This Halloween we were the Queen and the Princess. I made our costumes :)
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Summering
It is supposed to be 115 degrees in Phoenix this weekend. Thank the Lord we are in Colorado again! Kinsey and I flew back last week and we will be dividing our time between my mom and my dad. We are scheduled to fly home on the 20th, a week before I have to go back to work.
I love Phoenix, but the summers are HOT (hmm...biggest understatement of the year??). I always joked about wanting to be one of those people, the ones who could afford to "summer" elsewhere. Of course, there is no way I could afford a summer house, so I am super lucky to have parents who don't mind me returning to the nest for several weeks at a time (I think this is 100% due to Kinsey, but hey, I'm not picky) and a job that allows me summers off! I am also lucky that Mike doesn't mind us being gone for so long!
We have been having a great time doing nothing. We play outside A LOT and I have been practicing the slack line my little brother has set up. I can even get up holding Kinsey! Kinsey went on her first bike ride today, in the bike trailer, and she was not so thrilled. She has learned a new dance (in addition to the typical knee bender) and waddles around like a penguin. SO cute. I am working on getting in on video...
Monday, June 29, 2009
And the winner is...
KINSEY!
At the Arizona's Cutest Kid Pageant this weekend, Kinsey was the Overall Winner! Congratulations, baby girl, on your first big win!
Kinsey the Torturer
Our Airedale, Hawkeye, is unlike most other Airedales. Sure, he looks the same on the outside, but his temperament is... unusual. Maybe it came from growing up with Luxe, but Hawkeye is timid, passive, and quite jumpy. He runs from loud noises and is quite comfortable running completely backwards to get away from something,
Enter Kinsey...
And her new maracas.
It took about 2 minutes before Kinsey realized she could make Hawkeye run by chasing him around while shaking her maracas. It is absolutely hilarious.Saturday, June 27, 2009
Boating in NM
Last month, we visited my family in New Mexico and went out on my sister's new boat. SO MUCH FUN! Kinsey loved driving with Uncle Bruce and loved having the wind in her hair.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
My life is a Frosted Mini Wheat
There is very little frosting on my Mini Wheats this morning. That pretty much sums up my life right now. Blah with the occasional bit of sweetness (Kinsey).
Mom2 is having her PET scan today. Depending on the results, this afternoon could be a frosting downpour or my life could become All Bran (just plain crappy).
Here's praying for frosting.
Mom2 is having her PET scan today. Depending on the results, this afternoon could be a frosting downpour or my life could become All Bran (just plain crappy).
Here's praying for frosting.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Kinsey's New 'Do
Last Friday, Kinsey went to a birthday party at Build A Bear Workshop for one of my kindergartners. We go to Build A Bear fairly frequently, but this time one of the sales girls asked if I would like to see what Kinsey would look like with hair. Turns out the bear wigs are just the right size for babies...
Kinsey sporting a blond bob.
Kinsey sporting a blond bob.Wednesday, February 11, 2009
25 Random Things...
1. I don't forward emails, tags, or anything. So far, I this has led to me not having my wish granted, not winning a million bucks, and missing out on a million other good things that were "guaranteed" to happen if I kept the chain going. Oh well.
2. I did participate in a panty chain letter once though (you send a note to 10 people asking them to send you a pair of panties, then they do the same). I got 0 pairs of panties.
3. My daughter is my everything.
4. I have 2 degrees in education and more student loans than are reasonable. A little help for the teachers here?
5. I have been to the Playboy Mansion.
6. I played rugby in college because the cheer coach was evil.
7. I think epidurals are the best thing in the world... and I would have been SOOOO mad if I went 28 hours without drugs, only to end up in the operating room anyway. (That happened to my cousin, poor thing).
8. I gained 60 pounds while I was pregnant... and NO strech marks! Thank you genetics!
9. I scrapbook whenever I get the chance. I used to love just buying the supplies, but now I actually use them.
10. Despite our great nanny, I have working mommy guilt. As a result, Kinsey is a litle bit spoiled...
11. Drink of choice: Patron gimlet, up
12. Rolled my car at 100+ MPH (supposedly, I say it was more like 85) and flew out the window, butt first. First thing I asked the EMT? "Are my boobs the same size? They're new!"
13. I actually used the dating sight "SugarDaddyforMe.com". It works if you aren't looking for love.
14. I would love more kids. I think I might be secretly jealous of the lady who just had octuplets. Not that I wish it were me, I'd just love more.
15. I danced on stage with Alien Ant Farm.
16. I cocktailed my way through college...My biggest tip ever was $702 from Charles Barkley. Then I met Mike and he gave me $703. Horrible pick up line, but it worked. We are still together 6 years later
17. I've taken the Wilton Cake Decorating courses and even made my brother's wedding cake.
18. Cupcakes are my weakness. Preference? The Les Deux from Cupcakes in Scottsdale.
19. Favorite restaraunt: Copeland's of New Orleans. Nearest location? Several states away.
20. I hate Missouri.
21. Secret Wish: To be on "Are You Smatrer than a 5th Grader." I even submitted an application.
22. I can sing. But only nursery rhymes and kindergarten tunes.
23. I am addicted to the Secret Life of the American Teenager.
24. My passport is empty. Next time I go to Mexico, I am going to make them stamp it. Kinsey's too.
25. My little brother is an official miracle for the Catholic Church.
Originally posted on Facebook.
2. I did participate in a panty chain letter once though (you send a note to 10 people asking them to send you a pair of panties, then they do the same). I got 0 pairs of panties.
3. My daughter is my everything.
4. I have 2 degrees in education and more student loans than are reasonable. A little help for the teachers here?
5. I have been to the Playboy Mansion.
6. I played rugby in college because the cheer coach was evil.
7. I think epidurals are the best thing in the world... and I would have been SOOOO mad if I went 28 hours without drugs, only to end up in the operating room anyway. (That happened to my cousin, poor thing).
8. I gained 60 pounds while I was pregnant... and NO strech marks! Thank you genetics!
9. I scrapbook whenever I get the chance. I used to love just buying the supplies, but now I actually use them.
10. Despite our great nanny, I have working mommy guilt. As a result, Kinsey is a litle bit spoiled...
11. Drink of choice: Patron gimlet, up
12. Rolled my car at 100+ MPH (supposedly, I say it was more like 85) and flew out the window, butt first. First thing I asked the EMT? "Are my boobs the same size? They're new!"
13. I actually used the dating sight "SugarDaddyforMe.com". It works if you aren't looking for love.
14. I would love more kids. I think I might be secretly jealous of the lady who just had octuplets. Not that I wish it were me, I'd just love more.
15. I danced on stage with Alien Ant Farm.
16. I cocktailed my way through college...My biggest tip ever was $702 from Charles Barkley. Then I met Mike and he gave me $703. Horrible pick up line, but it worked. We are still together 6 years later
17. I've taken the Wilton Cake Decorating courses and even made my brother's wedding cake.
18. Cupcakes are my weakness. Preference? The Les Deux from Cupcakes in Scottsdale.
19. Favorite restaraunt: Copeland's of New Orleans. Nearest location? Several states away.
20. I hate Missouri.
21. Secret Wish: To be on "Are You Smatrer than a 5th Grader." I even submitted an application.
22. I can sing. But only nursery rhymes and kindergarten tunes.
23. I am addicted to the Secret Life of the American Teenager.
24. My passport is empty. Next time I go to Mexico, I am going to make them stamp it. Kinsey's too.
25. My little brother is an official miracle for the Catholic Church.
Originally posted on Facebook.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Cheeseball
I have been so blessed to have such a happy, happy baby. From Day 1, she has been such a sweet, easy baby and as she gets older, she is becoming quite a funny, silly little girl. Just recently, she has perfected her "cheeseball" grin, and she loves to flash it at any unsuspecting individual. Here she is, grinning at Grandma Vause.
Like me, Kinsey has HUGE eyes but when she smiles they disappear. I love her little toothless grin and I am both excited and saddened to know that any day, that smile will be gone forever, replaced by a big kid toothy smile. Here's another picture, just so I can laugh at her sweet face...
