Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Baby's Name for Sports Fans
Last night, we watched a little ESPN (as usual). They are doing a special called 50 States in 50 Days, where they highlight different sports happenings around the US. Oregon was the focus. Apparently, they have the national wind surfing contest there. The ESPN reporters found a 15 year old kid there from Norway & guess what his name is.... Espen. Steve found that extremely intriguing, enough to scare me a little. Who wants to name their kid Espen? I am not trying to say that I think we'll have a boy, but isn't there about a 50% chance? Having a husband who is a sports fan can be a problem when picking out boy names, because he always refers to sports figures with that name. I'll just hope for a girl - hahaha... By the way, Steve knows the names of the female athletes too, but there aren't nearly as many. Sometimes inequality can be a good thing. Just Kidding!
Monday, July 25, 2005
12 Week Ultrasound
As you can see, I had another ultrasound today. This one was much more exciting than the ones in the past because the blob is turning into a full fledged baby. I found it funny that the little mouth opened & closed the whole time.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Hubby To Do List
Prior to moving into our house (end of April), we started doing renovations on our house. We got it to the point that it was livable. Since then, we have done little to nothing. I like to blame this lack of motivation on several things, in the beginning it was the annoying house guest, after that it was devastating cancer news, then more devastating cancer news, then many trips to visit in-laws, and now mostly laziness.
Last week, I talked to Steve about creating a House To Do List because we definitely want to get this stuff done before the baby comes. Procrastination will not help, especially since football season is coming & you-know-who will be glued to the old television Saturday, Sunday & Monday nights. Of course, we didn't get around to making the list this weekend. I decided to type it up yesterday. I put it in a little table in Word & e-mailed it to Steve. Wouldn't you know that he is suddenly gun-ho on the house? He added a column so he could put in a date when he would work on the tasks. I am absolutely floored. He is even home right now working hard on it. The strange thing is that he makes these exact types of lists all day long at work for subcontractors, so I never thought that it would get him going. WOW!
If this motivation continues you can certainly bet there will be plenty of Hubby To Do Lists in the future, but don't tell him. Married women need all the help they can get, especially big bellied pregnant ones who've lost the sex appeal edge.
Dad & Mom-in-law Cancer Status Dad My dad has been going through radiation treatments for over a month now. At this point, they still aren't sure if any progress has been made. His wife has been talking to people, doing research, and has come up with some good information. She plans to ask the doctors if he would be a good candidate for the Precise clinical study. She sent me a link to the website: www.precisetrial.com. It sounds like it might be a good thing for him, but we'll see. Now that he has been out of the hospital for a while and interacting more with all of us, we have definitely noticed at least one HUGE change. He is really having problems with time frames and planning. He thinks a bunch of positive events are coming up either next week or next month. For instance, he is planning a big birthday party for my sister. He wants pinatas and everything. He is convinced that it is next week, even though her birthday is August 31st. He actually thinks everyone is having a birthday next week - talk about lots of presents to buy. It isn't only birthdays, he keeps telling people that his three new grandkids are due next week or any day now. I really don't think this is such a bad result of brain surgery. It can even be considered positive. For sure, it is easier to get through the difficult treatments thinking that next week you have so many wonderful things happening. At first, my mother-in-law seemed to be handling this chemo session much better. The pain wasn't nearly as bad as it was the first time. Unfortunately, the next Monday when she was at work, she had a complete energy melt-down. She was expecting to work the whole week and needs the money, but it was impossible. Her boss ended up driving her home after an hour. She even fell several times trying to make her way to the bathroom or kitchen. She was out most of the week. She is feeling much better now though. So far, her work has been great about paying her even when she isn't there, but how long will that last? Steve keeps forgetting to ask her, but I am concerned that this might affect their plans for their 40th anniversary. They have been planning a long weekend trip to Key West. I hope her time off last week didn't jeopardize that.
