Many years ago I tried to get hired at a factory. Factories, I soon learned, require one big thing when they are hiring. You have to "pass" a carpal tunnel test. They shoot little jolts of electricity into your wrists and then measure the reaction time, or at least that was my understanding of it. Anyway, I "failed." In effect they said that were I to have a job with repetitive motions I would end up with carpal tunnel. Consequently, the factory didn't want me. Like I said, that was many years ago. Over the years I have had very little evidence of carpal tunnel issues. "Haha- shows what they know" I would think to myself when ever the memory of that almost job came to mind.
But, alas, it did not last. About a month ago I noticed that my hands would go numb when I was driving. I just blamed the car. I thought it must be vibrating somehow and I just wasn't really noticing it. Then I noticed that my hands and arms would kind of go to sleep every once in a while, more than normal but still they awoke easily so no big deal. Then last week- something changed. Suddenly I would go from my hands feeling fine to having no sense of feeling whatsoever in them. Sometimes it actually affected my entire arms. I can control my hands but no longer can I rely on the sense of touch to guide my hands because any touch is outweighed by the constant stream of pain that attacks my hands. And it is more hours than not. Honestly, since it really kicked in I have had maybe 2 to 3 hours a day where my right hand isn't in that obnoxious pain. My left hand doesn't hurt as much or as bad but that right hand hurts enough that I find myself waking up in tears.
And it annoys me! Yep, that is the kind of woman I am. I am not mentioning it because I want any pity or anything like that. I simply need to vent. This stupid pain annoys me! I mean, seriously, I have things to get done! I have a blanket left to crochet. I have laundry to do every day. I have errands to run. I have a little boy to take care of and teach to read and write. This pain is getting on my nerves! (No pun intended)
I spoke to my doctor about it and he is pretty sure that it is just carpal tunnel. My research has taught me that somewhere between 10 and 25% of pregnant women (depending on the source) suffer from some sort of carpal tunnel during pregnancy. Most sites say that after Will is born I won't have this annoyance in my hands anymore (though one site only used the word may and that kind of worried me.) Until then the doctor told me to get some braces for my hands. I am hoping that they help.
Speaking of the braces, I just have to relay this because it tickles me. The day that the doctor told me to get braces I went to the local pharmacy/drug store and looked at all the braces that claimed to help alleviate carpal tunnel pain. There were 3 different types so I picked one and away I went. Today, Hubby and I went grocery shopping. While there Hubby started looking at something in the grocery store pharmacy so I peaked at the braces. Would you believe that not only did the grocery store offer more types of braces, the braces were priced better at the grocery store as well? What the....? How crazy is that?
Anyway, I have to go now and put on the brace that Hubby bought me at the grocery store. It's a night time brace, made to be slept in. We shall see how I do sleeping with my hands turned into stubs! Haha!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Some days just make me smile!
Today was an awesome day, I think. We planted roses, a bunch of flowers, spread weed and feed, etc. Since I can't exactly bend very well for the gardening the kids did a lot of the planting. They seemed to enjoy it (especially spraying off the dirt at the end) plus they really got their energy out. We got to be together and get things done. We had ice cream for dinner (it doesn't hurt every once in a while!) and then the kids hit the hay early.
And then- then I got things done. Now I know this is going to sound odd but despite all the other things we got done today I am most excited about the two things I accomplished after the kids went to bed! Haha! And one of them would seem like nothing to most people.
First of all, I prepared all the fabric for making the crib skirt this week. That required washing it, drying it (to preshrink it) and then- ironing it. All 6 to 7 yards of it. I HATE IRONING! I have no problems doing laundry, dusting, scrubbing or any of the other things that people often admit to hating but I hate ironing! Don't know why, just do. But I got it all done tonight.
