Thursday, April 30, 2009

04.30.09 (Week 38, Day 6): Back Pains

Dear Friends and Family,

I woke last night ~2 AM with back pain which is a first for me. Mr. mouse wanted to time it, but it wasn't intermittent, it was constant. He got me a glass of cold water and then rubbed my back. Pioneer re-adjusted into a more comfortable position, and by 3 AM, we were all back to sleep.

Guess it wasn't labor.

We're off to the doctor this afternoon for our next appointment.


Cheers!
mouse

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

04.29.09 (Week 38, Day 5): Living in a Depeche Mode World

Dear Friends and Family,

It was good to get into the office yesterday for a day. But, today, I'm working from home. Don't feel the need to push my luck.

I've got a Depeche Mode song stuck in my head, probably because I need to pick up a good book or a good hobby. Perhaps it's time to dust off the knitting needles. Or, really, I should tackle the excel sheet I've been procrastinating on. Sigh.

Wanted: motivation

Sitting target
Sitting waiting
Anticipating
Nothing
Nothing



Cheers!
mouse

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Day at the Office

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm going to attempt a day at the office. I need the change of pace.

I'll be in a single meeting all day so I won't be walking a ton. And, I'll be driving so I won't be doing mass transit. Bags and car seat will be in the car, just in case.


Cheers!
mouse

Monday, April 27, 2009

04.27.09: More Home Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Nothing like watching paint dry. It was another quiet weekend at home watching and waiting and anticipating.

Saturday, we slept in, figuring we should enjoy the late mornings while we still can. We left the house around noon and picked up the extra car seat base, tried out a new Vietnamese sandwich shop, did a library pick up/drop off, got gas, got the car washed, got mail, did a Buy Buy Baby run, picked up bread and then headed to B and Chef M's place for dinner.

As always, the food was excellent and the conversation even more so. B shared some big plans she and Chef M have for the upcoming summer and I'm excited for them if it all works out the way the have planned.

Sunday, we headed to the bar for breakfast brunch and the F1 race. Pioneer wasn't too happy, but we made it through the race. I think it was a little too warm in there for the two of us. We came home and I napped the afternoon away while Mr. mouse cleaned up and organized the house. We unpacked the new computer and it's busy converting and moving and authorizing and all the other crazy things it needs to do to get going.

(Note: We bought a new computer last weekend for Mr. mouse. It replaces his older desktop with more processing power and more memory. We figure we'll need it with the new camera Mr. mouse bought to capture Pioneer's many Kodak moments.)

And, that was the weekend.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday, April 24, 2009

04.24.07 (Week 37, Day 7): TERM!

Dear Friends and Family,

Where are we at now? 37 down, anytime in the next 5 weeks.

Pass the sparkling apple cider! Pioneer and the rest of us have made it to term. After all of the fun and games of the past month and half, it feels good just to be able to say that.

Now, "all" that's left are the fun and games of labor and delivery. I still worry that something can still go wrong. I guess there's no getting rid of that feeling. There's always some risk. I had a friend lose a baby at term, so, for me, it feels like a real risk, not just a hypothetical risk.

This is hard to believe, but I may miss being pregnant. For all the extra ultrasounds and hospital visits and everything, Pioneer wasn't too hard on me. And, it's been fun feeling them move and grow and sharing the bond we've been sharing. I'll miss that once they're born.

Symptoms? Let's see. There's the false labor pains which I'm convinced are still doing the job of getting the cervix ready for what's to come. There's the shortness of breath which comes in fits and bursts every now and then. There's "the burpies" which seem to be acid reflux related and are a sign that I should have eaten dinner 30 minutes ago. And, fortunately for all of us, the stretch mark crisis seems to have passed. Belly's stayed nice and smooth after that scare that morning. Guess the band and the lotion helped prevent that one. Knock on wood.

I hope to cover our birth plan with the doctor this morning. I've kept it very simple: prefer a vaginal delivery unless a c-section becomes medically necessary; prefer an epidural for pain management, but only for the later stages of labor; prefer NO episiotomy, if at all possible; want Mr. mouse to be able to cut the cord, if possible; want Mr. mouse to be able to hold Pioneer for a moment before all of the tests begin, if possible; and want Pioneer circumcised if he's a boy. I think that covers it. Hopefully our doctor thinks it's reasonable. Mr. mouse doesn't think it'll be an issue.

