Christi Says So2008-08-28T00:30:13Zhttp://christisaysso.com/atom.aspxQuick BlogYeah, Yeah, I Knowtag:christisaysso.com,2008-01-24:24212657-ad54-4845-a43c-4022b804af92Christivalkryie@carolina.rr.com2008-01-24T20:19:44Z2008-01-24T20:14:00Z Munchkin (who has been re-christened Dash by Mr. C) is 18 weeks along and doing just fine. All my geezer tests came out good, so we're skipping the amnio. I can feel some flutters every now and again, and after seeing how much moving Munchkin is doing (during our Level II screening last Monday) I'm sure I'm in for MUCH, MUCH more before he/she makes it here.
They did a good job, btw, and figured out the gender while keeping it a secret from us. You'd be surprised at how irate L was, though. "You mean I have to keep these clothes for six more months?!?" (That was back in December, obviously.)
And for anyone who wonders what Munchkin thought after his/her first grounding (we were flipped off not once, but TWICE during the screening, once with both barrels), here you go:
]]>Well, Well, Welltag:christisaysso.com,2007-12-09:45a89065-80be-421e-9ec0-a197d4fb9d2fChristivalkryie@carolina.rr.com2007-12-10T08:32:52Z2007-12-09T08:13:00ZDown here in the South we're in the grip of a nasty drought. The area we live in is designated to be in exceptional drought, which is pretty much as bad as it gets. We haven't had significant rainfall in quite a while; our lakes and rivers are turning into cracked mud beds. Last I heard we're about 16" below usual; some places in the state only have 80 days of water left in their municipal supplies.
And Mr. C and I are supplied all our water by a well. What fun! So, we've been very careful to conserve as much water as we can, and I've been kind of obsessing over some neighbors who have shockingly green grass; you just KNOW they're watering the heck out of their lawn, and we're all on the same aquifer so MY drinking water is going to keep THEIR lawn looking lush.
So I'm about 10 minutes away from leaving for work last Thursday when Mr. C comes out of the shower and tells me we have a water problem; the pressure has gone down. Not much longer after that, we have NO water. He can't work at home and I can, so off he goes while I page the home warranty folks.
No answer. I page again. No answer. I call the office as SOON as they open and am assured someone will call me soon. I get a call literally 2 minutes before I'm planning to call and bug them again (I planned on calling every hour on the hour until I got a response). The rather rude guy who handles the warranty service says he'll call someone. When I don't hear anything for another 90 minutes I call back. He didn't want to call them again until I asked if I could call them; then he agreed to call them and hung up on me.
Yeah. I'm going to deal with that later.
So, here I am freaking out worrying that our well has run dry. We don't have $10k sitting around to dig a new well. And how long would it take? And what if they couldn't find water on our property; we can't even sell at that point! I don't seem to handle stress very well now that I'm pregnant; I was NOT in a good place.
Mr. C stopped by the grocery store and picked up water for me at lunch, so I'd at least have something to drink. He's such a treasure!
The plumbers arrived a little after 1 p.m., three hours earlier than they were scheduled (the plumbing company absolutely rocked, btw; too bad they were associated with our evil home warranty company). They quickly determined that either (a) the well had run dry (not likely, they said, according to the way the water had been acting) or (b) the pump had gone bad.
At this point they called the warranty company to get instructions, and the warranty company said they weren't going to cover anything. And there it is in our contract: they only cover ABOVEGROUND well pumps. Those of you who know anything about well pumps know those aren't used in wells that are younger than, say, 30 years. The submerged pump is standard and has been for many moons.
So, the plumber gives me an estimate for pulling the pump and replacing the parts. Painful, especially at Christmas, but what can I do? We have to have water. So, they get started. They ended up replacing the pump and the electrical line, and we're now poorer but have water. :> It sure was nice hearing water hit the pipes in the house again!
Good news is that our well is fine. Our static water line (the point where the water rises to naturally) is 40 feet down from the top; from what I hear, that's a wonderful number, especially in this drought.
