Dear Cate Blanchett,
Congratulations on your win. Now eat a freaking cheeseburger.
Sincerely,
Monday, February 28, 2005
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Yet another General Announcement to My Month Boards
Babies are born when they are ready. Please leave the little buggers in to cook until they are done. Please quit asking how to induce labor at 36 weeks pregnant, and please, for heaven's sake, spare me the "I had my first at 36 weeks and s/he was fine," replies. In fact, please spare me any reply at all ending in any form of the phrase "and she's/he's/I'm fine." You know, for every post like that, I for some odd reason, end up visualising a person saying, "Yeah, well, I run a meth lab, and I'm fine."
In other news, the police in My Fair City have caught the serial killer who killed (what we now know was) 10 people. 'Bout dang time our local news anchors get on Larry King Live for something other than criticism of the police department or the local media. I happen to think we have two very attractive newscasts here in town, and the third, while not very attractive, certainly isn't change-the-channel-ugly.
In other news, the police in My Fair City have caught the serial killer who killed (what we now know was) 10 people. 'Bout dang time our local news anchors get on Larry King Live for something other than criticism of the police department or the local media. I happen to think we have two very attractive newscasts here in town, and the third, while not very attractive, certainly isn't change-the-channel-ugly.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Nutso.
I didn't nest with N at all. When someone said to me, "Don't you feel this incredible urge to just clean everything?" my reply was, "No, I feel an incredible urge to plant my backside on the couch and put my feet up." This time though.....wow.
I spent N's nap yesterday cleaning, sanding, and priming the windowsills (the only unfinished part of the nursery from when I had him). I've spent the last few days poring over paint and fabric samples, and I've gotten the paints for the nursery, kitchen, and our bedroom. The house is near spotless, and I can't let the slightest thing get out of place. The nursery colors are Behr's Sagey and Swan Wing. The sills are being done in Swan Wing. Hopefully I'll get some pictures when it's done.
I bought the fabric for the valances in the nursery (adorable green toile with a Cow Jumping Over the Moon print--Mr. "I hate toile"'s favorite of the samples, much to my shock), and picked out the drapes for our bedroom. All that's left for the nursery is to actually paint the window and door sills, vacuum, and get the valances cut and sewn. I also need to get Fidget's closet cleaned out so this poor kid can have a place to stash his/her clothes. I'm sure s/he won't object to dressing out of a Rubbermaid container, but my Crazy Nesting Urge is having a fit at the mere thought of it. After all of that, I need to move the crib in, and probably actually pick out a crib bedding set, as I'd like Fidget to nap in the nursery. Oh yeah, we also need to pick up the twin mattress from my parents' house and get that moved into the nursery, too. And I don't think slapping a coat of paint on the changing table would be a horrible idea, either. It's supposed to be 56 and Sunny on Friday, so I'll try to get it all done then.
After the nursery, I want to get the wallpaper in the kitchen stripped and paint the walls blue. That shouldn't be a problem, the kitchen's small. After that, B and I will be repainting the bedroom while he builds some shelves. We picked Flower Wood (Behr), a mocha sort of brown for the walls, with a Deep Garnet as an accent. It will be so nice. We also need to repaint the headboard in the accent color. I'm going to love giving birth in this room! I do feel a stronger need to finish the bedroom before the kitchen. I need to have my cozy space.
Once those two rooms are done, B and I will tackle the living room. It's currently green (Martha Stewart Marzipan) with one wall done in a pretty purple (Behr Shy Violet). We'd like to paint three of the walls grey, and change the color of the purple wall to Behr's Deep Baritone, which is the trim color in our dining room. We have the original oak trim in the living room, and it goes around the fireplace as well, so the room has a lot of warmth that I think the grey will bring out nicely.
Choosing Paint Colors - Paint Color - Paint Color Chart You can see paint colors at the posted link. In a close to perfect world, we'll even have enough time and $$ to reupholster our sectional. It's looking dingy, and it's so deep I keep getting stuck in it.
People keep saying I'm going to go early. Just reading over this list, there's no way that can happen. I have too much to do! I keep doing little house projects until my ankles swell, and then I go sit down for a few minutes and have a glass of water. As soon as the swelling's gone, I'm right back up again trying to get it finished. Yanno, if this stupid swelling had just waited a few more weeks to appear, these projects would take me so much less time.
I spent N's nap yesterday cleaning, sanding, and priming the windowsills (the only unfinished part of the nursery from when I had him). I've spent the last few days poring over paint and fabric samples, and I've gotten the paints for the nursery, kitchen, and our bedroom. The house is near spotless, and I can't let the slightest thing get out of place. The nursery colors are Behr's Sagey and Swan Wing. The sills are being done in Swan Wing. Hopefully I'll get some pictures when it's done.
