Hi!
Without too much oversharing---I had a little mini-fire-drill, thinking it was TIME!
Multiple symptoms began yesterday at 6:15 pm---and we wanted to get a real doctor's opinion before calling the whole world and letting them know it's time. THANK GOD we had restraint!
It's not time. :( In fact, the doctor said, there are no signs and signals at this point. We're a ways away. Though, he did say, things can change very quickly.
Dave's mom will be here this weekend, so when it really is TIME, she can help with things like driving to the hospital.
My mom is grateful that Carolyn (Dave's mom) can be here to help me. My mom is legally blind and she's got COPD and is on continuous oxygen. She has portable oxygen tanks that last about 2 hours each--which--are too heavy for her to carry even! So--she needs my help a lot for many basic things we all take for granted. I know she would love to be able to help me more, but things are what they are. And, if I'm deep into labor, I can't be much help to her either. So--thank goodness for Dave's mom--and my uncle Adam, who both have graciously offered to step in and help!
I'm so glad I have both moms who have actual experience with actual children and infants--because I don't have any experience. And they're both lovely. Also--my dad's sister has offered to come help after Carolyn goes back home. So--THANK GOD for all these helpful, experienced MOM'S!! I am very lucky.
OK--more soon---when it really IS TIME.
We miss you. Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Dave turns 40!
We are officially middle-aged.
Except, we're just starting our family and Dave's second career. Apparently all very common these days. Except by the time we have our 'family home' it will be time to move into an active adult community. [Not that we would!!]
So--anyway--back to Dave. Last weekend, we went to that tasty Mexican restaurant in downtown D.C. This weekend, we went to see 'The Dark Knight' and Dave got to play with his new 'Grand Theft Auto' videogame and we had delicious ice cream cake from this place called Maggie Moos. Those are the things he really wanted for his 40th. His mom is coming this weekend, and we'll celebrate more of the birthday season.
Except--POOR DAVE--I ruined his birthday. First, I should say, I cooked an elaborate, delicious breakfast--and everything was normal and lovely the first part of the day.
Later, he took me to the movies on what was possibly my worst time in my whole pregnancy. I resolved my pants issue--by getting some more that are HUGE. So--that was OK. But--I wore some shoes that I had been wearing throughout--but, that I shouldn't wear these days--they're just too tight with my sausage-dog-ankles. But, fashion took priority over reality--since we were going out in PUBLIC.
Sitting for 2 hours was pretty near unbearable, and my right ankle swelled sooo much during the movie--that realistically, I couldn't wear my shoes--and I basically had to limp and shlep myself while holding onto walls and ballasters while we walked back to the car. No possibility of browsing or having a nice time at the mall together. I felt like everyone was staring at me. It was really crowded, and there were lots of people behind us. I felt like a spectacle.
It felt like we parked a million miles away. By the time we got back to the car, I was verging on tears. Just so completely frustrated by this whole thing. It goes on and on and on. There's little I can do to relieve my discomfort. I can't even verbalize exactly what feels so uncomfortable. I guess a 7 pound person pressing and pushing on internal organs...? So--it was bad. I think Dave was bewildered about what to do.
My fragile emotional state with complete meltdown lasted well into the evening. And instead of me making a yummy birthday dinner for everyone, Dave had to get Chinese Take-Out. It was the first time I was that emotional in this whole 9 months.
Dave was a peach. As usual. So sweet. He sat with me and held my hand and ordered me to relax for the next several days.
I have been a fit and healthy person in my life--so all of this physical limitation and constant discomfort has really challenged my self-concept. Not to mention, put a real crimp in my actual activities. Like the movies. Come on--how hard is it to go to the movies?!!
Big fun. We miss you!
Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Except, we're just starting our family and Dave's second career. Apparently all very common these days. Except by the time we have our 'family home' it will be time to move into an active adult community. [Not that we would!!]
So--anyway--back to Dave. Last weekend, we went to that tasty Mexican restaurant in downtown D.C. This weekend, we went to see 'The Dark Knight' and Dave got to play with his new 'Grand Theft Auto' videogame and we had delicious ice cream cake from this place called Maggie Moos. Those are the things he really wanted for his 40th. His mom is coming this weekend, and we'll celebrate more of the birthday season.
Except--POOR DAVE--I ruined his birthday. First, I should say, I cooked an elaborate, delicious breakfast--and everything was normal and lovely the first part of the day.
Later, he took me to the movies on what was possibly my worst time in my whole pregnancy. I resolved my pants issue--by getting some more that are HUGE. So--that was OK. But--I wore some shoes that I had been wearing throughout--but, that I shouldn't wear these days--they're just too tight with my sausage-dog-ankles. But, fashion took priority over reality--since we were going out in PUBLIC.
Sitting for 2 hours was pretty near unbearable, and my right ankle swelled sooo much during the movie--that realistically, I couldn't wear my shoes--and I basically had to limp and shlep myself while holding onto walls and ballasters while we walked back to the car. No possibility of browsing or having a nice time at the mall together. I felt like everyone was staring at me. It was really crowded, and there were lots of people behind us. I felt like a spectacle.
