Mid December

 Everyone has been sick. It started with Bron and went to my MiL and FiL, then Aaron, Bertram, and lastly me.  Aaron has been sick for almost 3 weeks at this point, since Thanksgiving. He still has a cough, but aside from that is nearly back to normal. Bertram has been sick for a week, decent fevers, coughing, stuffy nose. I had it as well, but only had a real fever for a couple days. Now, I'm just run-down, and stuffy. We finally got Bert in to see the doctor today, and it looks like it's the flu. Even though we all got our shots, we got it anyway (for the first time ever). He has to be 24 hours fever free before returning to school. So hopefully he can return on Tuesday.

So Bertram was home all last week. Aaron was WfH all last week. Bron went to school at usual.  I worry Bertram will have a hard time catching up, as school work isn't his forte to start with. We've been working in his math book, and online program. But we have a lot of writing to do, which is his weak point. He missed a lot of fun stuff too, his last anime drawing class, the regular art class, science at school, his class musical performance, the book fair. It was not a great week to be sick, though, there is rarely a good time to be sick. 

Bronwyn had her book fair this week as well, and enjoyed getting new books, she chose one for Bert too, which is really nice. She had her musical performance as well.  A little holiday musical. I couldn't go, I was sick, and I needed to stay with sick Bertram. Aaron took her. And everything was too different: school at night (especially school at night), no backpacks, parents being there. She ended up not participating, and sat in the audience instead.

Waffles got spayed at the beginning of the month. She still has her cone on. She hates it, but is navigating a little better.

Monty is still being a good boy. His first training class on Saturday.

I finished the subway quilt, but I hated the binding, so I tore it off, and need to buy a new one.

I'm slowly getting the quilting done on my sister's quilt. I am doing some by hand, much to me chagrin. But the quilt is so large, it's very hard to maneuver in the machine, and my machine is running a little loudly. I think we need to get it looked at. 

6am Catch up

 We had an ok Thanksgiving.  We  went to Aaron's cousin's house, which is fine.  But Aaron's parents' house is more conducive to entertaining.  I wasn't feeling super social to begin with.  Then I got to hear the two old men complain about how drag queens are somehow corrupting the children.  Not sure how, but they are.  So I most hung out alone, and played on my phone.  I brought Monty, so I walked him once or twice.  Sophie's dog really liked Monty.  Like he kept trying to hump Monty.  Monty was not happy about this.  Dinner was good.  I was bummed that there was no sweet potato casserole.  I like to make it, but someone else was bringing sweet potatoes and I didn't want to step on any toes.     

We did a little Black Friday shopping.  Mostly at Joann's.  We've been doing a lot of quilting lately.  More on that later.  We also went to Target, but only for usual things.  I bought a couple things online, mostly pants for Bertram.  He seems to have gotten tall all of a sudden, and his 7s are too short.  Almost all my Christmas shopping has been via Amazon.  And I'm nearly done, I just need Rebecca, and my step dad.  I'm going to make cookies for my FiL.  Saturday we went to Maker's Fair for Small Business Saturday.  We bought a few things.  I want to go again next year, sans kids.

At Maker's Fair, with her purse and dino.

We also got the Christmas tree up, and the decorations out.  Usually we do this Black Friday, but Aaron was feeling particularly sick that day, so we did it Saturday, which didn't feel right to me.  And because it didn't feel right, we didn't put out the outside lights.  I just don't feel like it.  (Or feel like having Aaron spend an hour+ doing it, though I usually do it).  I have the kids stockings done, little gifts for Hanukkah, bought a menorah, and candles.

Waffles got spayed this week.  She is still in her cone, because her surgery suit isn't here yet.  Hopefully today.  She's starting to be more like herself again.  But, hates the cone, of course.

Aaron has been sick for about 2 weeks.  I think it started as a virus, and became and infection, if that's possible.  He got amoxicillin this week, which is helping.  But he's still not 100%.  He was off work for 3 days.  Actually more, because he took a day or two before Thanksgiving.  He's starting to improve.  But is coughing a lot.  It's driving me crazy.  

A while back, in August, I started working on my sister's king-sized t-shirt quilt.  I started it, then took a 3 month break for no reason.  I made a lot of progress this week.  I got the top finished, got it pin-basted, and stitched in the ditch for the vertical lines. Before I basted it, I noticed the backing fabric was too short, so I had to get another sheet (twin-sized this time), to add about 5 inches to the quilt back.  I started quilting in each square, making a sort of baffle-box, though not really.  

Completed t-shirt quilt top

I also finished the scrappy quilt. It was one I made on the fly.  No plan, or pinning or ironing.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  For some reason, I don't have a completed picture. 