Mother-In-Law
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Stink Intervention
I have mentioned the stinky co-worker before (June 16th to be exact). Basically, it is a guy who tends to go several days without showering and has progressively stinky b.o. On the worst day, I can smell him when he is in the copy room, which is across the hall from my office. I realize that in my pregnant state, I am more prone to be bothered by foul smells. However, everyone in the office complains about it. After complaining on my blog, I am writing to let everyone know that progress has been made!!!
Last Wednesday, he came with very greasy hair & smelling about as bad as he ever has. I decided that the best thing for me to do was avoid him. When everyone else started complaining horribly, I suggested that they call the president of the company (who was in the Orlando office) & let him know. Hey - I have told him several times & I think it should come from a non-pregnant person. They all complain more than I do and make jokes about him. When it bothers me, I just mention it to the boss.
You may think this all sounds petty, but the team of people he works with had an important meeting with clients. He smelled so bad that they insisted on opening the conference doors & turning down the a/c (to 65 degrees). You know they were suffering, but the opened doors pushed the smell out, which nearly had the receptionist throwing up. She finally couldn't take it anymore and made the call to the boss to ask if she could sit at another desk in a back office.
We all realize that the boss has discussed these types of issues with him over the years & wondered if progress would be made. A little phone call in the afternoon seems to have done something. It is a week later & I think he is showering on a regular basis. Good JOB!
How long will this last? I hope at least another week because this weekend they should be moving into their construction trailer & we won't be seeing him much in the main office. -I know I'm RUDE, but I can't wait!
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Mission Daycare Avoidance
My new mission in life is trying to figure out a way to put off the dreaded daycare as long as possible. Unfortunately, becoming a stay-at-home mom is not an option. Sometimes that makes me quite sad, but it is really a waste of time to dwell on that fact, so I try not to. I have come up with a new mission and that is to avoid daycare for as long as possible.
When I talked to my mom the other day, she asked me when I would like her to come help me with the baby. Guess what I said??? -At the end of my maternity leave. I am hoping to trap her for a month or two (three? - big dreamer). Perhaps after that, I can get my sister to visit me on her summer break, which might add another month or two. Anyone else interested in a short visit that turns into a long babysitting lockdown? Anyone? Anyone?
Monday, July 18, 2005
On-Line Shopping Rocks
I am beginning to realize that on-line shopping rocks more than I ever thought. You have to realize that I have loved it for quite a while, so that you'll understand how much more I like it. To be honest, I don't really enjoy walking into to Mimi Maternity at least at the stage of pregnancy. Unfortunately, I still look like a chunky monkey rather than a glowing pregnant lady. Instead of feeling like they are going to give me weird looks or ask too many questions that I can't answer (like is it a boy or a girl?), I shop online.
Today, I had a shipment of 3 shirts come from Motherhood.com. Last week, I got 5 shirts from Ebay for $12.50 plus $5 for shipping. I don't care for one of the shirts, but they were sold as a group. Anyway, who would complain about 4 shirts for $17.50? By the way, I'll be getting another package this week from Old Navy. Next month, I plan to go to the Old Navy store (real store shopping when I hopefully look pregnant). I need to get more pants and a dress for an upcoming wedding. After next month, shopping will shift from me to the baby. I have to enjoy the self indulgence while I can.
--Hey almost forgot to mention the best part about on-line shopping: it is a great diversion activity while you are pretending to work. I look like I am intently interested in the computer, probably looking up new projects for the firm to go after. Yeah right!
Friday, July 15, 2005
Blog Participation
Today, we are going to discuss blog participation, which is similar to class participation, but is not mandatory. I have had quite a few friends mention that they read my blog. Most of them were not familiar with blogs and maybe still aren't. This entry will share a little tidbit about blogging.
One good thing about blogs, is that readers can participate. At the bottom of each entry in the right hand corner, there is a little line that says comments. Usually, it says 0 Comments, but sometimes there are a few. You can click there and either read comments or add some of your own. Your comments can be simple like HAHAHA or Yeah Right. You can also leave long paragraphs saying you disagree with me or that I wrote exactly what you were feeling (ok, that last one doesn't happen often). I know all of you are opinionated or would at least like to tell me I'm a dork or goofy.
