Dizzy

Yesterday I spent the day suffering from dizzy spells. Nothing extreme but I would have thought someone had spiked my drink, if I hadn't been pouring my own water that day. I was also a bit conjested so I'm figureing the dizziness was due to some inner ear thing. My birth class also mentioned that as I get closer to delivering that I may feel some flu symptoms...another culprit.

Of course, though, it couldn't stop there. That evening, after a dinner of Chinese take-out, I had to culminate the experince with a trip to the bathroom, driving the procelin bus. I guess when your dizzy, greasy Chinese food isn't the best thing to eat. Lesson learned. On the brightside, even tough still a bit dizzy, I was feeling much better afterwards. And today, knock on wood, I feel as good as new.

I'm taking my 4th non-stress test this morning so I'll mention yesterday's bout. However, I figure it's just one of those wonderful things you encounter when your pregnant.

Transplant Update

We visited Eric in the hospital yesterday. He seemed to be in pretty good spirts, considering that he had a large needle pierce him in the hip. Oh, I guess I should also mention that that needle also had a drill in it to bore through his bone to access the marrow. Not to mention, it pierced him twice -- in both hips. Ouch! Well, the matzo ball soup we brought from the deli should do him well. (Not to mention the flask of scotch that Chris also brought him.)

Bonus Good News! We found out that Addison was well enough to accept the transplant and was undergoing his procedure as we were knoshing on our soup and sandwiches. The good thing is that they didn't have to do an actually opperation. The weird thing is that in order to insert the new marrow they just introduce it through a line, like an IV. I guess the new cell are smart enough to know just where to go. Go figure! Even weirder, I guess Addison's blood type (O) will now change to his father's (A) because of this transplant. Interesting, huh?

By the way, just thought you should know. As I sit in this hospital room with Chris and two of his brothers (Eric and Gerry), what would you think Chris would bring up in conversation? Yes..."that fucking huge boulder!" Two days later and he's still festering over it. Ah...that's my Chris.

Good Vibrations

Just a reminder...keep sending out the good vibes to little Addison and his family. Eric, his dad, went under the knife this morning to extract bone marrow for the upcoming transplant. Addision is currently undergoing chemo. So long as the little guy remains healthy, they'll be able to do the transplant shortly and, hopefully, achieve a full recovery.

Puppy Love

050224-Friends
Originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

I've mentioned Frankie's best friend, Miss Kitty, in past posts but I thought I'd include a picture. (Frankie's the goofball on the left. Kitty's on the right.) Miss Kitty came over yesterday to play with Frankie, which gave me an opportunity to take a couple of shots of the cute couple.

Enjoy!

All's Well

050224-parker
Originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

So, after two glasses of juice later, Parker figured there was enough sugar in both of our systems to begin to move around.

BTW, there's the latest Parker picture -- taken this morning. Once again, he's looking really squished. (I guess there really isn't alot of room left in there.) It's almost as if his nose and lips are pressed upon an imaginary window. (Or I guess in reality that would be my placenta.)

Next non-stress test -- Monday. Next Ob-gyn visit -- Wednesday. Next ultrasound -- Thursday.
Yup, another appointment filled week on the horizon.

Testing in Progress

Completed the ultrasond. Parker's doing fine. Just being uncooperative (not posing properly for the equipment), as usual. Our inutero fluid levels is at 9 (compared to the previous 6 to 7) so that's good news. Ideally, we should be at10 or higher, though.

That said, Parker's gained an ounce this week...putting him at 6lb 4oz.

Right now, I'm at the hospital, taking another non-stress test. Parker has a good heartbeat. Now we just need to count his movements. So far, though, he's still being uncooperative.

"Come on, Parker. Give a kick for mama."

The Difference Between Mom & Dad

Okay Parker…Lesson One -- How to tell your parents apart. Your dad -- very tactile. He loves to experience things first hand. Your mom, on the other hand, pretty much accepts things and moves on.

Case in point, we were diving together on our way to our CPA (something you don’t have to worry about for many years to come). It’s been raining heavy for the last week but luckily the weather lightened up for our trip “into town”. On the radio we heard about a gigantic bolder – estimated at 30 feet in diameter -- that’s now blocking PCH.

Upon hearing that I mentally visualized what that would mean and thought, “Wow, that’s pretty big.” Then I continued to listen to the radio.

Five minutes later, your father exclaimed. “I can’t stop thinking about that fucking boulder. It would be at least as tall as that tree. That’s fucking huge!” A smile stretched across his face and he was giddy like a little girl. “I really want to go out there and take a look at it.” He shook his head in amazement. “At that size would it still be considered a boulder? There should be another word for it. I mean a boulder would be the size of my truck. But that boulder's fucking huge!”

You see, if it were possible, your father would not only want to see the boulder. Knowing him, he would have to touch, smell, and taste it. After which, he would still laugh out and shake his head in disbelief.

