Sunday, August 16, 2009
Lazy Sunday ramblings
We are relaxing and taking it a little easier today...the past few days have been fairly busy. Ian started scraping the peeling paint in the bathroom on Wednesday in the hopes of finally fixing it up, and unwittingly uncovered a big problem with potential (probable) lead paint. He stopped, well, he stopped after I freaked out about lead dust and the health hazards of lead, and did some sorely needed research about this dangerous problem. We are going to ask the OB about testing me for my potential exposure to the lead...fortunately our next checkup is tomorrow.
The plan now is to encapsulate the potential lead using a special sealant after *carefully* removing the peeling and damaged stuff. The worst of it (removing the peeling paint) is finished, with Ian using a lead filter respirator and sealing off the room. He has covered all surfaces with spackle to even the texture, but still needs to sand and apply finishing coats - looks really rough now. Then apply the sealant, prime, and paint...then done! Well, at least with the bathroom...next comes the bedroom, the nursery spare bedroom, and the hallway. Ugh...so much work and way behind schedule but this problem must be fixed asap and his schooling starts again very soon.
I stayed at my parents with the five dogs Thursday through Friday to avoid additional exposure...it was a good time! Mocha enjoyed the sleepover with her five sisters. Lots of swimming in the crick and running around outside. Hailey had a rough time - she fell a few times and seemed to be very sore and limped quite a bit...old age is really setting in. The dogs were very good - slept through the night right next to (or on top of) me and Mom on the couches in the living room. Only bad thing was that the poor dogs uncovered multiple yellow jacket nests and swarms over the two days. I think the only dog not stung was Luna...couldn't get through her thick fur. Hardest struck was Sadie. Fortunately Mom and I were not stung once. On the bright side, the pups uncovered a huge nest down near the crick, right near where Mom and Dad set up for their annual picnic which was on Saturday.
We did end up going to the picnic after all on Saturday. I didn't think we would make it because I had a bridal shower that afternoon for a friend in Philly at a nice restaurant on the waterfront (food was very very good...she and her family are fellow foodies! herb crusted salmon and then creme brulee for dessert...yum!). The shower was fun, and I am glad I was able to make it. The bride is a very sweet and nice girl that I met at Penn in graduate school - in my class and program. She and her groom to be make a wonderful couple, and I am sure the wedding in October is going to be amazing. Despite being HUGE by then, I fully plan to attend - wouldn't miss it for the world!
Back to the picnic...there were a good number of people there, most of whom I could not identify. Mom's bbq chicken and hot wings were very good, and Ian definitely ate more than his share! It was great to see the kids, as I haven't seen them since Vermont. Leif, Griffin, and Maeve were their usual boisterous selves; Sawyer was glued to Ian a good part of the day; and Ryder, Dawson, and Eve and I spent a lot of time hanging out and talking. I loved it! The only thing a little odd was Tessa...she was very distant and wouldn't speak to Ian or me. Makes me think that she is aware of the problems between me and my sister....that is a real shame. I was hoping that the kids would be a bit shielded from all this pettiness. Very disappointed in that.
Tonight is supposed to be my sister's birthday dinner, but Ian and I will not be going for multiple reasons. First of all, we can't afford to go. It is pricey and fairly far away for us. With all the unanticipated house issues, the baby, and our joint unemployment, we have to be sooo frugal. Sucks. Second of all, it would be awkward right now, as Nicole and I have not spoken directly to each other or attempted to address our issues. Third of all, so much to do around the house over the next two weeks. Part of me feels a little guilty for not going, but then again, there have been countless times that I have not felt supported by my sister. Two wrongs never make a right, but sometimes you need to do what is best for yourself.
Got a call from my brother Buck and Demetra this morning - they might have H1N1 (I refuse to call it swine flu anymore). Buck is better, and Demetra seems to have a mild case. I have a strange fascination with this virus...and the potential badness it may bring this winter. I am definitely going to get the vaccine asap...good thing that pregnant women are going to be first in line when it becomes available...bad thing that we are also extremely susceptible to the strain.
Oh well, a little more relaxation this afternoon then back to work this evening! Oh wait - one funny thing - before I left for my Mom's, I had made a pitcher of iced tea out of tea recommended during pregnancy. I guess I forgot to mention this to Ian, as he drank nearly the entire pitcher while working on the bathroom. I got a kick out of that...hope his hormones were in balance those two days!
Marie
The plan now is to encapsulate the potential lead using a special sealant after *carefully* removing the peeling and damaged stuff. The worst of it (removing the peeling paint) is finished, with Ian using a lead filter respirator and sealing off the room. He has covered all surfaces with spackle to even the texture, but still needs to sand and apply finishing coats - looks really rough now. Then apply the sealant, prime, and paint...then done! Well, at least with the bathroom...next comes the bedroom, the nursery spare bedroom, and the hallway. Ugh...so much work and way behind schedule but this problem must be fixed asap and his schooling starts again very soon.