I bought the fabric for the valances in the nursery (adorable green toile with a Cow Jumping Over the Moon print--Mr. "I hate toile"'s favorite of the samples, much to my shock), and picked out the drapes for our bedroom. All that's left for the nursery is to actually paint the window and door sills, vacuum, and get the valances cut and sewn. I also need to get Fidget's closet cleaned out so this poor kid can have a place to stash his/her clothes. I'm sure s/he won't object to dressing out of a Rubbermaid container, but my Crazy Nesting Urge is having a fit at the mere thought of it. After all of that, I need to move the crib in, and probably actually pick out a crib bedding set, as I'd like Fidget to nap in the nursery. Oh yeah, we also need to pick up the twin mattress from my parents' house and get that moved into the nursery, too. And I don't think slapping a coat of paint on the changing table would be a horrible idea, either. It's supposed to be 56 and Sunny on Friday, so I'll try to get it all done then.
After the nursery, I want to get the wallpaper in the kitchen stripped and paint the walls blue. That shouldn't be a problem, the kitchen's small. After that, B and I will be repainting the bedroom while he builds some shelves. We picked Flower Wood (Behr), a mocha sort of brown for the walls, with a Deep Garnet as an accent. It will be so nice. We also need to repaint the headboard in the accent color. I'm going to love giving birth in this room! I do feel a stronger need to finish the bedroom before the kitchen. I need to have my cozy space.
Once those two rooms are done, B and I will tackle the living room. It's currently green (Martha Stewart Marzipan) with one wall done in a pretty purple (Behr Shy Violet). We'd like to paint three of the walls grey, and change the color of the purple wall to Behr's Deep Baritone, which is the trim color in our dining room. We have the original oak trim in the living room, and it goes around the fireplace as well, so the room has a lot of warmth that I think the grey will bring out nicely.
Choosing Paint Colors - Paint Color - Paint Color Chart You can see paint colors at the posted link. In a close to perfect world, we'll even have enough time and $$ to reupholster our sectional. It's looking dingy, and it's so deep I keep getting stuck in it.
People keep saying I'm going to go early. Just reading over this list, there's no way that can happen. I have too much to do! I keep doing little house projects until my ankles swell, and then I go sit down for a few minutes and have a glass of water. As soon as the swelling's gone, I'm right back up again trying to get it finished. Yanno, if this stupid swelling had just waited a few more weeks to appear, these projects would take me so much less time.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Two firsts
1: Baby's first antobiotic. N has an infection in his thumb, which could possibly cause tissue damage if it gets worse. So, after 19 months of no medicine stronger than Infants' Motrin (I blame breastmilk), my kid's on Keflex.
2: My first ever letter to a member of the (state) legislature. This nice little bill comes up for debate tomorrow--HB 2284:
"AN ACT concerning children; relating to breastfeeding.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas:
Section 1. (a) Breast milk is widely acknowledged to be the most
complete form of nutrition for infants, with a range of benefits for infant’s
health, growth, immunity and development and has also been shown to
improve maternal health and bonding in addition to contributing to society
at large through economic and environmental gains, it is therefore
the public policy of Kansas that a mother’s choice to breastfeed should
be supported and encouraged to the greatest extent possible.
(b) A mother may breastfeed in any place she has a right to be.
Sec. 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its
publication in the Kansas register."
It's been said that one of the house reps is going to suggest an amendment tomorrow excluding retail establishments from this law. That makes no sense to me. So here's my letter:
Dear Ms. Landwehr;
I am greatly distressed to hear that you are considering suggesting the amendment of HB 2284 to exempt retailers from honoring a mother's right to breastfeed her baby anywhere the mother has a right to be. As a soon to be breastfeeding mother (again), I sincerely hope this is only a rumor.
I find that in order to ensure the smooth running of my household, much of my time (and that of other mothers I know) is spent in retail establishments with my child in tow, and I can't imagine what good it would do the local economy to pass such an amendment, which would have the unfortunate effect of causing many nursing mothers to stay home for fear of harassment by ill-informed or uncomfortable people.
Such an amendment appears to be little more than a thinly veiled attempt at discriminating against breastfeeding mothers. Will you also suggest an amendment allowing retailers to ask a woman to leave for bottlefeeding her baby in their establishment?
With current breastfeeding rates as low as they are, it hardly seems wise from a public health perspective to recommend such an amendment. I have to wonder how doing so would "support and encourage" a mother's choice to breastfeed "to the greatest extent possible." I know of many mothers who have chosen not to breastfeed for fear of harassment for nursing in public. What a pity there is even a need for legislation to protect such a basic, normal function of mothering.
Public breastfeeding is not an issue of personal comfort. It is an issue of the health of Kansas' children.
Sincerely, etc
I really really hope this bill passes.