And getting that done meant that I could finish another task... making the crib mobile. I seriously think this is the cutest craft I have ever made! I adore it and, honestly, I never say that about things I made. Other people will oooh and ahhh over them but I always seem a crooked place or a wrinkle or a missed stitch or something like that... but this is just too cute! I love it to pieces! It is simple and adorable at the same time, and totally perfect for the room!
Anyway, just wanted to share a great day... no lottery winnings or trips to Disney World, but a great day just the same!
And then- then I got things done. Now I know this is going to sound odd but despite all the other things we got done today I am most excited about the two things I accomplished after the kids went to bed! Haha! And one of them would seem like nothing to most people.
First of all, I prepared all the fabric for making the crib skirt this week. That required washing it, drying it (to preshrink it) and then- ironing it. All 6 to 7 yards of it. I HATE IRONING! I have no problems doing laundry, dusting, scrubbing or any of the other things that people often admit to hating but I hate ironing! Don't know why, just do. But I got it all done tonight.
And getting that done meant that I could finish another task... making the crib mobile. I seriously think this is the cutest craft I have ever made! I adore it and, honestly, I never say that about things I made. Other people will oooh and ahhh over them but I always seem a crooked place or a wrinkle or a missed stitch or something like that... but this is just too cute! I love it to pieces! It is simple and adorable at the same time, and totally perfect for the room!
Anyway, just wanted to share a great day... no lottery winnings or trips to Disney World, but a great day just the same!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The big countdown!
Today marked the start of our big countdown. We have just one month before this baby is scheduled to be in my arms. In one month our lives will change, again! That means that we also have one month to finish our to-do list.
We have been working really hard at this list, and yet it isn't done. We are sitting at 84 out of 113. And tomorrow somehow it will probably change- to 84 out of 114. Ha ha! Some things aren't things that can be accomplished in an instant (like train the kitties to stay off the baby stuff) and some things are only missing pieces before they can be crossed off. Other things- well, I am starting to worry they won't be done. I mean, I can't control how fast stuff sells on craigslist. But I need it all sold before I can cross that off the list, or I need to decide to keep it for a while or give it away or something. Anyway, I know I should focus on how much has been done and how wonderful it will be to have Will in my arms. I am really going to try to focus on those and not let the fact that I have to accomplish at least one thing a day to complete the tasks by our due date make my skin itch. You all might have to help me with that though! :P
We have been working really hard at this list, and yet it isn't done. We are sitting at 84 out of 113. And tomorrow somehow it will probably change- to 84 out of 114. Ha ha! Some things aren't things that can be accomplished in an instant (like train the kitties to stay off the baby stuff) and some things are only missing pieces before they can be crossed off. Other things- well, I am starting to worry they won't be done. I mean, I can't control how fast stuff sells on craigslist. But I need it all sold before I can cross that off the list, or I need to decide to keep it for a while or give it away or something. Anyway, I know I should focus on how much has been done and how wonderful it will be to have Will in my arms. I am really going to try to focus on those and not let the fact that I have to accomplish at least one thing a day to complete the tasks by our due date make my skin itch. You all might have to help me with that though! :P
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Somebody's Eyes are Watching
Have you ever felt like someone or something was watching you? You instinctively know that there are eyes trained upon you. You just know- Somebody's eyes are watching. Well, I do know. Why? Because those eyes belong to one of our beloved felines.
Her name is Pattycake and she is Boogie's cat. She is his because she is the kitty that loves the attention of little hands and a loud voice. She doesn't mind that he gives as many hugs and kisses on her face as he does bits of petting. She doesn't even mind being wrapped up in his arms for a rather lengthy period of time. She is just a great cat for a little boy.
And so you ask- then why do I think she is watching me? Well, simply put- she is. She has been really affected by this pregnancy. Once I left the first trimester behind her behavior changed drastically. She is still super sweet to Boogie. She still chooses his loving over anyone else's, but she has also picked up the habit of watching me. Really, she guards me.
