It's Official, It's a ....

baby. I heard the heartbeat! I heard the heartbeat!! I had my first appointment with the ob/gyn today. I ended up waiting almost an hour but it was totally worth it. It was amazing, incredible....I teared up, well actually first of all I wasn't sure what it was and then it dawned on me. It wasn't an ultrasound, I didn't see anything it was just a monitor to hear the heartbeat. And The Piglet was moving around so the heartbeat was moving around. It was so very cool. I'm a little sad that Steven didn't get to hear it too, he didn't come to the appointment. We didn't think he needed to be there; we both thought it would be just like going to see the family doctor. And aside from the heartbeat and the measuring of the belly, it was.

I'm so excited now. It seems more real.

Week 16

The Piglet weighs about 2.8 ounces and is about 4 1/2 inches from crown to rump - roughly the size of a small gerbil. At any time, I will begin to feel fetal movements as his bones harden, and he starts a big growth spurt. (I haven't yet) He has plenty of room: at this point he could fit in the palm of my hand. It's normal to be gaining a pound a week at this point. (great).-excerpt from: “Great Expectations: Your all-in-one resource for pregnancy & childbirth” by Sandy Jones

Let's see what's been going on... Brenda called and offered us her old crib (yipee!), she was worried about the color and that it wouldn't match but I assured her that really, none of our furniture matched so that wasn't a high priority for us. She & McKenzie were supposed to come down and go to the Science Centre but plans changed so they stayed at home. Darn. Maybe next time they plan, Steven will be off work & he can go too.

My friend Sandra called and they set the wedding date: August 18th. She was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to make it but I will have had the baby by then, mind you I'll still be as big as a house but I won't be pregnant anymore. AND it will be so close to the birth, one of the grandmas will be here and can babysit for a couple of hours.

I meant to do a whole bunch of things today but I woke up late (thank god Sandra called me!) and then couldn't really get motivated. For gosh sakes, I'm still in my pajamas. But I guess I was just tired and needed the sleep because I didn't stay up that late last night. Although I DID clean up alot of the poop in the backyard, poor Rye guy. I also cleaned the grout in the shower. Amazing stuff! I used this new cleaner and believe me, it's awesome!

Dawna had a dream that we had a boy. I still don't know if we are going to find out. Steven really wants to but I kind of don't. I mean, shouldn't some things remain a mystery and a surprise? I'm not sure if I have any thoughts one way or another. But everyone has their opinion and old wive's tale. Fairly interesting. We'll see who's right at the end of the day.

I still don't particularly look pregnant. Just fatter. And my maternity pants still fall down when I jog for the train or walk too far.

Pitter Patter...

Riley: sniff, sniff... not food...darn it.

How freaking cute are these little socks? A super big thank you to Tam & family and another huge thank you to her for the maternity clothes that I received today.

Easy as 1, 2, 3....

I bought the M*gic Bull3t from Jen & Casey. For the uniformed, it's not a vibrator or anything, it's a mini blender, food processor, juicer... well really, what doesn't it do? I love, love, LOVE the info-mericals. The aunt with the cigarette and long ash hanging out of her mouth. The stupid "guests" being absolutely amazed with the wonder that is the Bull3t. Anyway, here's a line from the recipe/instruction booklet: "...the Bull3t blender is just like regular blenders, without all the confusing buttons." I know, here I was thinking that very same thing. All those buttons, the chaos! What a frickin' classic line. How can you NOT love the Bull3t? Yeh, that's what we call it. I was all jazzed to make something with it tonight but I don't even have the energy to wash it. How sad. I guess the more energy thing was fleeting. Maybe work is sucking all my available energy? Because I am bone ass tired right now.

I picked up my course booklet this morning. I have high hopes for finishing early; although, I'm kind of off to a rough start. I meant to crack open the book tonight but I have such a pounding headache that I've been sitting in front of the heater counting down until I can go to bed. And not have the thudding or the chore of keeping my eyes open.

