Seychelles: Wednesday - La Digue, Heaven on Earth

Dear Friends and Family,

You cannot go to the Seychelles and not go to La Digue, even if it's for a day trip. You get there from Mahe by taking the local catamaran to Praslin and then the ferry to La Digue. The main mode of transportation on La Digue is bicycles. The island's just got a completely (well, not completely, but on a relative scale, completely) undeveloped feel about it.

What We Did


We got up at the crack of dawn and drove out to the dock. It takes a little under two hours to get to La Digue from Mahe - 45 minutes on the catamaran, 15 minutes transfer, and 30 minutes on the ferry. I napped on the first leg since it was still early.

We stayed overnight on La Digue. So, when we got off the ferry, we walked to our place to "check in." The bungalow wasn't available yet so we dropped off our bags, changed, and picked up our bicycles.


Mr. mouse read that there are giant tortoises on La Digue. Originally native to most of the islands of the Seychelles, they were hunted to extinction by the early settlers. One island maintained a tortoise population because the owner forbade the exploitation of the tortoises. Now, they're slowly being reintroduced to all of the islands. The Seychelles are the only place you can see them in their native environment (technically, not native, but certainly closer than the San Diego Zoo would be, per se) outside of the Galapagos Islands.

Okay, it goes without saying, SO much better than exotic coconuts.

I could have stayed all day watching them. The smaller, "baby" tortoises are close to 40 years old. And, the full sized, "adult" tortoises are closer to 100 years old. Seeing them was one of the highlights of the trip.


Mr. mouse finally dragged me away from the tortoises. We went back to check on our room/bungalow. It was ready. I was still a little tired, so I opted to stay in and take a quick nap while Mr. mouse explored the north side of the island.


We headed out for Anse Patates. Mr. mouse rode up there while I was napping. It was probably somewhere between one and two when we got there. The beach was tiny but beautiful and the waves were strong. Still, it was beautiful. And, we found a couple of manageable spots in the water before laying out in the shade to nap again.


We biked back down the island to Anse Source D'Argent for the afternoon.

Quintessential Seychelles.

I was almost afraid. After we parked our bikes, before we headed to the beach, I stopped Mr. mouse and told him how amazing the trip had been so far. And, that I was completely fine if the beach turned out to be a bust. I couldn't have been more wrong.

It blew my mind away.

And, it got even better. As it got later into the day, most of the day trippers started packing up to catch the last ferry back to Praslin. And, we quickly had the beach to ourselves. Technically, there were a half dozen of us, but believe me, it doesn't get much better than this.

And, as the sun set, the rocks came alive in shades of rose and pink that is so different from the midday white and black. We spent a couple of hours in the water taking pictures with Mr. mouse's monopod. It could not have been more beautiful.

What We Ate



Well, we couldn't make the hotel brunch because our boat left too early in the morning. But, we read that there was an early continental breakfast - my guess is for people checking out for early flights and for scuba trips. But, when we went down to the lobby, we didn't see it. I asked a waiter, and instead, he gave me a huge takeout container and told me to help myself from the buffet as it was being set up.

Well, beans and sausages don't travel well. But, the croissants and muffins and rolls do. I grabbed two of everything and then Mr. mouse stuck in a couple of slices of ham and a couple of sausages. It was enough for breakfast both days on La Digue and for snacking on throughout the day both days.

We supplemented our carb fest with food we picked up at the grocery store on the way back from seeing the tortoises. They had more fritters and baked pies and we grabbed an assortment not knowing what we'd find inside. It was a blend of meat and spices. Delicious.


After sunset at Anse Source D'Argent, we rode back in the dark to our bungalow. I took a quick shower while Mr. mouse went back to the supermarket for drinks and the ATM. Then, he took a quick shower and we headed out by foot to scrounge up dinner. We walked by a couple of restaurants and ended up by the ferry drop off point at a place that did take away. We picked up a plate of pork and lentils with rice and one of noodles. I wasn't very hungry, but figured eating was a good idea. The food turned out to the better than I thought it would be and we polished both plates back at bungalow. We went out for one more night of star gazing and then turned in for the night.

What I Learned

Two very important lessons.

The first was when we were with the tortoises and some of the tourists were doing very uncool things like feeding them bananas from their packs. I realized how important conservation is for me. Maybe realized is not the right word, since it's not a new discovery. Maybe it's I realized how much more important it is for me than it is for most people. I felt sorry for Pioneer. They'll grow up with an appreciation for beauty and nature, but I'm going to be pretty strict about it all. They're not going to be able to pet the tortoises nor feed them food. They'll be able to sit and watch. This is not a petting zoo, people!

The second was when we were at the beach at sunset. I thought about how fortunate we are in what we get to see and do. And, I thought about how important it is to stay real and to stay normal and to stay humble. Who wants to hang out with arrogant braggarts besides other arrogant braggarts? No one. And, that's when I was reminded how important it is to stay grounded and to keep it real.


Cheers!
mouse

Seychelles: Tuesday - Bonus Day on Mahe

Dear Friends and Family,

The original plan called for us to wake up at the crack of dawn and take a ferry over to Praslin, one of the other islands, for the day. But between the early wake up, the ferry cost (almost $100 round trip each), the extra rental car, and the fact that there was still tons to do on Mahe, we just weren't that motivated. From what we could tell, the primary tourist draw to Praslin is a national park that grows the Coco de Mer coconut. Sleeping in... exotic coconut... sleeping in... exotic coconut... our laziness won on without much of a struggle.

What We Did


We spent the morning exploring the one town on the island - Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. It was lunch time by the time we got down there and found parking. The streets were alive with people walking the streets. There were lines at take away counters, people going for a stroll, people doing some quick lunch time shopping, and some running errands like going to the post office. One oddity we noticed was the long ATM lines. Turns out inflation was a problem for awhile and people just got into the habit of taking out what they needed each day.

We picked up some sodas and fish fritters and vegetable pies at the supermarket and took them back for the afternoon. We made a mini lunch plate at our hotel room with them, some freshly brewed espresso and some fresh fruit.


We headed back out to the hotel beach. There were several people out with snorkels. Always curious, Mr. mouse went back to our rooms and grabbed our snorkels. Turns out there's plenty of coral and fish to see if you swim out a little bit from the shore. Mr. mouse seemed to enjoy the water as much as I did this trip, which made it that much more fun.

Much better than exotic coconuts.

What We Ate



Breakfast? Hotel brunch! I decided to mix it up and started with a cold plate of salmon and toast and butter. Then, moved on to a hot plate of, you guessed it, beans and sausages. And, ended with a plate of fruit. More juice. More coffee. Ready to hit the day running.


How did we end up at the Pirate's Arms for dinner? The original intent was to go to a Creole buffet at the first beach we went to in Beau Vallon. Ah, I remember. Our logistical planning called for us to check out of our hotel Wednesday morning, board a ferry for La Digue, spend two days on La Digue, take the ferry back late Thursday afternoon, check into another hotel on Mahe for the night and leave Friday morning for home. With me so far? We thought it would be easier to drop off the bulk of our luggage at the second Mahe hotel so we wouldn't have to schlep it to La Digue (two ferry rides, walk to hotel, etc.) Sounds simple so far.

We packed a quick, simple bag for our two days in La Digue. And, we packed our two larger bags for the hotel. We showered and changed for dinner. We loaded the car and looked at the map. Remember when I mentioned a couple of days ago that the roads on the west side don't connect? Right. We needed to cross back over to Victoria, go south a bit, cross back over to the west to get to the second hotel. And, then do the same thing in reverse to get back. Excellent. By the time we finished three of four crossings, we were both pretty tired and hungry and the Creole buffet was sounding good, but not as good as dinner in Victoria. Plus, we rationalized that we had tried the creole food at Marie Antoinette the night before.

Pirate's Arms is one of several dinner options in Victoria. The music is loud, the menu is a range of food from sandwiches to entrees, the TVs are blaring, and the tables are filled with locals - both families and friends joining together for a communal meal. My kind of place. I had beef pies with rice and Mr. mouse got the fish crepes. The food was simple and good. The music was fun. The crowd watching was the highlight of the evening.

What I Learned

I didn't have a specific one I noted on my scribble page. But, looking back on it, it's the value of being flexible enough to adapt your plans to your day. We could have drug ourselves to Praslin or to the original intended dinner option, but the day ended up perfectly fine the way it played out. There's something to be said about just letting it happen.


Cheers!
mouse

12.08.08: Weekend with Friends

Dear Friends and Family,

We flew back to see some friends from the Mouse Winter Cabin days. We had a potluck at our friends' house. It was a wonderful chance to catch up with everyone and to show off the bump. Well, either everyone is being extremely kind (and I'm being totally gullible) or the bump is a figment of my imagination. Sigh.

Pioneer also got their first gift! Ms. Jordan brought them a little rattle. How sweet is she?

Sunday, we had a slow morning - coffee, bread and fruit with the neighbors before heading out for some crack pizza. We ended the day at the mall looking for tops (for me) and jeans (for Mr. mouse) before flying home and crawling into bed.

What a fun way to spend the weekend.


Cheers!
mouse

12.06.08 (Week 18, Day 1): Mr. Mouse's First Kiss

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday morning, right before I went in for my shower, Mr. mouse kissed his finger and touched my belly.

That's it.


Cheers!
mouse

12.05.08 (Week 17, Day 7): Week 18

Dear Friends and Family,

The week flew by and I've almost forgotten at times that we're expecting. A couple of bouts of minor coughing and burping is all I've had to cope with. My "digestion" even seems to be returning to normal now that my eating has become more normal.

I told my boss this week. And, he couldn't have been more supportive. I've also told a couple of close friends and work. It feels good to be able to be me and not feel like I'm walking around with a secret. And, I've learned that much as I think I'm a walking baby bump, it must be mostly in my imagination.

