Wednesday, August 26, 2009
And yet another appointment
I have not gained any weight. In fact I think I lost a pound. How is that possible? My belly is getting bigger, but I'm not gaining. Does this mean I can have that extra serving of chocolate ice cream? Or some large fries (no sharing with hubby this time)?
I was reassured by my doctor that considering my starting weight and early pregnancy weight gain we are doing fine. She measured my belly and baby is growing. She might send me for a scan next time just to be sure.
And though I would love another peek at my little man, I know I am going to be so sick and tired of appointments. Or rather waiting rooms!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
31 weeks pregnant

31 weeks pregnant
Originally uploaded by lovey_dovey9
Not much bigger than last week, but I suspect the next two months will bring more growth.
I am getting really excited. I can't wait to cuddle with my little guy.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Prenatal Class
I was a bit apprehensive about class this week. It was just my social anxiety creeping up on me. I managed well. The teacher is likeable and easy going. The other couples in the class seem cool too.
We covered a lot in one day. Watched a couple of birthing videos, which I admit make me a bit squirmy in my seat. But I think when it comes down to it when I’m going through it I will be fine. It’s kind of like pulling a sliver from someone else’s finger grosses me out. However, if it’s my own sliver and finger – rip away.
I know childbirth shouldn’t be so easily compared to a sliver; I’m just trying to get across how my squeamishness (is that a real word?) works.
Hubby was quite interested and involved in a lot of the discussions, which I really appreciate. I know when we comes down to it I will be too busy concentrating on my own pain to really know what is happening or even what I should be doing. I’m confident he will be a good coach.
At the end of class we toured the birthing unit of the hospital. Sadly, they were too busy to show us any of the babies in the nursery. I feel a bit more relief now having more of an idea of what will happen and where.
We have another session next week in which we will be covering breastfeeding and formula feeding, bathing a newborn and other such topics, which sound a lot more enjoyable than labour and delivery.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Maybe I Have Too Much Time On My Hands...
So now I have changed it. Love Doodle Muffin...a little more original than Cat's Eyes, but still relating to cats. (Love Muffin and Doodle Muffin are one of my cat's various nicknames). Also the Cat part of Cat's Eyes referred to my initials. Since marrying and taking my hubby's name I no longer have the cool initials anymore. It was the hardest part of changing my name :(
So now I stare at the header of my blog realizing that my cool banner needs changing too. I think I'm just coming up with make work projects for myself. Things to keep me occupied for the next ten weeks!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
30 Weeks
So when I first found out I was pregnant I searched out for websites with free information. Was I ever surprised when I had to sift through thousands of sites to settle on a few that were to my liking. In the process I found Nestle Baby...Not only did I find information, but a free offer for expectant moms. My package arrived a couple of days ago. I had almost forgotten about it.
This is the stuff I got :

Although I do plan on breast feeding I think it might be a good idea to have a back up plan. And I cannot resist free stuff :) Also, if I don't end up using the formula I will donate it to the food bank. It doesn't expire until over a year after my baby is due.
At 30 weeks pregnant the discomforts are really starting to kick in (so to speak). Trying to get comfortable and stay comfortable in bed is nearly impossible. When I do finally find a position I am forced to get up and visit the bathroom. The little guy's kicks and punches are stronger now. I feel like my whole being is vibrating from him sometimes.
My left foot is permanently swollen to different degrees during the day. I can no longer wear my sandals. The strap just won't go around my ankle. My right foot is fine. Maybe slightly swollen, but compared to the left it looks normal. Go figure!
Acid reflux and heartburn persist even with my continued use of TUMS.
With ten weeks (approx.) to go, will I miss being pregnant? I think I will. Knowing exactly where my little guy is. His reassure kicks and nudges telling me everything's alright. My protruding belly, which the site of seems to make people smile. (Luckily, no one has tried to touch it!) I think it looks cute and I'm enjoying it, even if it gives me that "plumber-look" in certain outfits.
My greatest frustration seems to be that I can't/shouldn't do certain things that my control-freak side needs to do.
These past few days we moved the computers from what will be the baby's room to the basement. Or rather Hubby moved them, I supervised and carried the light stuff. And just doing that was exhausting. It has taken me three days to sort everything out that I would have normally had done right away.
The crib will eventually go against this wall:

Thankfully it is almost done. Hubby did a wonderful job allowing me to boss him around (joke! Sort of...) and he moved the heavy stuff without help and only one bruised knee.
