Betty Crocker Punk Rocker

The return of television

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 14:51:20 GMT

This morning I experienced the first leg cramp of this pregnancy. I remember from my last pregnancy (5 years ago) that extending the leg and pointing toes towards the ceiling is supposed to releive it. Sheesh, I need to get that tecnique perfected.

Television has returned to my home and I'm not sure what I think. We had 15 months of absolutely no television in our house. We moved almsot 2 weeks ago and got the big screen out of storage. As soon as Erik plugged it in, we discovered that there is cable in the house. Not sure how long it will last, but the kids became addicted immediately. At first I allowed them to watch it for novelty's sake, then realized their distraction was really helpful in allowing me to unpack and get things done.

After just 1 day of televsion, I could see a difference in their behavior. We've had errands to run most evenings. My kids are normally very well behaved when we go out. They stand with me, they never yell or scream or run. The first day we went shopping after watching television they were like entirely different children. They were playing tag in the store, touching stuff, and it was really hard to get them under control.

The kids have not been home all week, and I have activities planned for the weekend, so I have time to decide what, exactly to do. I'm sure moderation is key, but just the idea of them sitting mindlessly when they could be DOING something really bothers me.

Erik and I have fallen into the trap too. I haven't turned it on during the day (not that a computer addiction is much better) but yesterday evening we ate our dinner on the couch, then turned it on again later. I wouldn't mind if we were watching something interesting, but it seems like we're jsut flipping channels to have something to do.

My sister's high school teacher murdered his wife

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 14:38:02 GMT

The big news in my hometown right now is that Mr. Watson, a math teacher at my old high school murdered his wife!

http://dailybulletin.com/search/ci_4154031

http://dailybulletin.com/search/ci_4138522

http://dailybulletin.com/search/ci_4128660

It's odd the article does not mention he is a teacher or a judo instructor. The police have not actually caled him a suspect, but it's such a strange story.

He and his wife went to Vegas together. He came home without her, and after a few days her sons called the police. Mr. Watson told police that they seperated in Vagas because he likes poker and she likes slots. When she didn't meet at their car, he drove home without her. After searching his car, they found her blood. He says she injured herself in the car, but the investigator said the injury he described was no consistent with the amount of blood they found. Tbey still did not arrest him, so he skipped town.

There is also a teacher in my hometown who admitted to molesting 100-200 kids, but he never taught at any school I've attended.

http://dailybulletin.com/news/ci_4134008

Do you have a hard time throwing away old stuff?

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 15:31:46 GMT

I'm going through old boxes taken from storage during our move.

I have 7 shoe boxes of letters from jr. high and high school.

Old Nirvana posters and stickers

A Teen Bop magazine featuring MaCauly Caulkin, Paula Abdul, Christian Slater, and the cast of 90210

Journals dating back to 1989

All the teeth I ever lost as a child

Wool off a sheep at the county fair

Baby-sitter's Club calendars from the late 1980s and early 1990s

Locks of hair from every major hair cut.

An autographed picture of the cast of WINGS.

Newspaper cut-out picture of Robert Smith

And I'm not even done going through it.

Top Pregnancy/Baby Trends I Don't Understand

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 14:00:46 GMT

Top 5 Pregnancy/Baby Trends I Don't Understand

I know I'm the minority here, but these are the things I just don't get, even when people I love and respect do them. These are industries from which people make money!

1. 4D Ultrasounds. First off, there is no such thing as "4D" The fourth dimension is time, so this is obviously a marketing decision to make the procedure seem more "high tech". To my knowledge, unless spina bifida is being diagnosed, there is no medical value to a 4D u/s. It also costs over $300 to "look" at a baby that will be seen in a few weeks or months.

2. Belly Casts. Belly casts are when pregnant women make a mold of their belly. Maybe it's just me, but I have never once wondered what my belly looked like during pregnancy. Seeing it every day for 9 months was enough. Pregnancy is a short transition period during which something more important is being developed. Maybe I should have made a cast of my braces so I can forever remember what my teeth looked like in jr. high school.

3. Pregnacy photos. I understand the occasional pregnancy snapshot, especially in the internet age where people we care about are often far away and can't see us every day. I suppose the main reason I don't understand this is because I've never once thought "hmm, wonder what I looked like during pregnancy." I already know the answer. I gained more weight than necessary, had ill-fitting and unstylish clothing, and I spent more time vomitting than smiling in an outdoor setting with my hands on my belly. O yeah, and because I was 17 years old during my first pregnancy, I spent a lot of time HIDING my belly and feeling guilty for it.