Nearly complete scrap quilt

A while back, I bought a batch of pre-cut strips from Joann's clearance bin.  I had this for a long time.  I came across them, and decided to make a subway tile quilt with them.  I had to buy supplemental fabric, and it ended up being lap sized.  I did different quilting.  I've never done triangles.  They turned out pretty good, though, I can tell my basting isn't as good as it should be. I decided to attempt the binding on my own.  Usually Aaron does it.  I bought machine quilting thread.  Which is apparently not made for my machine.  The bobbin kept getting jammed.  It was really irritating to have to fix the bobbing every 3 minutes.  So, it took a really long time.  And I thought I remembered how to do the corners, but I didn't.  So, the binding looks terrible.  And I don't like the colour with the quilt.  I think I'm going to take it off, and have Aaron redo it, in a different colour.

The subway tile quilt, done, but not redone.

The other thing Aaron and I have been working on together is Christmas quilts.  We made one for Aaron's mom, and we're in the process of making one fore his bio-mom.  I cut all the squares.  Aaron did all the sewing.  It turned out a little busy, but very Christmasy.  

The fabrics, all laid out

Monty in front of the basted quilt.

Aaron and Bron playing a video game.

animals on me and the scrap quilt.

Making the gingerbread house

My new ornament

Monty, in his purse

Always sewing.

Bertram was sick for almost 2 weeks, he had pneumonia at the end.  Then I got sick, I'm still recovering.  Aaron is sick and Bron isn't feeling great either.  We all got our flu shots, so at least there's that. 

We filled out an ASD questionnaire for Kaiser and Bertram has an evaluation in the beginning of November.  It takes all day!  I'm not overly concerned, as we've been pretty vigilant since he was tiny.  But if there are services that can help him with any issue he has, then lets take advantage.  He's been doing well at school lately.  We have parent teacher conferences right before Halloween.  His handwriting is really improving.  And as much as he says he doesn't want to go, he is always excited when he arrives.  We had walk a thon last weekend.  Bertram walked 5 miles, which is pretty good.  His attitude was pretty good most of the day, so we were all happy.  (Well, I was grouchy by the end of the day.  I was already not feeling well, and then walked a lot).

Bronwyn has been reading a lot and talking a lot.  Well, "reading".  That kid loves books.  She will often put a book in my hand and say "read this book".  She likes the Sandra Boynton books (Bertram did too), and The Pokey Little Puppy (which I hate).  She likes dancing, and songs that tell you to do things.  There is on called the Pinocchio song that she really likes to do.  She likes to pretend play having a picnic, or feeding her babies or neigh-neighs. 

Bertram has been sick with a fever and cough for a week.  He just left to see the dr again (I think he was there on Monday). It looks like he will miss 6 days of school, which is bad enough on it's own, but next week is Fall Break.  Which means he is out of school for 2 weeks. Also, I'm going crazy, mostly being stuck at home, with at least one whiny kid (though usually 2).  Bron has been mildly sick off and on, and we were all sick over last weekend.  So it's been a rough week.

Aside from the illness, it's been really hot.  It was close to 100͒ for 3 days.  I am so ready for Fall.  I think we're supposed to have a cold front coming in.

I changed my meds a couple weeks ago.  I didn't feel like the Cymbalta was working anymore.  So I am in the process of switching back to Zoloft.  One (or more) of my meds is making me super sweaty.  Not in a smelly way, just like embarrassingly damp.

School is going ok for Bertram.  It seems like he gets easily frustrated, so we've been working on that.  He started going to see the counselor (Mr Tony) once a week to help with interpersonal skills.  He should be starting Speech at school before too long as well.  He likes school.  The only homework they have is reading, whatever he wants.  He loves reading, so homework is easy. 

Grandma's house closed yesterday.  The little house is going to be torn down and made into a 3000sqft two story house.  That will not fit in with the neighbourhood, and will likely be worth twice as much as any other house on the street.

All the blah blah

I haven't blogged for a while.  I just haven't felt like I have a lot to say. 

Bronwyn had her 18 month well check this week.  She is still a tiny a bean.  10% for weight and 40% for height.  The weight is pretty typical, but she's gained a lot on height.  Otherwise, she's doing great.  She has a lot of words (67 at last count).  She loves smiling, and dancing.  She is starting to do pretend play.  She LOVES books.  She reads by herself, and loves to be read to.  Well, sometimes read to, sometimes just to look at pictures together.  She knows animal sounds, and likes different animals.  We're planning on going to the zoo on Monday.

Planning to, because both kids are sick, again.  Both kids have fevers, but not much else.  At bedtime Bertram was 102.7 and Bron was 100.8.  Bron took a 4 hour nap, and Bertram laid down and watched a whole movie with me. Those are two things that never happen.  I don't have a fever, but I slept a lot.  Even after a good night of sleep.  I'm supposed to run 6 miles tomorrow.  But we'll see...

