This was the busiest weekend we've had recently. I can't remember what we did Friday night but I have enough to fill pages and pages from Saturday and Sunday so who cares!
Saturday was day one of the big race weekend in town. I signed up for the 5K a while ago thinking I would totally still be in charge of my body. How wrong I was! Even so, we went, we walked and we conquered. Walking was the weirdest thing ever. It takes away the competitive mentality and the urgency. I am in no way converted. I miss running like you would not believe, but I did what I could and had fun with it.
We pinned my bib to my stomach and a baby on board sign to my back (thanks L for that great idea). J and I walked hand in hand and we got so many comments from other runners and walkers and spectators. It was fun and emotional and everything I wanted. And I did it, we walked right through the finish line.
We kept walking right back to the car so that we could get home, pretty ourselves up and get to the wedding. This wasn't just any wedding, it was the Hot 89.9 Married in 24 Hours wedding. B and K won it (I still don't know how) but the wedding was a ton of fun. We missed the ceremony but we didn't miss the party. Everything was provided - buffet style food and dessert and screech shots and colourful shooters. Rides home were provided so people inbibed and some who got "screeched in" were actually from Newfoundland. I missed seeing a guy make out with a fish but it happened.
Congratulations B and K!
We left earlier than we would have normally because Sunday was race day #2 and started early. J hit the streets at 9am along with his ma and pa to run 21.1K. We weren't sure how he'd do and SJ and I waited patiently about half way through the course to cheer on our runners. I was quite happy when J bobbed up beside us looking good. A bit later, J's dad walked by and later J's mom ran by. They were all happy with their times, though J had a nasty surprise waiting for him when he took off his shoes: 3 blood blisters. He had lost one toenail two weeks ago and has lost another 2 now. He was in pain and needed a nap. I don't blame him.
I got way too much sun and have been having trouble sleeping this week with the burns on my shoulders. So this week has been long but I just realized that tomorrow is our last work day. We booked off Friday and Monday and are heading to Quebec City for a little trip (some might say a "babymoon"). I'm quite looking forward to it. Now I go get some sleep so tomorrow is as zombie-ish as today.
Monday, May 25
Friday, May 22
I can't believe it
A local radio station had a contest to win a free wedding. I don't listen to this station so I had no idea. This morning though, I learned all about it. Why? Because friends of ours won the contest and are getting married tomorrow! It's insane.
K and B were already engaged and, as far as I knew, planning a wedding in their hometown. I have no idea if they're still going ahead with that one after tomorrow. TOMORROW!
Congrations K and B!
K and B were already engaged and, as far as I knew, planning a wedding in their hometown. I have no idea if they're still going ahead with that one after tomorrow. TOMORROW!
Congrations K and B!
Wednesday, May 20
Midwifery
I didn't want to post about the topic until I was sure, but today we officially chose to have our primary care giver for the rest of the pregnancy be a midwife instead of an OB/GYN. About 6 weeks ago, my GP, who I had been seeing monthly (which is standard practice), referred me to an OB. J and I were able to choose the OB and booked our first appointment.
Around that same time, I decided to look more seriously into midwifery. I heard it was good for low-risk pregnancies with very personal care and attention, less instance of drug relief during labour, shorter labours, shorter hospital stays, etc. I called around and was put on the waiting list for the two main midwiferies in the area. I was told that the chances of a spot opening up were slim.
The week before our first appointment with the OB, I was called by both groups and offered a spot. I was thrilled but cautiously so. There were so many unknowns and I didn't want to get my hopes up until meeting with the midwife.
I chose to meet with a midwife from the group closer to the hospital and had that appointment today. J and I left work early and met with a midwife and a student. After listening to the overview of midwifery, J and I decided it was definitely for us and officially signed up.
We will meet with two midwives and one student for the rest of the pregnancy. All three will be present at the birth and are always on-call in case of emergencies. We are very pleased. Thigns seem to be falling into place.
