Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tree Fluffing

There is an often overlooked ritual at Christmas Time called Tree Fluffing. Those who journey forth and retrieve live cut trees only experience this in small doses as those little buggers flop their branches merrily helter skelter when they are released from their nets sending fragrant needles barreling through the house that you will be chasing till after the new year (and cleaning up in piles of cat puke for long after that).

Those who have decided to be a little more eco and budget friendly know this ritual intimately. As it takes a good 30-45 minutes to fluff a 7 foot pre-lit artificial tree every year. We release them from their musty boxes, assemble and set to work diving in and around smashed branches, unfolding, straightening, spreading, arranging until our tree has taken its graceful shape once more.

My darling husband who always assembles and fluffs for me, refused to fluff this year, determining that it was my turn since he had done it the past four years. So while that is the one thing I absolutely despise doing, I did it. I figured it was only fair as I did not help bring up any of the storage boxes from the basement. He took a picture to prove at some point in time, I actually fluffed a tree.

My black yoga pants and ratty Old Navy T-shirt aren’t the most festive get-up but definitely comfortable for the task of tree fluffing. The Christmas Season has officially begun!

Merry Christmas and Happy Tree Fluffing!


Monday, November 29, 2010

I'm Dreaming of McFatty Mondays

I actually miss dieting. (I can’t believe I actually said those words aloud and put them in writing.) I miss the conscious effort of food to exercise ratio to results on a scale. Pregnancy counteracts that equation in every way. I eat well, watch my portions, do some exercise and the scale goes up. It’s a mind-fuck after years of it working the other way.

It is very difficult to find a balance between eating well for pregnancy and dieting in order to NOT gain weight by doctor’s orders. I don’t seem to be able to grasp the concept. So I’m focusing on all the ways I’m going to LOSE the weight after HLB is born.

For years, I had trouble losing weight for myself. I walked the line of trying and wanting to be that healthy version of me and then I started getting the hang of it and eating to suit my body with the new information I have. Now, it’s a whole different story.

I want to be everything I can be, as healthy as I can be for my son. I want to be an active pretty mom that sets a good example and has the energy to go to all his events and play in the yard even after a full day of work and housework. I’m already going to be an “old” mom (which hopefully in today’s society isn’t as noticeable) but I don’t want to be an ugly fat one on top of that.

I have new directions, new goals, new inspiration to be the absolute best and live a very full life so that my SON has the best childhood and experiences that I can give him and that includes being able to keep up with him and play in the yard, go hiking, go riding, and not pass out on the sofa as soon as I hit the door. Some people let themselves go as a mother blaming lack of time on the children.

I can’t imagine, because I want to take care of myself MORE now FOR my child.

Post-Thanksgiving Menu

The Thanksgiving food orgy is over. I actually didn’t do too bad. I never got too full, I kept my portions small, but I did major damage to leftover Mac and Cheese and Apple Pie. So needless to say, no matter what, I did damage to my waistline to the tune of 2-3 pounds. (The daily Starbucks didn’t help that any I’m sure) ::sigh::

Over the weekend my mother-in-law purchases some older cook books from a used book store that had some interesting recipes in them. They are on the lighter side or as they claim “Light Comfort Foods.”

So this week, before the Christmas baking begins, I’m going to try and do some cheap light dinners to not only make up for the waist line expansion but the reduction in the wallet from Black Friday shopping.

Creamy Broccoli, Chicken and Rice Casserole

Beef & Pasta Stew

Soft Tacos

Black Pepper Fettuccine with Grilled Chicken Salad

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Thankful for Children Loving Dogs

Somethings do not turn out like you wanted nor expected, like hosting Thanksgiving. There is only so much that you can control. The rest is out of your hands.

Then there are some things that turn out better than expected and brings joy to your heart and excitement for the future, like a mob of little blonde boys and two happy Dachshunds.

There is no denying that my three nephews are in the same family though they honestly look nothing like either my SIL or BIL, they still manage to look like each other (and favor my husband a little bit in his baby pictures). Those genes are strong in that family and there is a good chance my own son may get those strong traits despite my almost black hair and slightly olive skin tone. When you see these happy little faces with cuddly wiggly dogs though? The only thing you can do is smile to think it won't be long before my little boy will be surrounded by ecstatic pups whether he be blonde, brunette or even ginger.

Who couldn't fall in love with these sights to behold and be Thankful for these adorable pups and boys no matter how stressful the holiday turned out to be? My future with my son and dogs is bright indeed. :)


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Pee'sd to be Southern

Being a Southern Girl requires a certain palate (and if you say you don’t like these things then you are not southern so quit pretending to be) and responsibility to foods. Grits, fried chicken, sweet tea and collard greens are mandatory likes.

That old adage about too much of a good thing? Never true when it comes to the Southern Four…unless you are pregnant.

During this pregnancy I’ve had an intimate relationship with collard greens. INTIMATE. Not a constipation issue in sight either. Not surprising right?

I think I finally found the limit of collard greens though. Asparagus pee has nothing on Collard green pee except the smell. Asparagus pee is pungent but collard green pee mixed with pregnancy hormones: a delightful sensory experience in a bathroom of baking cornbread and fried collards in a warm kitchen on a cold day.

Not exactly the experience and smell you expect when taking a whiz in a work bathroom where diesel fumes are usually the most prevalent smell assaulting your nose. It was a singularly very disconcerting experience.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving though, so I am flushing my system with extra water (anything above 100 ounces a day is extra right?) so that I can eat more collard greens tomorrow. I’m a glutton for punishment.

I can, however, rest assured tonight, that I’m baking a truly Southern Boy who will love him some down home cooking like fried greens and cornbread. I’m giving myself an A so far for being a proper Southern Mom and teaching my boy the joys of being from the grand ole South. ::wink::

I'm totally wearing Pocohontas braids to honor my heritage for Thanksgiving ;)

Total weight gain: As of Monday it was back to 10 but its Thanksgiving, I odn't see that number staying there. LOL
Maternity clothes? No but I wear some of them anyway. It won't be long before I have to wear the pants though.
Sleep: Somewhat decent.
Best moment this week: DH getting to listen to his son play and move via dopplar while we snuggled in the bed.
Gender: Definately a BOY!
Craving: Collard greens and Fried chicken dipped in ranch.
Movement: Getting stronger with more distinct thumps.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? Still In.
What I miss: My waist and a lowering number on the scale.
What I am looking forward to: Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping.
Milestones: Finding baby with a home dopplar and getting very distinct thumps.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Pregnant Panhandlers- A Rant

Just so you know, going into this, I’m a very practiced equestrian and I love being on a high horse (as long as I can sit a Western Saddle). So if you are offended by my judgments on those less fortunate than myself, I suggest you stop reading now.

