Thursday, August 23, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Shit Stain
A couple of days ago, Iain and I had both reached the point of exhaustion at roughly the same time, which is not a good thing, and Nathaniel had reached his point of extreme irritability. Things were a bit tense. I was tired and decided to change the baby on the bed, not thinking to put something under his butt. As I took off his diaper, he decided to let loose a fine spray of shit that covered the corner of our bed. Just what we felt like doing, changing the sheets.
So, I went and layed down on the spare bed to feed him while Iain took care of the mess. Don't ask me why I did this, mental strain or left over morphine from the operation, but I decided to change him on this bed without a change pad underneath him-I guess I was thinking, what were the chances of it happening again. Apparently the odds were not in my favour. Once again, he greets me with a blast from his bowels, only this time it soaks all into the mattress. Yes, I was a bit scared to tell Iain. Yes, he was slightly furious.
Iain cleaned the bed and then had to dry it and make this bed up because my Mom was coming to spend the night (my Dad is in the hospital in Oromocto) and I decided that perhaps it was best for me to take the baby and hide quietly somewhere in the house until Hurricane Iain blew over.
Iain took the time to point out to me that there is a change table both upstairs and downstairs and that it would be beneficial for the mental (and probably physical health of me) health of both of us to actually use them.
I couldn't agree more.
So, I went and layed down on the spare bed to feed him while Iain took care of the mess. Don't ask me why I did this, mental strain or left over morphine from the operation, but I decided to change him on this bed without a change pad underneath him-I guess I was thinking, what were the chances of it happening again. Apparently the odds were not in my favour. Once again, he greets me with a blast from his bowels, only this time it soaks all into the mattress. Yes, I was a bit scared to tell Iain. Yes, he was slightly furious.
Iain cleaned the bed and then had to dry it and make this bed up because my Mom was coming to spend the night (my Dad is in the hospital in Oromocto) and I decided that perhaps it was best for me to take the baby and hide quietly somewhere in the house until Hurricane Iain blew over.
Iain took the time to point out to me that there is a change table both upstairs and downstairs and that it would be beneficial for the mental (and probably physical health of me) health of both of us to actually use them.
I couldn't agree more.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Communication Breakdown
Just to let you know, our phone is now up and running, with the same phone number. Don't ever call Rogers and ask for a price!!!
Life With Baby
Well, we have been home for a few days now and things are going just fine! Nathaniel is a textbook baby-easy to breastfeed, only cries when necessary and absolutely delightful 21 out of the 24 hours of the day. Between 2:30AM and 5:00AM, he turns into a devil child who wants to be fed 4 times, not burp, not sleep and wants to be entertained. Luckily he crashes very hard after this and we get caught up on our sleep. Iain has been absolutely wonderful and I don't think I would have got through those wee hours without some tears of my own without him. We have kept him awake for over an hour and a half so far this evening with the hope this will help get him on a more likable schedule.
Here are a few more pictures of him-I think the one of him grinning is adorable.
Here are a few more pictures of him-I think the one of him grinning is adorable.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Technical Difficulties
the number you have reached has been disconnected.
la numero ca... blah blah blah...
grrr for all of you that have tried to reach us today, you have no doubt found out that our phone is disconnected! Perfect timing.... This is Iain writing this entry as Kelly is busy with the wee one.
The nurse came in around supper time today and told me that my mother was on the phone. Thinking something was really wrong I raced for the phone. She had tried calling my house, disconnected, cell phone, turned off, phone in Kelly's room, not hooked up. The army has been frantically trying to get ahold of me today and ended up calling her in Ontario. It wasn't actually a matter of national security or anything slightly important but it at least gave me the heads up that the "tentatively" booked switch to another phone company had taken place. Or part of it at least. Kelly had talked to a person from Rogers about switching to them for phone service, but had said that she needed to talk to me about it. "Fine", said the man from Rogers and he said that he would book a "tentative" appointment and call back to finalized the deal and confirm that we actually wanted Rogers home phone. I figured it would be best to just wait until Kelly was out of hospital and I got a chance to see how I can get the soccer package. Unfortunately the man from Rogers didn't phone back or email us or anything but also didn't cancel our order. So today Rogers phoned Aliant and told them to disconnect us, sent over a man to hook up our unwanted Rogers phone.... and found that I wasn't home! So he left without hooking us up and now we have no phone. Anyway after 2 hours on hold with both companies and of course with both companies blaming each other for the cock up things will hopefully be back to normal tomorrow... or the next day... or the next week... or whenever they feel like sorting it.