Training is going ok.  I still feel like there is no way I can be successful, but I'll keep pushing a long.

I've been thinking about going to an overeaters anonymous meeting.  There are a bunch around here.  I love eating.  I eat when I'm not hungry, just because I like eating.  This is (of course) not healthy or normal.  So I need to find a better strategy, because I will likely never get to a healthy weight otherwise.

I've kept up with a daily devotional.  I read the Upper Room, my once a day bible, a chapter or two from the book of mormon, and the day from the Stoics book.  Though, the more I read the Stoic book, the more I'm not sure it's for me.  Also, while the devotional can be somewhat enjoyable, I'm not sure I'm getting a lot out of it.  I don't feel more spiritual, or connected to god. 

This and That.

I don't feel like I have too much to say, just the usual things.

It's been raining here for what feels like an eternity.  It's actually as close to storming as we get.  (I've lived here my whole life (minus a couple years) and I can count the number of times we've had thunder and lightning on one hand.  But we have high wind warnings all night.  And one of our wind chimes just blew down and shattered.  :(  The weather is not helping my depression, and is limiting the time we spend outside.

Aside from the weather, everyone is, or has been sick.  Aaron's 92 year old grandma got the flu, which is scary, because she's 92 (though, generally in good health).  As far as I know she had a flu shot, but got it anyway.  So she had a round of Tamaflu, and is on the mend.  But Aaron's folks are both sick.  Aaron was sick for most of last week.  I've been pretty healthy (knock on wood), just little things.  Bertie has been a little sick, but just with little things too.

My dad is remodeling his bathroom.  It is original to the house, and thus is very 70's.  (Who puts carpet in a bathroom?)  New and bigger shower, new vanities and sinks, new floor, and closet remodel.  I helped him choose stone and tile today.  He'll likely redo his kitchen within the next year.  He found a contractor he likes, so let the work begin!  I should take some before and after pictures.

Bertie has been really good the last few days.  He had a few poo accidents after my last post, but overall it doing really well.  We've been colouring a lot, as a family, after dinner.  I really enjoy that, I think we all do.  It makes me a happy mommy when he is a good listener, and isn't whiny.  Livin' the dream!  Also, when he naps, he and I nap together in my bed.  He's getting so big, but he's still my baby.  (I guess you always feel that way as a parent).

I started doing Bikini Body Mommy this week.  I only got to it four times.  But it's something.

One of our gnomes just blew over and broke.  Stupid wind!

Sick.

It's been a while since I was sick.  It's always the worst, because I can never remember how bad it was the previous time.

Normal virus stuff: cough, congestion, ear ache, muscle ache, etc.  No fever.  I went to the doctor to make sure, and to get a note for work.  And, as I'd suspected, it's a virus.  No meds, just continue to treat the symptoms.

It's better to be sick when you don't have a kid.  You get to skip work, and sleep or watch junk tv all day.  But when you have a kid, you don't get as much sleep, and you have to watch cartoons all day.  Plus, you then feel like a crappy parent.  I'm lucky enough that Aaron's folks are two houses down, and they like having Bertie over (and he likes going over).  So there is some respite.

But the house is exploded, which makes me stressed, which increases healing time. Blah blah blah.  I just feel crappy.

I really only want to drink. Alternate between hot and cold.  Hot chocolate, then ice water, tea, then juice, soup, then diet coke.  Although, the diet coke wasn't really too appealing (I really must be sick!) other than the fact that it was cold, and not water (because you tired of water, after a while).

Actually I really wanted Jamba Juice, a Slurpee or boba tea today.  I didn't get any of those.  Maybe tomorrow.

I called in sick from work tonight.  And my note is for tomorrow as well, but maybe (hopefully) I'll feel better.

I had to sleep at an incline last night (or my throat hurt a lot).  I think I have 6 pillows on my side of the bed right now.  It's pretty ridiculous.

Rebecca is my favourite.  She ordered me pho from doordash for lunch today.  I love that my sister 3000 miles away, can order (and pay for) Vietnamese food, and have it at my door in under an hour.  What a wonderful future we live in.

I meant to blog a long time ago.  But then the plague hit (again).

I took Bertie to Happy Hollow a couple weeks ago.  It's a small zoo with rides for little kids, and it's only a few miles from the house.  He wasn't too impressed with the animals.  There was a leopard roaming around in its habitat, which he liked.  But he didn't care about the petting zoo (which I was surprised about).  But he loved the rides.  He was tall enough for the carousel, the cars, and the bugs.  The cars just drive in a circle, and the bugs go up and down (and around).  The cars and bugs he could go on by himself. I had to ride the carousel with him.  But it wasn't crowded, so he rode again and again.