Panhandlers annoy me. I know there are many people who have lost jobs and homes and have issues and I feel sorry for them. I really do. I always try to say to myself “you don’t know what they’ve been through.” The problem is the few times I’ve tried to offer some food or a bottle of water they scoff at me. They want money. Well sorry bucko, but beggars can’t be choosers. If you are that choosey, then you don’t really need it.

In my state Panhandling has become quite lucrative. They did an expose on one of the more well known panhandlers in Greensboro only to find that when he’s not wearing his “homeless uniform” he’s driving around in a Cadillac and has a very nice house, while laughing at the people he’s hosed. All of a sudden there’s one on every corner which automatically breeds distrust.

More specifically, if you are a female, wearing nice clothes and holding a sign that says “Homeless, just had a baby, need money” with no baby in sight, I’m not giving you crap. ESPECIALLY when there is a HIRING sign on the store BEHIND your sorry ass. If you REALLY have a kid, then you obviously have a sitter or someone to help you, so take yourself inside and apply for a job and use their address. We have WAY too many programs available that my taxes pay for along with local and national charities I contribute to regularly to be doling out cash for something I honestly believe is a flat lie to appeal to people’s sympathy.

Here’s the clincher for me though. TWO women standing at the same intersection (different medians) in front of the hospital in Winston holding cardboard signs “Homeless and Pregnant, God Bless You.” Of course I have to pass them to get to my OBGYN. What takes the cake? They both stand there brazen as can be eating fast food, with large gulp cups and smoking like freight trains. I want to murder them.

I see them all the time. I don’t believe for a skinny minute they are BOTH pregnant and if they are homeless how the heck are they buying cigarettes when they need to be eating for those babies and NOT smoking. I’m sick of the ploys to get money for doing nothing. Oh, its hard work standing out on a pretty day (because I never see them when the weather isn’t beautiful) for hours taking money and chatting with your girlfriend. Whatever. Get a fucking job like the rest of us and if you can’t afford to have a kid, don’t get pregnant. If you can’t afford a home, having nasty street sex in a cardboard box should be the last thing on your mind.

Maybe I’m just a doubting person because I have seen way too much corruption and know of way too many manipulative people, but I can’t honestly believe 95% of the panhandlers I see. When they use babies to evoke the heartstrings it makes me see red, especially when I know they are being mistreated if they are truly pregnant etc by how they are treating their bodies.
To try to ease my frustration when I see them (and my blood pressure) DH jokes about how they both got knocked up by the guy Panhandler a block down and he’s panhandling to pay his future child support. I laugh, but I gag at the same time….because the image of the three unattractive people rolling around in an alley makes me want to puke.

Menu Monday-Thanksgiving Week Edition

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is here! We have been so busy that I didn’t get to do a lot of Holiday experimenting but I am hoping to do some baking/ new recipes for Christmas. This week’s menu is on the sparse side since we have company coming and everything is all about the Thursday meal!

This weekend I journeyed (the whole 45 minute trip….ooooooo…LOL) to my parent's house to do a little Farm shopping for the holidays. Loaded up on fresh from the garden sweet potatoes, Gala Apples right from the tree, collard greens, mixed greens, turnips and eggs (right from the chicken’s butt!). Those will be put to great use as fried greens, stewed turnips, sweet potato casserole, deviled eggs and the apples are incorporated into a big basket of fruit and candy for everyone to snack on.

This week’s menu (of non thanksgiving meals) includes:

Grilled Steaks, rice and collard greens
Fried Chicken tenders, mixed greens, perogies
Baked Spaghetti

I will do a separate post on the Thanksgiving Menu and my holiday tips and preparations.

Friday, November 19, 2010

A day of unease

So I had quite an experience yesterday. One I would rather not repeat. It started out innocent enough with my body flushing out everything like the Drop Slide at a water park.

By mid morning, I was unbelievably starving and cold to the point I had the shakes. I tried to eat something but it only made me feel sick. I had on my thick sweater and my space heater and started feeling hot on the skin but was still cold…almost feverish. My face was on fire and beet red. So I had one of our guys on the production line who is our emergency responder take my blood pressure and it was 140/90.

Needless to say, I called the Dr. and they decided to have me come in. By the time I got to the Dr. an hour and a half later, my blood pressure had only come down to 138/88 so not a significant improvement. They had me lay on my left side (which I would have tried but there is no way I’m laying on a grimey concrete floor in this place) while they checked little mister and my blood sugar and pulse and oxygen levels etc. Everything was good. That beautiful little heartbeat is getting easy to find and trucks right along no matter what tortures my body is going through.

Finally, about 30 minutes later when they checked my blood pressure again it had dropped to 100 / 66. WHOA. I was by that point, lethargic but my face was still on fire and bright red. I decided it was best if I headed home and continued to lie down. I felt feverish. So I ended up sleeping on the sofa for over 2 hours under a quilt with my Doxie’s curled around me for warmth.

When I finally got up to make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins for DH’s holiday work party, I was very pale with bright red clown circles on my cheeks. Pretty huh?

I’m back at work today and so far so good. A little shaky, very cold and a little pale but I’m here and feeling like a bus ran over me. Tonight’s agenda is more sofa surfing with a plate full of chicken and mild pasta.

I have a busy weekend ahead and I don’t want to be feeling crappy through it or I’ll be stressed out next week trying to get ready for Thanksgiving and Stress is the LAST thing I need. Plus I have some exciting blog posts planned and I need my energy to get to them!

Easiest Pot Roast Ever

Seriously. Need a fast meal? Forgot to put the Pot Roast in the crockpot before work? I have a five minute dinner cure for you.

