Tuesday, March 31, 2009

03.31.09 (Week 34, Day 4): Need a Master Check List

Dear Friends and Family,

Tomorrow is April 1 and my anxiety level is rising. Simply put, there's still so much to be done and so little time to do it.

Our Master Check List
  • put short term disability case number and phone number in book
  • put work FMLA case number and phone number in book
  • figure out Mr. mouse's time off plans
  • 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
  • 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
  • Target run
  • figure out changing table area
  • complete the "what I want to do over 12 weeks plan"
  • camcorder/computer plans
  • cord blood banking?
  • get grandparents-to-be to do their research on name options
Okay. Now that it's all in one spot, I can begin to manage it.


Cheers!
mouse

Monday, March 30, 2009

03.30.09: Honeydews and Naps

Dear Friends and Family,

Why, oh why, do the weekends fly?

Friday, Mr. mouse and I both got home at a decent hour. And, we decided to hit the errands hard. We drove out to get refunds on some unused plane tickets, pick up the mail, and get some much discounted underwear at Macy's. Three down, many to go.

Saturday, Mr. mouse woke early to get the car emissions test done only to realize that it wasn't due yet. One more errand to cross off the list. And, instead, after breakfast, we spent the bulk of the morning/early afternoon hanging some cabinets in the basement which we've affectionately renamed "the cave." Another one (to do) bites the dust. Then, I napped while Mr. mouse got to do what he does best - organize and "make things disappear." Last on our to do list for Saturday was an evening wedding shower for one of Mr. mouse's friends. There we met, parents of an 8 month old and parents of a 3 month old. And, there was us in our third trimester, another couple in their second trimester, and a third couple in their first trimester. It kinda blew me away, way too much baby going on at the party.

Sunday, we woke to s-n-o-w, big, thick, heavy-flake, sticky, gooey, snow. We bundled up anyway and headed to our favorite bar for brunch and the season opener to the F1 season. Another to do done. Afterward, we went frame shopping without much success before coming home. I napped again hoping the pinched nerve would go away while Mr. mouse got laundry started and shuffled more pieces around in the cave. Last on our to do list for the evening was dinner with B and Chef M. And, then, Mr. mouse and I climbed into bed in our cozy cave for a blissfully relaxing night's sleep.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday, March 27, 2009

03.27.09 (Week 33, Day 7): Running Ragged

Dear Friends and Family,

Status: 33 down, 4 - 9 weeks to go. Entering week 34.

I won't lie. It was a rough week this week. Between the pinched nerve in the groin for two nights, a late night in the office another night and a breakdown in communication at work yesterday, I'm feeling ragged.

What's new on the baby front? Well, Pioneer continues to grow and move. And, I just realized this morning that we're getting close. Four more weeks until full term. Fortunately, after last week's visit, we're back to every other week for doctor's appointments, so I don't have to worry about that today.

Baby
Your baby measures about 19.8 inches from head to toe and weighs about 5 pounds. Baby is probably settling into the head-down position, although it might not be final. Organs are now almost fully mature, except for lungs, and the skin is pink instead of red. Fingernails reach the ends of fingers, but toenails are not yet fully grown. Baby might have lots of hair. Movements are less frequent because of the tight fit.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus hardens and contracts as practice for labor, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, but you may not feel them yet. Your pelvis has expanded and may ache, especially at the back. Uterus is pushed hard against your lower ribs and your rib cage may be sore, and your navel is probably pushing out as a result of your abdomen being stretched.

Tip for the Week
Start thinking about whether you want to breast-feed, which helps increase your child's immunities. You may want to consult a lactation expert or the La Leche League, an organization that encourages and promotes breast-feeding, or simply talk with friends or relatives who can share their experiences.


