Tuesday, June 28, 2011

30 weeks and slowly losing it

I'm not losing my mind, but I'm pretty much losing everything else.  I would say sleep, but I gave up on sleep when I was 15 so that one doesn't count, but here is what I'm losing:
patience...with everyone, but especially the gross neighbor who lets her 2 dogs bark all day
my appetite
the ability to put on my own socks
comfort
a cute wardrobe
energy
the ability to see the light at the end of the tunnel
my belly button
one-toned skin on my face - stupid melasma
my social security card (this doesn't really count, but I did lose it)

I have felt pregnant for like 2 years...is this normal?  Don't get me wrong, we wanted this more than anything and tried for a while to make it happen, but thinking about doing it again makes my head spin. 

Today at work I was multi-tasking on super speed...no big deal...but trying to prepare for the next 6 months of my life is really hard.  Not only am I getting ready for my 5 week summer program working with 120 incoming 9th graders, but I'm also preparing for 2, 3-hour Diversity & Inclusion trainings up at Camp Orkila for over 100 staff members...AND trying to plan out everything for the fall so the students still get served by the Y even though I'll be on maternity leave.  Thank god the school closes at 3pm in the summer...they rushed everyone out of the building right at 2:59...so I get to "work from home", which means constantly refresh my email and have my work cell handy. 

Doing all of this as pregnant as I am is EXHAUSTING!!!  I'm such a whiner...seriously! By this time at night (6:30pm) I'm totally wiped out...barely able to put on my slipper boots (best Old Navy purchase in a long time)...worried I won't be able to stay awake to watch Pretty Little Liars and not even wanting the delicious dinner that The Husband has prepared. 

Monday, June 27, 2011

family

Sorry for the brief hiatus...I was in Oroville, CA for a little family time from Thursday until late last night. 

So, being with my moms family definitely made me think about family in general.  We were in Oroville for my grandma's memorial service.  My sister and I called her "Plain Grandma" because we only had a grandma on my moms side (plain) and a grandma and grandpa on my dads side.  It made perfect sense to us to call her "Plain Grandma"...not sure if we called her that to her face, but there is a good possibility we did.  Her memorial was short and sweet, but left me feeling a little sad.  Of course memorials should make you feel a little sad, but this was different.  There were a lot of people there, but when it came time for people to share stories or memories...only two people shared.  I think more people should have had something to say...she did have four kids and only one of them spoke.  I know, I know...I could've stood up and said something, but I read a poem as part of the service and felt I had talked enough. 

Sometimes its fun to compare families.  My moms family couldn't be more different than my dads family.  The one thing both families have in common is they both like to drink.  One family drinks a lot of wine and the other drinks Budweiser out of cans, but drinking is the common theme.  If you really want to add in some spice, you can throw in The Husband's family for a third comparison.  I think it's strange how my parents ended up together being raised in such different families, but The Husband and I ended up together and our families are pretty different, too.  It makes me wonder what our kids (yes we're planning on having more than one) will say about our families. 

I think both of my families...moms side and dads side...are a lot of fun.  My dad has three sisters and I have three girl cousins and we're all close in age...between me, my sister and our cousins our ages are 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34.  When you throw in The Husband and two other husbands...it's a pretty fun, young group.  My mom has two brothers and a sister and there are a lot of cousins in the mix of all ages, but it's the adults in this family that make it fun.  My uncles are total cowboys and love the hell out of me and my sister.  We shoot guns, ride ATVs, drink cheap beer and laugh a lot with them. 

I honestly love both families equally...can everyone say that?  I wonder if our son will say that about his extended families? 

If you know me at all...you're giggling a little right now. 

Look ma...no swear words in this one!!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

what kind of mom will I be?

So, today I was having a conversation with one of my close friends about toys..which definitely got me thinking about what kind of mom I'll be in general. 

I have all these ideas, but I know the reality will be very different.  For example, I don't want my house to be overrun with toys.  I get that kids like toys, but babies are entertained by simple things like kleenex boxes, locked cell phones and remote controls...do they really need a million blocks, stuffed animals, and plastic stuff?  One of The Husband's friends has a one in one out rule for any toys.  If their child gets a new toy, they have to choose an old toy to donate.  I love this idea!!  I also think there are good storage options for housing toys.  Have you ever walked into someone house and seen stacks of toys in every corner?  Yuck!  I'd like to utilize our basement as play space, but also have a nice storage unit (maybe one that is also a bench for more seating) that hides all the toys when baby Beals isn't playing with them. 

I realize I need to think a little sooner than toys...like sleeping.  So many people have baby sleep in their room with them...in a bassinet or a pack and play or their bed (weird).  I don't want to do that.  Our closest friends put their baby in his crib in the other room right away.  I'd like to think that is what we'll do.  I know I'll be tired...really, I know...but I don't think I'll bitch and moan too much about walking a little further to his room to feed him or change him or soothe him. 

