Miscellaneous

Let's see..... yes, I'm still pregnant -- and all of my weight is shifting forward.

Seriously -- I used to be kind of "pregnant all over" -- not anymore -- now I look like I've got a basketball ( a full-size basketball, not one of the child or women size -- no official NBA size) tucked under my shirt.

It is also as hard as a rock (the Big Dubya joked that it gives new meaning to "abs of steel"), I can't get any pants up over it and every time the baby moves it feels like my internal organs are disintegrating..... lovely.

I now understand what women mean when they say they can't get comfortable at night -- I never had this problem with the first two, but this one..... this one doesn't like any position I assume and if I am lucky enough to get somewhat comfortable..... it doesn't last long because I'll inevitably have to get up to pee...... awesome!

My legs are good and swollen...... oh well, that happens.

My blood pressure is still elevated, but seems to have stabilized somewhat..... I go to the doctor this afternoon, we'll see what they have to say.... there was some talk of perhaps scheduling my delivery at today's appointment, but..... I'm not sure that'll happen.

I was up watching Leno the other night..... did you know that Helen Hunt's 4-year old daughter has never watched television? never watched a movie? I'm all for limiting television/movie viewing, but this seemed a little extreme. I'm still not sure if I'm impressed or if I think she's a total nutcase....... maybe both. Will this kid be really socially awkward? or what?

The 'lil Dubya seems to have recommitted to potty training -- which is good, except he uses it to avoid the things he doesn't want to do. In the middle of dinner if he doesn't want to eat anymore he announces he wants to use the potty -- 'cause he knows it'll get him away from the table.

The 'lil Duybette seems to have a new hobby..... hair puling. Yes, she likes to pull the hair of her brother, her classmates..... just about anybody. This is no gentle pulling either, she likes to grab a hold of hair and shake the other child's head..... she ends up with a fistful of hair and a crying child. UGH!

Still no baby names..... but now people are telling me that we are having a boy (something to do with the shape the basketball has taken on) -- so, my girl theory may be out the window -- I suppose we'll know soon enough.

Apparently, I'm not alone in the baby-name-struggle.

Crazy friends and Chicky friends are grappling with this too.......

I grew up with THE most common name -- let's just say, that there were 100 girls in my class (all girls school, natch) and there were 13 of us..... yes 13 girls with the same freakin' name -- 5 in my homeroom alone.

I refuse to do that to a kid.

On the other hand, I don't want his/her name to be so obscure that nobody's ever heard of it or that it can't be pronounced by the teacher on the first day of school each year.

Why is it so hard -- a name that is pronounceable, spellable -- yet, not common or ordinary. Pressure's on kids..... HELP!!!

Happy Birthday Big Guy!

Prince/Princess Consuela Bananahammock??

So, I'm back at work......

After the fire drill last week, I took a few days to "work from home" and got my blood pressure back to normal..... well, back to just merely elevated .... and, well here we are..... back at work. I'm in week 36 now, if we have to deliver -- we can, but a couple more weeks would be better -- so..... now we wait.

This baby is sitting much lower than my other two and is very active.... so I constantly feel like my water is going to break..... although, that's never happened to me before so I'm not really sure why I think that or what it would feel like if it were to happen..... does it hurt?

I had a mini-freak out on Thursday morning -- I was supposed to go to the doctor at 9:00 but, the doctor had a delivery so I got bumped to 1:30. I decided to take the opportunity to go to Target and pick up a few little things...... while I was there I was overcome by the thought that I haven't done anything for this baby yet. With the first you do EVERYTHING ahead of time.... and then re-do it just to be sure..... with the second, you do a few things... but you know that it's okay if every article of clothing isn't boiled prior to delivery. With the third? You are so busy with the first two that you do nothing. So, I went to the baby section to see if I needed to pick up anything and I saw newborn diapers were on sale..... so I grabbed some of those.... and then I saw that the preemie size were on clearance..... and that's when I started to cry. Right there in the middle of Target. Was I going to need these? again?

No, I was not -- I put them back and pulled myself together -- why rush to the worst conclusion.