What's Happening Inside You?
By the end of these four weeks, your baby will weigh as much as 5 pounds. Your baby continues to mature and develop reserves of body fat. You may notice that your baby is kicking more. Baby's brain is developing rapidly at this time, and he or she can hear. Most internal systems are well developed, but the lungs may still be immature.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: I've had Braxton Hicks contractions, but haven't spent a lot of time worrying about them. So far, no pelvic or back pain. And, no rib cage soreness. Outside of the pinched nerve and the practice contractions, it's been good so far. Knock on wood.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

No Post Today

Dear Friends and Family,

Sorry, late night at work last night. Too tired this morning. See you tomorrow!


Cheers!
mouse

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

03.25.09 (Week 33, Day 5): Living in a Police World

Dear Friends and Family,

It started again yesterday afternoon around 5:30. This time it was at work - the pinched nerve in the groin feeling...

As I was waiting for the bus, I called Mr. mouse and mentioned that I felt like the pain was

Every step you take,
Every move you make,


Mr. mouse pointed out that I had just gotten past

Another working day has ended
Only the rush hour hell to face
Packed like lemmings into shiny metal boxes
Contestants in a suicidal race


with my car commute for two weeks. And, that I was headed towards

King of Pain

And, I couldn't help laughing at my own misery.


Cheers!
mouse

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

03.24.09 (Week 33, Day 4): Ow!

Dear Friends and Family,

I first noticed it a couple of days ago. Thursday? Friday? Maybe, the weekend? Must have been Wednesday or Thursday last week, because I recall bringing it up at my doctor's appointment on Friday. Well, last night, it was bad.

The first couple of times, it was my right leg (actually that was several weeks ago), but recently, it's consistently been my left leg. There's a sharp, momentary pain in the groin area that almost feels like a pinched nerve.

We looked in our books. We looked on-line. Couldn't find much on the topic. The doctor didn't seem concerned about it, so it's more of a discomfort thing than it is anything else. Last night, I tried sleeping on my right side instead of my left. We'll see if that makes it any better.


Cheers!
mouse

Monday, March 23, 2009

03.23.09: Working on the New Guest Room

Dear Friends and Family,

We had another doctor's appointment on Friday afternoon. Good news - no changes in the cervix - stabilization is a good thing. Two more weeks until week 34. And, after week 34, if Pioneer decides to come early, the doctor's let the baby come early. Probability is on your side after week 34.

Friday night, I slept like a bump on a log. But, Mr. mouse had a little more trouble with it. Apparently, I've picked up a new pregnancy symptom - one that bothers me not an iota, but may make the upcoming weeks less fun for Mr. mouse - snoring. Beautiful.

Saturday, we woke early and headed out to the burbs to meet a couple of friends for lunch. Then, we picked up mail and a coming home outfit for Pioneer before heading out to IKEA for more storage solutions. We picked up more shelving for the basement.

Sunday, we woke early again. I started shuffling stuff around in the basement while Mr. mouse went to pick up paint chips. Then, he continued the basement shuffle while I researched flooring. We headed out and picked up both flooring and paint.

Then we prepped and painted and cleaned. And, we tore up some of the carpet and installed our new flooring. And, we built the shelves. And, then it was bedtime. Next weekend we'll hang some more shelving and pictures and move a bunch of stuff into the shelving. Fun and games.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday, March 20, 2009

03.20.09 (Week 32, Day 7): Another Milestone

Dear Friends and Family,

Where are we at now? 32 down, 5 - 10 weeks to go. Entering week 33.

Pioneer hit a new milestone today. Not that there's a day by day difference. Actually, there is, but that's not the point here. The point is there is a huge week by week difference. And, the difference between now and two weeks ago when they first noticed I was dilated is huge. Pioneer's been making strides in brain development and lung development. And, the past two weeks have been critical in that sense. So, now, with marginally less anxiety, I'm approaching the next two weeks. Then, I'll count down three more weeks and then the last three.

Pioneer's been growing. Still kicking and jabbing with a lot less rolling. I've been having more burping lately. Part of that may be the fact that I've had two work dinners this week which always fill my stomach. And, it's getting tougher to get up without pushing off with my arms.

