Would You Ever Say This?

I have been assisting a professor at work that has been nothing but a giant nightmare to work with. His course was missing materials. At the half way point (yes, the course is live with students in it), he still had outstanding handouts that we had been unable to locate. After months of following up and the course being live, he finally sent me 9 emails with up to 7 attachments in each ALL labeled the same way. It took me a while to sort through that mess.


To top it off, his course was poorly designed because students keep placing assignments in the wrong spot. To correct that, we have to work with development. So after the 6th student inquiry today I had more recon work to do. I asked him a very simple question. Depending on his answer he either a) had to send me one more assignment from the student or b) tell the student they had to resubmit other work on their own. This is the response I received to my inquiry.


"I work all day and it is simply not feasible for me to do more."


WTF? First off, it's not my job to make this decision or follow up with the student. Second, do you think it's my job to chase his crap all day long? Why did he spend time emailing me that when he could have asked his student for an answer or an assignment? I wanted to tell him his half baked course development has cost us triple the normal cost to develop a course and his students have wracked up more tech support calls/costs than his peers combined. For now, I am going to hold back and see what his boss says. She has been involved in all of this but not said one single word.


I do think the hormone levels have kicked back in because this past week things have made me fiesty or teary. I watched Kate + 8 "gives back" today (they go to a food bank and a soup kitchen). I was balling thinking about the people who don't have enough food and how sweet it was that the kids were helping. Ugh! I need to get a grip.

My Stats and Rights of Pregnancy

I had my 30 week check up today. All is well. Blood pressure is good, baby's heart beat is good, I am measuring good, weight gain on track and good. When asked if I had any questions or concerns I asked "Is it normal that I am more annoyed this time around?" The doctor laughed and said yes, baby number two nothings new. You know what's coming and just want the baby. I felt relieved to hear a medical professional tell me that even though all friends and family say the same thing. I asked if I could step up the heart burn treatment and she confirmed my need for something stronger than Tums was Pepsid or Zantac so I proceeded to Walgreen's after my appointment.

Here's my first "rights of pregnancy rant." I really don't mind people asking when I am due. It's the conversation that follows that which annoys me. Example from today: The cashier asks “When are you due?” I tell her. She then says “It’s a boy.” I say, “Yes, it is.” She proceeds to tell me she knew by the way I was carrying. I smile politely and say yep, boy number 2, same way I carried with the first one. Then she proceeds to ask/say assumingly, “Well, with your next try, if it’s a girl you will go sideways instead of out front.” I politely say, “No third one. Two healthy boys is all we need.” And she still says/asks, “But you don’t want a girl?” I shook my head and left.


Now, it’s annoying enough when people ask you when you are due or tell you how big you are. But insinuating that since I am not having a girl I must have more children. That bugs the crap out of me. So, I did what any hormonal woman would do. I stopped at Dunkin Donuts and got a breakfast sandwich and an iced coffee. It tasted even better knowing it was in spite of that ladies rudeness. LOL!

Miller's First Movie

Saturday we went to Cars 2 with Miller. He was super excited for his first movie experience. We had a quick/early lunch, headed to the theater, got our tickets, got some snacks and headed in. He was bouncing off the walls. Then it started...as in "I have to go potty." I took him during the 20 minute prequel/commercials.
Then when the actual previews started "I have to go poop." (side note, the kid already went at home) Ryan took him. No poop.

Then the movie started. Good, sitting still, not asking why about everything. Oh wait, another potty break.

I think we hit the 45 minute mark or so and then he says "I want to take a nap." We tell him to relax and if he falls asleep that's ok. Then fast forward a few more minutes. "I want to go home."

We replied with a no and told him to wait it out, it was almost over. Ryan contemplated getting up and leaving. I held my ground. We were staying.

There were other kids in similar predicaments and the theater had a low murmur of kids talking and parents whispering to sit still and be quiet. I didn't feel bad because no one in that theater was a single adult that didn't have young children with them. I was a little upset because Miller can sit through a movie at home. It was just bad timing with lunch and nap time mixed with excitement.

When we left, he told us he had fun and wanted to go back. I think it will be a few more months before we try it again. It was about what I expected for the experience. In fact, I was suprised he didn't ask more questions and talk more during the movie.

As for the movie; it was cute. The animation was incredible and I think it will be fun to watch again. We missed a lot talking to Miller and weren't truly focused. It was a little "James Bond-ish" and action like but a very cute and simple story line.

