This and That

The baby movements seem to have died down a bit now. I still feel it every now and then, but it's not nearly as it's 'supposed' to be yet. I think it's still a bit early for kicking. It just feels like the baby is stretching. I'm feeling a lot better than I initially was. I still feel nauseous sometimes, but not all the time. I am also eating better which is a relief. I still don't enjoy food like I used to...but that may really not be a bad thing. I still constantly have a horrid taste in my mouth and I've been chowing Mint Imperials to alleviate that.

It's Sarah's 21st on Friday. I'm looking forward to seeing how all the arrangements turn out, but have no idea what to buy for her! It's the first time she's celebrating a birthday since we've been friends and it's a big one. She's given me ideas of things she wants/needs so I have quite a broad scope. I really hope she likes whatever I choose.

I had a chest of drawers which was seriously falling apart. Somehow the drawers wouldn't fit into the shell anymore and kept collapsing. The entire structure was basically useless. I didn't know of anyone who could fix it and was going to throw the whole thing away. We've been pricing a new set for quite a while and they seem to go for an average of about R2 000. Eventually I chatted to my grandfather about it and he told me I should take it through to his brother. He chatted to his brother and he agreed to have a go at it as carpentry is a hobby of his. Over the weekend he let us know that he was done and we could come pick it up.

The chest of drawers looks as good as new and all the drawers fit in rather nicely! He said it wasn't too big a job. I bought him a box of chocolate as a small gesture of appreciation (I ran this by my grandfather first), turns out he's diabetic. Next time I'll ask my grandmother about his family, she seems to know more than him.

I received a formal invitation to My Evil Mother's wedding. She wants me to take photos. I agreed to take pictures for her. She can consider it my gift.

Mike

Sarah called us last night. The man who lived next door to us for two years (until very recently) passed away. It was such a shock. They found him in his flat, cold. Nobody knows how it happened or how long he had been that way. I know that he suffered from diabetes or something and that he had passed out for a day or two before and that the guy who lived across the road from us had found him unconscious. He lived alone. I saw him just last Friday. He looked happy and as healthy as he always did. He may have been around 50. He was talking about how he was spending time at his brother's house on weekends and how much he had been enjoying it.

This blog post goes out to you, Mike. May you rest in peace.

Movements

I have been feeling 'flutters' if I can describe it that way for a little while. Mostly for a little bit in the evening. On Tuesday I felt it for the first time at work. Yesterday I felt it as soon as I woke up and on and off during the day.

It is rather a cool feeling. Only a feeling that the baby and I share at the moment though. I can tell Rudi that the baby is moving, but he can't feel it yet so all he can say is 'Oh'.

We had a chilled out public holiday. We didn't really do anything. We wanted to go car shopping, but by the time we got to the dealers they were already closed. We managed to do all the washing as the housekeeper doesn't work public holidays and Rudi made a potjie (a kind of stew on the fire made in a black pot) for himself. I don't like potjie. Never have. He craves for it every now and then, so he'll make it for himself and perhaps some friends.

The reason we were going car shopping was to see if it would be possible to trade my car in for a four door car, possibly something with a bigger boot. My little two door car might prove challenging once the baby has arrived. Especially if I have a Cesarean and won't be able to bend into awkward positions. We might have to go for a second hand car, which would suck because I bought my car new, because of the likely price difference. I only have 38 000km on my car at the moment which is a really good low mileage. I hope to get a good trade in amount, but my expectations are not very high.

I'm seriously not looking forward to working this weekend :( I'm so tired most of the time that I'm not up to much. What I am looking forward to is Sarah's party next week Friday. I'm sure it's going to be fun, even though I won't be able to dance much or drink.

Strange Dream

The strangest thing happened to me this morning. I had a dream that I was in a classroom, heavily pregnant. I was sitting eating melted chocolate out of my chocolate fondue bowl. I was paying attention to the teacher, but had no clue what he was talking about. Even though there were around 50 other students in the classroom, I could tell he didn't like me. As if he disapproved of me being there.

He then turned and asked me a question. I honestly told him I don't know the answer. He gloated at this and then berated me in front of the class saying this was a 'kindergarten' question (which is really wasn't - it was something to do with history I think). He then asked me how long I had been 'on the rot' (I took this to mean how long had I been pregnant). I woke up from my dream, I was only semi-conscious though and I couldn't help but cry.

My alarm went off shortly after this - my face was still wet from the tears. This man (whom I do not know) had SO upset me over something so stupid that I actually cried.