Baby
Your baby measures about 19.4 inches from head to toe and weighs about 4.4 pounds. The next few weeks will mark lots of growth in the baby. The fetus will gain more than half its birth weight in the next seven weeks. Baby begins to move less now as it runs out of room and curls up with knees bent, chin resting on chest and arms and legs crossed.

Mom-to-Be
The uterus is about 5.2 inches above your navel, and you've gained between 22 and 28 pounds. Of the pound a week you're gaining now, roughly half is going to your baby.

Tip for the Week
It's medically safe to continue having sex with your partner, but you may be too uncomfortable. Talk with your spouse about other ways to remain intimate, including backrubs and foot massages.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Birds chirping outside! I'm so happy!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

03.19.09: (Week 32, Day 6): Timeless Daze

Dear Friends and Family,

Sorry no post yesterday. I was on a work trip and not motivated enough to figure out the wireless yesterday morning.

Days and nights have melded together. I sleep when I can. I eat when I have room to. I read and surf when I'm home. I plow through work when I'm not.

Is it Friday yet?


Cheers!
mouse

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

03.17.09 (Week 32, Day 4): Lost Time

Dear Friends and Family,

Time is really beginning to blur for me because 1) Pioneer is playing with my eating schedule and 2) Pioneer is playing with my sleeping schedule.

Saturday... Saturday... Saturday... We went to the doctor's office and got some reassuring news. Still 0.5cm dilated, so no worse than last week. However, we are on weekly visits going forward. Then, we headed up to a small bakery where we got our wedding cakes from, for croissants, doughnuts, Irish soda bread and a lemon mousse cake.

We got home and Mr. mouse worked on Pioneer's room (mailed the curtains to my mom for shortening, dusted, cleaned the floors, brought up stuff from the basement and a changing table from our dining area) while I plugged away at the taxes.

Sunday, we went shopping to pick up a couple of spring tops for me, socks for Mr. mouse and clothes and toys for Pioneer. Then, I crashed on the couch while Mr. mouse spent more time organizing the house.

I woke up around 8 and was up to 3:30 in the morning - which meant that I was a disaster yesterday. And, that I skipped dinner and crashed last night. Happiness and joy. What day is it today?

That's right. Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!


Cheers!
mouse

Friday, March 13, 2009

03.13.09 (Week 31, Day 7): Losing Count

Dear Friends and Family,

It's tough to keep track of the weeks now. Let's see, 31 down, 6 - 11 to go. Entering week 32.

What's new this week? For the record, I hate driving to work. Yesterday, between traffic and traffic, Mr. mouse and I made the executive decision to skip the commute and have me take mass transit home. It was so much more relaxing and I felt so much better at the end of the day.

Pioneer's movements are changing again. The movements seem more deliberate and more controlled vs. the jerks and jabs from earlier. Pioneer is also getting bigger, so I find myself feeling stretched and pulled when they shift.

And, I noticed a new pregnancy symptom. There's a very fine line on my bump. It doesn't look like it's composed of hair. At first I thought it was dirt. Guess it's linea negra. I hope it's not permanent.

Tomorrow, we go in for our follow-up to our not so routine visit last week. If I'm still 0.5 cm dilated, I think both Mr. mouse and I will feel a lot better. If it's more, I think it'll have us both thinking twice about what all this portends.

Baby
Your baby measures about 18.9 inches long from head to toe and weighs almost 4 pounds. It fills almost all the space in your uterus now, either lying with the head up or sometimes still with enough room to do somersaults. A layer of fat is forming underneath the thin, wrinkly skin. Baby's practicing opening his eyes and breathing.

Mom-to-Be
Although you've only been seeing the doctor monthly, now you'll probably start seeing your practitioner every two weeks until the last month, when you'll probably switch to weekly visits. You may continue to get backaches and leg cramps. You may also notice colostrum leaking from your breasts, a yellowish fluid that precedes milk production.