In other news Kelly is doing great, a little tired but great. Nathaniel is really starting to get the hang of this screaming thing, especially when he is hungry which seems to me to be every 10 minutes.
Thank you for all the cards, flowers, presents, congratulations, comments and well wishes we have received they are most appreciated.
Till next time,
Iain.
P.S. here's a shot of our nephew Karson with Nathaniel.
la numero ca... blah blah blah...
grrr for all of you that have tried to reach us today, you have no doubt found out that our phone is disconnected! Perfect timing.... This is Iain writing this entry as Kelly is busy with the wee one.
The nurse came in around supper time today and told me that my mother was on the phone. Thinking something was really wrong I raced for the phone. She had tried calling my house, disconnected, cell phone, turned off, phone in Kelly's room, not hooked up. The army has been frantically trying to get ahold of me today and ended up calling her in Ontario. It wasn't actually a matter of national security or anything slightly important but it at least gave me the heads up that the "tentatively" booked switch to another phone company had taken place. Or part of it at least. Kelly had talked to a person from Rogers about switching to them for phone service, but had said that she needed to talk to me about it. "Fine", said the man from Rogers and he said that he would book a "tentative" appointment and call back to finalized the deal and confirm that we actually wanted Rogers home phone. I figured it would be best to just wait until Kelly was out of hospital and I got a chance to see how I can get the soccer package. Unfortunately the man from Rogers didn't phone back or email us or anything but also didn't cancel our order. So today Rogers phoned Aliant and told them to disconnect us, sent over a man to hook up our unwanted Rogers phone.... and found that I wasn't home! So he left without hooking us up and now we have no phone. Anyway after 2 hours on hold with both companies and of course with both companies blaming each other for the cock up things will hopefully be back to normal tomorrow... or the next day... or the next week... or whenever they feel like sorting it.
In other news Kelly is doing great, a little tired but great. Nathaniel is really starting to get the hang of this screaming thing, especially when he is hungry which seems to me to be every 10 minutes.
Thank you for all the cards, flowers, presents, congratulations, comments and well wishes we have received they are most appreciated.
Till next time,
Iain.
P.S. here's a shot of our nephew Karson with Nathaniel.
More Pics
We have the laptop resting on the window sill at the hospital-the wireless signal is very weak so here are a couple of more.
Introducing Our New Little Man
Iain and I are pleased to report that Nathaniel William Aitken is here...finally! Here are his stats: he was born at 12:17PM on Saturday, August 17th which was coincidentally Iain's birthday, so needless to say he was thrilled. He was delivered via C-section, thank God, since he weighed a whopping 11 pounds (yes, eleven, not a typo) and is 22 inches long. He is perfectly healthy, is doing a fabulous job at breastfeeding and Iain and I can't believe he is ours!!
I had a rough lead up to the C-section. They spent 2 hours trying to get a spinal block or an epidural to work with little luck-only halkf of me would freeze. My gut was so huge, I couldn't arch my back properly so they could insert the needle in the right place. My back looks like some heroin addict's arm. That was a pleasant experience. So, my alternatives were to wait a few more days and see if labour would progress on it's own ( I was a whooping 1cm dilated that morning) or to have a general anesthesia (be put out cold). I wasn't thrilled about either option and I was pretty sure that if I waited, the baby would be too big and I would be right back in the same position I was in then, with perhaps a baby in distress. I was pretty nervous about going under and disappointed that I wouldn't see the baby immediately, but Iain was able to do all of that. He said the way they were wailing on my body to get Nathaniel out, I wouldn't have wanted to remember that anyway. Even the anesthetist was banging away on me.
Anyway, I was pretty sore Saturday, not too bad yesterday and really good today. We are going home tomorrow and I hope my milk comes in soon to feed the little piglet-he is ready for more than colostrum.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Update Number Four
I said I didn't want to write update number four, but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel with this one. When Iain and I returned to the hospital this afternoon for the fifth installment of cervix thinner, I was ready for a better solution. We are both tired and a bit mentally drained from the anticipation and the disappointment. When the doctor came in, he checked me out and there was no progress. He gave me one more dose of the stuff and said that he had me booked in for a C-section tomorrow morning.
