Gotta love the little things

Hello- happy holidays to everyone! Hope all had a peaceful and joyous time. I'm including a few pictures of the house on Christmas (as well as our expert gift unwrapper- Boss opened her gifts with ease!) We had a really good, relaxing, laid back holiday- just perfect. We both missed our families and getting to spend time with them, but I'm sure with a baby on the way it will be our last peaceful Christmas :-)

On health news- I continue to get better. Saw a pulmanary doctor a couple of times, and he's fixing me up. Yesterday he said my lungs sounded much clearer and I was moving air better. Sounds good to me. Uneventful, but no new baby news. There's not really much going on. Next week I go to the OB and the specialist again, so maybe there will be more then.

Another thing that soothes my soul- hearing from old friends. I talked to a good friend today and it was just so good talking to her. A lot of time has passed since we last talked, and I love that she picked up the phone and called and we could just catch up with each other. Who cares that life gets busy and people lose touch? Friends, real friends, will always be there. If you're reading this, thank you. You made my day. :-)

TGIF!

Yes, I'm still here. I keep forgetting to update, not that there really is much going on. I am starting to feel better- still have congestion and a cough, and while it's annoying as heck that this has been going on for three weeks, I am at least thankful that I don't feel as bad anymore. Unfortunately, I think I may have passed whatever I had on to my husband. oops! It'll be miraculous if I ever get rid of this, as it seems every home I go into for a home visit, everyone's sick! (I keep purell in my purse now.) Anywho, people have asked so I should mention that the "morning" sickness has not been bad for weeks. I have moments of nausea, but I guess I lucked out, because that stuff only lasted about 2-3 weeks. So, get rid of this cold and I should feel golden. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

Today was my Friday off from work and I've been busy! I am in a holiday baking frenzy, and have pretty much been doing that all day. I'm taking a little break because I ran out of powdered sugar, so I am about to go to the grocery store for the third time in 2 days. Poor planning.

I will try to remember to take a picture, but we've got our tree and decorations up and the house looks so festive. Makes it finally feel like Christmas. Most of my shopping is finally done, hopefully I can mail gifts tomorrow and cross my fingers that they make it where they need to be by Christmas!

It has gotten a little cold here lately- not too bad during the day, probably 40's and 50's. After the sun goes down it dips into the 20's. The mountains are all snow capped and they look beautiful.
Guess that's about all I can think of for now! Hope everyone is enjoying the countdown to Christmas!

PLEASE make me stop coughing!!

Not a great week for me. Although the doctor gave me an antibiotic on friday, I got progressively more sick over the weekend. I was pretty miserable with fever, runny nose and coughing. I stayed home monday and pretty much slept all day. I'm still pretty miserable, mostly because I am coughing all the time. I mean, I gag myself with coughing about 10 times a day. This has got to come to an end sometime, because right now, I feel so defeated.

The specialist on Monday was interesting. not the most helpful doctor in the world, but whatever. They are going to follow me there monthly for ultrasounds to monitor the baby's growth and monitor my blood pressure. He started me on bp medicine already- although my bp has not been high, so I thought that was a little early. Anyway, hopefully with all the careful following, things will go just smooth. I can't say it's not a little nerve racking to be a "high risk" pregnancy, but I am confident that all will be well---if only I could stop coughing!

Following up from last week, Mike is still in Florida, but his dad came home from the hospital today. He had 2 stents placed, and is on several medications, but he seems to be doing ok right now.

Ok, send lots of no coughing vibes my way! :-)

July 10, 2008!

