Well, almost finished. But finished enough that I feel much more relaxed about bringing the baby home. I mean, how ridiculous is that? It's not like we actually *need* a nursery. But my nesting instincts would have no less.
On Friday, Mike moved what he could of the office furniture down to the guest room and set up the crib upstairs. One would have thought that this would have eased my mind. One would have thought.
Instead, I twitched until Saturday morning, when a friend came over to help Mike move the heavier items down so that we could set up the changing table/bureau. Only then did I finally start to feel better. At that point, I took over. I set up the changing pad and diaper accessories. I acquired room-darkening curtains and hung them. I set up the crib mobile and little lamb white noise machine. I got the diaper bag all ready (acquired this one for a really great price at our local Fisher Price store), set up the bassinette and have it ready in our bedroom, and generally did some baby decorating. Mike knew to stay out of my way.
About an hour in, I called Mike up, and he gamely approached. Flushed with exertion, I pointed out that he still had school books and folders in the 2 cute built-in shelving units in the room and I really needed him to move those to make way for items such as hooded towels and baby washcloths. I mean, seriously. I'm just a nut.
But I got just about everything done that I could. My mother-in-law is making us some tie backs for the curtains, and Mike is working on clearing the last of his office stuff. The doors on everything in there need to be planed, sanded and painted, and it's raining all week here, so that will have to wait. But overall, the rooms looks like a nursery, and I feel happy about it.
With that burst of energy satisfied, I'm now concentrating on the menstrual-like cramping I've been experiencing and praying for it to become excruciating any moment now. I have a feeling I'm in for a wait that will be longer than I'd like it to be.
Showing posts with label nesting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nesting. Show all posts
Monday, May 16, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Trying to get things finished up...
All of a sudden, it's sunk in that the baby is technically full-term and can be born anytime. In order for me not to hyperventilate at this statement, I need to systematically cross things off my to-do list both at work and at home, so that I feel ready. Notice my use of the word "feel." I've done this before, and thus I know that no matter what I do, I will never actually *be* ready. There's some reassurance in that, to be sure.
I've been getting lots of cramping, and this has also panicked me a bit. I've calmed down a lot, but the fact of the matter is that Mike still has finals through next Thursday. As long as I can get to that milestone, I'll be a happy girl. I'd prefer to go fully to 39 weeks or later, but as long as we can get Mike through his exams, I'll be satisfied. Now watch: I say these things, and then 41 weeks will come and go, and I'll desperately be drinking castor oil and running up stairs trying to stimulate labor. You just wait.
I've been thinking about how I'll let my blogging readers know when Baby CL has arrived. :) I don't have a smartphone, so no blogging from the hospital. Alas, I know you're all crushed and disappointed. :)
This is the signaling system we have at our disposal: I tend to post most to everyday Monday through Friday. I'll post every weekday from now until I go into labor, but I never post on Saturdays and Sundays, fyi. If you notice that I don't post on a weekday, you'll know something is up. :) Certainly, if 2 weekdays go by with no word, this means that Baby CL is now with us. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME. This is very important. :) When I get home from the hospital, as soon as I am able, I'll upload a picture and provide details. It'll all be very exciting.
I've been getting lots of cramping, and this has also panicked me a bit. I've calmed down a lot, but the fact of the matter is that Mike still has finals through next Thursday. As long as I can get to that milestone, I'll be a happy girl. I'd prefer to go fully to 39 weeks or later, but as long as we can get Mike through his exams, I'll be satisfied. Now watch: I say these things, and then 41 weeks will come and go, and I'll desperately be drinking castor oil and running up stairs trying to stimulate labor. You just wait.
I've been thinking about how I'll let my blogging readers know when Baby CL has arrived. :) I don't have a smartphone, so no blogging from the hospital. Alas, I know you're all crushed and disappointed. :)
This is the signaling system we have at our disposal: I tend to post most to everyday Monday through Friday. I'll post every weekday from now until I go into labor, but I never post on Saturdays and Sundays, fyi. If you notice that I don't post on a weekday, you'll know something is up. :) Certainly, if 2 weekdays go by with no word, this means that Baby CL is now with us. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME. This is very important. :) When I get home from the hospital, as soon as I am able, I'll upload a picture and provide details. It'll all be very exciting.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Everybody is nesting these days
This morning, as I readied for work, I heard a bunch of commotion out of one of our bedroom windows. I'd been hearing a lot of cooing out there, but I didn't think too much of it. Some pigeons passing by, most likely.
Eventually, I noticed that the level of fluttering coming from that area could not possibly be from a fly by. I can't see fully out that window because there is a privacy panel on it, since the houses are so close together where we live. But there is a little space near the edge that I can peek through. So I peeked.
A mourning dove peeked back.
Mike had forgotten to lower the screen when he took our a/c units out last year, and two doves had taken up residence in the window, beginning a nest. I felt bad, but we had to shoo them out. We don't want to live *quite* that close to nature. Plus, the a/c unit will have to go back in there.
In terms of our nest, Mike is painting the nursery this weekend, and we have a very cute Berber carpet going in there next Tuesday. After that, we'll get the furniture all moved, and I can finally move the baby's "stuff" out of the closet and start arranging it in the room. I also have to wash all the little clothes. Perhaps next weekend. But I'm getting a bit freaked out - I only have a few weeks to go!
And it definitely feels it, physically. Overall, I still feel pretty darn good. But I'm nearly 37 weeks now, so the inevitable comes into play. My ankles and fingers swell very easily now, and sciatica is my constant companion. So is the bathroom, but that's a whole 'nother story.
The baby is a really good size now, and I'm feeling tons of pressure. My body is getting ready whether I'm ready or not!