I don't think I blogged about this, but I did talk about it with a few people... we submitted Kinsey's picture to a handful of local modeling agencies. She is "in the books" at a few of them, and a few others expressed interest but wanted $700-800 for pictures and other 'fees'. Of course we told those companies no (I think my actual words were "She is too cute to pay YOU. YOU should be paying US!") and I had kind of forgotten about the idea until last week. Then, on the same day, we received two phone calls. One was from Agency A, with whom we had never spoken to, and they wanted to meet with her. The other was from Agency B, who we had pretty much told to shove their fee, and they wanted to meet with her again and waive the fee.
We met with both agencies, and both want to sign Kinsey to a 2 year contract. One is a smaller boutique agency, where Kinsey would be one of 6 or 7 babies and the other is the largest, most connected agency in town and Kinsey would be one of many, many babies. I just can't decide which agency to sign with - personal attention or connections with Disney???? I am waiting to talk to someone from Agency B (drives me crazy that their baby agent only works on Saturday. A bad sign?) about my concerns, then we will decide.
I do realize that Kinsey could get work with either agency, or she might never work no matter who she signs with. I don't want to push her into anything or exploit her (no pageants until she is old enough to make the decision), but I would love for her to have a cushion to fall back on when she is older. I know I made some bad decisions because I needed money, and I hope she is never in that position.
So, that's where we are with my little cheeseball.
Like me, Kinsey has HUGE eyes but when she smiles they disappear. I love her little toothless grin and I am both excited and saddened to know that any day, that smile will be gone forever, replaced by a big kid toothy smile. Here's another picture, just so I can laugh at her sweet face...
I don't think I blogged about this, but I did talk about it with a few people... we submitted Kinsey's picture to a handful of local modeling agencies. She is "in the books" at a few of them, and a few others expressed interest but wanted $700-800 for pictures and other 'fees'. Of course we told those companies no (I think my actual words were "She is too cute to pay YOU. YOU should be paying US!") and I had kind of forgotten about the idea until last week. Then, on the same day, we received two phone calls. One was from Agency A, with whom we had never spoken to, and they wanted to meet with her. The other was from Agency B, who we had pretty much told to shove their fee, and they wanted to meet with her again and waive the fee. We met with both agencies, and both want to sign Kinsey to a 2 year contract. One is a smaller boutique agency, where Kinsey would be one of 6 or 7 babies and the other is the largest, most connected agency in town and Kinsey would be one of many, many babies. I just can't decide which agency to sign with - personal attention or connections with Disney???? I am waiting to talk to someone from Agency B (drives me crazy that their baby agent only works on Saturday. A bad sign?) about my concerns, then we will decide.
I do realize that Kinsey could get work with either agency, or she might never work no matter who she signs with. I don't want to push her into anything or exploit her (no pageants until she is old enough to make the decision), but I would love for her to have a cushion to fall back on when she is older. I know I made some bad decisions because I needed money, and I hope she is never in that position.
So, that's where we are with my little cheeseball.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I VOTED, SO YES, I CAN COMPLAIN.
I am grumpy today, for a few reasons, but mostly because of the inauguration of Barack Obama. I didn't vote for him. I voted for McCain.
But this really isn't about being a sore loser, because yeah, I know, you win some, you lose some.
It isn't about race, because I don't mind having an African American President. Congratulations, America. You have moved past the hatred that was slavery.
I am grumpy because today if Obama signs the Freedom of Choice Act like he has said he is going to do, it is a bad day to be an unborn baby.
I am pro-life. Not a bomb-wielding, stalking, angry pro-lifer, but a regular mom, Catholic, teacher, loves children kind of pro-lifer. I have always been a "no abortions for me" kind of person, but since the birth of my daughter, I am more of a "no abortions period" kind of person. I actually get physically ill when I think of killing a baby. I saw Kinsey at 5 weeks, when they couldn't even tell me if she was viable. I saw her at 7 weeks and rejoiced at her little heart. I saw her again at 13, 16, 20 weeks. And every single time, I KNEW she was "a real little human being". Maybe it has a little to do with how hard I worked to get pregnant, but I loved her before I even knew she was in there.
I had the chance to be born (Thanks, Mom). So did you. And so did Barack Obama. So who are we to say that abortion is a right? And the possibility of it being a tax payer paid for right? That just pisses me off. I'd rather keep working to pay welfare than work to pay for abortions. I can think of a few adults I'd like to kill instead (not really, but where do we stop?).
But this really isn't about being a sore loser, because yeah, I know, you win some, you lose some.
It isn't about race, because I don't mind having an African American President. Congratulations, America. You have moved past the hatred that was slavery.
I am grumpy because today if Obama signs the Freedom of Choice Act like he has said he is going to do, it is a bad day to be an unborn baby.
I am pro-life. Not a bomb-wielding, stalking, angry pro-lifer, but a regular mom, Catholic, teacher, loves children kind of pro-lifer. I have always been a "no abortions for me" kind of person, but since the birth of my daughter, I am more of a "no abortions period" kind of person. I actually get physically ill when I think of killing a baby. I saw Kinsey at 5 weeks, when they couldn't even tell me if she was viable. I saw her at 7 weeks and rejoiced at her little heart. I saw her again at 13, 16, 20 weeks. And every single time, I KNEW she was "a real little human being". Maybe it has a little to do with how hard I worked to get pregnant, but I loved her before I even knew she was in there.
I had the chance to be born (Thanks, Mom). So did you. And so did Barack Obama. So who are we to say that abortion is a right? And the possibility of it being a tax payer paid for right? That just pisses me off. I'd rather keep working to pay welfare than work to pay for abortions. I can think of a few adults I'd like to kill instead (not really, but where do we stop?).
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
If you can't make it, fake it.
I saw a segment on 20/20 recently that profiled women who have "fake" babies - expensive, life-like dolls that they dress up, take out in public, and basically treat like a real baby. These women are nuts! When the reporter asked one of them why she didn't just adopt (she was unable to have children on her own, something I CAN sympathize with), she said it was because it was too expensive. Huh? And paying hundreds of dollars per doll, plus cribs, clothes, strollers and all the other baby gear is cheap?
Anyway, I definitely think these women need help. But while I checked out the website of the doll company, I noticed that they make custom dolls... How cool would it be to get Kinsey a baby doll that looks EXACTLY like she did as a baby? Not that I am in the market to pay $700 for a doll (I just want to be able to afford American Girl dolls), but still, a very cool idea. Add that to my lottery winning s plan!
Sample doll from Baby Love RebornsTuesday, January 6, 2009
My new obsession
Have you seen The Secret Life of the American Teenager on ABC Family? I "discovered" it Sunday when ABC Family was running a marathon in preparation for the new season that started last night. LOVE IT!
While I have to say that it really isn't the most accurate portrayal at teen pregnancy, it is a great little drama. Molly Ringwald is the mom, and the young woman playing the lead is amazing.
Check it out Mondays at 9 AZ time.
While I have to say that it really isn't the most accurate portrayal at teen pregnancy, it is a great little drama. Molly Ringwald is the mom, and the young woman playing the lead is amazing.
Check it out Mondays at 9 AZ time.
When 2 - 3 is the highlight of your day...
I guess this means I am a mom. Either that or I seriously need to get a life.
Kinsey was running low on diapers and was nearing the top of the weight range for her Pampers Swaddlers (18lbs). She hasn't been blowing out or anything, but let's face it, the kid's legs are HUGE! Anyway, I headed to Target, dreading the decision that was about to come next. Do I go up to size 3? And if so, what brand? I have only used Pampers Swaddlers thus far, and they don't come in 3's. I have Pampers Baby Dry?? Should I try Cruisers? Huggies? Luv's? Aaaggghhhhh!!!!!
I am such an indecisive person and this was killing me. What to do? Then, like a ray of sun from heaven (I swear I still hear the angels singing)... I saw Pampers Swaddlers Size 2 - 3. Fits 14 - 22 lbs! Perfect! And now, my decision has been pushed back another 4.5 lbs!
