Nervous and an odd bedfellow.

Nervous and an Odd Bedfellow?

Tomorrow I meet a vampire. The vampire wants to check my glucose levels...

It will be nice to get it over with, but I am not really at peace with the whole thing. It's really the poo-poo frosting on the crap cake that has been my January. With the exception of having family over of course! That was not crap-cake! :P I get off work at 0600 and will go home to get Hannah and Brian ready to go. We hope to be back in town before Brock gets out of school.

Oh yeah! We should be able to get our poor window fixed on the Dingo. It has been taped up (very ghetto-chic) for almost a month now.

We had to wait for the money to fix it. Heh heh heh. That'll be nice to get that all done too.

At some point tomorrow I hope to grab a quick nap. Mmmmm...naps....

Napolean ruined my peaceful morning too! MEAN DOG! Brian's alarm didn't go off this morning, so I stayed at work until he made it in at 0630. By the time I dropped Hannah off at preschool and got home, it was after 7. Napolean went outside to do his thing while I worked on taxes and some bran flakes. I brought the pooch back in and made a bee line for bed. As best a bee line that one can make in a drunken sleep-deprived stupor that is. Anywho, I brushed my teeth and threw myself into bed. I woke up about an hour later to the rancid smell of dog fart. Oh yeah. I forgot to shut the dog up in the laundry room while I napped. Napolean slunk into my room and helped himself to Brian's side of the bed. His butt was facing my feet (thank heavens) and his dog-breath face was facing away. At least he was this thoughtful right? I yelped in surprise at his being my bedfellow which made him melt into a submissive and rather apologetic puddle of smelly breath and rotten butt. I ordered him off the bed. He responded by whipping his tail up and down on the bed while presenting me with his stomach. Being less than honored by such a gift, I started to push his carcass towards the edge of the bed. Napolean strained against my pushing, unwilling to give up his plush lounge. He arched his back and presented me with more tummy and a lolling tongue inside his rather empty head. I will admit I raised my voice and in a very un-lady like manner ordered the *&#!@#* dog to get his )(@#*(!@(# smelly butt off my bed.

This got through to him that I meant what I said. He dripped off the bed and slunk to the laundry room door. He went in without protest and gave me very sad droopy eyes as I shut the door. It reminded me of Puss in Boots from Shrek. See what I mean:

Let him foul up his own bed!!!! I returned to my bed and fanned away the stubborn residue of Napleon's gastric trespasses. It took about 10 mins for the room to properly ventilate. Gross...I finally got to sleep about 8ish. I have learned the hard way to put that mutt in his room before I go to bed. Thanks Napolean.

So now I sit at work waiting for the 0600 hour to bring me freedom from this drudgery for 2 days. Then another work weekend is upon me. But take heart! It is the last rotation on graves for me! Thank heavens this trial is almost over!

Hope this finds you well....

What's next?

Ok. Forgive my pity-party, but what is life going to throw at us next? Does everything have to hit at once? I have a note saying I don't have to play. I'll call my mom! Seriously!

To add to the lovelies of kidney stones (dirty little buggers...) I now have a new fun tidbit to share. I took my glucose test on Monday afternoon. I thought it was going to be easy sailing as it turned out to be a fasting test. I ended up being awake with sick Hannah all night and didn't eat until dinnertime Monday. So we jotted to Yakistan, took the test and came home. Oh yeah...the drink is just as nasty as I remember. It's pretty bad when the drink burns on the way down because of the sugar taste. Ick! Hannah was sitting on my lap trying to mooch a sip. Poor kid! I didn't dare let her try it! They told me that they would get results Wed/Thurs and would call if something were amiss.

Anyway, I got a call today saying I have to come in for the 4 hour test as my sugar was too high. By a lot too high. So much for my fasting levels. The nurse also said that my iron was practically non-existent which would explain my constant tiredness. I read up on gestational diabetes and found that it is not so bad if controlled with diet/exercise and insulin if needed. I would dearly love for this all to be a fluke and am holding out hope that things will be ok. It seems so odd since I have been trying to be careful to eat healthy and do more active things. I did lose those 7lbs in 2 weeks, but I thought that was due to being sick. I guess I have a selfish indignation to be offended by something that a lot of women everywhere have to deal with. I will have to adjust my attitude I guess. *sigh* I would dearly love to avoid those lovely insulin shots though...hmmm...maybe I can bribe the lab tech to magically fix everything.