It felt like we parked a million miles away. By the time we got back to the car, I was verging on tears. Just so completely frustrated by this whole thing. It goes on and on and on. There's little I can do to relieve my discomfort. I can't even verbalize exactly what feels so uncomfortable. I guess a 7 pound person pressing and pushing on internal organs...? So--it was bad. I think Dave was bewildered about what to do.
My fragile emotional state with complete meltdown lasted well into the evening. And instead of me making a yummy birthday dinner for everyone, Dave had to get Chinese Take-Out. It was the first time I was that emotional in this whole 9 months.
Dave was a peach. As usual. So sweet. He sat with me and held my hand and ordered me to relax for the next several days.
I have been a fit and healthy person in my life--so all of this physical limitation and constant discomfort has really challenged my self-concept. Not to mention, put a real crimp in my actual activities. Like the movies. Come on--how hard is it to go to the movies?!!
Big fun. We miss you!
Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
7 pounds in 1 week!
So--I was right. I did gain a bunch of weight. But, I did not eat an additional 24,500 calories last week. So--the doctor thinks it's FLUID retention. Great.
Will this pace continue for the next 3 weeks? If so, I could gain an additional 21 pounds this August. Wonderful!
No wonder none of my clothes fit.
How to leave the house to buy new clothes when you look like a sausage...
:( Sad!
We miss you. Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Will this pace continue for the next 3 weeks? If so, I could gain an additional 21 pounds this August. Wonderful!
No wonder none of my clothes fit.
How to leave the house to buy new clothes when you look like a sausage...
:( Sad!
We miss you. Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
pregnancy note
OK--I didn't think I could get any bigger. I really have not been PORKING out. Seriously. But I don't fit into any of my pants, and I'm feeling resistance to leaving the house to go buy more---because, it's, shall we say--too late? I look like a sausage. How can I leave the house looking like that? Besides, I don't want to spend the money. This is almost over.
Last Wednesday I was all proud of myself for only having gained 35 pounds. Everything I read said the weight gain slows down at this point.
We'll see what the doctor says this Wednesday. I bet I've gained 30 more pounds.
Oh--and---all yesterday we had practice contractions called 'Braxton Hicks' :)
TICK TOCK.
Last Wednesday I was all proud of myself for only having gained 35 pounds. Everything I read said the weight gain slows down at this point.
We'll see what the doctor says this Wednesday. I bet I've gained 30 more pounds.
Oh--and---all yesterday we had practice contractions called 'Braxton Hicks' :)
TICK TOCK.
my goodness!
So--the thing I haven't been sharing is much news about my mom! Yes, she moved in with us on June 21st. Yes, all 3 of us with 2 dogs are living in a 1500 sq. ft. 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment until August 27th! Yes, it's close quarters!
She is adjusting to her new environment. The pluses for her are--that, unlike living in an Assisted Living arrangement, no one comes to visit, vacuum, or inquire about her every couple of minutes, so she can actually rest and feel like she has a regular life. Also--the furniture we have is super comfy (it's temporary too). And the carpet here for some reason is super soft. She says we are very good cooks and the food here is very good. And, the puppies are sweet and fun.
And, of course, I think she definitely prefers to be with family (me :) than having to make new friends all the time--though, that was fun and stimulating at times. At other times, not so much.
Those pluses have their own negatives--which, I was hoping would kind of get resolved organically. They aren't! And now I'm a little worried! My approach was the 'no news unless it's good news'...which, isn't working. So--now here's the news!
My mom has been sleeping sleeping sleeping for a huge amount of time each day. She's got a lot of health issues, so pin-pointing the cause of this has been a bit mysterious. First, we thought it was the new lifestyle--not having to be "on" for mealtimes and people stopping by all the time. Our lifestyle is far more 'boring' and 'quiet' than she is used to. She said she wanted Dave and I to have our own lives, and that dogs are a bit rambunctious, and they make her nervous, as much as she likes them.
Then, we thought perhaps it was a new respiratory medication she's got thrown into the mix of her other meds. I feared it may be that she's very sad (ambivalent?) about all the changes---(and--OK, yes---that we were headed for a major depressive episode).
Pursuing the answers has taken some time. And effort! We've been on the phone with a lot of doctors and talking with pharmacists. I'm in the middle of getting her established with all new doctors. She had been so stable for so many years, that I initially only focused on 2 specialists. Now, I wish I had set them ALL up before we moved. And, setting up some of the new ones is not going as planned--providers don't accept Medicare patients as readily as they once did! And, I messed up some of the papers she needed to see one of the specialists I DID set up before we moved--and so now they postponed her appointment by a month.
One pharmacist thinks it's one drug interaction, another doctor thinks it's something else, I think it's a different one yet--and what do I know? But, my mom is lucid, her coloring is pink and healthy, she's able to breathe and she seems upbeat. She seems completely normal--despite the fact that sleeping excessively is not normal.