When she is allowed in my room at night she sleeps between me and the door. When she isn't supposed to be in my room at night she attempts to hide beneath the bed, between me and the door. If her attempts to hide fail, she sits outside my door ever vigilant. She sits near me during the day, always on watch for something coming to harm me. When I am overexerting myself she positions herself at my feet and meows at me, herding me back to a place to rest. When I am alone in the house she stays near me except when making rounds to check that all is safe. I don't know if it is me she is guarding or if she is protecting this baby but she is definitely guarding us.
I don't know what a darling little cat can do to protect me should harm come my way, but somehow she reassures me that I always have someone with me in this pregnancy. I always have a little protection around me, even when I can't see it. It's nice, it's sweet and I adore her for it. And I thank God for my little reminder in the form of a darling cat.
Her name is Pattycake and she is Boogie's cat. She is his because she is the kitty that loves the attention of little hands and a loud voice. She doesn't mind that he gives as many hugs and kisses on her face as he does bits of petting. She doesn't even mind being wrapped up in his arms for a rather lengthy period of time. She is just a great cat for a little boy.
And so you ask- then why do I think she is watching me? Well, simply put- she is. She has been really affected by this pregnancy. Once I left the first trimester behind her behavior changed drastically. She is still super sweet to Boogie. She still chooses his loving over anyone else's, but she has also picked up the habit of watching me. Really, she guards me.
When she is allowed in my room at night she sleeps between me and the door. When she isn't supposed to be in my room at night she attempts to hide beneath the bed, between me and the door. If her attempts to hide fail, she sits outside my door ever vigilant. She sits near me during the day, always on watch for something coming to harm me. When I am overexerting myself she positions herself at my feet and meows at me, herding me back to a place to rest. When I am alone in the house she stays near me except when making rounds to check that all is safe. I don't know if it is me she is guarding or if she is protecting this baby but she is definitely guarding us.
I don't know what a darling little cat can do to protect me should harm come my way, but somehow she reassures me that I always have someone with me in this pregnancy. I always have a little protection around me, even when I can't see it. It's nice, it's sweet and I adore her for it. And I thank God for my little reminder in the form of a darling cat.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tax Day
We all know when tax day is- it's April 15th. Every year people feel one of two ways about tax day- dread or dream. One group of people hate that looming deadline where they will be giving away more of their hard earned money to the government. Another group will have handled their paperwork early because they get some of that money back, or all of it, or more than they paid. April 15th- a day that divides our country with emotion. This year, each year from now on, April 15th will be a happy day for me and my family.
We're having a baby-
A tax day baby.
We finally scheduled the c-section and the available slot for our week was tax day. We did not hesitate to take it! Haha! I am so excited to have a date and I am so excited to know just when I will get to meet my new little man! Tax day baby- here we come!
We're having a baby-
A tax day baby.
We finally scheduled the c-section and the available slot for our week was tax day. We did not hesitate to take it! Haha! I am so excited to have a date and I am so excited to know just when I will get to meet my new little man! Tax day baby- here we come!
Monday, February 7, 2011
What to do, What to do...
The list I mentioned a couple posts ago has been made, though it continues to grow almost daily. And we are really working hard to get it all done. However, I am having some issues deciding just how to accomplish one thing on my list. Clean/Reorganize the garage. We really want the garage to be clean and straightened up enough that we can actually park a car in there. I hate putting a baby in a boiling hot car and since we have no shade... well, the garage it is. Of course part of getting this done will be actually cleaning the garage again, but the biggest issue is that it is out only storage area and we have tons of stuff in there that we have been meaning to sell in a garage sale for about 4 years. Each year the sale gets put off due to people suddenly coming in from out of town, illness, last minute party invitations, etc. and the pile gets larger and larger. We really need to get the stuff out of there.
So the question keeps coming up- how to get rid of it without giving it away. We have a few options there and they are all kind of scaring me. So here they are and why they worry me... any input on which you think we should go for is appreciated.