Eventually, I noticed that the level of fluttering coming from that area could not possibly be from a fly by. I can't see fully out that window because there is a privacy panel on it, since the houses are so close together where we live. But there is a little space near the edge that I can peek through. So I peeked.
A mourning dove peeked back.
Mike had forgotten to lower the screen when he took our a/c units out last year, and two doves had taken up residence in the window, beginning a nest. I felt bad, but we had to shoo them out. We don't want to live *quite* that close to nature. Plus, the a/c unit will have to go back in there.
In terms of our nest, Mike is painting the nursery this weekend, and we have a very cute Berber carpet going in there next Tuesday. After that, we'll get the furniture all moved, and I can finally move the baby's "stuff" out of the closet and start arranging it in the room. I also have to wash all the little clothes. Perhaps next weekend. But I'm getting a bit freaked out - I only have a few weeks to go!
And it definitely feels it, physically. Overall, I still feel pretty darn good. But I'm nearly 37 weeks now, so the inevitable comes into play. My ankles and fingers swell very easily now, and sciatica is my constant companion. So is the bathroom, but that's a whole 'nother story.
The baby is a really good size now, and I'm feeling tons of pressure. My body is getting ready whether I'm ready or not!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Spring is in the air...
Well, it's snowing here today, but let's ignore that small fact just for a moment. The other day, a small house sparrow flew by me with grass stuck in its little beak, and there is a pair of Canada geese honking at anyone that walks past their intended nest site nestled in a landscaping display right in the middle of campus. As well, American robins have made their way north again for the year, and their cheery red breasts make me tell them "you are so darn cute!!" every time I see one hopping through my yard.
Spring is here. All the animals are making nests, just like me. :) I kind of like that this birth is lining up with Mother Nature this time. It's a very sweet time to share with animals we may not relate to very often. Pretty soon, the females will all be sitting on their nests, awaiting the big day. Although not quite exactly the same, I have the same instincts coursing through my veins right now. The house is being prepared, and my body is preparing itself, as I wait in joyful hope. I'm getting lots and lots of Braxton Hicks contractions, and I can feel the pressure of the baby's head really low. In less than 4 weeks Baby CL will be full term.
I'm SO ready. But on the other, I'm SO NOT ready. Know what I mean?
Spring is here. All the animals are making nests, just like me. :) I kind of like that this birth is lining up with Mother Nature this time. It's a very sweet time to share with animals we may not relate to very often. Pretty soon, the females will all be sitting on their nests, awaiting the big day. Although not quite exactly the same, I have the same instincts coursing through my veins right now. The house is being prepared, and my body is preparing itself, as I wait in joyful hope. I'm getting lots and lots of Braxton Hicks contractions, and I can feel the pressure of the baby's head really low. In less than 4 weeks Baby CL will be full term.
I'm SO ready. But on the other, I'm SO NOT ready. Know what I mean?
Friday, March 11, 2011
A spring cleaning weekend
Despite my continued and urgent need to nest, I've accepted that there isn't anything I can do about it this weekend. We're not going to be moving furniture until much closer to the baby's arrival, and it's too cold to paint. Thus, I need to employ my energies elsewhere, and as we all know, my energies have the force of a small tropical storm.
Thus, I'm going to be doing some spring cleaning. :) Wash all curtains, dust photographs, mop floors, maybe clean out the refrigerator. The side entryway *really* needs some attention. I tend to let that go in the winter because the instant you clean the tile in there, it's dirty again from snow and salt. I like doing things that make the house feel "fresh" so I'm looking forward to it. I'm a little afraid of our kitchen cupboards, so although that's a common spring cleaning task, I may avoid it. Our cupboards really aren't messy or dirty, but I know that once I get in there, I'll spend hours re-organizing everything, and they don't necessarily need re-organizing. No need to create work for myself. I'm good at that.
In baby news, I'll be 30 weeks on Monday. 30 WEEKS. This is a milestone that I've been looking forward to for quite some time. Within 10 weeks of my due date. The end feels much more in sight. Hank was born at 39 weeks, so maybe it'll even been less than 10 weeks! *squeals*
Lately, I've been having lots of those Braxton-Hicks contractions. Those fakey ones where your belly gets all tight for a brief minute. I don't remember getting them this early with Hank. Could this mean I'll deliver before 40 weeks again? Unfortunately, there's no way to tell. :) It's my second baby, which gives me hope, since things do tend to go quicker the second time around. It's as if your body says, "oh, right, this again" and gets its act together much more expediently.
But the thing is, I've known plenty of women who, on their second baby, go *over* their due date. Some who even delivered prior to their due date the first time around. So, it's all a mystery, like always. If I had to guess, based on much TMI charting information, I think I'll deliver between 39 weeks 5 days and 40 weeks 2 days. That's my best prediction via the Creighton Method of Natural Family Planning. :) I'm actually meeting with my NFP lady in early April, and I can write in with her prediction. Bet you can hardly contain your excitement. :)
Thus, I'm going to be doing some spring cleaning. :) Wash all curtains, dust photographs, mop floors, maybe clean out the refrigerator. The side entryway *really* needs some attention. I tend to let that go in the winter because the instant you clean the tile in there, it's dirty again from snow and salt. I like doing things that make the house feel "fresh" so I'm looking forward to it. I'm a little afraid of our kitchen cupboards, so although that's a common spring cleaning task, I may avoid it. Our cupboards really aren't messy or dirty, but I know that once I get in there, I'll spend hours re-organizing everything, and they don't necessarily need re-organizing. No need to create work for myself. I'm good at that.