I also hope to get the clearance today for some more flexibility - like to take some long walks and stuff, now that Pioneer's at term. We'll see what the doctor says.

Baby
Your baby is about 21 inches from head to toe and weighs about 6.8 pounds. Most of the baby's downy hair, lanugo, and whitish coating, vernix, is disappearing. Your baby is getting its antibodies from you to protect against illness. Baby's growth is slowing, but fat cells under skin get plumper for life outside the womb. Almost ready for birth, your baby would do well if born now.

Mom-to-Be
You're probably not getting any bigger, but you may be feeling more uncomfortable. Make sure you have a bag packed. It won't be long now -- 95% of all babies are born within two weeks of their mother's due date.

Tip for the Week
Consider whether you'll circumcise your baby if it's a boy. Circumcision isn't as much a medical issue as a cultural or religious one.


Cheers!
mouse

Thursday, April 23, 2009

04.23.09 (Week 37, Day 6): Slowly Making it Through the Week

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Thursday which makes tomorrow Friday. Don't ask me why I'm so focused on the date, but I am. Tomorrow, if we make it to tomorrow, Pioneer officially becomes a full term baby. It's been a harrowing week this week with two nights of false labor pains. But, slowly, but surely, we're ticking away at the week.

The word slowly is also à propos since I've physically slowed down quite a bit this week. I was walking from my car last night when I realized my waddle was considerably slower than my waddle last week Monday at work. I guess I didn't notice since I've been confined to the house all week this week.


Cheers!
mouse

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

04.22.09 (Week 37, Day 5): False Labor

Dear Friends and Family,

I woke at 2AM with pains in the abdomen. Mr. mouse got me a glass of water and we duly timed and took notes for two hours before going back to sleep.

The contractions were coming every 5-10 minutes and lasting 30-60 seconds. But, the intensity was of a dull menstrual cramp which on a scale of 1-10, I'd rate a 1.5. In other words, they were not "true" labor pains.

We'll see what today brings. Hopefully Pioneer and the uterus both calm down and we make it to Friday for our next doctor's appointment and our official "full term" milestone.


Cheers!
mouse

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

04.21.09 (Week 37, Day 4): Changes

Dear Friends and Family,

This may be TMI, but I think I may have lost my mucus plug this evening. It looked liked runny vanilla pudding. Enough said.

Onto more interesting news - the contractions have changed in nature from just tightening to now feeling like menstrual cramps. Still no duration to them so just jotting down the times for now.


Cheers!
mouse

Time for Weight Watchers

Dear Friends and Family,

No worries. I'm not going to jeopardize Pioneer's growth and development by doing anything crazy. But, I stepped on the scale this morning and decided I needed to take some control of the situation.

Working from home isn't the best from a food control perspective. First, there's the ability to graze non-stop if I want. And, second, there's almost no physical activity during the day since I'm pretty much confined to the house.

So, I've decided to journal my food. That way, I'll think twice before deciding what to snack on. I can do strawberries or crackers. This will encourage me to strawberries.

See, nothing crazy, just getting a grip on reality. After all, every pound I put on now is a pound I'll have to work to take off later. And the 30 I've put on is in the range of normal (25 - 35 pounds). No point making life harder than it needs to be.


Cheers!
mouse

Our Master Check List
  • pick Pioneer's middle name, if any
  • figure out my summer schedule
  • mail out curtains, again
  • hang curtains, again
  • figure out changing table area
For after Pioneer is born
  • thank you cards
  • birth announcements
  • figure out nanny plans
  • will/estate plan
  • check life insurance
  • add Pioneer to insurance plans and beneficiary info
  • plan June weekend
  • get my parents to do their research on name options
dang curtains, what an absolute pain in the neck...

Monday, April 20, 2009

04.20.09: More Home Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Nothing like time at home waiting for a baby.