Turns out, I was right -- the doctor thinks this baby is a good size...... already over 6 lbs...... if we are already over 6lbs and have 4 weeks to go with the baby gaining between ½ and 1 pound a week...... good God how big can this child get???? and wooohooo how skinny will I be after he/she's born??? okay, let's not get crazy

And, we still have no name for the child-to-be

Every time we get to a place where we say we agree on a name(s), I see the look of relief come across the Big Dubya's face and I feel good about our decision.... but only a day or so goes by before I realize that I'm just still not happy and I ask to go back to the drawing board.

Shut Up

Yep -- yesterday, the 'lil man said his first bad word.........

I was struck by the fact that he used it, and maybe more so by the fact that he used it appropriately. It was hard not to laugh, but I really did resist and we sat down and talked about how that's not a nice way to ask someone (his sister in this case) to be quiet....

I have a feeling this is just the beginning

Pregnancy gives me a headache

Literally.

Hi friends.... just thought I'd give you a quick (or long winded.....) update on where we are ..... a couple of days shy of 35 weeks pregnant, and been battling high blood pressure..... yes, you've been here with me before.... twice, actually -- but who's counting?

The first time it kind of caught us off guard, we weren't really clear on how serious my condition was or would become -- it all happened so suddenly.... and left us in a tailspin.

The second time was different -- they watched me so closely -- and as they were unwilling to risk a repeat performance -- once my readings started to rise, they delivered me at 37+ weeks.

This time..... well, the BP's been rising steadily for a month or so now -- but it seemed to have plateaued -- so, we were all content to hang on a few more weeks and then probably deliver around 38 weeks again.

On Monday, while sitting at my desk..... my vision got kind of blurry. I'd been staring at spreadsheets all morning -- so, I chalked it up to typical accountant-in-poor-office-lighting eye fatigue. I took my blood pressure (yeah, I'm one of those wicked awesome cool people that has my very own blood pressure cuff.... c'mon you know you want us to be friends) and it was high..... too high.... higher than it has been this time 'round..... (Insert four-lettered and probably vulgar word here)

I decided it was probably a fluke and that I should just go get some air, something to eat will probably help too...... a lot can be solved by getting away from the desk for a bit. Well, air is always good -- but the food? yeah, that made me all kinds of nauseous. Checked the BP a few more times -- still unacceptably high, but the vision was back to normal. The Big Dubya was working Monday night, so I knew I had the rascals on my own -- but, I also knew that I should, at a minimum, take it easy -- so I did the unthinkable...... yes, I got them McDonald's drive-thru for dinner. I normally try to avoid fast-food, but...... given the choice..... it seemed like a great idea to me. To add insult to injury -- after dinner and a quick bath..... I sat them in front of a Disney movie.... the three of us cuddled up on the couch and watched Nemo 'til they fell asleep. In some strange way it was really sweet -- I just laid there with them asleep on either side of me ..... I listened to them breath and wondered if this was the night..... would this be the night the two of them would become three? Relax, it wasn't......

By the time the Big Dubya got home, they were both out cold and my BP was back to merely elevated -- crisis averted, right?

At the beginning of this, I promised him that I'd be honest about what's going on with me -- rather than try to sugar-coat these things to keep him from worrying -- so, the Big Dubya suggested I check in with the doctor in the morning -- I half-heatedly agreed with my token "well, let's see what happens in the morning"

When I woke up yesterday morning, I had a headache that I could barely lift off the pillow. I lumbered downstairs and took some Motrin and checked the BP..... Ugh!

When I got back to our room, I woke the big guy and let him know that we might be at the start of something..... Once the Motrin kicked in, I decided that Dubya and the kids should start their day as usual and that I'd call the doctor at 8 when the office opened. The Big Dubya begrudgingly went to work..... as long as I promised to call as soon as I knew more. The receptionist was sweet and said she'd have the doctor call when he/she got in --

The doctor (there are four in the practice and of course I get the one that I don't really like much) was actually quite nice and said that because of my history I should go to the hospital and get hooked up to a monitor -- let's be sure we know what's going on. So, off I went.......

Where are we now?

Good Question

After 3 hours of monitoring, they agree -- the BP is too high. The baby's heart rate was also high, but that settled down with some rest. For obvious reasons, we'd like to delay delivering the baby at least a couple more weeks, but...... for now, I'm on bed rest 'til tomorrow when we get to go back and do it all again.

Let's hope the rest works....

How are you?

I guess that's what you get for asking an almost-three-year-old

Mrs Big Dubya: What do you think we should name the new baby?