I am now ten days overdue, nothing is progressing, the baby is not where it is supposed to be and I am tired, so I am okay with the C-section. Plus I am not exactly saddened by the thought of not experiencing labour-my hoo hoo has had enough fun in the last few days as it is.
So, I have to be at the DECH at 8AM and as long as there are not any emergencies, I should have my baby by lunch!
Keep posted for the pics and hope that I am not the 1:100 000 who gets paralyzed from the spinal block ( a little paranoid pregnancy humour for you).
I am now ten days overdue, nothing is progressing, the baby is not where it is supposed to be and I am tired, so I am okay with the C-section. Plus I am not exactly saddened by the thought of not experiencing labour-my hoo hoo has had enough fun in the last few days as it is.
So, I have to be at the DECH at 8AM and as long as there are not any emergencies, I should have my baby by lunch!
Keep posted for the pics and hope that I am not the 1:100 000 who gets paralyzed from the spinal block ( a little paranoid pregnancy humour for you).
Update Number Three
If you can believe it, still no baby! Here is a quick update on the events of the last 2 days. Yesterday, I couldn't get in to Labour and Delivery until 1:30 because there were so many babies being born-obviously some people's children are anxious to meet their parents unlike my donkey who just wants to float around. All that morning I had contractions about 4-6 minutes apart and about 45 seconds long. I thought for sure things were on their way. Obviously not.
As soon as I got to the hospital and got all strapped in, everything stopped. My cervix had not thinned enough to start the Pitocin and all contractions ceased. They gave me some more jelly hoping to get the ball rolling. So, they kept me there until supper time, where I got to enjoy an oh so delicious egg salad sandwich and bowl of tomato soup, and told me to come back at 9PM.
At 9PM we headed back to the hospital-at this point we don't even bother with the pretense of lugging my bag up with us. My cervix was checked, still not thin enough, but the doctor was very hopeful that by the morning it would be. We headed home again. When I go to get in the car, I am so sore I think I am going to puke. My cervix has stuff in it that basically eats away at it and I have been prodded and swept so many times, it's sickening. I know it will be worse after I have the baby, but at least I will have a baby and not just a sore hole. Let's just say the drive to Lincoln seemed like eternity and every single bump was felt. Iain was wonderful, patient and very helpful. I love him (try not to puke over the grade 7 sentimentality, but he has been fantastic)!
I was so tired, sore and shaky that I passed out and had the best sleep I have had in months. So this morning, we headed back to the hospital at 8:30AM for another round. My cervix had still not thinned enough (what is it made out of, an old leather ball glove?!). This time I was given a tablet (and NOT orally) instead of the jelly. I stayed there and slept for a bit while they monitored me and now I am home again until 2:45PM, when I go back for potentially my 5th dose.
I am now 10 days overdue and Iain's birthday is tomorrow so it looks like he stands a chance of getting his birthday baby after all. If you had told me that on the 1st, I would have started crying.
Let's hope there is no update number 4, just pics of a wrinkled little newborn!
As soon as I got to the hospital and got all strapped in, everything stopped. My cervix had not thinned enough to start the Pitocin and all contractions ceased. They gave me some more jelly hoping to get the ball rolling. So, they kept me there until supper time, where I got to enjoy an oh so delicious egg salad sandwich and bowl of tomato soup, and told me to come back at 9PM.
At 9PM we headed back to the hospital-at this point we don't even bother with the pretense of lugging my bag up with us. My cervix was checked, still not thin enough, but the doctor was very hopeful that by the morning it would be. We headed home again. When I go to get in the car, I am so sore I think I am going to puke. My cervix has stuff in it that basically eats away at it and I have been prodded and swept so many times, it's sickening. I know it will be worse after I have the baby, but at least I will have a baby and not just a sore hole. Let's just say the drive to Lincoln seemed like eternity and every single bump was felt. Iain was wonderful, patient and very helpful. I love him (try not to puke over the grade 7 sentimentality, but he has been fantastic)!
I was so tired, sore and shaky that I passed out and had the best sleep I have had in months. So this morning, we headed back to the hospital at 8:30AM for another round. My cervix had still not thinned enough (what is it made out of, an old leather ball glove?!). This time I was given a tablet (and NOT orally) instead of the jelly. I stayed there and slept for a bit while they monitored me and now I am home again until 2:45PM, when I go back for potentially my 5th dose.
