Ten Things Tuesday!

KH826

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Please share with us any 10 things you feel like today. Ready, set, go!

JGY

@themommymonster - nice work on WW week 1!

1.  Our A/C is out, and the repair person isn't scheduled until Thursday.  Ugh.

2.  Due to #1, it's hotter than hades in our house and we have to have the windows open.  When the windows are open, the dog can hear everything going on outside and barks CONSTANTLY.  Add to that, the airport was using the 1 runway that directs planes right over our house last night, and I was in pure noise hell.

3.  Despite all the noise and heat, G slept amazingly well last night.  Bonus that he got to wear the absolute cutest pjs EVER that would usually be too chilly for him.

4.  Tonight is National Night Out, and it's one of my favorite evenings of the year.  Our block always has a nice potluck, and because we have people from so many different backgrounds living on our block, the food choices are always amazing.  I'm looking forward to it.

5.  I have my weekly 1:1 status with my boss today and I have pretty much nothing to share with her.  Of course I'm bumping instead of trying to prepare.

6.  Based on last week's confessions, I went out and purchased some suction cup bowls so that Gabe could begin to learn to feed himself with utensils.  Even though we were running late this morning, we tried it and he did pretty well with the yogurt.  I'm sure I've now created a monster and I'll never be able to feed him again, but it's okay.  It is time.

7.  We have good friends in CA who have a 2 1/2 year old adopted daughter, and a foster daughter who is a few days older than G.  They just emailed us last night that they've planned a trip to MN in August.  Yay!  Unfortunately G and I will be in CT visiting my family.  Booooo.

8.  I'm in a bit of employee hell right now.  We just rolled out a training program to help our group achieve the basic excel skills that we require for their position.  I had an employee tell me that he has absolutely no interest in attending and gaining those skills.  What on earth do you even say to that?

9.  I'm starting to freak out a bit about flying with G again later this month.  In fact, when I wrote that sentence I just looked and saw this it's in 2 weeks.  2 WEEKS!  Oh lord, give me strength.

10.  I have a friend in labor right now.  Go Mama!  Can't wait to meet this little one.

Have a great week, everyone!

 

Himee33

@themommymonster- Nice job! L and I did WW for awhile and I'm not sure why we stopped. Emilybites.com and Skinnytaste.com are my favorite websites for recipes. We used to make wonton hamburgers that were delicious!

1. I had a doctors appointment today and things are getting really close. I will either do the Lupron trigger tonight or tomorrow night depending on what my RE has to say. So far I have 13 follicles. All are above a 15 except 2, so they might give them another day. ER is looking like either Thursday or Friday!

2. I'm over the shots and feeling like my ovaries are going to explode. I have a migraine that's been here since last week and my back hurts. I'm not sleeping well and it hurts to walk. L just keeps reminding me that I have a few days left! 

3. I'm so excited for football season! I am doing 2 or 3 fantasy leagues this year, so I really need to start researching my players and come up with my team name. Last year I was "Back that pass up." I also won the championship in my league. I think L is really proud of me because before I met her I was not a football fan at all, besides my love for Brett Favre

4. I still haven't found a job and I'm getting really tired and bored of being unemployed. I had 3 interviews over the weekend and received an email from a family saying I am in the running for the next steps. Whatever those are L gives me to-do lists for the day. 

5. I have decided that I will be going back to school. I have an appointment to meet with admissions next week. I love being a nanny/house manager and the pay is great but I don't think I want to do it forever. The family I heard back from, if they hire me I will have the flexibility to attend school and work for them at the same time. 

6. L and I are obsessed with Walking Dead. People kept telling us to watch it but L is not a fan of zombie movies or shows. Well we watched the first episode and got hooked. Tonight we will watch the final episode of season 3, then either we wait for Netflix to come out with season 4 or pay the $47 dollars to watch it on Amazon. We will just DVR season 5.

7. This weekend is Market Days. "The Midwest's largest two-day street festival." It's also L's favorite festival. I'm not a huge fan but I plan on going with her and our friend Sarah. They will have a bunch of singers like Belinda Carlisle, Mary Lambert, Neon Trees and I laughed when I heard Aaron Carter will be there. Should be a good time. 

8. Sunday we are going to L's grandparents house to celebrate Grandpa Dale's 79th birthday! It will be nice to see all the family. 

9. It's time for me to get rid of my Oregon drivers license and get an Illinois one. I've been putting it off for the almost 5 years I've lived here but it's finally going to expire on my birthday, Sept. 3rd. Sad day  

10. Time for me to make some lunch and take a nap. 

KH826

1. Our receptionist at work ordered Coconut Mocha flavored K-Cups for the office. They smell like suntan lotion when brewing, but taste like heaven with a splash of coffee mate and equal! It is my new morning treat, and I am kind of obsessed.