I'm really trying to take him to a lot of different places: zoo, the beach, different parks etc.  We go to the mall a lot, just to walk (where it's cool) and to use the little playground.  Next Monday, I'm going to take him to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  He liked it last time, and I'm debating leaving the stroller, and letting him walk where he wants.  (I may bring the sling, or ergo.)

Aaron was sick with some derivative of bronchitis for a week.  Well, he missed a week of work.  He's still coughing a bit, but he seems to finally be on the mend (after 2+ weeks).

It was a stressful week.  Aaron was super sick, Bertie was a little sick.  I was supposed to see Brianon and Thomas while they were in town, but Bertram took a super long nap and we didn't get to see them (there was a small window of opportunity).  I was supposed to meet another friend, but cancelled at the last minute, due to all the sickness, and stress and other crap.  I shouldn't have, but I did.  I suck.  But I did get to see Amanda, and catch up after maybe a year since seeing her.

Depression is creeping back in.  It's definitely easier to isolate myself.  I've been feeling overwhelmed lately (partly because of the sickness etc).  I have two girlfriends locally (Amanda and Colleen), so I'm trying to make an effort to see them more.

I think there was something else I was going to write about, but I can't think of anything else.

Stream of conciousness

Bertie was sick with a high fever for a week.  We went to the doctor a total of three times in that week.  Had 3 weigh-ins, 3 rectal temperatures, 2 blood draws, 1 nasal culture, 1 chest x-ray and countless doses of Tylenol, Advil, nurse and snuggles.  We were really just getting in the swing of weaning, then sickness.  Bertie lost .75 lbs in the week he was sick.  It was hard on me, and Aaron (and everyone else), and stressful to have a sick kid.  I mean, 105+ fevers for a week?  Yikes.  But, here we are, a week later, and he's almost himself again.  Still not quite eating as much as usual, and still more tired, but the fever is gone.

Bertram took his first step yesterday.  He was helping me close the dishwasher, just one step.  

Aaron might have to strike on Tuesday.  The county is not playing fair.  The managers' union got an 8% raise, the county actually has money, and Kaiser lowered their premiums.  The union wants a 5% raise (it has had to forgo cost of living raises for the past 5 years) and no changes to health care.  The offer the county had was a 1.5% raise, and 2% of your salary pays for health care, which equals a .5% decrease in pay.  And the county wanted to be able to change health care systems and rates with a 30 day notice.  (Uh, no.) If they don't have a better offer by Tuesday, the 9000 member union will strike.  

I was asked to start working three days a week again.  I like working less, but more money is always nice.

I had been doing well with eating right, and exercising, until the sickness.  Hopefully next week I'll get back on the horse.  

We were able to get out to dinner for our 10th anniversary on Tuesday. Just a nice dinner downtown.  I'd like to do an overnight at some point. Maybe when my mom comes to visit.

I only cooked twice this week, but I made two good dinners, both vegan.  I did a tofu and veggie stir-fry (with no-calorie yam flour noodles) and summer rolls (with rice noodles, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot and cilantro). with peanut sauce.  We're trying to eat a more plant based diet.  I bought some Kale, though I'm pretty sure neither of us like kale.  I'm not sure how I'll cook it, maybe sauteed with olive oil and garlic.  

The supreme court legalized gay marriage for the whole country this week.  This means that Pride weekend (this weekend) will be awesome, and church tomorrow, will likely be awful.  Since I'm so on the fence with church lately, I decided to stay home.  I love Love.

A break

And just as I was about to blog, he wakes up.

My once happy, mischievous baby has been replaced with a constantly clingy and feverish one.  Oh, how I miss the happy baby.

This is day 5 of whatever plague this is.  I only know it's not an ear infection.  Aside from that, I'm in the dark.  But his high fevers (106+) are scaring me.  And I think we're single-handedly keeping baby Tylenol and Advil in business.

On the plus side, I was able to bathe him today, in between fever spikes.

Now to attend to fussy.

Title goes here.

• Bertie has been sick for a couple days.  We went to the doctor today. He doesn't have a fever, and his ear were clear.  So it's just a virus, which is good.  But the poor kid is unhappy.  And so snotty.  He and I went to the park today, and all the baby swings were being used.  So he and I sat together on a regular swing, and didn't go high.  And Baby B just kept laying his head on my shoulder, which he very rarely does.  I enjoy the snuggles, but I hate that he feels so bad.
• I have eczema on my scalp.  It's really annoying.  I have a steroid cream, which worked well on my ears, but it's hard to get on my scalp.  Since there is hair, and all.
• I've been feeling less depressed this week.  I decided I wanted to work on my spirituality this week.  So I set different goals, and I'm following through.  But I'm still not feeling the spirit.  I talked to Aaron, he said depression can mess up things like that.  So I'll keep trying.
• The office moved this week.  So I worked about 19 hours, instead of 12.  I'm working extra next week too.  The new office is beautiful, I can't wait to see it once the furniture is moved in.
• It rained almost all week, which is good, we need it.  But I'm looking forward to having some sun this coming week.  And I'm looking forward to Christmas!