Around that same time, I decided to look more seriously into midwifery. I heard it was good for low-risk pregnancies with very personal care and attention, less instance of drug relief during labour, shorter labours, shorter hospital stays, etc. I called around and was put on the waiting list for the two main midwiferies in the area. I was told that the chances of a spot opening up were slim.
The week before our first appointment with the OB, I was called by both groups and offered a spot. I was thrilled but cautiously so. There were so many unknowns and I didn't want to get my hopes up until meeting with the midwife.
I chose to meet with a midwife from the group closer to the hospital and had that appointment today. J and I left work early and met with a midwife and a student. After listening to the overview of midwifery, J and I decided it was definitely for us and officially signed up.
We will meet with two midwives and one student for the rest of the pregnancy. All three will be present at the birth and are always on-call in case of emergencies. We are very pleased. Thigns seem to be falling into place.
Tuesday, May 19
End of an era
Today marks the day that my Flickr Pro account expires. I knew it was coming because Flickr sends you gentle reminders that you should buy another Pro account, but it's here. My intention was to switch over to Picasa seamlessly using a neato tool called Migratr. Migratr, friends, does NOT work! Don't even bother trying. When I can't figure something out, I got to J. When J can't figure something out, it doesn't work. End of story.
I'm going to try and start using Picasa more regularly, though that depends on me taking pictures more regularly as well. Yesterday, I went for a solo walk through Vincent Massey park and took lots of pictures. It was a beautiful day and I desperately needed to be alone and to be out of the house. I love my house but I needed out.
Those pictures will be put in Picasa soon (fingers crossed!)
So goodbye, Flickr. We had a good run. I met lots of good people through Flickr and shared thousands of pictures there and on this blog. I'm hoping Picasa will be a fraction as good as you.
I'm going to try and start using Picasa more regularly, though that depends on me taking pictures more regularly as well. Yesterday, I went for a solo walk through Vincent Massey park and took lots of pictures. It was a beautiful day and I desperately needed to be alone and to be out of the house. I love my house but I needed out.
Those pictures will be put in Picasa soon (fingers crossed!)
So goodbye, Flickr. We had a good run. I met lots of good people through Flickr and shared thousands of pictures there and on this blog. I'm hoping Picasa will be a fraction as good as you.
Monday, May 18
A runner no more
I went out yesterday to run at least 4K before the race next weekend. It didn't go well. Let's just say that I am no longer able to run. My body will not let me and with only Tylenol to soothe the pain, I will not be pushing it.
I never expected this and am quite frustrated with my body. In my mind, I was going to be the perfect little pregger who exercised and stayed fit her entire pregnancy, popped out a beautiful baby and quickly went back to her former self. It's not going that way and it's disappointing.
It's especially hard to re-align my mindset: it's OKAY that I can't run anymore. It's OKAY if I nap instead of exercising. I have to remember my main goal here is to have a healthy baby. I'll have time after all this is done to reclaim my body, to do the things I want to do.
So please, if you can do one thing, go and get some exercise. Do it for the people who want to but can't do it themselves. Run because you can.
I never expected this and am quite frustrated with my body. In my mind, I was going to be the perfect little pregger who exercised and stayed fit her entire pregnancy, popped out a beautiful baby and quickly went back to her former self. It's not going that way and it's disappointing.
It's especially hard to re-align my mindset: it's OKAY that I can't run anymore. It's OKAY if I nap instead of exercising. I have to remember my main goal here is to have a healthy baby. I'll have time after all this is done to reclaim my body, to do the things I want to do.
So please, if you can do one thing, go and get some exercise. Do it for the people who want to but can't do it themselves. Run because you can.
Sunday, May 17
Insignificant
It's hard to blog about my life when something much bigger is happening. Something this big puts things into perspective. My worries suddenly seem small and silly.
I'm talking about live organ donation. One of J's uncles recently went under the knife and gave one of his kidneys to his brother, another of J's uncles. Both uncles are doing well from all reports.