Now, some of you may be asking yourself why this would be a good idea. Well, I have a good reason for you. It is 3pm on a Friday afternoon. I spent the first half of the day killing myself on a proposal that my boss decided he wanted done at the last minute. Now that it has been submitted, I am in NO mood to work. I'm tired of watching the clock and Internet searches get old fast. Since I can't get any of my friends to start their own blogs, I'm giving you the opportunity to express yourselves through mine. That way, next week when I don't feel like working, I can read your comments. -Great idea!
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Mascara Addict
Hello, my name is Stephanie & I am a mascara addict. Yes, I admit it. I started when I was in 6th grade (even my mom felt sorry for me so she let me start that early). It isn't easy having extremely blonde/invisible eyelashes. Everyday, I cover up my little secret with brown/black goop. If I was stranded on a deserted island (with others), I would want mascara, facial cleanser, a wash rag, sun block (neon white skin) and then other essentials.
Ok, I can do without it, but I don't like to scare people I know, only strangers. I even go to the gym on Saturday or Sunday morning with my naked eyes. However, people at work & friends who haven't lived with me have never seen my washed out face & probably never will. --Despite what you've heard, sometimes blondes DON'T have more fun.
I started thinking about this today, because it is a trait that I hope not to pass on to the little one. I would like the baby to inherit Steve's friendly personality, good metabolism, skin color, eyelash color, and athletic abilities. There are plenty of things I hope the baby gets from me, but definitely NOT the color of my eyelashes.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Testing the Photo Thingy
Sorry, but I don't have anything exciting to say today. Actually, I noticed they added a photo insert button & I wanted to test it out. When I first started this blog, I downloaded some special software for photos. It only worked once. I got error messages after that. I even tried deleting & reloading the software, but gave up.
For this test, I picked the last photo taken of Steve & me. Isn't it extra cheesy? It was our anniversary & we were laughing. Plus, Steve took the photo himself. I hope this works, so I can add more to the site.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
There's Hope for Hurricane Emily
For those of you not living in an area obsessed with hurricanes, there is another one coming. This one is called Hurricane Emily, which makes me laugh because Steve's cousin's name is Emily. Not that I think of her as a hurricane, but she knows I get excited about the prospect of time off.
Two blogs ago, I was dieing for a day off from Hurricane Dennis, but it came on the weekend and was a bit too far away to close down the city. Now, we have another shot. Hurricane Emily will be south of Puerto Rico on Friday, which means she could be close to Miami on Monday or Tuesday. You never know when she will make the northerly turn, but once again I am crossing my fingers for a day off - or two. With a little skim of Florida's most southern Atlantic Coast line on a Monday or Tuesday, we could be enjoying a day off.
You must realize that my hopes for this scenario come from my first or second summer in Miami. That exact thing happened. The city shut down and it was the most beautiful day ever. The hurricane sucked up all of the humidity & clouds. We got a day off with sunshine. Yes, I saw the devastation of last year's storms first hand. Plus, I spent two of the four hurricanes crammed into a tiny townhouse with too many people. Despite all that, my hopes of the perfect hurricane scenario have not been dashed. Perhaps extreme optimism is good for some parts of life.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Big Fat Belly
This morning, I had to change shirts many times. It was NOT because I am concerned about how I look at work on a Friday with a hurricane headed our way. It is because nothing was fitting. I had all of my loose shirts out & one after the other was a little too snug -the kind of snug that is normal in Miami, but not for me. This has never been a problem for me before. I am pear shaped. I have always been fairly small on top; it is my lower half that is usually the problem. Finally after much frustration, I decided to wear a shirt that looks, fits, & feels like a maternity shirt, but I bought it at NY & Company. All I have to say is thank goodness low cut pants are in style. They hit right below my tubby belly. If not, I would have been extra frustrated this morning.