Mrs. A, our nanny, laughed at me when I told her the story. I guess it's true. Diapers were my #1 highlight last night, lol.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Three Christmases
Because Mike and I both come from split families, Santa came over and over again. Santa came to Nana and Papa Vause's house...
to Grammy and Grandpa Burgie's house,
to Grammy and Grandpa Burgie's house,
and to Nana and Papa Acosta's house.
We are still hoping to get out to Grandma and Grandpa Kuba's house soon. However, Kinsey made out like a bandit this year. Toys, toys, toys, and a gift card to our favorite store, the Children's Place (can't wait to shop there!) Like so many kids her age, Kinsey's favorite present was the shiny wrapping paper.I too did well... the most novel gift was a Dough-Nu-Matic Doughnut Maker. I made a batch last night, and all I can say is...YUM!
New Year's Resolutions
2009... A new year, new start, blah, blah, blah. But in the spirit of things (and of course due to the fact that I love list making), here are my New Year's Resolutions:
- Blog more - According to some medical study, blogging actually helps reduce stress, even when no one reads it...
- Get back into my Rock and Republic Jeans - Considering that I will never again be able to afford a new pair, I better get my ass back into the ones I have. This will involve eating better, toning back up by working out and probably even weaning when Kinsey turns 1.
- Learn Spanish - We have all 3 levels of the Rosetta Stone software, but currently, mi no habla espanol. (Neither Mike nor I have done lesson 1).
- Pay down my debt - I have 2 credit cards and Kinsey's cord blood banking to pay off... less than $5,000 all together. As for my truck and student loans...maybe next year.
- Start working towards National Certification - I think the only thing stopping me is the cost... like $2,000. I think their are scholarships, so I'll start there.
- Scrapbook more - I want to stay up to date with Kinsey's and finish re-doing mine, plus start a few other projects. This is the only thing I do for me, so I want to make sure I carve out time to do it. Our nanny will still be coming this summer (part time) so hopefully, I will finish a few projects then.
- Start sewing - Got a new machine and can't wait to o a few fun projects.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Oh.
So this weekend, I kind of thought Mike proposed. I joked that if it was a proposal, it was one of the worst. Turns out, it was the worst. Not the worst proposal, just the worst. He doesn't want to get married. He wants a 'break'.
How in the hell did I read that one wrong????
I want to be witty, to be strong, to be...graceful and dignified as I write this. But really? I just want to puke, to scream and cry. I work so hard to teach my kindergartners how to use words to voice their feelings, and all I can think of is "I am sad because he doesn't want to be my friend anymore."
I keep saying that I am okay, that I am glad he is doing it now, before Kinsey is old enough to know, but really, inside I am screaming. I look at her pictures, and I just don't understand how you cannot love her, not want to be with her, not protect her? How can you reject her?
The question of the day is "Is there someone else?" I don't know. He says there isn't, but just weeks ago, he begged me never to leave for a week again. So??? Maybe there is. Maybe there isn't. I don't think it even matters at this point.
He says he isn't "moving out" - he is leaving most of his stuff here and just taking his clothes etc. So, for the time being, I am keeping Kinsey (obviously), the house, the dogs, the nanny, housekeeper, and landscaper. All the trappings of my life, except for the man I thought was my partner.
This sucks.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
How is this possible?
I have been back at work for a week and a half, and at least twice every day, I sit down at my desk, yank up my shirt and pump (yes, I wait until my class is gone). I would say this is a 50% successful mission. 50% in that my right side consistently gives me 4 - 5 oz. 50% in that the left gives 1.5 - 2 oz. It's as if I am losing my milk supply...on one side! So far, the visible effects seem to be minimal (I don't look lopsided to anyone but me).
I talked to Cami, a wonderful lactation consultant and mom of a dear college friend, who offered me a few tips for increasing my milk supply. Warm compresses, double feeds, and brewers yeast (aka dog food pills) are now part of my life. I am also trying to take better care of myself by eating well and trying to stay un-stressed (i.e. no more starving myself back into my Rock and Republics, even unintentionally). Hopefully this will boost the supply in the left side, without also boosting the right side. The last thing I need is the right side to get even bigger and the left to stay 'deflated'.
On Wednesday, I stayed home with Kinsey (nanny had an emergency) and noticed that she was polishing off the 3 oz bottles, so I started prepping 4 oz bottles the next day. Now she is polishing those off too. If this keeps up, I am going to need to pump at least 15 oz a day to keep up with her demand... agh! Right now, I am only averaging 10 oz, so come on boobies!
I talked to Cami, a wonderful lactation consultant and mom of a dear college friend, who offered me a few tips for increasing my milk supply. Warm compresses, double feeds, and brewers yeast (aka dog food pills) are now part of my life. I am also trying to take better care of myself by eating well and trying to stay un-stressed (i.e. no more starving myself back into my Rock and Republics, even unintentionally). Hopefully this will boost the supply in the left side, without also boosting the right side. The last thing I need is the right side to get even bigger and the left to stay 'deflated'.
On Wednesday, I stayed home with Kinsey (nanny had an emergency) and noticed that she was polishing off the 3 oz bottles, so I started prepping 4 oz bottles the next day. Now she is polishing those off too. If this keeps up, I am going to need to pump at least 15 oz a day to keep up with her demand... agh! Right now, I am only averaging 10 oz, so come on boobies!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
To Whom It May Concern - UPDATED
Please accept this notice that my daughter, Kinsey Kuba, will not be starting in your infant room this week. We visited the center on Monday, September 15th, to allow Kinsey to get acquainted with the idea of day care. After our visit, I am no longer comfortable leaving my child in your center.
I would like to begin by saying that the three women in the infant room were exceptionally nice and professional, and in no way should this reflect poorly on them. That being said, I would like to let you know what influenced my decision, so that you may rectify these issues.
· I registered and pre-paid first week’s tuition for my daughter on July 28, 2008. Even with this advanced notice, when we arrived Monday, I found that she was assigned to “the broken crib”. When I asked the teacher where Kinsey’s stuff would be stored, since she was the only one without a drawer, I received an honest answer that she “wasn’t sure” and was looking for a place…in the meantime, it would just stay in her crib. I was told that a maintenance order had been put in, but it was unknown when it would be fulfilled.
· Both swings and both bouncers/rockers had dead batteries. I mentioned this and was told that “they were all out of batteries up front”. As a former Curriculum Specialist for your company, I am aware that supplies are procured on an as needed basis, and it seems to me that maintaining a battery supply for the infant room would be a priority at this location as well. Given that my daughter is less than 3 months old and cannot sit up on her own, I expect that she would be placed in a swing or bouncer at times, but when that equipment doesn’t move, it is the equivalent of leaving her in her crib.
· I am fully aware that state regulations allow for a 1:5 or 2:11 ratio, and for all non-walkers/under one years to be in the same class, but when I sat down with Kinsey on the floor area, I was barely able to keep a much larger child from falling on her head. I was not expecting Kinsey to receive 1:1 care, but without it yesterday, she would have been hurt.
· When I asked about getting a card for building access, I was told that the system was “still broken” and that I could just ring the door bell. The fact that the access system is broken leads me to question the security of my daughter while in your center.
As a result of our experience, I have decided to hire an in-home nanny for Kinsey, beginning immediately. I am aware that the registration fee is non-refundable, however, I do expect a refund of tuition, seeing that Kinsey was never officially enrolled (her paperwork is not complete- missing shot record) and that she never attended your center. If the refund is not issued, I will be forced to go ahead with a chargeback on my credit card.
Sincerely,
Meridith
BlogNotes: Yep, that is where we are at, and I go back to work TOMORROW!!! I am working on a few nanny interviews for this afternoon, and Princess Nana (Mike's mom) has offered to take tomorrow of, if necessary. Oh, the drama.
UPDATE: We have a nanny! Mrs. A came by this afternoon, and from the minute I opened the door, I loved her. And...she is CPR/first aid certified, DES licensed and has a DPS fingerprint clearance card. She is okay with the dogs, and can start tomorrow! Hooray!