Working on the computer down here almost feels like we've gone back in time to when we first moved in together and lived in the basement. I am so glad we aren't confined to this area anymore. Its too dark for everyday living for me. However, I am glad that we are able to expand on our living space so that the baby can have his own space - even though I am sure he will remain within arms reach of mommy for the first little while.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
In My Very Own Driveway
Our local library sucks. Guess I’m used to the huge central branch in Richmond Hill. Not this little one in Scarborough. So the movie selection sucked. I did borrow a pregnancy yoga DVD.
And I borrowed some books on blogging. Yes, even after these couple of years of my blogging efforts I still feel like a newbie. Hell! There’s always something new to learn.
So I start walking home and I can see the neighbours in my driveway (we share the driveway with one of the neighbours) and they look like they are waiting for me. I wonder what is up. We usually keep to ourselves not saying much more than hello! He did mow our lawn the other day, did hubby not thank him yet?
“How’s your day going?”
“Um, fine!”
“Guess you didn’t see this then?” He points to our cars. His windshield is smashed and my rear window is completely obliterated. My jaw just dropped.
“Oh my god! When did this happen? Did anyone see who did it?”
The neighbour said he discovered it at six this morning as he was preparing to go to work. None of the neighbours heard or saw anything. We all suspect it was kids probably with a baseball bat. The damage to the neighbours windshield seems to fit this theory. I can’t believe that I didn’t see it on my way out. Pregnancy brain or maybe I just wasn’t looking for it.
So I get in the house call for hubby and tell him what happened. I run to check my insurance policy for my coverage. Hubby and the neighbour discuss what they would like to do to the person who did this outside as I slowly breakdown inside the house.
Confused, I think that deductible is what the insurance company will cover before I have to pay out. Of course I find out I am wrong about that after talking to my insurance agent, wondering in my pregnancy hazed brain why they are so willing to let me go on my own and have it taken care of and they will reimburse me later – minus the deductible. Fuuuuuuuudge!
So I find a low quote, less than the deductible. Call back the insurance agent and leave a message telling them so. However, according to my mother-in-law, since I told the insurance company what happened my insurance will likely go up. Even though they were no help what so ever!!
In the words of hubby, “What the F*** do we pay for insurance for if they won’t even cover this? It’s not like WE are at fault.”
I did file a police report- my first ever. Surprisingly, they didn’t come in person. Everything was done on the phone. I was a bit disappointed. They asked if this has happened before. NO. Have there have been any incidence with the neighbours recently. NO. Sadly, because we have no suspects it is likely that the a—hole(s) that did this will not be caught.
I have my suspicions. And they make me sound like the crazy old cat lady I always thought I’d become. It’s kids that did it! Summer vacation is just too long. They’re bored already and trying to create some excitement for themselves.
I’ve heard talk that the city wants to impose a curfew for minors. Especially after this incident I am all for it. How about they also consider shorter school breaks? I believe that is what they do in some European countries - a quick two week summer holiday then back to school! (I’ll have to look that up).
I know the “it’s the kids” theory is just my suspicion, but really with no enemies and nothing stolen who else would do such a senseless act of destruction?
After taking the car to the shop to have the window replaced and helping hubby clean up the driveway. Then calling my therapist (my mom). The day had disappeared and all my energy was sapped. I am surprised I managed dinner.
I did shed a few tears of frustration, but I am trying not to stress too much about the whole thing. What’s done is done, right? Now only good things can happen!!! Damn it!! Good things!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
29 Weeks – Oh my! We are so close!
The other night as I tried to fall to sleep I had to pee constantly. I would roll to one side, the little guy would start kicking my bladder then I would have to go pee. Like 3 times in one hour! Must have been his position.
I have been noticing more gray hairs, just the odd one here or there. A new one at least once every week or so. He’s not even born yet and already giving me grays!
My moods have been crazy. I’ve been getting upset for little stupid things. “Oh my god the house needs to be vacuumed again.” “Why are there dirty dishes in the sink?” “Why isn’t hubby paying attention to me?” “Why is hubby paying so much attention to me – its annoying!” - You know, stuff like that. Luckily, my hubby really loves me and tries hard to deal with me when I get like this. Sometimes he’s at a loss though. For my part I must remember that my hormones are everywhere and I must calm down and just enjoy the ride.
I went to the dentist yesterday for a “prenatal cleaning”. Pregnancy gingivitis is bad, but it feels good to have clean teeth. I really like the hygienist that takes care of me. We have a good time talking (when I don’t have a bunch of tools in my mouth). Especially now that I’m pregnant we can talk about babies.