Hey Barb, Happy Be-lated Birthday. I sent your card last Friday. Hope you had a good day!

I had a call from Laurier, an old SAIT friend. I haven't heard from him in years. Probably since I lived on Tache with Tam, which is kind of ironic because she was the one who originally ran into him last fall and passed on his card to me. It was great to talk with him. He's been married for 3 years, 2 little girls; still with the same company only higher up. Good for him! We're going to try and get together at the beginning of next month for lunch or coffee. He told me that Michelle got married last year. The only days that he seemed to be free were the only days that I wasn't. AND, he's still good friends with Troy, so maybe I can get Jim's (an old high school buddy) contact info. Jim might be in Turks & Caicos now. Last time we talked he was in Florida and I think it was the year with the voting problems. It would be good to catch up with them. Sorry about that, probably only 3 people understood any of that last paragraph or even knew any of the people.

Week 15

The Piglet is about 4 - 4 1/2 inches and about 1 3/4 of an ounce. If you could see his face, you might be able to see him wince and grimace, because his facial muscles are developing and flexing. All of his tiny organs, nerves, and muscles are starting to function. The intestines have moved farther into the baby's body; his liver begins to secrete bile, which will later aid in the digestion of fats; and his pancreas begins to produce insulin, a hormone which turns sugar into energy.

-excerpt from: “Great Expectations: Your all-in-one resource for pregnancy & childbirth” by Sandy Jones

Steven went to play poker at Larry's. I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet, so I'm not sure how it went. Anyway, since he was gone I watched Brok3back Mountain last night. It was so much sadder than I had realized. Good movie tho'. Then I tried to watch The D3vil Wears Prada but something was wrong with the DVD and the TV, blah. Oddly enough, I'm watching it today in the family room on the old TV and it's working just fine.

I'm feeling not quite as tired. Hopefully that's not my imagination and my energy level is coming back.

The Hood

I stayed home from work today. Don't worry nothing too major, simply food + my stomach = a quick mass (seemingly never ending) exodus. Anyway, aside from being a bit tired and hungry, a few stomach/intestinal "twinges" I seem to be getting better. I'm going to try some soup later, wish me luck.

Anyway, I've been sitting/dozing on the couch since I woke up this morning. Get this, what a bustle in the neighborhood. I've seen 2 accidents, 1 near accident and almost every car this morning slid thru the intersection. AND about an hour ago, there was a police car, lights on that went by the house and up the road. Lest you think that's all, then I saw two police officers and their dog walk slowly by the house, of course I am super nosy I watched them until they were out of sight, then I saw them on the other side of the road coming back and turned the corner and walked in the direction that I saw the police car turn. Hmm. I wonder what's happening. No wonder Riley likes to sit in front of the window and watch stuff. There's alot that seems to be happening. Steven called me a couple of times and I told him, he told me to make sure the doors are all locked. I guess that is one of the good things about having the lock on the gate, if anyone really wants into our yard they would have to break the gate. I suppose if they were really desparate they could jump the fence, but it is pretty high. Anyway, Riley would scare them. Don't worry, the doors are all locked. God, the way I'm looking today I will scare the crap out of them.

I called my doctor the other day to see if I could safely take the lactos3 pills. They said to be on the safe side that I should consult my pharmacist, but I haven't had a chance yet. One of the books that I read said that it wasn't safe and someone said that they know someone who took the pills during their pregnancy but I'm just not sure. I don't want to take any chances. I'll mosey over to one of the pharmacies over the weekend to make sure.

Good Things

I am constantly amazed at the kindness of people. Roseanne, a friend of Steven's, has offered us some baby stuff. And my friend Tamara is sending me some work maternity clothes (especially since I wore a different pair of pants today and had them unbuttoned for the better part of the day) Shawn & Marilyn are giving us some cars (I'm pretty sure he said the Crown Vic, haha) How wicked is that? But then I started thinking, what is the proper etiquette for these situations? Do I/we just say "hey thanks". Do we take them out for dinner? What? I'm curious to know, I've never been in this place before and I don't want to inadvertently offend anyone.