I had my ob appointment yesterday, and it went pretty well. He did an ultrasound and we (Mike was with me) saw a little white blob with a heart beat in it! We even got to hear the heart beating- it was so cool. It was a very strong, good rate of 171 bpm. And they did the measuring to get the "official" due date- July 10! They changed it because if there is any dicrepancy between the estimated due date and the ultrasound, they apparently always go with the ultrasound date. So, I'm now 8 weeks pregnant, which is great because I missed a whole week somewhere in there- he he. He also put me on some medicine for a cold or upper respiratory infection that I have that keeps me coughing all the time. Hopefully that will clear up quickly. Lastly, I am going to see a fetal & maternal medicine specialist on Monday morning. No biggie, I think. I didn't get much information about the referral because the brilliant doctors office didn't give it to me while I was there- they called me a little while later to tell me to make the appointment. Anyway, it's basically because of my chronic hypertension and some family history stuff. I anticipate that it'll be an uneventful appointment, but I suppose it'll be good to already be established as a patient there if I need to go later. The doctor just wants to really watch my blood pressure closely, and is being very careful because of the possibility of preclampsia in pregnancy. I'm not worrying- that just increases the blood pressure :-)

On a side note, Mike left yesterday after the appointment to fly to his sisters house in Arkansas. He will drive with her to Florida because his dad is in the hospital. He had a heart attack this week and they are still doing tests to know what they will do next. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers!

Starbucks!!!

Tall Decaf Fat-Free Sugar Free Gingerbread Latte.

Oh, how I love thee!

I cannot explain it- but at the moment that is the one thing that has proven to soothe me when I'm particularly nauseous or blah. I am now officially a high maintenance customer when I have to say all that, but oh how it soothes my soul :-) I do believe it's mostly psychological (I love those holiday drinks!), but it could also be the warm milk in the drink, as some people have reported to me that it helps them. I am officially addicted, BUT they're expensive so it is only a special treat when I need the pick me up (and WAY better than crackers!)

Things are going ok here. Vegas was ok. There were moments of feeling good, and at which time, we had a lot of fun. Then there were moments of feeling like poo, at which times I was miserable and hopefully I was NOT making my husband too miserable. We did not win any money- but that's all I'm saying about that.

In a strange series of events I locked someone in the office last night after the class I teach was over. Yup, I really did. Apparently on our way from the classroom to the front door (we usually all leave together as it's pretty dark in the parking lot when class is over and I don't like leaving alone), this women decides to abandon the group and go to the restroom. She did not tell me or anyone else this, and we all left and went about our merry way. I do NOT count heads as we exit- didn't think it was necessary. Ummm...wrong! Got home and about 30 minutes later I get a call from my boss that the police are at the office and someone is locked inside. I got there fast (thanks to Mike's very fast car) and she was a very good sport. Laughing and carrying on about what had happened to her. I was a mess and ready to cry/vomit/crawl under a rock that I had done that, and she was all "whatever" about the whole ordeal. And no, I did not get fired. We all pretty much laughed about it today.

Happy Hump Day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

A quick little update. Things are going well. I am getting sick- typical pregnancy stuff I suppose, but not fun at all! Just a lot of nausea and some throwing up (tmi...sorry!). It's not a very fun feeling, but I'm hoping it's short lived (keeping my fingers crossed). I'm had some interesting moments doing home visits for work and almost getting sick in the families home. oops!

Mike and I are off to Vegas today. It's about a 2 1/2 hour drive and we got an awesome hotel deal so we'll be there through Sunday. (although at this moment I'd rather be curled up on the couch getting ready to watch the big parade, but I suppose Vegas will be more exciting! Hopefully I'm not feeling sick the entire time we're there!) We are meeting up with Mike's cousin and her boyfriend for Thanksgiving dinner tonight, so we will be with some family.

I am thankful for all my family and loved ones and hope everyone has a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday!

Happy Friday!

I know this won't mean very much to everyone, but I got my second beta HCG test results in today. It was 15,117, which is very high! This typically means that the pregnancy thus far is progressing normally. I will be curious to see if I measure ahead of schedule at my appointment in 2 weeks because both HCG's were higher than the normal range. We shall see...for now, it looks good though. I already have waves of nausea during the day. If my stomach gets empty is when it's the worst- I get all hot and clammy and nauseous. Good times, good times.
The doctor is also calling me in a prescription to help with my sleep problem. In the last 3 weeks, I've only averaged 3-4 hours of sleep a night, and it's making me miserable! I will get it today and hopefully taking it on a weekend will help me get some extra zzzz's.