I stayed at my parents with the five dogs Thursday through Friday to avoid additional exposure...it was a good time! Mocha enjoyed the sleepover with her five sisters. Lots of swimming in the crick and running around outside. Hailey had a rough time - she fell a few times and seemed to be very sore and limped quite a bit...old age is really setting in. The dogs were very good - slept through the night right next to (or on top of) me and Mom on the couches in the living room. Only bad thing was that the poor dogs uncovered multiple yellow jacket nests and swarms over the two days. I think the only dog not stung was Luna...couldn't get through her thick fur. Hardest struck was Sadie. Fortunately Mom and I were not stung once. On the bright side, the pups uncovered a huge nest down near the crick, right near where Mom and Dad set up for their annual picnic which was on Saturday.
We did end up going to the picnic after all on Saturday. I didn't think we would make it because I had a bridal shower that afternoon for a friend in Philly at a nice restaurant on the waterfront (food was very very good...she and her family are fellow foodies! herb crusted salmon and then creme brulee for dessert...yum!). The shower was fun, and I am glad I was able to make it. The bride is a very sweet and nice girl that I met at Penn in graduate school - in my class and program. She and her groom to be make a wonderful couple, and I am sure the wedding in October is going to be amazing. Despite being HUGE by then, I fully plan to attend - wouldn't miss it for the world!
Back to the picnic...there were a good number of people there, most of whom I could not identify. Mom's bbq chicken and hot wings were very good, and Ian definitely ate more than his share! It was great to see the kids, as I haven't seen them since Vermont. Leif, Griffin, and Maeve were their usual boisterous selves; Sawyer was glued to Ian a good part of the day; and Ryder, Dawson, and Eve and I spent a lot of time hanging out and talking. I loved it! The only thing a little odd was Tessa...she was very distant and wouldn't speak to Ian or me. Makes me think that she is aware of the problems between me and my sister....that is a real shame. I was hoping that the kids would be a bit shielded from all this pettiness. Very disappointed in that.
Tonight is supposed to be my sister's birthday dinner, but Ian and I will not be going for multiple reasons. First of all, we can't afford to go. It is pricey and fairly far away for us. With all the unanticipated house issues, the baby, and our joint unemployment, we have to be sooo frugal. Sucks. Second of all, it would be awkward right now, as Nicole and I have not spoken directly to each other or attempted to address our issues. Third of all, so much to do around the house over the next two weeks. Part of me feels a little guilty for not going, but then again, there have been countless times that I have not felt supported by my sister. Two wrongs never make a right, but sometimes you need to do what is best for yourself.
Got a call from my brother Buck and Demetra this morning - they might have H1N1 (I refuse to call it swine flu anymore). Buck is better, and Demetra seems to have a mild case. I have a strange fascination with this virus...and the potential badness it may bring this winter. I am definitely going to get the vaccine asap...good thing that pregnant women are going to be first in line when it becomes available...bad thing that we are also extremely susceptible to the strain.
Oh well, a little more relaxation this afternoon then back to work this evening! Oh wait - one funny thing - before I left for my Mom's, I had made a pitcher of iced tea out of tea recommended during pregnancy. I guess I forgot to mention this to Ian, as he drank nearly the entire pitcher while working on the bathroom. I got a kick out of that...hope his hormones were in balance those two days!
Marie
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A cat guard....
Monday, August 10, 2009
26 weeks
Wow, I cannot believe it has been 26 weeks...the end is approaching! Unreal and a bit terrifying. I am starting to feel as big as a house (this is becoming a bit traumatic for me) and am hating this heat! For once, I am totally okay with not having to leave the house for the next few days (100 degree days!!!!). I cannot wait for the fall. Trying to come up with a clever Halloween costume-definitely going to avoid something as cheesy and cliche as a pregnant nun.
Hmmm..related to Halloween, my aversion to chocolate has disappeared. Still not a chocoholic as before, but I am actually enjoying it again. Fruit and berries trump all however! I think I could live on watermelon, mango, strawberries, and blueberries...cherries. Hmmm...tomatoes and cucumbers are up there too! Good thing this pregnancy happened over the summer...good thing Costco supplies these things in abundance for prices that we can actually afford, though Ian's crate o' mangos borders on absurdity.
I feel a bit clumsy and awkward, but Ian is being really great about that. He is also giving fantastic foot massages - well, he has always done that - but it seems so wonderful these days. He has also come up with a plan for the next two weeks to try to tackle the list of must-do house projects. It is ambitious and we will be very busy, but it must take priority in the next two weeks so that he can start school again (and work hopefully) with less stress at home. We will be very busy unemployed bums.