I made good time getting to the airport to pick up Darrin. I got to the airport just after his flight landed and 1) I didn't have to wait too long and 2) I wasn't late!

It snowed today. bleh. The neighbors shovelled part of the walk, which is very nice considered that we got off to such a rocky start with them. Actually they've been doing quite a bit. I hardly ever see them because I rarely use the front door. After I dropped Darrin off, I came home and shovelled. I was going to leave it for Steven because apparently I'm not supposed to be doing any heavy lifting but really, the snow is light and the shovel is nothing. I like shovelling. Last time Darrin went away, he had to buy a new shovel because I complained so much about the old one. Heh!

Dawna - I tried calling you again. Still not sure if you have phone service.

My friend, Stacey said she wanted me to take pictures of my belly, so I called her a perv. I'm kidding...well, I did call her one but I didn't really mean it. Meh, I was thinking eventually I would post some pictures here. After my belly actually looks like it has a baby as opposed to just a fat belly. you're welcome!

http://www.dogster.com/dogs/336991/sniff Riley has his own page too. I know, I know. Stop rolling your eyes at me.

Hooray!

My pants buttoned today. The planets and stars must be aligned because my old dress pants fit. Although, it was a little touch and go after lunch.

Steven picked me up at the train station and we went to pick up his car. Our regular mechanic is spending the winter in SE Asia but his associate is working out of his shop. Anyway, Steven thought that perhaps Chin would see me and we would miraculously get the Asian discount as opposed to the round eye rate. Meh, we got a bit of a discount but I think it was because we paid in cash. He's too funny.

Darrin comes home from his travels tomorrow. How exciting. He's been in Australia & New Zealand for the past couple of months. Hopefully I don't miss his flight.

My head is killing me. This headache has been creeping up slowly across my head since I went to Wal-M**t after we picked up Steven's car. Hmm, coincidence I think not. I hate going to that store but I thought maybe their maternity clothes selection would be better. Not so much. They are nicer than Z3llers but not much of a selection of pants, especially for us vertically challenged folk.

Hey, Dawna on the Internet at your own place yet? Or are you uber trendy with your powerbook at the coffee shop?

Settle the confusion...

No, we don't know if we're having a girl or a boy. I'm not even scheduled for my first doctor appointment until the 29th. We just don't know yet.

Until such time (and IF we decide to find out), I will be alternating between he and she because frankly it's awful to refer to The Piglet as "it" and time consuming to type "the baby" all the time.

I'm off to finish the work that I brought home.

Englesh

I had to complete a form when I signed up for my class. Misspelling English is probably not a good sign.

Week 14: I am in my second trimester. The Piglet weighs about 1 1/2 ounces now and is about 3-4 inches long - about the size of your fist. Her face continues to look more human, with individual characteristics becoming more pronounced all the time. Teeth have formed in her gums. Her skin is very thin. Hair is growing on her head and eyebrows and may even have pigment in it if she has the genes for dark hair. (and we all know the answer is yes, she will have dark hair). Her bone marrow has begun to produce blood cells. She rarely sits still. She's often wriggling fingers and toes; stretching, yawning and hiccupping. However, I won't be able to feel the movements for another month or so. And according to another book, this past week The Piglet lost his tail. Obscure tidbit for y'all.

mar·i·time –adjective
1.connected with the sea in relation to navigation, shipping, etc.
2.of or pertaining to the sea: maritime resources.
3.bordering on the sea: maritime provinces.
4.living near or in the sea: maritime plants.
5.characteristic of a sailor; nautical: maritime clothing.

This is one of the things perplexing Steven lately. If this is the meaning of Maritime, then why isn't Newfoundland/Labrador considered one of the Maritime provinces? Personally, I thought they were but maybe someone else can answer this for us. AND, if by following the above definition, then why isn't California, or for that matter the West Coast, ever called the maritimes? It's definitely more prevalent for the East.