My hormones must be off the charts!

and...it's back

Just in case I missed my morning sickness while it went looking for a new person to make miserable...it decided to join me again yesterday. Yesterday morning I was feeling 100%. I was even upbeat because I thought I looked cute in a new outfit I bought. I went to church and while sitting there I felt weird and got to the loo just in time. I can only hope nobody heard me. Blind.

I felt like crap the whole day yesterday and this morning when I woke up I soon realized that I was too happy too soon about this morning sickness going away. It's definitely still here :( This really sucks because it's supposed to go away by now. I'm probably almost 15 weeks now (according to my last gynae visit). I'm going to cry. Damnit.

On a happier note I went shopping with Sarah on Saturday and managed to spend some money on myself. I bought some accessories and 3 nice tops, PLUS I'm getting my hair done today. I can't wait to get rid of these roots! I really hope it doesn't take 3 and a half hours like it did last time...I'm going to be bored out of my skull!

69 Questions - Tagged again

Ok so I was tagged under 'everyone else', but what the hell.

1. What’s worse - Physical or Mental cheating?
No different
2. Is it easier to forgive or forget?
Forgive
3. Can men and women be ” Just Friends?”
Of couse!
4. Dating co-workers?
Been there, wouldn't do it again.
5. All expenses paid vacation to anywhere?
Italy
6. On the way to the electric chair - What’s your last meal?
Primi Piatti portugese fillet
7. Water parks are…?
Wet and fun!
8. When you are “In Love” do you notice other people?
No.
9. Is flirting cheating?
No, but it's heading there. I kill you!
10. Would you rather have 1 great friend or 5 pals?
1 great friend.
11. If someone called you a bitch would you be offended?
Again? No.
12. Are you ok with your significant other being friends with an ex?
No.
13. Would you live with someone without marrying them?
I have.
14. Favorite sport?
To do? None.
15. Is toilet paper hung over or under?
Over
16. Do you squeeze toothpaste from the middle or end of the tube?
End
17. How do you feel about tanning booths?
Neutral
18. Friends with benefits?
Done that. Was ok.
19. Do you believe in angels?
Not really
20. Would you rather take pictures or be in pictures?
Take
21. Have you ever flirted with someone you had no interest in?
Why would I?
22. Ever kissed a random person and then walked away?
LOL. Not without introducing myself.
23. Would you buy bootleg merchandise?
Depends on what kind of merchandise?
24. What color looks best on you?
Green
25. If you could play any sport professionally what would it be?
Olympic whisper eaterer
26. Ever break up with someone and regret it?
No.
27. Are you a jealous person?
Oh yes.
28. Would you ever have plastic surgery?
If I could afford it, probably.
29. When do you want to get married?
I am.
30. Who has the sexiest accents?
French
31. Next concert you’re attending?
I don't really do concerts.
32. Favorite song?
At the moment..."Never see me again" playing on KFM all the time.
33. Favorite movie?
LOTR
34. What’s your occupation?
Senior Consultant - vague huh?
35. What’s your sign?
Leo
36. Are you a beach, country or city person?
Country
37. Best vacation spot you’ve been to?
Knysna
38. Have you ever had a “secret affair?”
Yes.
39. If you could own a non-traditional pet which would it be?
Um...I don't know?!
40. Favorite show as a child?
Gummi Bears
41. Where do you spend most of your money?
On rent and food
42. Are you currently working at a job that you hate?
Trick question? I suppose I don't HATE it. So, no.
43. Have you ever been so heart broken that you called in sick to work?
Yesh
44. Favorite summer drink?
Fruit juice - orange or guava
45. Can you change a car tire?
No.
46. Favorite cologne / perfume?
Hypnotic Poison - Dior
47. Favorite candle scent?
Vanilla
48. Would you consider yourself adventurous?
Somewhat
49. What is your My Space profile song?
no myspace
50. Favorite concert attended?
Alanis Morissette (yes...YEARS ago)
51. Would you date an already attached man / woman?
I have. Bad idea.
52. Would you sing Karaoke in front of co-workers?
I have. Not again.
53. Can you shoot pool?
Somewhat. My husband ROCKS at it.
54. Do you like your siblings’ significant others?
No siblings.
55. Can you drive a stick?
I do.
56. Did you wear white at your wedding?
No.
57. Have you ever sat and hoped for a phone call?
Yes
58. Ever skip school and spend the day at the beach?
No. Not a beach fan.
59. Favorite TV show?
Just ONE? Survivor.
60. What do you think about gay marriage?
What about gay marriage? Neutral.
62. what are you waiting for at the movies?
Nothing
63. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas! Presents!
64. Describe your fighting style: drunken master or angry monkey?
Drunken monkey
65. Piercing?
Ears. Used to have tongue and nose too.
66. Tattoos?
1
67. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
@ home
68. Thongs? yes or no.
No
69. Write 2 truths and 1 lie.
- My pregnancy was planned.
- I love red wine.
- I am left-handed.

