Lovejoys Shower

Jenny invited Annie, Remi, Melissa Ortega and Melanie for a lil baby shower at LoveJoys - our favorite tea hall.

 

SHOWING THE HOUSE

We are starting to informally show the house to folks – friends and friends of friends. It feels really weird on one hand, but also like a move away from inaction on the other hand. I so don’t want to leave my home – especially now when I am supposed to be all about nesting – and instead I am supposed to start tearing my messy little nest apart!!!!

Anne Williams is thinking about moving in with her mom & they think the house may be a good fit for them, and Jenny from the JMP needs to move into SF in a place where they can keep their dogs. In addition Steve & the Prochovnick family are sending over some good long term friends who need to move back into SF after living down Skyline for the past years.

I am excited that it looks like this process may be fairly painless, but I am so sad to be leaving our house.

BABIES

Both Maya and Margaret had baby boys yesterday!!!! And now they are next door to each other at UCSF. The JMP gals dropped into see Maya today & I joined them after scarapy. Maya looks GREAT & the baby is really cute as well. She told us a chunk of the birth story and it wasn’t too bad – I guess its never too bad when you’ve got your perfect baby at the end of the day.

It did make me feel safer & a little less freaked out to see them all doing so well. I definitely like the feel of the Homestyle/St Lukes option better than the feel at UCSF – the halls sorta vibrate with the anticipation of an exciting case – I don’t want to be an exciting case – I want to be a really really boring birth – routine, as expected with nothing too exciting going on.

Both Maya and Margaret had some D-Cells at the end stages and had some scary moments- but like I said as soon as you know baby & mama are fine then every birth looks like a good birth.

I am glad that we all got to do belly photos together at the baby showers. Hopefully they will shoot copies to Em at some point and I can post them here.

What’s UP? My Blood Pressure

Just before we got to 33 weeks my blood pressure shot up to 146/89 - at our homestyle visit that night Yeshi asked me what I do during the day to relax … I said that I went outside for a few minutes when I could. She didn’t like that answer so much and told me to let my boss know that I wouldn’t come in for the rest of the week – instead she wanted me to spend 2 hours resting in the morning, in the middle of the day, and in the early evening. They also had me set an appt. with Dr. Norrell who is the Ob-Gyn in charge of the whole she-bang.

So we saw Norrell the next week and after 4 days out of work the BP was 110/60 and the Dr. was joking about why was I there… She went ahead and acknowledged that if the modified rest schedule was working then its’ best to keep me on it & filled out SDI paperwork to put me into maternity leave now. My plan was to stay through the end of the month – but not if its making me sick to be on my “feet”.

Norrell also basically asked Em to seriously consider coming back to SF & working with them at St. Lukes – that was really cool.

Emily Came Home..... YEAH!!!!!

So Em got home for her birthday. I am so happy. For a few reasons... I am quite proud of myself for actually driving her car to the airport & picking her up at close to Midnight on Saturday night. (go me!!!) I have that feeling the rest of you may remember from when you were perhaps 16 and driving for the first couple of times on your own - like I am such a rockstar for not killing myself on the freeway.

Also I just missed her sooooo much.... and I need help now to pick up anything thats on the floor... by next week I'll need help to tie my shoes.. So I pretty much needed her home.

We saw Lily & Eric last night for B'day dinner & Sopranos

We went grocery shopping at Rainbow & had vietnemese for lunch & em rubbed my ankles before bed ... really how much better could a birthday get.

30 Weeks (but hey who's counting)

Here is some info on whats up with Blasto in this week --

"He weighs a whopping 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms)! & measures about 14.8 inches (37.5 cms) The baby is very aware of the surroundings. We tend to think of the uterus as a dark place. The uterus actually can be light and dark depending on the mother's environment. You may be able to distinguish sleep and wake cycles in your baby. Although it usually seems as if the baby wants to sleep while you are awake and vice versa at night. This is not indicative of a sleepless newborn." - some website...


So really whats going on -- I woke up today and am easily TWICE as big as I was when I went to bed last night. For about 2-3 weeks now he has been a really good strong kicker - most active at night (bedtime) but he likes to get busy at work too... especially during meetings when we are all sitting in the conference room - he punches, kicks and rolls & makes me feel a little sea sick.

We aren't sleeping so well these days -- the belly is getting in the way, the reflux is kinda bad, we miss Emily (although I like taking over the whole bed), and I'm up 4-5 times per night. I have a nasty cough that started the day after match day... It's not getting worse, but not getting better either --- around 3 in the morning I wake up coughing so hard I give myself (& blasto) uterine cramps!! Not too much fun - but he's staying where he's supposed to be so I won't worry too much.

& hey.... big thanks to everyone who is calling & checking on me while em is out of town!!!

Emilys Whereabouts

On the central pacific coast of Costa Rica is one of the country's most beautiful uncut gems, Dominical. From its turquoise green water to its fiery red and gold sunsets, the natural beauty of the area is second to none....