So--now we're working with some of her former physicians who are familiar with everything and who treated her for years--and who will talk to us now---despite us being miles away.
Oh--the other part of this is that ADAM STRYKER, my uncle, is a SUPERSTAR. He has graciously agreed to be with my mom during my labor and delivery. I was really worried that I couldn't help my mom at all while I was doing that. And, it's a completely unpredictable amount of time. If she wanted to be at the hospital, if she wanted to go home, if some sort of emergency happened, there would be nothing I could do. And I didn't want Dave to (possibly) miss the birth of his child to tend to her.
So--especially given current circumstances, I didn't want her to be alone. We were looking into Home Health services, temporary stays at Assisted Living facilities, companions from local religious organizations. Mostly, incidentally, prohibitively expensive--like we should send her to the Four Seasons for the weekend instead.
So--thank GOD Adam is willing to set aside his work schedule and life to be here during this important time. I'm not sure he understands what a huge help and relief that is to me.
That's the big news. I had hoped to share the good stuff AFTER this was resolved. This was not to be. I didn't want you all to wonder. And, I feel a bit guilty that news with me, Dave and the baby is all sunshine when this is going on with her. I guess that's inherent in the circumstances.
Waiting for the doctor call-backs...we miss you!
Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
She is adjusting to her new environment. The pluses for her are--that, unlike living in an Assisted Living arrangement, no one comes to visit, vacuum, or inquire about her every couple of minutes, so she can actually rest and feel like she has a regular life. Also--the furniture we have is super comfy (it's temporary too). And the carpet here for some reason is super soft. She says we are very good cooks and the food here is very good. And, the puppies are sweet and fun.
And, of course, I think she definitely prefers to be with family (me :) than having to make new friends all the time--though, that was fun and stimulating at times. At other times, not so much.
Those pluses have their own negatives--which, I was hoping would kind of get resolved organically. They aren't! And now I'm a little worried! My approach was the 'no news unless it's good news'...which, isn't working. So--now here's the news!
My mom has been sleeping sleeping sleeping for a huge amount of time each day. She's got a lot of health issues, so pin-pointing the cause of this has been a bit mysterious. First, we thought it was the new lifestyle--not having to be "on" for mealtimes and people stopping by all the time. Our lifestyle is far more 'boring' and 'quiet' than she is used to. She said she wanted Dave and I to have our own lives, and that dogs are a bit rambunctious, and they make her nervous, as much as she likes them.
Then, we thought perhaps it was a new respiratory medication she's got thrown into the mix of her other meds. I feared it may be that she's very sad (ambivalent?) about all the changes---(and--OK, yes---that we were headed for a major depressive episode).
Pursuing the answers has taken some time. And effort! We've been on the phone with a lot of doctors and talking with pharmacists. I'm in the middle of getting her established with all new doctors. She had been so stable for so many years, that I initially only focused on 2 specialists. Now, I wish I had set them ALL up before we moved. And, setting up some of the new ones is not going as planned--providers don't accept Medicare patients as readily as they once did! And, I messed up some of the papers she needed to see one of the specialists I DID set up before we moved--and so now they postponed her appointment by a month.
One pharmacist thinks it's one drug interaction, another doctor thinks it's something else, I think it's a different one yet--and what do I know? But, my mom is lucid, her coloring is pink and healthy, she's able to breathe and she seems upbeat. She seems completely normal--despite the fact that sleeping excessively is not normal.
So--now we're working with some of her former physicians who are familiar with everything and who treated her for years--and who will talk to us now---despite us being miles away.
Oh--the other part of this is that ADAM STRYKER, my uncle, is a SUPERSTAR. He has graciously agreed to be with my mom during my labor and delivery. I was really worried that I couldn't help my mom at all while I was doing that. And, it's a completely unpredictable amount of time. If she wanted to be at the hospital, if she wanted to go home, if some sort of emergency happened, there would be nothing I could do. And I didn't want Dave to (possibly) miss the birth of his child to tend to her.
So--especially given current circumstances, I didn't want her to be alone. We were looking into Home Health services, temporary stays at Assisted Living facilities, companions from local religious organizations. Mostly, incidentally, prohibitively expensive--like we should send her to the Four Seasons for the weekend instead.
So--thank GOD Adam is willing to set aside his work schedule and life to be here during this important time. I'm not sure he understands what a huge help and relief that is to me.
That's the big news. I had hoped to share the good stuff AFTER this was resolved. This was not to be. I didn't want you all to wonder. And, I feel a bit guilty that news with me, Dave and the baby is all sunshine when this is going on with her. I guess that's inherent in the circumstances.
Waiting for the doctor call-backs...we miss you!
Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
3 balls for 75 cents
Tennis balls were on special today at the grocery store--and Daisy couldn't be happier. She is so funny. She entertains herself running around in circles and she's extremely cute to watch. Quite a sight in pitch black with the bright yellow tennis ball.