It has been an interesting journey to watch. Uncle D with the under-performing kidneys was told he needed a transplant. His wife and three brothers jumped into action, all getting testing as soon as they could. Two of the brothers were a perfect match. More testing followed and decisions were made between the two potential donors. Uncle B was the winner and a date for the surgery was set.
Having watched too much tv, I thought it would be a dual operation with both men in the same room, kidney out of one and directly in the other. It didn't exactly happen that way, but it happened. Uncle B's kidneys are both functioning well: one in his body and the other in Uncle D's body.
Incredible.
The Kidney Foundation has way more information that I could ever tell you.
I'm talking about live organ donation. One of J's uncles recently went under the knife and gave one of his kidneys to his brother, another of J's uncles. Both uncles are doing well from all reports.
It has been an interesting journey to watch. Uncle D with the under-performing kidneys was told he needed a transplant. His wife and three brothers jumped into action, all getting testing as soon as they could. Two of the brothers were a perfect match. More testing followed and decisions were made between the two potential donors. Uncle B was the winner and a date for the surgery was set.
Having watched too much tv, I thought it would be a dual operation with both men in the same room, kidney out of one and directly in the other. It didn't exactly happen that way, but it happened. Uncle B's kidneys are both functioning well: one in his body and the other in Uncle D's body.
Incredible.
The Kidney Foundation has way more information that I could ever tell you.
Sunday, May 10
Mother's Day
Being pregnant has given me a new perspective on Mother's Day. We all know what the day is meant to be and that hasn't changed, but now that I feel like I'm on the brink, I'm close to being celebrated today, along with all the millions of other woman who have children, and my attitude has somewhat changed.
I do not feel like those who are pregnant deserve to be celebrated today, no matter how many I know who have received Mother's Day cards. Pregnant woman are celebrated enough: I can't get through a single conversation in which my "state" doesn't come up. Not that I mind: this is my job. For 9 months I am primarily growing new life. But the closest I've been to being a mother is taking care of my cat and she's pretty independent.
No, real mothers, whether their children are young or old, at home or have left the nest, biological or adopted, real mothers have put in some serious time. They deserve today to celebrate the fact that they made it as far as they have.
Growing up, my brother and I were well behaved, for the most part. We tended to get in trouble together and make up while in our separate rooms and come down before the time-out was up. We fought more when we hit puberty: my friends were more interested in seeing my brother. Unfortunately, my brother's friends showed no interest in me, at least that I knew of then or have ever heard of. What a hit to the ego. I don't know how many time I frustratedly told my friends, "No, we can't play at my house today."
My brother and I started doing what teenagers do and surely gave my parents heart attacks on a weekly basis. We played competitive sports and were constantly injured, we started going to parties and were constantly not home on time or even until the next morning. We went away to university and got into trouble with regular university student stuff. We had serious and not-so-serious relationships.
Somehow we made it out okay and somehow our parents still cheer us on.
Whether you consider this a "hallmark holiday" or not, I hope you agree that moms deserve to be celebrated in some way. J and I celebrated mother's day by seeing my parents. We gave my mom a card and a book and hung out for a while. On the way home, we dropped off a card for J's grandmother and at night we had J's parents and sister over for dinner. It was definitely a family day.
I'll save mother's day celebrations for myself for next year, when I really deserve it.
I do not feel like those who are pregnant deserve to be celebrated today, no matter how many I know who have received Mother's Day cards. Pregnant woman are celebrated enough: I can't get through a single conversation in which my "state" doesn't come up. Not that I mind: this is my job. For 9 months I am primarily growing new life. But the closest I've been to being a mother is taking care of my cat and she's pretty independent.
No, real mothers, whether their children are young or old, at home or have left the nest, biological or adopted, real mothers have put in some serious time. They deserve today to celebrate the fact that they made it as far as they have.
