I spoke to the nurse for a few minutes and then the doctor came right in. During our conversation, I brought up the lack of response on my voicemail I left (she was not happy to hear this-OB patients take all priorities). She mentioned that it's not an excuse but they are struggling with their nurses answering calls. Then we proceeded into me bringing up my "turn away" service yesterday. She was visibly upset and said I should not have gone home without being seen.

So, the appointment went well. I was told I am back on track with my weight gain and need to maintain a slow increase otherwise I will be over the safe zone. Interesting since I have only gained 11 lbs total, it's just that half were in the last 4 weeks! The baby measures "long" so there is no doubt he will be tall like his father. I am also on track for a 6/4-6/11 week delivery.

After we finished up with the basics, we discussed the glucose test I need to take in 2 weeks. Then she walked me out to the receptionist (Larraine is really Elaine...my bad). She literally chewed the office manager and Elaine a new one in front of me. The office manager was truly shocked but Elaine knew she was in deep doo doo. I think that was more for show but the doctor was pissed. They were both super nice to me (big surpise) and after a 10 minutes fiasco scheduling my next appointments (I had to tell them I need one every 2 weeks starting in April) and them looking for the directions for my glucose test, I was out the door.

I didn't vent it all and I asked Ryan if I was bitchy and he said no. I think I did balance my anger with reality and was truthful but not aggressive and angry. I feel better but am sure I will still encounter problems between now and the delivery. At least I know if I vent to my doctor, she will take action. I honestly felt like this was the first appointment where she not only discussed more with me but showed some good emotions.

It's not perfect and I still wouldn't recommend them to anyone based on their office staff but at least I didn't keep it inside.

Doctor's Office from HELL!

Warning: Rant and Rave Post

It has been almost 3 hours and I am still livid about my doctor's visit today. First, since my experience with the office has been rather sketchy, I had prepped myself to be brave and approach the doctor about what I have been going through. I figured I have done nothing wrong, they should know about that hiccups I experience each time I am there.

Well...I didn't even get a chance. They fucked up my appointment. (I told you, I am livid still.) After every appointment, I usually confirm my next appointments and book them. They give me a card with the date, time, doctor, and office if they know it in advance. The next day, I enter them in my outlook calendar at work with the buffer time built in for driving.

Yesterday we received a voicemail reminding us of the appointment that said "tomorrow" and the office number. Today, I get there and see the sign that says only one of the doctors was seeing patients in that suite and all others are to go to the other one. I couldn't remember which doctor I was with so I asked the lady if my appt was with the doctor upstairs or downstairs. This is the lady that forgot me last time mind you. She says "nope, you're not on my list. You are scheduled for tomorrow." Anger starting to rise.

"But the message said today and so did my reminder card."

Bitch, "Well, it's definitely for tomorrow since we call two days in advance. Go downstairs, maybe they can squeeze you in today." (Ryan says they never call 2 days in advance and I don't recall that either...)

I go downstairs. (Later in the car, I contemplate why they don't have an intercom or couldn't have called downstairs for me...)

"Hi, I thought I had an appointment today but they told me it's for tomorrow. They said you could squeeze me in."

Non-bitch but not accomodating, "No, we are full."

"So, before I leave, you have no one that can see me today and I have to come back tomorrow."

"Yes."

"And you are certain I have an appointment tomorrow at 3:45."

"Yes."

ARGHH!!!!!

Fuming and on the verge of tears I drive home. I get home and check my reminder card. What does it say? Oh, not only did it have today's date, time, and office number but also it had the box checked next to Tuesday, not Wednesday!

I decide to call the office back. I feel bad for the lady that answered the phone but I said something along the lines of "I was just there and was told I had mixed up my appointment. I just wanted to let you know I did not mix it up. My card said it was for today."

Poor lady that answered the phone, "Do you know who booked your appointment?"

"No, the lady upstairs that forgot me in the waiting room last time for over 2 hours."

"Oh, I wonder if it was Larraine."

"I don't care who it was and I am sorry for taking this out on you but I am really upset and frustrated. Do I have an appointment for tomorrow because if I show up and go through this again, I am going to go nuts on someone."

"yes, you have an appointment for tomorrow."

So, tomorrow when I go back again, I am whipping my card out and going on the rampage. They should know better than to mess with a pregnant woman who is now at the stage where things are uncomfortable and I have experienced enough shit from this office. I feel bad for being bitchy to the staff but screw them. They are disorganized bitches.

Happy Birthday to Shannon

Birthday wishes to Shannon!

Hopefully you have a nice easy day at school.

Pictures-another day

So I just spent time uploading pictures and didn't click the terms of agreement box. Now it's making me start over. To hell with that. I will do it another night. I am exhausted.

Giraffe-Check

We made it to the dog walk this morning and it was pretty nice out. Much cooler than last year. Traffic was awful because there was an art festival going on in the same location. Needless to say, we were pushing it to make it on time.

After the walk, we dropped one tired pooch off at home and went to pick up our flooring. Grab some Taco Bell and headed home to start our chores. I finished painting the giraffe and am done! Called my dad and told him he could come put in the floor this week. Once that's in, it's time to get the furniture and move things back into place.

Ryan worked on his sink outside today. Almost done. Looking pretty darn good. I am exhausted so it's time to read for a few minutes and fall asleep. I have a ton of things I want to do tomorrow but I might have to have a lazy day instead. I need some R 'n' R to make it through next week.

Saturday Morning

Last night we went to the Panther's game. It was pretty fun. We bought tickets that had us at the top of the arena but we had free food and drink. With that, one of our friends swung a deal and got 4 tickets 2 rows off the ice. That was sweet. We had to rotate turns sitting in them but hey, I got a period of full on hockey in my face. I don't think I would ever pay $160+ to sit in those same seats, they were right down by the goal in the corner so it was tough to see the other end of the rink. I enjoyed it probably more than most of the crew since I like hockey (I think they were there for food and drink). LOL!

Ever since we got home last night, the dog was being a pill which makes me mad. I am up and getting ready to take her to the dog walk (fundraiser) and I have wanted to do is kick her this morning. Whining, in and out, in and out. Up on the bed, off the bed, on the bed...you get the picture.

So, I have to hop in the shower and assume that I guilted drunken Jess into showing up this morning. She was all for it a month ago but after last night's beer extravaganza, she might be in too much pain to get up and bring Scooter. Who knows. She usually keeps her committments.

The house looks great. Ryan will probably post pictures before I do. The painters finished the outside yesterday and wow, what a difference. I am happy with our color choices. Looks pretty darn nice. Now, if I can get those darn giraffes painted, I will be done. Then my dad can come lay the floor and we can put stuff back in the house. Right now we look like evil pack rats that live in filth.