I made the switch this week to maternity clothes just because. My size six pants were still working, but I felt like making the change so I did. I guess sometime this month I'll need them. As far as tops go, I'm still wearing my old mediums.

Baby
Your baby measures 5 to 5.6 inches from crown to rump and weighs about 5.25 ounces. The rapid growth spurt is tapering off, but reflexes are kicking in. It can yawn, stretch and make facial expressions, even frown. Taste buds are beginning to develop and can distinguish sweet from bitter tastes. The baby will suck if its lips are stroked and it can swallow, and even get the hiccups. The retinas have become sensitive to light, so if a bright light is shined on your abdomen, baby will probably move to shield its eyes.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus, about the size of a cantaloupe, can probably be felt just below your navel. You're most likely feeling the baby move by now. A mid-pregnancy ultrasound may be performed between now and 22 weeks to assess fetal growth and development and to verify the due date. If the baby is in the right position, the ultrasound may even be able to determine whether it's a boy or a girl. Your heart has to work 40 percent to 50 percent harder now to support your pregnancy.

Tip for the Week
Suggest that your partner go with you for the ultrasound. It's a chance to catch the first glimpse of your baby together, as well as provide a snapshot to show friends and family later. Sonograms still don't guarantee a healthy baby, but they can provide reassurance and spot some problems.


Cheers!
mouse

Seychelles: Monday - Exploring Mahe

Dear Friends and Family,

Our first full day on the island. We fell into our "usual" routine of splitting our day amongst a couple of beaches with a light lunch along the way. Then, we ended the day with a sit down dinner and a chance to try some new flavors.

What We Did


We looked up recommended beaches on Mahe and the books agreed for seclusion, head to the south and west. Petite Anse looked like a good candidate and we headed out in that direction. Although we're on the west side of the island by Beau Vallon, the road doesn't connect, so we needed to go east, south a bit and then west and south more.

We found the road we thought led to Petite Anse, but instead of finding a quiet, secluded beach, we found construction going on for the Four Seasons. Not fazed by the guards and trucks, we continued driving around looking for a road to the beach. Not to be found. Finally, we gave up and headed back to the main road. I think, until the Four Seasons is completed, Petite Anse isn't "reachable" and once the Four Seasons is completed, it certainly won't be a quiet, secluded beach.

Instead, we stopped at Anse Gouvernement, which is right next door, but not really written about. We found it completely deserted with the exception of three or four fishing boats tied close to shore. The sand was beautiful. The water was calm. And, we had the entire beach to ourselves. What's not to like?

We spent a better half of the day climbing the rocks, lallygagging in the water and marveling in the fact that it was like our own private paradise. A couple of locals came by and picked up some seaweed that had been washed in. Mr. mouse went to speak with them to find out what they use it for - compost for agriculture. Gotcha.

We finally decided to say good bye to our little piece of paradise since there were other beaches to explore. And headed out for the afternoon further down the southwest coast.


We drove to Anse Takamaka next. The sun was high in the sky and there wasn't a spot of shade to be found on the beach. The surf looked a little rough and tumble to jump with Pioneer. So, we found a spot in the sun for a quick nap. We woke an hour later and decided to head on to the next beach.

Next on the list was Anse Intendance. We frolicked on the water's edge like a bad 80's music video and ended up with swimsuits full of sand. Still, it was fun to just not care and roll around in the sand and water.

Then, I found a nice warm rock to dry off on while enjoying the beautiful sunset that followed. The beach had cleared out by then, so we had a nice moment to ourselves.

What We Ate



We started the day off with the hotel brunch again. It's included in the room rate and it's got more than enough choice to keep us amused for our trip. I had more beans and English sausage with toast. And fruit. And fruit juice. And a nice pot of coffee. What a wonderful way to start the day.


For lunch, we made a quick snack of leftover Indian food. Nothing like a little naan with chicken and dal to keep you going.

After our nap at Anse Takamaka, I woke a little disoriented and a little overheated and a little dehydrated. So, Mr. mouse decided a break was a good idea. We stopped at the Banyan Tree Hotel pool for a cold drink and some shade. We stayed for sorbet and by the time we left, I felt a lot better.


After sunset at Anse Intendance, we drove back towards civilization to forage for dinner. Back up the coast, cross the island to the east side, and before crossing back to the west side to get to our hotel, we decided to stop in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, for dinner.

Marie Antoinette is THE restaurant to go to to try Creole food. Creole food is the local fare which is a blend of spices and flavors from Africa and India. We had a smorgasbord of dishes brought out. (That's the way the restaurant is set up, it's prix fixe for dinner.) Lots of fish and fruits and by the time we were done, we didn't think we had any space left for dessert. But, we did. And, after dessert, we had the lemongrass tea. What a perfect end to the day.

What I Learned

Lemongrass tea. We had it iced when we first checked into our hotel and hot after dinner at Marie Antoinette. It was delicious. And, I asked at the restaurant how to make it. You boil water. And then take some lemongrass, both the white part and the green part, and steep it in the hot water. Sweeten to taste and voila. I'll have to try it this summer. It was so refreshing and light.


Cheers!
mouse

Seychelles: Fri, Sat, Sun - Our Trip Out and First Day

Dear Friends and Family,

Our flights out went without mishap. And, we enjoyed our first day in the Seychelles just settling in and checking out a nearby beach. Lots of time for napping, jumping the waves, soaking in the scenery and just relaxing.

What We Did


Fortunately, the flights went without a hitch. Chicago -> Washington DC -> Kuwait -> Dubai -> Mahe. The longest layover was in Dubai. We found a nice quiet corner, bought some delicious mint tea, and, discovered free internet access which makes the time fly. Total travel time? Approximately 20 hours.


We rented a car and drove across the island of Mahe to our hotel. Our room wasn't ready so we hung out in the lobby for around half an hour enjoying the view and some delicious lemongrass tea. Then, we spent about an hour indulging in a slow assault of the breakfast buffet. And, we spent some time on the beach finishing up a game of Scrabble.

Our room was (finally) ready. We unpacked, showered, changed and headed out to the beach for the afternoon.


Our first beach in the Seychelles! I have to say, I love the feeling of soft sand on my toes, and the sound of the surf, and the smell and taste of salt in the air, and the sight of the bright sun in the sky. The beach. It's one of my favorite places to be. And, this one was a beauty.

There were a bunch of local kids running in the sand and jumping the waves. We went for a swim. And, then, decided to explore the rocks on the edges of the beach. It was fun climbing and taking photos. And, when we found the perfect rock, we spread our towels and napped together in the late afternoon sun. Got up just in time for sunset photos. And, then headed over to a restaurant for dinner.

What We Ate


Plane food. Warm nuts. Tomato lentil soup. Salad with grilled scallops. Lamb curry with spicy chickpeas and spinach and rice. And, for dessert, fruit with cheese and cheesecake. Can't complain.


More plane food. This time, a quick box lunch of pasta salad with chicken, roll and the ever present and anonymous chocolate mousse cake.


Pioneer wanted dinner before we boarded our last flight. And, all of the food options in Dubai were American fast food joints. Burger King, Italian chicken sandwich and Spicy vegetarian burger.


We had time and I was hungry, so we took our time with brunch. I had a fruit plate, followed by a smoked fish plate, followed by a cured meat plate, followed by an English plate (beans, sausage, tomatoes, bread), followed by several cups of tea and fruit juice. It was just nice to sit and enjoy the breeze and the ocean view and let it sink in - we were in the Seychelles!


For dinner, we went out for Indian food. We ordered dal, chicken tikka masala, and sag aloo with lots of bread. The food was excellent. I hadn't had Indian in so long.

What I Learned

Some very simple things, really. After a long hot bath and some serious sand scrubbing, I rediscovered ten really cute toes underneath all of the dull winter build up. I need to take better care of my feet.

And, after dinner, we were walking back to our bungalow. Mr. mouse looked up and remarked, "stars." I was transported back, instantly, to Moorea, the sky is just filled with stars when you're not by any man-made light sources. It looks creamy. It's beautiful.


Cheers!
mouse

12.01.08: Back Home

Dear Friends and Family,

We got home early Saturday morning from a vacation that really couldn't have been more perfect. (Note: will be writing about it throughout the week this week.) And, spent the weekend catching up on random errands and readjusting our body clocks to Central Standard Time.

We landed to a brisk but decently warm day filled with sunshine and made the most of the weather and the empty roads by:

1. picking up shoes from the cobbler
2. picking up pants from the tailor
3. picking up mail
4. buying a Christmas tree

We came home and unloaded the tree and put it into a stand which we filled with water. We'll have to decorate it one night this week since we're off to see friends this upcoming weekend.

We fell asleep early Saturday night. And, forced ourselves to sleep through until about seven on Sunday morning. Sunday, we:

1. tried on the pants (welcome to maternity wear)
2. tried on a bunch of maternity clothes a friend gave us
3. changed the car tires to snow tires
4. got a car wash
5. went to the gym (whoopee!)
6. roasted a chicken for dinner

We fell asleep early Sunday night too. And, made it until 3:47 this morning which is only 13 minutes ahead of the alarm clock.

And, it's back to work and day-to-day life and holiday preparation. It snowed last night so we woke to whiteness and that quiet that snow brings.


Cheers!
mouse

11.30.08 (Week 17, Day 2): Week 17

Dear Friends and Family,

The second trimester really is the best time. Well, so far, it has been. Almost all of the symptoms of the first trimester have passed. And, I've only had to cope with coughing/burping. Plus, I'm definitely developing a "baby bump" instead of the standard pot belly I've been sporting.