'Lil Dubya: DRAGON (complete with his loudest roar!)

Mrs Big Dubya: Are you sure? that's kind of a funny name for a baby -- have any other choices?

'Lil Dubay: Yeah

Mrs Big Dubya: What?

'Lil Dubya: DINOSAUR (with an equally fierce roar)

Mrs Big Dubya: Yeah, okay

Things that I find comforting..... and things that I don't

Comforting:

I find it comforting that when I walk by people..... they don't ask each other "fat or pregnant"? there's no doubt..... I'm pregnant -- maybe a little fat too, but ..... there's no question -- I am pregnant.

Not-so Comforting:

People making the following remarks:
-- Wow, you really are getting big this time, huh?
-- Looks like you've got another big baby there, huh?
-- Are you sure there's only one?

So, you basically have to tell your boss... and the world... that you had sex

One of the parts of pregnancy that I never really thought about until the time came was the fact that I had to walk into my bosses office and tell him that I was indeed expecting. This is in no way a slam on any of my bosses, they were all nothing short of wonderful and supportive...... but it's still odd to discuss the results of something very private with someone that you have a somewhat formal relationship with.

When I was expecting the 'lil man, I was working for a terrific guy -- he's young, handsome -- not sure he's somebody I'd date, but I'd definitely be friends with him..... he'd be a great guy to go have beers with -- so, I had to go into his office and tell him that yes, I did indeed have sex.... it's just odd discussing something so personal.

When I was expecting the 'lil lady, I was working for another terrific guy -- he's older, divorced with no kids -- but from a large family with a bunch of sisters. He too would be a great guy to go drinking with and he was unbelievably understanding and supportive -- but, uhm yeah -- had to walk into his office and tell him that yes, we did the deed.

My current boss -- once again -- awesome guy -- but the first word that always comes to mind when I think of him is "proper". He's perfectly pressed, never uses a foul word -- he's married with two kids but you just know that they were immaculate conceptions -- he's just too reserved for it to have happened any other way. So, this one was tough.... but, yeah I had to tell him too.

I suppose pregnancy is odd that way -- it takes something that is typically rather private and puts it on the billboard that is your mid-section for 9 months. The Dads.... they can walk down the street and nobody knows..... but the mothers -- yeah, everybody they encounter knows just what they've been up to.

As we approach the birth of #3

I kind of thought pregnancy #3 would provide lots of blogging fodder…..

I first launched this site shortly after the birth of the ‘lil Dubya. I was the new mother of a preemie with vicious case of colic. The blog was as much a coping mechanism as anything else. It was a vehicle to get some of my frustrations, insecurities (and discoveries) off my chest.

Then…. before I knew it we were expecting #2. I think I posted some about my pregnancy…. but I spent a lot of the time worrying that I’d have a repeat of the complications I had with #1 and stressing about all the “usual” things that I’d missed out on the first time.

See, #1 was born a little over 5 weeks early – so, my water never broke, I never went into labor, my belly button never popped (really wanted to know if it hurts???)…. I never had hemorrhoids or varicose vein troubles….. I just got very sick one evening and had an emergency c-section. I missed out on a lot – I didn’t have that “moment” where you are presented with your new bundle of joy – instead I was as high as a kite – hopped up on morphine and God-knows what else – I had an incubator wheeled up next to my bed so I could reach out and touch my son before they took him to a hospital that had a NICU – it was almost a week before I got to hold him, and the first time I did he turned purple and had to be resuscitated.

At the time I felt very sorry for myself – I used to cry every time I thought about those first days and weeks. And now? Now, I don’t at all. I’m so grateful for the experience because although it wasn’t “perfect” or what you dream of when you think about the birth of your first child – it deepened my faith, it made me a more compassionate and understanding parent – it made me grateful for how fortunate I really am.... my baby came home with me after a few weeks and is perfect today..... many other mothers don't get the "happy ending"

When the ‘lil Dubyette (#2) was born and everything went relatively smoothly – I wanted to relish all of it. The nurses wanted to take her to the nursery so that I could get some sleep – but I kept her with me – just because I could (I probably should have let them take her for a little while, but….). I still didn’t get to experience labor, broken water, belly button popping (seriously, does it hurt??)….. but I got to take my baby home with me and that was “perfect” enough.