Ingredients:
2-3 Pound Beef Roast
2 Stalks Celery
2-3 large carrots
1 medium yellow onion
3 pounds of Red Potatoes
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 cup Beef Broth
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
1 ½ tbs Worcestire Sauce

Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Tinfoil line a Roasting pan (for easy clean up). Place Roast in pan and pierce several times with a fork. Liberally sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic powder over the top. Pour Worcestire Sauce on top and press in with fork tines. Peel carrots and any eyes off the potatoes. Cut carrots into 1 inch pieces, quarter potatoes. Cut Celery into 1 inch pieces. Slice Onion. Layer carrots, potatoes, celery and onions into pan around and over roast. Pour Cream of chicken Soup over and then dilute it with Beef Broth.

Cover and cook for an hour and a half. What comes out is tender Beef, delicate potatoes and rich gravy with very little prep work! So after a long hard day, you can spend five minutes in the kitchen and then put your feet up while your oven does the work.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Xena: Warrior Prinesses

I’ve come to the conclusion that only the strong are cursed with and survive IF. In an age of pure impatience when people feel abnormal and bitter when they haven’t conceived after 2 cycles of trying, it must mean those of us who continue to fight and have lasted for years in this process are miraculous in and of ourselves for our strength of character alone.

It takes strength, character, patience, hope and bravery to face Infertility. Some infertility cases are a lot easier to diagnose and treat; some are harder. None should be diminished. Even with the mildest of treatments, there are still consequences, emotional roller coasters, side effects etc.

I am fortunate in my own way, in that some of the simpler treatments worked for me. Clomid + Metformin + Preconcieve = Success. That was my miracle formula. It took a few months to get it right after several months of Charting, Dr.’s appts, and tests for the diagnosis to get to that point. Overall it took 2 years 6 months to conceive. Then we miscarried which brought a whole new set of emotions, fears, months of waiting while dealing with my emotional state. Then a Chemical Pregnancy and a few more months of waiting (on me.) Finally our miracle formula again for a few months and Success with HLB. Even the easier treatment (compared to shots, IUI, IVF etc, multiple meds etc) are not “easy.”

With each passing day, negative thoughts creep into your head. WHAT IF I can’t ever carry to term? WHAT IF I can’t conceive again? WHAT IS the next step? Etc. Etc. I did not have to continue on searching for answers and help. I can’t say for sure that this is the end all for me because I’m not yet holding my baby and I’ve been around long enough to know that things can happen late in the game but I choose not to think about that. I’ve made it this far and for me I’m hoping the worst is over (aside from that pesky C-section it looks like I’m going to HAVE TO HAVE thanks to a low-lying placenta).

For those that are still fighting this fight, it’s not over and even through my happiness and sometimes my silence, I worry with them, I pray for them, and I continue to hope for them. I continue to follow stories and medical practices to see what their Success formula will be. IF is a sisterhood, not a fun one like my Gamma Sigma Sigma girls, but a sisterhood none the less. The Loss Club is not one you ever want to be in but its there none the less as well. You can’t identify us by big letters across our chests or dainty pendants on a necklace. Sometimes, you can identify us by a simple pink and blue ribbon that we may wear or a red thread bracelet around our wrists or even a Baby’s foot Seashell necklace. We are out there, and we are (Army) strong and we are fighting a battle with our own bodies. Sometimes, we are an “Army of One” and sometimes we find each other to provide support.

It takes a strong woman to suffer through and conquer IF. We are not weak, we are not pitiful and we are not broken (as much as we think we are). I am continually amazed by women around me who have exhibited strength far beyond what I had to endure and continue to traverse this IF journey though their difficulties have been many. We are warriors, fighters, and the strongest for we can deal with what others would have trouble facing. We learn to stand proud and continue on the roughest roads. WE ARE the epitome of STRENGTH.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Week 21


Total weight gain: 12(The Doctor is going to kill me and I'm pretty pissed at myself over it.)
Maternity clothes? No but I wear some of them anyway. It won't be long before I have to wear the pants though.
Sleep: Getting a little better I think.
Best moment this week: Shopping with DH.
Gender: Definately a BOY!
Craving: Brownies earlier in the week. Nothing right now.
Movement: Still the same: Very sporadic and mostly translate into quarter sized sore spots with light thumps for a few moments.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? Still In.
What I miss: My waist and a lowering number on the scale. I feel like a whale...like I'm far bigger than I was before losing 46lbs.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing My BFF this weekend and getting giggly over baby boys. (She has two boys).
Milestones: Nothing this week.

Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

This recipe sounded so fresh and fall, light and flavorful that I had to give it a try after digging it out of the Health Magazine (December 2009). I did change it to suit my tastes and what I had on hand and it was lovely. It was a great recipe for two (with a few potato wedges left over for my lunch) and perfect after a night of exercising.

Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes
2 skinless bone-in chicken breasts
½ of a thinly sliced Red Onion
Olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
1 tsp lemon juice
1/8 tsp garlic powder

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425. Peel and slice Potatoes into wedges. In a large baking sheet with deep sides toss potato wedges, onion slices, approx a tbs of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Roast for 25 minutes.

While the potatoes bake, heat approx 1 tbs of oil in skillet. Pour lemon juice on chicken breasts. Sprinkle Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder over breasts and sauté until cooked through on medium high heat. About 10 minutes per side.

Serve: Place 1 cup of spinach leaves on a plate. Top with potato wedges and onions and one piece of chicken. I served with a runny buttermilk ranch. (See Ranch recipe and modify by using 1 tbs dry mix, 2/3 cup mayo, 1 cup buttermilk, whisk briskly for a “drizz-able” dressing).

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

"Handing" out Information on CTS

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about pregnancy is pregnancy itself. You hear the horror stories from pregnant people about the aches and pains and exhaustion and morning sickness but you tend to brush it off because you want the end result so badly you can taste it.

I think we tend to rationalize in our minds that people are drama queens and things are not really as bad as they make them out to be. Then we get hit with one of those rare occurrences that you don’t hear so much about (or maybe not so rare but not as prevalently talked about). Is it the end of the world? No, of course not but it damn sure can effect your life, moods, outlook etc.

Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel. Not something you expect to get, think about getting, prepare for getting and it can seriously “cramp” your life. My pregnancy has been rather mild. It was traumatic in the beginning with the unsurity of it. There were a few weeks of some good bouts of Morning sickness but other than that and some typical exhaustion, it has not been too bad. I’ve watched my weight (slowly climb that is), tried to eat healthy and had this false idea that if I could just keep my weight down I could avoid some of the discomforts many people experience. (I’m so delusional). Then my body lost control of itself and that idea went out the window this past weekend with my sanity.