I am now 10 days overdue and Iain's birthday is tomorrow so it looks like he stands a chance of getting his birthday baby after all. If you had told me that on the 1st, I would have started crying.
Let's hope there is no update number 4, just pics of a wrinkled little newborn!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Update Number Two
We went to the DECH at 6:30PM and I was set up with the fetal heart rate monitor and the one that measures your contractions for about 45 minutes. The doctor then came in and inserted the jelly. Almost immediately I could feel cramping that was not overly pleasant. I stayed for about another 1/2 hour to make sure everything was okay, which it was, then we headed home.
My back is quite sore and I feel like I am 13 with horrible rag cramps but I am glad I got to come home and hopefully get some sleep in my own bed. If the contractions get close together or my water breaks, then I have to head back. Other than that I am on a diet of Tylenol and warm baths to get through a night of "miseries" as the nurse said.
I am to call the hospital tomorrow at 7:30AM and as long as everything is calm there, I am heading in to get the Pitocin and will hopefully have our baby tomorrow. This may be my last blog as a pregnant woman, which as happy as that makes me, there is also a twinge of sadness. I will miss my bump but we are both quite excited to meet the bump in person so what ever pain lies ahead in the next day or so, there is at least a light at the end of the tunnel.
I feel pretty crappy right now so I think I will have a bowl of soup and hit the hay.
Keep tuned for some pics!!
My back is quite sore and I feel like I am 13 with horrible rag cramps but I am glad I got to come home and hopefully get some sleep in my own bed. If the contractions get close together or my water breaks, then I have to head back. Other than that I am on a diet of Tylenol and warm baths to get through a night of "miseries" as the nurse said.
I am to call the hospital tomorrow at 7:30AM and as long as everything is calm there, I am heading in to get the Pitocin and will hopefully have our baby tomorrow. This may be my last blog as a pregnant woman, which as happy as that makes me, there is also a twinge of sadness. I will miss my bump but we are both quite excited to meet the bump in person so what ever pain lies ahead in the next day or so, there is at least a light at the end of the tunnel.
I feel pretty crappy right now so I think I will have a bowl of soup and hit the hay.
Keep tuned for some pics!!
Update
Okay, I just got back from the doctor and here is the news. At 5PM tonight, I call Labour and Delivery and as long as half of Fredericton hasn't gone into labour, I am going in to have the jelly that softens my cervix and may even start contractions (cross your fingers for me). The doctor said to bring my bag but to most likely expect to go home for the night. My cervix has softened somewhat but not enough and the doctor said basically they need to be able to touch the top of the baby's head before they give me the Pitocin to actually start the contractions.
Most likely I will return to the hospital in the morning and if everything is soft enough, they will start the Pitocin which brings on the contractions. If it is not soft enough, then another dose of jelly to soften me up.
The doctor also talked to Iain and I about the possibility of having a C-Section due to the size of the baby. He said he wanted to try a vaginal birth but to be prepared due to the size-I just hope they don't make me go forever until I am exhausted then give me a C-Section.
Anyway, that is the news and if (more than likely, when) I come home tonight I will update if there is any progress.
Think of the three of us and keep your fingers crossed.
Hmmm...this is suddenly becoming a lot more real. Yikes!!
Most likely I will return to the hospital in the morning and if everything is soft enough, they will start the Pitocin which brings on the contractions. If it is not soft enough, then another dose of jelly to soften me up.
The doctor also talked to Iain and I about the possibility of having a C-Section due to the size of the baby. He said he wanted to try a vaginal birth but to be prepared due to the size-I just hope they don't make me go forever until I am exhausted then give me a C-Section.
Anyway, that is the news and if (more than likely, when) I come home tonight I will update if there is any progress.
Think of the three of us and keep your fingers crossed.
Hmmm...this is suddenly becoming a lot more real. Yikes!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Nesting - Part 2
I thought that maybe I was nesting the other day but now I know for sure I was last night. Iain had to go to work in the evening and I was really bored. Suddenly, a fabulous idea popped into my head-in order for my baby to feel truly welcome, all of his little outfits must be ironed and every drawer in his dresser sorted perfectly by size and type of garment. Keep in mind this is from the same woman who throws her work clothes in the dryer to take the wrinkles out.
So I gleefully hauled all of the dresser drawers into my room and sorted, ironed and folded for about 2 hours. I wasn't even that embarrassed when Kristi called and asked me what I was doing and I answered truthfully. Maybe that is why she came and checked on me today.