Now, I’m getting ready to deliver my third and (probably) final baby. I’m still plagued a little by memories of #1, but hoping that the experience is more like #2.

But with only a few weeks to go, I realize I haven’t been writing about all the funny things, well….the things I find funny……… so that’s what I’m going to start doing.

Stay tuned

Haven't posted in a while

You may have noticed..... I haven't posted in a while.

Not for lack of desire.... nor for lack of material.... not sure what it is really.... too tired? (maybe) too busy? (sure, I am pretty busy) just not feeling inspired (that could be it)

Well, let's see if I can get you all up to speed.

For those keeping track of #3's progress, we are at the 33 week mark -- except for feeling freaking enormous and constantly exhausted, things are going well.

I'm on the frequent flier plan at the doctor's office because of my pesky blood-pressure issue.... I'm convinced that my body just doesn't like the end of pregnancy -- and I've been plagued by this odd shooting pain. The pain starts on my left side and shoots across my lower abdomen and down to my knees whenever I put any weight on my left leg (how often do you really need to use your left leg anyway? I mean really?).

The doctor (yes, it was bad enough that I actually went to the doctor) said that it's very common -- basically, the baby's sitting low and resting on a nerve -- similar to the sciatic nerve, but this nerve is in the front (I can't remember the name of it). He suggested I try a maternity support belt (attractive, isn't it?) to help alleviate the pressure, stay off my feet (cause with a 1 and a 2 year old at home..... that's gonna happen) or I can try to coax the baby to change positions -- but beyond that..... there's not a whole lot I can do. Awesome! He/she is head down, so -- I suppose that's a good start.

As if being 8+ months pregnant with high blood pressure and an inability to put weight on my left leg wasn't enough, I've got a miserable head cold. It started off with just an annoying runny nose, but after several sleepless nights due to my insomniac kids and some obnoxious leg cramps -- it has developed into a full blown chest cold complete with a deep dry cough that has me terrified I'm going to pee myself every time I have a coughing fit. Having a cold sucks..... being pregnant and unable to take anything-worth-taking sucks big time. I would love to go home and go to bed, but with my maternity leave looming.... I'm not sure that's very fair to my already extremely generous boss.

We still don't have baby names selected for what I've come to expect to be another 'lil Dubyette. I'm not sure why I'm convinced this baby's a girl.... I have nothing to base it on -- just a hunch.... I'll be just as happy with either, but I have to admit -- I'll be more than a little surprised if it's a boy. I'm not sure why we have such a hard time with names..... we just can't seem to get on the same page and settle on one.....

Completely unrelated...... I saw this headline and instead of feeling sorry for her.... I thought, geez.... some girls have all the luck.

Dear Miss Stiletto

Dear Miss Stiletto --

I personally have never been accused of being fashion-forward.... so, I'm sure my little thoughts will make no sense to you, but this is my blog and I'll whine if I want to.

If you opt to wear shoes you can barely walk in to the office, may I ask that you do your teetering wobble off to the side of the corridor?

You see, some of us base our travel time on our ability to walk to meetings at a somewhat brisk pace.... and we wear appropriate shoes to accomplish this travel.

Getting stuck behind a middle-aged Barbie-doll attempting to walk in shoes that are clearly designed for hookers can really hamper my ability to get to meetings on time.

I have no problem with your new-born-Bambi learning to walk impression -- but, scoot over -- let us serious people pass you please, okay?

Dear Orlando International Airport

An open letter to Orlando International Airport from Mrs Big Dubya:

Dear MCO,

You suck!

Get your act together.

Regards,
Mrs Big Dubya

**************************************

An airport that is in such close proximity to Walt Disney World should be better equipped to handle families with small children...... MCO is not.

On Friday morning, we left our Walt Disney Resort on the 8:50am Magical Express. For those who travel to Disney, the Magical Express is a fabulous service that I highly recommend. We grumbled a bit because our flight wasn't until noon..... 8:50 seemed a bit early, but -- we stuck with the resorts recommendation -- and thank God we did.

Shortly before arriving at the airport, the 'lil Dubyette let out a small cough -- which was followed by a bout of projectile vomit that jettisoned her entire breakfast which consisted of yogurt and fruit. The Big Dubya acted fast and managed to clean up the mess -- but her outfit and my shirt were casualties that were beyond the power of mere baby wipes.