Baby
Your baby, now about in its 15th week of development, measures about 4.4 to 4.8 inches from crown to rump and has doubled in weight in the last two weeks to about 3.5 ounces. Fat begins to form, helping your baby's heat production and metabolism. The lungs are beginning to exhale amniotic fluid, and the circulatory and urinary systems are working. Hair on head, eyebrows and eyelashes is filling in.

Mom-to-Be
You're showing more now, with an obvious swelling in your lower abdomen. A five- to 10-pound weight gain is typical by now. You also may be noticing an increase in appetite.

Tip for the Week
Change positions slowly, especially when you move from a lying down position to sitting or from a sitting position to standing to avoid feeling dizzy or faint. If you feel lightheaded, sit down and lower your head, or lie down for a moment.


Cheers!
mouse

11.21.08 (Week 15, Day 7): Week 16

Dear Friends and Family,

The weeks are beginning to blur together and I'm having trouble keeping track of which week I'm in. By the time we get back from vacation, We'll be beginning month five. Wow.

Symptoms continue to improve. A couple of cases of the burps. And, last night, I came home and crawled into bed when I should have been helping Mr. mouse prepare for vacation.

Next steps? Dec 6th, blood draw for the next round of screening tests. Then, the week after, the next doctor's appointment. And, the following week, our next ultrasound. Fortunately, the first two are on Saturday. And, the last is on a Friday afternoon during the holidays.

Baby
Your baby now measures about 4.3 to 4.6 inches from crown to rump and weighs about 2.8 ounces. Fingernails are well-formed and the fine hair, lanugo, may be growing on the head. Arms and legs are moving. The nervous system is functioning and muscles are responding to stimulation from your baby's brain. You may be able to hear the baby's heartbeat in the doctor's office.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus has grown significantly by now and weighs about 8.75 ounces. Within the next few weeks you may start to feel your baby move, called "quickening." It's often like a gas bubble or subtle fluttering movement. As it happens more regularly, you'll know it's your baby. There are other physiological changes happening in your body. Increased blood volume to support your growing fetus may produce nosebleeds, and leg veins may become more apparent. Your uterus is shifting so you may not have to urinate so much.

Tip for the Week
If veins in your legs are beginning to bulge, you may want to use support stockings, elevate your feet when you can and exercise to improve blood flow.

What's Happening Inside You?
Your baby's fingers and toes are well-defined; eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails and hair are formed. Teeth and bones become denser. Your baby can even suck his or her thumb, yawn, stretch and make faces.

The nervous system is starting to function. The reproductive organs and genitalia are now fully developed, and your health care provider can see on ultrasound if you are having a boy or a girl. Your baby's heartbeat may now be audible through an instrument called a Doppler.

By the end of the fourth month, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs about 4 ounces.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: No updates until we're back from vacation. Enjoy thanksgiving!

Enjoying it All

Dear Friends and Family,

I've been awake for over an hour and waiting for inspiration to strike. And, well, sorry to disappoint, but it hasn't yet.

So, you're getting a work update. I'm surprisingly happy at the new job. I feel like a valued member of the team. I like the people I work with. I'm included in the "right conversations." And, yesterday, I met my new direct report, and although brand new to the work world, she seems like a gem.

I'm a little scared. Life seems to being too smoothly right now. Pioneer is doing well. I'm feeling good. The screening lifted a huge anxious cloud from over me. And, work is going well. I'm really glad I took the role. The promotion and raise lifted my spirits in this down market. We're putting away chunks of cash each month - both towards our rainy day fund and towards our house balance. And, with any luck, Mr. mouse and I will be boarding the plane tomorrow for the beach.

I'm ready for the piano/safe/shoe to drop. It's been a good month.


Cheers!
mouse

Three More Days

Dear Friends and Family,

I've been counting down the days until I get to my week of vacation. Today, tomorrow and Friday. Three more days.

Work's been flying by. The unfortunate thing is so have the evenings. I still tire pretty early (say by 10PM-ish) and since I work until 6:30ish and get home around 7:30ish, and bring an hour to an hour and half of work home, it's not a pretty picture.

I've got to head in early this morning so no real time for a post. Happy Hump Day.


Cheers!
mouse

The Value of Respect and of Values, and of Faith

Dear Small,

Last winter, I wrote you a letter, and I want to revisit it. A lot has changed in this past year.

A year ago, you were a thought and a wish. Now, well, you're still a thought and a wish. But, you're also a three and a half month old fetus who is growing at an amazing rate. We'll get to meet you before this time next year if everything goes according to plan.

In the past year, we elected our first Black president. And, in doing so, took an unimaginable leap forward as a nation. What seemed impossible before doesn't seem so impossible now.

And, that brings me to faith. Ultimately, if you have faith, you have confidence. If you have confidence, you have faith. They build upon themselves. And, when you lose one, you quickly lose the other. But, when you have faith and confidence then all things, even the impossible, are possible. It's what gives me enough hope to try to bring you into this crazy world we live in.

Faith in what? Some people find faith in religion. Others look inward for faith. I don't know if there's one right answer. I look to life for faith. Ultimately, you'll have to find what works for you. I have faith you will.


Love,
your mom

11.17.08: Weekend, What Weekend?

Dear Friends and Family,

If everything goes to plan, we're off to vacation on Friday for a week. Between that, tying out odds and ends on the old job, getting off on the right foot on the new job, and catching up from two weekends worth of friends, we had a crazy weekend this weekend.

We had our follow-up doctor's appointment on Friday. And, Pioneer seems to be doing fine. Heartbeat's in the 150s - sounds like PacMan according to Mr. mouse. I spent a very frustrated 30 minutes trying to get our appointment schedule sorted out. Honestly, I thought Mr. mouse had it under control, but I think he's too much of a softie. They had us coming in a billion and one times for our appointments. Seriously, need to combine visits so I'm not MIA at work, people.

Saturday, we drew up our list of errands. And, it was daunting. We:

1. returned our library books
2. dropped off dry cleaning
3. spent some serious lotion time to try to avoid stretch marks
4. took our weekly picture
5. dropped of pants at the tailor
6. picked up a prescription
7. picked up book for work
8. called our friends with the news
9. picked up the mail
10. picked up a couple of "maternity" tops and bras
11. and... food shopping

Sunday morning, I finished off the "quick hitter" list with an evite for a Christmas get together. Then, bless Mr. mouse's heart, we made Thanksgiving dinner together early. Mr. mouse knew I wanted to, but wasn't feeling up to it energy-wise, so he went and picked up all of the stuff Saturday night while I was napping. We didn't do the whole shebang (e.g. pies) but we did make the turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potato, sweet potato, green bean casserole, corn, and cranberry relish. And, afterwards, Mr. mouse made turkey stock with the carcass. I got through my work emails and "finishing up" a deck for my old department. And, we went out for dessert to celebrate Pioneer.

Still on the docket for this week (which is a crazy week at work and chock a block with vacation prep) is scheduling our next ultrasound and alumni council work - I'm beginning to regret signing up for it. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have it hanging over my head this week. Sigh.

So, what am I thankful for? In no particular order, I'm thankful for (and I'm sure I'm going to miss some of the stuff from my list yesterday and think of new ones, but such is life): the health and happiness of our friends and family, of my grandparents, and Mr. mouse's grandmother, and our parents, and my sister and new brother-in-law, and my brother, and Mr. mouse, and Pioneer, and all of our friends, for making it through the first trimester, for the first trimester screening results, for the stuff being bearable, for the bleeding stopping, for both being gainfully employed, for the promotion, for the raise, for having (almost) built up our cash reserves for a rainy day and taxes (plan is to have them in place by end of Dec), for paying down the house, for enjoying work, for a shorter commute, for nice weather so far, for all the places we got to go this year, for all the friends who came to see us, for our wellness, for good food, for balance and perspective, for laughter, for tears, for humility, for the elections, for the future and for hope. Wow, there's a lot to be thankful for.


Cheers!
mouse

11.14.08 (Week 14, Day 7): Week 15

Dear Friends and Family,

I must admit the weeks are ticking by now. Being busier at work definitely makes a difference - the days just go faster. And, I'm beginning to enjoy the second trimester. Let's see... Still burping. And, still getting bouts of bad coughing. Now that I'm feeling better, I need to get the eating under control. I can be more disciplined about what I eat instead of eating whatever I can to keep food down.

We go in today for a scheduled doctor's appointment just to make sure everything's progressing as it should be. The other thing I've noticed is I'm spending less time reading the baby books. There's less going on now, Pioneer's in a growth spurt, but it's not like the first trimester where every week there's something new being formed. I feel sorry for Pioneer sometimes, they get jostled and woken every time I cough or sneeze or move suddenly. It must feel like an earthquake zone in there sometimes.

Baby
Your 13-week-old fetus now measures about 4.1 to 4.5 inches from crown to rump and weighs about 1.75 ounces. Its body is covered by an ultrafine hair, called lanugo, which is usually shed by birth. Eyebrows and hair on the top of the head are beginning to grow. He may even be sucking his thumb by now. Bones are getting harder.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus can probably be felt about 3 to 4 inches below your navel. Sometime in the next five weeks you'll be offered a quadruple marker screening test, which measures four chemicals in your blood -- alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), inhibin A, and estrogen produced by the placenta. The test is a more accurate predictor of Down syndrome than AFP testing alone. Amniocentesis, which tests a small sample of amniotic fluid withdrawn by an ultrasound-guided needle, is usually performed between now and 18 weeks. It may be recommended if you're 35 or older or if your AFP or quadruple marker screen test results were suspicious.

Tip for the Week
Start learning to sleep on your left side because circulation is best that way. Lying on your back or stomach after about the fourth or fifth month can put extra pressure on your growing uterus and decrease circulation to your baby. You can try tucking pillows behind you and between your legs. Some manufacturers make a pregnancy pillow that supports your entire body.