4. Shopping cart covers. Another way to cash in on paranoid moms. Millions of children have sat unprotected in shopping carts without dying.

5. Thank-you notes written in the first person as if from the baby. This is not a marketing scheme, just a personal pet peeve. Dear Aunt Susie, Thanks so much for the dress! I will look so pretty when mommy puts it on me! I know a baby would never say that.

6am update

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 13:16:04 GMT

We moved about a week and a half ago. I was really worried that I would be extremely unhappy to leave the beach. Turns out I don't miss it at all. Of course, I've been too busy to actually go to the beach, and the next time I do, the prospect of driving 5 miles will be annoying, but for now, I'm thrilled that my living space has literally doubled. I also like being able to drive places quickly. Sometimes it would take 15 minutes or more just to get off the island. Now i can just jump in the car and go.

Yesterday was Gavin's 5th birthday. I'm amazed he's so old! he still seems like a baby to me. We had a party for him on saturday at the new house. It was last-minute and thrown together, but people still came and he had a great time.

Erik's parents and Jesse's parents both came. Erik's parents are really good about giving the kids generous gifts, but I'm still really worried about grandparent issues after the baby is born. I'm happy Erik's parents are excited (noone has ever been excited about my pregnancies before) but every time I hear them say something about their first grandchild I feel a little sad for Bella and Gavin. Thankfully Bella and Gavin have good grandparents who adore them, but the though of our family being divided makes me nervous.

I had my 24 week pregnancy appointment on Monday. I'm starting to feel better about a hospital birth, even though it's not what I want. I expect a very short labor and as long as I have a healthy baby and can go home afterwards, I will surive. I had Gavin in the hospital and went home the same day.

I've been having sleeping problems and I have no idea why. Aside from heart burn when i go to bed, I'm not having very much physical discomfort. I was in a routine for a while (even before I got sick) of going to bed around 8pm, right after the kids went to bed and getting up at 6. Now I've been staying up until 11 or later and waking up around 4 or 5.

The u/s results were normal, I'm measuring fine and due the end of November. The u/s tech report said Nov 27 but my doctor says there's no reason to change it from Nov 29. Normally 2 days makes no difference, but I'm sure at the end of pregnancy it will feel like an eternity. And of course, I'm very worried about making the kindergarten cut-off.

I've ganed 10 lbs and I still have 16 weeks to go! I'm pretty close to the weight I was when I delivered Bella.

Being honest with kids

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 05:08:23 GMT

I mentioned briefly in another post that Bella has a friend who is being lied to by her parents. They are splitting up but have not told her (she thinks she her mom are just 'hanging out' at a friend's house) and her grandfather died. The mom had to leave the state for the week to attend the funeral, but the little girl does not know. She thinks her mom is away for work.

I strongly believe they really think they are doing the best thing. They want to spare her little feelings.

The dad came to pick the girl up today (she's been staying with us since Monday) and he asked me if I've told my kids we're moving.

I couldn't beleive it! Not only did we sign the lease 2 months ago, we're moving on saturday and everything in the house (including most of the kids' toys) have been packed. Our house is full of boxes! I really think I'd have to be pretty crazy to try to hide that.

We've been talking to the kids, particularly Bella, about the move for months because she will be attending a different school next year and will be leaving all her friends. Also, I think leaving the beach will be a huge adjustment, so we've been talking and planning and talking. I let the kids choose decor for their new bathroom so they will feel more in control during the transition.

I think it's extremely important to be honest and up-front with kids. But of course, there are some things kids shouldn't be exposed to.

Where do you find the balance when talking honestly with your kids? Do you try to avoid certain subjects?

There was a girl-mom member a while back who I thought was a bit too candid (well, forcibly open) with her kids. She has the "period talk" with her 2 year old and told her 4 year old when his father lost his job. To me, that's extreme and will only result in a child becoming more anxious and fearful.

I think the only huge event I've ever NOT discussed with my kids is the 6-day period when I was in jail. I don't think they know and I really think it's too heavy for them, especially because it involves violence and tension between me and thier bio-dad.

I regret telling them I was pregnant early-on last time because the pregnancy ended in miscarriage and I had to explain THAT to them.

Cloth Diaper and covers on EBAY

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:58:22 GMT

I have 4 EBAY auctions right now. All items are new and from my store.