2: My first ever letter to a member of the (state) legislature. This nice little bill comes up for debate tomorrow--HB 2284:
"AN ACT concerning children; relating to breastfeeding.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas:
Section 1. (a) Breast milk is widely acknowledged to be the most
complete form of nutrition for infants, with a range of benefits for infant’s
health, growth, immunity and development and has also been shown to
improve maternal health and bonding in addition to contributing to society
at large through economic and environmental gains, it is therefore
the public policy of Kansas that a mother’s choice to breastfeed should
be supported and encouraged to the greatest extent possible.
(b) A mother may breastfeed in any place she has a right to be.
Sec. 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its
publication in the Kansas register."
It's been said that one of the house reps is going to suggest an amendment tomorrow excluding retail establishments from this law. That makes no sense to me. So here's my letter:
Dear Ms. Landwehr;
I am greatly distressed to hear that you are considering suggesting the amendment of HB 2284 to exempt retailers from honoring a mother's right to breastfeed her baby anywhere the mother has a right to be. As a soon to be breastfeeding mother (again), I sincerely hope this is only a rumor.
I find that in order to ensure the smooth running of my household, much of my time (and that of other mothers I know) is spent in retail establishments with my child in tow, and I can't imagine what good it would do the local economy to pass such an amendment, which would have the unfortunate effect of causing many nursing mothers to stay home for fear of harassment by ill-informed or uncomfortable people.
Such an amendment appears to be little more than a thinly veiled attempt at discriminating against breastfeeding mothers. Will you also suggest an amendment allowing retailers to ask a woman to leave for bottlefeeding her baby in their establishment?
With current breastfeeding rates as low as they are, it hardly seems wise from a public health perspective to recommend such an amendment. I have to wonder how doing so would "support and encourage" a mother's choice to breastfeed "to the greatest extent possible." I know of many mothers who have chosen not to breastfeed for fear of harassment for nursing in public. What a pity there is even a need for legislation to protect such a basic, normal function of mothering.
Public breastfeeding is not an issue of personal comfort. It is an issue of the health of Kansas' children.
Sincerely, etc
I really really hope this bill passes.
Monday, February 21, 2005
The stroller snob wants to know
When did Target start carrying MacLarens? We went last night to get some baby stuff, and right in front of me were two models of MacLaren. Of course, they were the most expensive things on the shelf, but still. Target??? MacLaren??? Weird.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Well, I told B finally how I was feeling, and while the man's motives are pure, he really needs a kick in the pants as far as his actions. It seems that most of my stress has been related to this being such a busy week. B's worked 5-18 hour days in a row, and has finally gotten a decent amount of sleep, and is wonderful to be around again. He's really trying, and I appreciate it.
My life this evening has basically looked like this: ::::::::::::nest nest nest nest nest nest nest nest nest nest nest nest::::::::::::::::::
I cleaned the nursery. I got the blinds down (I think I'll list them on eBay...I hate them), I wiped down and sanded the window sills, and am just waiting for B to get the half-roller up here so I can do the real prep for painting. I didn't nest at all with N. But here I am, 34 weeks (tomorrow) pregnant with my second child, big as a house (thanks to the extra 50lbs I'm carrying), and totally not comfortable sitting, standing, or walking, and I'm racing to finish decorating the nursery I started when pregnant and not nesting with my first. Somebody explain me to myself.
My life this evening has basically looked like this: ::::::::::::nest nest nest nest nest nest nest nest nest nest nest nest::::::::::::::::::
I cleaned the nursery. I got the blinds down (I think I'll list them on eBay...I hate them), I wiped down and sanded the window sills, and am just waiting for B to get the half-roller up here so I can do the real prep for painting. I didn't nest at all with N. But here I am, 34 weeks (tomorrow) pregnant with my second child, big as a house (thanks to the extra 50lbs I'm carrying), and totally not comfortable sitting, standing, or walking, and I'm racing to finish decorating the nursery I started when pregnant and not nesting with my first. Somebody explain me to myself.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Deep thoughts
My mother asked if I am depressed. It feels awfully good to have my mommy looking out for me. I suppose I might be/have been. I would really like nothing better than to curl up in a dark cushiony corner and sleep until a few days before the baby's born.
A (from playgroup) is sending her husband to drop off the tv we loaned them this evening. I haven't seen or talked to her since The Incident. I'm okay with that. B's almost certain she's the one that made the call, I'm leaning more towards someone in the group opened their mouth to someone they shouldn't have, and weren't too careful how they said what they did. Make any sense? A's husband is pretty nice, and hopefully B will be home so the poor man won't have to lift the tv himself (he's having knee surgery Friday).
I think this whole Ugly Situation has been the root of my unhappiness the last few months. Apparently I've been through a lot. Getting totally stabbed in the back by people I thought were friends, financial worries during the holidays, concern over Fidget's health due to Rh incompatibility, etc. But I knew Fidget would be okay. We always manage to pull through on money issues, but this screwed up friendship thing has hit me hard.