At one point though I felt a wave of faintness and nausea. I don’t know if it was the stuffy room and humidity, lying on my back for so long, a need for more food or all of the above. I didn’t think I would make it. I found myself trying to fight it and that only made it worse. She gave me some water and used the air sprayer tool on me. I turned on my side and the wave passed. Thank God! So embarrassing! She joked with me that I was just milking the whole pregnancy thing – HAHA!
After that I went for a much needed haircut (after eating of course). I have my bangs back! Whenever my hair grows out and I’m too lazy to get a trim I contemplate just letting the bangs go. Once I do cut them again I realize how much I like them. Just wish my hair wasn’t growing so fast. This might be my last hair cut before baby is born.


Prenatal classes start on the 22nd. We’re hoping to get through them with out any social anxiety. It’s for the baby so we’ll be strong!
Eleven more weeks and then our lives will be turned upside down with a bundle of love.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Sugar, Sugar
Anyway, I was told to drink up and tell the tech as soon as I finished. Then I had to wait for an hour. So hubby and I started to leave... "Mame you can't leave." Great! We thought a walk would help time to pass. And I wouldn't have to think about being hungry (I was fasting for the test) or how I missed my morning coffee (I do allow myself one a day!!)
So instead we were stuck in the waiting room with a bunch of strangers and I swear to God that chair is used as a torture devise. I couldn't lean back into it because the top of the back felt like a razor digging into my shoulder blades. I was having a hard time sitting up straight or leaning forward. With my big belly in the way, and that orange pop stuff the only thing in my system I was uncomfortable and I kept burping. Hubby was a trooper for putting up with me.
Finally I was called into the room so the lady could take my blood. I've had so many blood tests done in my life it does not make me nervous any more. What does make me uncomfortable is when the tech has the needle in my arm and then says "Oops". I managed not to comment and only felt slight discomfort. I didn't want to make her nervous (or more nervous - I think she might have been new). Lucky, (for me or possibly her) I did not leave with a bruised arm.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Who's Pregnancy Is This Anyway? 28 Weeks

Seems hubby is trying to steal my thunder. He's having midnight cravings. And leg cramps. I guess as long as he doesn't get a belly (or moody like me)I should be happy.
I discovered a wonderful tool on my photo editing software today. Actually two wonderful tools. The first is the blemish remover. No more red spots for me. Who needs make-up? The second is the toothbrush tool. A whiter smile with a click of a button. No chemicals. No payments. Just a gorgeous grin. I like.
I am still trying to utilize my "normal" clothes when I can. Not sure if this tank is working though. I've got the peek-a-boo belly happening. Can I get away with it? Or do I just look like I'm trying not to buy new clothes?
I did suffer an embarrassing moment yesterday wearing these shorts. Seems now that my hips are smaller than my belly the drawstring needs some fine tuning - constantly.
Hubby and I went for a walk at the Beaches. As I was waddling across a street to catch up I started to lose my shorts. I mean they were practically off. Below the bum cheeks. Luckily, I was wearing a long, baggy maternity top to cover up my undies but I'm sure the guy driving by had a nice chuckle at my expense. Heck, once I refastened myself and tugged on the shorts a few times to make sure they were staying put, I had a good chuckle too.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Was this Chair ever comfortable?
Of course Chichi can get comfy anywhere. I envy her.

We went for my prenatal check up yesterday. The doctor measured my belly and checked the little one's heart beat. He's growing well :) I only gained 3Lbs since my last visit. One pound more than what you're "supposed" to gain on "average"... I do worry about it. It's a crazy phenomenon my mom likes to call "having access to too much information!" Anyway, doc never mentions my weight so I shouldn't worry. Of course I won't start a diet of ice cream sundaes either.
I mentioned my puffy ankle and she checked my blood pressure. That is fine, so it could be the humidity. It could also be too much salt in my diet. For that I am probably guilty. Sweets I can usually walk away from. Salty food on the other hand I cannot resist!! She also suggested I rest with my feet elevated. Otherwise, its a normal pregnancy symptom.
So then I mentioned my moodiness. The doctor just told me to blame hubby. Then she made sure we knew she was joking. But once again just another pregnancy normalcy. And she told hubby to not take it personal. I liked the blame it on him advice better though.
I forgot to mention my light-headedness, which seems to have passed now anyway. But the "pregnancy brain" is kicking in big time. I HAVE to write lists now just to keep my life in order. Then I HAVE to remember to read the lists!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Counting Down...
I have been happy to read about the baby's development week-by-week, though truth be told I'm getting bored and just want to get to the good stuff (you know, the cuddling and cooing and such). But when I start to read about labour and delivery (unless written in a humorous manner) my eyes gloss over and I start thinking if I have enough Peanut butter for a batch of cookies.