Dave is having somewhat of a birthday 'season.' He and I went to this delicious restaurant yesterday to celebrate his 40th. It's in downtown DC and he's afraid of me being too far away from home after this week, so he wanted to go ASAP. Their deal is small plates. They have a celebrity chef. The food was really really good. They made guacamole for us at our table. Everything was so fresh. It made me miss being at the beach. Dave had a Margarita and I was completely jealous.
OK, OK, OK, already. I'm ready for this baby! What is he waiting for anyway? IT'S TIME! I'm quite BORED with no job and just caring for Dave, my mom and our dogs. I can do it with my eyes closed.
I want to see if this mommy thing is the BIG HUGE DEAL everyone says it is. I tend to think that having been a caregiver for my mom, and having owned 4 dogs since I was 20 that I am more accustomed to the constant level of responsibility than someone who's very young when they first have a family. And having had 2 (albeit, failed) businesses, I know about constant responsibility. How much harder can this possibly be? We shall see.
One thing is that 5 people don't offer to come to work with you when you get a job. But, they do when you first have a baby. Offers of help come all over the place. So, either people really like babies, or it IS as hard as everyone says.
I also want to see if this labor and delivery thing is such a big huge deal too. The Hypnobirthing instructors seem to think it doesn't have to come with theatrics and ER-esque drama. I'll let you know. All I know is I'm wearing my gosh-darn long sleeve t-shirt and my pink tube socks--so I know I can hack it--whatever it will be :)
And, HELLO people, all I want is to be able to bend over, sleep, eat sandwiches, and drink a Margarita once in a while for goodness-sakes. And, let's talk about EXERCISING! I cannot wait to feel like a human-being again. I would think it's worth as much pain as you can throw at me to have those basic human dignities back.
In house news, it looks more and more done all the time. It's like Christmas when you go there. Which we do all the time. At least every day. Can you tell we're excited? Six weeks and counting. TICK TOCK.
So--yes, can you tell, things are SUPER BORING, super boring at the moment? We miss you! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Dave is having somewhat of a birthday 'season.' He and I went to this delicious restaurant yesterday to celebrate his 40th. It's in downtown DC and he's afraid of me being too far away from home after this week, so he wanted to go ASAP. Their deal is small plates. They have a celebrity chef. The food was really really good. They made guacamole for us at our table. Everything was so fresh. It made me miss being at the beach. Dave had a Margarita and I was completely jealous.OK, OK, OK, already. I'm ready for this baby! What is he waiting for anyway? IT'S TIME! I'm quite BORED with no job and just caring for Dave, my mom and our dogs. I can do it with my eyes closed.
I want to see if this mommy thing is the BIG HUGE DEAL everyone says it is. I tend to think that having been a caregiver for my mom, and having owned 4 dogs since I was 20 that I am more accustomed to the constant level of responsibility than someone who's very young when they first have a family. And having had 2 (albeit, failed) businesses, I know about constant responsibility. How much harder can this possibly be? We shall see.
One thing is that 5 people don't offer to come to work with you when you get a job. But, they do when you first have a baby. Offers of help come all over the place. So, either people really like babies, or it IS as hard as everyone says.
I also want to see if this labor and delivery thing is such a big huge deal too. The Hypnobirthing instructors seem to think it doesn't have to come with theatrics and ER-esque drama. I'll let you know. All I know is I'm wearing my gosh-darn long sleeve t-shirt and my pink tube socks--so I know I can hack it--whatever it will be :)
And, HELLO people, all I want is to be able to bend over, sleep, eat sandwiches, and drink a Margarita once in a while for goodness-sakes. And, let's talk about EXERCISING! I cannot wait to feel like a human-being again. I would think it's worth as much pain as you can throw at me to have those basic human dignities back.
In house news, it looks more and more done all the time. It's like Christmas when you go there. Which we do all the time. At least every day. Can you tell we're excited? Six weeks and counting. TICK TOCK.
So--yes, can you tell, things are SUPER BORING, super boring at the moment? We miss you! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Friday, July 18, 2008
the worst auntie---ever :(
I DIDN'T MAIL my sweet nieces birthday gift!!!!
Her birthday is today. She's having a birthday party later this month, and auntie will get it together by then. I promise!
I have such lovely aspirations---some years I get everyone's birthday card out, and then many years go by with no cards. Same with Christmas cards. Now that I'm not working, I HAVE NO EXCUSE.
I am so pre-occupied! In better news, we are completely ready for Isaac to arrive and it could be any moment now. TICK TOCK. It can't come soon enough for me. Bags are packed, doggies are registered at the kennel, car seat is (almost) installed.
Apparently the little bundle weighs between 6-7 pounds--BIG. And mommy feels HUGE. She's only gained 35 pounds--but it might as well be 835 pounds because she feels like doo doo. And watching her walk is comical. I promise to do more photos.
The doggies have been SUPER cute and fun. I'm telling you, the TREADMILL is like mommy paradise. No chewed shoes, no doggie accidents (ok, fewer doggie accidents), and no doggie arguing and jumping on grama. Tired doggies are the best thing ever.