In baby news, I'll be 30 weeks on Monday. 30 WEEKS. This is a milestone that I've been looking forward to for quite some time. Within 10 weeks of my due date. The end feels much more in sight. Hank was born at 39 weeks, so maybe it'll even been less than 10 weeks! *squeals*
Lately, I've been having lots of those Braxton-Hicks contractions. Those fakey ones where your belly gets all tight for a brief minute. I don't remember getting them this early with Hank. Could this mean I'll deliver before 40 weeks again? Unfortunately, there's no way to tell. :) It's my second baby, which gives me hope, since things do tend to go quicker the second time around. It's as if your body says, "oh, right, this again" and gets its act together much more expediently.
But the thing is, I've known plenty of women who, on their second baby, go *over* their due date. Some who even delivered prior to their due date the first time around. So, it's all a mystery, like always. If I had to guess, based on much TMI charting information, I think I'll deliver between 39 weeks 5 days and 40 weeks 2 days. That's my best prediction via the Creighton Method of Natural Family Planning. :) I'm actually meeting with my NFP lady in early April, and I can write in with her prediction. Bet you can hardly contain your excitement. :)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
A sleepy Ash Wednesday...
As ever, I am glad that Ash Wednesday is here and that Lent has begun. Hank and I are going to ashes late this afternoon.
I'm super sleepy though, I just haven't been sleeping well. It's not terrible, and plus it's heartening to connect the increasing discomforts with the imminence of Baby CL's arrival! Very exciting. This weekend, for my nesting festivities, I may try to paint the trim in the nursery. That's a bit crazy, probably. If it's too cold, I won't be able to do it, since I wouldn't be able to open the windows to properly ventilate. We'll see. I'm dying to nest though, and I'm running out of things I can do at the present moment, so I must solve this dilemma.
The other morning, I was reading my introductory issue of American Baby over my morning bowl of Raisin Bran. The topic isn't funny, but I found the quick chart of "Who is at Risk for PostPartum Depression?" kind of amusing:
(1) Prior history of depression before pregnancy - Nope (before my pregnancy with Hank, that is)
(2) Prior sexual abuse - Nope
(3) Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy - Definitely nope
(4) Marital conflict - Nope
(5) Hormonal issues related to thyroid function, etc. - Nope
(6) Lack of social/family support - Nope
(7) Type A Personality. Uh oh.
:)
On a serious note, the single greatest risk factor for developing PPD is a prior incidence of PPD. This is definitely me. I'm on the lookout for it this time, and I'm doing everything possible to buoy my spirits naturally, plus I'm more prepared for the warning signs. I'm optimistic that I can beat it this time. I also saw that my hospital has a support group for PPD. Good information to have.
I'm super sleepy though, I just haven't been sleeping well. It's not terrible, and plus it's heartening to connect the increasing discomforts with the imminence of Baby CL's arrival! Very exciting. This weekend, for my nesting festivities, I may try to paint the trim in the nursery. That's a bit crazy, probably. If it's too cold, I won't be able to do it, since I wouldn't be able to open the windows to properly ventilate. We'll see. I'm dying to nest though, and I'm running out of things I can do at the present moment, so I must solve this dilemma.
The other morning, I was reading my introductory issue of American Baby over my morning bowl of Raisin Bran. The topic isn't funny, but I found the quick chart of "Who is at Risk for PostPartum Depression?" kind of amusing:
(1) Prior history of depression before pregnancy - Nope (before my pregnancy with Hank, that is)
(2) Prior sexual abuse - Nope
(3) Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy - Definitely nope
(4) Marital conflict - Nope
(5) Hormonal issues related to thyroid function, etc. - Nope
(6) Lack of social/family support - Nope
(7) Type A Personality. Uh oh.
:)
On a serious note, the single greatest risk factor for developing PPD is a prior incidence of PPD. This is definitely me. I'm on the lookout for it this time, and I'm doing everything possible to buoy my spirits naturally, plus I'm more prepared for the warning signs. I'm optimistic that I can beat it this time. I also saw that my hospital has a support group for PPD. Good information to have.
Monday, March 7, 2011
A very nice weekend, and good heart news
Thankfully, this weekend came and went with a lot less emotional volatility than last weekend. :) I feel back to my old self again.
Friday evening started things rolling nicely with my belly dance class. We're learning a new choreography for the hafla in early April as well as a performance at an international student event at a local college that same weekend. Now that I know that my gown costume fits nicely and looks cute on my pregnant form, I feel a lot more at ease about the events. And the choreography is super fun. We're using canes as a prop, the first time I've ever used one. Shockingly, despite my usual clumsiness, I find that I can wield it normally and not risk taking anyone's eye out. As long as I have a decent-sized circle of safety, that is. Mike always smiles when he walks by our guest room and sees me twirling my cane around in there, practicing. We went two full hours on Friday evening, and though I was tired by the end, I wasn't particularly achey, and I felt just great. Emotionally charged (in a positive way) and creatively sated. My right hand was all red between my thumb and index finger from swinging the cane, and I felt proud of it. :) This is why I love belly dance so much, and it felt good to feel "like me" again when I'm dancing.
I'm much more aware of my body this pregnancy as opposed to last time, and that can be both good and bad. Last weekend, it was bad. This weekend, it was good. Yes, I'm lugging around an extra 17 pounds and I have a definite pregnant belly tucked under my shirt. But I'm still ME. I know this doesn't sound like anything all that revolutionary, but it was a huge breakthrough for me this weekend. It's easy to feel "lost" in one's pregnant body, and to forget what you used to look like and what your physical abilities used to be. This weekend, I got back in touch with those things, and it felt marvelous. I'm very pregnant, but I'm still Tiffany and I'm still a dancer. That was our self-help, touchy feely portion of the blog...