I would like to begin by saying that the three women in the infant room were exceptionally nice and professional, and in no way should this reflect poorly on them. That being said, I would like to let you know what influenced my decision, so that you may rectify these issues.
· I registered and pre-paid first week’s tuition for my daughter on July 28, 2008. Even with this advanced notice, when we arrived Monday, I found that she was assigned to “the broken crib”. When I asked the teacher where Kinsey’s stuff would be stored, since she was the only one without a drawer, I received an honest answer that she “wasn’t sure” and was looking for a place…in the meantime, it would just stay in her crib. I was told that a maintenance order had been put in, but it was unknown when it would be fulfilled.
· Both swings and both bouncers/rockers had dead batteries. I mentioned this and was told that “they were all out of batteries up front”. As a former Curriculum Specialist for your company, I am aware that supplies are procured on an as needed basis, and it seems to me that maintaining a battery supply for the infant room would be a priority at this location as well. Given that my daughter is less than 3 months old and cannot sit up on her own, I expect that she would be placed in a swing or bouncer at times, but when that equipment doesn’t move, it is the equivalent of leaving her in her crib.
· I am fully aware that state regulations allow for a 1:5 or 2:11 ratio, and for all non-walkers/under one years to be in the same class, but when I sat down with Kinsey on the floor area, I was barely able to keep a much larger child from falling on her head. I was not expecting Kinsey to receive 1:1 care, but without it yesterday, she would have been hurt.
· When I asked about getting a card for building access, I was told that the system was “still broken” and that I could just ring the door bell. The fact that the access system is broken leads me to question the security of my daughter while in your center.
As a result of our experience, I have decided to hire an in-home nanny for Kinsey, beginning immediately. I am aware that the registration fee is non-refundable, however, I do expect a refund of tuition, seeing that Kinsey was never officially enrolled (her paperwork is not complete- missing shot record) and that she never attended your center. If the refund is not issued, I will be forced to go ahead with a chargeback on my credit card.
Sincerely,
Meridith
BlogNotes: Yep, that is where we are at, and I go back to work TOMORROW!!! I am working on a few nanny interviews for this afternoon, and Princess Nana (Mike's mom) has offered to take tomorrow of, if necessary. Oh, the drama.
UPDATE: We have a nanny! Mrs. A came by this afternoon, and from the minute I opened the door, I loved her. And...she is CPR/first aid certified, DES licensed and has a DPS fingerprint clearance card. She is okay with the dogs, and can start tomorrow! Hooray!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Our Busy, Busy Trip to Colorado
Kinsey and I traveled to Colorado again last week. Thankfully, this trip was MUCH better than our July trip, due mostly to the fact that I am no longer half dead from the c-section. We had a great trip and were VERY busy.
Item 1: My mom, Kinsey and I drove up to the mall in Denver to meet up with Starr, my nanny from the time I was 6 weeks old until we moved to Texas 5 years later. Starr (aka "Nanny") was like a second mom to me. Her daughter and I were best friends and still keep in touch. It was great to see Nanny again after all these years and to show off my baby. I only wish I had someone like Nanny to watch Kinsey in Arizona.
Item 1: My mom, Kinsey and I drove up to the mall in Denver to meet up with Starr, my nanny from the time I was 6 weeks old until we moved to Texas 5 years later. Starr (aka "Nanny") was like a second mom to me. Her daughter and I were best friends and still keep in touch. It was great to see Nanny again after all these years and to show off my baby. I only wish I had someone like Nanny to watch Kinsey in Arizona.
Me, Kinsey and Nanny
Item 2: My cousin Molly and I were born 3 months apart, and to our surprise and delight, we became pregnant only weeks apart. Kinsey and her cousin Miles are 5 weeks apart (Miles is older, Kinsey is bigger, lol). They 'met' while they were both in our tummies, but this was their first time to meet in 'the real world'. Molly, her husband Coleman, and Miles drove down from Fort Collins for the weekend. Being so young, the mostly played near each other, but I like to think they had a good time... until Miles used his toes to pull Kinsey's hair!
Miles was fascinated with his toes, a milestone Kinsey hasn't reached yet.
Item 3: For the second year in a row, we walked the 5k in the Race for the Cure at the Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs. Last year, Molly, my mom, my aunt Karen, and I walked together in Celebration of my mom and her sister/Molly's mom. This year, we were joined by Coleman and Miles, but Auntie Karen couldn't join us (my step-dad, Mike, runs each year).
This year, we walked in celebration of Grammy (my mom), Molly's mom, AND Auntie Karen, who was diagnosed after the race last year. Fortunately, all three beat cancer, but it does mean that Molly and I (and Kinsey) have to be extra vigilant. I walk in hope that Kinsey will never have to fight like Grammy and her great aunts.
When Kinsey moved to the Snuggli, I didn't have a hat! Thankfully, Grammy did.
With Grammy before the race. Kinsey's sign says,
"I roll for Grammy"
Item 4: On Sunday, we also celebrated Kinsey's Baptism. While I love my church and priest here in Arizona, I wanted Father Brad to celebrate the sacrament for us. Father Brad was the priest at the church I went to in high school, and is close to our family (he was there for the aftermath of Luke's miracle and will hopefully travel to Rome with us when Maria Teresa Bonzel is made a saint). Although he is no longer at the church in Colorado Springs, he was recently transferred to a nearby town, so we were still able to have him perform the ceremony.
My mom and step-dad are Kinsey's god parents, both because their religious convictions are what brought me back to the church when I wandered and because I honestly don't have many Catholic friends/family anymore. I thought about asking my sister Jill and one of my brothers, but Jill is now a "seeker" and the boys are at that 'questioning their faith' stage. It was important to me that I pick people who had a solid Catholic faith to help guide Kinsey, so my parents it was.
Mom, Mike, me, Kinsey and Fr. Brad
Luke, Tim, me, and Kinsey after massWe also enjoyed some beautiful weather, great BBQ (seriously, we ate at the Front Range BBQ FOUR times!) and being with family.
Kinsey with Grandpa Burgie. I love this picture.Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thoughts from Kinsey
I am a Sun Devil, people! Can't you see I am not a Hawkeye's fan? Good thing their colors are similar. I am gonna stick Sparky over the Iowa logo.
Well, maybe when I am older... Sparky is a little scary right now! Anyway, here is me in 18 years. See? Not afraid of Sparky anymore!
I lost half my dog. Mom says Hawkeye got a summer hairdo, but what happened to my dog???
And last, here is me sleeping next to Dad. Lately, we've been falling asleep at the same time!
Love, Kinsey
Monday, September 1, 2008
Even Kinsey is naked
It is hot here. Really. And while this is no surprise (It is Arizona. In the Summer. 'Nuff said.), it has been really, really muggy here lately. My usual reply to the "Oh, at least it's a dry heat" comment is a sarcastic "So is an oven", but I take it all back. I will take an 110 degree oven over a 97 degree sauna any day.
Last week, we had a serious monsoon, with 2 inches of rain, tons of lightning, and 100 mph winds, and I do appreciate a good thunderstorm, but seriously, the aftermath is not so fun. The humidity has been high ever since, causing more rain and frizz. Lots of frizz.
Anyhow, our upstairs is much cooler than down, so we spend most afternoons and evenings just hanging out on our bed in our underwear. Even Kinsey has gotten in on the trend, hanging out in just her diaper. Please join our prayers for fall (aka 80 degrees).
Last week, we had a serious monsoon, with 2 inches of rain, tons of lightning, and 100 mph winds, and I do appreciate a good thunderstorm, but seriously, the aftermath is not so fun. The humidity has been high ever since, causing more rain and frizz. Lots of frizz.
Anyhow, our upstairs is much cooler than down, so we spend most afternoons and evenings just hanging out on our bed in our underwear. Even Kinsey has gotten in on the trend, hanging out in just her diaper. Please join our prayers for fall (aka 80 degrees).
