steppin' out saturday: mother's day weekend

 on ian: top- target, jeans- sonoma, shoes- nike.  on me:  top- trinity (via zulily), jeans- old navy, sandals- urban outfitters, earrings- modcloth.

we took it easy this weekend.  we decided to have our mother's day dinner saturday night to avoid the crowds on sunday.  and while i named off about 50 places i really wanted to go- we decided to put those on a "date night" list & go somewhere family friendly so that ian would enjoy himself, which means we would enjoy ourselves.  sunday we all had breakfast in bed & i got to open my mother's day gifts- chocolates, a gift card to ulta (new makeup!!) a cd and some hello kitty workout headbands.  we lazed around for a while and then decided to head out for the day.  we had lunch at panera, took ian to target to get him a new car, played for a while at the neighborhood playground & then headed out for ice cream (sorbet for him, of course).  when we got home, ian napped while dave & i just relaxed.  when everyone was awake again we headed to dave's parent's house to have dinner.  i made sure to give my mom a call (they're in florida)!   after spending time with them we came home & crashed.  perfect days spending lots of meaningful time with my boys.

how was your mother's day?

tomorrow is a big day for us...  i am going back to work!  it's only 1 day a week, but i think it will be nice to have a few hours out of the house to get my work done and ian will make some new friends & have lots of fun.  we found a great place for him which i'm sure i'll talk more about later.  i'm so nervous, and a little sad.  as much as i want time to get my work done, i don't want to leave my boy this long.  so keep us in your thoughts tomorrow- but i'm sure everyone will be just fine!!

please forgive me!

it's a little backwards, but ps.  darn you blogger- i thought i had published this one post last week, and it's sitting in my posts as a draft.  arghhhhhhhh.  i'll show you.

excuse me for my lack of posting lately!  we have been super busy and only to get busier!  this past weekend we enjoyed a 30th birthday party and a 1st birthday party- and that pretty much sums up how we will celebrate most of 2011.  everyone is either turning 30 or 1!  we had a blast leaving ian with the grandparents and heading into the city to dance and drink and celebrate with friends.  it was the best time i've had all year, and now i can't wait to plan a fun 30th celebration for dave & myself!

i've also been busy with work.  besides my out-of-the-house job that i work 2 evenings a week, I also work from home for my in-laws.  they own a counseling practice and i am my father-in-law's assistant.  i do all of the bill paying and important stuff like that- the beginning of the year is crazy- throw a 1 year old into the mix and it's just insanity.

i've also been busy working out.  dave & i vowed to work out this year, we have a membership through our local parks & rec department and we are busy getting ready to knock the big one off my 30 before thirty list (you won't find it on the list though....)  ;)

i promise to be better.  i don't know how some of you do it with jobs and babes.  i think i just have really poor time management skills...

good, good people

i don't see a lot of good at work.  most nights i want to "cut someone."  monday night was different.  someone brought me to tears- and not because they were mean to me...

a lady and her 2 children were in line buying some groceries & school supplies- when i gave her the total- she went into her purse and realized she had left her wallet in her car, but she did have her checkbook, and i told her she could write a check.  our computers are weird though- sometimes when you write a check we have to see id, and sometimes we don't.  of course, this time we did, and her id, of course, was in the car with her wallet.  so we unloaded her cart, and she left to go out to her car.  during that time, i checked a couple other people out, and then my next guest was a young woman, mid 30's with some groceries.  while bagging her stuff and putting it at the end of the lane- i told her that the bags to my left belonged to another guest who had to run out to her car.  the lady then asked me if i knew how much they were- and i told her i wasn't sure- maybe $60, and her response- "i'll pay for them."  i was totally shocked.  she asked me if i could hold her transaction, and she would go ahead & pay for the others.  so i did, and gave her the receipt.  around that time, the first lady returned with her wallet.  she second lady took the receipt and handed it to the first, and told her not to worry about it.  that lady was also shocked.  she thanked her many times and went on her way. 

i really wonder what the impact will be on the first woman- will she pay it forward?  it's definitely inspired me to try and find a way to commit a random act of kindness to a stranger. 