Good Planning

I mentioned a few posts ago after my Dr.'s appt. I stopped at Walgreen's for iron pills and a refill on Tums. Good thing. My heart burn is in full effect. I need to tough it out a few more days (next appt is Monday). I need to ask for something stronger just like I did with Miller. I know I can take something, I just can't remember what I bought last time. I think I have taken a full days supply of Tums in the last 4 hours. Nothing helps. (yes, eat smaller portions more frequently, make sure it's dull and boring, dairy to coat your stomach...check check check.)

I hate to curse my bladder but this whole foot in the ribs things isn't helping the heart burn one bit. Move down little buddy. Mommy would like to have at least a few days free of heart burn, constipation, back, belly or boob aches and possibly sleep more than a 2-3 hour stretch. Is that too much to ask? I mean, I already know what I am in for and any symptom relief between now and delivery would be appreciated. I need to check back on my previous blogs and see if Miller gave me such a hard time at the same point in my pregnancy or if this one is just a bugger. Sorry for the complaining; I had to get it off my chest (or should I say out of my throat?).

Work

I mentioned a couple posts ago that work was going to be busy. We had the week of craziness in preparation for my partner in crime taking vacation. Then the week of him being on vacation. Now it's the week he got back and we are catching up plus we had a new employee start. I haven't left the office before 7 the last 2 days. I like being busy but am looking forward to things slowing down a little or me working shorter days.

Today I am working from home. I have a ton to do and am kicking myself I didn't do some of it last night. But, after getting home, scarfing down some cold leftovers, and then trying to get some time in with Miller, I am glad I didn't. Does this mean I am finally growing up or just lazy?

Father's Day Weekend / Birthday Part 2

My dad and Miller share their birthday. This year, they weren't together to celebrate on their actual birthday. Instead, my parents made a trip down to visit for Miller's B-day party at Monkey Joe's and to celebrate Father's Day.

We spent Saturday at the beach and some pool time at home. Then Ryan made a fantastic dinner. He made blue cheese stuffed steaks wrapped in bacon and lobster tails (thanks for the recipe Mr. Bahl!). My dad whipped up some veggies to go with it. I don't know how I lucked out but both my dad and Ryan are great cooks. My mom and I on the other hand...well...keep reading.

Sunday morning we all lucked out. Miller woke up 6. He went the bathroom and I talked him into going back to bed. Then he was up around 7 by himself and played quietly until 8. We all got to sleep in!

Next, Miller, my mom, and I decided to make the dad's breakfast. Miller made pancakes. Literally. He did it all and I think he can crack an egg better than us adults. The cooking part is where my mom comes in and well...let's just say that the first round of cakes didn't turn out. She forgot to fully plug the griddle in. I am not much better. I was in charge of bacon and eggs. I can do bacon. As for the eggs. They were a little rubbery and I broke a few yokes in the flipping process.

After that we headed to Monkey Joe's for Miller's party with his friends. It was well worth the money we spent. We showed up with the cake. The party hostess took care of setting the cake up, the room, serving the kids, prepping the cake for pictures, slicing and handing out, taking pictures, etc. I didn't have to clean or run around in a panic.

Since it was Father's Day, we had the place to ourselves. I think there were 2 other kids there around the hour mark and then when we left there were some more. It was like having a private party there. The kids never walked once they entered the play area. They ran non-stop. Miller played with all of his friends and bounced his heart out. He even was brave enough to give Monkey Joe a high five and sit by him for a picture. He opened his presents, thanked everyone, and then we headed home for a nap (all of us).

It rained in the afternoon which was fine because when he woke up he played with all of his new toys. We topped the evening off by Ryan playing a video game while Miller and I had date night. We made popcorn and watched his new Muppet movie from Uncle Erik. He was an excellent boy all weekend. I am all teary thinking about how fast he has grown up and how charming he is. I love my little monster and only hope #2 is as fun. Time has flown by.

3 Year Old Stats

Miller's primary pediatrician is no longer with the practice. No idea what happened. Ryan didn't ask when they called to tell us last night. Good thing the practice has lots of good doctors but I did like her. I was hoping she would be #2's primary also. I might have to do a little recon and see where she ended up.

We met with the new pediatrician today. She was very nice. She asked the usual questions about development and eating. The cutest is when Ryan asked her at the beginning if there would be any shots. She said no. Ryan told Miller he could relax, no shots and he put a big smile on his face. Miller was an excellent boy. He let her poke, prod, listen, look, etc. He checked out well.

Height: 41 inches
Weight: 37 lbs

I believe those are both above the 95th percentile.