We're going to hopefully have the funds to punch a second well (a much deeper one) next year. Even if the first one never runs dry, I'll feel SO much better if we have a backup water supply. If nothing else, we can use it on the garden and lawn. ]]>Wowzerstag:christisaysso.com,2007-11-27:5cdb75e1-4240-4d5b-9a73-07e7167bd379Christivalkryie@carolina.rr.com2007-11-27T19:11:54Z2007-11-27T19:06:00ZI got to meet Munchkin today! Up until today, I kinda doubted in my head that this was all real, but no more! I had an ultrasound done and got to see him/her. Heartbeat was 176, strong and regular, and I got to see an appendage (not sure if it was arm or leg, 'cause I haven't figured out how to read those things yet) move!
Mr. C was out of town at a conference, but I called him so he could hear the heartbeat. I thought it sounded like horses, but he thought it sounded more like a train. Either way, he sounded VERY excited. I know this has been hard on him, 'cause I've been sick and whiny and you really can't tell from one minute to the next how I'm going to act (or react) but now at least he can see a reason for all this. Day after tomorrow I'll be 10 weeks, 25% of the way there!
And the doctor said it was HIGHLY unlikely, but I SWEAR I felt Munchkin move last night. I still sleep on my tummy ('cause I'm weird like that) and I felt something flutter down there that wasn't gas and didn't feel like a muscle movement. It was just different, you know? They say you usually don't feel anything until about 16 weeks, and then it'd be early and rare, but I still wonder. Maybe if I feel it a few more times I'll be able to better identify the source.]]>Week 8tag:christisaysso.com,2007-11-25:0edc333c-792d-448b-90d0-ee5c6c2628a4Christivalkryie@carolina.rr.com2007-11-25T19:40:33Z2007-11-25T19:29:00ZDear Munchkin,
Assuming all is going well, this week you started building neural pathways between the two hemispheres of your brain. If it turns out at all like Mama's or Daddy's, it'll be a strange and mischievious brain indeed. You're somewhere around the size of a grape, give or take, and almost done with the embrionic stage of development (which ends at week 10, I believe). I also re-calculated and figure that you're three more days along than I thought before. So actually, today you're 9 weeks 3 days.
More good days this week. Not enough that I spent TOO much time worrying, though. You and I will be seeing the doctor for the first time on Tuesday, and as long as there's a heartbeat I'm going to be happy. Daddy will be out of town, but hopefully his plane will have landed so that we can call him and let him hear you thundering along like a herd of horses.
Internets, I need some advice. As you probably know, I'm 34 today, and 35 tomorrow. My sister L was chortling about how I'll have the big red AMA (advanced maternal age) sticker on my folder at the OB/GYN. Do I do chorionic villi sampling (CVS) or not? A good friend had it, and she was 35, and it gave her three weeks' worth of worrying for nothing. But if I don't do it, and something's wrong, would it be better to know sooner rather than later? Or am I just borrowing trouble?
I hope it's normal that the morning sickness is waning this early. I suspect it probably is. I've been able to eat a few more things, but there haven't been any MASSIVE cravings. I am getting tired of mashed potatoes, though, even though I still love 'em. Your dad made some yesterday evening, but I ended up sending him out to get pizza instead. He's such a trooper! I don't think he wants to go through this again, though. You might be it, kiddo.
You kinda freaked me out this week, hon. I forget now if it was Monday or Tuesday, but I woke up feeling JUST FINE for the first time in a little more than two weeks. Very little fatigue, tummy was quiet and happy, and I was actually HUNGRY for things. Being me, I immediately started to worry. What if something was wrong? What if you passed, and I was going to lose you?
Thankfully (?), I started feeling like doo-doo the next day. I ended up having two and a half good days this past week, so now I know to just be grateful when I do feel halfway human. Looks like I'm well on my way to a Ph.D. in worrying! Studying at your grandmother's feet has given me a headstart in the worrying all parents go through.
Your big cousin Cora turns three today; we went to her birthday party yesterday. Six young'un's, 3 and under, running around screaming. I was too sick and tired to really enjoy it, but we did have fun playing with the Dora Playdoh set your dad and I got for her. Grandma and Papaw E tickled me this week, when they told your dad, "Tell Christi we're thinking about her every day. Oh, and you too." He's an afterthought, the poor guy!
According to the intertubes, this week your liver started making red blood cells, and your appendix and pancreas have formed. Your brain has formed its two hemispheres, and this week it'll start building its neural pathways. Your eyes already have some color, and you're somewhere between the size of a blueberry and a kidney bean. Who'd've thunk such a little munchkin could throw Mama's body into such turmoil?