On Saturday, my nesting instincts kicked in like they always do and I dragged 2 bags of newborn items out to unload and place carefully into our changing table/dresser unit, soon to be re-located to the nursery. Whenever it is that the nursery actually exists, that is. Fast forward to a whole lot of squealing and teary eyes as I pulled out teeny tiny little newborn sleepers, onesies, caps, booties, and outfits. So, so precious. Since we didn't find out Hank's gender prior to his birth either, I have a ton of neutral colors and can re-use all of it. They grow so fast out of that newborn stuff, so it held up pretty well despite being washed whenever there was a poo explosion (coined new term: "poosplosion.") Which was, you know, multiple times per day.
I did some further cleaning/re-organizing in the guest room, and that room is pretty much ready for us to bring the office furniture down when we're ready. Probably that won't be until late April or early May. We'll see.
Sunday, I had Children's Liturgy of the Word, and as happens more often than not (unfortunately) it was a tough crowd. :) I need help from any of you who have worked with young children. This age group is about age 4 through 8. The children at the upper portion of that bracket are no trouble at all. But the 4-6 contingent are *very* challenging to keep focused for any length longer than 5-10 seconds, I am seriously not exaggerating. Now, obviously, I understand that this is perfectly normal for children of that age. I just feel a bit like I'm totally wasting my time since I'm constantly having to stop my lesson to keep them corraled or from talking to their friends while I'm talking. I've never formally been trained as a teacher of young children, and thought maybe some of you would have some tips. I do try to keep them involved by asking questions, referring to the poster illustrating the themes of the week, etc. What else can I do? I'm on duty again in 3 weeks, the 3rd Sunday of Lent.
And finally, this morning, I had an appointment with my cardiologist. I've had a small heart murmur from birh, which was eventually diagnosed as a mitral valve prolapse. Not a big deal. But in pregnancy, with your heart working harder than ever given your increased blood volume, they like to keep an eye on it. Happily, my heart sounds great. When I had Hank, the recommendation was still for antibiotics before and following surgery or any kind of invasive procedure. This included dental work, and vaginal childbirth (or cesarean, obviously). Thus, when I was admitted to the hospital, they immediately hooked me up to an IV drip of antibiotics, which stayed firmly in my hand until a full 24 hours following delivery. To say that I hated this would be the understatement of the day. It ties into my biggest complaint about my hospital delivery: I felt like a caged animal. I couldn't walk more than a foot from the bed in any direction. It even interfered with nursing Hank the day following delivery. I really, really want my experience to be different this time, and this antibiotic issue was key. I was thrilled when I asked her about it, and she confirmed that I would not need antibiotics this time. Their recommendation has changed. I figured as much, since they no longer advised that I take antibiotics prior to dental work, but I just wanted to be sure. This made for a happy Catholic Librarian. She's going to write to my obstetrician so that they're aware.
Another week begins, and I'm feeling optimistic. Next week, I'll be 30 weeks and a mere 10 weeks from my due date. I'm feeling good. :)
Friday evening started things rolling nicely with my belly dance class. We're learning a new choreography for the hafla in early April as well as a performance at an international student event at a local college that same weekend. Now that I know that my gown costume fits nicely and looks cute on my pregnant form, I feel a lot more at ease about the events. And the choreography is super fun. We're using canes as a prop, the first time I've ever used one. Shockingly, despite my usual clumsiness, I find that I can wield it normally and not risk taking anyone's eye out. As long as I have a decent-sized circle of safety, that is. Mike always smiles when he walks by our guest room and sees me twirling my cane around in there, practicing. We went two full hours on Friday evening, and though I was tired by the end, I wasn't particularly achey, and I felt just great. Emotionally charged (in a positive way) and creatively sated. My right hand was all red between my thumb and index finger from swinging the cane, and I felt proud of it. :) This is why I love belly dance so much, and it felt good to feel "like me" again when I'm dancing.
I'm much more aware of my body this pregnancy as opposed to last time, and that can be both good and bad. Last weekend, it was bad. This weekend, it was good. Yes, I'm lugging around an extra 17 pounds and I have a definite pregnant belly tucked under my shirt. But I'm still ME. I know this doesn't sound like anything all that revolutionary, but it was a huge breakthrough for me this weekend. It's easy to feel "lost" in one's pregnant body, and to forget what you used to look like and what your physical abilities used to be. This weekend, I got back in touch with those things, and it felt marvelous. I'm very pregnant, but I'm still Tiffany and I'm still a dancer. That was our self-help, touchy feely portion of the blog...
On Saturday, my nesting instincts kicked in like they always do and I dragged 2 bags of newborn items out to unload and place carefully into our changing table/dresser unit, soon to be re-located to the nursery. Whenever it is that the nursery actually exists, that is. Fast forward to a whole lot of squealing and teary eyes as I pulled out teeny tiny little newborn sleepers, onesies, caps, booties, and outfits. So, so precious. Since we didn't find out Hank's gender prior to his birth either, I have a ton of neutral colors and can re-use all of it. They grow so fast out of that newborn stuff, so it held up pretty well despite being washed whenever there was a poo explosion (coined new term: "poosplosion.") Which was, you know, multiple times per day.
I did some further cleaning/re-organizing in the guest room, and that room is pretty much ready for us to bring the office furniture down when we're ready. Probably that won't be until late April or early May. We'll see.
Sunday, I had Children's Liturgy of the Word, and as happens more often than not (unfortunately) it was a tough crowd. :) I need help from any of you who have worked with young children. This age group is about age 4 through 8. The children at the upper portion of that bracket are no trouble at all. But the 4-6 contingent are *very* challenging to keep focused for any length longer than 5-10 seconds, I am seriously not exaggerating. Now, obviously, I understand that this is perfectly normal for children of that age. I just feel a bit like I'm totally wasting my time since I'm constantly having to stop my lesson to keep them corraled or from talking to their friends while I'm talking. I've never formally been trained as a teacher of young children, and thought maybe some of you would have some tips. I do try to keep them involved by asking questions, referring to the poster illustrating the themes of the week, etc. What else can I do? I'm on duty again in 3 weeks, the 3rd Sunday of Lent.