Mike and I are both off of work today and are about to head down to LA for the big LA International Auto show. For those who know us, you can probably guess that Mike's thrilled and I'm, well, hoping I can find something that peaks my interest there! Not sure what we're doing with the rest of the weekend yet, but hopefully some relaxing and housecleaning.
Have a great weekend!

It's real, isn't it??

Sometimes I think someone has to pinch me. This is really happening right now, isn't it? For some reason I feel like I need the reassurance from the doctor that the blood test did in fact show that I'm preganant. And after that, I'll probably need to see a heartbeat. And after that, I'll probably need to see something else. First time pregnancy is just a whole lot of emotions!

Feeling ok right now. I've had a lot of cramping since Saturday, very uncomfortable. But apparently it's probably just my uterus stretching and growing (what?!? MY uterus is stretching and growing?!?)

PART 2.....
Since I left this and am just now coming back to it more updates! Went back to the OB today. Everything looks good. He didn't have all the lab results back- but my beta HCG (pregnancy) was 808 last week, which is a very good number. They drew blood today and tomorrow I should find out the new number. Basically they check that to make sure the pregnancy is progressing normally. He did an internal ultrasound to make sure everything's in the right place (i.e. in the uterus...duh!). It is. There is a small round black speck, um, I mean circle that is the amniotic sac and a yolk sac inside that with the smallest little speck of something near that too (he says this is the cells of the embryo, butI don't see a darn thing!) My next appointment is in 2 weeks and they will do another ultrasound to get exact due date and all that. Might even see a heartbeat at that time, but it would be pretty early. Oh, and he says the cramping is probably normal since it's not accompanied by anything else, so that's a big PHEW.

Good news is my blood pressure continues to be fine with no meds, so for now I will not take anything and I keep a log with my BP's twice a day. (for those who didn't already know, I've had high blood pressure since I was about 22).

That's my update for now. We are starting to tell people because keeping to ourselves is just too much to handle!
Love to all!!

Random

What a random day yesterday.
I went to a new pharmacy to pick up a prescription and the lady that worked there starts talking to me about being new to the area and pregnant and all that. She tells me about an OB that works in that building who she just raved about. She then literally walked me down the hall to go to the office and bam. They gave me an appointment that day. A little early for one, but because of my blood pressure, it was good to get in early for an overview. And "overview" I did get. NINE vials of blood later and carrying a jug around for 24 hour urine test.....oh what fun. I will go back next week to get all the results and hopefully a healthy bill of health. Not taking BP meds for now, but I have to keep a log and check my blood pressure at least twice a day. HIGH Maintenance is what we will call me.

All in all, I liked the doctor. I don't know anything about him though and it's a new practice (he opened up his own practice), so I guess next time I go I need to ask more questions about him and his background to be sure.

Due date is July 17th....it's very early. Not going to share this news JUST yet, but Mike and I are very excited!

I peed on a stick!

That's right. You read that correctly. And you are seeing things correctly. I even took a picture of the stick (and, in all fairness and honesty, I was in such disbelief that I actually peed on 3 sticks). They were all positive. I guess I haven't really been using this blogger thing, but perhaps now that I'll have more to share, I'll keep up with it AND even share it with people! What a concept!

Anyway, of course Mike and I are excited! BUT, it is SO early and I've had some ongoing health issues that make me too nervous to tell anyone. My doctor is supposed to call me today to tell me what to do next. And I assume next is an appointment, but it's a whole ordeal really because the gyn I went to here for my annual, I do not like! So, I have to find a new one. Fun fun.

Anyway, why did I pee on a stick? It wasn't even quite the day for my period, but all weekend I was on the verge of throwing up at all times and thought "ok, a flu".....or....could it be.....hmmm...let's just see what this little stick says. WOW! Was I in shock.