Just realized that I could leave the last answers almost exactly the same and have them still be 2 truths and 1 lie :)

Better?

I've been feeling a LITTLE bit better since yesterday. Not exactly my old self, but a little better. The nausea seems to be subsiding a bit and I'm REALLY glad about that. I hope it lasts!

Last night I had a salad for supper with some ceaser salad dressing (I am LOVING salad at the moment, specifically cucumber, tomato and feta). The salad dressing was very vinegary and I got a little heartburn from it. Hopefully not a sign of things to come! I'm hoping that I can skip the heartburn thing, but I doubt I will be that fortunate. Some Gaviscon sorted it right out though.

I've been thinking about buying a cot soon. I think we're going to get a nice camp cot. We don't have space for a wooden cot and a camp cot will be handy when we're going out as well. Wooden cots are beautiful, but they are also quite pricey and take up a lot of space. Especially if you 'have' to get both. I think a camp cot is more versatile and can be used when travelling. We don't travel much, but we could take it with when we visit people, keeping the baby in a safe environment for people that haven't baby proofed their homes!

I might be starting to get a little excited...

P.S. I found this out on Monday already, but it's not that important. My mother is getting married on the 19th of October. I honestly cannot see the benefit of her getting married to Coke Head and cannot fathom what is going on in her mind...but she's a grown up and I am not HER mommy.

Scan pictures

Scan pictures! I'm still feeling queasy today. Have head a headache and a strange sore throat since last night. I really, really hope I'm not getting sick again as my medical aid is depleted for the year. All appointments and medication will have to be paid cash from now on. OUCH! Hopefully if I can figure out how to do my tax return I can get a rebate.




Jubba scanned these. I would have made them straight. For the record. You can click on the image for a closer look.

STILL sick

I'm STILL sick. I've finally taken my last antibiotic today. I have a suspicion that the antibiotics are making me feel nauseous. I couldn't even keep down water yesterday. I was feeling TERRIBLE, so my gynae appointment wasn't the joyful event it should have been.

My new gynae is really nice. He discussed things with me, which the other one did not. We specifically discussed going for the foetal assessment. He said that I fall into a low risk category and if I go for the foetal assessment there is about a 2% chance that I will need to go for a test where they draw amniotic fluid (this involves a big needle being stuck into your belly). That is the one test I do not want to have! I've decided since the risk is so small I don't think I'm going to go. My medical aid is pretty much done anyway! He also prescribed something for an infection I've gotten from the antibiotics. It never rains but it pours hey!

The baby looks healthy on the scan. Although the baby is lying in an awkward position so they were not able to tell the sex. He said we would definitely be able to tell at the next appointment (20 October) and he'll arrange for a DVD to be made for us. The most amazing thing must have been seeing the baby stretch out inside me. I'm convinced I can feel it sometimes if I'm sitting really still. He also said my due date is approximately 14 March (4 days earlier) but said he's not going to change my due date for now as these things become more and more uncertain as the pregnancy progresses. He said it's really unfortunate that I'm still suffering from morning sickness, but he's convinced I won't be for much longer. He is surprised that I am not complaining about my bladder as the baby is pressing down onto it and it should be making me quite uncomfortable. Perhaps the morning sickness is overshadowing all of that.

I'm really looking forward to getting my appetite back and getting off these antibiotics. I was only able to keep them down for roughly an hour. I hope my body absorbed enough of the antibiotic for the infection not to come back. It was very painful and I don't want to go through another course of antibiotics.

Wish me luck!

Antibiotics

I woke up with swollen glands this morning. First thought that Rudi had somehow hit me in his sleep, but later I figured out my glands are really sore.

After chatting to my grandfather and seeing a sister I decided to go to the doctor. The doctor prescribed some antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy.

My grandfather seems to be doing OK after the chemo so far. He feels tired, but other than that he is OK. He says he won't be able to work for 5 months due to the side effects of the chemo. I don't know what they are going to do for money. He gets a small pension, but that won't cover their rent, bills and food. We're going to have to try and help them out as much as possible.

My Evil Mother has lost her job again. SURPRISE! "Rentrenchement" again. Funny how she gets retrenched every second job. I'm curious to know how many she's had in the past two years. We estimate around 20. According to her she's never done anything wrong. It's either they company goes down, they retrench or the boss doesn't like her or the boss is sexually harassing her. It's hard to make up a different excuse every time. I wonder if she thinks we are too stupid to notice she's repeating the same ones over.