1. Yard Sale- This takes away a whole weekend of time before Will gets here and still only knocks one thing off the list where we usually knock 7 or 8 things off in a weekend. Additionally, due to the weather, we can't do this until right before my due date which worries me.
2. Consignment Sale- One of the largest sales in our area is taking items in starting this week. I would have to jump NOW to get things all ready for the sale. I like how big the sale is because it means that it is THE sale that people go to, but the cost of selling there seems pretty steep. You get 70% of your price minus a $14 fee for selling things there. It scares me that if we don't sell alot of stuff there then we won't get any money at all. The money, should we get any, comes in a check a month after the sale is over. Oh- and the sale is 45 minutes away from here. Basically, if I can bust my behind and get this done like right now I can knock that off the list now, but I will be getting a lot less money and going way out of my way to do it.
3. Craigslist- My worry with craigslist is the time it consumes with meeting people to sell things. It is no longer safe to give people your address so we have to arrange a meeting place and then it seems that we are always just sitting there for an hour waiting on people to show up. Do that a few times and you have hit just as much time as it takes to have a yard sale! Crazy! Things do tend to sell for a little more money on craigslist though...
*special note to other craigslist sellers* Just because you paid $200 for a crib 5 years ago doesn't mean it is worth $190 now. Seriously people, this is resale. Your prices should be better than a sale price for something new at a real store!
So everybody- give me some input here because I am having some issues weighing the options and I am sure my poor hubby is tired of me changing my mind!
So the question keeps coming up- how to get rid of it without giving it away. We have a few options there and they are all kind of scaring me. So here they are and why they worry me... any input on which you think we should go for is appreciated.
1. Yard Sale- This takes away a whole weekend of time before Will gets here and still only knocks one thing off the list where we usually knock 7 or 8 things off in a weekend. Additionally, due to the weather, we can't do this until right before my due date which worries me.
2. Consignment Sale- One of the largest sales in our area is taking items in starting this week. I would have to jump NOW to get things all ready for the sale. I like how big the sale is because it means that it is THE sale that people go to, but the cost of selling there seems pretty steep. You get 70% of your price minus a $14 fee for selling things there. It scares me that if we don't sell alot of stuff there then we won't get any money at all. The money, should we get any, comes in a check a month after the sale is over. Oh- and the sale is 45 minutes away from here. Basically, if I can bust my behind and get this done like right now I can knock that off the list now, but I will be getting a lot less money and going way out of my way to do it.
3. Craigslist- My worry with craigslist is the time it consumes with meeting people to sell things. It is no longer safe to give people your address so we have to arrange a meeting place and then it seems that we are always just sitting there for an hour waiting on people to show up. Do that a few times and you have hit just as much time as it takes to have a yard sale! Crazy! Things do tend to sell for a little more money on craigslist though...
*special note to other craigslist sellers* Just because you paid $200 for a crib 5 years ago doesn't mean it is worth $190 now. Seriously people, this is resale. Your prices should be better than a sale price for something new at a real store!
So everybody- give me some input here because I am having some issues weighing the options and I am sure my poor hubby is tired of me changing my mind!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Where there's a Will...
I have kind of avoided writing this post for a while because I have been afraid that I wouldn't be able to put our feelings into words. Finally though, despite still feeling that I can't possibly express things well enough, I am going to write it.
We have chosen a name for our new little man. And the decision came, much like Jacob's name came, without arguing. It was a bit of a shock after all of the issues we had been having. The name just settled in and took root and there it was.
William Howard a.k.a. Will
It fits all of the criteria set forth, in amazing ways. William means protector. Howard means chief guardian. Wonderful attributes for a boy to grow in to a man possessing. Then there are the men he is named after. There are three men we are naming him after; Hubby's grandfather, my grandfather and my father. William in is honor of both Hubby's grandfather and my father. Howard is in honor of my grandfather.