Cheers!
mouse

Bare Trees

Dear Friends and Family,

As I was waiting for the bus yesterday, I noticed that there were a lot of leaves on the ground after two days of rain and wind. Then, when I looked up into the trees, I noticed that they were all bare.

Winter is here, well, technically not here until Dec 21st, but here as far as I'm concerned.


Cheers!
mouse

Sources and Uses of Money

Dear Friends and Family,

Money. Too much is not a good thing. Not enough is not a good thing. Ideally, like Goldilocks, just right is what I'm after.

I like to think about money in two frames: sources of money and uses of money. Fortunately for us, we have two primary sources of money: Mr. mouse's paycheck and my paycheck. We have a couple of other sources of money (e.g. interest on our checking account) that we essentially ignore because it's rounding error, frankly. And, we have a couple of sources of money (e.g. appreciation on the home, appreciation on our investment account, credit card accounts) that we essentially ignore because we don't utilize any of them as a source of money. That's money that's "not available" to us. Simple, but it works for me.

Onto uses of money. Well, there's the stuff that comes out before we even see the paycheck like taxes, 401k savings, health benefits, etc. Then, there's fixed expenses. Fixed expenses used to be a large slice of our expense pie at one point with student loans and car loans and credit card balances and stuff. Now, it's a smaller slice of a, thankfully, larger pie. We've got the mortgage, real estate taxes, home owner's assessment, home insurance, car insurance and the broadband bill. All of these bills are the exact same amount each month and constitute our "bare necessities."

Then, there's voluntary fixed expenses. What's that?!?! It's how I think of money that we spend each month on our future. Currently, we're fortunate enough (or maybe it's frugal enough) to live off of one income. The other income (my paycheck) is the voluntary fixed expense. Each month it goes towards savings. Early 2008, it was stocks and bonds and retirement funds and stuff. Now, we're focused on paying down the house. Hey, as far as I'm concerned, it's a guaranteed positive return on my dollar which is far better than our portfolio is performing.

Next come variable expenses. Well there's the obvious eating in, eating out, electricity, gas, phone, shopping, and other miscellanea that constitute out consumer-oriented society. This is the stuff that gets spent last. It's what's left after the rest of the money is spent.

It takes awhile to get all of your ducks in a row. And, it takes discipline. But, I'm glad it's something we prioritize. We could have "more" "fun" now, but life is good now with the money we have for variable expenses and I'm not sure life would be "better" if we had more.


Cheers!
mouse

A Feast to Remember

Dear Friends and Family,

We met up with B and Chef M last night to celebrate - Chef M's birthday, Mr. mouse's birthday, my promotion, and our "news." We had reservations at Boka, a place Chef M knew well; he had worked there for the summer. And, the amount of food that came out was stunning.

We had cocktails at the bar before heading to our table. We ordered three appetizers and four entrees. What did we get?

We started with an amuse bouche that was a sampling of four different cold appetizers, for each of us: hamachi, two oysters, and tuna. Then, our appetizers came out. But, funny enough, there were four of them, not three (squash soup, risotto, baby octopus, and duck terrine). And, just when we thought we could tackle it, two more came out for us to try (the sweetbreads and the sea scallops). We were struggling to save room for dinner (mahi mahi, tenderloin and trout) and when the entrees came out, so did a generous helping of each of the six sides (cucumber salad, curried carrots, creamed spinach, black rice risotto, brussels sprouts, and mac and cheese). And, just when we thought we couldn't eat another bite, out came the parade of desserts. Why bring out one or two when you can bring out five? We had beignets, waffles, banana bread, panettone, and seven kinds of ice cream and sorbet.

Suffice it to say, it was an amazing dinner. And, I'm still full this morning. More than the stomach, my head is full. I can't keep it all straight. And, each bite was a feast unto itself. A true once in a lifetime dinner to remember.


Cheers!
mouse

11.10.08: Birthday Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

What a week. What a weekend. It started with the election. And, was followed by the screening results and sharing our news. And, was capped off by a fabulous weekend birthday visit from Mr. mouse's college roommate and family.

I had my last "work from home Friday" on Friday. Mr. mouse came home around 4pm and we headed out to the airport to get the minivan and the guests. It still blows me away what a year can do to kids. T-Rex is four now. And, she's totally in love with dinosaurs. Her brother, fan-boy, is two. And, totally in love with fans. While two years apart in age, only 3.5 pounds separate them in size. It's a sad, sad day when your younger sibling grows bigger than you. Fortunately for me, I had the size advantage until sometime after college, but alas no more.

We picked up deep dish on the way home because we figured a 45 minute wait at the restaurant wasn't on the high priority list for either the parents or the kids. Afterward, the kids discovered our basement which can be a treasure trove of random toys just waiting to be discovered. Fan-boy's pick of the night? A model Cathay Pacific plane. T-Rex found some Mardi Gras beads and a JAL plane, but she was more interested in all of the dinosaur books Mr. mouse borrowed from the library.

Saturday, we ate in - bread from Zingerman's, muffins from Red Hen, eggs with basil from our box. Then, we loaded everyone into the minivan and drove down to the Field to visit Sue, our resident T-Rex along with her friends in the Evolving Planet exhibit. I petered out after lunch and took a nap on one of the sofas in the museum lobby while everyone else went to see another exhibit on animals. T-Rex was fascinated by all of the videos in the exhibits. I wonder how much of it she absorbed. Her brother? I think he was just along for the ride.

On the way home, we all passed out while Mr. mouse and friend picked up cupcakes and sausages. We snacked on the sausages at home and then the kids played while Mr. mouse and friend went out for groceries. T-Rex played with a magnet calendar while fan-boy found a singing frog White Elephant gift that he ended up taking home with him. Dinner was stir fried bison with onion, curried bison with potatoes, sauteed sea bass with butter sauce, and stir fried napa with garlic. Afterward, we busted out the cupcakes and first fan-boy and then T-Rex sang Happy Birthday. Mr. mouse and his roommate share the same birthday so they had number candles. Fan-boy had candles on his cupcake. And, T-Rex didn't want candles on her cupcake because she didn't want to deal with the smoke.

Sunday, the kids got to eat cupcakes and pizza for breakfast. Then, we headed out into the cold to see the bean at Millenium Park. (Side note: I had a serious case of the burpies on Sunday that got pretty bad on the car ride out. They just wouldn't stop. ) We took some pictures by the bean and then by the fountain with the faces and then hightailed it to the car. We drove down to Chinatown for dim sum and then to Wicker Park to walk through the shops. I was tired and burpy so I sat in the car and read the paper while everyone went for a walk.

It was off to the airport for the return trip. Then, Mr. mouse and I headed out to work for 30 minutes to pack my desk for my move to my new desk. My new desk is sad. I may want to talk to the admin about moving out some of the furniture. It's way too cramped for me.

We came home and I was exhausted from all of the burping. I cried when I realized how quickly the time was going. I wish I could slow it down so I can savor our life together. Instead, the years go faster and faster. And, I guess I'm greedy. I want them to last forever. Even more exhausted, we napped together until almost midnight.

We got up in time for birthday dinner - fried rice - and a couple more birthday hugs. Mr. mouse spent some time organizing photos while I read in bed. We ended the night with a bout of burp-induced queasiness and about three hours of light sleep.

Off to the new job today. This week's priorities? Starting the new job off with a bang, finishing out a couple of loose ends with the old job, and picking up my neglected Alumni Council work. Next week, it'll be vacation prep. And, before we know it, the holidays will be upon us.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Fred and Gen called Sunday morning. And, we were able to celebrate on all four counts (election, job, Pioneer and birthday) together.

11.07.08 (Week 13, Day 7): Week 14

Dear Friends and Family,

Definitely feeling better this week. Still have some belching/burping going on, but it's not as bad as before. And, cross your fingers, seems like the bleeding and queasiness may be behind us.

Besides that, beginning to feel like I may make it through the next 27 weeks. Pioneer seems to be behind the growth curve since they were 2.7 inches on Wednesday. Guess that's what happens when your parents are short.

Baby
Your baby measures about 3.2 to 4.1 inches from crown to rump now and weighs almost an ounce. The ears are shifting from the neck to the sides of the head, and the neck is getting longer and chin more prominent. Facial features and unique fingerprints are all there. Your baby is beginning to respond to outside stimuli. If your abdomen is poked, the fetus will try to wriggle away.

Mom-to-Be
You're probably wearing maternity clothes now. Your skin and muscles are starting to stretch to accommodate your growing baby. You may notice some constipation because pregnancy hormones relax the bowel.

Tip for the Week
Try to alleviate constipation with moderate exercise, and by drinking plenty of fluids and eating lots of fruit and vegetables, preferably raw.


Cheers!
mouse

11.06.08 (Week 13, Day 6): Sharing Our News

Dear Friends and Family,

We went in for our first trimester screening yesterday and got the good news. Based upon four independent tests, they were able to assess our risk for Down's Syndrome and Trisomy 18/13. There's still the risk of a false negative and the risk of other "stuff" going wrong, but for now, it doesn't look like we're at increased risk.

We have a second screening to be done between weeks 15 and 16. But, for now, the risk of a diagnostic test that would tell us "for sure" if something was there is higher than the risk of the likelihood of something being there. So, the prevailing wisdom is to enjoy the good news and the continuing pregnancy.

For us, we feel like we can begin to share the news with everyone. We've code named our baby Pioneer for the developmental phase of their life. We'll come up with an official name for launch, but for now, it's Pioneer.

Pioneer is 6.88 cm (2.70 inches) from crown to rump (CRL) which is the common measurement for fetuses. Pioneer has a heart beat of 157 beats per minute. You can see Pioneer in the ultrasound below with a tiny foot off the the right and an even tinier nose.