I better go. Rudi will be picking me up any minute.

At Home

I'm at home at the moment. I went to work on Monday and I felt I couldn't cope with the morning sickness and working. I took leave for the rest of the week. I'm already on leave on Monday as I have my next gynae appointment by then. My breasts are REALLY sore too. Especially after I've showered. If the towel even brushes against them I want to cry.

It's nice being at home resting. Somehow I feel a little guilty. I wish a doctor would have booked me off instead of me having to use leave, but I don't feel like paying for another doctor's appointment. My medical aid is already running low and I know I have to go for more gynae appointments this year and at least one foetal assessment as well. Not only that, my doctor is a real man's man. I think he'll think I'm being a wuss and tell me to suck it up. Last year when I had measles he let me suffer with my symptoms for 3 days without medication because he wanted them to develop so he could check whether or not it really was german measles. He's probably just tell me that millions of women go through this and I should stop being a baby. Don't get me wrong, he's a great doctor...but not the most sympathetic man. I'll discuss how I'm feeling with my gynae on Monday.

My grandfather goes for his first chemo session today. I must call him to see how he is doing. He is anticipating the worst, as anyone probably would.

OH! Joke of the century. My Evil Mother phoned me yesterday, cooing over me. Of course, she wanted something. She asked me if she and Coke Head could get married at our house. She's never even seen our house. She doesn't know where we live (and I'd like to keep it that way). When I told her that she doesn't even know how it looks, she said "I know it will be beautiful because it's your house". So I told her we don't have a garden or anything. She said she 'wants me to be part of it'. Pfft. What a load of shit. I told her that I would be a part of it wherever she held it. She's told so many people that she doesn't care about Coke Head. She says she's just using him. Her 'excuse' for wanting to marry him now is that she is 'living in sin' and she is trying to get herself ready of the day of the Lord. This woman has SERIOUS mental issues man. She needs help. We've all tried helping her, but she refuses to believe she has a problem. I wish Dr. Phil lived in South Africa. He'd call her out on all her bullshit. This will be marriage number 3 for her. Clearly heading for disaster. She is an adult though and nobody can make decisions on her behalf. Unfortunately. Her and Coke Head and still sponging off my aunt and uncle for pete's sake! They can't even get their act together enough to get a place of their own! Not even a bachelor flat and they want to get MARRIED? Idiots.

My grandmother has told me that they want to appoint me the executor of their estate once they pass because I'm the only one that doesn't give in to her manipulation and deception. That's a big responsibility and I'll have to protect my aunt which is my grandparent's main concern. I'll have to do my best.

Other than that I've noticed that my skin seems to be deteriorating. I think my hormones are going crazy with this baby and it's making my skin look terrible.

Can anyone remind me when the fun part is again? Hopefully just a few more weeks and the morning sickness will be gone and I'll be 'glowing'. Hard to believe today. Apparently there are some raunchy times in the coming months...can't wait!

Pregnancy

Pregnancy has to be the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. Feeling constantly sick, not enjoying food, not enjoying the company of people, not wanting to have sex, not being able to have a glass of wine, lower back ache...these things are making my life hell at the moment

They say with great sacrifice comes great reward, but it is really hard for me to think of or imagine the reward if I'm in the thick of the sacrifice. Also, because I haven't had a child before I don't know of 'the joy it brings' or how wonderful it is going to be once this part is over.

I've tried all the remedies that people have suggested. I've tried medication. Nothing seems to make me feel any better. I think that my morning sickness getting worse is linked to the vitamins I'm taking. I started taking them again a few days ago and I have been feeling like utter crap since yesterday.

I've already cried this morning. Yes I feel sorry for myself, very sorry. I know that millions of women are going through this and that eventually it will be over, but right now while I'm contemplating sticking my finger down my throat for some relief I see no end in sight.

I just want to crawl under a duvet until all this is over. I couldn't even take off work for fear of them thinking I'm trying to take a 'long weekend'.

Please God let this be over soon.

Bit of This and That

I receive this gift from The Original Gunslinger (and his lady sai I'm sure), for my chap (the baby) today:



Isn't it cute?! It's blue, but Eeyore has a pink rose in his mouth so I'm sure it could go either way :)

I'm back at work and as practically as soon as I walked in here I started feeling nauseous again. I'm starting to wonder if my body just doesn't like being at work. I think it's QUITE possible.

The house is pretty much sorted out. Just one room is still in chaos, but I'll sort that out soon.

I can't wait to get Amber out of the house...the litterbox (more specifically the smell of the litterbox) is driving me to vomit! I think we'll try and get her out today...or at least put the litterbox on the balcony.