Afterwards, it was too early for lunch so we swung by Toys R Us. We looked to kill time and then headed to Firehouse Subs. Miller LOVED the restaurant. It's a sub shop decorated with fireman stuff and murals. I have a feeling we will be asked to go back again. He didn't want to leave.

Had to add in these pics since it's all related to turning 3. An actual picture of him and his cake on his real birthday. Then a picture of him priming LBF#2's room.

Results of Test

I passed my glucose test with slightly high levels. The next command was "take your iron pills with your vitamin and a probably a stool softener." I knew the iron command was coming and was actually going to ask if I needed to start taking it if she didn't bring it up. I stopped at Walgreen's on my way home and dropped them a nice $40 for drugs. I replenished my Tums supply too. Trying out the smoothies again since it's been a while and maybe they will be nice change to my nightly routine.

Other than that, I have gained a pound from my initial starting weight. I was told I am on track with that. My blood pressure was good. The baby's heart rate is perfect. I am measuring right on track too. Home stretch! 12 weeks to go and I am back to going every two weeks for check ups. It's a nuisance but it makes it seem like things are going to move fast now.

Ryan started spackling the walls in the baby's room this weekend. Hopefully we will have that painted this week. Depends on how much time he has and how much I feel like masking things off. Then it's wash the clothes, unpack the totes, make a list of what's missing and wait for the arrival.

Glucose Test

I went in for my glucose test today. It was the first time I have been to a lab outside of the doctor's office while in FL. Even though the place was like a machine with people in and out, they were still a half hour late getting me in for my appointment. So much for scheduling the 7:30 early appointment knowing I needed to get to work before 10. Oh well.

Since my pregnancy with Miller, they have changed the glucose screening process. The minimum test is a 2 hour test now. So, I got a ton of blood drawn, peed in a cup, drank the nasty orange flavored syrup, and waited for an hour. Then they drew more blood. Then another hour of waiting. Then they drew more blood.

The nice part of this test was that I didn't have to sit in the waiting room. They had a room with lazy boy recliners for glucose test patients. Sure beat sitting in the uncomfortable waiting room chairs. They were renovating and could have used a good wipe down but I was ok with a little dust butt.

About half way through my test another lady joined me. We made some casual small talk but she made my day. She was little over a week further along than I am and told me I looked tiny for how far along I was. I love first time mom's. That was so sweet. I assured her I would plump up soon enough and that I only had 20 weeks of morning sickness to thank for my current shape. She laughed and of course had said she didn't have much morning sickness. Lucky lady.

For the next half hour, we had the pleasure of listening to a child complain, cry, and whine that he didn't want to be touched and wouldn't let the nurse draw his blood. He was old enough to know better (I am guessing kindergarten or first grade). At the half hour mark, mom pulled out the big guns and threatened dad was on his way. When I left, he still hadn't had his blood drawn. That is the reason your appointments are never on time. That nurse was so patient. I think as a parent I would have marched him outside, swatted him, tried to bribe him with something and then held him down. Who knows. Either way, I felt sorry for all involved.

I also heard a patient complain, a manager get called in and a nurse get reprimanded. Lucky me, I had her do my second blood draw. I knew she was not in a good mood after the 20 minute butt chewing she just received. Thank goodness she didn't take it out on my veins.

Now I have to wait to find out my results. I have a doctor's appt on Monday but they won't be in on time. I didn't have problems with Miller and don't foresee problems this time around but it's always a sigh of relief when they tell me everything is ok.

On the work front; this week was more insane than I anticipated. One night I was at the office until 9pm and two other nights I had to work once I got home. It made the week go by fast but I haven't had days like that since I switched jobs. Next week will be busy too as my peer is on vacation. Hopefully I can keep up. I still am lost on a lot of things but some other stuff I feel I am doing well with and that I have it under control. I know I am the one pressuring myself to know it all and I know it takes time but I hate not knowing how to do my job! TGIF is all I can say. Time to go check on the munchkin. He sweet talked me into letting him watch tv before bed tonight. I even got a hug and a kiss. How can one say no after that?

Upcoming Work Load

I have been extremely spoiled with my current work from home situation and work load. Starting tomorrow, I foresee a few weeks of busy-ness ahead. Tomorrow and for the remainder of the week, I have a calendar that looks very familiar (meaning full with back to backs all day long). I have some evening sessions I need to monitor and next week, my peer is out so I have to fly solo. Don't forget to add in some doctor appointments for me and one for Miller. I am ok with the increase in work and hustle and bustle but am going to miss my opportunity to take full lunch hours and keep a slower pace. I will probably have to work a few extra hours also.