I'll be publishing a little over three months worth of posts under baby... maybe. And, going forward, we can do this real time instead of holding posts.


Cheers!
mouse

Day after Election Day

Dear Friends and Family,

It's the day after election day and I couldn't be happier. To think, less than 50 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, we as a nation are able to realize that day when we "live in a nation where [people] will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

I think this nation is ready for change. Myself, in trying to follow the teachings of Buddhism, believe that the "middle way" of moderation is the right way to live. The last eight years, I saw lives of excess, lives of greed, lives of over-consumption. And, while it's sobering, I think it's good to take some time now to step back and reassess ourselves as a nation. To scale back on the present and invest in the future.

W. never asked me to do anything for our nation. Well, he did. In a moment of crisis, he told me to go shopping. I think our nation is hungry for nation building and receptive to a president who'll ask something of us in exchange for a better future.

I'm filled with hope and optimism and joy. And, in a strange way, I'm glad the day is behind us. I've had a lot of balls in the air recently with changing jobs, taking on new responsibilities with my alumni association, Mr. mouse's birthday and stuff. It's nice to have one more piece of life "settled" so life can begin to approach a sense of normalcy and I can focus on fewer priorities.


Cheers!
mouse

11.05.08 (Week 13, Day 5): First Trimester Screen Part II: Genetic Counseling

Dear Friends and Family,

We go in this afternoon for the second half of our first trimester screen where they check if Pioneer is at risk for chromosomal abnormalities. I think Mr. mouse and I are both approaching it with an attitude that it is what it is. We can't control it at this point, so there's no point stressing over it.

This week has seen some improvement in how I'm feeling overall. I'm less fatigued and not as nauseous. The bleeding seems to be tapering off. And, the trips to the bathroom are not as frequent.

I'm still pretty burpy. And, something happened between 4 and 6 pm on Monday because I went from not showing to showing in the space of two hours. I ordered maternity pants online yesterday. They're scheduled to arrive next Friday. Until then, I'll continue to wear my 4s and maybe my 6s.


Cheers!
mouse

Grant Park!!!

Dear Friends and Family,

I still can't believe our luck...

We've got tickets to Grant Park for Obama's Election Night Rally!

I'm speechless.


Cheers!
mouse

11.03.08: Birthday Surprise

Dear Friends and Family,

We spent the weekend in the Motor City with our friends and our dentist.

Saturday morning, Mr. mouse and I went in for our regular teeth cleaning. Then, we drove out to Zingerman's in Ann Arbor for lunch. Instead of buying one of their pre-made sandwiches, we bought bagels, roast beef, and butter and made our own sandwiches. They were so good! We also loaded up on olive oil, balsamic vinegar, strawberry jam, and sardine oil while we were in the store.

We checked into our hotel. And, then we picked up groceries. Then, we drove over to our friends' house where a group of friends were waiting for us - we had planned a surprise birthday party for Mr. mouse. And, he was totally surprised! Yeah, us. Lot of food, lots of cake, lots of catching up, and a sad, sad game of Clue Jr. made up the evening.

Sunday, we met up with Joey for lunch. Then, we all went over to a friends' house to watch the F1 race. Joey and I fell asleep on the couch. Mr. mouse had a good chance to catch up while we slept.

I'm glad our dentist is in Detroit. It provides the perfect excuse to go back twice a year and see all of our friends.


Cheers!
mouse

11.01.08 (Week 13, Day 1): Another Chapter

Dear Friends and Family,

Day one of a new trimester. We're a third way through this adventure. It hasn't been a cake walk, but in all honesty, it hasn't been an absolute nightmare either.

We're off to Michigan for the weekend. And, although our friend, the ob/gyn, counseled for waiting until we had our first trimester screening completed before telling friends, Mr. mouse is eager to share the news with our friends. So, we'll be bringing the non-alcoholic bubbly and ultrasound pictures.


Cheers!
mouse

Early Voting is a Good Thing

Dear Friends and Family,

I had a couple of meeting cancellations yesterday afternoon and decided to take the opportunity to go and vote early. I picked up Mr. mouse and we drove to one of the local parks that was set up for early voting.

Guess who we saw? None other than Ms. Winfrey. She works in the neighborhood, and decided to do her civic duty and cast her ballot. It was kinda cool. Not sure I'll ever get within two feet of her again with only a handful of people in the vicinity. It felt serendipitous.

It took us just under two hours. Fortunately, they had chairs set up so we sat for 90% of the wait. In fact, Mr. mouse and I both napped for ~30 minutes, so the time went quickly.

Now, I don't have to worry about the craziness next Tuesday.


Cheers!
mouse

10.31.08 (Week 12, Day 7): Week 13, Second Trimester!

Dear Friends and Family,

A lot of symptoms definitely tapering off this week. But, it does continue to wear on you. I'm tired of feeling tired. And, tired of the slow digestion. And, tired of the constant burps. And, tired of the continual spotting. And, tired of the potbelly forming. And, tired of waiting. Wednesday is the second half of our first trimester screen. It'll be nice to get that behind us.

Baby
Your fully formed fetus, now in about its 11th week of development, measures 2.6 to 3.1 inches from crown to rump and weighs between half an ounce and seven-tenths of an ounce -- about the size of a peach. The head is still disproportionately bigger than the body, but the rest of the body is starting to catch up. In fact, your baby is growing rapidly these days. The face is starting to look more human, with eyes moving closer together. Toes and fingers are clearly separate, and ankles and wrists have formed. External genitalia are becoming visible. Intestines are shifting into their proper place, too.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus has grown a lot. It's filling your pelvis now and starting to grow upward into your abdomen. It probably feels like a soft, smooth ball. If you haven't put on any weight yet because of morning sickness, you'll begin to now as you start to feel better.

Tip for the Week
It's easy for your partner to feel left out of the pregnancy since he isn't feeling the same physical changes that you are. Both of you should share your excitement about having a child, your dreams, worries and your partner's level of involvement. Suggest that your partner goes to a check-up with you to hear the baby's heartbeat.


Cheers!
mouse

Counting Down until Election Day

Dear Friends and Family,

Five more days until Election Day. It's taken on a fever pitch here with people planning parties and celebrations as if it were New Year's Eve and the Super Bowl all rolled into one. We've got a couple of options we're considering.

• Mr. mouse submitted an application for Grant Park, which would be absolutely amazing
• House of Blues, a friend of ours is playing there
• bars in the neighborhood are sponsoring parties and have the added benefit of being within walking distance
• friends are having parties at home
• we can just watch, the two of us, at home

My first choice is Grant Park. If that comes through, there's NO way I'm missing it. Otherwise, I think we may end up at a bar in our neighborhood enjoying the local vibe.

Five more days...


Cheers!
mouse

Mouse Gets a Promotion

Dear Friends and Family,

After many, many years of faithfully plugging away as a corporate cog, I got promoted. My interview for the business unit position was last Thursday afternoon. It went well. And, Friday they called to confirm the offer.

It's a promotion, which is important since it shows, well, mobility, I guess. And, it's a raise, which is always nice. And, it's got a larger bonus potential, which I never bank on anyway. And, it gets me closer to the business, which is an area of strength for me.

I'm excited, to say the least. But, I'm also a little anxious. It's new. And, the last two years have been good to me. I've got my first meeting this afternoon. Wish me luck.


Cheers!
mouse

Expectation Management

Dear Friends and Family,

I finally got my interview schedule last night. And, it has on it... drum roll, please... one interview slot filled. Hey, I'm all for boondoggle to Beantown, but, this one takes the cake. Guess I can always standy by for an earlier flight back today.


Cheers!
mouse

10.28.08 (Week 12, Day 4): First Trimester Screen Part I

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday, Mr. mouse and I went in for a blood draw. Next week, we go back for an ultrasound and consultation. They're both part of the first trimester screen to assess various risks of which Downs Syndrome is one of them. My college roommate who's an ob/gyn told us to hold off on any mass announcements until after we get the results from the first trimester screen.

Four more days and we're into the second trimester...


Cheers!
mouse

10.27.08: Mini College Reunion

Dear Friends and Family,

The weekend went by in a flash.

We flew out on Saturday to New York to see both friends and family. We landed early Saturday morning and took a cab over to the store. My parent, Mr. mouse and I stopped by a diner for some breakfast and to catch up on the latest news. My parents store lease got extended! Whoopee! I'm so happy for them.

Then, we took the train downtown to see my college roommate for lunch. It turned into an impromptu reunion because, amazingly enough, our three close guy friends were all free. It was so good seeing all of them! We need to go back more often.

Saturday night, Mr. mouse and I went out to dinner with my mom; my dad had a prior commitment he couldn't get out of. Then, we took a cab home and spent the evening catching up. I was pretty tired from the flight and from dinner, so by 10PM, we were all in bed for the evening.

Sunday, they dropped us off, bright and early at the airport. Got back home, took a nap, spent some time cleaning the basement, napped some more, watched Game 4 of the World Series, and turned in for the night.

I need to pack for my work trip this morning. I may or may not write tomorrow depending on whether I pack my computer for the trip. If not, see you Wednesday.


Cheers!
mouse

10.25.08 (Week 12, Day 1): Telling People

Dear Friends and Family,

We're headed home for the weekend to begin "telling" our friends and family the good news. I know Mr. mouse wants to share with his best friend when he visits in two weeks. And, theoretically, there's no reason not to at that point. And, we're out next weekend for our dentist appointment. So, by default, we've got this weekend to share the news with family first.

I don't have the words formed in my head yet so I'll be winging it. But, it'll be nice to be able to have other people to talk to about it.