2. My father-in-law stopped by yesterday afternoon after work to visit Will “just because.” Will was sitting in his bumbo seat just laughing and smiling while my Father-in-law made funny faces and goofy noises and tickled his feet. I am attaching a photo of this. It was so awesome!

3. My father-in-law is kind of obsessed with our son and it is fantastic. I think my wife is ever so slightly jealous that her dad seems to have a better/stronger connection to our 8 week old than he has had with her the last 31 years. Their relationship is certainly not bad by any means, they just aren’t super close. In a lot of ways I am closer to her dad than she is. We just get a long really well and always have a lot to talk about (work, news, politics, etc.), but my wife doesn’t usually have much to say to her dad 1:1. Anyway, Will is named after her dad (he goes by Bill), and he is just a thousand percent over the moon about it.

4. I am tempted to step on a scale, but I don’t want to be disappointed, so I haven’t yet. It’s been about 2.5 weeks since I was last weighed and I have been trying really hard to eat well and make good choices. I have noticed that some clothes are getting more loose, but it is possible that my weight it still just shifting around postpartum. I have been feeling relatively confident for the last couple of days, so I kind of don’t want to ruin it by weighing myself if the outcome isn’t super positive. Hmmm….

5. I had a very productive work day yesterday. The day totally flew by. I am not sure that today is going to be as productive or go as quickly. Why, you ask? I have no explanation… some days just “click” and others days you have to trudge through a bit more, I have found. This certainly isn’t new now that I have a baby at home, but it certainly makes the “trudge days” a little more difficult because I just want to go home and snuggle!

6. My feet still have not adapted to being back in heels. I keep thinking “just one more day and they will stop hurting!”… But so far, no dice. Maybe I need some new shoes…

7. I have been thinking about @healz413 and @manada a lot lately. I hope they are doing OK. I miss having them around on the board. If you two (or one of you) happens to see this, please know that I am thinking of you both.

8. My wife and I have been talking a lot about TTC#2. I am pretty sure we have decided to try again next summer so that Will would be about 2 years old when #2 is born. It feels a little silly to be thinking about this so much already, but we are both kind of in love with being a mom at this point, and it is kind of hard not to think about adding to our family in the future. I know this sounds crazy and too soon to be planning, but I feel like I can’t help thinking about it. Hmmmm….

9. Being a one income family is scary. I feel a lot of pressure about this. I know we will be fine, but we have gotten used to basically doing what we want without a lot of regard for budget (I mean, within reason)… and that has now changed. I honestly think we can make up for the difference by not eating out much, shopping less and just generally being more frugal/careful with spending. My income covers our bills, so there is no reason why this should be a big deal. But I am still fretting about it. I know a lot of families survive on a lot less. But alas, I am still feeling concerned about this…

10. I am very much looking forward to the Fall. I have a long list of activities that I want us to do on Fall weekends. I can’t wait! J

trisholio

1. Both girls are napping, fingers crossed they stay asleep for awhile.
2. I've given up on making them nap in the same room. M is having some issues right now and I am just picking my battles. They both need to nap, not a huge deal if K has to sleep in the crib in our room. That also means I can't shower until she wakes up, but eh not the end of the world.
3. I am 36 weeks today!
4. I need to make some phone calls today, we are still trying to find respite for the girls when I go into labor. One that's done I will feel better about having this baby, but right now she needs to stay put!
5. We went back and forth about doing maternity pictures, so if course we are doing them at the last minute, hopefully next week.
6. We have our last birthing class this Sunday. I'm pretty disappointed that it hasn't been as helpful as we had hoped. Eh, oh well.
7. I'm still struggling with getting enough to eat each day, but I'm talking lots of vitamins to make sure the baby is fine.
8. We switched from our obgyn to a midwife practice, the only issue is that they told us getting late appointments are not a problem, but they are turning out to be. My wife is in training and can't miss anymore work, so she might be missing our last few appointments, which totally sucks because she has been at almost every appointment.
9. Baby K is super attached to me and we've tried (a little) to get her used to my wife more, but we have a long road ahead of us. I'm worried that when the baby gets here she will grow to resent her.
10. I could straighten up the house, but instead I'm going to lay down while the girls are sleeping. Sleep when the kids sleep, right?

2MamazInSeattle

@KH826 I've been thinking tons about @Manada & @Healz413 too. Adding my love to them! Also Will is so cute in the Bumbo!!
@Trisholio - um, we are doing maternity pix on Thursday... I'll be 38w1d! You're not as late as me, it was total last minute too...stay put Simone!

1. I need to do my pregnancy check-in but yesterday we had a great appt. I lost 5 pounds - WTF - my doctor gave me the stink eye until J attested that I am in NO WAY restricting and if anything, I'm eating more lately. I don't get it, but all up as of yesterday I've gained 4 lbs... and Simone measured at 7 lbs. Plus all the other goo in there. I guess I'll be focusing on losing my TTC weight (30 lbs) technically, vs. baby weight. Still a road to get back to a good weight for me. Clean up on aisle 7 to commence soon!