I am also set in my ways and don't want to read about anything I haven't already set my mind on. Even though I know I must keep an open mind, I don't want to hear about how I should have natural childbirth. No pain relief! Are you insane? At least my doctor agrees with me. She said "Natural childbirth does not make any one a better mother. For your first child I would recommend an epidural."
But as you can tell it is obviously on my mind, as much as I try to avoid the topic. And its not like I have no resources. I have the world wide web. And books galore. Now to just get down to it and stop daydreaming that it will be like on TV.
My goal for today is to read at least one article or chapter about labour and delivery. But first I have laundry and work. Oh and about those cookies...
Sunday, July 26, 2009
27 Weeks

roundwithtree
Originally uploaded by lovey_dovey9
Shortness of breath. Acid reflux. Puffy foot (it's still just the left one). And now I'm light headed. With just 13 weeks left I'm looking forward to meeting my little guy.
I had a dream the other night that he was born a week earlier than expected. I was changing his diaper.
Hubby took this picture of me at the park yesterday. I like how the tree cradles my roundness. :)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
week 26 (or 14 weeks left)
We picked up our first baby present on Thursday. A Graco Deluxe Travel system. (Its fancy terminology for stroller with infant car seat). Recommended by my sister-in-law, because she loves Graco products and she saw it on sale for us. Baba volunteered to buy it as long as we picked it up. I'm not one who can wait for much of anything (maybe that's why these 9 months are starting to drag for me and no one else?!). We picked it up and the next day had it out of the box and assembled. So far we haven't given the cats any rides. I'm hoping they will stay away from it. I don't need another item to vacuum cat fur off of.
Although we still have three months to prepare I'm starting to get anxious about preparing the baby's room. We still have our computers in here and the floors aren't done. And the kittens aren't on the walls. And where's the crib? (I will calm down I promise.)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
25 Weeks - Things I Love (and HateDislike) about Pregnancy
What I love about being pregnant:
- feeling my baby kick, especially when I tap my belly and he taps back
- having an excuse to take midday naps
- after a midnight bathroom visit, the little one gives me a few reassuring kicks before I fall back to sleep
- shopping for baby clothes...for MY baby - not someone else's and not for my "maybe in the future..." box (most of which turned out to be girl's clothes - guess we'll have to try for another one after this little guy...)
- now that I'm showing strangers will smile at me for no reason and family members get even more excited about the baby
- watching my body change
- having a good excuse to boss people (mostly hubby) around - you don't expect me to lift/climb/exert/etc. myself do you?
What I hate dislike about being pregnant:
- acid reflux, gas, indigestion, stuffy/bloody nose and swollen ankles. Or should I say ankle - it only seems to effect my left one!?
- having to nap in the midday - I feel guilty
- waking up multiple times in the night to pee
- frustration about what baby stuff I should buy/ask for. Is a baby wipes warmer really necessary?
- it hasn't happened to me yet, but I fear strangers touching my belly without permission. Not that I would give them permission even if asked!
- fearing my body won't change back after giving birth (not that I expect an instant change)
- not being able to do somethings for myself. I want it done now and I want it done my way!
But in the end I AM really happy about being pregnant. It is amazing and wonderful to be growing another human being inside me. Sometimes it feels like science fiction. Sometimes it feels like something divine.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Budda Belly (week 24)
We are getting bigger. Hubby likes to rub my belly like I'm a Budda :) Hey if it brings us good fortune then keep rubbing...LOL
I haven't noticed any stretch marks yet (thank God!). But my belly is getting very itchy. My belly button has changed colour and looks dirty (or chocolaty). And I've been getting heartburn. Even if I just drink a glass of water!!
My mother-in-law clipped a small article about watermelon for me. It says that it is good for pregnant women. It contains B vitamins, which are good for baby's brain development. It contains folate which helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida. And though my diet and prenatal vitamin likely cover my needs in these areas I just had to have watermelon. A guilt free snack that is very thrist quenching on these warm summer days.
I continue to have small anxiety attacks about nothing in particular. I try not to take out my moodiness on innocent citizens, even if it feels good;)
I have been keeping up with my prenatal cardio workout, even though I'm sometimes bored. But it does feel good once I'm done. And with this city strike still on our local pool is closed. Bad timing! The water would feel great right now!
Hubby and I went to the Beaches on the weekend. I walked barefoot in the sand. I wore my sandals for some silly reason and found it hard to walk with them on. I managed to avoid any broken glass. The next day I could really feel the work out in my calves. Next time I will wear running shoes and hopefully the walk will be easier!!