I would probably be standing at his side for the mere fact that…well, we spent the time to drive out there. Might as well take a look. Unless it’s raining, of course; then I would probably hang out in the car, where it was nice and dry.

Nuke ‘em in the name of Jesus!

So I heard that Dr. Gene Scott died yesterday. I’m sure this was not the case for most of you but Dr. Scott was one of those odd background images of my childhood.

In the late 70’s, when my dad was home, you could easily find the television tuned to channel 5’s “Family Film Festival” (featuring classic films – if my dad was rolling with laughter on the floor then the film probably featured Red Skelton), a Laker game, or various televangelists. (I guess that explains summers at our swimming pool, pushing my sister and neighbor off the diving board by slapping each other’s foreheads as we screamed, “ Saved!” or “JE-sus!”)

Of these televised, religious figures, Dr. Scott was probably the weirdest. His set was bare, save for a blackboard. For a preacher, he didn’t seem that pious. Slouching in his chair, he was usually dressed sloppily with a wild head of hair that was, at times, covered by a hat. His scruffy beard framed a set of teeth that often clenched a cigar. On his nose were perched a pair of reading glasses…sometimes he wore two pairs at the same time. I believe I even recall a show where he was bookended by a pair of bikini-clad women.

For the most part, though, all I really took in was this odd visual. As a kid, the preaching seemed…well, boring. Hey...if I wanted to have someone talk to me about religion I always had my dad, who would gladly chime on and on about any religious topic for hours. (Then again, maybe we were too busy "saving souls" as we dunked eached other into the pool.)

I’m not surprised to hear now that, in order to avoid government scrutiny of his church, Dr. Scott had people donate money directly to him, not his church. What is surprising is that people gladly obliged, sending him millions. I mean, this is the same guy who said, "If you just want an ordinary church, pick up the Yellow Pages and find the closest one to you." Or, regarding the Gulf War, “Nuke ‘em in the name of Jesus!”

Go figure.

Check Out the Budda Baby

050217-Parker
Originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

Well, we're back from the hospital. All is still going well. As promised, I've uploaded the latest picture of Parker. It's an ultrasound image of his head. Talk about a chubby face! (If you're having trouble seeing it, turn your head sideways to the right. You should see his mouth just off center and an eye above it.)

Next test and ultrasound is in three days. In the meantime, Chris and I have got to get our tax paperwork ready for our Wednesday appointment with our CPA.

Testing In Progress

Chris and I just arrived at the hosptal to take our scheduled non-stress test. Everything seems fine so far. Keep your fingers crossed.

BTW, I realize I haven't uploaded the new pics of Parker yet. Will scan them later today & upload...barring any unexpected test results.

Playing Too Close To The Shallow End

One month to D-day. Chris and I went to another ultrasound this morning. At 6lb 3oz, Parker’s doing well and, at that weight, instantly alleviates my fears of a birthing a gigantic baby. (By the way, we’re just starting our 36th week of pregnancy; so that means, if delivered, Parker would be considered a full term baby.)

However, that’s not the real news today. I guess the fluid surrounding Parker is low – between 6 & 7. (If it were to hit 5, they’d induce delivery.) With that news, the ultrasound doctor was a afraid I was leaking fluids. (Hey, my MG has that same problem.) That said, if I’m leaking fluids, that means my water may have, well, sort of broke. If that were the case, they would have to induce. (Oh geez! I don’t have the birth plan on me. We haven’t even gotten the crib mattress, yet! Oh, and the hospital bag of supplies is still at home. And Frankie’s still outside in the backyard…)

So, off to Labor and Delivery we went. My doctor wanted stress tests preformed on Parker and for the hospital to check for the presence of amniotic fluid. Five hours and one lunch later (It was enchilada day at the hospital!), we were told that everything’s fine. I’m not leaking and Parker’s just kicking back, relaxed.

Of course now with this new information, I’m scheduled for way more doctor’s visits – next week alone has 2 more stress tests to monitor Parker plus another ultrasound.

Odds are, we might see Parker before his St. Patty’s Day debut. Any suggestions on good delivery days between now and then?

Happy Valentine's Day

I gave Chris the usual heart-shaped box of chocolates (all my favorites and a couple of his)…that way I’m guaranteed to have yummy chocolates…no excuses. Of course, I gave him the box on Friday. (I couldn’t wait.) Consequently, we've already finished the box. Guess we’ll have to visit See’s again.

On the Button

So luckily, I still have not developed an outtie. To be honest, I’m not even sure how it can even happen. As I told my friend Thommy, the skin around my flatten belly button is so thin, if I did developed an outtie, it would be translucent…like a balloon. I guess I could then make a couple of extra bucks working the kiddie party circuit – tying it into different shapes, like a poodle or a daisy.