Cheers!
mouse

Alumni Work Today

Dear Friends and Family,

Because I don't have enough going on in my life (if you missed the sarcasm, reread the start of the paragraph with a heavy dose of sarcasm), I agreed to get involved in the alumni council at school. Then, because I got involved, I was asked to join the steering committee. And, because I joined the steering committee, I was elected president.

What started out as a two year commitment (two years ago) has now turned into "if you give a mouse a cookie"...

We have our annual on-site meeting today so I'm headed off soon to get ready. To be honest, I would have loved a day at home catching up. But, it is what it is. I have a feeling Fridays at home are going to become a LOT more rare once I move departments.


Cheers!
mouse

10.24.08 (Week 11, Day 7): Week 12

Dear Friends and Family,

This week has been much better than last. I still get burpy sometimes, but definitely less so than last week. I'm hoping I'm turning the corner on this. If this week goes smoothly, next week marks the start of the second trimester. Wow!

Baby
The fetus now measures about 2.5 inches from crown to rump and weighs between three-tenths of an ounce and half an ounce. It is fully formed, from tooth buds to toenails, and your baby's job now is to continue getting larger and stronger for the rest of your pregnancy. With the most critical development behind the fetus, the chance of miscarriage drops considerably after this week.

Mom-to-Be
Nausea and energy start to improve. You may be experiencing occasional headaches, dizziness and fatigue from hormonal changes. If it's your first baby, you still could be wearing loose-fitting clothes, but if you've had other pregnancies, you'll probably start to show earlier and may be in maternity clothes. The typical weight gain by now is about three to five pounds. Fathers-to-be might also experience pregnancy symptoms, called couvade or "hatching," during the third month and at delivery, including nausea, abdominal pain, appetite changes and weight gain.

Tip for the Week
Most women develop stretch marks on their abdomen, breasts, hips or buttocks sometime during their pregnancy. They won't go away, but they'll usually fade after pregnancy. Despite claims from manufacturers, creams and oils don't minimize them. It depends on your skin's natural elasticity. Gradual rather than rapid weight gain may help, as well as avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

What's Happening Inside You?
By the end of the third month, your baby is fully formed. Your baby has arms, hands, fingers, feet and toes and can open and close its fists and mouth. Fingernails and toenails are beginning to develop and the external ears are formed. The beginnings of teeth are forming. Your baby's reproductive organs also develop, but the baby's gender is difficult to distinguish on ultrasound. The circulatory and urinary systems are working and the liver produces bile.

At the end of the third month, your baby is about 4 inches long and weighs about 1 ounce.

Since your baby's most critical development has taken place, your chance of miscarriage drops considerably after three months.


Cheers!
mouse

Work Opportunities II

Dear Friends and Family,

I had a couple of weeks to look potential next roles at work and here's what I learned.

Online: ixnay on this one. Not crazy about the hiring manager and he wants to bring me in at a lateral and evaluate me for six months before promoting me. Thanks, but no thanks.

Analytics: hiring freeze currently as the team decides whether it wants to continue being a centralized function or decentralize into the operating units. I could wait and see, but I think it's going to be awhile in the solving.

Strategic Implementation: I loved the SVP when I met him last week. By far the most attractive of the three options, currently. I meet with the VP of the team today. I've got my fingers crossed. Wish me luck!


Cheers!
mouse

August Baby Posts

Dear Friends and Family,

I think I totally blanked this morning on my daily post.

Another month, another spate of baby... maybe posts. August, overall, was a peaceful and uneventful month. We decided to "take a break" from it all and just enjoy a month of the good old days.

To be honest, August seems like a world and another life ago. I was working around the clock on a meeting we had scheduled for early September. It was summer and I was happily harvesting my tomatoes and peppers. And, the days were long and bright.

It's fall now. Work is manageable and I'm in the midst of working through exploring new roles. The harvest is in. And, yesterday, I needed to break out the winter coat. The holidays are coming up on us. This is my favorite time of the year.


Cheers!
mouse

Finding Peace in Prayer

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm not a very religious person. But, lately, I've been finding peace in prayer. Sometimes when I can't go to sleep at night, I find myself praying. Usually, it's a request for patience (instead of rushing to find the "right" answer) or of acceptance (instead of fighting things outside of my control) or talking through what's on my mind (the list of things worrying me and why ultimately they're not really all that important).

I try not to have the "special request" list prayer (e.g. please, I'd like X, Y, and Z) or the "negotiation" prayer (e.g. if you do X for me, I promise I'll do Y from now on). But, I do usually put in a special call out for my two grandparents and Mr. mouse's mom who've passed away and for my two grandparents and Mr. mouse's grandmother who are getting old. Not anything specific, just a little something at the end.


Cheers!
mouse

10.20.08: Work and Sleep

Dear Friends and Family,

Another quiet weekend at home. Saturday morning, I got up early and did some work. Then, we drove out to pick up our mail and eat lunch at the Mitsuwa food court - miso ramen soup, rice with pork bits, steamed shrimp dumplings, pot stickers, chicken feet, and rice balls.

We ran a couple of errands and came home. I think I slept the rest of the day since I don't have any recollection of Saturday evening.

Sunday morning, we both got up early and did some work. Then, Mr. mouse headed into the office for a call while I worked/napped at home. Spent the evening watching random clips on hulu and before you knew it, it was bedtime.

And, now it's Monday. We're headed home this weekend. I'm so excited to see my parents.


Cheers!
mouse

10.20.08 (Week 11, Day 3): Anxiety Meltdown

Dear Friends and Family,

It happened last night. All of the thinking and reading and pondering and worrying finally got to me. And, I balled my eyes out all night while Mr. mouse tried to comfort me.

The root cause of all of this? Well, on the physical level, the hormones are raging and the stomach is teetering. And, on an emotional level, we've got our first AMA (advanced maternal age) recommended screening in two weeks.

Here's where we landed. Not sure we have the stomach for some of the trisomy diseases that result in fetal death or infant death. But, for others, that may result in hardship, but perhaps years of unknown joys, we think we're willing to sign up for. Mr. mouse assured me he would not fault me or be angry with me if Pioneer has any additional chromosomes. It is what it is. And, he pointed out that it's already decided. Pioneer's genetic make up is already determined and no amount of worrying on my part is going to change it.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: Still pro-choice. And, fortunately for me, so is Mr. mouse. Ultimately, he's leaving all of this up to me. If I decide I'm not willing to go through with this, he'll support me in my decision.

10.19.08 (Week 11, Day 2): Hypersensitive Mouse

Dear Friends and Family,

I've always had a sensitive nose. But, now, it's gotten worse. And, things that normally smell delicious (e.g. roasting chicken) now make me feel nauseous. Hence, I'm in the bedroom with the windows open, the door closed, blanket stuffed under the door, candle lit and Lysol on dresser. Sigh. I'm a prisoner in my own house.


Cheers!
mouse

Friday Morning Bliss

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm late with my morning post. I slept in this morning and then I needed to get some stuff done. But, now, I can take a couple of minutes and enjoy my morning. Tea. Blog. Book. Peace.

We're going home next weekend to see the parents. Then, we're in Detroit the next weekend for our dentist appointment. And, the following weekend we've got friends in town for Mr. mouse's birthday. So, it's going to be hectic here for awhile.

And, that makes this morning even more important. I've got a lot of work to do and some house cleaning to do, but I'm going to take some time and enjoy the morning. Morning's like this seem so rare.


Cheers!
mouse

10.17.08 (Week 10, Day 7): Week 11

Dear Friends and Family,

Just got back from our first official appointment. So far, Pioneer is doing well. Doctor isn't concerned about the bleeding or the carbotarian diet. We're going to do the first trimester screening in two weeks to find out if Pioneer is at risk for chromosomal abnormalities. Feeling good today. Learned the hard way last night, don't let the stomach get empty. It makes you feel miserable.

Baby
Your fetus, about the size of a large lime, measures about 1.75 to 2.4 inches from crown to rump and weighs about three-tenths of an ounce. About now the rapid "swooshing" noises of the heartbeat can be heard through a Doppler sound-wave stethoscope. Fingernails and external genitalia are showing distinguishing characteristics, and the baby is swallowing and kicking, although you still won't feel it.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus is almost big enough to fill your pelvis and may be felt in your lower abdomen. You may also experience changes in hair, skin, fingernails or toenails.

Tip for the Week
Don't ignore your dental hygiene during pregnancy. Floss and brush regularly, and make sure you see your dentist at least once in these nine months. Your gums may bleed more because of hormones during pregnancy and because of increased blood volume.


Cheers!
mouse

Cold Feet about Investing Again

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm such a fraidy cat. Yesterday, I was excited about investing again. Today, I'm having second thoughts. We haven't bought yet because we haven't made a decision on the specifics of what to buy. The market's performance yesterday didn't do much to instill confidence in would-be investors.

We'll see what today brings. If it's another roller coaster day, I may hold off until my comfort level increases. The silver lining in this is that our planner has our money, so once we are ready to move, there won't be any delay in buying.

This is all so much easier in a bull market.


Cheers!
mouse

10.16.08 (Week 10, Day 6): Two and a Half Month Point

Dear Friends and Family,

Knock on wood. This week has been better from the nausea front. I'm not sure if it's better food management on my part, higher tolerances for it, or actual relief. I think it may be a combination of the three. But, I'll take it. Both yesterday and today have felt better.

On the flip side, the fatigue is kicking in this week. Slept eight hours two nights ago and six last night. And, I was exhausted yesterday afternoon. And, pretty sure I will be again this afternoon.

So far, I've gained somewhere between 0 and 2.5 pounds. It's tough to say because there's a lot more fluctuation in my weight. But, I'm definitely beginning to "show." Mr. mouse says you can't tell when I'm dressed. But, I can tell. I've moved into my 4P pants. And, there's definitely a rounding to my belly that I wouldn't be happy with if I wasn't pregnant.