This is a very emotionally uncomfortable stage of pregnancy. My belly is looking blubberish & I feel FAT. The worst part is that I look fat. I'd rather look pregnant than fat. I have been avoiding maternity clothes because I think I'll get sick of them soon. Perhaps, I should start wearing them because they send out the pregnancy message. Why am I saying perhaps? I don't have any normal shirts that look ok. Maybe this weekend (once the hurricane passes) I'll go shopping for some in-between shirts. Not too many though, who knows how long they will fit?
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Big Steps Towards Adulthood
Last night while lying in bed, I started thinking about how life has changed in the last 2 years. Two years ago, Steve & I got married. We weren't spring chickens. I was 30 & he was 35. This was a first marriage for both of us, so that was a big step as far as rings & commitment go.
Almost a year ago, Steve got his first stable job with benefits. Not only that, but the pay is higher than he has ever made before (not counting work in the Bahamas). Because of that, life really changed for us. We were able to save quite a bit of money and buy a house.
After buying the house, we were soon faced with the realization that our parents will not be around forever. Of course, we always knew that, but that seems like the kind of thing you deal with when you are "older." I always pictured that I would be in my 50s & my parents would be in their 70s. For heaven sakes, we still have grandparents alive.
Now, we will be having a baby. Talk about responsibility! I admit I am not worried about the responsibility. I think I have been ready for it for a LONG time. I just can't believe it is finally happening. By the way, I had my first realistic dream about holding my baby. I won't tell you what gender it was. I am waiting to see if I have women’s intuition. I'll let you know in a few months.
What got me thinking about all of these changes? We had our second appointment with an insurance guy. We are looking to get a $500k life insurance policy for each of us. Nobody likes to think about that scenario, but in light of everything that has happened lately, it is important. Now, we just have to figure out who gets the baby & $1 mil if something happens to both of us. So far, my mom is the leading candidate.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Stupid Hurricane
Once again, we have hurricane headed in our general direction. Nothing new for Florida, especially the closer we get to August. I know that I am demented, but in a way I enjoy the prospects of a hurricane coming near Miami. I am not wishing for death & destruction, but to me this is very much like getting a snow day for someone who lives up north. I miss those by the way. I no longer have that luxury, so hurricanes are my only shot. Every year, I hope that we get one or two hurricanes that have us in the "cone" long enough to miss a day or two of work. Who wouldn't wish for a paid day off?
Currently, the soon to be Hurricane Daniel has us in the cone. Normally, I would get a little excited. Unfortunately, this stupid hurricane looks like it is going to be here Saturday. What kind of global planning is that? That means we get all of the problems without any possibility of the joy....Please Mr. Hurricane - Either hurry up & give us Friday off or SLOW down & give us Monday. Then, head off into the Atlantic & leave everyone alone. Is that too much to ask?
Friday, July 01, 2005
Chunks of Hair
On Tuesday, Steve's mom said that she has started losing chunks of hair. Even if you know it is coming that has to be fairly devastating. It is one thing to feel like you have cancer, but another to start looking like you do. Can you imagine being shocked by your own image when you look in a mirror? We will be going up there for the weekend, so it might be our first BIG realization that this things are changing.
We have seen her sick and in the hospital before. In fact, she had an angioplasty and was just released from the hospital when we got engaged in December of 2002. She is also kind of prone to catching colds and the flu. So, it isn't that strange to go to their house and see her run down and not feeling well.
Unfortunately, now she is suffering in a way she never had before. The worst part is that it isn't in an effort to save her life. They are just trying to make her more comfortable and perhaps prolong her life. My dad is in a similar situation. He is suffering though "experimental treatment." Who knows what the effects will be for either of them?
Many people have asked me if they will live to see the baby. All I can say is I really don't know, but we hope so. I think Steve's mom has a good chance, but my father is a total mystery.
my name
Husband:
Steve
Baby: Lexi (born Jan 26th)
This blog is like a journal for me. It is also a way for my friends to keep tabs on me.
For people who don't know me, I come from a big family (3 brothers & 1 sister). We moved around a LOT, so I am not really from one particular place. I like to call Katy, Texas my home though.
Recent news, my Dad & Mother-in-Law were diagnosed with Terminal Cancer in April/May of 2005. My dad passed away 5-Dec-05 .
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