You don’t realize how much you use your hands until you can’t. When your wrists ache and your hands start going numb and swelling it seriously affects your quality of living. I can’t walk for long periods without this happening. I lasted 6 minutes on the treadmill last night before they got to the point of numbness they actually felt like they were dipped in hot water.

My desk job, which everyone assumes to be so easy during pregnancy? I grit my teeth and cry through part of it because the pain in my wrists is so bad. Flipping through stacks of paper to organize chronologically (flip, pull, insert, twist, flip) is excruciating. I can barely get the cap off my water bottle and forget about opening jars while cooking.

Last night, just so I could try and sleep, my husband had to massage my hands. This morning, before I could get out of bed, he had to rub the right one and physically open it as it was balled in a clawed fist with stabbing pain and numbness and I couldn’t seem to open it myself.

Sitting here typing is giving me tingly warm sensations through my fingers so I can foresee if this keeps up and/or gets worse as predicted, I will be forced into a blogging/internet break. So again, my one outlet will be taken away from me. Just another part of me being lost to myself.

Is the sacrifice worth it? Of course it is but I’m not going to lie. It’s damn sure hard to get through the day to day of it all happily through the pain and it is definitely taking a hand in my mental state.

So here’s what you need to know about Carpal Tunnel during pregnancy:
Symptoms:
• Tingling or numbness in part of the hand (thumb, index, middle or ring fingers)
• Sharp pains that shoot from the wrist up the arm
• Burning Sensations in the fingers
• Morning stiffness or cramping of hands
• Thumb weakness
• Frequently dropping objects
• Waking at night with hand pain and numbness
• Numbness in hand while driving

(Yea, I actually have ALL THAT...nice huh?)

Carpal Tunnel during pregnancy affects 28% of pregnant women but mostly in the age range of 29-62yo. (They need to check those figures. I know it’s been done with modern science but seriously how many fucking pregnant 62 year olds are there?)

What CTS is: The median nerve, traveling through the “tunnel” of the wrist bones, is compressed by the flexor tendons. The nerve responds by sending pain signals and not carrying normal sensory information. It is usually brought on by water retention. (Hmmm maybe this is why I gained 6 pounds in one weekend.)

Treatment Suggestions:
• Reduce Salt intake to aid in the water retention issues.
• Practice Yoga (yea...I’m having a hard time considering this one since that’s going to HURT)
• Wrists braces
• Try not to do repetitive wrist motion that will aggravate it
• B6 supplements (though clinical studies have shown that this really isn’t significantly effective)
• Massage
• Regular breaks and position changes
• In more serious cases: cortisone shots in the wrist (I’ll be avoiding that particular one unless absolutely necessary)
• In Extreme Cases if the symptoms to not improve after pregnancy there is a simple outpatient surgery (but this is an extreme rarity for pregnancy induced CTS).

Sources: www.pregnancytoday.com ; www.babycenter.com ; www.ehow.com .

Monday, November 15, 2010

I don't think I can take much more today

I got a text from a dear friend of mine who has given up on having children due to severe endometriosis. She could never get pregnant. She texted me that she went to the dr. due to severe pain only to find out she was having a miscarriage. A baby she never even knew about due to a slippage of a hormonal IUD that the Dr's had recommended she get to help her body's hormones etc. They will be doing a D and C. My heart is broken today.

I’m depressed and feeling lost and my heart is breaking for her. I pray I have the strength to help her through this, through the tumult that my mind and heart are in.

I pray that I can shoulder all the emotions that are overwhelming me today, not just hers, but my own.

Dear Lord,
Please give me the strength to make it through and be strong for my friend. Help me to put aside my own discontent and awkward feelings for the next few days so that i may lead her through this terrible time. She has come to me for help because she knows I've been through this. Please do not let me let her down.

Help me to dry my tears (and get out of this bathroom at work), get through the day with strength and courage. Help my sweet friend find peace and love and understanding in this tragic event.

I know Bumblebee is taking care of her little one and giving him/her comfort. Help me give my friend that calm comfort that people provided to me.

Lord give me strength.

Losing Sanity

I’m feeling very depressed today. I’m not sure why. I didn’t wake up feeling that way. I slept pretty soundly last night. I don’t feel overly tired. Maybe it’s just Monday, but I don’t feel like myself today. Maybe it’s the impending Holidays and knowing the in-laws are descending upon my sanctuary next week. Maybe it’s a hangover from all the shopping/walking/decisions this weekend. I just have a list of complaints and that’s not typically like me.

My wrists hurt. They are very painful and if I move a certain way my hands shoot pains and go numb and swell. My calves keep cramping up and my back aches. I should be able to say: “Whatever, this is what happens to a pregnant body.” I can’t. I feel like I have lost all control over everything and I’m trapped. My doctor wants me to start using the treadmill and doing prenatal Yoga because I’ve gained 10 pounds but how am I supposed to do that when it hurts to even breathe sometimes. I can barely hold a pen or type this entry and you want me to support my weight in downward-facing-dog position on my swollen little wrists?

I’m trapped in a body that doesn’t belong to me anymore and that I can’t control. The hormones are even attacking my ability to think straight so I’ve lost control of my brain.

Any decisions over nursery décor, baby names, etc. seem to have been taken over by my husband and I’m just being swept along on a wave without a clue as to what’s going on and the worst part is I’m not sure I even care anymore. I can't make a decision to save my life.

When did I lose all control? When did I become this shell, this alien host to a little life that I’m starting to feel disconnected from?

Is this a typical momentary event during the middle of pregnancy that is short term as things start progressing quickly and you feel left behind or is this uniquely a feeling of mine and a precursor to PPD which runs in my family?

I shouldn’t feel this way! I’ve struggled for over three years to get here, why are these feelings and thoughts intruding on my happiness and excitement? It’s not fair and I want it to go away.

I knew what I was getting into. I wanted this and knew the possible consequences and I have tried to be joyous about everything and not complain. It’s not about me anymore but I’m having a hard time adjusting right now. I feel like I’m losing myself. I feel out of control.

If one more thing goes wrong at work today, and people don’t quit talking to me, I’m going to lose my shit and scream. Just Leave me the fuck alone people. What is so hard about that? Is it not obvious that I don’t want to be talked to?