The baby is kicking, but this week she is a little more subdued...no bladder kicks/punches. I think after my next appointment in a week we start having appointments every two weeks...which means we probably need to sign up for birthing classes. Ugh...
I have been cleaning out the spare bedroom/nursery...getting all my craft and art supplies organized to clear some space for the baby supplies. I discovered some really cool stuff, by the way, that I had almost forgotten I had! It is coming together- just need to order the crib bedding and then that will be all set. I changed my mind about which set. Ian and I went to Target to actually look at it, and he gave his seal of approval. He likes the lion a lot! No more changes!
I have started to feel alive again, so I am going to start responding to the various emails from my friends sent over the past few weeks...I hope I haven't sorely disappointed any of them for my persistent silence. I know my Mom and Christie have been starting to work on planning a baby shower for us - I want to thank them very much for doing so much already and what they may do in the future (I expect nothing!!!). Sometimes I wonder what I do or did to deserve the two of you! Whatever happens I am sure it will be a fantastic time and I will appreciate it very much.
Other than that, I have been spending time with the pups. Keep telling myself to enjoy these last two months before the craziness really sets in.
Marie
Hmmm..related to Halloween, my aversion to chocolate has disappeared. Still not a chocoholic as before, but I am actually enjoying it again. Fruit and berries trump all however! I think I could live on watermelon, mango, strawberries, and blueberries...cherries. Hmmm...tomatoes and cucumbers are up there too! Good thing this pregnancy happened over the summer...good thing Costco supplies these things in abundance for prices that we can actually afford, though Ian's crate o' mangos borders on absurdity.
I feel a bit clumsy and awkward, but Ian is being really great about that. He is also giving fantastic foot massages - well, he has always done that - but it seems so wonderful these days. He has also come up with a plan for the next two weeks to try to tackle the list of must-do house projects. It is ambitious and we will be very busy, but it must take priority in the next two weeks so that he can start school again (and work hopefully) with less stress at home. We will be very busy unemployed bums.
The baby is kicking, but this week she is a little more subdued...no bladder kicks/punches. I think after my next appointment in a week we start having appointments every two weeks...which means we probably need to sign up for birthing classes. Ugh...
I have been cleaning out the spare bedroom/nursery...getting all my craft and art supplies organized to clear some space for the baby supplies. I discovered some really cool stuff, by the way, that I had almost forgotten I had! It is coming together- just need to order the crib bedding and then that will be all set. I changed my mind about which set. Ian and I went to Target to actually look at it, and he gave his seal of approval. He likes the lion a lot! No more changes!
I have started to feel alive again, so I am going to start responding to the various emails from my friends sent over the past few weeks...I hope I haven't sorely disappointed any of them for my persistent silence. I know my Mom and Christie have been starting to work on planning a baby shower for us - I want to thank them very much for doing so much already and what they may do in the future (I expect nothing!!!). Sometimes I wonder what I do or did to deserve the two of you! Whatever happens I am sure it will be a fantastic time and I will appreciate it very much.
Other than that, I have been spending time with the pups. Keep telling myself to enjoy these last two months before the craziness really sets in.
Marie
Sunday, August 9, 2009
A night out....
Sat night we had a rare night out at Christie's neighborhood party. It was a great time - complete with mango margaritas (yummy and alcohol free for Marie). I took the tequila away before she was able to add it, but I think she managed a sip from our other host Kathryn. The girl is fiending for a drink.
We met a lot of interesting people, including the local exhibitionist aka shower girl. Who takes a shower at 8pm at night for hour and a half with no shades?
We also sugar loaded one of the local toddlers with three of those chocolate cupcakes resulting in a massive meltdown. Lots of fun to watch! Glad we are not having a boy.
Thank you to Christie for really cute outfits - they are really great and cover some much needed size ranges! I have just been informed that the baby is getting space in the closet which is more than I have ever received.
Grandma Netty gave the little one her first book - a little golden book called The Shy Little Kitty. In it she wrote that she would read it any time the little one asks. I think she will regret this promise and have it memorized in short order.
We met a lot of interesting people, including the local exhibitionist aka shower girl. Who takes a shower at 8pm at night for hour and a half with no shades?
We also sugar loaded one of the local toddlers with three of those chocolate cupcakes resulting in a massive meltdown. Lots of fun to watch! Glad we are not having a boy.
Thank you to Christie for really cute outfits - they are really great and cover some much needed size ranges! I have just been informed that the baby is getting space in the closet which is more than I have ever received.
Grandma Netty gave the little one her first book - a little golden book called The Shy Little Kitty. In it she wrote that she would read it any time the little one asks. I think she will regret this promise and have it memorized in short order.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
A new seat...
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