Thanks for attending my pity party. I know God will work his way in things but it sure feels like all this stuff is dumping at once. I need my jammies, a week off, my Mommy and my der ders. I would say some ice cream but sweets and food in general has been gross. Maybe a chick flick and the above-mentioned. :)

Hope you all are well! Glad to hear about the progress of your babies, jobs, schooling and family stuff. Thanks for posting often too! It helps bridge the gap since we don't see each other regularly anymore. Love you guys!

A Jonah Day

After being awake for 3 days straight I decided to call in sick to work and try to sleep the night away.I had spent most of my time at home/work trying to pass a rather stubborn kidney stone too. My scheme was to get dinner around for the family, then be in bed after Brian got off work at 6pm. My plan backfired and in a big way! Brian had to work until 10pm to cover my not being there. To add fuel to my crumby fire, Hannah spike a temp of 102.3 just after dinner. Brock was an angel and was ready for bed by 8. We called Daddy, said our prayers and went to bed. So began the longest night of my week.

Brian stumbled in the door after putting in a 16 hour work day. Hannah was in our bed stripped down to her diaper as she was burning up. She had fallen into a restless sleep but managed to wake up when Daddy came in the room. She got some more medicine and some water. Daddy even brought her Bunny and kiki! Thanks Dad! Hannah's cat nap made it possible for her to chat and sing until 11:30pm. Brian fell asleep almost right away, but kept waking up to tell her to be quiet. I drug the overheated hyper baby to the couch where we laid in the dark and said thankful prayers over and over. It was about 1am when I finally came to and noticed she had nodded off. I tried to sneak her to our bed so we could both sleep. Ah yeah. Her head hit the pillow and she was wide awake. More songs, jabber and thrashing ensued. About 2am, I had enough. Sick or not, I took that half naked baby to her bed and told her to GO TO SLEEP! I lurched back to my side of the bed and passed out until I heard Brock get up at 7.

Hannah was passed out on her floor and was only a little warm. Of course she heard me open her door and was thrilled to see someone setting her free from her cell. She got another dose of medicine and her morning sippy of milk. She came to bed with me where we laid and chatted quietly until Brian was awake. He got up and showered while the kids watched cartoons. I remember hearing the door shut as he left the room. The next thing I knew it was was 1:30pm. Yikes! I hastily showered and we beat street for Yakima and our OB appointment. The drive down was full of Hannah's conversation and Brock trying to get a word in edgewise. We made it to Selah before that baby fell asleep. She slept until we got in the elevator to go up to the doctor's office. Then more chats and songs. Seriously. Why wasn't she as tired as me? The appointment took a lot longer as they did my blood glucose test. That drink is as nasty as I remember! It is so sweet it burns going down! GROSS! The kids and Brian sat in the exam room with me until Hannah needed a new butt. About 20 mins later, the nurse came in and drew my blood. I was free to go! Woot! The kids and Brian were waiting in the car almost a half hour. Brian is so patient!

The drive back put Brock to sleep but kept Hannah talking about helicopters and trees. Once at home, I reheated dinner. Hannah didn't each much and Brock decided he was full. He doesn't really care for the dish so his stomach shrinks.*sigh* He was told he was to have NO food until breakfast. This includes whatever treats they may be serving at his Cub Scouts meeting. Man I am sick of fighting that kid over food. It would help if his mother fed him something other than McDonalds and chicken nuggets. Some people...The kids helped with dishes and I started a batch of bread. Brian and Brock went to Cub Scouts while I got Hannah bathed and ready for bed.

So now I am keeping an eye on Hannah as she tries to hide and poop her pants. She is walking around without pants/diaper because we have no more diapers/money for diapers until Friday. I wish she wouldn't fight us about going poop in the toilet! I have told her several times that her kids had better do this to her when she is older. Poor dear.