Kinsey Goes Day Drinking
One of the things "cool" college kids do around here is Day Drinking. (One of the popular bars even sells "Day Drinker" t-shirts, of course, the bar is referred to as the Trailer Park, but whatever). Granted, I am no longer in college, and most of our friends never were, but Day Drinking is something we just can't give up. In a nutshell, Day Drinking involves... are you ready for this? Drinking (alcohol) during the day. Yep. That's it. As if giving it a name makes having your first beer before noon okay, lol. In it's defense, there is a little more to it. You have to be outside, sitting on the patio of a local bar, with a big group of friends. Food is optional, but usually a good bet.
Anyway, today, we met a group of friends out at Gordon Biersch, a local brewery with good beer and the World's BEST garlic fries. It was Kinsey's first time going Day Drinking, and I think she had a pretty good time. The girl loves misters and ceiling fans, and the patio at Gordon Biersch has both.
Afterwards, the boys hit the movies (Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D aka "Meridith is Sure to Puke") so Kinsey and I hit the sale at The Children's Place. We picked up a few things for our trip to Colorado this week - I sure hope it is cool there because she won't be wearing jeans and sweats here for a LONG time. They even had little yoga pants, so of course, we got those too.
All in all, a good day. And the first time I actually am awake and sober after Day Drinking!
Anyway, today, we met a group of friends out at Gordon Biersch, a local brewery with good beer and the World's BEST garlic fries. It was Kinsey's first time going Day Drinking, and I think she had a pretty good time. The girl loves misters and ceiling fans, and the patio at Gordon Biersch has both.
Afterwards, the boys hit the movies (Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D aka "Meridith is Sure to Puke") so Kinsey and I hit the sale at The Children's Place. We picked up a few things for our trip to Colorado this week - I sure hope it is cool there because she won't be wearing jeans and sweats here for a LONG time. They even had little yoga pants, so of course, we got those too.
All in all, a good day. And the first time I actually am awake and sober after Day Drinking!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Two Months
Happy two month birthday, baby girl! These have been the two BEST months of my life
(yes, even with the horrible surgery recovery, the kidney infection and ER visit, the hernia and CT scan with the awful barium drink, and the oppresive Arizona heat). You have made my life complete.
(yes, even with the horrible surgery recovery, the kidney infection and ER visit, the hernia and CT scan with the awful barium drink, and the oppresive Arizona heat). You have made my life complete.
The Birth Story
I copied this from Kinsey's scrapbook...
After being sent home from the hospital that morning, I spent Monday grocery shopping and relaxing at home. I did notice that I seemed a little “leakier” than usual, but it never crossed my mind that maybe my water had broken. After all, I had been discharged from the hospital only hours earlier, being told to come back in 4 days to be induced. Around 6PM, Daddy and I were having dinner when I thought I felt a contraction. I started timing (I timed 3 contractions…yep, just 3) and realized that they were less that 5 minutes apart and made the connection to the constant “leak”. I told Daddy that we needed to go to the hospital and grabbed my suitcase – still packed and downstairs from my morning trip. On the way to the hospital, I told Daddy that if they sent me home again and told me that I had just been peeing myself all day, I did not want to hear any teasing!
At the hospital, it was determined that my water had in fact broken, probably right after I left that morning, and that there was meconium in the fluid. My contractions weren’t strong, but because of the meconium and my group B strep status (+), I was admitted. This was it…I was having a baby!!!
The nurse started my antibiotics for the group B strep and said that once they had gotten 2 doses in, they would start pitocin to get things moving. Daddy’s parents stopped by and we all hung out and chatted. About 45 minutes later, I started to itch and turn red…yep, I am allergic to Vancomycin. This is usually a ‘last resort’ drug, so there were no other options. My doctor decided that they would just treat you as if you had been exposed, and she started the pitocin.
Around 10PM, Daddy and his parents left because the nurse figured it would be morning before I would be ready to push. I promised to call if I got to 8cm, and said goodbye.
By this point, I was starting to get a little uncomfortable and I asked for some drugs. The nurse checked me and said since I was at 5cm I could get an epidural if I wanted… yes! The anesthesiologist got it started and I was quickly feeling no pain. I laid around, enjoying the last few hours with you inside me and tried to sleep. By 1AM, I was at 8 cm…things were moving fast – hooray! I called Daddy and his parents and they headed back over.
For the next 11 hours (!) very little happened. It was finally determined that you were not in the right position for birth. The nurse had me try different positions to get you to flip (thankfully the epidural still allowed me to move), but nothing helped. Then you started having heart decelerations, so I was put on oxygen and put back on my back.
At 1PM, I was finally at 10cm. My doctor told me that I had one hour to try to push you into position; if I couldn’t, we were headed for the operating room. So, I pushed and pushed to no avail. After an hour, I knew we were destined for the operating room, but the doctor had to deliver a baby in the next room first. Finally, Daddy donned his surgical garb and we headed for surgery. The mood was light and we even took my IPOD and speakers for some tunes. The surgery was quick and easy (I said it felt like an inchworm crawling on my stomach), though it took quite a bit of tugging and pushing to pull you out.
At 2:57PM on June 24, 2008, ‘Baby Girl Acosta’ was born, weighing in at 9lbs 4 oz and 21¼ inches long. It would be the next day before you would become “Kinsey Margaret Kuba”. Between the rough labor and all the pulling, you came out with lots of bruises on your face and under your arms and raw spots on your head, but you were the most beautiful (if not the chubbiest) baby I had ever seen.
After being sent home from the hospital that morning, I spent Monday grocery shopping and relaxing at home. I did notice that I seemed a little “leakier” than usual, but it never crossed my mind that maybe my water had broken. After all, I had been discharged from the hospital only hours earlier, being told to come back in 4 days to be induced. Around 6PM, Daddy and I were having dinner when I thought I felt a contraction. I started timing (I timed 3 contractions…yep, just 3) and realized that they were less that 5 minutes apart and made the connection to the constant “leak”. I told Daddy that we needed to go to the hospital and grabbed my suitcase – still packed and downstairs from my morning trip. On the way to the hospital, I told Daddy that if they sent me home again and told me that I had just been peeing myself all day, I did not want to hear any teasing!
At the hospital, it was determined that my water had in fact broken, probably right after I left that morning, and that there was meconium in the fluid. My contractions weren’t strong, but because of the meconium and my group B strep status (+), I was admitted. This was it…I was having a baby!!!
The nurse started my antibiotics for the group B strep and said that once they had gotten 2 doses in, they would start pitocin to get things moving. Daddy’s parents stopped by and we all hung out and chatted. About 45 minutes later, I started to itch and turn red…yep, I am allergic to Vancomycin. This is usually a ‘last resort’ drug, so there were no other options. My doctor decided that they would just treat you as if you had been exposed, and she started the pitocin.
Around 10PM, Daddy and his parents left because the nurse figured it would be morning before I would be ready to push. I promised to call if I got to 8cm, and said goodbye.
By this point, I was starting to get a little uncomfortable and I asked for some drugs. The nurse checked me and said since I was at 5cm I could get an epidural if I wanted… yes! The anesthesiologist got it started and I was quickly feeling no pain. I laid around, enjoying the last few hours with you inside me and tried to sleep. By 1AM, I was at 8 cm…things were moving fast – hooray! I called Daddy and his parents and they headed back over.
For the next 11 hours (!) very little happened. It was finally determined that you were not in the right position for birth. The nurse had me try different positions to get you to flip (thankfully the epidural still allowed me to move), but nothing helped. Then you started having heart decelerations, so I was put on oxygen and put back on my back.
At 1PM, I was finally at 10cm. My doctor told me that I had one hour to try to push you into position; if I couldn’t, we were headed for the operating room. So, I pushed and pushed to no avail. After an hour, I knew we were destined for the operating room, but the doctor had to deliver a baby in the next room first. Finally, Daddy donned his surgical garb and we headed for surgery. The mood was light and we even took my IPOD and speakers for some tunes. The surgery was quick and easy (I said it felt like an inchworm crawling on my stomach), though it took quite a bit of tugging and pushing to pull you out.