Okay, it's official. I both LOVE and DESPISE crackers. After I get through this morning sickness, I will probably NEVER eat another cracker. Ever. I've tried all kinds, and I hate 'em ALL. But they keep me from getting TOO nauseous, so right now they're my friends. It's a temporary thing; sooner or later, I will no longer speak to them.
Ginger ale, on the other hand, is my best friend. Sure, I'm a bit tired of it too (maybe more than a "bit") but it's saved my hiney like I wouldn't have believed. And it's got very little real ginger in it; I can't figure out how that works.
This week you started growing arms and legs, and moving them! You also have eyefolds above what will be your eyes; you'll have some color in those eyes this coming week. (Most likely green; both your father and I have green eyes. Oh well, at least you'll be different.)
I told the folks at work about your impending arrival this week. Most people say to wait until the first trimester is complete, but with travel coming up, and the EXTREME fatigue I'm experiencing, and the nausea (did I thank you for that?), I figured it was time to tell 'em. And they could NOT have been happier or more supportive. I swear my boss was about as excited as your grandparents! They love children there, and love families, and are anxiously waiting to meet you.
I'm still losing weight; nothing is appetizing (except mashed potatoes, at least in theory; they're cooking now), but I feel less nauseous with something on my stomach so I'm choking down those damned crackers and anything else that seems even slightly worth eating. Your furr siblings won't leave me alone; all four cats spend as much time either sitting on or near me, or begging for attention from me, as they possibly can. The dogs are just as bad; they're excited to see me, but gentle (even Baldor, who LOVES to bounce around like he has springs in his back legs) with you. Running isn't happening, and probably won't until you get here; I'm just too tired to WALK very far, much less go running. So much for my desire to run all the way through the pregnancy (or at least for as long as I could). I underestimated just how much of my strength and energy you were going to sap.
Hugs and kisses,
Mama]]>Somebody Shoot Metag:christisaysso.com,2007-11-04:27c2a993-b26f-40ca-8a42-457541145d07Christivalkryie@carolina.rr.com2007-11-04T10:41:39Z2007-11-04T10:33:00ZActually, if anyone DOES shoot me, it'll be Mr. C. Poor guy has been on the receiving end of some serious hormone swings! He's doing a good job, though; holding me when I need to be held, leaving me alone when I need space, and taking care of the house while I lay around and nap.
Three more weeks (plus change) until we find out if there's just one heartbeat there or more than one. The only reason I have to suspect there might be more than one is how I'm feeling. L & Mama didn't get morning sickness until they were a bit farther along than I am now, and I dunno if it's just the EXPECTATION or morning sickness, or if I'm just sensitive to the hormone cocktail flowing through my veins, or if there's more than one munchkin in there wreaking havoc on my system.
And get this: my waist is thicker (to the point that even Mr. C has noticed, and he usually won't say a word if I'm knocking lamps off of tables with my hiney), but the scale sez I haven't gained an ounce. And it's not like my legs and arms are suddenly scrawny. So what the heck?
I'll be SOOOO glad when this stage is done, though. I'm already sick & tired of feeling sick & tired, and I have it (so far) SO much easier than some women; my morning sickness lasts all day, on and off, but it's more just a nasty queasy than calling the dinosaur. Please GOD don't let it get any worse.
L and her hubby came through big-time for us yesterday! We went by to visit (and get some niece & nephew lovin') and they loaded us up with all sorts of baby & maternity gear: strollers, seats, a high-chair, her oh-so-cool Carolina Ram mobile (I LOVED that thing the first time I saw it), lots of bibs & such, a fun noodle (for when I get so huge that no position is comfortable), and three giant containers of maternity clothes. They have more for us too; we'll be taking the crib once Tim moves into a big-boy bed, and there's plenty of clothes we can swipe. Do I have the best sister and bro in the world or what?]]>Pregnancy Nightmarestag:christisaysso.com,2007-11-01:df007cdc-8f25-412f-b8a9-d6fcaa26d7bcChristivalkryie@carolina.rr.com2007-11-01T11:35:29Z2007-11-01T11:30:00ZI've heard about this before, but I guess it's now my turn. Last night I had my first nightmare about The Munchkin; I miscarried. Probably took me about 30 minutes just lying there in the dark, sweating and shaking, to convince myself it was just a dream.