have you ever witnessed or been the recipient of a random act of kindness?  what was the act, and how did you pay it forward?

thank you lady.  you really made my day

the vacation's over

man, vacations are such good times, and i really enjoyed my time in atlanta, but no one talks about the aftermath of a vacation...

image credit

seriously.  we returned from atlanta last night- an 11-12 hour trip that took 15 hours and ended with me and a husband that i may or may not have wanted to divorce, a screaming baby that made me consider that throwing myself out the car door would be a better way to live my life, a mile-high pile of dirty laundry, a mile-high pile of luggage and other junk to put away, spoiled milk, no food in the refrigerator, dried up plants, a dvr full of crap that i told it NOT to record, junk mail, unpaid bills, crankiness, dust, a family of spiders in the downstairs bathroom, and having to go to work when i clearly need to be home with my child.

debbie downer much?

back to work

Well, not what i was expecting January 4th. I was expecting to be freaking out about my husband going back to work while leaving me alone for the first time with our sweet baby boy. Obviously we are all going back to work though. It still appears I will not be back at Target though until after baby comes. I called Target the day of my failed induction to tell them to cancel my leave of absence and then also went to the store to get put back on the schedule (which comes out on Thursday). I had already missed the opporunity to be on the January 3-9 schedule, so I was hoping to get on the newest schedule of January 10-16. Either my supervisor forgot, or I was not back in the system yet, so I'm not on that schedule either. Basically it's a moot point for me to even go back on the schedule b\c the next week starts on the 17th, and I am due on that Tuesday, the 19th. So i'm going to see what my options are for reactivating my maternity leave. Why are these things so difficult? Anyway, i'm lucky enough that I have been working with my in-law's at their practice, so while I'm not getting hours at Target, I can at least work some there to make up for what would appear to be 3 weeks of lost money. And speaking of which, it's time for me to head that way.

Tonight is our hospital tour, it's one of the 2 things we get to do with baby not being here. Saturday is the other- our childbirth class. Dave is thrilled. He was hoping we'd miss these 2 fun adventures b\c when I scheduled them in SEPTEMBER these were the earliest dates for us that actually fit into our schedule (ie: before the baby came, or at the actual hospital we are delivering at). I'm exciting about the tour. We tried to do our own at my last Dr's appointment and got lost. Sherman is a new hospital and it's HUGE!

Let's Get Physical, Physical (Therapy)

Yesterday I had my second session of physical therapy as recommended by my OB. At my first appointment I felt a little stupid going in because my pain is never as great in the morning as it is in the evening. While the PT was working on me, I really wasn't feeling a lot of pain, but as soon as I left the pain began and I felt pretty sore for the rest of the day. She concluded that my pain was more than likely a muscle strain brought about by posture and work movements. Posture isn't a strong point of mine unfortunately (you would never have known that I danced for many years), and pregnancy is only making it worse. My height finds me constantly leaning over because my arms aren't long enough to reach things, and the constant back and forth motion at work doesn't help things. She recommended that I am not to be a cashier for more than an hour or 2 at a time. I took these concerns to Target,who had no regard to her instructions. I worked 6 days straight leading up to yesterday's session, so I've had plenty of time to feel lots of pain. I've been working really hard at trying to remember and follow my list of exercises- but we are so busy at work, and with me constantly cashiering, it's sometimes hard to squeeze in the 2 minutes of required stretches per hour.

So at my appointment yesterday, the PT looked disappointed when I told her that work wasn't moving me around to keep me from cashiering up to 6 hours straight. She started the session with asking me how the pain was feeling- good news- the pain isn't lasting after I leave work, bad news- the pain is now on my left & right side at work + I've had some excruciating pain in my rib cage toward the end of my shift- now this could be an extremely severe case of heartburn, because I usually don't eat until an hour or 2 before I leave work- but combined with my back pain, I think I know what Scarlet O'Hara felt like when mammy laced her up in her corset. The pain on my left side is probably from over-compensating for my right side. I've definitely worked a lot harder on concentrating on my posture and trying not to do too much leaning over the belt to reach things.