Tip for the Week
You might be carrying differently from others at the same stage of pregnancy. Whether you're carrying higher or lower, bigger or smaller, wider or more compact depends on the size and position of baby, your body type and how much weight you've gained. For more comfort, drink plenty of fluids, elevate your legs when sitting, lie on your left side and wear support stockings.


Cheers!
mouse

Thursday, March 12, 2009

One More Day until Friday

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Thursday and for that I am thankful. That means tomorrow is Friday. And, that means the day after is Saturday. Driving to work every day is taking it's toll on my psyche.

I also have a glimmer of hope for the weekend. Mr. mouse is open to doing something to keep me from getting cabin fever. Depending upon how the doctor's visit goes on Saturday, we may drive somewhere for the weekend. It won't be far. But, just the possibility of change has me excited.

I get a little stir crazy when I feel constrained - psychological claustrophobia would be the best way to describe it. I'm glad he knows me so well.


Cheers!
mouse

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

03.11.09 (Week 31, Day 5): Kept Up

Dear Friends and Family,

We got together last night with a bunch of my old colleagues from my former department for pizza and beer (and Diet Coke). We got home and Mr. mouse crashed. But, Pioneer was up and busy - you could feel what felt like arms or legs poking out, but you could also feel what felt like whole limbs moving and shifting. I can't say I've felt them that to that extent before. They must be growing bigger and stronger which I guess is a good thing.

I only wish it was easier to sleep through... or that Mr. mouse was up to share it with me.


Cheers!
mouse

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Twilight and New Moon

Dear Friends and Family,

In my attempt to stay on top of pop culture youth fiction (Note: the same excuse I used to start the Harry Potter series), I've started the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Twilight went in the blink of an eye, but New Moon is going to drag. I can feel it already.

I have to say, the female and male roles are so lopsided in their character development, it's almost sad. There's Edward Cullen - who wouldn't want to date Edward Cullen? And, more importantly, (for the guys I know who read the series) who wouldn't want to be Edward Cullen? Then, there's Bella Swan. And, while there are probably lots of girls/women who can identify with Bella, I'm not sure anyone necessarily wants to be her.

Me? I'm okay with Mr. mouse not being Edward Cullen. Because, for me, while eternity would be nice, I love that our relationship is so simple without all of the complications Edward and Bella face.

Life is complicated enough without love being complicated.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Apparently there was a technology smack down at work yesterday between myself and another Director with the Analysts keeping score. Nice to know that we can provide such merry entertainment.

Monday, March 09, 2009

03.09.09: Grounded

Dear Friends and Family,

Originally, the plan was to spend the weekend scurrying to finish Pioneer's room so that we could travel the next three weekends. Well, we all know how that turned out. With the pressure off, we took is easy while still making progress.

Saturday morning we woke early and went to check mail. It was raining. And, along the way, I began to feel some abdominal tightening - not contractions, but definitely not Pioneer. We started noting the times. We picked up some groceries at the Mexican supermarket and some bread at the bakery. And, by the time we got home Mr. mouse was anxious enough to call the doctor's office. And, they told us head to the hospital. Needless to say, anxiety levels were running high on both sides.

We got to the hospital and went to register. And, there were other expectant parents there. And, my only thought was, My God, Pioneer is too small to be born; these women were huge compared to me.

We went upstairs and they hooked me up to a fetal monitor to track Pioneer's heartbeat and to see if I was having contractions. Fortunately, Pioneer was doing fine and my "contractions" were short enough to slip under the radar. (Note: contractions last 45-60 seconds, mine were only lasting 10-15 seconds. Which leads me to wonder... if it's possible to mistake "fake" labor for true labor, is it also possible to mistake true labor for "fake?")