And finally, this morning, I had an appointment with my cardiologist. I've had a small heart murmur from birh, which was eventually diagnosed as a mitral valve prolapse. Not a big deal. But in pregnancy, with your heart working harder than ever given your increased blood volume, they like to keep an eye on it. Happily, my heart sounds great. When I had Hank, the recommendation was still for antibiotics before and following surgery or any kind of invasive procedure. This included dental work, and vaginal childbirth (or cesarean, obviously). Thus, when I was admitted to the hospital, they immediately hooked me up to an IV drip of antibiotics, which stayed firmly in my hand until a full 24 hours following delivery. To say that I hated this would be the understatement of the day. It ties into my biggest complaint about my hospital delivery: I felt like a caged animal. I couldn't walk more than a foot from the bed in any direction. It even interfered with nursing Hank the day following delivery. I really, really want my experience to be different this time, and this antibiotic issue was key. I was thrilled when I asked her about it, and she confirmed that I would not need antibiotics this time. Their recommendation has changed. I figured as much, since they no longer advised that I take antibiotics prior to dental work, but I just wanted to be sure. This made for a happy Catholic Librarian. She's going to write to my obstetrician so that they're aware.
Another week begins, and I'm feeling optimistic. Next week, I'll be 30 weeks and a mere 10 weeks from my due date. I'm feeling good. :)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Nesting progress
Leading up to this past weekend, I made a grand announcement to my husband, with tornado-like energy emanating from my very pores:
"There are only about 12 usable weekends left until the baby arrives. I'm going to begin nesting IN EARNEST."
I was so dead serious, he couldn't help but crack the smile that he reserves for the times he thinks I'm doing something he labels "especially cute."
"Does this mean that you're going to be flitting around the house even more then usual coming up here?"
"YES. And I'm going to need you to move the heavy things."
I mean, nesting during the week simply isn't possible. After working all day, and coming home to make dinner and clean up, I truly don't have the energy to rearrange rooms, even with my super human nesting instincts on FULL POWER! like they are right now. So, on Saturday morning, it began.
Mike was prompted by yours truly over to a local discount chain to select a new bookcase for our bedroom. What does this have to do with the baby? Well. In order to create a nursery, we need to move the office furniture out of that room. To move the office furniture, we need to make room for it in the current guest room. To make room in the current guest room, we need to move at least some of the books that we have down there up to our bedroom. So you see? Terribly simple. :)
We found a nice, large 5 shelf one for a price so low I was convinced the cheap pressed wood would splinter before we even got it home. Mike got it together with a minimum of swearing, and shockingly, it looks pretty darn good for being so cheap. I spent the rest of the afternoon hauling and rearranging books. I have to say, the end result is much more appealing than our previous arrangement. Before this, I had these multiple cheap bookcases that fell apart every time I moved them. Which has been 3 times since we got married. It's nice to have everything consolidated. And this way, I was able to arrange by subject a bit. My own personal slice of the Library of Congress classification system.
Even though this seems like small progress, it's huge in my book. I was a little frightened that we weren't going to ever fit the office furniture in that guest room. This has cleared up a bunch of space. I also re-located some of Hank's toys that we kept in there, and since he has a nice-sized bedroom, the transition was seamless.
We still have a wee bit of re-arranging to do in the guest room, but I have hope now that everything will fit, and we're nearly done in there. Then I must face my arch nemesis: THE STORAGE. *shudder of revulsion* This is going to be ugly, and the games begin this coming weekend. But it has to be done.
"There are only about 12 usable weekends left until the baby arrives. I'm going to begin nesting IN EARNEST."
I was so dead serious, he couldn't help but crack the smile that he reserves for the times he thinks I'm doing something he labels "especially cute."
"Does this mean that you're going to be flitting around the house even more then usual coming up here?"
"YES. And I'm going to need you to move the heavy things."
I mean, nesting during the week simply isn't possible. After working all day, and coming home to make dinner and clean up, I truly don't have the energy to rearrange rooms, even with my super human nesting instincts on FULL POWER! like they are right now. So, on Saturday morning, it began.
Mike was prompted by yours truly over to a local discount chain to select a new bookcase for our bedroom. What does this have to do with the baby? Well. In order to create a nursery, we need to move the office furniture out of that room. To move the office furniture, we need to make room for it in the current guest room. To make room in the current guest room, we need to move at least some of the books that we have down there up to our bedroom. So you see? Terribly simple. :)
We found a nice, large 5 shelf one for a price so low I was convinced the cheap pressed wood would splinter before we even got it home. Mike got it together with a minimum of swearing, and shockingly, it looks pretty darn good for being so cheap. I spent the rest of the afternoon hauling and rearranging books. I have to say, the end result is much more appealing than our previous arrangement. Before this, I had these multiple cheap bookcases that fell apart every time I moved them. Which has been 3 times since we got married. It's nice to have everything consolidated. And this way, I was able to arrange by subject a bit. My own personal slice of the Library of Congress classification system.
Even though this seems like small progress, it's huge in my book. I was a little frightened that we weren't going to ever fit the office furniture in that guest room. This has cleared up a bunch of space. I also re-located some of Hank's toys that we kept in there, and since he has a nice-sized bedroom, the transition was seamless.
We still have a wee bit of re-arranging to do in the guest room, but I have hope now that everything will fit, and we're nearly done in there. Then I must face my arch nemesis: THE STORAGE. *shudder of revulsion* This is going to be ugly, and the games begin this coming weekend. But it has to be done.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Catholic school open house bonanza, and nesting abounds...