The town sits on the Pacific Ocean bordered to the north by the Rio Baru, on the east by three thousand-foot high mountains and to the south by dark, coffee brown, beaches and coves. One of the most striking features of Dominical can be found while swimming in the water, the town simply disappears. All you see are the tall beach palms and mangroves surrounded by verdant green hills reaching up into the mountains.

Dominical has been known for many years to the international surfing community because of its consistently good waves. Only recently has it been discovered by those people attracted to its natural beauty. Not more than twenty years ago the only buildings to be found were a few dilapidated fishing huts built by local fishermen. Since then the town has grown to over 400 permanent residents with a number of small beach front restaurants, bars and cabinas. Even with the emergence and growth of the town, it is possible to walk from one end of Dominical to the other in less than ten minutes.

The area surrounding Dominical, especially to the south, is almost completely unpopulated. Because of this, the area is full of hundreds of different species of exotic animals including; three different types of toucans, giant green and red iguanas, all four types of native monkeys, parrots of all sizes and hues, three toed sloths and various small cats such as jaguarundis and montegordos. These two types of cats are smaller versions of the spotted jaguar and black panther found to the south in the Osa Peninsula. They are extremely rare and this is one of their last natural habitats found in Central America.

There are two national preserves in the immediate area with three more (Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park and Caño Island National Preserve) only an additional hour and a half away. North of town, on the other side of Rio Baru is Hacienda Baru, which is a private 1000 acre preserve. Stretching from the beach with its mangrove swamps filled with bright yellow beaked toucans to its primary forest crested hilltops, Hacienda Baru offers the ecological tourist the opportunity to see a wonderful diversity of tropical plants and animals. To the south is the country's only totally underwater national park, Marino Ballena. Here it is possible to see a pristine and virgin underwater world with scores of multi-colorful marine creatures, coral reefs and jagged, ash black, volcanic rocks and tide pools. In the hills directly east of town are areas of primary forest with numerous waterfalls throughout, including the county's tallest, a three level, 800 foot high mountain of cascading water.

Reaching Dominical and the surrounding area is easier than one might expect. It is a three and a half hour drive from San Jose by car through some of the most visually stunning scenery in the entire country. Traveling south down the Pan-American Highway below Cartago takes you through the country's largest cloud forest and the world's last remaining, sustainable habitat for the endangered quetzal bird. The trip by bus is only an hour more with one stop and change in San Isidro. It is only necessary to rent a four wheel drive car if you intend to do some exploring in the mountains or continue traveling further north or south. It is a one hour drive north to Quepos by car, 4x4 recommended, or an additional half hour by bus. Fitfteen minutes to the south lies Marina Ballena National Park and then an hour more drive takes you to the entrance of Drake's Bay.

Boston

& we are stunned!!!!

THE MATCH

15 Hours to go.....

& The winner is _________________________

This is what we looked like when we first got knocked up....

So this is the happy carefree faces of two gals who don't know what they have gotten themselves into --- This was from our Mendocino getaway weekend to go to Lily & Erics wedding back at the end of Sept 05 -- something like 2 weeks pregnant at that point. This week we find out where we match.... not looking quite so carefree this weekend...

Look who gets the best furniture in the house

Boy- o is starting out in style - thanks to Emily's good taste he'll have a better bed than we do. Until we steal it from him and convert it into a regular sleigh bed (ha ha - evil laughter). So shopping for baby stuff is almost as scary as shopping for maternity wear.

High End Ultrasound...

Wow - with this picture you can actually sorta see his face - he is hiding behind the placenta - I guess its sorta like him having a favorite pillow - I figure he takes after me that way. The ultrasound was fine - he has a diaphram & its right where it should be.

So these are probably the last sets of pictures of little dude until we actually get to meet him this summer.

Scans

A few more shots of Blasto from the fine folks at CPMC

Son of a Butch

For Ila - belly shot while yawning

He's a boy we got the proof

Okay so these one's are hard to figure out, but you are looking at him from the bottom up - note the lil butt on the left of the photo - the white spots are the but bones. Legs & thighs are jutting out toward the right - you can sorta see toes & feets.. and yup there between the thighs & the butt is what Emily referred to in the ultrasound appt. as his "stuff"

My Brilliant Boy - thumb in mouth

Year of the Dog

Year of the Dog

1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people's confidence because they know how to keep secrets.

The Dog is a giving, compassionate personality. He offers kind words, support and advice to friends and family. He is a listener, always available to lend an ear or a shoulder to a friend in need. Often Dogs know more about their friends than their friends know about them or even themselves! Dogs are incredibly attentive.

Dogs are loyal, faithful and honest and always stick to their firm codes of ethics. However, this Sign has trouble trusting others. It's generally quite trustworthy itself -- except for the occasional "little white lies" the Dog tells in order to make things go more smoothly. The Dog makes a wonderful, discreet and loyal friend (despite any white lies) and is an excellent listener.

This Sign tends to root for the underdog and its keen sense of right and wrong makes it duty-bound to the core. The Dog's mantra seems to be, Live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible.

Sometimes though, Dogs should pay more attention to their own needs. In private, many Dog people worry a lot.

Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues.

Dog people make good leaders.

Dogs can also be rather dogmatic, too. They don't go in for light social banter; instead, they go straight for home, expostulating on the topics that are most important to them. At these times the Dog's narrow-minded or stubborn side can become apparent; this Sign has trouble staying light and calm when an important issue is at stake. This Sign can also be very temperamental; mood swings characterize its emotional life and often the Dog needs to run off to be alone in order to recuperate. Part of the problem is the result of this Sign's load of irrational fears that turn into niggling anxieties that turn into hurt feelings and occasional grouchiness. This sensitive Sign needs to warm up to others over time and gradually learn to trust them. Without that trust as a foundation, Dogs can be judgmental and coarse.

The Dog's discerning nature does make it an excellent business person, one who can turn that picky, guarded nature into a keen sense of the truth of another's motives. Where love is concerned, Dogs often have a tough time finding the right match. They can be so anxious and overwrought in the romance dance that they'll stress their partner to the max!

In any forum, this Sign is happiest when able to be quite physically active; at home or at work, the Dog will always be constructing something new or cleaning something up in order to make things better. Dogs like clean residences. Not only straightened-up, but also deep cleaned. Changed sheets, washed clothes, dusted blinds and wiped down mirrors are only a few of the Dogs weekly chores. His home must be well-organized and easy to navigate all of the time. Dogs want to be comfortable and take luxury in overstuffed pillows, big, cushy couches and oversized recliners. Although they are open-minded, Dogs prefer to stick with traditional décor when decorating a room.

Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and would also be well-served to relax their mile-high standards, which can sometimes wind up alienating the ones they love.

CHARACTERISTICS
Responsible
Compassionate
Reliable
Honest
Pessimistic
Anxious
Overwhelming
Nosy


LIKES AND DISLIKES
Since Dogs are born under the same Animal Sign, they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Dog personality.
Color Preference: Pale Yellow
Gems and Stones: Moonstone, Carnelian, Jasper
Suitable Gifts: Rocking chair, novel, roses, massage therapy
Hobbies and Pastimes: Cooking, rearranging, dancing, arts and crafts
Dogs Dislike: Hurting other people’s feelings, getting angry or aggressive, being treated unfairly

DOG INFANT AND CHILD
Dog children are creative, able to entertain themselves for hours on end. They don’t mind playing by themselves, often inventing games and puzzles while doing so. They are responsible children who love to take on and complete as many tasks as possible for it gives them a sense of accomplishment.

THE FIRE DOG 1946 AND 2006
Fire Dogs are natural leaders. Fire Dogs are popular, charismatic people, always surrounded by a group of admirers. Not only admired for their vibrant personalities, these Dogs also possess a sexual attractiveness that makes them irresistible. These people are adventurous and vivacious, yet, honest and openhearted. However, because they are so active, they are generally not the settle down type.

GEMINI DOG
Gemini Dogs can talk your mother under the table. They are charismatic and charming, not intimidated by other people. They love to take on new experiences.


They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.

Sick to my stomach & eating crap

I don't know why I think that a mini box of Frosted Flakes is going to make me feel better when I already have an after-dinner stomach ache. I am getting so tired of eating being no fun. I miss enjoying my lunches & dinner. I thought of going to a meeting tonight but by 8 O'clock I was too tired to get off the couch - so now its me, a big glass of ice water and West Wing reruns on Bravo.

I am kinda worried that these are spossed to be the "good" weeks of the pregnancy - ouch

January OB Visit

Well everything went well again - of course. I have begun to notice that at about the 3rd week between ob visits I start to decide that the lil blasto is gone. I am fine at the visit - more than fine - we hear his heart beat, they tell me he's moving around etc but then after the first week or two I don't know what happens - I just start thinking oops I did this or didn't do that or had that funny feeling --- yup baby's gotta be gone. I don't think that this is normal.

So the stats on me - good blood pressure - its staying the same each visit. Okay weight - it's also stayed the same each visit - actually this month I lost a pound - but since I started out with my weight ... shall we say substantial... the docs not too worried since I am eating. Its funny that my weight isn't changing cause my shape is FOR SURE. My belly is big & hard & sticking out funny. My breasts (uggh) are maybe twice their size and also solid - somehow. I figrure that the energy of making a baby and the little bit of exercise that I am doing is making up for the weight gain that the baby & all adds. The doctor says that I better expect this phase to end now & I'll be looking at adding a pound a week. Well see...

As for lil blasto --- it took a minute to find his heart beat but as soon as she got it it was loud, strong and fast - good news. She asked if I could feel him moving around because she could hear lots and lots of movement. I am not feeling punches and kicks yet - its more like rolls and cramping - last night at bed time it felt like he had a hand on one of my organs and was having fun pulling it and literally making me say ouch, ouch, stop it... Em thought that was funny.

As for em she didn't make it to this appt. but she is good to come with me to the big Ultrasound that we have scheduled for next week!!!!! Which also means new photos for anyone who is actually reading this lil blog.

Peace....