I welcome this and hope it will keep my mind off of how uncomfortable I am. I haven't said much about this pregnancy. I am trying to refrain from complaining but this time it seems a little rougher than last. Morning sickness was much worse but lasted just as long (20 weeks). I am back up to my pre-pregnancy weight but feel huge. I know I am not but I must be carrying differently. I have back pain and front irritation (darn boobs, belly, and sitting all day). Add in the expected heart burn that is in full force regardless of the food I eat. These are all things I experienced with Miller but they seem to be occurring much sooner. The thing that makes me upset is I know it will only get worse (the comfort level and lack of restful sleep) and I have a ways to go. Yuck!

Hopefully the extra work and pace won't wear me down too much. Which, I was just on a conference call talking about ADA (American Disability Act). I found out that pregnancy can be considered a disability! LOL!

Swear Inducing Toys

Miller had a weird birthday. He started out super excited and as the day progressed, he seemed more and more upset. We couldn't figure out why. We think a few things affected him.

1) It was just us this year, no grandparents or friends. (He said he didn't want anyone to come over. Later in the day he wanted Uncle Jon, Uncle Jerry, and Norah to come over. Uncle Pete and Aunty Amy were a bust do to yardwork but we know Pete will make an appearance this week with his skateboard.)
2) He knew his big cake and party is at Monkey Joe's later with his friends but I think he thought it was happening yesterday even though we talked about our plans all week leading up to yesterday.
3) He got a skateboard and I think he thought he was going to be able to ride it like a pro his first time and didn't realize how hard it would be.
4) I think he also thought he was going to get to go shopping for his own presents. He got a lot of loot but it was bigger things (skateboard, t-ball set, swing, etc.). We think he thought he would get more "indoor toys."

Number 4 led to a trip to Toys R Us today to pick out something with his birthday money. After an hour in the store and literally 20 minutes trying to decide; I found an airport toy and a rescue station toy. Of course, he couldn't decide and I said f it and bought both. I felt guilty for not buying him more when Ryan told me to this week and I clearly couldn't get him to make up his mind.

Big mistake. I spent the last 2.5 - 3 hours hunched over on the floor putting together the two toys. I didn't realize I should have put the decals on first (mind you, I couldn't figure out which stupid piece was which anyways so they would have ended up on the wrong ones) and then the actual assembly directions were far from detailed. Miller tried to wait up to play with them but I finally sent him to his room for a nap. I was starting to lose it and I knew the naughty words were coming. If I were drinking, this would have easily been a 3-4 drink project.

I still have one piece that isn't working right and Ryan will have to try to figure it out. I also had a few whacked decals and then I ripped a couple. I was so mad at myself. In my own defense, the directions were horrible and trying to do this with a beach ball in front of you (prego belly) makes it a little more challenging. I now know why Santa never assembled many gifts. S/he was too frustrated after an evening of assembling all the other toys to have the patience to do it after 9 or 10pm.

I hope Miller plays with them because these two top the matchbox car launcher thing I got him for Xmas that he hasn't played with and is now back to a million pieces in a toy bin. By the time #2 arrives, I will have figured out which toys are the easier ones to put together (or how to bribe Ryan to do it).

Happy 3rd Birthday Miller!

I can't believe my baby is 3 years old today. How time flies. Too bad he's too tired to enjoy his own day. Here he is birth, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birthdays.

Random Tidbits

We received an avocado tree from Pete and Amy. Miller helped Ryan plant it the other night. I am pretty pumped. I hope it does well for us. It's already taller than the fence. It just needs to gain a little girth. Thanks Pete and Amy for the tree!

Another thing I am excited for...the new fridge for the garage is supposed to arrive today. The one that came with the house has never really worked well. Ryan tried to fix it but it's just worn out. It will be nice to have a cleaner and more energy efficient one running out there. Yes, the little things in life excite me.

Tomorrow is Miller's birthday (Dad's too). I have a boat load of presents to wrap. We asked him what he wanted to eat for his special breakfast (offering pancakes, IHOP, donuts, eggs, etc.) and he choose cereal. Hmmm...We also asked what he wanted to do. You guessed it, mow the lawn! When we asked him if he wanted to go to a restaurant, he said the Rock n Roll one (Rock n Roll Ribs). Of course, he never actually eats when we go there. We asked him if he would actually eat his food and he said no. At least he's honest. Hopefully tomorrow the little dude is in heaven, well behaved, and spoiled rotten. I will post our actual events since he does have a tendency to change his mind.