It's been two weeks again!

A lot has happened, lets see what I can remember.

Bertie had his first illness.  It started out as a cold.  And then drug on forever.  He had the cold for a week, and then got a fever on told of it.  And his snot changed from clear to green.  I called the advice nurse last Friday.  I assumed he had a virus.  They said to keep an eye on it and watch for breathing problems.  He was sick all weekend, so Aaron called the advice nurse on Sunday and made an appointment for Monday morning.   I took him in after I got done with work.  He weighs 17lbs now.  He's chunking up.  Bertie had bilateral ear infections and bronchiolitis.  So he got amox and an albuterol inhaler.  He loves the amox (Aaron and I both remember liking it too) and he doesn't mind the inhaler too much.  It looks like this:


He's feeling better now.  Today was the first day he seemed like himself.

Bertie has tried quite a few foods: Rice and oat cereals, carrots, squash, sweet potato, green beans, peas, mango, banana.  He also had a snow cone with no syrup (so, snow, basically). And a couple tiny bites of mashed potatoes. He likes everything except peas.  I made home made peas.  I just bought baby food peas a couple days ago, so we'll see if he likes those better.  Maybe the smoother texture will be better.

I've been sick for a little bit too.  We all had colds.  Plus I've been remarkably tired, more than usual.  Exercising has gone by the wayside.  But I was getting my steps in.  Until Sunday, when my fitbit died.  Like dead, died.  I tried charging it, resetting it.  Nothing.  So Aaron contacted the customer service, and I'm in the process of getting a replacement.  It's sad to have no clue how much I'm doing day to day.  I'm looking forward to cooler weather.  Then Bertram and I can go for a hike on Tuesdays and Thursday.  And maybe the other days after work too.  I really would like to start getting fit again.  I managed to get my wedding band back on, but then it was stuck.  I managed to get it off tonight.  I'm going to send Aaron to get them resized.  If my fingers slim down again, I'll wear one of those ring snugger thingies.  But it may be like my feet, they're not going to shrink.

I've been working on getting Aaron's costume together.  It's a secret though.  Bertie has a cat costume.  But I'm seeing if I can find him a monkey costume for cheap, since I have a banana costume.  I thought it would be cute.  If not, I'll either go as a cat too, or a prairie girl, since I already have it.

A few weeks ago, Aaron started teaching me to drive stick.  I feel like I'm started getting it.  But I haven't been able to practice since.

Zelda's 9th birthday was a couple days ago.  We had a tiny party.  I made a cake, Zelda and Yoie loved it.

 

Bertie was very excited for the party. (This was in the height of his illness)

 

Zelda loved the cake!

He got a balloon at Safeway today.  He loved it.

Holding his balloon, and eating a rice cracker. (Today was the first time he tried them)

A couple nights ago Bertie fell asleep while Aaron was reading.  We left him in our bed.

Just a couple things

Bertram is 7 months old today.

He had a couple firsts today: rolling back to front, and banana.

 I'd been a little concerned about his rolling.  He rolled front to back around 3 months, but we had yet to see him go the other way.  I'd assumed he could do it, but I'd never had proof.  Today I put him in his crib for a nap.  He was babbling, and playing like usual.  Then he got quiet, so I looked at the monitor, thinking he was asleep.  There he was, playing on his belly!

Prior to that, he accidentally had banana.  He and I went to visit my dad.  Dad is leaving on a trip soon, and said, "here, eat this banana, it's getting mushy and I'm not going to eat it".  I agreed, and set the banana on the table in front of me.  Bertie started playing with it, and biting on the outside.  Then he pulled the top (stem) off. Then he got part of the peel down and put it in his mouth again.  I took it from him.  I took a bite, and then mushed up a bit for him with my finger, and put it in his mouth.  We shared the whole banana that way.  He loved it.  (I gave him a little more with dinner.  I mushed up a bit of banana from my freezer and mixed it in his cereal).

Fiona has been on my last nerve.  She's learned to jump up on the counter and eat the cat food.  If we forget to push the desk chair in, as soon as my back is turned, she'll hop up and chow down.

We've all had colds this week.  It started with Bertie, then moved to me, then Aaron.  Aaron also had a tummy bug (or food poisoning?) on top of the cold.  We've all been trying to take it easy.