Addison Update

It looks like Addison will be getting a bone marrow transfusion from his father, Eric, in about a week – so long as they both remain healthy – because Eric is a freakishly perfect match. (10 out of 10 indicators! So much so that the doctor asked if Eric and his wife, Amy, were related.) With that in mind, please think positive thoughts (or for you religious types…pray) for Addison and Eric these next couple of weeks – not only for them to stay healthy but for the operation to be a success.

Happy Chinese New Year

Like me, Parker will be born during the year of the Rooster. According to the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco (http://www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/zodiac/zodiac.html)...

"People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are! They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Rooster people's emotions like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon."

Only time will tell. (Chris, by the way, was born the year of the Ram.)
BTW, the next Parker update will be this Thursday when I’m scheduled for another ultrasound (aka – More pictures!)

I really need to find a soap to watch

Because, instead, I end up watching stuff on Discovery like “Birth Day” and “Birth Stories” – shows focusing on, what seems to be, the PAINS of childbirth. Oy. I’ll tell you one thing, stuff like that TOTALLY sells the epidural…especially the woman who was trying the natural childbirth and then 10 hours later realized she needed the painkillers. Poor lady. The procedure never fully kicked-in in time. OUCH.

Flying Solo

Chris had to work so it was just Frankie and me at this week’s puppy class. Luckily, before leaving for class our neighbor’s dog, Kitty, came over to play with Frankie…a.k.a. tiring him out. So this week he was a bit mellower, easier to control. We learned “Settle” and the first part of “Wait” then she has us practice our loose leash walks up and down the store aisles that are filled with dog treats, pet food, and customers. Yeah, that is still the hardest part of class. And the easiest, well that’s still puppy playtime.

They grow up so quickly!

Chris came home last night. I waited for him to sit down on the couch before I informed him...Frankie lifted his leg for the first time today. *tear* Oh, they grow up so quickly! I took him out at usual to pee..."Go pee, Frankie!" and he cautiously looked back at me and, momentarily teetered on three legs as he let loose. *sigh* He didn't keep it up for the entire pee session but it's those little steps, right?

By the way, not sure if I mentioned it before but a last week or so ago I took Frankie to the vet for his last series of puppy check-ups. At 4-1/2 months, he's now 38lbs. He's up-to-date with all his shots. And look Ma! No worms! Frankie's next check-up is in a year but we'll be bringing him in sooner (like in the next couple months) for a snip-snip in the nether-regions. Fun! Fun! Fun!

Dream a Little Dream

So my online prego calendar says that Parker may already be having dreams. What would that be about? Its hard to conceive a dream when your life consists of floating around in a sac of fluid that’s, at times illuminated by defused light. Is it some weird kafka-esque dream of…well, floating around in a sac of fluid that’s occasionally illuminated by defused light? (Am I dreaming of floating in a sac of fluid or am I really floating in a sac of fluid?)

I guess that'll just be something to think about today.

It was a dark and (not so) stormy night...

BTW, weird thing happened as I was arriving home. Turning into my dirt road, the pick-up truck ahead of me made some weird maneuver, backed up, and followed me down the dirt road. Hmmm…I thought, looks like one of the neighbors passed the turn off.

Then I turned at the fork in the road to the smaller dirt road that either takes you to my house or our neighbor’s. Hmmm…could that be Ralph or Beverly in that pick-up? Maybe their son.

I passed the second and last turn-off to their house and noticed that truck still following me. Hmmm…that doesn’t looks like Chris’ headlights. I better try to call him on the cell phone. No answer.

Now before I continue, let me just say, obviously, everything’s fine because I’m writing this entry after the fact…but let me just say I was soooooo relieved to see Chris’ truck as I neared the top of the driveway. I was not alone.

Parking my car, I got out and confronted the driver. He apologized for scaring me. He thought I was his friend that he was following…and evidently lost…on Angeles Forest Highway. I let him use my cell phone to try to reach his friend (no answer) and pointed him back in the right direction to get back to the main road and back to Palmdale. (Uh…just turn around, follow the road, at the fork go right and at the paved road go left.)

Phew! Next time, though, I’m taking that second turn to my neighbor’s house and will pray that someone’s home…just in case Chris isn’t.

Breastfeeding 101

Went to a breastfeeding class this evening. Boy, can that lady go on and on about breasts. While there was some interested information (Who know that there were inverted nipples out there?), for the most part it just became this repetitive drone about the benefits of breastfeeding. Um…if I’m here, I think I’m already pro-breast feeding. Of course, breastfeeding past…oh let’s see…a full set of teeth, actually asking for it, or driving a car…yeah, that’s probably not going to happen.

Birth Class #2

I attended my 2nd birth class tonight...solo. Chris had to work so he missed out on the birth video which showed the 3rd stage -- delivery of the placenta. That think looks like an inflated, veiny balloon. Very weird. But I guess after delivering a baby, probaby not much effort. Which is good because after listening to the detailed descriptions of the each an every stage of labor I'm realizing...not looking forward to it.

Hope Chris makes it for the rest of the classes because it's not fun doing the breathing and massage techniques by yourself.