Friday, November 12, 2010

Letter to My Son

Dear Baby Boy,

We haven’t decided on your name yet. It’s a big decision because you have to live with it the rest of your life. We don’t want to make a mistake and have you hate us for it later. We have picked it out along with a few backups but have not made the official decision yet. If only I could ask you what you wanted to be called…or could see your precious face and know what name would suit you best.

You have no idea what is in store for you though. You have an amazing life ahead of you. Your father and I both have big ideas of things for you to do, activities you may enjoy, and the endless possibilities of what you will turn out to be. None of them matter. Only your happiness matters. We will support you in whatever way you need, whatever you decide to do and whoever you turn out to be.

Until I meet you though, I am dreaming of all the possibilities. I’m imagining the activities that you will enjoy, the things you are going to do as you grow and the pure joy you are going to experience. You will have opportunities to ride horses through the mountain trails with your cousins, have cannonball competitions in the pool with your friends on a hot southern summer day, learn how to garden with your mommy and experience the most amazing flavors like fresh tomatoes off the vine, build birdhouses for boy scouts with your Dad, ride a hay wagon behind your grandpa on his tractor, eat fresh crisp watermelon on your Grandma’s front porch, splash through the waves with your cousins that live on the coast, and frolic in the yard with two doggies that are waiting in unbridled anticipation to be your best friends.

There are so many things you will learn, and unending possibilities of what you can be. You can be a doctor, a lawyer, a true cowboy, a grocery store bag boy or the President of the United States. You can join the military and fight for our freedom like your father and his father before him and/or you can go to college like your parents and grandparents before us. You can start a high school rock band, and make platinum albums or play in the garages. You can fly to the moon or mars or another galaxy all together.

As my favorite author once stated “The knowledge that someone believes in one keeps one trying to make good.” ~ Emilie Loring. Your father and I will always believe in you and help you to make good in your life. To live as happily as possible and weather the storms when they come.

I promise you that no one will ever love you more or believe in you as we already do. Our love can only grow as you do, as we guide you on your journey to becoming a great man that I already feel you are. You will be the best of both of us and a true reflection of how much we love each other. We put everything into having you and we will continue to put everything into making your life an amazing adventure of love and hope and endless possibilities.

My precious little boy, I love you beyond words, beyond time and beyond anything I’ve ever imagined. I carry you with me now and soon will hold you in my arms and gaze upon your perfect face.
Always,

Mom

Controversial Discussions-Financial Aid and Diet

I was involved briefly in an internet discussion about junk food versus nutritional food and what is acceptable to purchase when receiving government aid.

I have to say that I have several views on this subject that I didn’t have time to get into in one lunch hour. So let’s just break it down and see if I can articulate it to make some kind of sense. (and here’s where you get a bigger glimpse into my very judgmental and warped mind).

A) I understand living with a certain amount of money for food and having to choose how to best appropriate those funds to maximize them. It’s called a budget and is not exclusive to those receiving aid. It should be a common denominator across the board. Some peoples’ budgets may be higher than others making it easier to make decisions, but all responsible (and therein lies the problem) people should have a budget for groceries.
I shop cheap, at discount stores, at multiple stores trying to maximize my dollars. Not everything I buy is the healthiest choice. Example: I may skip the whole wheat pasta for a box of regular pasta because it’s cheaper. I do not however skimp on making homemade sauces which are better for you and if done right are cheaper. You can pack a lot of veggies, vitamins, protein etc in a good homemade sauce. It’s a balance act.

B) I am not against all junk food or having someone buy it. I’m not about to say “if you are poor you can’t buy a candy bar.” My husband is a junk food fiend. Seriously. It disgusts me at some of the things that man can pack away. To keep him from becoming mutinous I am committed to buying him a junk food item now and again. At Halloween we have a bowl of candy out. It will last for several weeks though a bag of Swedish fish disappears in 30 minutes or less. During the holidays I bake cakes, cookies, brownies etc periodically. I give in on the occasional bag of chips. He takes Poptarts for breakfast. Heck, I enjoy my Coco Pebbles cereal sometimes (ahem every morning during second tri!). The biggest problem in our house is by far soda.
Part of this stems from his growing up poor and nutritionally uneducated. They ate hamburger helper without the hamburger. Canned Fruits and Veggies were a luxury item that they hoarded when they were brought in the house. They lived off bags of chips because they were cheap and in bulk at the discount places. This makes me sad beyond belief and I am constantly counter acting his habits (which have improved greatly over the past several years) because I will be damned if my son is going to learn to eat crap from him.
I work very hard at providing balanced meals, fresh fruits and veggies every week mixed with a few convenience foods (frozen scalloped potatoes) for time constraints. I shop the farmer’s market and grow my own veggies but in the winter I am all about buying frozen veggies, rice etc. Not all processed food is crap and the occasional crap is not going to kill you.

C) I don’t actually know how some people buy a cart full of crap groceries with or without paying for it with government aid. We all know I’m a judgmental person no matter how hard I try. If I’m in line at the store, I am not one to browse through the National Enquirer. I’m more likely appraising what’s in your cart and comparing it to my own as I have seen many people do. If you have an entire cart full to the brim of sugared cereals, processed junk food, frozen family meals, soda, etc. I’m going to judge. If you are a ringless male, I’m going to judge and probably feel sorry for you a little bit. If you are a man or woman with a kid or more in tow, I’m going to judge and probably want to slap you for your poor choices and what you are teaching/not teaching your children about nutrition. You can bad mouth society’s judgments on fat/poor/ugly people all you want but the fact is if you are living off a diet consisting of mostly junk and processed foods you pretty much deserve to be looked down upon for your bad skin, fat rolls etc. That type of food shows in someway even if you have an exceptional metabolism so don’t think if you are thin you are exempt.
I say this fully aware that I’m overweight and I get judged. I haven’t made the best choices. I was not informed about what my body required since my PCOS was misdiagnosed but that’s only a part of my weight. If I had made healthier choices long ago, I have no doubt that my weight would not nearly be what it is. When I finally did figure out what I was doing, my weight started improving tremendously. And I did it ON A BUDGET.
The point is, there are certain things I get embarrassed about purchasing: tampons, condoms, KY Jelly, Pregnancy Tests and copious amounts of junk food. (Especially if I’m buying them all at the same time. Don’t ask, it was only once, swearsies.)