Once off the Magical Express, we found a bench and pulled whatever outfit we could out of the luggage -- she didn't match, but she was clean.... sorta.

We got in line to check our bags and waited 45 minutes...... 45 minutes is absurd especially when you've already got your boarding passes. This is a domestic flight....... UGH

We then proceeded to the security check point where we waited close to an hour..... an hour? are you kidding me? And, let's be honest -- this is Orlando -- everyone has at least one child with them. Fortunately, our kids were unbelievably cooperative -- but that's not the point. Every time we fly through MCO it's the same story -- if they are going to deal with this high passenger volume they ought to configure and staff accordingly.

If anyone knows a time of day that's better at MCO -- please let me know. We've got another trip planned in August/September and I'd like to avoid a repeat of this disaster.

The Dubya Family Vacation -- 2008

So, we are heading to Disney on Sunday

We've been to Disney before.... many times before..... but this is our first trip with my in-laws.

Now, in the spirit of fairness..... I hit the in-law lottery. I have arguably the best in-laws anyone could ever hope for. They are interested and involved, but not over bearing or intrusive. They are generous beyond reason and they made me feel welcome into their family long before they knew they might get stuck with me. They are easy-going and they simply adore our kids -- I couldn't have selected better grandparents for the 'lil dubyas.

All that being said.... we are still going on vacation with the in-laws for the very first time -- and along with that comes a certain amount of stress.

We go on trips with my family all the time -- so, I know what to expect. I participate in the planning (aunt P and I usually divide up the responsibilities) and I know that if things don't go like clock-work, well -- chances are we'll all get a good giggle out of it and the story will become part of the fabric of our trip's memories.

This trip is different.

For this trip, I did virtually ALL of the planning --

I selected the dates, booked the flights, the hotel.... and although I really enjoy all of the planning that goes into a group trip -- I tend to take on an unreasonable amount of responsibility for everyone's enjoyment. If there's even one snag, snafu or hiccup.... I'll feel like it's my fault and I ruined their trip. If I select a restaurant and the food or service is crap, if I select a hotel and the rooms aren't nice, if I book an airline and the luggage gets lost.....

I know it's absurd..... but, I'm a first-born and a daughter.... this is what daughters do....

Overheard at the Dubyas

Mr Big Dubya: You peed in the toilet!

Mrs Big Dubya: Standing up like a big boy -- you peed in the toilet -- we are so proud of you.... good job 'lil man

'Lil Dubya: I peed in the bath...

Mrs Big Dubya: Yeah buddy, we're choosing not to focus on that part

So, we are now part of minivan nation...

So, after receiving the call that no wife/mother (particularly one who is seven months pregnant and already has high blood pressure) wants to receive last Monday morning -- it became painfully clear that the Dubyas were in the market for a new car.


We knew that this would happen eventually, with our family growing to three children under the age of three.... three carseats will soon become a fact of life for us and the average sedan/compact SUV just doesn't support that much child safety hardware (why is that I wonder?) -- but I thought we had more time. I thought we could wait at least another six months (after I wrapped up maternity leave) before we'd be faced with trading in hubby's car for something a little roomier..... but that was not in the cards.


So, we went and we did what I had always considered the unthinkable..... we bought a mini-van.


Yes it's true, this isn't your father's mini-van...... it's got all the bells and whistles and the 'lil Dubya keeps referring to it as the fancy car with the magic doors - and let's not forget the moooovies, but it's still a mini-van.....

I used to be cool..... I swear I did

In desperate search of....

A few years ago, the Big Dubya and I were watching TV when soda nearly came streaming out of my nose at the site of a commercial for this stuff.

I wondered what the hell kind of people need a a special fluorescent light to conduct urine reconnaissance missions and then require a chemical solution to deal with the age old problem of removing whatever urine is uncovered. Other than the odd friend with an aging pet, I really didn't think random urine was a serious issue. That was...... until I became the mother of a toddler in the throws of potty training.

The 'lil man loves, loves, loves his new big boy underpants. He puts them on and dances around singing "under-pants, under-pants" -- he even has his almost 16-month old sister running to the bathroom door and screeching to go "pee-pee" -- once on the hopper she holds out her hand and demands "paper" and proceeds to wipe away the non-existent pee -- it was really very cute the first couple of times -- now? well... you know how novelty works.

