Job Opportunity

I will be a working mom. That's fine with me, though in a perfect world, I would want to be at home with the baby, at least for the first few years.

But, alas, I must make some money. With my current job, I am on contract. I was supposed to have lost my job back in April of '09. Someone has been watching over me, giving me several chances to stay. I think I've worn my welcome out though, because they have had me sign a contract, stating that I will be severed in August . . . just long enough to have the baby and recoup.

Since last April, I've been looking for a job. I've interviewed in 3 different states, and because of my varigated background, it's been quite a struggle to find a job that fits me.

Tomorrow, I go for a full interview (did a partial already) for a position with the same company I work for now, but a different facility. Driving time from home is the same, and I know several of the people that work there already . . . the kicker is that it's a night position. I would be managing 16-20 people on the production floor.

This would be a good move for me, mostly because it shows my flexibility and will expand my experience to include shop floor management. Plus, it would allow the baby to have limited time with a sitter, as I would be home during the day, and Clint at night. And I would only be working 3 nights a week.

The downside, of course, is that I would be working nights. Not too exciting. But, with a pay raise and less money being spent on a sitter, it's a win in my book.

As of now, I am the only internal candidate. 39 applicants have been rejected, 2 have been denied after interview, and 2 others are in the interview process. Because I am internal, I have a priority over the externals. But I am still nervous.

Wish me luck!

I did it.

I started a new blog.

If interested, please visit http://keepmombusy.blogspot.com/.

I will continue to post here about Peanut specifically!

What I Want to Do . . .

I'm 30 years old, and I am still trying to figure this out. Recently, I've been toying with a couple ideas -- first, I'd like to start writing. This idea came to me shortly before I discovered we were pregnant, so it's been put on the sideburner for a bit. It's still there, mind you, but I don't quite know where to go with it. I think the idea is still valid, but with a baby in tow, it may take a turn (if you are interested in my first chapter, please visit my blog at http://aorbandc.blogspot.com/).

Second, I have been toying with the idea of doing something I always thought would be fun . . . event/wedding planning. Apparently, people must take classes for such a thing to really get any business, so that's something I need to consider.

Third, I have been considering going into at-home sales . . . and no, not the kind I used to do (If you know what I'm talking about, fine, but if not, you're better off. Trust me.). I contacted an Avon Rep. today. The problem is that I don't know if I know enough people to really make it worth my while. I suppose it's worth a try . . .

Lastly, and this just came to me today, I would like to start blogging about motherhood. I don't want it to be something boring and all touchy-feely, but I want to talk about crafts, and how to get stains out, and what outdoor activities are fun, and good books to read, etc. My question is, will I get a following? Can I come up with enough on my own? How much time will it take? I think I'll start a blog now and see where it takes me. Worst case is that I take up a little space on the world-wide web.

Belly

I like having a belly.

That's all.

Weight Gain Update -- Week 19

To date, I have gained 18 lbs. According to "the rules", I should have gained about 10 (3 the first trimester and 1 for every week in the second). I gained 5 in the first 12 weeks, and 13 over the last 7 weeks.

Ummmm, for those of you not doing the math, I'm gaining twice as fast as I should!!

I'm not worried.

As far as girth goes, we are now at a 12-inch gain. Gee whiz.

Clint went with me last night to register for Lorelai (or Lorelei) at Target. He knows just a little bit more than I do, so I was grateful that he assisted! However, he told me that he will not be helping at Babies 'R Us, because there are lots of pregnant women there, and pregnant women are crazy.

By the way, I have changed my mind, once again, on the furniture. It is so tough to find matching crib/dresser/armoire sets!! Maybe if the companies would stop having recalls . . . So now, it's cherry finish.

I am lucky enough to have two showers -- 1 in Indiana at the Mosier homestead (Jeff and Lisa), and 1 at the Fralick house (Don and Francie). Mom and Aunt Cheryl are going to take part in the one at Dad and Francie's house, which is so cool. I am totally grateful!!

Another issue we're facing: vehicles. I drive a Focus, and Clint has a Civic hatchback. Both are small, and neither are kid-friendly. Even with just Natalie, we sometimes have to drive both vehicles to our destination! So, we are trying to figure out a way to get a different (not necessarily new) auto that can carry us, 2 children, and 2 little dogs if necessary (plus everything we pack). And we want to do all this without financing through a bank or car company. Yikes. So, wish us luck!

Good Crying

I was honestly a little nervous to tell people that Peanut is a girl!! While I know that either sex would make everyone happy, there was a sense that a boy would have been preferred . . . I was happy to find out that everyone is ready to welcome another girl (especially Natalie!).