Saturday morning we woke bright and early to wait for the water meter installation "guy" who showed up at 7:55 last time necessitating a reschedule to this past weekend. This time, 11AM, still no "guy" so we called and against Mr. mouse's explicit directions, they had rescheduled us to June 20th without telling us. Mr. mouse was livid to say the least. Hell hath no fury like a mouse scorned.

We went out to pick up some picture frames and our mail. I napped for an hour and then we got ready for our friends' wedding. Pioneer made it through the night without incident and we crashed in the cave when we came home.

Sunday, Mr. mouse did some work while I napped. We tried hanging the curtains, but alas they'll require a re-do since some are long and some are short. What a bother they're turning out to be. And, today I hope to finish hanging the wall art - I trimmed the prints yesterday and put them in the frames. Today I need to add hardware and then onto the wall they go.

It's like watching a pot of water boil.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Stretch marks gone so I'll continue wearing the band.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

04.18.09 (Week 37, Day 1): Mildly Annoyed

Dear Friends and Family,

We went in for our doctor's appointment yesterday and got lots of good news. Pioneer grew at an amazing pace over the last two weeks and is measuring 65th percentile at 6 lbs 4 oz. I somehow doubt Pioneer was able to put on 2 lbs in two weeks, but still, growth is good. Pioneer still has plenty of amniotic fluid. And, I've only progressed to 3+ cm which makes me feel like the week at home was good for all of us.

So why am I mildly annoyed? I noticed this morning... a... stretch mark... going right down the mid-line of my abdomen. And, an army of red lines, kind of like the lines that mark of the sections of an orange, going down my abdomen. Not having a ton of experience on this front, I've applied a ton of thick lotion and put on my "ring" that I use to hold up some of my pants. Perhaps with the robes and yoga pants I've been wearing all week my abdomen hasn't been getting the support it needs. We'll see how it all goes.

Stretch marks, boo.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday, April 17, 2009

04.17.09 (Week 36, Day 7): Feeling Better

Dear Friends and Family,

Where are we at now? 36 down, 1 - 5 weeks to go. Entering week 37.

This week has been a lot easier on us emotionally. Working from home has helped a ton. And, another week down is another week closer to term.

No new symptoms to report. Overall, I can't complain. So far, the pregnancy hasn't been too rough for either Mr. mouse or me, and because Pioneer is so small I'm still physically comfortable. It is getting a little tougher to get out of bed in the morning, but nothing that's too much of a bother.

We go in for another doctor's appointment today - to see how Pioneer and the cervix are holding up.

Baby
Your baby is about 21 inches from head to toe and weighs almost 6.5 pounds. Baby is getting rounder every day, and skin is getting pinker and losing its wrinkly appearance. Baby's head is usually positioned down into the pelvis by now.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus may stay the same size as it was for the last week or two. Your weight gain should be about as high as it will go, about 25 to 35 pounds. About this time, your doctor might perform a pelvic exam to help judge the progress of your pregnancy.

Tip for the Week
Just in case you deliver early, consider packing two bags for the hospital. Pack one bag for you, with warm socks, a robe, lip balm and everything you'll want during labor. Pack the other bag with the newborn items you'll want after your baby is born.


Cheers!
mouse

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Spring and Spring

Dear Friends and Family,

Mr. mouse and I went out to dinner last night to Spring since we know it won't be easy to drop in as often once Pioneer is born. We had the tasting menu, and, as usual, it was wonderful. Fletcher gave me a huge hug and did a bump assessment since his wife is expecting. And, Josh came out to say hello. And, Scott swung by to talk about his garden. It was just such a relaxing way to spend the evening.

And, this morning, it's finally beginning to look and feel like spring. The trees outside are budding and the sun is shining and the thermometer reads 50°. I'm tempted to go outside, but it'll have to be the deck. I can't see myself doing a ton of walking with Pioneer right now. I'm supposed to be taking it easy. Still, spring is in the air.


Cheers!
mouse

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Working from Home

Dear Friends and Family,

Working from home again. I have to say, I miss going to the office. But, I know if I was in the office, I'd wish I was home. Sigh.

Pioneer continues to move about. And, I continue to have more Braxton-Hicks contractions. I'm curious to see what the numbers say on Friday.

One day at a time.