Now add to that my discomfort if I were on government aid (which now a days they don’t have those pesky “stamps” but a card that looks like a credit card…not sure who they think they are fooling, we still know what that flag flying piece of plastic is folks.) I would melt into a little puddle of mush standing in line with a cart full of crap and whipping out a food stamp card. Maybe I have too much pride or don’t understand what needing help is truly like. I understand there are situations that call for help and my heart goes out to those people (I actually know a few and do not begrudge them their aid at all).
I have been blessed in so many ways which include family always willing to lend each other a helping hand, a strong work ethic and a sense of pride in making my way in the world even if leanly. I hope I NEVER have to rely on the aid of our tax dollars for any reason and I would bite my pride in the ass if it meant putting food in my child’s mouth but I damn sure wouldn’t lose all my pride, knowledge and moral decency by buying crap. It would mortify my southern lady sensibilities down to my toes.
Poverty does not equate to uneducated or unhealthy. At least it shouldn’t. Unfortunately, it seems like more people who are thrown into poverty, the worse they eat and that’s just sad. There are a lot of programs out there designed to assist in teaching people better choices, other ways of eating, nutrition etc. For example, community garden projects are becoming more abundant though in my opinion not nearly as common as they should be especially in the cities. It is more of a reflection on our society’s ineptness that we have so many uneducated in nutrition, living in a poverty level and consisting off of a crap diet than that we live in a society that financial aid for those people.
Do I think we should dictate that only people who can afford it be “allowed” to buy junk food? YES. Junk food is a luxury item in my opinion. I wouldn’t go as far to say its so luxurious it needs to have a Fat Tax added to it as Bev Perdue, the idiot Governor of NC believe but it is something that should be considered a treat and not part of a regular diet. Luxury as in “Extra; indulgence; or bonus”. If you can’t afford bonus items in your weeks menu/budget plan then you don’t get the treat. Occasional candy bar/soda/pack of cookies? No big deal. An entire cart full? Yea I have a problem with it on several levels.
People want to defend a person’s right to do what they want and live like everyone else even if they are poor. It’s the American way. Well, NO it’s not. The American way is to work your ass off to purchase those things you want and have the freedom to do so. You have the freedom to work and earn as much money as you want and live the way your earnings justify. Living outside one’s means is what has turned our economy upside down in the first place. I’m sick of the entitlement theories. “I’m entitled to what you are because we are all equal.” No we aren’t. If you are taking assistance, you don’t have that luxury (as in Comfort; extravagance; lavishness). Luxury of choice does come with having your own earned income. So I absolutely do not believe someone on welfare, food stamps and other assistance programs need to be getting their hair done, fake nails, going out to eat etc. If I can’t afford to do so off of what I make, then I don’t get those things. I have to abide by my paycheck and my budget to afford my lifestyle. If your lifestyle includes taking tax dollars that other people pay in, then you adjust your lifestyle to that level of income. Yes, it pisses me off when people I am paying for have more luxury items than I do working my ass off. Our systems have been abused for far too long. Statistically, its not ALL people on welfare etc. and I am not making that generalization but it’s the few that are constantly brazen about it and in your face that make it really hard for the rest who are trying their best to get some where and get off assistance to deal with the impressions portrayed by the few to the rest of us.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

20 Week Update and Gender Reveal



How far along?20 weeks
Total weight gain: 10(The Doctor is not too happy with me over that one.)
Maternity clothes? No. But my ebay clothes came and I'm definately going to start wearing them just because I love some of them!
Sleep: Off and On depending on the day.
Best moment this week: Finding out HLB is a BOY!
Gender: Definately a BOY!
Craving: Panera Bread broccoli and Cheddar Soup.
Movement: Very sporadic and mostly translate into quarter sized sore spots with light thumps for a few moments.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? Still In.
What I miss: My waist and a lowering number on the scale.
What I am looking forward to: Baby shopping this weekend and adding stuff to the registry!
Milestones: Gender Scan and Registering!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Thanksgiving-OCD style

I already have my Thanksgiving Menu planned out in detail. What I’m going to have made the night before as the travelers filter in, and what will be pre-made for breakfast as people wake up for the day, what I am making from scratch and what I’m giving in and doing from a box/can, who is peeling/chopping and who will be my assistant in the kitchen against their will!

I even have it down to chores performed on what day to prepare for the guests arriving and setting out serving dishes and the table days before.

You see, I am an OCD detail oriented perfectionist. I like lists and precise time frames and plans down to the minutest of details. As the hostess of Thanksgiving (and any other party), I run my house and preparations like a military event. I make the military look like an unorganized Boy Scout troupe actually (ask my In-laws who are all military- I drive them insane with my perfectionism).

Add to my insanity the fact that I go a little nutty over the Holidays and you have one normally giant stress ball. Since this stress ball also has nesting and pregnancy hormones I am stretching out the planning and prep over two weeks instead of ½ of a week and enlisting the involuntary help of my husband for it.

My accommodating sister-in-law has no idea that she is going to be enforced labor as my souse chef.

I’m pretty sure, all of my readers will think I’ve lost my mind, but I think it’s ingenious that I’ve figured out a way to have my Thanksgiving perfect (otherwise I would be MORE stressed out that everything wasn’t done properly) without killing myself in the process! It’s a totally perfect plan! (said in my best Elle Woods voice).

Nothing (and I repeat nothing) will get in the way of my morning which consists of absolute quiet while HLB and I snuggle with the pups over a cup of coffee and the Thanksgiving day parade before people wake up and stir around. (My Husband and his family are notorious for sleeping till mid morning at any opportunity-my mother-in-law is about the only one who will venture forth and she is satisfied to watch tv with me with a pup in her lap and a cup of coffee as well. In THAT respect, we jive perfectly).

Mid morning I will pop the turkey in the roaster and give orders for the peeling and chopping that my husband is going to do and will follow that with an afternoon in my kitchen, an evening gathered around the table followed by mapping out our Black Friday attack plan and a movie or game! Catch a few hours of sleep and it’s off to begin the madhouse of Christmas shopping, home for a lazy afternoon of leftovers and TV marathons. Saturday will bring a day of dragging out Christmas decorations and wrapping paper to transform my house into a festive holiday sanctuary that I will enjoy for a full month while dreaming of nursery decorations.

TWO more weeks until this all transpires, but for today, I get to think about it between pushing around paperwork until my journey begins to the Dr’s office for the EVENT OF the SEASON and my LIFE up unto this point! Thanksgiving smanksgiving. HLB what are you baby?!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Gender Anxiety

I can’t believe tomorrow is the big day. It blows my mind. What happened to “this day will never get here?” I’m expecting today and tomorrow morning to move so slowly but so far it has sped along at a normal clip to spite me.