2. My pre-baby to-do list is a little silly. I have some things though I'd just like to have off my plate before she comes. Like a new car. (seriously). And cell phone w/ a stellar camera. And to clean out and reorganize the pantry. And my closet. Ok ok. This may not all happen.

3. The only baby things still to do are the hospital bag (load of stuff you fine folks recommended coming today from Amazon); birth plan (this is seriously a bullet list - we are turning out to be much more moderate than I expected so most of it is no-brainer stuff); and our wills/POA's. Now that is a PITA but we'll get it done.

WARNING: Infant death mentioned in my #4.

4.J's friend lost her 4-month old baby boy to SIDS a week ago. It really shook her up. She couldn't go to the funeral, and was crying as she was texting with the baby's mom yesterday. Horrible horrible thing. He was at daycare, they noticed him 'unresponsive' (blue) 20 min. after going down for a nap and did CPR, called paramedics and though they came immediately, he died. The mom said she was glad he was there because she never learned infant CPR...not that it mattered in the end, but she was glad someone was with him who knew what to do.

5. We are having an in-home CPR/infant home safety class today with a women who teaches at Children's. I was shocked it was only $20 pp no minimum at at our house! My mom and sisters are attending too, which is so cool. This was a direct result of J's asking (see #4). I meant to but it slipped my mind - glad we are getting it done ahead.

6. Oh I haven't mentioned this but it's a big deal at our house! J is selling off the 3rd coffeeshop she opened a year ago. It just isn't a good fit - it's in a sportscenter, and has proven to be more of a snack bar (beer, nachos, pizza) than a cafe. She's in the cafe business. And, money wise it's just not worth it. I am THRILLED because now she can focus on her two thriving shops that are exactly what she wants to be doing and set her sights on her ideal 3rd shop which I know she will have one day. It's been a huge stress point for her and I'm just watching her lighten as the transfer/sale date nears!

7. J is staying home with Simone 2 days a week (now possible due to #6) and I am so happy. We are still in a childcare pickle for the other 3 days but I think we have a few leads that will work out. I'm not worrying about it. Yet.

8. We had our "newborn prep" consultation visit from our doula last night. It was great. I got an A! Well, we are in good shape. We also practiced our carriers and got to know our breast pump. She reviewed the nursery, our bottle set up, sleeping areas, breastfeeding areas, etc. Everything is looking good! She also discussed post-partum things to look for, soothing the baby, and a few other things we'd read and/or covered in childbirth classes with Penny - but it does not hurt to hear these things over and over.

9. Though everyone keeps asking if I'm "done" being pregnant, I'm really not suffering. I suppose there is time, as I have 2 more weeks potentially. But my body feels good, I'm sleeping ok (mostly nervous energy keeping me up, not physical discomfort at all), and though it's hot, I don't feel any worse than everyone else here who is also hot. So, Simone can pick her date, or wait for eviction. Whatever she decides!

10. Um, sorry I'm all baby on the brain. It is hard at this point not to obsess. Frankly, I'm surprised I made it to now.

And if I haven't told you all lately - I love you guys!!!! Seriously, this board is so much of a home for me I don't know what I'd do without you. Thank you x1000. Really. I mean it.
:x

mallory4284

1. Not sure I can think of ten different things that are on my mind.... We'll try.

2. I have to go pick my mom up so we can go workout in a few minutes and I'm dreading it! We've been working out four to five times a week since March and I think I'm burnt out.... Is that possible or am I just being lazy?

3. I need a vacation from work. I haven't taken a long weekend or anything since like April... I could use a week off with J somewhere nice

4. I should be a good gf and make dinner tonight but that requires going to the store after working out because our fridge and pantry are bare!!

5. Today was my second day temping and there was almost a full degree difference from yesterday... I'm hoping it's a fluke and I don't get a super erratic chart that is hard to read.

6. I don't miss the stress (from meds and scans and money), but reading everyone's updates about their IVF makes me kind of miss it.... I know that sounds insane.... But the excitement and anticipation of the retrieval and transfer was kind of fun... Even though it was stressful and emotional, J and I always had fun on the transfer days...

7. I've been looking at kittens lately and I kind if think the only reason I want one is to make up for not having a baby yet.... Cause why on earth would I possibly want another animal??

8. My lawn needs mowed and I have no intention of doing it.... I'll let J deal with that jungle!

9. I need a new book to read... Any suggestions?

10. I'm officially going to be late picking my mom up... Should probably stop procrastinating....

redrockmama

@themommymonster‌ great job! 

 1. M had his 2 month check up yesterday. He is only 6 weeks, but the pedi wanted him to come in sooner. I really love our pedi. 