Clint and I are both ready to meet this baby. She is going to pull everything together. She has already brought us closer, and I think she has brought Natalie and I closer. She is going to be smart and funny and beautiful and loved.

Clint said he would love to have another little Alyssa . . . I told him that he'll have plenty of opportunities to mediate when the two Alyssas collide!!

And now, as far as a boy goes, there is always next year, right?!

Thanks, Chris!! Part 2

My coworker, Chris, handed down to me some fantastic stuff for the little peanut: a stroller, a car seat, a high chair, a bathtub, and some clothes, among some other goodies . . .

I took everything home and brought it into the house to have a look-see. I opened the first box -- baby bath towels, little socks and shoes, some pajamas and a grocery cart seat cover. . . awesome!

I grabbed the big target bag Chris gave me next. When I opened it, a smell hit me -- it was an unfamiliar smell, and later I was surprised that it was such a mild smell, but anyway . . .

I looked inside the bag. On the top were a few baby bottles that looked used -- still had formula inside. I thought this was a little gross, then peered in further. DOZENS of dirty diapers filled out the rest of the bag. THAT was the unfamiliar smell I was smelling.

While I rushed the bag outside and into the garbage can, I debated with myself -- should I tell Chris what happened?

Well, I figured I had better say something, just in case . . . apparently the trash was sitting at the door at Chris' house, right next to the goodies he was bringing me. He just happened to mistake one garbage bag for one "goody" bag.

We laughed about it. He called his wife, and her response? "It was just to prepare her for what's coming!!"

Awesome.

VENTING . . . WARNING!!!

Pregnancy has given me a voice. I have always been quite opinionated, but have mostly shared those opinions with only myself. I still do not push my faith or my political thoughts or my morals on anyone else.

But something has changed. I think it's all the hormones. I suddenly feel the urge to spout a little. So, if you are afraid of what may be coming, please skip the remainder of this entry!

First off, since it is in the news and in our faces right now . . . I am so disgusted by 2 groups of people with regard to the Haiti crisis.

The first group: I have "friends" saying that we should be ashamed of giving to the Haitians when we have people dying here in America. I completely disagree. Giving is giving. I cannot tell anyone how to spend their money. And I won't even try. But who is to say that I cannot donate money to Haiti's relief, especially when I already donate money here in the states (Salvation Army, United Way, McDonald House, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, etc.)? And how many organizations do we have for US citizens to aid in bettering themselves? The United States' Salvation Army alone brings in almost $2 billion a year. Besides, who's to say that helping Haiti now will not help us in the future? Rebuilding and enhancing their lives and their country will make them stronger citizens of the world. Giving them aid to make a stronger future can help the environment as well. And if we don't help them, what does that say about us? Granted, they have not helped us much in the past . . . but they have not had the ability to do so. Let's give them that ability.

The second group: There are people out there who are donating because it gains them entrance into this "club" . . . they feel they are more socially accepted because the "in" thing is to donate to Haiti. This is selfish and completely absurd.

So . . . . I could keep going with other things bothering me, but I feel much better for the moment, so I will refrain. I apologize for the venting, and I know it's not completely normal to see something like this from me, so I will surely follow up with something a little happier!

New Baby Photos and GENDER!!!!

We are having a girl!! So, be ready to welcome Lorelai (or Lorelei) soon! During the sitting, she was doing everything but. She kicked, threw her arms, turned, smiled, opened her mouth, sucked her thumb, and then smiled some more. It was so cool.

This is where we went for the ultrasound: http://www.thebellyfactory.com/.

Apparently, she had planted herself anteriorly (most babies are on the posterior side), which does nothing bad, except the following:
-makes it hard to find heartbeat
-makes back pain more prominent
-makes it hard to feel baby move
-makes it hard to get good, clear sonogram shots

The black/white pictures are 2D, and the yellowish ones are 3D/4D. Some of these photos are a little freaky (the 3D/4D), but are still so so cool. Most of these are of her face . . .

A straight spine!!

A solid heartbeat!

She's looking right at us! Her skull features are quite apparent. A different view (4D, not shown) gave us a clear picture of who donated their nose to her (it wasn't me!).

This is my favorite! She is sucking her thumb and has kicked one foot in the air!

Just one of the many shots we saw of her smiling. She did this a lot. She also stomped her feet and kept her hands close to her face. So cute!

She looks really serene here. I will concede and say that she looks as though she has Clint's smile. I like that.

Grandpa Don says that looks like a softball player's arm!

This is a 3D shot. The black and white views are kind-of vague, but the bottom right shows her profile (head and hand).