At 2:57PM on June 24, 2008, ‘Baby Girl Acosta’ was born, weighing in at 9lbs 4 oz and 21¼ inches long. It would be the next day before you would become “Kinsey Margaret Kuba”. Between the rough labor and all the pulling, you came out with lots of bruises on your face and under your arms and raw spots on your head, but you were the most beautiful (if not the chubbiest) baby I had ever seen.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Kudos to you
Yes, I really am working on the birth story, but I just have to take a minute to give props to any one who bottle fed their baby, and especially those who bottle fed expressed breast milk. I exclusively breastfeed Kinsey, and I plan on pumping for her when I go back to work. This arrangement has worked wonderfully for us and has made nights so much nicer for us - she even slept "through the night" (5+ hours) before 7 weeks.
However, I had to have a CT scan of my abdomen this Monday morning. The radiologists had warned me to have 48 hours of breast milk pumped and stored for Kinsey, as I would be unable to breastfeed due to the contrast I would be given (I have since found out that 24 hours is more than sufficient, thank the Lord!). I thought "No big deal" and began pumping. I stored up milk and went for my CT scan...that is when all hell broke loose. See why...
1. Kinsey? Not a fan of the bottle.
2. Me? Not a fan of washing the bottle.
3. Kinsey? Not a fan of the eye dropper feeding method.
4. Me? Not a fan of waking up in the middle of the night to heat the bottle.
5. Kinsey? Not a fan of the cup feeding method.
6. Me? Not a fan of getting up in the middle of the night to "pump and dump"
7. Kinsey? Not a fan of the second style of bottle.
8. My breasts? Not a fan of constant pumping. Ouch.
9. Kinsey? Still not a fan of the bottle. Doesn't mind middle of the night upheaval, because hey, she can sleep anytime she wants to.
10. Me? I really miss cuddling up with Kinsey and feeding her. And I feel awful when she is screaming because she is hungry and hates the bottle.
So, needless to say, as soon as 24 hours are up, we are back to the boob. I will keep pumping once a day to start a stock pile for when I go back to work, and to occasionally try to get Kinsey to accept a bottle before then, but I am so looking forward to not having to do all the work associated with bottle feeding. Call me lazy, but I have so much else to do!
So, kudos to all those moms who bottle fed for any length of time. I sure as hell can't. (Yes, it is 2 AM. Thanks for noticing).
Kinsey doing what she does best. How else do you think I have a 12 pound baby?
However, I had to have a CT scan of my abdomen this Monday morning. The radiologists had warned me to have 48 hours of breast milk pumped and stored for Kinsey, as I would be unable to breastfeed due to the contrast I would be given (I have since found out that 24 hours is more than sufficient, thank the Lord!). I thought "No big deal" and began pumping. I stored up milk and went for my CT scan...that is when all hell broke loose. See why...
1. Kinsey? Not a fan of the bottle.
2. Me? Not a fan of washing the bottle.
3. Kinsey? Not a fan of the eye dropper feeding method.
4. Me? Not a fan of waking up in the middle of the night to heat the bottle.
5. Kinsey? Not a fan of the cup feeding method.
6. Me? Not a fan of getting up in the middle of the night to "pump and dump"
7. Kinsey? Not a fan of the second style of bottle.
8. My breasts? Not a fan of constant pumping. Ouch.
9. Kinsey? Still not a fan of the bottle. Doesn't mind middle of the night upheaval, because hey, she can sleep anytime she wants to.
10. Me? I really miss cuddling up with Kinsey and feeding her. And I feel awful when she is screaming because she is hungry and hates the bottle.
So, needless to say, as soon as 24 hours are up, we are back to the boob. I will keep pumping once a day to start a stock pile for when I go back to work, and to occasionally try to get Kinsey to accept a bottle before then, but I am so looking forward to not having to do all the work associated with bottle feeding. Call me lazy, but I have so much else to do!
So, kudos to all those moms who bottle fed for any length of time. I sure as hell can't. (Yes, it is 2 AM. Thanks for noticing).
Kinsey doing what she does best. How else do you think I have a 12 pound baby?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Update...
So, I have been a horrible blogger. It's not that being a mom has been so overwhelming that I didn't have time to blog, it's more that even when I do have time, I'd rather sit and stare at the little miracle asleep next to me... and so I do.
Kinsey is 6 weeks old today, and I have finally decided to update the blog so she will have something to read about when she is older. Plus, I have so many pictures to share with family and friends that I have to update this.
But, Kinsey is waking up and fussy... she must be in the middle of a growth spurt because she is eating like a contestant in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest.
Up next...the birth story. Until then, here is a picture to keep you satisfied.
Kinsey is 6 weeks old today, and I have finally decided to update the blog so she will have something to read about when she is older. Plus, I have so many pictures to share with family and friends that I have to update this.
But, Kinsey is waking up and fussy... she must be in the middle of a growth spurt because she is eating like a contestant in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest.
Up next...the birth story. Until then, here is a picture to keep you satisfied.
Mmmmm...milk!
Monday, June 23, 2008
40 weeks and FALSE labor...
TMI ALERT...
This morning, I woke up feeling a little crampy, and went I went to the bathroom, there was blood. Not the "bloody show" I had expected (mucous-y) but just...blood. I laid down on the couch and rested for a little while before it dawned on me that I hadn't felt the baby move since I woke up. I called the doctor's office and got the after hours nurse. She suggested I lay down for an hour, count kicks, and monitor the bleeding. If it improved, call the doctor, if not, head to the hospital.
At this point, Mike calls from the gym and asks me to bring him his office key. I say sure, thinking I'll just monitor movement in the car. I hurriedly clean up the kitchen (no movement), race upstairs to get dressed (no movement) and throw the last of my things in my hospital bag (no movement). At the last moment, I decide I must have clean sheets when I come home from the hospital and I throw my sheets in the washer (still no movement). In a little panic, I race to the gym to drop off Mike's key, and finally get one solid kick (not the 6 I was hoping for, but at least I knew she was okay). I relax a little, drop off the key, and head to the hospital.
In labor and delivery, the quickly hook up the monitors and not only is the baby's heart rate a solid 150, but you can hear her kicking and moving around. The nurse was surprised that I couldn't feel anything, and decided to keep monitoring me. Then she looks at the contraction monitor and says... "You don't feel those? You are contracting every 2 - 4 minutes!" To which I had to say, "Nope. I feel nothing."
After an hour and a half of monitoring, the nurse checked my cervix, and I was still barely at 1 cm and maybe 70 % effaced. No change from Thursday, or last Thursday, even with all the contractions. So, I was diagnosed with false labor and sent home to wait for my induction on Friday.
I was a little stressed that my mom wasn't here yet, but apparently, this little one is waiting for grandma, so it's all good. And, I got to grocery shop (I spent almost $400 in a panic... I kept thinking of things we might need... so now I have tons of food and extras of all the necessities... TP, laundry soap, dishwasher soap, etc). I still need to clean my floors, but in an effort to keep false labor from progressing to real labor, I am going to leave it for my mom.
This morning, I woke up feeling a little crampy, and went I went to the bathroom, there was blood. Not the "bloody show" I had expected (mucous-y) but just...blood. I laid down on the couch and rested for a little while before it dawned on me that I hadn't felt the baby move since I woke up. I called the doctor's office and got the after hours nurse. She suggested I lay down for an hour, count kicks, and monitor the bleeding. If it improved, call the doctor, if not, head to the hospital.
At this point, Mike calls from the gym and asks me to bring him his office key. I say sure, thinking I'll just monitor movement in the car. I hurriedly clean up the kitchen (no movement), race upstairs to get dressed (no movement) and throw the last of my things in my hospital bag (no movement). At the last moment, I decide I must have clean sheets when I come home from the hospital and I throw my sheets in the washer (still no movement). In a little panic, I race to the gym to drop off Mike's key, and finally get one solid kick (not the 6 I was hoping for, but at least I knew she was okay). I relax a little, drop off the key, and head to the hospital.