Well. :) This was a very interesting weekend, and as always, I shall provide all the details. :)
I did in fact do a spell of nesting on Saturday. I went though the changing table/dresser combo that currently still lives in Hank's room. I had cleaned it out before, so it wasn't too bad. This means I now have to locate the bag in our storage marked "newborn" but I'll deal with that another week. I got all of Hank's stuff fit nicely into his larger dresser unit, and the changing table piece ready for the move to the nursery whenever the nursery actually exists. I consider this a success.
Sunday I was a bit nervous, since I had to teach Children's Liturgy of the Word. Last time it had gone well, so I was hopeful. Alas, this time was another one of those weeks. I had a larger group that included several young children circa age 3, and it was impossible to keep them still and quiet, thus distracting the entire group. I did the best I could, and it certainly didn't go terribly, but it wasn't a stellar installment either.
After Mass, we stopped for a brief lunch break, and then it was time for Catholic school open house #1. I was nervous, because I know that I'm certainly biased in favor of sending Hank to Catholic school in the fall, and that Mike is biased in favor of keeping him in public school since we live in a great district and pay the taxes to show for it. I was praying, so I was resigned to whatever outcome might come our way. We packed into the car and drove 2 minutes to contender #1, St. A's.
Immediately upon arrival, we were greeted warmly. People lined the hallway, saying "Welcome to St. A's!" It could have been creepy, but it wasn't. :) It was just such a pleasant change from our public school orientation last May. Right away, we were directed to the principal, who has a reputation as being "not a warm and fuzzy." I was worried that this would bother me, but honestly, it didn't. She was just fine. Certainly not the warmest person I've ever met, but not unkind or objectionable. She greeted us nicely and even spoke to Hank for a minute. After that, we were given a gift bag with some informational sheets and directed to a parent volunteer to give us a tour of the school.
There commenced the most thorough tour I've ever been on. :) We were there for nearly 2 hours! We visited every classroom, grades pre-k through 8, including all of the "specials": art, music, gym, computers, and the library. Every single teacher was kind and genuine. I was getting warm and fuzzies all over the place. The first grade teacher in particular was raved about amongst the others, and I noticed that she was wearing a small brown scapular around her neck. Every classroom had a crucifix on the wall and a saint statute in one corner. Statements of Christian values were posted in each room.
Instead of state testing and wellness policies, this school emphasizes traditional Catholic values and service, strong academics, particularly math, and the sense of family that they like to pervade their school, with an encouragement of children having fun at school in additon to learning. They have a monthly school Mass (it would be nice if it were more frequent, but I can live with this) in addition to Masses celebrating holy days and other feasts, full sacramental preparation for first reconciliation and eucharist, altar server training, service requirements for all students, daily prayer, and adorable little extras, like the first grade Christmas pageant.
The children all wear school uniforms, of which I highly approve, and the school has a strong code of conduct without being "over the top," which is how I perceived the public school. The tuition is extremely reasonable, and since we attend at a parish without a Catholic school, we qualify for their parishoner rate. We can afford it.
After we left, Hank announced, "I love this school, Mommy. I want to go here!" I did my best to stay quiet until Mike spoke first. He said, "let's talk when we get home," which I knew was a good sign. :)
Following a trip to the grocery store, Mike and I sat down. He said that going in he wasn't prepared to make a change, because he thinks our public elementary school is a good one, which it is. But that he was very impressed by St. A's, and thinks that it might be a better fit. He's leaning toward trying it for first grade. I was estactic.
The decision isn't final yet. I think we should let it simmer for a few weeks. There is still another open house that I'd like to go to. St. B's, which is Thursday evening. Mike can't attend that one with us due to a class commitment, but Hank and I will scope it out. I think it's always good to compare.
But in the end, I'm hoping to have Hank registered for Catholic school, most likely St. A's, by the end of February, to begin in the fall. With the 3 of us having as positive an impression as we did, my thought at this juncture is that this is a winner.
Last night, I couldn't sleep, my mind was such awhirl by the unexpected developments of the day. Even though the tuition is affordable for us, we still have after care costs to consider (school starts nice and early, 7:45 am, but ends at 2 pm), plus the new baby. If Mike is home, these costs won't exist, but eventually we'd like him to find a job in his new field, obviously. I will go back to work, so we'll have daycare costs, which for an infant, are *significant*. Catholic schools also come with fundraising obligations, and I'm worried about those too. But once again, I shouldn't "borrow worry." One thing at a time. Hank and I will attend this other open house on Thursday, we'll let a week or so of thinking time go by, and we'll make a decision. And then we'll go from there.
But overall, I'm feeling much, much better about schooling issues. And despite all the uncertainty with Mike's future employment, I know we're in good hands. Everything is going to be ok.
I did in fact do a spell of nesting on Saturday. I went though the changing table/dresser combo that currently still lives in Hank's room. I had cleaned it out before, so it wasn't too bad. This means I now have to locate the bag in our storage marked "newborn" but I'll deal with that another week. I got all of Hank's stuff fit nicely into his larger dresser unit, and the changing table piece ready for the move to the nursery whenever the nursery actually exists. I consider this a success.
Sunday I was a bit nervous, since I had to teach Children's Liturgy of the Word. Last time it had gone well, so I was hopeful. Alas, this time was another one of those weeks. I had a larger group that included several young children circa age 3, and it was impossible to keep them still and quiet, thus distracting the entire group. I did the best I could, and it certainly didn't go terribly, but it wasn't a stellar installment either.
After Mass, we stopped for a brief lunch break, and then it was time for Catholic school open house #1. I was nervous, because I know that I'm certainly biased in favor of sending Hank to Catholic school in the fall, and that Mike is biased in favor of keeping him in public school since we live in a great district and pay the taxes to show for it. I was praying, so I was resigned to whatever outcome might come our way. We packed into the car and drove 2 minutes to contender #1, St. A's.