The house is almost ready! August 27th! We move in that weekend. Happiness!
Dave's school starts soon too! He's got his class schedule and he's starting to be excited. I hope he feels very inspired and like this was the right thing for him. The disarmly handsome, classically prince charming-esque, love of my life turns 40 in a few weeks! Complete with ice cream cake and a trip to the movies to see Batman. Times have sure changed from when we were DINKS.
Boring today...I know. Nothing funny about the medical supply store, support hosiery, oxygen machines, prescription drugs, walkers, shower chairs, and doctor's appointments, and some emotional adjustment times. Perhaps there could be funny things--it just seems too serious and close to home to view anything about it with humour. It's not a big deal--just not funny.
I MISS YOU! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Her birthday is today. She's having a birthday party later this month, and auntie will get it together by then. I promise!
I have such lovely aspirations---some years I get everyone's birthday card out, and then many years go by with no cards. Same with Christmas cards. Now that I'm not working, I HAVE NO EXCUSE.
I am so pre-occupied! In better news, we are completely ready for Isaac to arrive and it could be any moment now. TICK TOCK. It can't come soon enough for me. Bags are packed, doggies are registered at the kennel, car seat is (almost) installed.
Apparently the little bundle weighs between 6-7 pounds--BIG. And mommy feels HUGE. She's only gained 35 pounds--but it might as well be 835 pounds because she feels like doo doo. And watching her walk is comical. I promise to do more photos.
The doggies have been SUPER cute and fun. I'm telling you, the TREADMILL is like mommy paradise. No chewed shoes, no doggie accidents (ok, fewer doggie accidents), and no doggie arguing and jumping on grama. Tired doggies are the best thing ever.
The house is almost ready! August 27th! We move in that weekend. Happiness!
Dave's school starts soon too! He's got his class schedule and he's starting to be excited. I hope he feels very inspired and like this was the right thing for him. The disarmly handsome, classically prince charming-esque, love of my life turns 40 in a few weeks! Complete with ice cream cake and a trip to the movies to see Batman. Times have sure changed from when we were DINKS.
Boring today...I know. Nothing funny about the medical supply store, support hosiery, oxygen machines, prescription drugs, walkers, shower chairs, and doctor's appointments, and some emotional adjustment times. Perhaps there could be funny things--it just seems too serious and close to home to view anything about it with humour. It's not a big deal--just not funny.
I MISS YOU! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
even more happy family :)
One of the lovely things I've mentioned about our move is that we seem to be super close geographically to my mom's side of the family too! Today is one of those days where that's very apparent!
Today we got to chat with my Aunt Susan, my mom's sister-in-law. Susan is married to my Uncle Andy. Susan and Andy have super cutey-pie doggies who I love dearly. They live in the NYC Metro area suburbs. Susan is working in sales and relationship building for large hotel chains and really enjoys her job. They're super close to her family. Susan is very curious about the dogs on the treadmill. Which, I've told her is better than doggie valium.
I also exchanged email with my Uncle Adam--who lives about 30 minutes away. We've seen him a couple of times for lunch. Again, at his initiation--because of my phone neurosis. He gets summers off of teaching Spanish, and supplements himself with tutoring high-falutin families who are vacationing in Spain and South America. Adam has actually seen the doggies ON THE TREADMILL. He laughed and laughed. But, I swear, it has changed our lives. Best $200 we ever spent. Ever.
We also got to have email correspondence with my cousins Ethan and Rebecca who are doing a 3 year stint in England as civilians working for the Navy (I think!). Then, they'll move back here near Baltimore. Rebecca is expecting their 3rd child in September. Babies everywhere!
Sometimes it's a wonder I know anything about these folks because I have massive phone aversion--and my primary communication mode is email and blogs. The phone is their style--and they're less into email and blogging than me. I'm hoping the geographical proximity will help! I keep thinking I will get over myself and just make some calls. I always prioritize dumb stuff like paying bills and cooking and what-not.
And--I revealed to everyone that yes, I now am wearing support hosiery. Which, incidentally, worked to reduce my ankle swelling in less than 24 hours. I thought I was so lucky getting away with having an uneventful pregnancy with none of the more unsavory pregnancy symptoms. NOT. At least not, anymore. So--yes, all my relatives know now. Not everyone knows about my new socks though. I suppose only people who come to the birth will see those. They are quite special.
My mom enjoys talking to and being closer to her side of the family. This area does feel a whole lot more like Pittsburgh than a truly Southern city. And I'm sure we'll be able to visit with everyone more too!
Today we got to chat with my Aunt Susan, my mom's sister-in-law. Susan is married to my Uncle Andy. Susan and Andy have super cutey-pie doggies who I love dearly. They live in the NYC Metro area suburbs. Susan is working in sales and relationship building for large hotel chains and really enjoys her job. They're super close to her family. Susan is very curious about the dogs on the treadmill. Which, I've told her is better than doggie valium.