I'm sure all of my parent friends have opinions on these things and I'd love to hear them.  Not everything works the same for everyone, but I KNOW you all had a vision of how you'd do things before your bundle of joy appeared. 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

new enemy

If you are mean to me...I will draw you the way I see you.  Bitter, angry, and mean!!

Take that!

Clearly today was just proof that I need a little vacation.  Any suggestions?

Monday, June 20, 2011

3 weeks

So, The Husband got a new job...yay for him...and with that came 3 weeks off.  Oh Jesus...3 weeks is a lifetime to that man. 

Today was his first day off and he was calling me at work by 9:15...bored.  He had already finished his book, read the whole paper and walked to get coffee.  It's a good thing the school year is almost over and my summer program doesn't start until July 11th because I'll be able to entertain him at least a little from time to time. 

He did manage to clean out most of the garage because, surprise surprise, that is his new project!  He is going to make it into a work-out room. 

Up to the minute update: 8:10pm "hey, I'm going to stare at the garage for a little bit" - The Husband

OK, back to his day.  There were a lot of misc building materials from the countless other projects he's done so he decided to take a huge load of trash to the transfer station.  At the same time he's being all ambitious, I'm at work feeling like shit.  I think it was a combination of the school being hot, worrying about the vague call I got from my doctor, and being so annoyed about my room being given to someone else, but I got super light-headed and clammy...so I went home for the day.  I arrived home to an empty house...got a big glass of water and laid down on the couch.  I'm not there for 5 minutes when I get a call from him.  "Don't hate me" - oh shit...what now?  "I'm at the transfer station and I forgot my wallet".  I immediately channeled my non-existent New Jersey relatives and swore up a storm.  Seriously?  Today...of all days??  If this is any indication of what the next 3 weeks will be like than this blog will get better and better. 

Sorry, no pictures today.

Oh, and if you're keeping up...I FAILED my first glucose test.  Dammit!  Now I have to go in on Wednesday for a 3 hour test and more of that yucky sugar drink.  Awesome! 

Sunday, June 19, 2011

west seattle farmers market

Today was my first time at the West Seattle Farmers Market.  Isn't it shameful that I've lived here in WS since 2004 and have never been?  Whoops.  Anyway, I think I was expecting magic beans, lots of fresh veggies and melt-in-your-mouth baked goods, but instead was underwhelmed with vegan baked goods, mediocre looking vegetable starts and NO MAGIC BEANS!!  Now, I wasn't in the best mood...The Husband actually said "it's kind of hard to be around you when you're in a bad mood".  Ouch.  I think I was being stinky because the weather was cold and rainy all goddamn weekend, the Starbucks by our house cannot make a black and white mocha to save their life and I've been getting pretty shitty sleep...like forever.  This is no excuse to be in a bad mood to a soon-to-be father on Father's Day, I know, but it is at least a couple reasons that knocked me down a few pegs.
we did buy some lettuce starts


The day immediately turned around after another West Seattle first...our first trip to The Original Bakery near the Vashon Ferry.  Now, it's not that the baked goods were amazing, but 2 of my former students work there...who knew?  They were so cute and excited to see that I was pregnant!  So, when I say the baked goods weren't amazing what I mean is that we went in at like 1pm...so there was barely anything left.  I assume that means this is a popular destination and therefore will be one of the places a walk to with baby Beals when he arrives. 

If you noticed (and when I say you I clearly mean the 3 of you who read this) I didn't blog on Saturday.  When I said I would blog everyday of my third trimester, what I meant was that I would blog everyday OTHER than Saturday.  Cool?  Until there are a million readers begging to hear the random shit that comes out of my head everyday...6 days a week it is!

Friday, June 17, 2011

yuck

So, this morning I had to drink a bottle of dextrose for my gestational diabetes test and it was AWFUL.  Not only did I have to drag my ass out of bed early after a late night of 4square, but I had to chug this sugar water in 5 minutes or less.  For those of you who know anything about me you know it takes me forever to drink anything...I can nurse an iced mocha for like 3 hours.  So, downing this disgusting beverage made me want to puke.

I'll get my test results on Monday...wish me luck. 

I just re-read my first line and it immediately made me think of that Stanley Steemer commercial where the driver is asking his colleague if he's ever had to clean up after an alpaca...because he has...and it was AWESOME!  haha.  If you haven't seen it, here you go!  It gets me every time...so funny.