Cheers!
mouse

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Home Bound

Dear Friends and Family,

I'll be working from home until Pioneer is born or I start to feel better. My commute yesterday morning was a lot rougher than usual with the B-H contractions kicking in after every segment (e.g. up the stairs, down to the bus platform, into the office) and I decided enough was enough.

My boss has been super supportive. And, I figure if it buys me a couple more weeks of gestation to get Pioneer to term, it's time well spent.


Cheers!
mouse

Monday, April 13, 2009

04.13.08: Weekend with the Neighbors

Dear Friends and Family,

Dear Friends and Family,

We went in for our doctor's appointment on Friday. It seems like we're past the "anxious doctor" phase. The doctor told us that we're far enough along that the two primary reasons we should be calling are 1. bag of water breaks -OR- 2. contractions lasting 1 - 1.5 minutes, 3 - 5 minutes apart, severe enough that I can't walk or talk through them.

Cervix status? 2-3 centimeters dilated, 70% effaced, baby at -1 station.

Fundal height? No change from last week. Pioneer may be small. They may just be sitting so low that the measurement is becoming less relevant.

Other news? They took our strep B test on Friday. The results are good for 5 weeks so there's a chance we'll need to repeat it if Pioneer is late, but given how it's all progressing, the doctor thought it was a good idea to take it sooner rather than later.

The rest of the weekend? Our neighbors came to visit for a long weekend. Wednesday, we went out for dinner together. Thursday, we got a smorgasbord of tacos and other Mexican delights and ate in.

Friday morning, Mr. mouse and I packed "the bag" (as a precautionary, Murphy's Law measure) and we headed to the doctor's office for our weekly appointment. Then, we met up with the neighbors for lunch (burgers and fries) before splitting for the afternoon. Mr. mouse did the park and a sculpture garden with them while I returned to the hospital for a follow-up breast ultrasound (results came back good).

We squeezed in happy hour with our neighbors' friends before bundling up for a baseball game. The temperature hovered between 30 and 35 degrees, but the game was a lot of fun to watch. I may be slowly choosing a baseball allegiance. Sox ball seems like hardcore baseball while Cubs ball seems like social baseball. We headed to Chinatown for dinner after the game. The soup was great for warming us all up.

Saturday morning, we bought the car seat and stroller. Then, we split to the afternoon. Our neighbors headed over to Lincoln Park for the zoo and other miscellanea while Mr. mouse and I headed over for our last class. I have to say Pioneer really liked the breastfeeding class. They were up and moving the whole time. Funny.

We met back up for dinner at Due which has become a tradition for us. Then came home to watch the Masters on TiVO.

Sunday, we all piled into the car and drove up to watch a lacrosse game - Northwestern vs. Penn State. It was a beautiful day to spend in the sun. Then, we came home, made dinner and watched more golf. We dropped The Mom and The Daughter off at the airport and came home to watch the rest of the Masters. (The Dad's here one more night, he has a work meeting today by the airport.)

I started getting more serious Braxton-Hicks contractions Sunday evening - lasting longer and becoming more frequent, although none of them lasted 1 - 1.5 minutes, and they weren't 3 - 5 minutes apart. And, I could definitely walk and talk through them. One day at a time.


Cheers!
mouse

Our Master Check List
  • pick Pioneer's middle name, if any
  • Pioneer's shopping list
  • sign up for childcare
  • figure out my summer schedule
  • hang curtains
For after Pioneer is Born
  • thank you cards
  • birth announcements
  • figure out nanny plans
  • will/estate plan
  • check life insurance
  • add Pioneer to insurance plans and beneficiary info
  • plan June weekend
  • hang wall art
  • figure out changing table area
  • get my parents to do their research on name options
lots of good progress over the weekend...

Friday, April 10, 2009

04.10.09 (Week 35, Day 7): Another Week Down

Dear Friends and Family,

Where are we at now? 35 down, 2 - 6 weeks to go. Entering week 36.

It's been an antsy week for Mr. mouse and me. We've both been tallying day by day since every day seems like it could be "the day," and we both want Pioneer to make it to full term.

We go in for another doctor's appointment today. I'll probably be put on antibiotics because I'm relatively certain I've got a urinary tract infection based on the burning while urination I've noticed over the past couple of days. Lovely.