I also exchanged email with my Uncle Adam--who lives about 30 minutes away. We've seen him a couple of times for lunch. Again, at his initiation--because of my phone neurosis. He gets summers off of teaching Spanish, and supplements himself with tutoring high-falutin families who are vacationing in Spain and South America. Adam has actually seen the doggies ON THE TREADMILL. He laughed and laughed. But, I swear, it has changed our lives. Best $200 we ever spent. Ever.
We also got to have email correspondence with my cousins Ethan and Rebecca who are doing a 3 year stint in England as civilians working for the Navy (I think!). Then, they'll move back here near Baltimore. Rebecca is expecting their 3rd child in September. Babies everywhere!
Sometimes it's a wonder I know anything about these folks because I have massive phone aversion--and my primary communication mode is email and blogs. The phone is their style--and they're less into email and blogging than me. I'm hoping the geographical proximity will help! I keep thinking I will get over myself and just make some calls. I always prioritize dumb stuff like paying bills and cooking and what-not.
And--I revealed to everyone that yes, I now am wearing support hosiery. Which, incidentally, worked to reduce my ankle swelling in less than 24 hours. I thought I was so lucky getting away with having an uneventful pregnancy with none of the more unsavory pregnancy symptoms. NOT. At least not, anymore. So--yes, all my relatives know now. Not everyone knows about my new socks though. I suppose only people who come to the birth will see those. They are quite special.
My mom enjoys talking to and being closer to her side of the family. This area does feel a whole lot more like Pittsburgh than a truly Southern city. And I'm sure we'll be able to visit with everyone more too!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
more happy family :)
Dave's mom and dad came to visit us this past weekend. It was so much fun to have them here. I hadn't seen them in 2 years! And they had only seen pictures of me being pregnant. They were so excited to see me in my condition.
Dave's mom brought my favorite cookies--chocolate chip--so sweet of her. She's extremely thoughtful and kind. We had delicious barbeque--we are in the South after all and Dave loves barbeque.
They got to meet my mom--we had lovely conversations about books and movies.
and I think she really enjoyed meeting them as well.
Grama is going to stay with us starting on August 1st so she can help with the baby. I'm extremely grateful to her for her sacrifice and her time and her willingness to be with us during this time. It makes the whole thing seem like it might even be fun and easy instead of tiring and bewildering.
And, because we timed our pregnancy so magnificently to trail the birth of Isaac's cousin Evan, we received the motherlode of baby supplies from Evan's mom/Dave's sister Stephanie. So--now--it's baby-bonanza-land at our house. Grama threw in some of her own largesse as well--treasures from the local consignment shop.
We supplemented what grama brought with her with the CAR SEAT--so now it feels really real that baby Isaac is coming. Before the visit of grama and grampa, I don't think either Dave or I could really imagine that we were going to become parents. But the fact that it's completely real to Grama and Grampa--and they've been visiting with baby-cousin Evan---it's become very real to us now too.
So--speaking of the fact that this is all REAL now----let's get down to BUSINESS. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person on the planet who doesn't want all my parts hanging out in the wind while Isaac is being born. If I could, I would wear a long sleeve t-shirt and legwarmers and socks while this whole thing is going down. Everyone advises against me doing this, and just going with the standard issue gown, so to compromise, I bought some long, fancy, pink tube socks. And, I'll have a robe. So--I can handle that.
I've been wearing my tube socks now ever since--and they make me very happy. I feel like with Dave's mom there, and with my tube socks--I can handle this labor and delivery thing.
Dave is beginning to be really really excited for the baby. It feels more real to him now that he's seen Lumbley's elbows poking out and my tummy twisting all around.
Our new house will be move-in ready on August 27th. So--now we can sequence things a bit more--baby first, then school, then move-in to the house.
Things are actually coming together. Miss you! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Dave's mom brought my favorite cookies--chocolate chip--so sweet of her. She's extremely thoughtful and kind. We had delicious barbeque--we are in the South after all and Dave loves barbeque.
They got to meet my mom--we had lovely conversations about books and movies.
and I think she really enjoyed meeting them as well.
Grama is going to stay with us starting on August 1st so she can help with the baby. I'm extremely grateful to her for her sacrifice and her time and her willingness to be with us during this time. It makes the whole thing seem like it might even be fun and easy instead of tiring and bewildering.
And, because we timed our pregnancy so magnificently to trail the birth of Isaac's cousin Evan, we received the motherlode of baby supplies from Evan's mom/Dave's sister Stephanie. So--now--it's baby-bonanza-land at our house. Grama threw in some of her own largesse as well--treasures from the local consignment shop.
We supplemented what grama brought with her with the CAR SEAT--so now it feels really real that baby Isaac is coming. Before the visit of grama and grampa, I don't think either Dave or I could really imagine that we were going to become parents. But the fact that it's completely real to Grama and Grampa--and they've been visiting with baby-cousin Evan---it's become very real to us now too.