I normally get a milkshake after every doctor appointment (once a month isn't a lot...stop judging me), but I couldn't bring myself to get a milkshake at 8:30am this morning...nor could I stomach it after my dextrose cocktail.  So, after a long day, we sat down at 8:15pm to watch The Town...all comfy on the couch...in our jammies...and I had to complain about not getting my milkshake today.  I'm such a jerk sometimes.  Anyway, The Husband jumped up, changed back into regular clothes and is currently at the store buying vanilla ice cream so I can make us home-made shakes.  What a guy, right?  Oh man...I can use the chocolate malt powder that I bought for the cookies I just made (thanks again Sister).  Turn of events...life is good tonight.

Just heard the car door...off to make milkshakes! 

Thursday, June 16, 2011

4square

So, The Husband and I had our second 4square tournament tonight and although I didn't play, it went very well.

I LOVE watching grown men get super competitive while playing an elementary school game.  When is the last time you even played 4square?  It's actually a very active, fun "sport".  We're lucky we live a block away from an elementary school with not one, but three 4square courts!  Oh, we also have our own tetherball in addition to owning 2, 4square balls...yeah, that's right.  

I'll admit that the last tournament was a little better, but only because people stayed in the king square long enough to make up some really great rules.  One of my favorites (and not just because it was my rule) was that you needed to swear every time you hit the ball.  Not only were we all drinking beer and wine out of nalgene bottles, but we were yelling "shits" and "fucks" every time we hit the ball.  We probably looked like a bunch of 30 year old drunks with Tourette's, but it was really fun. 

I suggest that everyone play some sort of childhood game with their friends this summer.  Wait, that isn't a suggestion, that is my homework for you.  Good luck.  Tetherball, 4square, wall ball, tag...whatever, just do it.  If you have kids...even better...play with them, they'll love it.

The Husband just proof read this and wanted me to let everyone know that I wasn't drinking tonight. 

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

cookies...brandi...school year almost over

My friend Sam told me today that my blogs will get shorter and more bitter as the 3rd trimester continues.  Thanks, Sam!  Like I said in my last post, I didn't promise these would be good, but I will try to write a post everyday. 

Today felt like Friday...shit, yesterday felt like Friday.  I'm just tired and ready for this school year to be over already.  So, today was some "end of course" exam for some students and I promised one of the staff members, my friend Lori, that I would have coffee and treats for the rest of the staff (I do this for the school on big test days because they are stuck proctoring boring exams).  I made cookies from a recipe my sister just posted - Malted Milk  Chocolate Chip Cookies - YUM!!  Well, I love all chocolate chip cookies, but I thought these would be extra delicious because I also love malt.  Personally, I couldn't taste the malt, but they were chewy and so good!  There were 3 staff members, who will remain nameless, that kept coming in and pretending to want to talk to me, but really just wanted to grub on some more cookies.  I judged them in my head and then again in an email to another colleague.  Come on people, save some for other people!!  = )

While the day was dragging along I decided it was absolutely the appropriate time to order Brandi Carlile tickets!!  For those of you who don't know who Brandi Carlile is, shame on you.  Really, you should see my face right now just thinking about someone who hasn't experienced the awesomeness of Brandi.  It looks like this...
OK, if you really haven't heard her, click on this...My HERO

By the way, those are wrinkles on my forehead from furrowing my brow at you!

So, the plan is that The Husband and I will head up to Bellingham to see Brandi one last time before the baby gets here.  I know we'll see her after the baby gets here, but this will be our little pre-baby vacation. 

Oh, I also got a package today from Old Navy with the cutest maternity tank top!!  Woo HOO for cute, affordable maternity clothes!!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

am I a 14 year old girl?

So, as you know, I work in a high school so am privy to a lot of great TV talk.  I've realized lately that I watch all of the same shows as my 14 year old freshmen girls.  Should I feel bad about that?  I think my sister watches tween/teen shows, too...right Sister?  Have I sparked your interest?  Are you ready to make fun of me?

So, my favorite 3 channels are pretty much Bravo, HGTV, and ABC Family.

My current favorite 14 year old girl shows are:
Pretty Little Liars and Switched at Birth - both are on ABC Family and about high school kids.  I also thoroughly enjoy Make It or Break It (another classic ABC Family show about teenage gymnasts).

I'm not really sure why I'm drawn to these shows because the acting is pretty bad, but I'm still a little obsessed.  The real puzzle is how I get The Husband to be just as hooked as I am.  Am I a 14 year old girl who married another 14 year old girl?  Honestly, I'll DVR an episode and watch it before he gets home from work and when he finds out he'll be like "Oh, thanks for watching it without me, did you at least save it?"

What are your guilty pleasure TV shows??

When I said I'd blog everyday I didn't say they would be good.  = )

Monday, June 13, 2011

long day

Has anyone ever taken something away from you that wasn't necessarily yours to begin with, but still stings when it's gone?