Tomorrow is the next doctor's appointment where we are going to discuss being induced. Hopefully I will have some news for everyone tomorrow. Until then, I am still a cranky witch and cannot be pleased.
So I gleefully hauled all of the dresser drawers into my room and sorted, ironed and folded for about 2 hours. I wasn't even that embarrassed when Kristi called and asked me what I was doing and I answered truthfully. Maybe that is why she came and checked on me today.
Tomorrow is the next doctor's appointment where we are going to discuss being induced. Hopefully I will have some news for everyone tomorrow. Until then, I am still a cranky witch and cannot be pleased.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Nesting
Still no sign of the wee one! The little monkey and I are not getting off to a good start! My next appointment is on Wednesday so maybe I will have more news then. My original due date was August 8th but after my ultrasound, they moved it back to August 1st, so I am starting to think that maybe the first one is actually more accurate. Which means I am not overdue at all-insert maniacal scream here.
One good sign-I was in full nesting swing yesterday so maybe that is an indication of things to come or it just might be an indication of how much my housekeeping skills have deteriorated. Actually, the only thing I am going to consider a good sign is water dripping down my leg and agonizing contractions that make me scream, until then I am staying my usual pessimistic self.
Thank God for the relatively cool weather yesterday-I am not sure I could have handled another day in the 30's.
I'll keep you posted of any progress.
One good sign-I was in full nesting swing yesterday so maybe that is an indication of things to come or it just might be an indication of how much my housekeeping skills have deteriorated. Actually, the only thing I am going to consider a good sign is water dripping down my leg and agonizing contractions that make me scream, until then I am staying my usual pessimistic self.
Thank God for the relatively cool weather yesterday-I am not sure I could have handled another day in the 30's.
I'll keep you posted of any progress.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Chimney Sweep
Today is my official due date and let's just say I am pretty sure the baby could care less. I went to the obstetrician today for what I hope is my final pre-natal check up and we discussed my options. Basically, I have to wait until my next appointment, which is on August 8th and if I haven't popped this thing out, then we are going to discuss inducing me.
Last week my cervix was glued shut but this week it was dilated some and he did a cervical sweep. It didn't really hurt but I would strongly suggest peeing before someone does this to you. There was a bad moment where I had a mouthful of bile from laying on my back while he pushed on my gut and I felt like I was going to lose control of my bladder-luckily I manged to keep it all together.
I had contractions on Monday night from 4:30PM to 1:30AM - about 4 or 5 an hour but they didn't amount to much more than that. I fell asleep and they didn't wake me up again, which I am pretty sure the real ones aren't that nice to you. Everything is progressing as it is supposed to and I know the end is near, so I just have to hang in there for the next ten days or so. It would help if the heat and mugginess would just f-off.
I feel like a sulky 3 year old that can't be pleased. I am bored but I don't want to do anything (well, I am rather enjoying guilt free trips to the Dairy Delite down the road), I am uncomfortable standing, sitting or laying down for any amount of time, I don't want to clean my house, I don't want to cook, sometimes I don't want to even go in the pool because I don't want to get wet or get changed after ( I know, I know), and I feel like my legs are going to fall off every night.
Poor ol' preggy me. I am accepting all donations to the pity me fund.
Last week my cervix was glued shut but this week it was dilated some and he did a cervical sweep. It didn't really hurt but I would strongly suggest peeing before someone does this to you. There was a bad moment where I had a mouthful of bile from laying on my back while he pushed on my gut and I felt like I was going to lose control of my bladder-luckily I manged to keep it all together.
I had contractions on Monday night from 4:30PM to 1:30AM - about 4 or 5 an hour but they didn't amount to much more than that. I fell asleep and they didn't wake me up again, which I am pretty sure the real ones aren't that nice to you. Everything is progressing as it is supposed to and I know the end is near, so I just have to hang in there for the next ten days or so. It would help if the heat and mugginess would just f-off.
I feel like a sulky 3 year old that can't be pleased. I am bored but I don't want to do anything (well, I am rather enjoying guilt free trips to the Dairy Delite down the road), I am uncomfortable standing, sitting or laying down for any amount of time, I don't want to clean my house, I don't want to cook, sometimes I don't want to even go in the pool because I don't want to get wet or get changed after ( I know, I know), and I feel like my legs are going to fall off every night.