Updates

An update from last time:

• Laundry I'm still working through this, there was a lot
• Groceries Nope.  Didn't get there yet.  I'm going to go tomorrow.
• Exercise I didn't do specific exercises, but I did do specific walking.  I feel ok about that
• Dishes Done!
• Bills Organized and ready to be paid
• General cleaning I did quite a bit, but there is always more
• Find a birthday gift for my mom, and mail her cards Nope.  I got part of a gift today, but the cards are still sitting on the counter.

Now, of course, we're on to other things.  Like Bertie's first illness.  Fortunately, it's just a cold.  Unfortunately, babies don't know how to blow noses, and don't like the bulb syringe.  So he's been really fussy.  He spent most of the night sleeping with me.  And he hasn't napped much today either.  He's snotty and stuffy.  (When typing snotty into my phone, it auto corrected to "shitty").
Bertie also tried squash for the first time today.  I thought it tasted gross.  But he liked it.  So far, we're six for six!

Since Aaron worked so much last weekend, (and quite a few nights this week) he worked a short day today, which was great because dealing with a clingy, whiny, snotty, stuffy baby is a little wearing.  And Aaron took Bertie with him to a meeting tonight (yay!) which is why I have time to type this blog.

I have having a boob problem.  I'm not sure what it is, exactly.  At first I thought it was a plugged duct, but it's not.  Then I thought it might be thrush, but it's now that either.  It hurts so much when he nurses on the left side. And the nipple hurts randomly when he's not nursing.  I talked to the OBGyn, and the lactation consultant.  They suggested I try the lactation support group on Thursday morning, so we'll give it a shot.

We got a preview of Bertram's 6-month photo shoot.

Finally asleep today (while at Target)

Mastitis

I have Mastitis.  It came on today, pretty suddenly.  I couldn't get myself going today.  Bertie and I slept late.  I didn't leave the house.  Most days we go for a walk, or to a shopping center, to walk around.  It didn't happen.

In the evening, I started feeling feverish.  My breasts started hurting.  Once Aaron came home I took a long, hot shower, and kept towels on them.  Then I fell asleep on the couch for 2 hours.  Aaron wore Bertie in the Mei Tai.  Then I tried to go to bed, which was around 9 or 930.  I felt very poorly, so I decided to call the Kaiser advice line, so I could get an appointment first thing in the morning.  I talked to a nurse, but she said she needed to transfer me to the OBGyn line, and there was a wait.  I waited a long time, but finally got on with a nurse.  It was well worth the wait, since she was able to call in a medication for me.  I didn't even need an appointment.  After I got off the phone, I laid in bed and sobbed and sobbed.  I just felt so awful.  My fever got up to 102.9.  I can't remember the last time I had a fever that high.
(I wrote the rest of this the next day)

Aaron went and got my pills and put the baby in the bed with me.  Baby slept.  I laid in bed freezing and crying.  I guess I'm bad at being sick.

He brought back my medicine, and some prescription strength Motrin.  The antibiotics are a little weird, because you need to take them without food.  You can eat 1 hour before or 2-3 hours after. So I have to schedule my meals a little bit.  (We moved Bertie into his bassinet).

A little after midnight my fever broke.  I stayed in bed for a while, sweating and sweating.  Eventually I got up.  I was still tired, but I couldn't sleep.  At some point Aaron brought the babe out to eat.  I think I went to bed around 4, and I just put him in bed with me.  Neither of us had the energy to fight with him.

I still have a fever today, but I've only been feeling the hot side, not the cold side, since I'm staying medicated.  Aaron took the day off work to help me out.  I slept a lot.  I nursed and pumped a lot.  (The right side has the blocked duct, and feels a lot fuller than it is.  One time Bertram didn't eat off it, so I pumped.  I barely got an ounce!)

Everyone keeps saying "Keep pumping!  Keep nursing!"  I don't plan on stopping.  Come hell or high water that baby will be breastfed til at least 6 months, and hopefully a year.

When I showered this evening, I saw the wedge shape on my breast, indicative of mastitis.  So I'm doing heat treatments, and pumping after each feeding.  There have been improvements, and hopefully they will continue.

This and that

I'm working on getting things done around here.  I've been having some cramping, and I worry that baby will be here early.  Granted, we have the really important things: car seat, bassinet, clothes, diapers, stroller.  We also have: soap, wipes, lots of clothes, a crib (with mattress being shipped currently), a recliner, boppy pillow, changing table, cloth diapers (to use once the umbilical stump falls off), diaper pail, nail clippers, burp cloths, etc.  Today I order the last of what we "need": crib mattress, pee pee teepees, changing pad and cover, high chair cover, wet bag, pail liner, and flushable diaper liners (for the cloth diapers).  I still need to get a breast pump for storage, and there is a jogging stroller that folds really small (and is only $100) that I want.