Mr. C's been working so hard lately (they REALLY needed someone for this position; I have no idea how they managed to keep the place running while his job was unfilled) and I get so little contact from friends and family these days that I kinda feel like I'm going through this all alone. Completely alone. Like, how did I manage to get pregnant without any help? And where did everyone go? Does being pregnant make your friends and family go into hiding from you?
Does anyone even read this any more? ]]>Week 5 (Upcoming Attractions)tag:christisaysso.com,2007-10-29:4a19482e-0e40-41d2-9060-a1f3695ba696Christivalkryie@carolina.rr.com2007-10-29T11:16:41Z2007-10-29T11:07:00ZDear Munchkin,
Supposedly, at some point this week, your heart will start beating. It'll be a while longer before Daddy & I can tell, though. I think we'll be okay as long as you keep up your end of the bargain, Munchkin.
Last Saturday you completed your first 5K, and in (what was for us) pretty good time: 35:37. We beat Daddy by a step or three; he decided not to sprint the last few meters. As a result, Mama got her reward and birthday present all rolled into one: we got a PS3 Sunday. Unfortunately, YOU won't get to play with it for a long, long time; we want you outside playing with the dogs rather than cooped up indoors with video games.
Still no significant morning sickness or fatigue to deal with yet. There have been little instances, but Mama's not sure if that's in her head or for real just yet. Her sense of smell isn't QUITE as strong as it was last week, but that might be her peculiar biochemistry kicking in rather than any indication of a problem. After all, she gets used to medicines WAY quicker than most folks, causing the doctors to spend lots of time modifying the dosages. (Drove my doctors nuts when I was suffering from depression a few years ago.) She's hedging her bets, though; she has ginger (candies, cookies and tea) and saltines at the office AND at home, and has some acupressure bands for the nei-kuan points on her wrists.
Now get cracking, Munchkin! You have a lot of growing to do.
Hugs and kisses,
Mama ]]>Week 4tag:christisaysso.com,2007-10-27:4f1661b5-7b72-4a87-b536-2f2f814c7f7fChristivalkryie@carolina.rr.com2007-10-27T10:03:38Z2007-10-27T09:51:00ZAnyone bored with this stuff already can skip it, I s'pose. I just want to have this all documented, for the baby's sake (and our own; Lord only knows how shot my memory will be after this little adventure!).
Note to self: next time you start getting a crop of acne that reminds you of when you were 16, take a pregnancy test or three. My face is in COMPLETE rebellion. Nothing much seems to help, so I just get to suffer along.
I've wavered between feeling tired and feeling okay, between being nauseous and not. It's so minor right now that I haven't totally convinced myself that it's actually morning sickness yet, and not just in my head. If I'm EXTRAORDINARILY lucky, I'll be one of the 20% that doesn't have to deal with morning sickness, but I'm preparing to be in the 80% (like L & Mama were); I got some of those acupressure bands (which I probably need some help with, 'cause I'm not sure I'm using them right just yet), and have stocked up on ginger snaps, ginger candies and saltines at the office.
Speaking of the office, everything's still mum there for now. I'm going to wait until either I'm in my 2nd trimester, or I get caught sleeping at my desk to tell my boss. I'm pretty sure they'll be supportive, but it's still something to consider. My officemate is another story, though; if I decide he's figuring things out (not sure how likely THAT will be, considering gender and age :> ), I'll have to clue him in early and hope he can keep a secret. I may just make him ask me, though, and no self-respecting male of ANY age will guess out loud whether a particular female is pregnant if he values his skin. :>
My first (and most likely last, for a year or so) 5K race is this afternoon. I think I'm going to drop out of the one in November, though; I don't feel like running right now is a bad thing (and my doctor gave it the green light, 'cause it's an established thing) but I certainly don't want to press things.
Now on to week 5! At some point this week, the baby's heart will start to beat; we might not be able to tell until the doctor's appointment after Thanksgiving, but I'll know. I do remember one lady that I worked with about 10 years ago who, when she was pregnant and past a certain stage, had an extra heartbeat visible at the base of her throat. Anyone know if this is usual, and is something I can look for?]]>
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Heartbeat was 176, strong and regular, and I got to see an appendage (not sure if it was arm or leg, 'cause I haven't figured out how to read those things yet) move!