Poor ol' preggy me. I am accepting all donations to the pity me fund.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Midnght Madness
It is a little after midnight and I am awake-not because I want to be but because I seem to have little to say in the matter. Actually, I am exhausted and all I want to do is sleep but I don't think it is going to happen for awhile.
I went to bed 3 hours ago. I had a good supper, went for a swim so I was cool and relaxed and had a good book to read. I was in bed for about an hour when the fun started: acid reflux, constant peeing and extremely sore and restless legs. At least I wasn't hot, compliments of my $99 air conditioner from Wal-Mart. Then the baby started kicking and squirming. He is so low in my crotch I swear I could reach in there and yank him out. There is so much pressure in my lower abdomen, I can't believe my water hasn't broke yet.
So, now I am sitting here chewing a piece of Bubblicious in my mom pj's with one loyal dog for company. I want to go back to bed but I am pretty sure it will be a futile exercise as I am more comfortable being up that down right now. Yes, this is a "woe is me" post. To think I could possibly go another 2 weeks is more than I can handle thinking about. Is there such a thing as PRE-partum depression? Because if there is, I think there may be a case of it brewing here.
I went to bed 3 hours ago. I had a good supper, went for a swim so I was cool and relaxed and had a good book to read. I was in bed for about an hour when the fun started: acid reflux, constant peeing and extremely sore and restless legs. At least I wasn't hot, compliments of my $99 air conditioner from Wal-Mart. Then the baby started kicking and squirming. He is so low in my crotch I swear I could reach in there and yank him out. There is so much pressure in my lower abdomen, I can't believe my water hasn't broke yet.
So, now I am sitting here chewing a piece of Bubblicious in my mom pj's with one loyal dog for company. I want to go back to bed but I am pretty sure it will be a futile exercise as I am more comfortable being up that down right now. Yes, this is a "woe is me" post. To think I could possibly go another 2 weeks is more than I can handle thinking about. Is there such a thing as PRE-partum depression? Because if there is, I think there may be a case of it brewing here.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Sick As A Dog
A few days ago, Kristi, Andrea and Julia were over for lunch. I walked into the kitchen and found on the floor a crushed pill bottle-my last stash of Diclectin (pregnancy anti-nausea pills). I weaned myself off of them a few weeks ago-I wanted to be clean when I had the baby-but I kept about 6 pills as a back-up just in case I crashed. Funnily enough, this is how I quit smoking, too.
Obviously the bottle was not crushed by human teeth and the culprits were wagging their tails at me. I decided I better call the vet and was imagining the cost of the bill in my head-some of you may be aware of the extraordinary bad luck Iain and I have with inadvertently always choosing the most expensive (medical wise) pet from the SPCA. I am embarrassed to call the vet because I feel like one of those irresponsible owners you read about in the bottom left hand corner on page 8 of the newspaper.
The vet had to call a pharmacist (apparently this does not happen to everyone) and she called me back and said I had to make the dogs throw-up (rather ironic considering what the pills are for). I had visions of shoving my arm down their throats to make this happen but she reassured me that 15 mls of peroxide will do the trick.
At first I wasn't sure how to get the peroxide in the pups but then I remembered they were half goat and eat anything (obviously) so I poured the prescribed amount on a piece of bread and they gobbled it up then we went outside. The vet said they should puke in 5 minutes and if not, to administer another dose. They trotted merrily around the yard, quite pleased that 4 people came out to watch them.
After 5 minutes and no results, I got the girls to open the dogs mouths and I just poured in the next dose. Within about 3 minutes, the vomiting began. It was rather humorous-they went from fine to heaving in about 15 seconds. They were puking all over the yard and if you know anything about dogs, especially Labs, they love to eat puke. We managed to avoid any re-eating of the pills and it was a rather exciting topic over lunch.
The dogs are fine but I am a little shaky without my stash.
Obviously the bottle was not crushed by human teeth and the culprits were wagging their tails at me. I decided I better call the vet and was imagining the cost of the bill in my head-some of you may be aware of the extraordinary bad luck Iain and I have with inadvertently always choosing the most expensive (medical wise) pet from the SPCA. I am embarrassed to call the vet because I feel like one of those irresponsible owners you read about in the bottom left hand corner on page 8 of the newspaper.