Cheers!
mouse

Investing Again

Dear Friends and Family,

After sitting on the side lines for the past three months, Mr. mouse and I decided to take the plunge and dive back into the stock market investing game. It was nice seeing the house mortgage balance drop each month, but with equities priced as low as they are, it makes sense to try and stomach the ride for the rest of the year.

We've also been stockpiling cash. We'll have a year's reserve by the end of this year, if everything goes to plan. Owning the house free and clear would be awesome. Guess we'll get there sooner or later. Sigh.


Cheers!
mouse

Mammogram Follow-Up

Dear Friends and Family,

My follow-up appointment on Friday went well. They did an ultrasound on my left breast and didn't see anything of note. Just in case, they want another follow-up in six months.


Cheers!
mouse

10.13.08 (Week 10, Day 3): Another Emergency Visit

Dear Friends and Family,

Just when I thought the bleeding was under control, I woke this morning to cramps and fresh (i.e. red) blood. Wonderful.

11AM appointment. Ultrasound showed Pioneer is 2.75 cm crown to rump with a heart beat of 173 beats per minute. We were able to hear the heart beat and walked away with two more pictures.

The nurse told us to continue with the "pelvic rest" (no heavy lifting, no exercising, no intercourse) until the bleeding had stopped for seven days. We've got our first scheduled appointment on Friday. The nurse told us to hang tight until then unless any new symptoms appeared.

Another thing that's curious is my rising blood pressure: 118/78 today. I've never had a triple digit read. One more thing to watch, I guess.


Cheers!
mouse

10.13.08: The Accidental Marathoner

Dear Friends and Family,

It's late Monday morning and I'm just beginning my day. We had friends in town this weekend for the marathon and I couldn't have enjoyed myself more. I needed a break.

Friday afternoon, I went for my mammogram. And, Mr. mouse headed to the airport to help a friend of ours. Our Turkish friend's mom was flying over from Turkey and had a layover/transfer here. She speaks no English, we're relatively certain most gate agents speak no Turkish. Mr. mouse hung out with her to make sure she made her flight okay.

The timing worked perfectly because Chantal and Eric (two new friends from Canada) flew in right when Mr. mouse was done. They all took the train down together. And, we headed out to Due for some deep dish action. We came back and crashed. Mr. mouse stayed up to let our friends, Fred and Gen, in.

Saturday, over breakfast of toast and fruit and eggs, we had a chance to catch up and make plans for the day. Mr. mouse took the marathoners down to pick up bibs and gear while Fred and I walked the neighborhood to pick up lunch stuff. Chantal, Eric and Gen had all registered for the race. But, Chantal wasn't running because of a change in plans. And, Eric was planning on dropping out at the 35K mark - to get a training run in for the Philadelphia marathon, but not overextend himself. Gen, she was running.

Fred and I had a great walk over to the fruit/vegetable store. Then, we stopped by the wine store to pick up some champagne for Sunday. Then, over to our favorite meat store for some delicious rib eye steaks. And, last but not least, the bakery to pick up toast for breakfast the rest of the weekend. I love shopping at a bunch of specialty stores vs. one generic store. It was also a great chance to catch up.

After lunch, we headed down to Millennium Park to see the park and pick up the bike. Then we chilled at home before starting the pasta pot for dinner. I love a simple pasta. Mr. mouse made tomato sauce Saturday night with a tomato from our crop share, olive oil, garlic and basil. I could have eaten the whole box of pasta myself. Gen made a fabulous salad. And, we had chicken sausage and crop share green beans to round out the meal.

Put the runners to bed. Fred and Chantal made signs while Mr. mouse and I headed out to Target. We picked up some noise makers, some markers, some poster board and party favor medals. We wanted to give Eric one, just in case he didn't finish the full marathon, for finishing the 35K.

Sunday, I had some stuff to do at home. Mr. mouse and Fred dropped the runners off at the park. Then, Fred, Chantal, and Mr. mouse loaded all of their gear onto the three bikes and headed out to watch the race. I had a template to track and estimate the runners arrivals at various check points. One thing we agreed to this year is that we'd always be on the runner's left hand side. So, there wasn't this perpetual guessing game we played last year.

It was hot. But, not as bad as last year. Gen finished. And, so did Eric. He had mentally decided the night before to go the distance. And, in fact, he finished ahead of Gen. I met them all in the tent with some champagne and we slowly made our way home.

Showers. Champagne. Cold pizza. Leftover rib eye. Stories. Laughs. And, we were ready to head over to Spring for dinner. Two more friends joined us for dinner. The wine was excellent. The oysters delicious. The Thai lobster wontons delicate. The fish, well, it's always good. And, dessert, well we were almost too full for dessert. But, I've found a new love - grape sorbet. And, to finish it off, the taste of chocolate at the end. This time it was citrus basil.

We passed out when we got home. And, this morning Chantal and Eric headed to the airport and Mr. mouse headed to work. Fred and Gen are going to see a couple of museums. And, I really should log on soon and start work.


Cheers!
mouse

Mammogram Today

Dear Friends and Family,

I go in this afternoon for a follow-up mammogram. Mr. mouse felt "something" earlier this year during our monthly breast exam. And, I asked my ob/gyn about it during one of our visits. She didn't think it was anything to worry about, but sent me in for an x-ray and mammogram just in case.

I went for the first round of tests. And, the lump Mr. mouse felt didn't raise any red flags. I guess it was just tissue. But, on the outside of my left breast the mammogram picked up "something", probably "nothing", but the doctor felt it was worth following up on in six months.

And, today is that follow-up appointment. We'll see what this afternoon brings.


Cheers!
mouse

10.10.08 (Week 9, Day 7): Week 10

Dear Friends and Family,

Another week down, another week closer to... well, I guess, baby. We have our first official ob/gyn appointment next Friday. And, then, the weekend after we're going home to tell the parents the news. I'm beginning to get excited about the telling part. So far, we haven't told anyone outside of the medical professionals who need to know, obviously.

Baby
Congratulations! Your baby is now officially called a "fetus." It looks a little like a medium shrimp, measuring 1.25 to 1.68 inches from crown to rump, and weighing a little less than two-tenths of an ounce. You might be reassured to know that most physical malformations, when they occur, have occurred by the end of this week, so the most critical part of your baby's development is safely behind you. But other developmental processes, such as those affecting behavior and intelligence, will continue throughout pregnancy. Eyes are covered by skin that will eventually split to form eyelids.

Mom-to-Be
You still probably don't show, but you may be wearing looser clothes. You may even be starting to eye maternity clothes, although you probably still don't need them. You may continue to feel tired and moody, but take heart: These symptoms shouldn't last too much longer.

Tip for the Week
If you're going to have chorionic villus sampling (CVS), a prenatal test used to detect genetic defects such as Tay-Sachs, sickle cell anemia, most types of cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome, it will probably be scheduled between now and 12 weeks.


Cheers!
mouse

New Opportunities at Work

Dear Friends and Family,

I've been at work for almost two years now. And, I think it's time to do something new. I've been surprised and somewhat delighted at how supportive my boss has been in helping me figure all of this out. There are three options I'm looking into.

My favorite is with our online team. It's a product planning position developing a road map for the website (e.g. what features and benefits should be developed next). This one would definitely be the most fun. But, it's the one where I'm least certain of where it leads next.

Another option is to work with one of the business units in strategy implementation. The team spent the last year developing a three year strategy. And, now they've got an opening for someone to execute against the strategy. I've got a couple of concerns about work-life balance with this team, but the exposure would be great.

And, the last option is to stay in a staff role. There's a position on the analytics team. My former boss went to lead that group. And, he'd love to have me. I love his team. I know the work-life balance would be good. And, I think (but, I'm not sure) he'd be just as supportive in two years when I was ready for something new.

All three are good options I'd be happy with. They're all promotions. I still need to interview for the job itself. We'll see where it all leads.


Cheers!
mouse

10.09.08 (Week 9, Day 6): Feeling Better

Dear Friends and Family,

Fortunately, it seems like the symptoms come in phases. Some days are worse. Some days are better. This morning, I'm feeling good. Here's what seems to be working for me.

(all times approximate)

• 4AM: 1/2 cup of juice
• 6AM: yogurt or cup chocolate milk
• 9AM: half serving of fruit (~2.5 oz)
• 10AM: other half serving of fruit (~2.5 oz)
• 12PM: small lunch (e.g. soup and roll, half sandwich and chips)
• 3PM: snack (e.g. handful of nuts, granola bar)
• 5PM: cold drink - juice, water, tea, something not carbonated
• 6PM: small dinner (e.g. fish and vegetables, rice and egg, something)
• 8PM: snack (e.g. orange, apple, kiwi, ice cream)

Cheers!
mouse

10.08.08 (Week 9, Day 5): Still Nauseous, but Coping

Dear Friends and Family,

I think the title says it all.

Tiny meals, lots of liquids, and mostly cold foods (like juice and milk and yogurt) are keeping me going. I've lost a little weight in the last couple of weeks and weighed in this morning at 121.5, but Mr. mouse isn't worried. As long as I'm eating nutritionally dense foods (not sure Campbell's chicken noodle soup counts, but whatever) and I'm keeping it down, I don't think he's too concerned at this point.


Cheers!
mouse

Update: Weather Outlook for Marathon Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, not sure if it's all headed in the right direction. It was looking good from a temperature perspective. I was just worried about rain. Now, it's looking warm again. I hope it doesn't turn into a fiasco like last year. Although last year went up to almost 90°, and I imagine every degree counts at that point.