Anyway, from time to time the 'lil man has an accident. C'mon -- it's only natural -- kids have accidents -- BUT..... sometimes I see the wet pants, but really don't know where offense occurred..... and he won't tell me -- so I end up down on all fours feeling around for a puddle. Isn't motherhood glamorous?

Urine be Gone doesn't seem so silly anymore.

Fired? For that?

Once again, I'm diving into an area that I generally avoid in this space (yes, because I'm afraid of all you guys not liking me anymore).... politics.

Not sure if you saw it, but Samantha Power was fired asked to resign over flack generated when she called Hillary Clinton a "monster"

Is it me? or is this freakin' insanity?

Look, I don't care for any of the presidential candidates -- and it was a stupid, immature thing to say, BUT to fire someone? An unpaid volunteer..... for a little name calling? Uhm -- get a grip people.

I mean seriously.... if you want to be president -- your going to need a thicker skin -- and hey Barack, how 'bout a little loyalty? This woman's been working for your campaign for FREE for 14 months and instead of asking her to issue an apology and move on -- you fire her?

This is not a slam at the dems..... McCain's been no better -- disassociating himself from anybody who's been less than kind.

Good grief -- are we really getting that politically correct? I call the 'lil Dubya a monster all the time -- I hope my job is safe.

I want a job where attendance isn't mandatory

Yeah, I think my next job is going to be US senator.

I know, I'm being snarky -- but seriously folks why do the citizens of the United States accept this? I don't typically write about politics (probably because I'm afraid you'll throw rocks at me), but if I'm going to be equally critical of democrats and republicans..... it should be okay, right?

We've got three senators running for president -- yet, none of the three of them have given up their job as senator. This normally wouldn't bother me -- I mean, I've interviewed for jobs without giving up my current job...... but my interview lasted a day -- maybe two. These three yahoos have been criss-crossing the country for months on end and as a result, are not showing up for their job as senator. There are three states not being represented by their elected official.

During 2008 alone (January 22nd through today), the 110th Congress has voted on 36 issues...... want to guess how many Senators Obama, Clinton and McCain have actually showed up for?

Senator McCain has managed to show up for 13 votes (that's 33%..... would your boss be pleased with that attendance rate?)

Senator Obama he's even worse at 11 votes (30.5% for your number junkies)

Senator Clinton? yeah, she doesn't even try.... 3 votes (8.33%)

Why don't the people of Arizona, Illinois & New York deserve to have senators who actually represent them?

I will concede that the majority of these issues are probably not critical to national security or what-have-you -- but this is their job. This is what my tax dollars are paying them a salary of $162,500 for -- shouldn't we demand that they at least show up?

Okay, I'm done

Vote for Mrs Big Dubya -- US senator to the blogsphere

Thank Gawd it was on Triple Clearance...

You may remember a month or so ago..... our stupendous New England Patriots played a little football game in Arizona and through some lapses in judgement did not exactly come out on top..... yes, after winning 18 straight, they actually lost #19.

Many of us have tried to put it out of our minds....... some of us have been less successful than others.

Well, shortly before game time -- it came to my attention that my dear husband had made a friendly wager with an internet buddy. He agreed to dress our children in Giants gear and post their photo on his blog if the Giants were to win -- the buddy agreed to do the same to his child if the Patriots were to win.

Initially I was aggravated, because the Big Dubya knows how I feel about posting photos of the children on the web..... I'm probably being unreasonable, but I just worry about perverted whack-jobs looking at photos of my children. He validly raised the point that he's got the kids in his banner already...... I ended up conceding simply because the Patriots couldn't actually lose this game, but then they did......

Being the good guy that he is, Metro agreed to a wager substitution and said that he'd accept a photo of the Big Dubya wearing the Giants gear as payment. I told hubby that it was up to him -- I could have spoke up, but I didn't..... so it's my own damn fault. Anyway, I was asked to pop out at lunch and get a Giants shirt so that the photo could be taken and posted.

Thank God it was on clearance -- I felt unfaithful just holding it in my hand. The woman at the counter said "This is a great sale, you should get two" -- I smiled and said "I don't even want to buy this one"

Keep an eye on hubby's site...... I'm guessing the photo will be up in the next day or so.