The next few are kind-of creepy. But just remember - she has 5 more months to fill out, and regardless, she is one happy baby!

Another smile!!

This one is a 4D profile. You can kind-of get an idea of the nose I was talking about earlier. She's going to be beautiful!

My hubby thinks . . .

 . . . that I've gone completely crazy.

So, I did a quick poll around work. I asked mothers if they were ever told that they were crazy while they were pregnant. I asked fathers if they told their wives they were crazy (or at least thought it).

They all said yes.

So, really, I'm just a normal pregnant lady.

By the way . . .

I think I've failed to mention this, but we have felt Peanut moving around!! I started feeling it about 3 weeks ago, but I wasnt' sure it was really the baby . . . but Clint felt it Friday night and again last night. It feels like a very slight muscle spasm in my lower left side . . . I feel it mostly after dinner when I'm relaxing, or in the car, when the seat belt is against my belly.

We have also decided to go ahead and do the early ultrasound . . . So, assuming Peanut cooperates, we will find out gender and have some new photos by Saturday afternoon!!!!

Thanks, Chris!!

Even though he'll probably never see this, I'd like to give a shout out to my co-worker, Chris. He and his wife have contributed to the cause . . . Peanut has a stroller, a high chair, a car seat a bath tub, and some clothes (if Peanut is a boy, that is!) . . .

I don't know if all of the items are what I am looking for, but if we can't use them, I know a few people who could . . . so THANK YOU!!

18 Weeks and Counting

So, I've been trying to take photos in the same shirt every two weeks or so, but this morning I snapped one really quick just to get one . . . I will try to get a pic in the right shirt later this week.

As you can see, I've gained quite a bit of girth over the last two weeks . . . I'm wondering if I should start taking photos every week now??

My emotions have become almost unbearable over the last several days. Everything makes me cry. I'm afraid to watch dramatic shows or movies. My friend's sister died this week, and I am afraid to go to the funeral (I've never met her, but have been considering attending for the sake of said friend).

They say morning sickness is worst in the first trimester . . . well, once again, I go against the flow. I've vomited more over the last week than I have in my entire life! I'm sure you were curious about that . . . but it's true.

I still have 2 weeks to go before we find out the gender, and it is absolutely killing me to have to wait. Plus, I have a friend who is 6 weeks behind me in this pregnancy ordeal, and she's had 3 ultrasounds already!! And her doctor told her she could find out gender in 3 weeks!! But there's this place nearby that does 3D/4D (I assume 4D is sound, but I don't really know) and for $60 they will give you photos and identify gender anytime after 16 weeks . . . Clint doesn't seem that thrilled about it, but I think it would make me feel so much better.

After all, I shouldn't be giving the baby a stressful environment to live in, right?

There seems to be deals everywhere on seasonal clothing . . . but alas, I cannot buy any. How fantastic would it be to buy everything on sale??? (Actually, it wouldn't mean that I would be saving money. It just means that Peanut would have twice as much stuff).

I also discovered that very few Target stores carry the Classic Pooh bedroom stuff in their stores -- most of it is online only. This will make it very difficult to paint the baby's room the right shade of sage . . . which is something I wanted to get done this weekend.

My new ring . . . for now.

My fingers have finally gotten too fat for my wedding ring, so I now have a fake in its place . . . it's hideous.

It's Friday

It's been a long, tumultuous week. Ups and downs, both at work and in my personal life, has made me grateful for the dull, quiet times . . .

I've made people around me feel my mood swings apparently -- from crying to "bullying" to laughing hysterically, I think I've managed to piss everyone off somehow. Oh well.

I'm not feeling much these days. What I thought were baby kicks may not be (they're all the way on my left side, while the heart beat was found clear on the right side . . .), and my weight gain has tapered slightly.

I got sick a couple times, however, but the doctor thinks it may be due to something other than being pregnant (like being sick in general).

I am interviewing for a new position with the company, and if I get it, it will mean a lot of changes. I hope Clint's on the same page with me!

It is beginning to be more difficult getting up out of seats and bending over and things like that. My back is starting to hurt a little, but my cankles are pretty much under control now.

Other things going on: Planning for birthing classes; choosing godparents; writing a will; deciding on bedroom colors; and reading. Lots.

I've now gained 17 lbs. and 13 inches. Yikes.

Doctor Visit Update

So, the visit wasn't super-exciting . . . wait. What am I talking about?? We found out that Peanut is doing well, and we heard the heartbeat again! Baby is still really low right now, but Doc's assistant (Doc was called out for a delivery) said that it will pop up in my belly in no time, so no worries.