I know, the time is hurtling towards the ultrasound because I’m scared to death. I’m not scared my baby won’t be there but I’m scared of what will happen AFTER we find out the gender. Why you ask? Well let me be blunt.

We don’t care what we have. I am just as excited for a boy as a girl and vice versa as is my husband but we are both worried about our families’ relationship and reactions with our child.

We have tried for three almost four years for a child, long after our other siblings have had a few. (Each of our siblings has two children already). All of the grandchildren are boys. We have been put upon with so much pressure to have “THE girl.” Even when we were struggling with IF, insensitive comments were made constantly about its up to us, and we need to figure it out because we owe the family a girl etc. etc. It was very hurtful because all we wanted was a baby.

Since getting pregnant, more pressure has been put on us. “Make sure it’s a girl, we are putting our order in for a granddaughter etc.” to the point that it has taken all I had in me not to scream at them. Now that the time is here to find out, I’m scared to death. They have taken a lot of our joy and excitement away to be replaced by nerves and apprehension.

DH and I discussed it yesterday and he has the same fears that I do. We have been planning all along for either sex: picking out both names, picking out both sets of bedding and nursery ideas etc. We are both prepared for the fact that if HLB is a girl we will be inundated with gifts and clothes that we don’t even want but its already been established that if it’s a boy we will be getting hand me downs only as no one is excited to buy for another boy and I want to cry.

I want to cry for my son that I will love very much because he will be overlooked by his extended family and it breaks my heart. We are prepared for the comments. My husband is actually ready to end his relationship with his parents if they say one negative thing about our son being a boy. He was furious in his discussion yesterday because he knows them, and he knows what things will be said and he if it comes to pass like that, he will never again see his family and I know this.

We know my family will not be as bad though there are bound to be some stupid comments made (and have already been but I refrain from mentioning them here for many reasons) but my mother has already expressed excitement in having either sex so we are more apt to put them in their place over stupid comments then to end a relationship with them completely. Maybe its different as they only have TWO grandchildren where as the other side has FOUR. I don’t know. But it hurts me unbearably.

I want a little boy. I want a little girl too. I’m greedy. I want both and we fully intend to have a second child in 2-3 years. I feel that if this one is a boy though, I will be so full of anxiety waiting for the end of relationships, the inevitable comments, etc. that I won’t enjoy it. I feel that for my baby’s sake, it would be best if this first one is a girl, and THAT makes me feel like an absolutely horrible mother.

I have been living with this apprehension over the sex of my baby for a very long time. I can’t get it out of my head right now with it looming tomorrow. I side-eye people when they express gender disappointment because a baby is all I want but now that its here I’m so afraid I will have it simply because of family dynamics and I feel like a wretched person and a fraud. Maybe this is a Karmic lesson that I shouldn’t judge other’s because I don’t know what they are going through (though most of the time they give stupid reasons like they don’t want to clean a penis or simply want to decorate in pink and they still deserved side-eyeing).

It’s all I can do to type this out and put this giant fear into words. I feel physically sick to my stomach having written it but I don’t want it festering inside me. I’m hoping by getting it out that I can focus on the joy. We are so truly excited to give a name to our baby and go shopping and plan for this little One’s future and we will do so with or without our families but I so want this baby to be loved and know its grandparents and cousins. It DESERVES that no matter what is between its legs.

I know, that no matter what happens and who this baby turns out to be, that it will never want for love because his/her Daddy and Mommy love it to the moon and back and that will be enough it has to be.

Menu Monday-Preholidays

Vegetable Soup

Baked Turkey Spaghetti

Roasted Honey Garlic chicken with Scalloped Potatoes and Peas

Chicken Pot Pie

Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Plus One night out (probably subway or Panera) since we will be out and about.

I have tentative plans to bake or try a few new recipes in preparation for Thanksgiving company but with the schedule over the next several days (Dr.’s appointments etc.) I’m not sure if I will have time so we are keeping the menu rather simple and easy.

Next week we will probably do the pre-thanksgiving Fast which means MINIMAL cooking, lots of salads and veggies to counteract the heavy foods (and tons of it) the next weekend.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Four Legged Yard Swiffers

So I've been noticing these clumps of brown all over my floors.

>So do I have extremely dirty floors and need a prescription to Flylady asap?

So what is wrong with my floors at this time of the year? That would be this:

Don't let their cute innocence fool you. It's a disguise. They are not really adorable mini long haired dachshunds. They are four legged fall yard swiffers. Their silky downy fur drags in every leaf, stem and seed pod four times a day. They are driving my early OCD nesting urge insane.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Circle of Life- RIP Uncle Chuck

We often forget in our obsession with our babies and starting a family that there is an end. All life ends and we take it for granted. Those who have experienced infant loss, know intimately how quickly things end and carry with them a heavy dose of fear for the future.

When we finally get past a comfort point, we know that there are still things that can happen and we retain that apprehension through it all but we find a comfort level. It all floods back in when there is a loss of any kind.

Yesterday, my Uncle died. I’ve lost all my grandparents save one and a year ago I lost a Great Uncle but this is the closest family member to die in a long time. I was not close to him but he was family. I remember the big family holiday dinners when my grandmother was still alive when Uncle Chuck and his wife would come by. They were always
immaculately dressed and proper. I was always in awe of them because they were so put together. My dad respected his oldest brother. There was almost a 20 year difference.

While my father was in diapers, his brother was fighting the German’s in World War II. At a young age he was cleaning out concentration camps and seeing the evils of humanity, greed and power. Yet, he came home to be an upstanding family man and remained true and faithful to his church. He was married for 60 years and raised three children. He suffered losing a granddaughter at the age of 8 who was born with half a heart. He lived a long and productive life and in the end he was able to leave the pain of pancreatic cancer behind and go home to heaven.

Tomorrow will be hard. Tomorrow I have to be strong for my father who is upset and grieving. We lost my grandmother on Thanksgiving 7 years ago. I never met my grandfather. He died 37 years ago before I was born. I can only imagine what is going through my father’s head as his big family ages before his eyes. He just turned 60 (he’s the youngest of 6 children) and I can see the age wearing on him.