I guess we'll just continue to take it a day at a time. I mean, seriously, what are our other options?

Baby
Your baby measures about 20.7 inches from head to toe and weighs about 6 pounds. The baby may drop lower in your abdomen, usually assuming the head-down position after having frequently assumed other positions during early pregnancy. The brain has been developing rapidly, and your baby is practicing blinking.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus has grown bigger these last few weeks and is probably up under your ribs. But you're in the home stretch; after this week you'll be seeing your doctor weekly. You may be alternating between fatigue and extra bursts of energy. You may also be experiencing increased backache and heaviness, constipation, heartburn and discomfort in your buttocks and pelvis.

Tip for the Week
Start stocking your freezer with foods that can be easily popped into the oven or microwave after you bring your baby home. Chili, casseroles and many other dishes can be prepared and frozen ahead of time for use later.


Cheers!
mouse

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Vermont's Victory

Dear Small,

You'll, hopefully, be joining us soon, but hopefully not too soon.

I want to share with you my thoughts on a law that was passed this week in Vermont. The Vermont State Legislature voted to legalize same sex marriage. I know this is a controversial issue with people with strong feelings on both sides.

I support gay marriage and am happy the bill passed.

I believe everyone is entitled to equal rights and equal protection under the law. For me, that means all citizens should have equal access to government protection (e.g. Social Security benefits) and to government intervention (e.g. child support payments). It shouldn't be based on gender or gender preferences. Whether you grow up to be heterosexual or homosexual, if you find someone for you who is what your Dad is for me, I would want you to be able to celebrate that love and have it recognized by all.

Even more importantly, I would never want your happiness to be at the expense of denying someone else that same happiness.

This goes back to a previous letter. Judge people not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. First, you shouldn't be judging other people's relationships. But, if you were to, judge it on the strength and health of the relationship, not race, or age, or gender, or height, or any other irrelevant criteria or circumstance.

Hope to see you soon, but not too soon.


Love,
your mom

Our Master Check List
  • figure out my summer schedule
  • sign up for childcare
  • figure out nanny plans
  • get a pediatrician
  • thank you cards
  • birth announcements
  • pick Pioneer's middle name, if any
  • Pioneer's shopping list
  • take classes (3 down, 1 to go)
  • hang curtains
  • will/estate plan
  • check life insurance
  • add Pioneer to insurance plans and beneficiary info
  • pack bag
  • install car seat
  • pre-wash Pioneer's clothes
  • plan April/June weekend
  • hang wall art
  • figure out changing table area
  • complete the "what I want to do over 12 weeks plan"
  • camcorder/computer plans
  • get my parents to do their research on name options
1 fewer items, slowly but surely...

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Weight Gain Goals

Dear Friends and Family,

Mr. mouse is intentionally trying to fatten me up in the hopes that it will help Pioneer to grow. I'm not necessarily convinced the two are as closely correlated as he believes.

Here's my thoughts: all of the books and articles and stuff recommend that the mom gains between 25-35 pounds if she starts from a "normal" body weight, which I did. By my rough math, that equates to a pound a week during the second and third trimester and four pounds for the first trimester (26 + 4 = 30).

I'm currently at week 34.5 so I should have gained 25.5 lbs by now (34.5 - 13 + 4). And, I've gained 26.5, which seems pretty close to plan. Well, Pioneer is measuring 4.5 lbs and Mr. mouse is convinced they should be closer to 5.5 lbs and figures if I gain a couple of additional pounds, so will Pioneer.

Now, I'm willing to take one for the team, but it's tough to put on weight when there's just not a lot of room for the stomach to hold food. We'll see where this all leads.

I will concede on one point. After a weekend of classes I have come to realize either:
  1. I am impossibly clever at picking stylish clothes that hide a baby bump (not likely since clothing has always been about function, not form, for me)
  2. everyone in my class was having twins (not likely since last I checked twins are ~3% of all births)
  3. everyone is one baby #2 or greater (not likely since they would be the least likely to take these introductory courses)
  4. we're taking the classes early (not likely since when we introduced ourselves, we were squarely in the middle of the pack that ranged from late April to early June)
  5. Pioneer does not make a big bump (by process of elimination this seems like the likely null hypothesis for now)
We'll see what Mr. mouse tries to feed me over the next couple of days...