Again, not too much happening here. The car is acting funny, the heater isn't working working that well. Poor Steven, sometimes he has heat and sometimes he doesn't. We'll probably take it in sometime this week. And then our upstairs toilet was not flushing properly, but apparently only for me. Now before you think that I have these massive, well y'knows or I'm using an incredible amount of toilet paper, I'm most definitely NOT. It just wasn't flushing for me. So I would complain and Steven would try and it would be normal and he said he wouldn't see anything wrong. So I'm thinking he's an idiot and he's thinking I'm a moron... that lasted a couple of days. I'm happy to report, it's now flushing properly for me. Apparently just one of those things.

I'm registered for my second course. Hopefully starting next Monday. I'm hoping to zoom thru this course. Cross your fingers for me!

Well, I should probably go and do some laundry and clean up this disaster area that we call home.

Everyone wave and congratulate Dawna (my sister), she moved into her new condo this past week, at least I think she's there. Unfortunately their phone service sounds alot like T3lus; they told her she'd be connected last week but she's still not, so... I hope your home, safe & sound!

Final Jeopardy

Whenever you think is best.
What is the answer to "When am I returning to work from maternity leave?"

What I can do to make your life easier.

What is the answer to "What are you thinking about?"

Cindy just called to tell me that she is much more excited than Brenda, she's just not telling me about it! She made me cry tonight. She said that one of her friends would like to throw me a baby shower. WAH! How nice is Glenda? I'm touched beyond belief, I can't even describe how incredibly excited that I am and how much I'm overwhelmed that someone would do this for me.

We're sitting in the family room with a nice roaring fire going because it's colder than **** outside. Crazy cold wind. At least it's not blizzarding like other parts of the province. Jeannie, are you getting this cold stuff? Right now it's -19C but with the wind chill it's supposed to be something like -34C. Nuts, huh?

Not too much is different. Still tired, around 630p I asked Steven if it was too early to go to bed. Still have super spidey smelling abilities. In the mornings on the way to work, I'm retching a bit because I'm so hungry. I know exactly when it's 10am because I need to have a snack. I dressed like a slob today at work but man, was I ever comfortable! I wore my black yoga type pants and a burgundy hoodie. I should probably get another pair of dress pants for work.

Week 13

The Piglet is 2 1/2 to 3 inches long, and weighs about one ounce. He is shorter than a finger, and his face is already showing individual features and characteristics. His ears are now developed enough that he may be able to hear when you sing, hum or talk. (DISCLAIMER: WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE SEX OF THE BABY IS, I AM JUST USING "HE" BECAUSE IT IS EASIER)

-excerpt from: “Great Expectations: Your all-in-one resource for pregnancy & childbirth” by Sandy Jones

Not too much going on a la Casa de Deagle. Bought my first actual maternity pants (3 pairs) yesterday. Trippy, but man oh man are they ever comfortable. Sort of weird not having a zipper... or a button. They're all a little too big so I'm a little worried that they may fall down if I suddenly run for the train or something. Although, I wore the jeans today and by the end they were sagging quite a bit but not falling down. I tried on some nice sweater/blouse combos, but there was this really nice one but man, the neck hole was really tight. I could barely get my head thru (NO big head jokes, you KNOW who I am looking at, yah that's right.. YOU) and once I got my head thru, it fit a little large but not large enough, I couldn't imagine it lasting more than a couple of months. Went to Once Upon a Child this afternoon and got some maternity tops and a couple of books. The standard, "What to Expect..." and the "Mother of All Pregnancy Books". I've already read the 2nd one, I borrowed it from the library. I liked it because it is the Canadian edition and it's a little more appropriate.

We went to Miss Libby's 5th birthday party this afternoon. The usual suspects were in attendance. She's such a cutie pie. As always, we had fun when we visit them.