I'm currently rewashing the newborn clothes.  At our recent class, they said not to wash baby clothes with your clothes (due to dyes and perfumes).  I'm not too worried about the diapers, and stuff he'll wear later on.  He'll be used to our perfumes and dyes by then.

I ran around a got stuff today.  I finally found the wash tub I wanted.  (I found it online, but today was the first time I saw it in the store).  I bought wipes, anti-scratch mittens, swaddlers, pads (for me), nail clippers, brush, sensitive baby soap, and a trash can for his room.

I went to lunch with Colleen today.  I got to ask her a million questions about birth, and nursing, and being sleep deprived.  She is a mom I'd like to be like (aside from my own), so I want lots of her advice.  (And she's only bout 1.5 miles away, so she's a good resource).

It's kind of weird.  I'm not actually too nervous about the actual birth.  I know there will be pain, but it's what women's bodies' were meant to do.  I feel like I can do it.  Maybe that's foolish, or short sighted, but I feel ok about it.  Kaiser is really supportive of natural birthing, and long labours.  They don't do inductions (unless medically necessary), they have a really low c-section rate, and a really low episiotomy rate.

I'm concerned about the other stuff.  Having a bad latcher, or a bad sleeper, or being too tired to be useful to him.

Eight more work days til maternity leave!!!

Ok some non-pregnancy stuff.  I want to get the taxes done within the next week or so.  Hopefully we did our withholding correctly.

Dad got out of Good Sam on Thursday.  He's still not feeling great, but better.  His surgeon wants to go in and fix the abscess.  Dad doesn't really want to have more surgery.  He has an appointment on Thursday, so we'll see what happens.

Aaron was sick all week.  He had a strep kind of infection.  The antibiotics he got worked really well, and quickly.

I've lost my ipod shuffle.  I think I need to get a new one.

All corners

I told Aaron today that I may have cheated on him with SpongeBob Squarepants.  Mojo is all corners.  I can't ever figure out if he's up, or down or which way.  Sometimes it feels like his completely perpendicular to the way he's supposed to be.  It's painful at times.  And when he's under my ribs, it's always on the right side.  I've been playing Bach for Mojo a couple times a day.  He seems to like it.  And Aaron's still working his way through the Hobbit (reading it aloud to my belly (and me) most nights).  The crib arrived the other day.  We need to assemble it, and buy a mattress.  I'm really looking forward to maternity leave and nesting.  11 work days left!!!  We also have our infant care class tomorrow.  I'm sure Aaron will be bored, but I'm looking forward to it.

Dad's been at Good Sam since Friday night.  He has an abscess near his small intestine, and it caused the intestine to be inflamed, and that caused a partial blockage.  So he was put on NPO, and started on some pain meds and iv antibiotics.  Saturday and Sunday he still wasn't feeling well.  He had a CAT scan on Monday, and things were looking better, and he was starting to feel better.  Today he felt pretty good, And he got to start on a full liquid diet.  It's looking like he'll get to go home tomorrow.  Yay.

Aaron's been sick the past couple days.  He has something akin to a mild flu (no fever).  He stayed home yesterday and today, but went to a meeting tonight.  I think he may be well enough to go back to work tomorrow, but we'll see.  He's still pretty weak.  Somehow, I've stayed really healthy through my pregnancy (knock on wood).

Another catch up...