The vet had to call a pharmacist (apparently this does not happen to everyone) and she called me back and said I had to make the dogs throw-up (rather ironic considering what the pills are for). I had visions of shoving my arm down their throats to make this happen but she reassured me that 15 mls of peroxide will do the trick.
At first I wasn't sure how to get the peroxide in the pups but then I remembered they were half goat and eat anything (obviously) so I poured the prescribed amount on a piece of bread and they gobbled it up then we went outside. The vet said they should puke in 5 minutes and if not, to administer another dose. They trotted merrily around the yard, quite pleased that 4 people came out to watch them.
After 5 minutes and no results, I got the girls to open the dogs mouths and I just poured in the next dose. Within about 3 minutes, the vomiting began. It was rather humorous-they went from fine to heaving in about 15 seconds. They were puking all over the yard and if you know anything about dogs, especially Labs, they love to eat puke. We managed to avoid any re-eating of the pills and it was a rather exciting topic over lunch.
The dogs are fine but I am a little shaky without my stash.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Splish Splash
I have found relief...the swimming pool. We finally got our pool up and running this week and it has been wonderful!! The water is a bit cool so when I immerse my swollen feet and hands into it, I feel like a new woman. I also read that if you go into water that is at least 5 feet deep, the water pressure helps decrease any swelling also.
The cool water is lovely but best of all is getting a pool noodle and going in the deep end and floating aimlessly-no pressure on the joints and I actually feel light for the first time in months. I float until I have been eaten alive by mosquitoes or I am a prune. It cools me down for a good hour plus I guess there is the added benefit of exercise-floating does involve a lot of intense training.
I also went to the obstetrician yesterday where she gave me a lecture about not getting excited about going early, especially since this is my first pregnancy. Everyday I am convinced this is going to be it and I am only 38 weeks. I could go another month. Warning-if I go over, don't call me, I can hardly stand myself as it is.
The cool water is lovely but best of all is getting a pool noodle and going in the deep end and floating aimlessly-no pressure on the joints and I actually feel light for the first time in months. I float until I have been eaten alive by mosquitoes or I am a prune. It cools me down for a good hour plus I guess there is the added benefit of exercise-floating does involve a lot of intense training.
I also went to the obstetrician yesterday where she gave me a lecture about not getting excited about going early, especially since this is my first pregnancy. Everyday I am convinced this is going to be it and I am only 38 weeks. I could go another month. Warning-if I go over, don't call me, I can hardly stand myself as it is.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Strep Crotch
I had read about how you are tested for strep in the last month of your pregnancy but I had never heard exactly how the testing was done until I went to the obstetrician last week. By the way, I think that one of you moms could have mentioned this to me!!!!!!!!!
I did the usual stuff-got weighed, blood pressure, fetal heart beat, etc then the nurse said we were going to do the test for strep. Having read a fair amount about this, I cockily nodded my head and added a few slightly pompous comments about it.
The nurse then pulled out this super long Q-tip in a plastic sleeve and said it was a vaginal/rectal exam. I thought that she was giving me a choice of where to stick this thing and in my head I was thinking, "What kind of a weirdo would choose the rectal option?!" It took about another 90 seconds of conversation before I realized this was not a multiple choice question. Iain looked at me and said with a smarmy voice, "Have fun with that" and headed back to the waiting room. As I made the lonely walk to the bathroom, I had two thoughts running through my mind, "Ouch" and "Can I even reach my asshole?".
I decided to pee in the bottle first, which suddenly seemed rather fun in comparison-who really cares about a little urine on the hand? Then I stuck the Q-tip up the va-jay-jay, took a deep breath and started probing.
Let's just say there is no doubt when you find the right spot.
I did the usual stuff-got weighed, blood pressure, fetal heart beat, etc then the nurse said we were going to do the test for strep. Having read a fair amount about this, I cockily nodded my head and added a few slightly pompous comments about it.
The nurse then pulled out this super long Q-tip in a plastic sleeve and said it was a vaginal/rectal exam. I thought that she was giving me a choice of where to stick this thing and in my head I was thinking, "What kind of a weirdo would choose the rectal option?!" It took about another 90 seconds of conversation before I realized this was not a multiple choice question. Iain looked at me and said with a smarmy voice, "Have fun with that" and headed back to the waiting room. As I made the lonely walk to the bathroom, I had two thoughts running through my mind, "Ouch" and "Can I even reach my asshole?".