Growing up, my brother and I were well behaved, for the most part. We tended to get in trouble together and make up while in our separate rooms and come down before the time-out was up. We fought more when we hit puberty: my friends were more interested in seeing my brother. Unfortunately, my brother's friends showed no interest in me, at least that I knew of then or have ever heard of. What a hit to the ego. I don't know how many time I frustratedly told my friends, "No, we can't play at my house today."
My brother and I started doing what teenagers do and surely gave my parents heart attacks on a weekly basis. We played competitive sports and were constantly injured, we started going to parties and were constantly not home on time or even until the next morning. We went away to university and got into trouble with regular university student stuff. We had serious and not-so-serious relationships.
Somehow we made it out okay and somehow our parents still cheer us on.
Whether you consider this a "hallmark holiday" or not, I hope you agree that moms deserve to be celebrated in some way. J and I celebrated mother's day by seeing my parents. We gave my mom a card and a book and hung out for a while. On the way home, we dropped off a card for J's grandmother and at night we had J's parents and sister over for dinner. It was definitely a family day.
I'll save mother's day celebrations for myself for next year, when I really deserve it.
Saturday, May 9
Wet
It is pouring. Absolutely coming down. And J wants to go for a run. Good luck with that, babe! We got caught in the rain yesterday too. These are the April showers we didn't get last month. I don't mind the rain, really, but I don't like being caught in it. Last year, it rained every Monday and Tuesday night in May and June. I remember specifically because those were the nights I had sports.
This morning I'm doing what I do most Saturdays: laundry and catching up on tv. It's a routine that I quite enjoy. This week I watched a lot of my recorded shows so I don't have much to watch this morning. I felt like I was by myself a lot and was hit by a whack of hormones last night. I didn't know I could cry so much. Such is the life of most preggos I know.
Earlier this week I got wet on purpose: J and I went swimming. Ever since running got painful I've wanted to try swimming. After checking out a local pool last weekend, I was more comfortable with the idea. J and I went after work Wednesday to get me a bathing suit. My bikins just don't cut it anymore. I found a nice sporty two-piece and we both got goggles. We went kinda last minute Thursday night to another pool for a leisure swim (unlike lane swimming, the pool isn't divided and you end up getting splashed by fat kids, in my limited experience anyway). I relearned how to do front crawl and breast stroke and got used to my goggles.
Being in the changeroom with mostly younger girls was a strange thing: I was so self conscious of my stomach. J had to keep telling me to stop sucking it in when I emerged only a little scarred. Now I'm quite sure swimming will be good for exercise when I can no longer run. All we need is a second lock and possibly a membership.
I don't know exactly what's going on this weekend. We have things to do for sure, but nothing crucial past getting groceries. Hopefully i can keep my hormones in check and stay dry.
This morning I'm doing what I do most Saturdays: laundry and catching up on tv. It's a routine that I quite enjoy. This week I watched a lot of my recorded shows so I don't have much to watch this morning. I felt like I was by myself a lot and was hit by a whack of hormones last night. I didn't know I could cry so much. Such is the life of most preggos I know.
Earlier this week I got wet on purpose: J and I went swimming. Ever since running got painful I've wanted to try swimming. After checking out a local pool last weekend, I was more comfortable with the idea. J and I went after work Wednesday to get me a bathing suit. My bikins just don't cut it anymore. I found a nice sporty two-piece and we both got goggles. We went kinda last minute Thursday night to another pool for a leisure swim (unlike lane swimming, the pool isn't divided and you end up getting splashed by fat kids, in my limited experience anyway). I relearned how to do front crawl and breast stroke and got used to my goggles.
Being in the changeroom with mostly younger girls was a strange thing: I was so self conscious of my stomach. J had to keep telling me to stop sucking it in when I emerged only a little scarred. Now I'm quite sure swimming will be good for exercise when I can no longer run. All we need is a second lock and possibly a membership.
I don't know exactly what's going on this weekend. We have things to do for sure, but nothing crucial past getting groceries. Hopefully i can keep my hormones in check and stay dry.