I'm feeling like people in general (IRL) aren't as excited about this Baby's impending arrival. Especially since we know the sex, and then since we've already got one, it just seems like it's a let down for them. At this point in N's pregnancy, the house was overflowing with gifts. We had meals set up in advance for two weeks after he was born. People were always asking about the pregnancy and what we wanted as far as sex. This time, there's not a shred of New Baby evidence in this house. The infant seat's still in the closet, the clothes are still packed away downstairs, my newborn diaper stash (all 4 diapers) is in with the clothes, and the nursery (used by N only for diaper changes) looks exactly like it did the week before N was born. I'm not upset by the lack of shower. Heck, there's really nothing else we need. I'd like a few sets of clothes that aren't gender neutral though. I guess I just wish people were as excited as they were the first time. I know I am, even though I don't feel like I'm as free to express it. "I'm really looking forward to this baby's birth" is answered with, "Yeah, but you're hands are going to be so full." No shit sherlock. That's what happens when you have two little kids. But I bet I'm going to enjoy it. I'm having kids because I love kids. Is it that hard to understand?
Anyway, I think most of my sadness just comes from the fact that most of these women were in the exact stage of life I was, from the relatively recently wed (3 years this past December), to the first child, to beginning to have the second one, and it was nice to be with people that were going through the same things we were. There were three of us pregnant, and we were routinely asked the same questions we had been with our first, how the two pregnancies differed, and all of the fun stuff. I miss the fun stuff. I miss the companionship. A few of these moms were close to my age. It's just frustrating. However, since I still have no way of knowing who exactly did it, I'll keep talking to the ones I am currently talking to, and will be nothing less than polite and gracious to those I am not, should we run into each other elsewhere. It's done, the chips have fallen, and I'm getting on with it.
A (from playgroup) is sending her husband to drop off the tv we loaned them this evening. I haven't seen or talked to her since The Incident. I'm okay with that. B's almost certain she's the one that made the call, I'm leaning more towards someone in the group opened their mouth to someone they shouldn't have, and weren't too careful how they said what they did. Make any sense? A's husband is pretty nice, and hopefully B will be home so the poor man won't have to lift the tv himself (he's having knee surgery Friday).
I think this whole Ugly Situation has been the root of my unhappiness the last few months. Apparently I've been through a lot. Getting totally stabbed in the back by people I thought were friends, financial worries during the holidays, concern over Fidget's health due to Rh incompatibility, etc. But I knew Fidget would be okay. We always manage to pull through on money issues, but this screwed up friendship thing has hit me hard.
I'm feeling like people in general (IRL) aren't as excited about this Baby's impending arrival. Especially since we know the sex, and then since we've already got one, it just seems like it's a let down for them. At this point in N's pregnancy, the house was overflowing with gifts. We had meals set up in advance for two weeks after he was born. People were always asking about the pregnancy and what we wanted as far as sex. This time, there's not a shred of New Baby evidence in this house. The infant seat's still in the closet, the clothes are still packed away downstairs, my newborn diaper stash (all 4 diapers) is in with the clothes, and the nursery (used by N only for diaper changes) looks exactly like it did the week before N was born. I'm not upset by the lack of shower. Heck, there's really nothing else we need. I'd like a few sets of clothes that aren't gender neutral though. I guess I just wish people were as excited as they were the first time. I know I am, even though I don't feel like I'm as free to express it. "I'm really looking forward to this baby's birth" is answered with, "Yeah, but you're hands are going to be so full." No shit sherlock. That's what happens when you have two little kids. But I bet I'm going to enjoy it. I'm having kids because I love kids. Is it that hard to understand?
Anyway, I think most of my sadness just comes from the fact that most of these women were in the exact stage of life I was, from the relatively recently wed (3 years this past December), to the first child, to beginning to have the second one, and it was nice to be with people that were going through the same things we were. There were three of us pregnant, and we were routinely asked the same questions we had been with our first, how the two pregnancies differed, and all of the fun stuff. I miss the fun stuff. I miss the companionship. A few of these moms were close to my age. It's just frustrating. However, since I still have no way of knowing who exactly did it, I'll keep talking to the ones I am currently talking to, and will be nothing less than polite and gracious to those I am not, should we run into each other elsewhere. It's done, the chips have fallen, and I'm getting on with it.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
General Announcement to my Month Board
Attention please. The size of your FUNDAL HEIGHT is simply a number. The only thing it means is that you have a uterus, and there's something in it. It is not a measurement of the baby. It does not mean you will have a big or small baby any more than one cloud in the sky means there's about to be a downpour. Please get that through your heads.
Thank you. Now back to your regularly scheduled posting.
Thank you. Now back to your regularly scheduled posting.
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