In labor and delivery, the quickly hook up the monitors and not only is the baby's heart rate a solid 150, but you can hear her kicking and moving around. The nurse was surprised that I couldn't feel anything, and decided to keep monitoring me. Then she looks at the contraction monitor and says... "You don't feel those? You are contracting every 2 - 4 minutes!" To which I had to say, "Nope. I feel nothing."
After an hour and a half of monitoring, the nurse checked my cervix, and I was still barely at 1 cm and maybe 70 % effaced. No change from Thursday, or last Thursday, even with all the contractions. So, I was diagnosed with false labor and sent home to wait for my induction on Friday.
I was a little stressed that my mom wasn't here yet, but apparently, this little one is waiting for grandma, so it's all good. And, I got to grocery shop (I spent almost $400 in a panic... I kept thinking of things we might need... so now I have tons of food and extras of all the necessities... TP, laundry soap, dishwasher soap, etc). I still need to clean my floors, but in an effort to keep false labor from progressing to real labor, I am going to leave it for my mom.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
We've got a plan...
So over the last few weeks, I have been hanging out at home, scrapbooking, and just generally waiting for this baby. Boy am I ready for her to get here! She, on the other hand, is not. Last week, at my 38 week appointment, I was 70% effaced, almost 1 cm dilated, and little Maggie was still floating up in my rib cage (as opposed to my pelvis). No contractions, no dropping, no anything that might signal that labor is immanent.
So, today, at my 39 week appointment, my doctor cheerfully tells me that I am 50% effaced, 1 cm dilated, and the baby is still not engaged. That's right... not only did I not make any progress in a week, I actually went backwards! I am LESS on the road to labor than I was 7 days ago! WTF???
Because my OB doesn't let patients go past 41 weeks, I know this baby has to come out - someday. Apparently she is going to need a little incentive, so we scheduled an induction for next Friday, June 27th. Unfortunately, my favorite doctor is not on call from my due date until July 6th, and she won't let me wait that long, so it will be the one doctor I haven't met (which I totally prefer to the doctor I don't like).
Anyway, I am totally thrilled to have a plan...and to know that next Friday (my dad's 60th birthday, by the way) I will definitely have a baby!
PS. Hawkeye is getting fixed on Tuesday... he, ummm, got a little excited on Luxe's face recently and I have had enough. Good bye testosterone.
So, today, at my 39 week appointment, my doctor cheerfully tells me that I am 50% effaced, 1 cm dilated, and the baby is still not engaged. That's right... not only did I not make any progress in a week, I actually went backwards! I am LESS on the road to labor than I was 7 days ago! WTF???
Because my OB doesn't let patients go past 41 weeks, I know this baby has to come out - someday. Apparently she is going to need a little incentive, so we scheduled an induction for next Friday, June 27th. Unfortunately, my favorite doctor is not on call from my due date until July 6th, and she won't let me wait that long, so it will be the one doctor I haven't met (which I totally prefer to the doctor I don't like).
Anyway, I am totally thrilled to have a plan...and to know that next Friday (my dad's 60th birthday, by the way) I will definitely have a baby!
PS. Hawkeye is getting fixed on Tuesday... he, ummm, got a little excited on Luxe's face recently and I have had enough. Good bye testosterone.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Lazy Days of Summer
Today was my first official "no work" day. School is out and even though I will be returning in the fall (although whether or not it will be in time for the first day of school is still up in the air), I am enjoying my temporary status as a stay-at home mom. I slept in - until 7:30, which was awesome because Mike got up with the dogs at 6 and let me sleep - had breakfast and cleaned my bathroom. Then I showered, went and got a haircut, did some shopping, and took a nap. SO NICE!!! I can't believe how quickly the day passed!
I cut off most of my hair today. I kept waffling between growing it out and cutting it short, and after sweating buckets while drying my hair this morning, I called Lethan (who has been cutting my hair since '99) and asked if he would give me a 'mom' cut. It turned out really cute, kind of a funky bob hairdo, and it is feels so nice. I think it will be much easier with a baby and this heat. And, I think it might look good if I don't straighten it (I'll find out soon). Last night, I thought I was in labor (obviously not) and I told Mike that I couldn't go to the hospital looking like I did, LOL. I guess that was my warning - Do not 'slum it' until this baby gets here!
I do have a one room a day cleaning plan for the beginning of this vacation. After a VERY frenzied weekend of nesting (more on that later), I have slowed down and hope to get the house cleaned slowly before the baby gets here. I gave up on the backyard, and ended up paying a lawn company to do it. It was pretty expensive, but WOW! was it worth it. I also have a the carpet cleaners coming in on Friday. I can't even vacuum because Lowe's stopped carrying our brand of vacuum bags, so I am waiting for some that I ordered online (seriously, if our vacuum wasn't so awesome, I would just buy a new one).
Like I mentioned, I had a serious nesting splurge this weekend. On Friday, despite the very real possibility of a broken foot, I went to Babies R Us and got a lot of the things left on our registry, and then went to look at diaper bags, before going to the OB (who immediately sent me to urgent care for my foot, which is not broken, just seriously bruised). On Saturday, I hit Ikea, Target, Babies R Us (again), a few websites, Target (again). I have just about everything ready for this baby. I put together her dresser, from Ikea (which I carried upstairs one piece at a time), and got everything organized. Her room is set up, I am just waiting for the crib to be delivered, and the baseboards to be installed. I am also waiting to order the rocker and ottoman I want. I have the playpen and swing ready downstairs, her car seat installed (to be checked by the fire department on Friday), and have a supply of bottles washed and sterilized. I am hoping to breastfeed, but after 2 breast surgeries, there are no guarantees. Plus, when I go back to work, she will be bottle fed, either expressed breast milk or formula, so the bottles are necessary, but I am holding off on buying a breast pump until I know for sure I can breastfeed.
I have 28 days left until my due date, but for some reason, I really feel like she will be here in two weeks. (All you experienced moms, feel free to laugh at me). Here's hoping!
I cut off most of my hair today. I kept waffling between growing it out and cutting it short, and after sweating buckets while drying my hair this morning, I called Lethan (who has been cutting my hair since '99) and asked if he would give me a 'mom' cut. It turned out really cute, kind of a funky bob hairdo, and it is feels so nice. I think it will be much easier with a baby and this heat. And, I think it might look good if I don't straighten it (I'll find out soon). Last night, I thought I was in labor (obviously not) and I told Mike that I couldn't go to the hospital looking like I did, LOL. I guess that was my warning - Do not 'slum it' until this baby gets here!
I do have a one room a day cleaning plan for the beginning of this vacation. After a VERY frenzied weekend of nesting (more on that later), I have slowed down and hope to get the house cleaned slowly before the baby gets here. I gave up on the backyard, and ended up paying a lawn company to do it. It was pretty expensive, but WOW! was it worth it. I also have a the carpet cleaners coming in on Friday. I can't even vacuum because Lowe's stopped carrying our brand of vacuum bags, so I am waiting for some that I ordered online (seriously, if our vacuum wasn't so awesome, I would just buy a new one).
Like I mentioned, I had a serious nesting splurge this weekend. On Friday, despite the very real possibility of a broken foot, I went to Babies R Us and got a lot of the things left on our registry, and then went to look at diaper bags, before going to the OB (who immediately sent me to urgent care for my foot, which is not broken, just seriously bruised). On Saturday, I hit Ikea, Target, Babies R Us (again), a few websites, Target (again). I have just about everything ready for this baby. I put together her dresser, from Ikea (which I carried upstairs one piece at a time), and got everything organized. Her room is set up, I am just waiting for the crib to be delivered, and the baseboards to be installed. I am also waiting to order the rocker and ottoman I want. I have the playpen and swing ready downstairs, her car seat installed (to be checked by the fire department on Friday), and have a supply of bottles washed and sterilized. I am hoping to breastfeed, but after 2 breast surgeries, there are no guarantees. Plus, when I go back to work, she will be bottle fed, either expressed breast milk or formula, so the bottles are necessary, but I am holding off on buying a breast pump until I know for sure I can breastfeed.