Times like this I wonder what the future holds. Will my children get a chance to know their grandparents and have a relationship with them that they can remember. Will they know the joys of a large extended family? Will they get to run wild in the woods playing hide and seek with their cousins?

I started late in life. I’m 32 having my first child. My parents are 58 and 60. Sometimes I wonder what kind of life and traditions my children will remember. They will be different from mine. They will hold things dear to their hearts but will they know the same joys, love, sorrow, I know? Sometimes the future scares me. I can’t imagine life without my parents, cousins, etc. That day is coming but its not today.

Today I have to remember the life of a great family man who was loved by many. Today I have to celebrate the continuance of the circle starting with HLB. There is joy even in the passing. There is a tomorrow even in the dawn of today.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake


I am not going to re post this recipe as I followed it pretty exactly from Country Living. However it does need improvement. I doubled the orange food coloring and still did not get a true orange color after the chocolate cream cheese was added back in. My chocolate glaze was also too runny. I checked with Ashley who also made this recipe (and turned me on to it) and she had the same issues but we both agreed the cake part was extremely moist and delicious.

19 weeks

How far along?19 weeks
Total weight gain: 9 pounds (Yep, that's 7lbs in one week. I blame the Holiday party foods of chicken stew (with real cream) cake etc.)
Maternity clothes? No. I did however purchase several items through ebay and am waiting on them to arrive. Probably not a moment too soon as my pants are getting tight in the waist and my clothes, while still fitting look awkward.
Sleep: When I do sleep, its very heavy and I wake up stiff and sore. I'm just not getting quite enough still.
Best moment this week: Ordering maternity clothes.
Gender: Leaning towards boy.
Craving: Nothing really
Movement: I've felt a few wierd thumps once or twice.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? Still In.
What I miss: My waist. LOL
What I am looking forward to: The ANATOMY SCAN ON TUESDAY!
Milestones: Needing maternity clothes?

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Ranch Bacon Cheddar Burgers

I ran across this recipe awhile back from one of many Blogs (though I forgot to write down which one). Now that I have my homemade Ranch seasonings I decided to give it a try. This was a super quick meal and perfect after a weekend of heavy fall eating. I even lost a pound! LOL

Ingredients:
1lb Ground Turkey
1 tbs dry Ranch Seasoning
1 egg white
¼ cup finely diced onion
8 slices turkey bacon
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
4 wheat buns
Lettuce, tomato, mayo for garnish

Directions:
Cook up my turkey bacon in a dash of olive oil until crisp in a grill pan while assembling burgers. Stir together turkey, seasoning, egg white and onion and divide into four portions for patties. Remove crisp bacon from the pan and place four Turkey burger patties in pan. Grill until cooked thoroughly and crisp on the outside.

Assemble Burgers layered with cheese, 2 strips of bacon, mayo, tomato and lettuce. A very light, quick and flavorful dinner for a hectic weekday.

The Power of My Vote

Today is VOTING day in America. Every election is important and we should always exercise our right to vote. I’m not trying to get all political on my blog even though I am a very political person. However, I think it’s important to bring attention to this day just as we would a holiday or other important day in our history and daily lives. Every November 2nd, history is made somehow even if it’s not widely known to the masses. Each person, even in the lowliest of offices has the potential to change other’s lives in ways unforeseen (or foreseen). Whether its good, bad, logical or emotional, people across this great nation are inserting their political opinions and taking stands today at the polls.

This is a great honor that we can do this even when we don’t agree with how the vote goes. People by nature do not always agree with each other. That’s the beauty of humanity. We try things, we see if they work and when they don’t we have opportunity to change them. Sometimes one group of people has the advantage and other times another group does. It balances the desires and wants of all people by creating a natural checks and balances. One president and his congress may focus on some issues dear to their side, while other issues go unaddressed. When change happens, the direction focuses and appeases another group.

Some people align themselves through their hearts, through their dreams and desires, through their wallets, their religions, their ideals. There isn’t necessarily a right way because there are so many issues concerned.

I vote for the way that is best for the future of my children and the prosperity and safety of my country in a world riddled with war, hatred, and economic unease. The important thing is that you vote. You stand up for what you believe and you make educated guesses by looking at what people stand for. You don’t rely on heresay and political ads but look behind the scene at voting records, platforms and resumes. Do a little work yourselves and teach your children to do the same for more educated voters. This is our legacy that we leave to them.

The power to think freely and choose people that best represent the direction of their country and their future. Our choices are not always good, but it is still a choice.

So today, think about these precious lives we carry or will carry or have carried. What will you do today that will benefit them tomorrow? What will we as a nation leave for them? Today, HLB goes to the polls and is very much a part of my vote. I hope it will be the first of many trips to the polls during his/her lifetime.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Menu Monday-It's the Holidays!

This weekend we had a successful Halloween Party full of Chicken Stew, Chili, Chocolate Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Homemade Ranch dip with a veggie tray, a punch fountain and all the trimmings. I will be posting the Cake recipe and pictures of the party soon.

Needless to say, with all the leftovers yesterday, I’m burned out on the heavy fall dishes for a few days. So this weeks menu includes some lighter fare and several new recipes! (aren’t you excited?)

Broccoli Chicken Alfredo

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Turkey Burgers

Cheese Bacon Tart

Honey Garlic Chicken

Beef Stew and Biscuits

I will be munching on flavorful foods while putting away the Halloween décor and preparing the Thanksgiving menu and festivities! Can you believe the Holiday season is here?!

Heating Pads During Pregnancy

I actually had to Google “heating pad during pregnancy.” Why? Because I have become addicted to mine and I got worried about using it on my lower back where my pain is centered today.

I’m happy to report that they are considered generally safe though not recommended to use on your abdomen. The largest concern is heating up your core body temperature which is the same reason Hot tubs are not recommended because it can cause birth defects and miscarriage according to the March of Dimes. (at least the few articles I scanned).

So it’s better to be safe than sorry even when you feel stupid wondering about such a mundane thing as a heating pad.

Of course there are probably safer heating pads to use than mine. It’s about 20 some years old, the cover is long gone and the cord is crinkled though no wiring is exposed. This sucker gets HOT! (I’ve had red welts on my skin for days because I fell asleep on it).

Since my back problems at work were not improved any when I fell on the concrete floors Friday thanks to lovely Armorall in front of the women’s restroom, my heating pad and chiropractor will be my sidekicks for at least another week.