They did an ultrasound and Pioneer was head down for the day. A vaginal exam confirmed that I was still 0.5 cm dilated. And, three hours later they released us from the hospital. We headed down to Chinatown to eat and then home for the evening.

After a couple hours of rest and reading, we went shopping for black out curtains for Pioneer's room. My sister said black oak tag would work in a pinch, but Mr. mouse wanted something a little nicer than black oak tag. We found some chocolate brown, suede, black out curtains at Bed Bath and Beyond. Eight 20% off coupons and two stores later, we came home and turned in for the night. Just for fun, we slept in the basement. We've decided it's the quietest and coziest room in the house - probably because it's half buried and has carpeting.

Sunday, we woke to the lovely pitter patter of rain, in the house, and set up our buckets. It was raining cats and dogs. We spent the day working on Pioneer's room - hanging the curtains, fixing the light, hanging some art work, assembling the crib and emptying one of our dressers and moving it over. Mr. mouse did all of the heavy lifting since he didn't want me straining any more than necessary.

The room looks good. It's the nicest room in the house, by far. Still have odds and ends we need to take care of. But, it's beginning to look like a nursery.

And, now, I get to look forward to driving every day which will put a crimp on my reading schedule. Sigh. Two weeks to get to 32 weeks.

I'm taking it in chunks.
  • 2 weeks - for lung development
  • 2 weeks - to the point where people panic less
  • 3 weeks - to get to full term
  • and 3 weeks - to get to the full 40
It's like Weight Watchers. Smaller milestones seem so much more manageable than big milestones.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday, March 06, 2009

03.06.09 (Week 30, Day 7): Not Quite Routine

Dear Friends and Family,

We went in today for what we thought was a routine doctor's appointment.

Well, it turns out
  • my cervix is shorter than it was three weeks ago
  • my cervix is softer than it was three weeks ago
  • my cervix has begun to efface
  • and, my cervix has begun to dilate (0.5 cm)
Which means
  1. no more travel
  2. no more public transportation
  3. lots of time sitting and resting
And, a lot more time spent worrying. Sigh.

I hope Pioneer makes it through all this okay.


Cheers!
mouse

03.06.09 (Week 30, Day 7): Thinking in Ranges

Dear Friends and Family,

End of week 30 and if I were in countdown mode, 10 weeks left to go. But, I decided to switch from countdown to thinking about it as a range. That way I don't fixate on a day. After all, Pioneer could come early or late depending upon their mood and development and luck, I suppose.

So... drum roll please... 7 to 12 weeks to go if all goes to plan.

There's not as much to write about nowadays. Pioneer's getting bigger and continues to roll and jab. There are quiet periods where I believe they are sleeping. I'm a little slower and shorter of breath. And, my stomach's a little smaller. But, that's about it. A little bit of fatigue would round out my current list of symptoms. I'm sure it'll all progress, but so far so good.

Baby
Your baby measures about 18 inches long from head to toe and weighs about 3.5 pounds. Rather than hearing vibrations, baby's nerve endings in his ears are connected now so that he can hear distinct sounds, like familiar voices and music.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus now fills a large part of your abdomen, and you've probably gained between 21 and 27 pounds. You're probably feeling increasing excitement and anxiousness about the birth -- it won't be long now.

Tip for the Week
Practice your breathing and relaxation exercises.


Cheers!
mouse

Thursday, March 05, 2009

03.05.09 (Week 30, Day 6): Random Notes on Pioneer

Dear Friends and Family,

Mr. mouse noticed last night that my belly button is changing. It's getting flatter and more open.

And, me, I've got an image of Pioneer stuck in my head. I picture them sitting on the kitchen floor with the pantry door open and a bunch of stuff pulled out in front of them with a hand or a can or something going towards the mouth and them looking up with the most guileless face - like, "oh, hi..."

I know we've gotten to the point where there's a decent chance that Pioneer would make it if born today. But, I still worry. I had a close friend at work lose a baby right at childbirth. And, because of that, I don't think I'll feel "out of the woods" until we're home. Frankly, I've got a sneaking suspicion I won't feel "out of the woods" until Pioneer is 40 years old. But, I guess that's part of being a parent.