We had our first braai (bbq) at our new place last night. It was cosy and really nice. I'm starting to <3 my new home!

Headaches

I've had insane headaches for the past 3 days. This morning it seems to have subsided. I haven't taken any tablets this morning, but I feel the pain looming under the surface. I decided not to take the tablets unless it's not bearable. The advice on baby center says I should try to drink more fluids as the headaches may be caused by dehydration. I've never been much of a drinker (of any liquid, alcoholic or not) but I'll try to get some water in to relieve the headaches at least. Perhaps I'll feel well enough to go to church this evening.

I managed to do nothing yesterday. The housekeeper is here today and I'll be taking her down to the other place to clean it up when she's done here. We should be all sorted then and ready to finally claim our deposit back.

There is an entire room full of junk that needs to be sorted out, but I don't feel like doing it. Apparently you're supposed to have loads of energy in your second trimester. I'll do it then.

Speaking of which, I'm 12 weeks today! It's sort of a pregnancy milestone because it marks the end of the 'dangerous' period where most women are prone to miscarry and it also marks the end of your first trimester. That one went by in a flash. Apparently the second trimester is the best. An acquaintance that is due in two weeks time told me that the first three and last three months are the worst. She's really tired right now so I understand her pessimism. I can't wait for the burst of energy though - bring it on!

I wish spring would hurry up. We've had one cold front after the other here and I am sick of winter. I'm going to be wishing for winter towards the end of my pregnancy as it will be stiflingly hot and I'll be uncomfortable beyond belief, but right now I've had enough of the cold!

Leave

I want to spend the whole day in bed. That is what I feel like doing. The old place still needs to be cleaned, but I don't feel like doing it today. I want to rest and enjoy this little bit of leave that I have left. I think Rudi expects me to go and clean. He'll probably think I'm being lazy if I just stay here and do nothing. I want to do nothing though.

Tomorrow the housekeeper comes so I'll have no rest. Thursday I have to get up early to do something, so no rest there either.

I'm feeling OK so far today. Woke up with another splitting headache this morning. If it's not one thing it's another. I'd rather have the headaches than the nausea though. I hate being nauseous. I've popped at least 8 Panado tablets since yesterday (don't worry, they're safe).

Almost time for the next scan on the 15th of September. That should be interesting. I hope Rudi can make it. His boss can be an ass sometimes.

I've got a lot of nothing I want to do.

Duh!

I was silly. I just realized that my camera cable must be in my laptop bag. Where else would I put it? Silly me!

I'm downloading a few images of the place that...I'll take pictures of everything else once there is some order!





Our bedroom



Bedroom cupboards



The bathroom - seperate shower!



The rug I wouldn't stop talking about



Our balcony with built in braai (BBQ)



Tonight our landlord stopped by to make sure we were alright. She brought us flowers and a card! How wonderful is that?! We are so lucky! :)

Moving

Yesterday when we woke up we had little hope for our move. There was a big storm the night before. I can't remember the last time we had gale force winds like that. There was hail and everything was so loud and the wind was so strong that I thought the windows were going to explode. Somehow through all of this nasty weather our old neighbours still managed to party until 3AM blaring their music. I won't miss them.

Luckily by about 10 'o clock the weather started clearing up for brief periods and we were able to predict when the rain would come by looking at the clouds and the speed they were moving at. We managed to get everything from our old place to the new without any damage. The floors are a bit of a mess because of the wet feet trampling in and out, but that can easily be cleaned.

I didn't manage to help too much with the move. As soon as I started to participate I would start feeling really nauseous and light headed. I can only thank God for my housekeeper. She really is amazing. She did the majority of the work, but Boogaloo and some other friends came to help us out. It's really cool when people come to help you out, things are just so much easier. We had two bakkies and about 4 people with us for most of the day.

Around lunch time we bought everyone pizza to say thank you.

I'm already feeling a bit queasy and have lots to do today. I'd like to tidy up around here a bit, perhaps vacuum and mop the floors. The owner is coming around this evening so I'd like it to look semi-decent. I have some shopping to do...mostly thread tape and stuff that Rudi needs to connect the washing machine. We have a proposal for how we'd like to fit the dishwasher into the scheme of things, but have to discuss it with the owner first. I hope she approves it! It seems like the only way we'll be able to implement it into the kitchen and I really <3 my dishwasher and wouldn't want to have to store it or sell it. The owner is really nice though so I don't think she'll have much of a problem. Fingers crossed!

I better get my butt into gear and get some work done here. Once I find the cable to download the photos I've taken from my camera I'll post them. I can't promise that it will be soon though - this place is still in shambles!