6 DSQ premium chinese prefolds 100% cotton NEW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&item=180011168973&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

6 DSQ regular chinese prefolds 100% cotton NEW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&item=180011168059&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

6 DSQ infant chinese prefolds 100% cotton NEW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&item=180011167138&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

6 NEW Diaperaps diaper covers, size large. These are the baby-proof kind that prevent older babies and toddlers from taking off their diapers.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&item=180011160689&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

Smell cravings/update

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 02:56:08 GMT

22 weeks down . . 18 to go.

So I don't crave food anymore. I crave smells. Chemical and cleaner smells to be specific.
I normally clean with METHOD only, but in the last few weeks, I've purchased bleach (and used it liberally), those things you put in your toilet bowl that makes the water blue, and Draino. Yum, draino. I can't get enough of the stuff. I go to the store and just sniff cleaners.

I used to think men who worked lots of overtime hated their wives and just want to be out of the house. I know I jet out of the office right at 5 (or 4:30, really as early as I can sneak out). But now that I know how much money overtime can bring in, I am trying to look at the bright side. it's 7:45 and Erik is still at work.

Does anyone else have a hard time enforcing bedtime in the summer? Bedtime is in 15 minutes and I just can't make them got to bed because it's light outside. I'm the bedtime WITCH and it seems like they've been up until 9 or later the last few weeks. And of course I'm horibly judgement against people whose kids are up at all hours.

Bella is going to Disneyland with her summer camp tomorrow, then friday is the last day of camp.

SATURDAY WE MOVE.

Bella's friend is staying with us this week and it seems like all the do is fight. And there is not much to do around here because we are packing.

We went to the beach (the harbor, not huge beahc area with waves) for a few hours this afternoon. I put my feet in the water, and I felt weird stinging pains. I pulled my feet out and there were these tiny clear bug things all over my feet! And the drew blood in a few different places. Totally gross.

I try to be honest with my kids (age-apropriate explainations of course) with just about everything, so sometimes I have a hard time when people deliberately lie or keep information from their kids that will eventually get out. Bella's friend is staying with us because her grandfather died and her mom has to go to the funeral in Ohio. They don't want the kid to know, so she told her she's gone for work. AND the parents are splitting up. The kid and her mom have been living with a friend for weeks but they have not come clean. She thinks they're just hanging out over there. Of course, it's their kid and thier choice but I feel like I'm in an awkward situation because she is staying here.

Is it unusally hot hot outside?

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 17:38:48 GMT

The weather at my house is reasonable, but it's insane at my parent's house. They live about 45 miles away from us. We drove out there yesterday at it was 115 degrees outside. Seriously. I grew up there my whole life and about 105-107 is about as high as I can ever remember the outdoor temperature.

I've never felt anything quite like it.

When we drove home after 11pm, it was about 98 degrees.

I know it's hot everywhere right now, but I'm curious to know if everyone is experiencing heat that's out of the ordinary for their area.

http://www.blogsvertise.com

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 16:20:04 GMT

So now that I'm an unemployed loser disguised as a SAHM, I figured I should try to make extra cash.

So I signed up for http://www.blogsvertise.com

I haven't done anything yet, but it seems pretty cool.

All you have to do is create a blog, or use an existing one. The rules say even myspace blogs are OK. Then you sign up and register your blog at http://www.blogsvertise.com.

After your blog is approved (no adult/sexual blogs!) you'll be asked to write up a sample post about blogsvertise. After your sample is approved, you will start getting paid writing tasks. Promoting the site is not necessary, you just need to mention it in about 50-60 words and link 3 times.

Payments for each assignment are sent directly to your paypal account about 30 days after the assignment is complete.

A nice story

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 21:09:01 GMT

last year, in Maui our favorite day trip was the "Road to Hana". Along the road, there are 7 fresh water pools. At one, it is pretty popular to jump off a 30 ft waterfall.

A man jumped off the waterfall wearing his glasses, and the glasses fell off! Erik grabbed goggles and his snorkel and helped him look for his glasses so he wouldn't be miserable during his vacation. We never found the glasses (thankfully a man who lived in that area knew jsut where to look and found them) but Erik found a driver's license at the bottom of the pool.

The license sat on my desk for almost a year and I finally mailed it to the man last week. Today, I received a thank-you note from him. he said his group searched the pools for over an hour looking for it and he thought it was "buried forever in the sandy bottom".

I only wish I had sent it back sooner. We missed eachother by a few days, perhaps even a few hours.