She didn't say anything about the weight gain, so that's sweet, and my cankles are probably due to my extreme craving for salt . . . so, I just need to be better about my intake.

I asked about a blood screening test for congenital defects, and she almost acted as if it was totally unneccessary, but I will be doing one anyway. It's good to know a little early if there is something more we need to prepare for . . . and hopefully there are no surprises.

Next visit is February 4th, and if Peanut cooperates, we will find out if we will be having a Broderick or a Lorelai!!! At the very least, we will certainly get another sonogram to ooh and ahhh over. Can't wait.

Oatmeal

I can't eat oatmeal anymore. Today marks the day that morning sickness got the better of me. I've been hiccupping all morning, but when I started eating my daily serving of oatmeal, I lost it. Sick.

Some Things People Say . . .

So . . . over the last 2 days, I've had some interesting comments thrown my way. I will keep parties anonymous, but just know that at least a couple of them came from someone very close to me. . .


"You're eating everything in sight. Of course you're huge."


"[now that you've finally dyed your hair] You don't look like that Boyle woman anymore!"


"What have you been eating? You look like you've gained a TON of weight!"


"I can see you're pregnant, mostly in your face. It's rounder than it used to be."


"We have to have someone around who can curb your mood swings, you know."


"You're only 4 months along? Wow. You better slow your role."


. . . . and finally . . .


"Just wait 'til that baby has a head like Clinton's. You're going to be sore for months!"

Weight Gain Update . . . Ugh.

Yikes. I am going to get in trouble Thursday. The holidays and the second trimester have not been good to my bottom line . . . I've gained 16 pounds!!! Over 4 months! Guess I had better start using more lotion and watching for stretch marks. Bleh.

Furniture Picks

I know I can probably find some used furniture, but this is the stuff I'm really liking. I have to have the armoire, because Peanut will not have a closet. Also, I like the convertible cribs -- you can use them much longer than regular cribs.

Bedding Choice

This is the style I've picked out for Peanut. It's Classic Pooh. The sucky thing is, you can only buy it online through Target . . .

I like the "Classic" style much better than the others, and I think this is gender-neutral enough that I can start planning the room out now. (Plus, Dad's coming to visit in the next month or so . . . maybe I can get him to paint the room for me!!)

10, 12, and 16 weeks

So . . . . I'm back!

I've been away from a solid internet connection now for two weeks, but I am finally back.

I took a photo of my 16-week belly, but the website is not accepting my photos for some reason . . . I will continue to try and upload the update.

Not much is new, except for the size of my belly. I have gained significant inches in the pelvic region, but not really anywhere else.

My food intake is frightful. I am always hungry. No constant cravings . . . I mostly want something different every five minutes. Last night, I wanted apples. Today, I want bananas.

I still feel tired, but that could be because I have been sick for the last week and a half. Sinus infection. Bleh. And now my ears are aching. Dr. Kathy gave me some weak antibiotics, but they'll only get me so far.

The holidays were spectacular, and throughout the entire season, I kept thinking about how next year we'll have a little one to tote with us to the get-togethers!!

For New Year's Eve, we took Peanut to its first concert. It exhausted me. And I cried for absolutely no reason. But that's getting more typical.

I am sooooooo wanting to feel the baby move. I think I felt it a week ago, but it was surely not definitive enough to rest my worried mind (My mind is always in a state of worry). Maybe our next visit with Dr. Dedelow this week will help (Thursday at 4:30, central time). I don't think we will get an ultrasound or find out Peanut's gender, but by February we should know!!

I've looked at every single gender myth I could find, and signs are generally pointing to boy. However, the Chinese gender calendar (which is over 90% correct -- and I tested this!) says it's a girl. Mom says I would be better with a boy. I can't argue with that. Everyone on my side of the family thinks it's a boy . . . I just want 10 fingers, 10 toes, 2 eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Well, and everything in-between.

Peanut is sitting very low still (which you would be able to tell on your own, if I could upload the pic), and so visits to the bathroom are increasing in number.

I am starting to really think about what we have to do before Peanut gets here (which is only 5 months from now!!!) . . . we need a new vehicle, because Natalie and Peanut cannot easily fit into the Honda. We have lots of little projects around the house that need to be finished up . . . and we still have to remove the spare bedroom furniture and prep Peanut's bedroom. Yikes!! I am trying not to get overwhelmed, but it seems like there is a lot on my plate these days.

For Christmas, my mother gave us money to prepare the new bedroom (and also a stuffed animal and receiving blanket for baby), so that will help quite a bit.

That's all for now. Let me know if you have questions!! And expect to see a new photo soon!