Immediately upon arrival, we were greeted warmly. People lined the hallway, saying "Welcome to St. A's!" It could have been creepy, but it wasn't. :) It was just such a pleasant change from our public school orientation last May. Right away, we were directed to the principal, who has a reputation as being "not a warm and fuzzy." I was worried that this would bother me, but honestly, it didn't. She was just fine. Certainly not the warmest person I've ever met, but not unkind or objectionable. She greeted us nicely and even spoke to Hank for a minute. After that, we were given a gift bag with some informational sheets and directed to a parent volunteer to give us a tour of the school.
There commenced the most thorough tour I've ever been on. :) We were there for nearly 2 hours! We visited every classroom, grades pre-k through 8, including all of the "specials": art, music, gym, computers, and the library. Every single teacher was kind and genuine. I was getting warm and fuzzies all over the place. The first grade teacher in particular was raved about amongst the others, and I noticed that she was wearing a small brown scapular around her neck. Every classroom had a crucifix on the wall and a saint statute in one corner. Statements of Christian values were posted in each room.
Instead of state testing and wellness policies, this school emphasizes traditional Catholic values and service, strong academics, particularly math, and the sense of family that they like to pervade their school, with an encouragement of children having fun at school in additon to learning. They have a monthly school Mass (it would be nice if it were more frequent, but I can live with this) in addition to Masses celebrating holy days and other feasts, full sacramental preparation for first reconciliation and eucharist, altar server training, service requirements for all students, daily prayer, and adorable little extras, like the first grade Christmas pageant.
The children all wear school uniforms, of which I highly approve, and the school has a strong code of conduct without being "over the top," which is how I perceived the public school. The tuition is extremely reasonable, and since we attend at a parish without a Catholic school, we qualify for their parishoner rate. We can afford it.
After we left, Hank announced, "I love this school, Mommy. I want to go here!" I did my best to stay quiet until Mike spoke first. He said, "let's talk when we get home," which I knew was a good sign. :)
Following a trip to the grocery store, Mike and I sat down. He said that going in he wasn't prepared to make a change, because he thinks our public elementary school is a good one, which it is. But that he was very impressed by St. A's, and thinks that it might be a better fit. He's leaning toward trying it for first grade. I was estactic.
The decision isn't final yet. I think we should let it simmer for a few weeks. There is still another open house that I'd like to go to. St. B's, which is Thursday evening. Mike can't attend that one with us due to a class commitment, but Hank and I will scope it out. I think it's always good to compare.
But in the end, I'm hoping to have Hank registered for Catholic school, most likely St. A's, by the end of February, to begin in the fall. With the 3 of us having as positive an impression as we did, my thought at this juncture is that this is a winner.
Last night, I couldn't sleep, my mind was such awhirl by the unexpected developments of the day. Even though the tuition is affordable for us, we still have after care costs to consider (school starts nice and early, 7:45 am, but ends at 2 pm), plus the new baby. If Mike is home, these costs won't exist, but eventually we'd like him to find a job in his new field, obviously. I will go back to work, so we'll have daycare costs, which for an infant, are *significant*. Catholic schools also come with fundraising obligations, and I'm worried about those too. But once again, I shouldn't "borrow worry." One thing at a time. Hank and I will attend this other open house on Thursday, we'll let a week or so of thinking time go by, and we'll make a decision. And then we'll go from there.
But overall, I'm feeling much, much better about schooling issues. And despite all the uncertainty with Mike's future employment, I know we're in good hands. Everything is going to be ok.
Friday, January 28, 2011
New maternity pants and weekend plans
Yesterday, I did in fact stop by another Goodwill. And for a mere $12, I bought 3 pairs of perfect fitting maternity pants. *beams* A pair of khaki cords, and 2 pairs of black work pants. I couldn't be more thrilled.
Speaking of clothing, working on a university campus, I see all sorts of interesting fashion choices. Today, in fact, I spotted a student wearing boots so furry that for a few seconds I seriously thought she had a Lhasa Apso weaving between her ankles. Yesterday, though, was a new first. Walking back from a trip to the cash machine, I came up behind a female student wearing a skirt so short that you could see at least an inch of the control top to her pantyhose. This is not merely immodest, my friends, this is a definite fashion faux pas.
Anyway, I have dance tonight, which I hope I don't fall asleep for. My class runs from 7 pm until at least 8:30, sometimes 9, and it's getting increasingly hard for me to stay alert for that entire spell. Tonight is the beginning of a new session, and I should be fine for this 8 weeks. After that, I'll have to evaluate. I'll be over 30 weeks, and I don't know that I can commit to an 8 week session at that point. Perhaps I'll try to go week to week.
For the rest of the weekend, I plan to nest. Maybe get started on the storage, and clean out the baby's changing table/dresser. I have to teach at Children's Liturgy of the Word on Sunday, followed by the open house for Catholic School A. I'll fill you in on all the details Monday morning. :)
Speaking of clothing, working on a university campus, I see all sorts of interesting fashion choices. Today, in fact, I spotted a student wearing boots so furry that for a few seconds I seriously thought she had a Lhasa Apso weaving between her ankles. Yesterday, though, was a new first. Walking back from a trip to the cash machine, I came up behind a female student wearing a skirt so short that you could see at least an inch of the control top to her pantyhose. This is not merely immodest, my friends, this is a definite fashion faux pas.
Anyway, I have dance tonight, which I hope I don't fall asleep for. My class runs from 7 pm until at least 8:30, sometimes 9, and it's getting increasingly hard for me to stay alert for that entire spell. Tonight is the beginning of a new session, and I should be fine for this 8 weeks. After that, I'll have to evaluate. I'll be over 30 weeks, and I don't know that I can commit to an 8 week session at that point. Perhaps I'll try to go week to week.