Today my principal gave my room to another outside organization that works in the school without even talking to me about it first.  The girl who works for that organization is constantly complaining about not having enough space.  Her solution: go in with her boss and ask for my room.  Here are some quick facts:

She works 3 days a week - I work 5 days a week
She serves a specific set of students - I serve all students
She has been at the school for less than a year - I have been there for 4 years
Students don't like to hang out in her room - Students rely on my room as a safe place to hang out

There is another one, but I probably shouldn't blog about it.  Let's just say I've never had a student complain about me or my behavior.

Makes me think about my return from maternity leave...and if my work is even valued enough to make it worth coming back.


This is definitely new for me...

Sunday, June 12, 2011

third trimester...more house projects

So, today officially marks our 28th week and the beginning of our 3rd trimester.  For those women who say pregnancy flies by and is the most wonderful time of your life...I'm calling your shit.  We found out we were pregnant the day after Christmas, which feels like a year ago...at least.  I'm not sure if that is because I love Christmas so much or it seriously felt like a year ago, but the combo is enough to say I've been pregnant forever.

My new goal is update everyday of my 3rd trimester...a little experiment.  I got an email update welcoming me to, and I quote, "the trimester where you'll experience heartburn, indigestion, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, sleepless nights, stretchmarks, and varicose veins...but you'll finally get to meet your adorable baby!".  To the person that wrote that, and I quote, "fuck you!".  The only one of those I've experienced so far is sleepless nights, but that was my life before pregnancy so I'm used to it.

The Husband is in super house repair mode now...which is crazy if you've seen our cute little "cottage by the park" house.  Some things do not need to be redone, torn out or completely changed.  Paint on the other hand...is something we could do a lot more of and by "we" I mean him because 'I'm not supposed to'.  = )

New projects/project updates:

The Nursery
It is almost done!!  It's painted a nice, soothing green and I stenciled a birch tree on the wall between the crib and the changing table.  We got a great white faux animal fur rug, framed some cute art, and bought one of those 9 cube storage units with canvas baskets for the closet.  It's pretty stinkin' adorable if you ask me!  Now the finishing touches are curtains for the closet and the window, which my mom has volunteered to make (thanks mama) and a quick one-day update on the half bath in the bedroom, which pretty much needs a new sink and some tile on the floor.  My dad can help The Husband knock that out in a day.


Our Bedroom
There was nothing wrong with our bedroom before...other than the fact that our house is 104 years old so closet space is terrible and the actual dimensions of the room are small, but who needs a grandoise master suite?  Is that where you're going to bring your guests during your Christmas party?  Are you going to sleep in the living room and spend your waking hours admiring your huge bedroom?  I don't think so.  Who cares about a smaller bedroom?  I HATE those people on House Hunters that claim to want an old craftsman, but bitch about a small room (and then I find out it's actually bigger than ours) and how their massive California king bed and ugly furniture just won't fit.  Sorry, I kind of got off track.  We bought our first real, adult bed frame and decided to repaint the room a cool blue.  The bed is here and put together, but the painting just happened today!  We also moved the bed to a different wall because I sleep better facing north to south and our bed was east to west.  I know that sounds weird, but it makes a difference to me.  There are articles if you don't believe me.


The Yard
This is totally The Husbands turf, but I'm proud of what he's done.  We constantly have people walking down our street to get to Lincoln Park that stop in front of our house and stare.  A lot of people have lived in the neighborhood for years and can't believe what we've done to it in 2 years, but some people have never seen it and just stop to say how sweet and cute it looks.  The Husband ripped out all of the grass, brought in new dirt, and had the lawn hydro-seeded in the fall.  Our grass is green, the lawn is flat and he keeps it mowed...with pretty diagonal lines.  I'll admit, the grass is awesome.  Even the neighbor, a 4 year old, prefers our yard to his.  He is constantly climbing over the fence while announcing that he is "going over to Derek's yard".  We also installed a fountain to block out the street noise on the back side of our house, The Hubs installed new electrical so we no longer have to run an extension cord to said fountain.  We have a real garden where I've planted carrots, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, basil and strawberries!  We have amazing wildflowers starting to sprout (thanks to my sisters wedding favors) and some beautiful plants and flowers that I make up names to because I'm not really a plant/flower person. We can't wait for summer barbecues!!







The Basement
We haven't touched it other than buying a new leather sectional.  It still needs a bedroom door and the painting needs to be finished.  The Husband only rolls.  He refuses to "cut in".  I have a ridiculously steady hand, which I think I get from my dad, but that doesn't help when I'm not supposed to paint.  I'm not posting pictures of the basement until it's done...sorry!

I think that's good, right?  But, will everything be ready before baby boy Beals' gets here??