So--speaking of the fact that this is all REAL now----let's get down to BUSINESS. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person on the planet who doesn't want all my parts hanging out in the wind while Isaac is being born. If I could, I would wear a long sleeve t-shirt and legwarmers and socks while this whole thing is going down. Everyone advises against me doing this, and just going with the standard issue gown, so to compromise, I bought some long, fancy, pink tube socks. And, I'll have a robe. So--I can handle that.
I've been wearing my tube socks now ever since--and they make me very happy. I feel like with Dave's mom there, and with my tube socks--I can handle this labor and delivery thing.
Dave is beginning to be really really excited for the baby. It feels more real to him now that he's seen Lumbley's elbows poking out and my tummy twisting all around.
Our new house will be move-in ready on August 27th. So--now we can sequence things a bit more--baby first, then school, then move-in to the house.
Things are actually coming together. Miss you! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Friday, July 11, 2008
dog days
Hi! My friend Susan said I'm in the dog days of pregnancy. I would agree! I have insomnia, swollen ankles and I feel so huge that moving, standing up, bending over or vacuuming feels like I'm about to throw out my back. And--mind you, I've only gained 34 pounds, so it's not like it should be that big of a deal. I seriously underestimated what a physical event pregnancy would be!
I understand why women start to feel like they're ready to not be pregnant anymore. I am ready to be myself again!
After Monday, the baby could come any time. I still am not clear on how they decide when to begin counting, but there is a 35 day window of time that's considered normal and full-term--which, for us, starts Monday. I am mostly ready. I haven't 'packed the bag' and we don't have a car seat yet! So--still some things to do to prepare. But, mentally I'm prepared and excited. (finally!)
Today Dave and I attended an inspection for our house. It's prior to hanging the drywall. The builder said we were on track for an August 27th move-in date. We lost 3 weeks because we changed our fireplace and added an extra window. The fireplace took 3 weeks to arrive. Kind of a bummer--but it will all be worthwhile in the end.
We met some of our neighbors today. We have Marines, DEA, FBI, police, firefighters, and NRA across the street and next door! So--I will get to indulge my fascination with crime and punishment in getting to know them and hearing about their lives. I'm too much of a whimp to handle a firearm myself--so that pretty much puts me on the DL for any of those types of jobs. But I do watch Law and Order CONTINOUSLY. Continously. For the last several years. So I have a vicarious fascination with those professions.
Oooh--and---EEEEK. Many of these folks have PIT BULLS. Yikes. Toddlers and Pit Bulls. Hmmmmm. Not so much. We will be using our front door and playing inside I think. I'm sure the owners are all "on the right side of the law" and all, and I'm sure they're great at being responsible 'pack leaders' BUT still. I know the statistics, and it is my responsibility to protect the baby and my mom and my dogs...It makes me nervous.
Speaking of dogs--the treadmill has changed our lives. It's a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful thing. The dogs are like dream dogs. Very well behaved and they seem happy. I still can't get Merlin to be calm around diesel engines, and he still is a bit neurotic around other dogs. Baby steps. But for the most part, it has been a great investment and it's easy to keep up the routine.
And--back to the house and new neighborhood, I have to say, I thought the demographics would be professional, white-collar workers at our complex. But--the demographics of the whole DC area are very different than what I'm used to---primarily government and military. It's different! It feels like a very classically male environment. Very old-school male. Again with my bittersweet sadness! I'm trying to stay open to what's here.
My mom is doing really well here. She walks a lot more than she did--and with no 'walker.' She also is managing all her own medications and doing many more 'activities of daily living' by herself. So--it's a lot more like she is living independently--but she does have our support and help whenever she needs it. All of which makes her very happy. She says it the nicest situation she's had in years, and possibly ever.
Dave is also saying he feels very acclimated. He likes his quiet commute time, and at work everyone is already asking for his help with all their questions and problems. He's quickly become the resident expert. Oh--and I don't know if I mentioned the differences in work-ethics and expectations here--it's very 9-5. So David naturally is doing more than that. In Seattle it was 24/7/365. So--he feels like it's a cinch and they think he's an over-acheiver. So--that works for everyone.
Me--on the other hand, I have my optimistic, curious days, and my "Oh, my God, what have we done?" days. I just loved, loved, loved, loved Seattle and thought I would live there forever. I guess nothing is forever! I miss everyone there, especially my friend Helena--who is getting married in August--CONGRATULATIONS kiddo! And I'm sad that I can't be there :(
So--that's all for now. We miss you! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
I understand why women start to feel like they're ready to not be pregnant anymore. I am ready to be myself again!
After Monday, the baby could come any time. I still am not clear on how they decide when to begin counting, but there is a 35 day window of time that's considered normal and full-term--which, for us, starts Monday. I am mostly ready. I haven't 'packed the bag' and we don't have a car seat yet! So--still some things to do to prepare. But, mentally I'm prepared and excited. (finally!)