Hubby's grandfather, whom he called Daddy Bill, passed before I ever got to know him but what I know of him makes me feel good about naming my baby after him. By all accounts he was a wonderful grandfather and father. When my husband talks about his childhood 90% of the time it is relating things he did with Daddy Bill. Daddy Bill taught him about being passionate about things, always gave him time and attention and treated him as an equal. Daddy Bill played with childhood games with him and yet, taught him to play golf. And I am guessing that means he had plenty of patience! I have to admit that I wish, on a regular basis, that I could have had the honor of knowing Daddy Bill, even if for just a short while.
My father was my hero growing up. I know all little girls idolize their daddy's, but how many still have their daddy's sitting on a pedestal at 25? I did. When I was very little he bought me a little pair of red barrettes with "I love football" on them and then proceeded to teach me all about the game and just when to yell at the refs. Haha. When I was slightly older he let go of my bicycle way before I thought I was ready because he believed I could do it. And when I got my first car my dad took me to the garage, handed me the Chilton's and told me to get the master cylinder rebuilt. My dad taught me that there wasn't anything I had to be scared to try. Of course, he also taught me just how far back I could bend my head if it helped avoid a power peel, how to avoid a shot rubber band and how to handle being pig piled by adults, but I digress.
My grandfather has always been my rock. When other people in this world have let me down or deserted me I always knew he was there. He has always known when to hug and when to talk. He never forces his opinions but can always make you understand his way of seeing things. He is a work horse and a genius rolled in to one. Before he retired he worked more hours every week than I knew there were in a week and still found time to farm. But he pulled it off to take care of his family. He has always been the safest place I know. I could go on, but being pregnant and all, I am getting super weepy thinking about these wonderful men.
So there you have it- William Howard and why.
We have chosen a name for our new little man. And the decision came, much like Jacob's name came, without arguing. It was a bit of a shock after all of the issues we had been having. The name just settled in and took root and there it was.
William Howard a.k.a. Will
It fits all of the criteria set forth, in amazing ways. William means protector. Howard means chief guardian. Wonderful attributes for a boy to grow in to a man possessing. Then there are the men he is named after. There are three men we are naming him after; Hubby's grandfather, my grandfather and my father. William in is honor of both Hubby's grandfather and my father. Howard is in honor of my grandfather.
Hubby's grandfather, whom he called Daddy Bill, passed before I ever got to know him but what I know of him makes me feel good about naming my baby after him. By all accounts he was a wonderful grandfather and father. When my husband talks about his childhood 90% of the time it is relating things he did with Daddy Bill. Daddy Bill taught him about being passionate about things, always gave him time and attention and treated him as an equal. Daddy Bill played with childhood games with him and yet, taught him to play golf. And I am guessing that means he had plenty of patience! I have to admit that I wish, on a regular basis, that I could have had the honor of knowing Daddy Bill, even if for just a short while.
My father was my hero growing up. I know all little girls idolize their daddy's, but how many still have their daddy's sitting on a pedestal at 25? I did. When I was very little he bought me a little pair of red barrettes with "I love football" on them and then proceeded to teach me all about the game and just when to yell at the refs. Haha. When I was slightly older he let go of my bicycle way before I thought I was ready because he believed I could do it. And when I got my first car my dad took me to the garage, handed me the Chilton's and told me to get the master cylinder rebuilt. My dad taught me that there wasn't anything I had to be scared to try. Of course, he also taught me just how far back I could bend my head if it helped avoid a power peel, how to avoid a shot rubber band and how to handle being pig piled by adults, but I digress.
My grandfather has always been my rock. When other people in this world have let me down or deserted me I always knew he was there. He has always known when to hug and when to talk. He never forces his opinions but can always make you understand his way of seeing things. He is a work horse and a genius rolled in to one. Before he retired he worked more hours every week than I knew there were in a week and still found time to farm. But he pulled it off to take care of his family. He has always been the safest place I know. I could go on, but being pregnant and all, I am getting super weepy thinking about these wonderful men.
So there you have it- William Howard and why.
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