Brenda called this week, I swear she's more excited than my family. She called to tell me that she bought some baby clothes... and she wanted Dwight to bring them up to us this week. Good thing he said no because odds are that I will misplace them between now and July! She's so funny. Talking to her definitely brightened my night. Steven was working so it was just me, Riley & the TV.

I am very proud to announce that I received 100% as my final grade for Financial Accounting - Intro. I am definitely a Nerd-in-Training. I'm hoping to complete two more courses before the baby is born.

I asked Steven if he wanted to read the blog and he said no, he was living it. But I might get him to write some entries. Right now he's upstairs watching Kenny vs. Spenny. I can hear him laughing. (update: apparently one of them just got arrested... the tall skinny one, we're not sure which one is which)

I should probably sit down and write out a list of things that we need to do before the baby is born. That and a list of things to buy before the baby is born. Right now the top things on my list are clean my clothes out of the spare room and clean the tupperware cupboard so we can get a built-in dishwasher. Oh my gosh, we need a dishwasher.

Baby Sampler

I was looking at patterns while I was at home over Christmas. Cindy had a bunch of them. I'm not sure what I want. Originally I wasn't looking for any particular characters, simply baby themed ones but then I started thinking something along the Sally Brown line... with perhaps Snoopy (Sally because of Uncle Roy and Snoopy because of my beloved stuffed Snoopy, which I think I still have). Then after Steven suggested The Piglet name, perhaps Winnie the Pooh. Either way, I'll have to figure something out and let Cindy know so she can fit it in with the other 10 million projects that she has.

Speaking of... we were at my parent's house and she (Cindy) had made this absolutely beautiful cross-stitch (needlepoint?) (I don't actually know the difference) detailed stockings for Steven & I a couple years ago, we were allowed to bring them back here with us. Well, she made ones for down home too. I have one. Cindy has one. Dawna has a red sock with white fluffy trim without her name (but at least it's homemade!). Steven doesn't have one at all. I'm surprised she didn't make Riley one.

I was "chatting" with my friend Stacey and she was asking me about symptons and cravings and what-not. I haven't had any cravings. My symptons are fairly standard but where is my glowing skin? WHERE? I thought pregnant women were supposed to glow. Not have bags under their eyes and be all lethargic. If anything, I think I'm getting more yellow. bah.

Oh yeah, We're on Week 12. Actually we're 1/2 way thru week 12. Which depending on what you read is the end of the first Trimester or I've also read that week 14 is the end.

According to the Chinese Gender Chart (which as legend has it, was buried in a royal tomb over 700 years ago) I am going to have a girl. According to Miss Libby and family, I'm going to have a boy. This weekend we're going to ask the kids what they think we should name the baby. Get ready for names like Dora and maybe Scooby. We'll see.

And as much as I'm spouting about Chinese things, bear in mind that I'm Japanese. I'll have to google to see if there's any kind of random baby myths that I can believe in.

Deluded

So, Steven is trying to convince me to return to work October 1 and he'll take the rest of the leave. After I stop laughing, I'll kick his ass, knock some sense into him and then we'll talk.

Oh, Law & Order is on, I need to go.

The Year of the Pig

Steven had a good idea. In honor of the Year of the Pig, the Bean will now be known as The Piglet.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy new year. We had a quiet night. Ordered chinese food, watched a couple movies and went to bed. Yup, partied like rock stars. We watched Cheaper by the Dozen (i and ii), both were pretty funny. But really, Hi11ary Duff has gotten scary skinny and I think her teeth got bigger. There's something skeletor-ish about her face now.

I just finished my data entry. I'm going to eat and then hopefully this afternoon, take a drive to the office to drop off the horrendously heavy bag. Maybe grab a slurpee.

I haven't made any new year's resolutions. Because you know, the old stand-by "lose weight" isn't really going to cut it this year. Possibly, try not to gain too much weight and don't take eating for two to heart. I think I've been pretty good so far.