All in all it has just been kind of a blah day. Some silver linings though: The doctor said that being 40% efaced and 1cm dialted is nothing to worry about unless I am having contractions. What a load off! He said some women who have had more than one child can walk around for 2 months 3cm dialted! I hope this means that my labor will be shorter! I got measured for the first time today too. I have no idea what my numbers were. I told the nurse I felt like a Christmas turkey being measured like that. We heard a nice heartbeat (150bpm) and the baby moved around a lot for them. I weighed in (sad moment) and found that I lost 7 pounds since my last visit. The nurse weighed me twice because she couldn't believe it. I do. The last 2 weeks for me have been painful and the thought of food generally gross. So major happiness on the baby front. All is well.

I feel like a total nerd, but I am thrilled to have found some wheat flour in my freezer. I have been making bread for the last 2 months and am really sick of white bread. I don't have enough wheat flour to make straight wheat bread, but I put some in with the regular flour to give it some substance. So yeah. Happy about that too. What a dork!

Brian did laundry today which is one less thing I have to accomplish tomorrow!

We have family coming this weekend!

OK. I have to go. Hannah is playing in some water in the bathroom. What scares me is that I know both the sink and the tub are dry...*sigh* Hugs!

By the way, Brock has lost 2 more teeth since the fist picture. And whatever happened to that cute little baby in the blue dress?

The Dr's Verdict

We saw the urologist today. After several x-rays and a lot of dye, it was determined that I either :
1. Have a kidney stone that is not detectable on film
2. Have a stone hiding behind my pelvic bones
3. Do not have a stone (pick me!)

The Dr didn't seem concerned about the situation and told me that my choices were to either ride out the passing of the stone or get a stent put in. After finding out that a stent would be a minor surgical procedure involving general anesthesia we decided it would best to just ride out the passing. It's not a good idea to have general anesthesia when pregnant and the thought of having more discomfort added to the existing pain is just not fun. If it gets bad enough, I can opt to have the stent put in. We would only agree to this if it meant a blockage and possible rupture of the ureture/etc. So until then, the Dr said use the painkillers, lay on the left side and rest as much as possible. Obviously this man never worked rotating 12hr shifts and managed a 2 year old and a 7 yr old. :)

We follow up with our OB a week from today so the baby will be checked again then. She has been moving like a champ so I'm not too worried. Does that sound bad? Tee hee.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers! We're okay and the baby is healthy!

Hugs!

3am Resolutions

I should be sleeping right now. Really. Night shift has a way of skewing one's inner-clock. Ugh.

What is keeping me awake is not that bad either! I am planning out our weekend, the month, finances, business ventures, vacations to come, moving, packing, new house hunting, painting, the kids' activities, work stuffs, training etc. There is some kidney related discomfort in there somewhere too.

What are my resolutions this frosting morning at 3? Moving that bunny into the new hutch that Brian built. Budgeting in Hannah's gymnastics for Feb's bills. Getting Brock's birthday invites taken care of. Writing a letter. Cleaning my house for company. Pulling steak out of the freezer for company. Cleaning out the cars. Make a few phone calls. Cleaning the front porch. Making up some Pampered Chef booklets. Finishing laundry and changing the sheets on all the beds. Somewhere in there I hope to pass a kidney stone so as to avoid a stent this Monday. Oh yeah. They want to put a tube in a very personal space or fill me with dye to peek at my insides. I would very much like to avoid both options!

So yes. I am going to get all the above done with the grace of God of course. I should go back and try to sleep as I will soon be woken to the sound of a 2 year old jumping on her bed or knocking on her door. Brock will be taking the chance to watch Saturday morning cartoons as he is now allowed to do so unsupervised on Sat mornings. He earned this privilege in return for taking on new chores and excellent behavior at school.

So good morning and have a great day!

What's Going On?

Seriously? What IS going on?

After spending an entire day in the hospital we still don't have a concrete answer. Why!? The ultrasound showed something of a kidney stone (both US techs went "..oh..." when they saw it) and the nifty little Xray showed nothing. So...now what? The pee doctor, which is more fun than saying Urologist, wants to see me in a week to see if something passed. I am considering taking a picnic and overnight clothes for the family in case we end up waiting for tests/doctors for another 10 hours.