Stay-at -home-Mom Day 4

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 20:56:27 GMT

This is my fourth day as a stay at home mom. I'm still getting used to it. I just feel like I should be doing more. I've been cooking and cleaning and trying to do activities with Gavin. Bella has 1 more week of day camp.

We went to the movies and the fair yesterday, the library and the park monday and today.

I've finally begun feeling fetal movement. For the last few weeks, I thought I could feel it, but then a few minutes later I would feel a twitch in my leg or back that felt the same.

One thing I've really enjoyed is having more time to make dinner. When I was working, I would get home between 5 and 5:30 and I couldn't spare more than 30 minutes for cooking. I've made a few great vegan meals this week.

The Tofu sticks took the longest so I started with them first. These were also the most popular with my kids.

First, I cut a cake of tofu into 24 equal "sticks" by first cutting it into thirds, stacking the pieces, then cutting them into halfs, quarters, eigths. I laid them evenly in a baking dish and poured over it a mixture of 3T soy sauce, 1T rice vinegar and some minced garlic. I let it marinate for 30 minutes.

In a bowl, I mixed together bread crumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. I didn't ahve any pre-made bread crumbs so I toated 2 slices of bread and put them in the blender. I had never done this before but it worked out really well.
I made a small mixture of 3T flour and 6 T cold water. After the tofu was marinated, I dipped each tofu stick in the water/flour mixture then tossed it into the bowl with the bread crumbs. I put the lid on the bowl and shook it up "shake and bake" style. Then laid them on a cookie sheet and baked them for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.

The end result was crispy sticks, similar to fish sticks or chicken nuggets. We dipped them in a soy sauce/vinegar mixture, but ketchup or ranch dressing would work.

I used my rice cooker to make the Pineapple Rice but it could easily be made in a pan.
I put 1 1/2 c rice (I used Jasmine but brown is healthier), 2 t vegetable oil, some minced garlic, powdered ginger, salt, adn 2 1/2 cups water in the rice cooker. When it was cooked, I added some chopped cilantro and a can of drained pineapple. Very, very, easy.

Last, I made Curried Corn

I sauteed some chopped shallots (a small onion would work) in butter (a vegan substitute would work) then added about 3t curry powder. Then i dumped in a bag of frozen corn and a can of coconut milk. I heated it through and it was very, very, good.

I liked this casserole because it is a complete meal all in one dish. The recipe I adapted it from called for sweet potatoes, but I was able to get pre-cut and peed yams at Trader Joe's so I used those instead.

First, I mixed together 2 1/2c coconut milk with garlic, a splash of lime juice, cilantro, thyme, salt and pepper. In another bowl I mixed together a pound of yams, rice (I used leftovers from the pineapple rice, but about 1 cup of cooked rice would work), 1 can of black beans, and 1.5 c frozen spinach. I poured half the coconut milk mixture into the pan, then added the veggies, then the rest of the milk.

I topped it with a mixture of 3/4 c cornmeal, 1 T veg oil, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper to make a crunchy crust.

I baked it for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 04:51:06 GMT

me and my crush.

Jobless me

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 14:00:39 GMT

I’ve known my company was moving to Arizona. In January, I overheard my boss say “6 months”. There were other clues, too. They asked me to find out about returning the copy machine and the postage meter (not to self: print out tons of postage before leaving). And, they sold the building. But, no one bothered to tell me directly.

Shortly after I returned from my 6 week disability, we had negotiated a lay-off date of August 31. This is what we were shooting for, and we have spent accordingly. We put $800 on credit cards last month because we thought we wouldn’t need the money.

That’s why I was shocked yesterday when I was suddenly laid off.

What’s more frustrating, I paid Bella’s daycare ahead 6 weeks. She’s paid for through the first week of August and I’m going to be home.

I can’t look for another job. Besides the fact that no one will hire a pregnant girl, it will mess up my unemployment/disability plan that was going to keep me home several months after the baby’s birth.

I guess I have to report all this to child support.

The prospect of being a stay at home mom scares me. The financial part, first, I’ve grown quite comfortable on my income. Also, because Erik is not my kids’ biological father, I feel better when I buy stuff for them knowing I make money too.

I’m worried about what I’m going to do with my time. And whether I’ll be patient enough. I was a fantastic stay-at-home-mom 3 ½ years ago. I’m out of practice. I’ve been in the same routine for years. I had assumed having a baby would snap me back into it, and it might, but I have more than 4 months to go.