Cheers!
mouse

Our Master Check List
  • figure out my summer schedule
  • fill out birth plan
  • sign up for childcare
  • figure out nanny plans
  • get a pediatrician
  • thank you cards
  • birth announcements
  • pick Pioneer's middle name, if any
  • Pioneer's shopping list
  • take classes (3 down, 1 to go)
  • hang curtains
  • will/estate plan
  • check life insurance
  • add Pioneer to insurance plans and beneficiary info
  • pack bag
  • install car seat
  • pre-wash Pioneer's clothes
  • plan April/June weekend
  • hang wall art
  • figure out changing table area
  • complete the "what I want to do over 12 weeks plan"
  • camcorder/computer plans
  • get my parents to do their research on name options
2 more down...

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Taking it One Day at a Time

Dear Friends and Family,

I have vague recollections of coming home last night and crawling into bed. And, now, it's Tuesday morning and I'm feeling much better than I was last night. Our neighbors are coming over tomorrow through the weekend which will be good. It's tough being grounded.

Mr. mouse was up last night finishing his magic in the basement and fixing the circuit in the kitchen. I don't know how he does it. I'm just grateful that he does.


Cheers!
mouse

Our Master Check List
  • start Mr. mouse's paperwork
  • figure out my summer schedule
  • fill out birth plan
  • sign up for childcare
  • figure out nanny plans
  • get a pediatrician
  • thank you cards
  • birth announcements
  • pick Pioneer's middle name, if any
  • Pioneer's shopping list
  • take classes (3 down, 1 to go)
  • hang curtains
  • will/estate plan
  • check life insurance
  • add Pioneer to insurance plans and beneficiary info
  • pack bag
  • who to call/who to email plans
  • install car seat
  • pre-wash Pioneer's clothes
  • plan April/June weekend
  • hang wall art
  • figure out changing table area
  • complete the "what I want to do over 12 weeks plan"
  • camcorder/computer plans
  • get my parents to do their research on name options
1 more down, 25 to go.

Monday, April 06, 2009

04.06.09: Pioneer Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

I jinxed myself.

We went in Friday for our doctor's appointment which turned out to be non-routine on two fronts.
  1. Cervix dilated to around 1.5cm, 70% effaced, and the head at 0 station. In other words, Pioneer might be joining us sooner than we anticipated.
  2. No fundal height change from two weeks ago which means Pioneer hasn't grown much over the two weeks even if they've been maturing. We did an ultrasound and they measured in at 4 lbs 9 oz which is, fortunately, in the normal range.
The doctor sent us to the hospital. We spent the day in triage while they monitored Pioneer's heart rate and checked for contractions. Friday afternoon they decided to send us home, but they asked us to check-in again Saturday morning at the doctor's office. The appointment went fine. We're back to weekly visits now, surprise, surprise.

We spent the rest of Saturday at the hospital taking classes: Infant CPR and Baby Care. And, we did our Target run Saturday night, picking up diapers and wipes and petroleum jelly and baby shampoo and other miscellanea that the books said we'll need. Mr. mouse's step-mom called Saturday night. I think she's eager for Pioneer.

Sunday, another day at the hospital. This time it was an all day class on labor and delivery. I confess, some of the pictures and video were a little too graphic for me. And, I'm a little freaked by the postpartum care I'll apparently need. But, I guess it's a little late to be freaking over it. I'll take it one day at a time, like I did my ankle recovery. And, hopefully it'll be over before I know it.

We went out to dinner (tapas) Sunday night with a couple of close friends from work. And, now it's time for the week to begin. I hope the snow that came down last night doesn't stick around for too long.

Hopefully Pioneer can make it three more weeks to term before they're born. One day at a time.