Sunday weather, four days from today. High of 76° and a low of 61° with a 20% chance of showers.


Cheers!
mouse

10.07.08 (Week 9, Day 4): Nausea, Nausea, More Nausea

Dear Friends and Family,

I can't complain. I haven't actually thrown up, yet.

But, the nausea is becoming more frequent. And, it's getting worse. I think it's only a matter of time.

Yesterday's routine worked well until I let my stomach get too empty. I think the trick is to keep the stomach always going but not let it get too full. I hate to say it, but the easiest way to do that is to drink juice all day long. I'm sure that's not the healthiest option since there's no protein or fat or fiber in juice, it's almost all sugar. But, if it gets me through the day, I may just go with it for awhile. I'll try it today and see how I do.


Cheers!
mouse

PS: I'm getting anxious to share the good news, but we're waiting for now. 10/25 we go home to share the news with our parents. That'll be the start of week 12. And, the weekend after we're in Detroit and I imagine we'll share the news there. Perhaps when I get back from Detroit. Then, I'll post all of these posts and can be real time with it.

Quiet (and a Little Dull) Here

Dear Friends and Family,

After a crazy summer, it's quiet at work.

And, I haven't been feeling 100% the last couple of days so it's been quiet at home.

As a result it's also pretty dull. So, I'm going to lame out and leave you hanging for now.


Cheers!
mouse

10.06.08: How is it Already Monday?

Dear Friends and Family,

The weekend flew by. Saturday, I woke early, did some work and then napped. We headed out to the Museum of Science and Industry for the afternoon to see the Smart Home. We got a exhibit resource guide with all sorts of ideas on how to be more green.

Then, Mr. mouse dropped me off at home. I watched Fast Food Nation while he went shopping for some fall clothes. Dinner was a handful of Lemon Heads and Sour Patch Kids. I can't say it's the healthiest, but I fell asleep shortly after the movie, so I forgot to make something.

Sunday, we woke up early again. We went out for dim sum and then more fall shopping. I picked up two new sweaters (sorry, can't find pics online). And, Mr. mouse picked up two new slacks for work. Then, he dropped me off at home. I napped and did some more work while he went out for groceries. We ate, did some house cleaning.

And, it's Monday.

Weather outlook for this Sunday? High of 62° and a low of 47° with a 30% chance of showers. Got some more house cleaning to do this week.


Cheers!
mouse

10.06.08 (Week 9, Day 3): Always Full

Dear Friends and Family,

My digestion has always been slow. And, it's only gotten slower with pregnancy. Last week it came to a screeching halt. I've come to the conclusion that's what's been causing the stomachaches. There's too much food in my belly by end of day.

For instance, last night, I had half a bowl of rice with half an egg and one ounce chicken - 3 points. This would normally be a light snack. Last night, I was so full I could barely fall asleep. And, this morning, I'm still full.

Today, I'm going to try mostly juices and milk to see if I can give my stomach a chance to catch up and empty out.


Cheers!
mouse

10.03.08 (Week 8, Day 7): Week 9

Dear Friends and Family,

Just figured out the way the ultrasound machine counts weeks is different from everyone else. So, near as I can tell, we're starting week 9, month 3 tomorrow. Pain in my @$. That's okay. Mr. mouse is right. I should focus on what's important. Pioneer continues to do well. I continue to do well.

Baby
The embryo measures about 0.9 inches to 1.2 inches from crown to rump, or the size of a strawberry. The arms and legs are longer, and the fingers might be a little swollen where the touch pads are forming. The head is more erect and neck is more developed. Your baby now moves its body and limbs, and this movement can be visible during an ultrasound, but you won't be able to feel it yet.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus is continuing to grow, and you may begin to see your waistline thickening. But unless you tell people the good news, your pregnancy still won't be noticeable to others. Weight gain is still small, if at all, since you could be experiencing food aversions, cravings, heartburn, indigestion, nausea and bloating. Mood swings and weepiness similar to PMS symptoms are common, too.

Tip for the Week
Eat plenty of foods that contain calcium -- such as cheeses, sardines and broccoli -- to provide sufficient calcium for the development of your baby's teeth and bones.


Cheers!
mouse

Weather Outlook for Marathon Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm fixated on something I can't control - the weather for the weekend of the Marathon. Last year, it was unbelievably hot. And, although it was great for tanning, per se, it was miserable for the runners and for the watchers. So, I've got my fingers and toes crossed for this year.

Today's the first peek to Sunday weather, 10 days from today. And, it's showing a high of 60° and a low of 47° with a 30% chance of showers. I'm guessing the temperature range is good. I'd prefer it to be sunny. We'll see how it unfolds over the next week.


Cheers!
mouse

10.03.08 (Week 8, Day 7): Week 8 (We Thought)

Dear Friends and Family,

Wow, by next weekend we'll be two months into this adventure. It's a little scary how quickly the time is going. I've asked Mr. mouse to begin sketching out the weeks. He doesn't want to until we're through the first trimester. I think that's wasting time we don't have. Sigh. Things would be so but easier, albeit less interesting, if we just agreed on everything.

Baby
Your embryo, now about in its sixth week of development, is about the size of a grape -- 0.56 to 0.8 inches from crown to rump. Eyelid folds and ears are forming and even the tip of the nose is visible. The arms have grown longer and bend at the elbows. Places where fingers and toes eventually will grow are becoming notched.

Mom-to-Be
Your uterus, once the size of your fist, is now about the size of a grapefruit. You may feel some cramping or pain in your lower abdomen or sides, but that's because your uterus typically tightens or contracts throughout pregnancy. Consult your doctor if contractions are accompanied by vaginal bleeding.

Tip for the Week
Good breast support during pregnancy will help you feel more comfortable and prevent future sagging. Exercises to keep your chest muscles toned can be useful, too.

What's Happening Inside You?
Your baby's facial features continue to develop. Each ear begins as a little fold of skin at the side of the head. Tiny buds that eventually grow into arms and legs are forming. Fingers, toes and eyes are also forming

The neural tube (brain, spinal cord and other neural tissue of the central nervous system) is well formed. The digestive tract and sensory organs begin to develop. Bone starts to replace cartilage.

By the end of the second month, your baby, now a fetus, is about 1 inch long, weighs about 1/3 ounce, and is virtually all head (1/3 of its body is head).


Cheers!
mouse

10.03.08 (Week 8, Day 7): TUMS, My New Best Friend

Dear Friends and Family,

My belly aches started earlier than "usual" (if two days of data points can be classified as usual) yesterday. By around 10 in the morning, I could feel it beginning and I knew it would be BAD by the end of the day. In desperation, I went downstairs to the pharmacy and picked up a package of TUMS figuring it couldn't hurt. And, surprisingly, it helped. It didn't make it go away entirely, but it kept the stomach ache at the mere annoying level instead of the completely debilitating level. I think part of it is also exacerbated by the fact that I'm not going burp and fart (pardon the coarse language) my way through work. It's just not professional.

Total tally? 8 throughout the day yesterday. We'll see what today brings.


Cheers!
mouse

Fall Chills

Dear Friends and Family,

The weather took a sharp turn this week and it's definitely feeling like fall. Time to pack away the summer clothes and break out the fall/winter wardrobe. I may spend some time this weekend clothes shopping. Or, maybe I'll pick up a stick blender to try some new soup recipes. Ah, something to look forward to.


Cheers!
mouse

10.02.08 (Week 8, Day 6): More Gas, Yeah

Dear Friends and Family,

I had a miserable ride in yesterday morning. The train was packed to the gills and standing room only and I didn't do well on it. I started having the can't breathe, can't see straight, lots of burps, lots of saliva, cold sweat feeling that generally precedes vomiting. Fortunately, I JUST made it to the stop where everyone gets off and I was able to get some air. It wasn't pretty.

Then, I had my afternoon "can't stay awake" fight with myself. And, around 2:30 the bellyache started coming on again. By evening, by belly was distended with gas like those old photos of children in Africa. It wasn't any fun at all. I was miserable the whole way home.

Mr. mouse made me a concoction of 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1 cup of water. It was gross, but our Alka-Seltzer had aspirin in it and I didn't have the energy to look up all of the other medications. Then, we went for a walk to drop off some library books.

I'm feeling a lot better this morning, but still not 100%. Hopefully today goes better than yesterday did.


Cheers!
mouse

CHAOS has taken over the house

Dear Friends and Family,

I've been sleeping a ton lately, and it's beginning to catch up to us. The house is a marginal disaster. We'll need to spend some time this weekend putting it back in order, we have friends coming over in two weeks for the marathon.

Nothing like company to motivate you to get your act together.


Cheers!
mouse

10.01.08 (Week 8, Day 5): Gas, Pleasant...

Dear Friends and Family,

Pioneer continues to make his/her presence known.

Around 9:30 in the morning, I had empty stomach queasiness going on. So, I went downstairs and bought a bag of gummy lifesavers and ate 10 pieces and then 10 more and then 10 more and felt better.

Then, I fell asleep at work yesterday. Yes, at my desk, for 30 minutes at 2:30 in the afternoon. I'm kidding, right? No, sad, but true, it happened.

And, later in the afternoon, I started have bellyaches again. My issue tree included 1) TUMS (indigestion), 2) Tylenol (cramps), 3) food (empty belly nausea), 4) home clothes (the size 0s are getting a little tight), 5) rest (fatigue).

I got home, changed, had a TUMS, had dinner and sat down in front of the TV to rest figuring if the pain didn't go away I'd take the Tylenol as a last resort. Well, turned out the bellyache was more gas, and a couple of "gas passes" later, I was feeling all better.

Thank goodness Mr. mouse went out for a haircut so I was home alone. I was sleep by 8:30, so I guess rest was part of it as well.


Cheers!
mouse