I find it hard to believe we only have about 16 weeks left until we meet the little man. Part of me does want it to slow down. His little kicks are comforting. I know he's safe and comfortable in my belly. But then again it will be wonderful to see him. And to have my body back!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
23 weeks ALREADY!!!
(Sorry no pic this week. I forgot my camera in Richmond Hill!)
We saw the doctor yesterday. The little guy is doing great. I'm doing great. When I was weighed (I'll leave the details out on that, but I think I'm doing fine in that department - the actually number is just scary) my husband felt compelled to weigh himself. This made the doctor laugh. I'm about the same weight as he is now, even though I have stopped wearing his clothes (I am rounder after all).
Yesterday I looked at my feet and didn't recognize them. They were so swollen. I'm not good at sitting down and taking it easy sometimes. So I forced myself to sit with my feet elevated and everything looks normal again today.
I've been feeling a lot of stretching in the abs. I mentioned this to the doctor and she says its normal. It is just very uncomfortable when I am trying to get back to sleep at 2am!!
Three more weeks and I am officially in the third trimester. I cannot believe how fast time is going by. I am trying to enjoy every minute of it.
I guess our next big step before the big arrival is setting up the baby's room. New flooring. My mother-in-law is going to paint kitties on the walls (we can never have enough!!) And of course cleaning like a mad woman :)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A Different Topic
We have to stop getting older. It's starting to scare mom!
I hope you have a wonderful day.
See you soon!
Monday, June 22, 2009
22 Weeks
I feel him kick everyday now. The little thumps are becoming more pronounced every week. I've heard that some women miss this after giving birth. I think I might too! It's comforting. When I feel him kick I know he's doing alright.
The baby shower last Sunday was nice. My 20 month old niece thought all the gifts with Elmo on them were for her. The games we played weren't too silly. And it was nice catching up with some people that I don't see too often. Of course, no one would believe that I am into my fifth month. Not every woman gets a big bump right away!!!
One week seemed to make a difference. To me at least. This is at 22 weeks. I'm wearing a non-maternity top that used to fit in a flowing manner, but now is almost getting a bit snug.
I am really starting to feel my belly stretching. And my belly button is starting to stick out. Minor discomfort there. I am really enjoying touching my own belly and am super thrilled when the baby kicks and I feel him inside and out.
I am really starting to think of labour and having the baby at home. Trying not to let my anxiety get the better of me. I'm not the only one to ever have a baby - I'm sure I'll do fine.
Next week, we go to the doctor. Again. These appointments really sneak up on me. June is almost over - already????? From what I understand I am going to be tested for gestational diabetes in the next couple of weeks. Really not looking forward to this. I'm not sure I'll be able to get down the super sweet drink I must have. Well, at least I sort of know what to expect.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Every Where I Look
Today I am going to my husband's second cousin's baby shower. She is also having a boy. She's due in July. Though admittedly I feel awkward at social functions and I find some of these shower games really silly, I am looking forward to what gifts she gets so I can take mental notes for my own baby registry. I am also interested in comparing bumps. Will my bump be the same size at 8 months?
In our neighbourhood my husband and I are the more anti-social types. We say Hi and wave and that's about all. When we first learned we were expecting my hubby got more talkative and shared the news with a couple of the neighbours (the family that helps us take care of the outdoor cats). Now I feel every time I step outside they are checking out my belly, which at five months isn't all that big. I feel a bit uncomfortable, but at least they aren't groping at it - yet!
The neighbour did come over the other day to talk cats and try and gossip with us. And she asked how far along I was. "Oh I figured you were due in November!" Ah Ha! I was right, they were eyeballing my belly! I guess it's something I will have to deal with.
I am happy that I feel my baby boy kicking at regular times during the day. More often when I'm at rest. If I'm working I don't always feel him. However, on Friday I kept feeling little thumps for a few minutes, but everytime my mom would touch my belly he would stop. He's already testing the Gramma boundaries :)
Monday, June 08, 2009
We're Half Way There!
Hubby has had a cold all weekend. I'm just praying that I don't get it. I have taken it as an excuse to relax a little more myself and to allow myself to wear yoga pants all weekend - even out of the house. I've been feeling pretty tired. At first I thought maybe I was getting sick too. Oh wait - I'm pregnant! My body is going through a heck of a lot. No wonder I'm exhausted. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to sink in again :)
I am determined to do my pregnancy aerobics three times a week. It helps with some of the discomforts, like my hands and feet swelling, backpain and shortness of breath. But then the discomforts help give me excuses for not doing it - I'm tired, achy or just plain lazy.
Well, I better get in gear.