For the rest of the weekend, I plan to nest. Maybe get started on the storage, and clean out the baby's changing table/dresser. I have to teach at Children's Liturgy of the Word on Sunday, followed by the open house for Catholic School A. I'll fill you in on all the details Monday morning. :)
Monday, December 13, 2010
Weekend cooking and other obsessive activities
This weekend, I did a lot of cooking. On Saturday, I made a pot of Cheddar Broccoli soup, which turned out awesome. Mike and I loved it. Hank couldn't get past the broccoli (sigh) but for the two of us, it was great. Yesterday, we went over some friends' house for dinner (Halftime Chili, wonderful for a winter day), but after we returned home, I was hard at work in the kitchen, making sauce and meatballs that we could feast on today.
Mike wanders in, and I'm frantically kneading ground beef and other assorted meatball fixins'.
Mike: "Oh wow. You're nesting, aren't you?"
Yes, I totally am. Not that I plan on saving any of this food for when the baby comes in, you know, MAY. But when I nest, I just really want to do things around the house and home. I also weeded Hank's toy collection in preparation for Christmas.
Someday soon I need to tackle our small storage area. All of the baby stuff and clothes are in the *back*, so this will be a major late winter/early spring nesting project. This time though, I have to admit, our attitude toward the new addition is a lot more practical and cavalier.
Adorable baby bedding? Zilch. All you need is about 3-4 solidly constructed crib sheets. Since, you know, the baby will spit up on them, pee on them, and have poo explosions (coined term: "poosplosions") on them pretty frequently. They get washed a lot.
Nursery? Don't need one. :) The baby will be sleeping with us for a couple of months. We'll need a changing table, and I would like the crib set up for naps. But we're using that room for an office right now, and don't plan to paint it and get it organized until late spring.
Dainty baby clothes? We'll use whatever is left over from Hank, even if the baby is a girl. She can wear blue!
Multitude of baby equipment? Using a weeded down version of what we have left from Hank. Pack n' play? Only for sleep when traveling. Will the baby actually play in there? HA! That would be no. We tried putting Hank in there once and he acted like we had just put him in a cell and thrown away the key. My mom claims that we used to play in our play pens "for hours" but I think she's suffering from yet another instance of the diagnosed syndrome "Grandmother Brain." I am doubting that this actually happened the way she's remembering it. :)
Swing? This is a necessity, and the only piece of baby equipment I'll consent to set up in our downstairs living space. Once the baby outgrows the swing, I'll swap it out for the Exersaucer, because that thing is also a life saver. I was dubious when I first had Hank, but I was wrong. You want to take a shower and the baby is awake with no other hands to hold baby? Swing/Exersaucer. For 10-15 minute increments, these things saved my bacon.
Bouncy seat? Nah. High chair, yes we have one. I do love it, despite it's sheer ugliness. Even for small babies, if you need your hands freed up in the kitchen, ours reclines, and baby can lounge in there while you cook. It's nice, because you can wheel it around with you if need be.
I am going to try a sling this time, and we do need a new diaper pail. We also need a new stroller, since ours from Hank is completely worn out. Definitely got our moneys worth out of that guy.
I really feel like I don't need to prepare that much. But this is now. April will be another story.
Mike wanders in, and I'm frantically kneading ground beef and other assorted meatball fixins'.
Mike: "Oh wow. You're nesting, aren't you?"
Yes, I totally am. Not that I plan on saving any of this food for when the baby comes in, you know, MAY. But when I nest, I just really want to do things around the house and home. I also weeded Hank's toy collection in preparation for Christmas.
Someday soon I need to tackle our small storage area. All of the baby stuff and clothes are in the *back*, so this will be a major late winter/early spring nesting project. This time though, I have to admit, our attitude toward the new addition is a lot more practical and cavalier.
Adorable baby bedding? Zilch. All you need is about 3-4 solidly constructed crib sheets. Since, you know, the baby will spit up on them, pee on them, and have poo explosions (coined term: "poosplosions") on them pretty frequently. They get washed a lot.
Nursery? Don't need one. :) The baby will be sleeping with us for a couple of months. We'll need a changing table, and I would like the crib set up for naps. But we're using that room for an office right now, and don't plan to paint it and get it organized until late spring.
Dainty baby clothes? We'll use whatever is left over from Hank, even if the baby is a girl. She can wear blue!
Multitude of baby equipment? Using a weeded down version of what we have left from Hank. Pack n' play? Only for sleep when traveling. Will the baby actually play in there? HA! That would be no. We tried putting Hank in there once and he acted like we had just put him in a cell and thrown away the key. My mom claims that we used to play in our play pens "for hours" but I think she's suffering from yet another instance of the diagnosed syndrome "Grandmother Brain." I am doubting that this actually happened the way she's remembering it. :)
Swing? This is a necessity, and the only piece of baby equipment I'll consent to set up in our downstairs living space. Once the baby outgrows the swing, I'll swap it out for the Exersaucer, because that thing is also a life saver. I was dubious when I first had Hank, but I was wrong. You want to take a shower and the baby is awake with no other hands to hold baby? Swing/Exersaucer. For 10-15 minute increments, these things saved my bacon.
Bouncy seat? Nah. High chair, yes we have one. I do love it, despite it's sheer ugliness. Even for small babies, if you need your hands freed up in the kitchen, ours reclines, and baby can lounge in there while you cook. It's nice, because you can wheel it around with you if need be.
I am going to try a sling this time, and we do need a new diaper pail. We also need a new stroller, since ours from Hank is completely worn out. Definitely got our moneys worth out of that guy.
I really feel like I don't need to prepare that much. But this is now. April will be another story.
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