I have 28 days left until my due date, but for some reason, I really feel like she will be here in two weeks. (All you experienced moms, feel free to laugh at me). Here's hoping!
Monday, May 12, 2008
.967
I finally finished my Master's degree. Technically, graduation was last Thursday, but I didn't go. (Between the cost of gas to get to main campus, the parking mess, and my lack of desire to purchase another gown and hood, I just couldn't motivate myself). My final grades were posted today, and it's official...I am DONE! Hooray!
I am proud of myself for finishing (and being more than half way done with a second Master's degree), but I am still sore about one thing... the A- I received during my first semester as a grad student. While I don't argue that I deserved a better grade, it does bother me that not one single other professor in the College of Education uses the +/- scale, so I have never been able to off set that A-. As a result, my final GPA is a 3.967, not a 4.0. A stupid reason to be irritable, and I realize that NO ONE else will ever care about my GPA, but still. It's the principle of the matter.
I am proud of myself for finishing (and being more than half way done with a second Master's degree), but I am still sore about one thing... the A- I received during my first semester as a grad student. While I don't argue that I deserved a better grade, it does bother me that not one single other professor in the College of Education uses the +/- scale, so I have never been able to off set that A-. As a result, my final GPA is a 3.967, not a 4.0. A stupid reason to be irritable, and I realize that NO ONE else will ever care about my GPA, but still. It's the principle of the matter.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
'Nuff Said
0 days 'til Sprinkles opens (although I am not driving to Scottsdale today)!
7 days 'til Krispy Kreme opens again!
13 days 'til school is out!
16 and 17 days 'til the baby showers!
48 days 'til my due date!
Whoo Hoo!
7 days 'til Krispy Kreme opens again!
13 days 'til school is out!
16 and 17 days 'til the baby showers!
48 days 'til my due date!
Whoo Hoo!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Wife needs a farmer...
Have you seen that new TV show "Farmer Needs a Wife"? It is horrible and I can't say I like any of the girls or the farmer on the show, but it is still better than Flavor of Love (HATE that show. Words cannot even begin to describe.)
Anyway, I would like to live on a farm. Be a farmer's wife. Wander the orchard with the sun beating down, my little girl in my arms or at my side. Nothing sounds better. No, the show did not get to me, but rather, the farm did. Today was opening day for peaches at the farm down the road. I first started going last year, and I have been anxiously awaiting peach season ever since.
For $1.75 a pound, you can wander the dusty orchards, picking your own organic peaches.
I stopped by today after school, climbed out of my truck, grabbed a box, and headed into the orchard. When I arrived, I was tired, irritable, and just... weary. As I reached up into the trees, the warm sun shining, the sweet smell of ripening peaches, the stress just started to fade away. I picked 15 or 20 small, ripe peaches (the big ones come later in the season...), stopping to eat a few. By the time I left, I had peach juice dripping down my chin and staining my shirt, and I was full of peace. Which left me wanting more. Not just more peaches, but more... more something. I want to be surrounded by nature and just enjoy the peace that it brings.
Yes, I am sure being a farmer is hard work. But since this is a pipe dream anyway, might as well ignore the reality, huh? I just want to wander the fields, the orchards, picking my food, and not dealing with the real world. Sign me up for season 2 of "Farmer Needs a Wife".
Anyway, I would like to live on a farm. Be a farmer's wife. Wander the orchard with the sun beating down, my little girl in my arms or at my side. Nothing sounds better. No, the show did not get to me, but rather, the farm did. Today was opening day for peaches at the farm down the road. I first started going last year, and I have been anxiously awaiting peach season ever since.
For $1.75 a pound, you can wander the dusty orchards, picking your own organic peaches.
I stopped by today after school, climbed out of my truck, grabbed a box, and headed into the orchard. When I arrived, I was tired, irritable, and just... weary. As I reached up into the trees, the warm sun shining, the sweet smell of ripening peaches, the stress just started to fade away. I picked 15 or 20 small, ripe peaches (the big ones come later in the season...), stopping to eat a few. By the time I left, I had peach juice dripping down my chin and staining my shirt, and I was full of peace. Which left me wanting more. Not just more peaches, but more... more something. I want to be surrounded by nature and just enjoy the peace that it brings.
Yes, I am sure being a farmer is hard work. But since this is a pipe dream anyway, might as well ignore the reality, huh? I just want to wander the fields, the orchards, picking my food, and not dealing with the real world. Sign me up for season 2 of "Farmer Needs a Wife".
Friday, April 25, 2008
I should be sleeping...
No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Nor did I have this baby, or do anything really exciting since my last post. I have just been swamped. So here is the run down:
My doctor says I am fat.
No joke. At my 30 week appointment, I saw the third doctor in the practice, a German woman, just so I would know everyone who might be on call when I deliver. According to her scale (different office than my usual one), I had gained 10 pounds in 2 weeks. Nevermind the fact that I had just finished lunch AND drank a route 44 tea on my way to the appointment. I tried to explain to her that there was no way I had gained 10 pounds, but she didn't listen and read me the riot act about high blood pressure, high blood sugar and a million other problems. When I pointed out that I have none of these complications, she eased up a little, but not much. According to her, I am restricted to 5 pounds max in the next 10 weeks. What is she gonna do? Sew my lips shut?
Parental, personal, and public opinion think this doctor is nuts. I may gain more than the recommended 35 pounds, but it is ALL in my stomach and boobs. It's not like I have fat legs or something. Needless to say, I can't stand her and am angling to schedule an induction to avoid going into labor when she is on call.
Updated: At my 32 week appointment, my regualr doctor said my weight was much better (I was down 5 pounds - no diet, I just didn't have a route 44 drink on my way in). And that was a big "no" on the induction question.
2 weeks til graduation!
Needless to say, I am working my butt off to finish everything I need to get finished so I can finally get my degree!
Mike went back to work
Which means I am now back in charge of all household related duties. Fair? Nope. True? Yes. Now I am just waiting for him to start making money so I can hire help. LMAO.
My mom, step dad and brothers came out to visit for my Confirmation.
We had a great time. It was great to have them here for such an important event. Here are a few pictures.
My doctor says I am fat.
No joke. At my 30 week appointment, I saw the third doctor in the practice, a German woman, just so I would know everyone who might be on call when I deliver. According to her scale (different office than my usual one), I had gained 10 pounds in 2 weeks. Nevermind the fact that I had just finished lunch AND drank a route 44 tea on my way to the appointment. I tried to explain to her that there was no way I had gained 10 pounds, but she didn't listen and read me the riot act about high blood pressure, high blood sugar and a million other problems. When I pointed out that I have none of these complications, she eased up a little, but not much. According to her, I am restricted to 5 pounds max in the next 10 weeks. What is she gonna do? Sew my lips shut?
Parental, personal, and public opinion think this doctor is nuts. I may gain more than the recommended 35 pounds, but it is ALL in my stomach and boobs. It's not like I have fat legs or something. Needless to say, I can't stand her and am angling to schedule an induction to avoid going into labor when she is on call.
Updated: At my 32 week appointment, my regualr doctor said my weight was much better (I was down 5 pounds - no diet, I just didn't have a route 44 drink on my way in). And that was a big "no" on the induction question.
2 weeks til graduation!
Needless to say, I am working my butt off to finish everything I need to get finished so I can finally get my degree!
Mike went back to work
Which means I am now back in charge of all household related duties. Fair? Nope. True? Yes. Now I am just waiting for him to start making money so I can hire help. LMAO.
My mom, step dad and brothers came out to visit for my Confirmation.
We had a great time. It was great to have them here for such an important event. Here are a few pictures.
I even got Mike to pose for a picture with me. This is our only picture together in almost 6 years. Look close... you might not see another for a LONG time.
And here is the fam... poor Luke was feeling pretty crummy. We made him go to Carraba's with us anyway. It must suck being the baby.
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