I decided to pee in the bottle first, which suddenly seemed rather fun in comparison-who really cares about a little urine on the hand? Then I stuck the Q-tip up the va-jay-jay, took a deep breath and started probing.
Let's just say there is no doubt when you find the right spot.
Ultra-Welfare Craftmatic
It has been awhile since I last posted but it has pretty much taken me this long to recover from work. The last few weeks of teaching were difficult-I was not sleeping well therefore getting up at 6AM and then dealing with 26 fourteen year olds was not exactly an idyllic way to spend the last few weeks of work before going on maternity leave.
I am still not sleeping well but at least I can nap whenever I feel like it, which has brought me somewhat back to sanity.
Back to the title of my post...we are all familiar with the Craftmatic bed that features old grannies and grampies high fiving each other as they raise, lower and vibrate the separate sides of their $10 000 beds. Well, the no-name version has hit the Aitken household and has provided better sleep for one of us.
As I had previously mentioned, I have become intimate with the flavour of my gastric juices this trimester on a nightly basis (which I think is extremely unfair). Since I can only lay on my sides now, you can only stack those pillows so high before your body refuses to bend anymore. As limber as I am right now, the pillows were just not cutting it, so I asked/demanded Iain to put some wood under the legs of the bed to give it an incline. The change in juice flow was minimal plus due to my insane wiggling and whale like breaching technique for turning over, every once in a while the legs would slip off of the wood and the bed would thump to the ground, which was pretty exciting at 3:38AM.
Next plan, elevate the actual mattress. In one of my preggy bibles, I read that 6 inches was the ideal height for your bed to be raised. This may not seem very formidable, but once you see a stack of 2" x 4' s that high, it certainly is. So Iain scuttled down to the garage to find some wood (I think I had this slight spazz attack at about 11:30PM) and came back up with a bunch of boards taped together with red tape you use to lay down laminate floor. So we heave up the front end of the mattress and place the wood between the mattress and the box spring and voila, the Ultra-Welfare Craftmatic is born. I was delighted with the sharp angle of the mattress, Iain was a bit apprehensive. Then I remembered Andrea left a big foam mattress here when she went overseas so I found that, folded it in half and put it on my side of the bed . Now my side of the bed is a good 4 inches taller than Iain's plus I have 4 pillows and body pillow. Let's put it this way, it is a good thing Iain is a stick. I would post a picture of my marvelous invention but that would mean I would have to go make my bed but you can call now for your no obligation free video and brochure.
I am still not sleeping well but at least I can nap whenever I feel like it, which has brought me somewhat back to sanity.
Back to the title of my post...we are all familiar with the Craftmatic bed that features old grannies and grampies high fiving each other as they raise, lower and vibrate the separate sides of their $10 000 beds. Well, the no-name version has hit the Aitken household and has provided better sleep for one of us.
As I had previously mentioned, I have become intimate with the flavour of my gastric juices this trimester on a nightly basis (which I think is extremely unfair). Since I can only lay on my sides now, you can only stack those pillows so high before your body refuses to bend anymore. As limber as I am right now, the pillows were just not cutting it, so I asked/demanded Iain to put some wood under the legs of the bed to give it an incline. The change in juice flow was minimal plus due to my insane wiggling and whale like breaching technique for turning over, every once in a while the legs would slip off of the wood and the bed would thump to the ground, which was pretty exciting at 3:38AM.
Next plan, elevate the actual mattress. In one of my preggy bibles, I read that 6 inches was the ideal height for your bed to be raised. This may not seem very formidable, but once you see a stack of 2" x 4' s that high, it certainly is. So Iain scuttled down to the garage to find some wood (I think I had this slight spazz attack at about 11:30PM) and came back up with a bunch of boards taped together with red tape you use to lay down laminate floor. So we heave up the front end of the mattress and place the wood between the mattress and the box spring and voila, the Ultra-Welfare Craftmatic is born. I was delighted with the sharp angle of the mattress, Iain was a bit apprehensive. Then I remembered Andrea left a big foam mattress here when she went overseas so I found that, folded it in half and put it on my side of the bed . Now my side of the bed is a good 4 inches taller than Iain's plus I have 4 pillows and body pillow. Let's put it this way, it is a good thing Iain is a stick. I would post a picture of my marvelous invention but that would mean I would have to go make my bed but you can call now for your no obligation free video and brochure.
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