Sick Kid/Pregnancy bordemn

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 21:45:54 GMT

Poor Bella has a nasty cold. I thought the coughing was her asthma, so I renwed all her prescriptions, but now she has a runny nose and sore throat.

I tried sending her to summer camp anyway today because they are going to the fair and I didn't want her to miss it. We ran by the drug store this morning for cold meds, but she called me at about 11:30.

I picked her up and brought her back to the office. I wish I could tuck her into bed for her own comfort, but because I can't, I'm so thankful she is well behaved. She jut sits at my desk and reads or colors. I'll be so happy when I don't have to work anymore.

I am 20 weeks today! I am thrilled to be halfway done, but I'm also so bored. It's too soon to start buying and planning. Too soon to passively-agressively suggest a baby shower to my mother-in-law.

I have gained 8 lbs. I know weight gain is normal, healthy, and important, but I'm only 10 lbs away from being the heaviest I've ben in my life (when I delivered Bella)so that makes me nervous. I don't want to spin out of control.

The good news is Im still wearing all my normal clothes. Well, my shirts are shorter than I would like, but my jeans and work slacks are still in commission. Hopefully I won't need to wear maternity clothes.

I was going to take my 20 week picture this morning, but Bella was sick and unwilling to man the camera. Maybe tonight.

I think I have a kid-free weekend coming up. Bella agreed to go only if she doesn't have to see Jesse. His mom agreed to "try her best", but we'll see.

O MAN I jsut got laid off! More ont his later . .

Another belly picture

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 01:21:44 GMT

18 weeks, 2 days

Had my ultrasound

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 22:10:16 GMT

I think it went well, but I can't tell.

I studied the tech's face, but she was just doing her job, so she wouldn't show any emotion anyway.

It seemed to take a very long time but it's been 5 years since I've done this.

I asked for my due date, she said she could not tell me. That caught me by surprise, they told me with my other kids.

Well, here's hoping for a healthy baby.

almost 3am post

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 09:43:43 GMT

It's very unlike me to be up.

I had a nasty migraine today. I took maxalt when I came home, laid down, and at 8pm it was still awful so I took another. Normally no big deal (except for losing my night) but I HATE HATE HATE taking drugs while pregnant. My OB prescribed the maxalt to me, so I should feel OK, but it's a class C drug so I still worry. And, had surgery at 6 weeks so I've been on more drugs that I would like this pregnnacy.

I;m very lucky Erik was here to take care of the kids, house, and dog. I feel really disorganized now. I can't remember if I had migraines when I lived alone with the kids. I did have vertigo a few times, thank God that's long gone.

Bella's first day of day camp went well. She had a great time. Tomorrow is the first beach trip. The spot they are going to is called "Inspiration Point". It sounds like a hot teen make-out spot.

I wish I could go to summer camp

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:43:01 GMT

Bella's last day of kindergarten was on friday. She was happy, sad, and proud all at once. Her report card was fantastic so we celebrated by going to Build-a-Bear for a new outfit for her favorite toy, then to Subway for lunch.

My weekend with Erik went fine. I had to remind myself a bit that I was once single and lived alone with 2 kids EVERY DAY, but I soon enough caught on.

I am going to have to try re-dying Bella's hair, the pink hardly shows up.

I went to church sunday for the first time in several months. A clip from THE KARATE kid was played during the sermon and now I want to see that movie. Mr. Miagi was so wise.

Bella started summer camp today. It looks like so much fun. They go to a different theme park each week, and the beach twice a week.

My 18 week ultrasound is tomorrow. I am not looking forward to drinking 24 ounces of water beforehand. I'm ashamed at how anxious I am over this. I am aware that people are dying unjustly all over the world, that most people worldwide don't have a fraction of the luxuries I enjoy every day, but somehow my internal struggle over not wanting to find out the sex just won't rest.

Colouring dark hair

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:54:29 GMT

I dyed Bella's hair pink today. I'm dissapointed because it hardly shows up on her brown hair and I'm not comfortable bleaching it.

The "value" of a boy

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 18:25:03 GMT

Today is my 17 week apt, hope it goes well.

A few weeks ago during a camping trip, My mother-in-law asked me if we will "keep trying" if this baby is a girl. She also told me that if Erik had been a girl, they would have kept trying for a boy. I was really surprised and shocked by this question. First, I'm done having kids no matter what. Starting over again this late into my child-bearing career has been a serious challenge. Second, it made me uncomfortable to think of making family planning decisions based on the gender of my children.