Today Dave and I attended an inspection for our house. It's prior to hanging the drywall. The builder said we were on track for an August 27th move-in date. We lost 3 weeks because we changed our fireplace and added an extra window. The fireplace took 3 weeks to arrive. Kind of a bummer--but it will all be worthwhile in the end.
We met some of our neighbors today. We have Marines, DEA, FBI, police, firefighters, and NRA across the street and next door! So--I will get to indulge my fascination with crime and punishment in getting to know them and hearing about their lives. I'm too much of a whimp to handle a firearm myself--so that pretty much puts me on the DL for any of those types of jobs. But I do watch Law and Order CONTINOUSLY. Continously. For the last several years. So I have a vicarious fascination with those professions.
Oooh--and---EEEEK. Many of these folks have PIT BULLS. Yikes. Toddlers and Pit Bulls. Hmmmmm. Not so much. We will be using our front door and playing inside I think. I'm sure the owners are all "on the right side of the law" and all, and I'm sure they're great at being responsible 'pack leaders' BUT still. I know the statistics, and it is my responsibility to protect the baby and my mom and my dogs...It makes me nervous.
Speaking of dogs--the treadmill has changed our lives. It's a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful thing. The dogs are like dream dogs. Very well behaved and they seem happy. I still can't get Merlin to be calm around diesel engines, and he still is a bit neurotic around other dogs. Baby steps. But for the most part, it has been a great investment and it's easy to keep up the routine.
And--back to the house and new neighborhood, I have to say, I thought the demographics would be professional, white-collar workers at our complex. But--the demographics of the whole DC area are very different than what I'm used to---primarily government and military. It's different! It feels like a very classically male environment. Very old-school male. Again with my bittersweet sadness! I'm trying to stay open to what's here.
My mom is doing really well here. She walks a lot more than she did--and with no 'walker.' She also is managing all her own medications and doing many more 'activities of daily living' by herself. So--it's a lot more like she is living independently--but she does have our support and help whenever she needs it. All of which makes her very happy. She says it the nicest situation she's had in years, and possibly ever.
Dave is also saying he feels very acclimated. He likes his quiet commute time, and at work everyone is already asking for his help with all their questions and problems. He's quickly become the resident expert. Oh--and I don't know if I mentioned the differences in work-ethics and expectations here--it's very 9-5. So David naturally is doing more than that. In Seattle it was 24/7/365. So--he feels like it's a cinch and they think he's an over-acheiver. So--that works for everyone.
Me--on the other hand, I have my optimistic, curious days, and my "Oh, my God, what have we done?" days. I just loved, loved, loved, loved Seattle and thought I would live there forever. I guess nothing is forever! I miss everyone there, especially my friend Helena--who is getting married in August--CONGRATULATIONS kiddo! And I'm sad that I can't be there :(
So--that's all for now. We miss you! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
we have a phone!
What's it been--like almost 2 months! You wouldn't believe what it took to get a land-line here. I won't bore you with details--I'll just say it was quite elaborate. This could be an example of the 'Northern Charm with Southern Efficiency' thing I heard about with D.C. Other than our phone, my experience has been Northern Efficiency with Southern Charm. So--we'll see! We also just got new cell numbers with a local area code. So--we're becoming more acclimated and feeling more like residents every day.
My mom loves it here. She loves the feeling of history. She thinks it's cool that people like Marcia--my mom's friend with Lupus, have come here to testify to Congress about the issues surrounding their lives. She's impressed with the kinds of opportunities people have to make a difference, and this is a major place where that happens. Did you know they have a homeless soccer league here?
I have to agree with her about the weather. It's been a pleasant surprise. Sunny 95% of the time. When it rains, it's very dramatic, and only for like 10 minutes. And it hasn't really been as hot as I expected.
It does feel a lot more like PITTSBURGH to me than a Southern city like Raleigh. I know intellectually that it's totally different than any other city. It just has some enthusiastic Steeler fans, and it's evident what years the city had economic booms based on the architecture and development.
It definitely has the feeling of just having evolved randomly, rather than being intentionally planned. I had been sort of sad, feeling like we moved to an icky neighborhood--for our temporary house--but after seeing the rest of the city, our area is actually quite nice for DC.
Some stuff feels way more advanced technologically and sociologically--and other things feel like surprisingly primitive for a world-class city of such importance. I've already mentioned they actually have rolled out internet grocery purchases, and Dave's work access to the computing system at Thomson is super sophisticated--compared to Microsoft! Crazy. On the other hand, the radio station--the main NPR one here is run so haphazardly that you'd think high-school students were managing the segments.
I feel about 8,000,000 times better about the idea of giving birth because of the Hypnobirthing classes I've been taking to prepare for natural childbirth. It will be a real accomplishment if I can actually do it without pain medication. We shall see!
I also decided to have the baby at a local hospital--because their birthing center is so awesome. Dave can room in with me--and stay for as long as he likes--3 days even. It has real furniture, a real extra bed for Dave, and the baby gets to room-in with us too.
It could happen any day now! I guess I should pack our bags for the hospital!
We miss you! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