Like I said, if you're reading this, you're reading it a little after the fact because we're not sharing our news just yet. But figured I'd start a little journal for when that day comes. Right now I'm just excited, nervous, excited. oh, and I have a thyroid ultrasound tomorrow (was scheduled already before I knew all this), so let's pray that nothing is wrong with my thyroid. I certainly don't need that right now!

:-)

Weekends in the HIGH desert

Yup. We live in the desert. It's not very exciting here, but we make do by going other places when the weekends hit. This weekend was one of our more laid back ones that we've had in a while. Friday was dinner and drinks with a friend from work and her fiance. Saturday we went down to Long Beach to check out the aquarium we had free passes to. (word to the wise- beautiful day+saturday+all employees of non-profits get free admission= a miserable day at the aquarium). It was way over crowded, and thus, NOT exciting. The highlight was probaby the beer and food at dinner AFTER the aquarium. Today Mike and I were the laziest humans ever. That's fun, isn't it? Being in California means sunday football starts early. SO, 10 AM the Cowboys game started (yeah, yeah...those Cowboys are ROCKIN' this year!)...since then I've done some cleaning and laundry- but am proud to say I haven't left the house once. All errands ignored. Must....watch.....football.
On another note- since I seem to never blog, but wanted to give it a try- Mike and I were in CT last weekend for my little bro's wedding. It was so beautiful, right in front of the water. perfect weather, perfect wedding, perfect everything. We had a great time. Congrats to Dan and Tracy!! I wish them a lifetime of happiness with each other!

New wheels

My new car is finally here! Here are some pics of my new 2008 GMC Acadia!! I am loving it...although I feel like I'm driving a bus sometimes. Just have to get used to something bigger than the good old Lancer.

Where dreams come true...

Why is it that I'm 32 years old, and one day in Disneyland makes me feel 8 again?? Well...expect for the sore feet. :-)
Mike and I made a big time slurge and bought our annual passes to Disneyland yesterday. I've been wanting to go since we moved here, so it was a great surprise when he announced that he was actually ready to go too! That place is awesome! I spent the whole day reminising. My family and I went to Disneyworld in Orlando a few times, and while it's definitely different than land, there are a lot of rides that are the same. I think Mike probably got tired of hearing "oh, let's go on this one!! I remember liking this..." I am for sure glad to be living so close to so much action, and glad that we're taking advantage of what's around us. As much as I am really pulling for "just a few years in Cali", it's been fun exploring.

Weird, huh?

So interesting to think about the twists and turns a persons life can take them. I mean, I grew up in small town CT and didn't leave until I was 18. After that, it was a free for all. I guess I had a lot to explore and definitely think my life was a little sheltered. Now, 14 years later...I've lived in 5 states. I've gotten 2 degrees. I've worked in MANY different jobs. Do you know I know people who have always lived in the same place? Sometimes I envy them. The closeness they feel to the family and friends who live around them. And sometimes I am sad for them. There is so much out there! So much to do, and see, and learn. Despite the challenges some of these places put on me (I am here to tell you, even in this day and age, it is NOT easy living in the "deep" South of Alabama, and be a born and bred "yankee girl". Literally the name calling started the very first day I pulled up to the apartment with my CT plates- but that's another story all in itself!), I learned something from each move. I formed friendships that have lasted through the moves, and I've formed friendships that only lasted while I was there. All the bumps and bruises along the way, got me to where I am today.

Today I am 32. I am happily married, in a beautiful home in California. I work hard, I love with my whole heart, I hurt when people do me wrong, and I celebrate life. I am not anything like I thought I would be had you asked me, oh, 5 years ago. Five years ago, I was having fun. I was "playing" a lot and wondering if perhaps I was just one of those people meant to stay single. I convinced myself that it would be ok to be single, but that doesn't mean I didn't keep looking. I met my husband on match. com (a fact that some people still find odd, but which I find perfect!) We dated a little over 2 years before our wedding in May. I love him with all my heart. We have that kind of love that I used to thing was impossible. The older I got, the more unlikely it seemed that I would actually meet that person who could sweep me off of my feet. But I did, and I am so lucky. Our adventures together are going to be exciting!!