I am thankful to be out of the hospital with no contractions, labor or general baby issues. I would be thrilled if the pain in my side and other less than pleasant symptoms would go away. I am hoping to avoid a stint too. My goal? See my OB doctor 1 a month for the next month, then 2 a month etc etc etc. We are already struggling to stay afloat financially, so this added little day trip fills us with dread. Especially since there were 2 tests and a radiologist involved. *sigh*

Oh yeah. The nurse (great lady!) told us we were 40% efaced and 1cm dilated on the outside. This worried me, but she said that since this is my second pregnancy that it is normal. We will definitely follow up with the OB next week. Until then, I probably won't have much in the way of fingernails!

So yes. Everything is going ok here. Can't wait to see our baby! Hope all is well with you!

2009

How many blogs have this title? Ugh...the originality must leap off the screen and slap you across the face! This is where we are at the begining of our 2009. I don't have a lot of new pics. We're doing our family shots either Feb or April after the baby is here. Sorry!

First and foremost, we will be joined by Lauren in April. It seems odd and very surreal to be expecting again. I hope that the labor/delivery process is easier than last time! I have practiced my mantra. Epidural epidural epidural... :P With January almost gone, we only have 2 more months to wait! Can it be 7 months already? It really doesn't feel that way. I am impatient to have my body back (and take a deep breath of air...) and be able to run again. I miss running. Odd as that sounds!

The kids are well. Brock is in Boy Scouts as a Tiger Cub. He has his first Derby on the 2nd. He still enjoys the same toys/play, but in a more complex and detailed manner. Since he is a big kid now, he gets to have special privileges like Saturday morning cartoons, somewhat of a say in his school lunches, etc. In exchange for such grown-up decisions, he has chores he does all by himself. He can clean his own bathroom, do his own laundry and vacuum. He is such a dear about this too! He will be 7 in February. That amazes me! Where did that little 18 month old go? I can see the changes in him already. He doesn't want to snuggle as much anymore. He is still the same sweet boy, but more distant and independent.

He understands a lot more about this world that someone his age should I think. It saddens me to see him exposed to cuss words, mean kids and bawdy phrases/TV shows/video games/etc. He gets this from school of course. Then he's trying to understand more details about Brian's divorce and how our family is different. We don't share the gory tidbits (he doesn't need to hear that anyway) but keep reminding him that some families are just different. It cracks me up when he clarifies with people that I am his "step-mom" not his "real mom". I know this is due to her coaching and it amuses me that she has taken such drastic steps to have Brock make so many public speaches about it. Brian and I ignore this and remind him that no matter the title of the person, we all love him. I hope this carries through to his teenage/adult years. I worry he'll be poisoned by another's bitterness. I guess Mom is right. Only time will heal any wounds and he will understand when he gets older. We pray daily for his growing up.

Hannah is pushing 2.5. She is such a fiesty ball of action! She is able to dress herself and only comes apart when her tushie keeps her underpants/pants from being pulled up. She has some issues getting her socks on too. What amazes us more is how fast that child can undress. If she hears the word "bath" or "shower" you can count on a naked pink streak darting down the hallway for our bathroom. She loves to play with Brock although she can still be a bit rough. She knows her superheros and will sing along with their themesongs. She likes playing games with the family and is constantly asking to get a new one out. She goes to preschool and loves to see her friends and Dori (teacher). Hannah cries when I drop her off (for about 30 seconds...) then fusses when I show up to get her. Dori says these shows are reserved for when I come get her. *sigh* Hannah's biggest shortcoming is an extrememly short fuse. Things frustrate her to tears the second or third time she can't manage them. Toys, shoes, puzzles and even picking up messes will send her into a dither. She hates using the potty to poop and hides to fill her pants. Brian and I are SICK of this game. On the other hand, she is quick to put herself in the corner if she thinks it will get her out of trouble. We have a hard time not laughing when she does this. Don't worry, she doesn't see us smile.

Brian and I have been planning/wanting/etc to move away from this town/job for a long time now. We have worked on getting apps in to other agencies, but have always come up against some onbstacle. Our biggest worry is selling the house. I want to spend the next weeks getting it in showing-shape and get it on the market. Hopefully there will be plenty of nibbles! I don't think we'll have a problem getting another job elsewhere. Jails are always hiring. So with these 2 big concerns off our minds, we will just have to clarify custody arrangements and make our move. I cannot wait to see the U-Haul in my driveway waiting to take us away from the gossip, rumors and all around unpleasantries that have been this town. It is a happy dream!