Fundamentally, I don't think it's really wrong to have a preference ( I know I feel like I can relate better to my daughter, and the prospect of raising a MAN was, and still is frightening), but I wonder if it becomes harmful when the preference is strong enough to alter family planning decisions.

Later in the weekend, My father-in-law touched my belly (this is my hugest pet peeve in the entire world) and said something about how I need to keep his grandson healthy. Not only is it important for him to have a male grandchild, but he is voicing this preference as if the deal has already been done. My mother-in-law voiced her preference for a little girl because they are 'always so cute and sweet" as though the child will forever be a cute little girl.

I am no champion at gender-neutral parenting. I've never told either child they can't play with a certain toy because of their sex, but I've never gone out of my way to keep gender identities (traditional or non) from developing. I don't know if this was wrong of me. I do know, though, that my children feel loved and valued as fantastic people, not BECAUSE they are a boy or girl.

These reasons are a huge part of why I do not want to know the sex of this baby before it's born. I'm still struggling a bit with normal curiosity, but I really, strongly believe a baby is a baby.

I'd like to know the experiences of others, especially anyone who felt less valuable in thier own family (society is a whole other subject) for being a girl. My parents had 2 girls and if they were dissatisfied, we never knew it. I'm not sure how I would have felt if they kept trying to having a boy.

Now . . . with skin

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 03:41:58 GMT

Ok, now that I've done it, it seems so much easier.

This was taken this morning while getting ready for work. I think I look less frumpy without 2 shirts covering me.

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 17:36:47 GMT

Thinking about how un-ideal my birth experience will be made me really depressed saturday night. I suppose feeling nauseous and suffering from a sun burn didn't help, but I really started to feel that the situation was hopeless. I even started thinking about how i may as well get an epidural since the situation will be so far off from what I want, why even bother?

Sunday I started looking into more midwives and birthing centers. My health has improved greatly, so I'm confident it can be done.

Of course, the problem now is the cost. $4,000-$5,000 is about average and the midwives I've contacted won't let me retain their services for the birth only. We could pay for it, but I don't think I should put out that kind of money for an experience that will last one day. It was a consideration at one point, but now that I'm officially leaving work August 31, it's just not practical.

I'm still trying to find more and more places.

I just looked up the hospital my insurance covers online and saw this about their maternity ward:

Irvine Regional Hospital and Medical Center promotes a family-centered approach to childbirth. The Family Birthing Center combines comfort and privacy with advanced technology. For labor, delivery, and recovery, the expectant mother stays in a room that features a private whirlpool spa for relaxation. We believe that the birth of a baby should be a family experience, so we encourage new mothers to keep their babies in their rooms. And we also provide sleeping arrangements for new fathers to stay overnight. Take advantage of our private rooms, unlimited visiting hours and in-patient room service.

It's still a hospital, but sounds 100 times better than where I had Bella and Gavin.
IO was strapped to the bed, wasn't allowed to eat, drink, walk around. I was miserable. WHen I had Bella, I felt really bullied into having an epidural. The anesthesiologist said "I'm going home for the night, this is your last chance" and so out of fear, I did it.

Erika update

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 20:31:46 GMT

Erika jsut called me. her water broke in Target!
She's driving back to her house right now to meet a friend who will take Tavin, then she's off to the hospital.

Hopefully I will have periodic updates.

If you didn't know I was sick

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:20:14 GMT

I made a short post on GM after I got out of the hospital, but here is the short version for anyone who missed out.

I was admitted to the hospital April 5, and on Apirl 8 I had an ovary and fallopian tube removed. I was 6 weeks pregnant so had to take hormone replacement to make up for the missing ovary. I was really frustrated because when I went into surgery, I had no idea they were going to remove it. I just woke up missing a huge chunk of my reproductive system.

No biggie, I guess, I won't be having any more children, I just don't want hormonal problems.

About a week after my surgerey I started bleeding and had to be on bed rest until the end of my first trimester.

This was really hard on me. I tried keeping Gavin home a few days a week but I just could not keep up with him. He's a good boy, but he can't just sit around all day. I tried playing with him in my bed, but he needs to go outside and do stuff, so he ended up at daycare while I was home. SO of course, this made me incredibly guilty.

I returned to work about 4 weeks ago and healthwise, I'm doing fine. The pregnancy seems healthy and normal, but I'm still very worried.

I'm also very dissapointed ebcause I probably won't ahve the birth I was really looking forward to. I know I'm going to end up having my third, and LAST baby in a hospital and I can't even stand to think about it.