The great escape:
Last Sunday Julius made a break for it.  He's become a door darter.  When Aaron was letting the dogs back in, Juli slipped out.  We chased him around (think something out of Benny Hill), until he leapt over a fence and disappeared.  We called for him, put food out, I walked around the block looking for him.  And I cried and cried.  I know cats are good at coming back, but the fact that we got him from a shelter gave me pause.  Maybe he wasn't good at finding his way back?  We kept watching for him.  Then around 5 (two hours later) I saw him sauntering across the yard.  I yelled to Aaron and he went out to lure the cat.  The neighbour dog, Guinness, barked, and Juli took off again.  Aaron yell at me to go around to the front.  So I dashed out there, and Aaron had Julius cornered under the truck.  I told him to grab him by any means, so he hooked the collar.  I crawled around and got a good hold on his scruff and pulled him out.  Then I couldn't stand up, because I'm too pregnant to stand up while holding a cat.
Later in the week, Aaron's folks accidentally let him out too.  But they managed to chase him back into the house.
Illness:
On Wednesday, I wasn't feeling well, and ended up only working a half day.  I had sore throat and some kind of head cold.  Plus I had the feeling I was getting a UTI too.  Not my normal "Holy God! this is the most painful pee ever!" UTI, but the less common "I need to always pee" UTI.  I emailed my ObGYN, and she called in some antibiotics for me, and asked me to go to the lab for a urine culture too.  I left work after working four hours, and drove South to Kaiser.  By the time I got there I needed to pee really bad.  I was glad there was no line at the lab (since there often is).  Then I went down to the pharmacy, which was full of sick, screaming children.  And my Rx wasn't ready, so I had to wait.
The UTI is feeling better.  And after 2 more days off work, I'm finally starting to get over this cold/sinus thing.  I'm draining a little, and my throat is ok.  But I'm still tired. I was going to try to walk today, but a short trip to the grocery store wore me out.
On being alone:
Another reason I'm worn out, is because Aaron's been gone more of the week.  I have no clue how single moms, or Army moms do it.  I do not function well on my own.  He was gone Monday morning through Wednesday afternoon.  Then he had a long meeting on Thursday night.  And now he has a short camp out  tonight into tomorrow.  Bleh.  It's hard for me to take care of four animals, and my sick self.  And try to keep the house in somewhat clean shape.  Even when I'm not sick, I'm tired pretty easily.
Pregnancy:
I'm 31 weeks today.  That means in a couple of days, I'll be 8 months pregnant.  Holy Moly!  That's kind of scary.  Mojo's room isn't ready.  We don't have a car seat or crib (we do have a borrowed bassinet and lots of cloth diapers).  And I really need to get the insurance stuff straightened out.  Ugh, I'll be glad once I have that done.
I've been having a lot of indigestion lately.  Bleh, I hate that.  But I'm still sleeping well, except for waking up to pee.  I can still get comfortable.
Mojo is still dancing around a lot.  I love it.  We're still reading to him nightly.  Aaron was kind of joking around saying we were going to confuse him by reading him The Hobbit one night and Dr Seuss the next.
My baby shower is next week!  Actually, my first one is on Sunday in Virginia.  My relatives are having one for me, even though I can't go, which is really nice.  Then the shower that Sophie is throwing me is next Saturday.  And that means my marmie will be here on Wednesday night!!!  Eee!  And I'm getting an updo done before my shower so I look pretty, since I'm sure there will be lots of pictures.  And I'm excited to see people and eat and have presents.
Marmie:
I'm trying to get the house ready for Marmie's visit.  The guest room is almost ready, it needs a little more cleaning, and some fresh linens.  Aaron is hopefully going to get Mojo's room painted on Sunday and Monday.I'm not sure what she'll do while she's here, since I'm still working when she's here.  I think Sophie wants some help with shower stuff.
It'll be better once I'm on leave and then she'll be back.  Then I can hang with her.

Goals for tomorrow

(Assuming my head doesn't implode from this cold!)

• Get a really good donut and/or a huge bowl of Pho Ga.
• Figure out what treats to buy for my lesson on Sunday.  (I usually bake, but there are too many germs in the house right now).
• Laundry
• Dishes
• Walk the dogos

And if I'm feeling better:

• Clean off the back patio
• mow the lawns
• wash my car

=========================================

I think Aaron is working all day tomorrow.  If I remember correctly: Shooting clays fundraiser morning to afternoon, and a court of honour in the evening.  He's working right now.

To add to the things we don't support: Barilla.  Aaron was pretty bummed about this one, but it has to be done.  You don't like the gays?  We'll find a different brand we like.  So the list now looks like this: Walmart, Chikfila, Barilla, Papa Johns.  

But I will spend extra money to buy name brand Cherrios.  

Sick Sickly.

It all started last Thursday.

I ate a BK veggie burger for lunch, and a Boca "chicken" burger for dinner.  Then my tummy started hurting. I thought I can sleep it off.

Friday morning I felt awful.  But I got up and went to work, because I thought getting up and moving would help.  I made 4 bathroom trips before 7:30, and pulled the trash can right by my desk, because I was sure I was going to barf.  Fortunately, I didn't.  Eventually I felt a little better, and made it through the day.

I drove up to Sonora with the dogs on Friday night.  They were pretty well behaved.  But the drive went on and on, and I was so tired.  I felt pretty crummy when I got there, and went to sleep pretty quickly.

On Saturday I got up early to go and pick up some treats for the staff.  I did my normal things; walked the dogs, picked up litter.  While picking up litter, I got really light headed, and nauseous.  So I stopped and went back to the cabin.  I took a quick, cool shower, and laid down.  I again put the trash can near by.  I slept a couple hours, and felt a little better, but not a lot.  Aaron asked if I wanted to just stay there, instead of going into town.  I said no, I'd be ok,

I did ok.  I still felt lousy.  We saw Wolverine, which wasn't great.  Went to Walmart, got dinner (which Aaron dropped on the floor at the grocery, but they were nice enough to not charge us.  I felt asleep really early.

Woke up sick again.  Got on the road too late, 10:40.  When I got home, I took my temperature, which was high.  I took some medicine and went to bed.

Stayed home sick today.  I'm staying home again tomorrow.  Bleh.