Thursday, May 7
Who knew?
Guess what? If you wear a shirt and stretch it with your pregnant belly, it won't ever go back and you won't be able to wear it after the belly goes away. So, listen all you pregnany ladies, don't stretch out your favourite shirt.
This is the gem advice I got today from a coworker. I'm not sure if she thought I was wearing an expensive shirt and stretching the crap out of it (it was an $8 shirt from Walmart) and didn't realize the physics of material OR if I'm just plain stupid.
I get it. Thank you. I'll be careful with my clothing from now on. You've saved my wardrobe from my swollen stomach.
This is the gem advice I got today from a coworker. I'm not sure if she thought I was wearing an expensive shirt and stretching the crap out of it (it was an $8 shirt from Walmart) and didn't realize the physics of material OR if I'm just plain stupid.
I get it. Thank you. I'll be careful with my clothing from now on. You've saved my wardrobe from my swollen stomach.
Monday, May 4
Huh?
It's a little after 8am on Monday morning and what do I hear... the sound of a can of pop being opened. At this hour? Really? Though maybe it's juice or something else that isn't carbonated, but that sound screams COLA.
Wednesday afternoon, I had the ultrasound of my leg. They were checking for blood clots and thankfully didn't find any. Now it's up to the physiotherapist to make me better. That starts this afternoon and I didn't run yesterday so that my muscles would be ready for whatever happens at these appointments.
Saturday we went downtown to see the tulips and meet up with A&S, S&L and L's sister and boyfriend. Truth is, there weren't many tulips out yet so we walked around Major's Hill Park and eventually found a gelato place (this time last year we were enjoying gelatos on Italy...) A&S came over for dinner afterwards.
Sunday was a lot of running around. We finally checked out a city pool where I'm thinking of swimming. I was worried lane swimming was like a traffic jam of super fit people all with perfect form. What I saw made me feel much more comfortable about dragging my inflated belly back and forth in the water and calling it exercise. Now I just need a bathing suit. I dropped J off at the gym so he could work out and run home and I went to see my parents. I got all sorts of news about my family and told them about my upcoming physio and potential swimming. But the main event of the day was dinner with my baseball girls in honour of JK&M getting married this month and then a comedy show at Absolute Comedy. I was pleased that we hadn't seen any of the comics before and quite liked the warm-up act and both headliners.
I was exhausted by the time we got home but the good kind of exhaustion where I know I spent my weekend among family and friends and was happy to collapse into bed with my little family: an exhausted J, a kicking baby-in-my-belly, and a purring cat. I have it good.
Wednesday afternoon, I had the ultrasound of my leg. They were checking for blood clots and thankfully didn't find any. Now it's up to the physiotherapist to make me better. That starts this afternoon and I didn't run yesterday so that my muscles would be ready for whatever happens at these appointments.
Saturday we went downtown to see the tulips and meet up with A&S, S&L and L's sister and boyfriend. Truth is, there weren't many tulips out yet so we walked around Major's Hill Park and eventually found a gelato place (this time last year we were enjoying gelatos on Italy...) A&S came over for dinner afterwards.
Sunday was a lot of running around. We finally checked out a city pool where I'm thinking of swimming. I was worried lane swimming was like a traffic jam of super fit people all with perfect form. What I saw made me feel much more comfortable about dragging my inflated belly back and forth in the water and calling it exercise. Now I just need a bathing suit. I dropped J off at the gym so he could work out and run home and I went to see my parents. I got all sorts of news about my family and told them about my upcoming physio and potential swimming. But the main event of the day was dinner with my baseball girls in honour of JK&M getting married this month and then a comedy show at Absolute Comedy. I was pleased that we hadn't seen any of the comics before and quite liked the warm-up act and both headliners.
I was exhausted by the time we got home but the good kind of exhaustion where I know I spent my weekend among family and friends and was happy to collapse into bed with my little family: an exhausted J, a kicking baby-in-my-belly, and a purring cat. I have it good.
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