Cheers!
mouse

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Sorry, No Post, Dwaddled this Morning

Dear Friends and Family,

I spent too much time on my KENKEN puzzle this morning waiting for inspiration on what to write. Now, I must hustle to catch my bus.

http://mousejournal.blogspot.com/2009/02/kenken-new-sudoku.html



Cheers!
mouse

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Markets in Free Fall

Dear Friends and Family,

I wonder when it'll bottom out. It feels like there's no end in sight. Perhaps it's time to revisit the budget and see if we can be even more frugal.


Cheers!
mouse

Monday, March 02, 2009

03.02.09: Weekend Jaunt

Dear Friends and Family,

We're getting down to the wire in terms of independent travel. So, we decided to take the opportunity to take a trip this weekend. Where'd we go? Stuttgart, Germany to tour the new Porsche Museum and to shop for cute German toys.

We left Friday evening on the Munich flight and were fortunate enough to get First Class outbound. I watched The Duchess which was disappointing beyond words (the book was much better, and it was at best mediocre). And, we enjoyed one last ice cream sundae at 30,000 feet.

We arrived Saturday morning and spent a little time at the airport getting cash and confirming our hotel reservations (and eating a pretzel) before heading over to the rental car counter. We decided to drive to Stuttgart instead of waiting for the flight. The traffic was pretty congested, but we made it to the museum by early afternoon.

It was a lot of fun to see all of the old Porsches and to see the giddy grin on Mr. mouse's face. There's just something about it. I've always wanted one, so has Mr. mouse. If one day we pay off the house and the economy picks up and we're done with daycare and if and if and if, I could see us putting together the budget to get one, one day.

We checked into the hotel and then headed into downtown Stuttgart for the evening. We got a little turned around and had to circle a couple of times for parking. But, in short order we were walking the streets. We stopped for a quick snack (chicken pie and German Spam sandwich) before looking for the toy store Mr. mouse had read about. Unfortunately, we just missed it - it closes early on Saturday. So, instead, we headed over to the department store and happily spent a couple of hours looking at oh-so-cute toys.

We're a big fan of the fact that the toys are manufactured in Germany (vs. melamine ridden China) and that the toys are non-licensed, non-battery-operated toys that require good old fashioned imagination to play with.

Next on the list? Dinner. We got the car (an A4 TDI wagon) and drove around looking for the prototypical "restaurant district" in Stuttgart. We found a good candidate, parked the car and found a very functional, serviceable restaurant serving both dinner and beer. I got the schnitzel and fries and Mr. mouse got a beef steak in mushroom sauce with spaetzle. A couple of beers and Pepsis later, we emerged very content and ready for bed.

We logged on briefly at the hotel (me to check email and Mr. mouse to upload photos) before turning in for the night. The next morning, I did a little work, we packed our bags, drove back to Munich through some pea soup fog (Mr. mouse did have the chance to hit 200 kph on one section of the Autobahn before the fog settled in) and headed for the airport. We really liked the rental car - perhaps the Jetta diesel wagon is worth waiting for.

Pioneer was a little quiet Sunday morning and it got both Mr. mouse and me a little worried. But, after some apple juice on the plane and some tracking movement, we thought they were doing better. They seem back to normal now.

On the way back, we got the new business class configuration. And, the person sitting next to Mr. mouse was kind enough to offer to switch seats with me so that we could sit together on the way back. We ate, we napped, we read. And, before you knew it we were home again.

I have to say, I do love, for lack of a better word, German sensibility. There's a practical nature to their psyche and to their design. And, things just seem to be a little better quality and a little more practical and a little less showy.

All in all, it was a satisfying trip to take. One day, we'll have to take Pioneer back to pick up more toys for them.


Cheers!
mouse