2. He is up to 8 lbs 3 oz and 21 in. He's a mini and is still in about the 2nd percentile for weight and 5th for height. Doc was happy with it though. He still has a big head.

3. He also has some silent reflux going on, which I suspected. We are going to go get some meds to see if it helps with the crying and fussiness. 

4. I just opened a beer and all I've eaten today is a doughnut.

5. Today has been hard, see above. I know that the constant cyring is normal, but I feel like a terrible parent and that I am doing something, or everything wrong. I am also terrified about leaving M with the nanny in a week and a half. Partly because he is impossible to soothe and partly because I'm worried the nanny will be able to soothe him (because I can't, except for with the boob).

6. So, I quickly glanced at our finances and expenses and we could swing it if I stayed home, and it would be even easier if we could cut our grocery bill. 

7. Then, I called my boss, as she requested, and she told me she is leaving in Oct. So, we'll have a new executive director. I don't know what to think right now, but I'm nervous about the possibility of a less understanding boss. 

8. I wish I could just win the lottery, that would solve all of my problems, well except for the crying baby

9. My sister is coming to town on Thursday to meet M. I can't wait! My dad also just turned 60 so we are having a big party on Saturday, I'm pretty stoked. 

10. M smiled for the first time yesterday. It made all the crying and exhaustion worth it, even if it was just for a few minutes. 

ETA: I typed up the whole thing and then all but #1 and #2 disappeared argh!

ATXmommas

Wish I had time to respond to more and write my own TTT because I'm pretty sure I could think of 10 things today.

1) In the interest of time, I'll just say thanks to those of you who kept my family in mind these last few days. It was sad, but also a celebration of 88 wonderful years lived by an incredible woman. We should all be so fortunate.

2) @redrockmama‌ - I could have written your #2 and #5 seven months ago. You are doing more amazing than you feel or realize.

3) maybe I'll get a second wind during a middle of the night feeding and finish up. We'll see! About to put this baby to bed and go snuggle with my wife!

Jazibel

1. I've been loving the good vibes on the board lately too. Makes me doubly as grateful to have you all in my life and to witness yours.  

2. @2Mamaz!!!  So excited for you and J to meet Simone.  I can't wait for her first pic.  The pregnancy and parenting check-ins are getting nice and full. I'm keeping all fingers and toes crossed that those TTC will join the ranks soon.  @Himmee33 good luck with the ER this week.  @themommymonster - I'm (happily) jealous! You're success is super inspiring. @manada & @healz - I'm thinking of you too. (I know I've taken necessary breaks - and I totally validate that need. But you're missed nonetheless).

3. Having my parents around is a mixed bag. I love it, Kaden just adores them. He cries when they're not around. "Oooommmmi  & Grannnnnpa". And my dad is so affectionate and cute. It's like a second chance for him since I think he worked a lot when we were kids.  But its exhausting and I'm finding it difficult to scrape together me time.

4. I had a phone interview today. I'd love to get that job  - but I'm really lacking confidence that I did well. Supposedly my resume is going in front of the hiring manager, so we'll see. .... The challenge for is that I don't feel as sharp as I did, oh say 2 years ago.  I feel like this mommy brain thing has seriously taken its toll (and I take my Omegas darn it!! ;-) )  Anyway. I hope that I exuded more confidence then I felt.  Blah. 

5. Our tenants gave notice (here in CA) and we've decided to put the house on the market.  We'll have about a week to renovate the floors, paint, do minor repairs, etc. and update the landscaping.  The end of August is looking like its going to be action packed.

6. I get really frustrated with my parents sometimes but I have to work on my patience and other "spiritual principles".  I had them watch the kids while I took the interview call this morning.  When it wrapped up I told them about the position, company, etc. And my dad asks is I've thought any more abut what was going to happen with the kids. When I answered yes, we were likely going to hire a babysitter/nanny and had even considered looking into an au pair for long run. He replied "Oh so that person will be raising your kids." UGh! Really!?!  I had a million retorts but I kept my mouth shut for the sake of peace, and the fact that today is his birthday. One reason I'm willing to return to work is that I can say (for myself) that the time I spend with my kiddos during the day is not necessarily all quality time. Yes, I value those moments when we read or play. But most of my day is comprised of juggling other jobs as well, cooking, cleaning, laundry, paying bills, running errands, shepherding them here or there, feeding, changing, potty training, etc. Yes I love it. It's hard and rewarding work. Do I feel my best "parenting" moments happen exclusively 9-5? Nope. Ok mini-rant over. 

7. It's 11pm and my whole family is asleep but me. 

8. I need to get back to the gym.

9. My cousin (well family-friend-growing-up cousin) is coming to SF and we hope to get together Friday.  I haven't seen her in 10-11 years. :-)

10. Ok falling asleep.. good night!