Cheers!
mouse

Our Master Check List
  • start Mr. mouse's paperwork
  • figure out my summer schedule
  • fill out birth plan
  • sign up for childcare
  • figure out nanny plans
  • get a pediatrician
  • thank you cards
  • birth announcements
  • pick Pioneer's middle name, if any
  • Pioneer's shopping list
  • take classes (3 down, 1 to go)
  • hang curtains
  • will/estate plan
  • check life insurance
  • add Pioneer to insurance plans and beneficiary info
  • pack bag
  • who to call/who to email plans
  • install car seat
  • pre-wash Pioneer's clothes
  • plan April/June weekend
  • hang wall art
  • figure out changing table area
  • complete the "what I want to do over 12 weeks plan"
  • camcorder/computer plans
  • cord blood banking?
  • get my parents to do their research on name options
Progress.

Friday, April 03, 2009

04.03.09 (Week 34, Day 7): Another Milestone II

Dear Friends and Family,

Where are we at now? 34 down, 3 - 8 weeks to go. Entering week 35.

Pioneer hit a new milestone today. Until week 34, doctors will actively work to delay labor because the baby is still significantly better off inside rather than outside. But, after week 34, they'll generally let the baby deliver if labor starts because the long term outcome is more manageable after 34 weeks. Pioneer's hit that statistical milestone. My next countdown chunk? Three weeks until week 37 which constitutes full term.

Pioneer continues to grow and wriggle. Not a lot new to report.

I've still got some burping, some cramping of my left calf and some pinching of the nerve in my left thigh. Still, I remain in high spirits and am not complaining because 99.9% of the time I feel fine. I did notice this week that my walking pace has slowed. I'm definitely not as fast as I used to be.

I had an odd incident on Wednesday. It may be TMI. I noticed after lunch that I had a wet spot on my pants. Then, I noticed a wet spot on my chair. But, when I went to the restroom, there was no corresponding spot on my underwear. I don't recall spilling any water at lunch. But, I guess I must have. Odd, but I can't come up with anything better than that.

Baby
Your baby measures about 20.25 inches from head to toe and weighs more than 5.5 pounds. Lungs are almost fully developed, but if born now the baby would probably be put in an incubator. It still doesn't have enough fat deposits beneath its skin to keep warm outside your womb.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus is about six inches above your navel. By now your weight gain is probably between 24 and 29 pounds. Your doctor will test you for Group B streptococcus bacteria between now and 37 weeks. You may be getting more uncomfortable and not sleeping very well. You also may be getting more anxious about the labor and delivery, and you may even be moodier and more irritable.

Tip for the Week
Be sure you've collected the necessary baby clothes, equipment -- especially a car seat -- and furniture to get you through the first few weeks, at least.


Cheers!
mouse

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Re-Inspired, Re-Energized and Re-Committed to Be Green

Dear Friends and Family,

Last night, Mr. mouse and I got the chance to hear Al Gore speak.

And, I'm realized I needed to get over the guilt and step on my carbon footprint scale. I've been drinking bottled drinks. And, we've been keeping the house warm. And, I've been driving when I need to. And, I've had diapers looming in my future. And, A/C for Pioneer. And, I just thought, my goodness, I can't do this!

Well, I can. Okay, I don't think I'll ever be able to convince Mr. mouse to use cloth diapers. But, that doesn't mean I can't be doing my part to try to make this world a better place for Pioneer when they grow up. Al Gore reminded me last night that at the rate we're going, the summer polar ice cap will be a distant memory within the next five years, before Pioneer even goes to school.

I'm going to do my part to slow or reverse that trend.


Cheers!
mouse

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Tax Refund, Yeah!

Dear Friends and Family,

I know. I know. If I were a rational economist, I would want as large a tax bill as legally possible without incurring the wrath of Uncle Sam. Why loan the government money tax free? Right? Well, I'm not a 100% rational. I like getting a refund at the end of the year - it's much easier to plan for. And, since no one's getting a bonus this year, it's my poor substitute for one.

I toyed with what to do with my new found windfall.
  1. be selfish and splurge
  2. be responsible and invest it
  3. defer decision
Yep. That's how my mind works - discrete choices.

Ultimately, I decided to send half of it to the bank to take another bite out of the mortgage. And, I put the other half in our money market account. We can use it this month to buy a bunch of stuff for Pioneer that we're are relatively certain we'll need (e.g. car seat and stroller). If I were really "good," I guess I'd save all of it. But, I'm okay with the compromise I made.


Cheers!
mouse