My actual therapy started with a deep tissue massage- this got me aching. I think my therapist is a little stumped about the root of my pain in relation to where it is- I mentioned my scoliosis to her, which she said definitely is contributing to my pain. After the massage, we got to work on the exercises. Today I had way more exercises to work on then with my previous appointment, including some work with a band and a ball. I was feeling sore at the end, but not like last week. I have my exercises to work on over the next week, and luckily I only have 4 days in a row to work before my next day off (Dr.'s appointments every other week are really helping this)!

My next therapy appointment is Monday afternoon following my Dr. appointment. For now I've got the rest of this week to test out my back at work, and work on my new exercises- I'm hoping to start to see some improvement. We're only 4 weeks away from the dreaded holiday shopping season- and everyone has already told me that it's an absolute nightmare. It makes me not even want to Christmas shop! So let's keep our fingers crossed that the therapy is working for the sake of my back, and most likely, my sanity!

One week to go!

It is ALMOST here (finally)! Just one week until we know if we'll be seeing pink or blue! I think it's definitely going to make things a little more "real." When you finally start seriously talking about names, registering, and doing all the other things in preparation for baby's arrival! I just keep having these thoughts that baby isn't going to cooperate and I'm not going to get to know, and then I'm really going to be freaking out!

On the house front we may be closer to getting someone in! We actually were expecting that our tennant would be moving in this week, but the Atlanta Housing Authority had other plans for us. We received our tennants voucher and filled it out on July 23rd. We sent that back to our real estate agent, who transcribed the info, and dropped it off at the AHA. 3 weeks later (2 weeks ago) on the 14th, our tennant called us to see if we knew what was going on because she had called the AHA and they had no records of her voucher being turned in. I called the AHA and Dave called our agent in a panic- the AHA had no record, and the agent had turned in our forms. We had to start all over again (it's a 3-4 week process, at least) with our prospective tennant having to pick up a new voucher. We are currently waiting on the forms to be overnighted to us- which means they should be arriving today. We fill everything out, sign it, and then either return it to our agent or to the AHA to wait again. The process consists of a credit and background check on Dave (to make sure we own the house and aren't in foreclosure) and who knows what else. Then the AHA comes to inspect the house, and when it gets the ok, our tennant finally has a place to live. I haven't seen our house in over 2 months :( I assume it's still standing...

Once someone is in our house, and we are receiving rent for it, we can move toward finding our own place to live. I wish I could say we'd been able to save money during the 3 months I've lived up here, but with my not having a job until about a month ago, it really hurt more than helped us. We've paid our bills, and eliminated some of the debt (Dave's car! All we have left is our student loans- we have no credit card debt)! We've saved some money not having to pay for cable, phone or the net, but our storage unit made up for that! We are hoping to receive something from the insurance company on our storage unit, and we have to put some money back into our "tax acct" (we used this money to take taxes out of my nannying paychecks since I didn't pay taxes). I think i've set a reasonable goal for us to be moved out of here by December (sooner would be better), but December allows us to save a lot of money b\c renting a house or apartment here will be more than our mortgage. We just need everything to go smoothly this time! In 4 weeks we will hopefully have someone in our house, and that's what matters!

I now need to get ready for work- today starts my 7 day work week- yes, let's pick on the pregnant girl.

have i complained about work yet?

oh yes, it's time. so I was the proud recipient of a job at Target, because no one wants a pregnant nanny, or a pregnant anything for that matter I guess (although that is illegal, it happens). so i am delighted to "help you find something" at Target, and even more delighted to help myself to a 10% discount as long as I write a check or pay cash.

so as a cashier I have to check people out, but I work at SuperTarget, which is basically like working at a grocery store b\c most people buy groceries there. i don't understand people. if they are buying 5 12-packs of coke, they think they need to put all 5 on the belt, and then I have to lift all 5. they put their 24-pack waters on the belt, they put their 40-lb dog food on the belt. I feel it's pretty obvious that I'm pregnant, but people must be oblivious. I usually just scan the items and ask if they mind lifting "because I can't." I am not allowed to lift anything over 15 lbs according to Dr. Uma. Everyone probably just thinks I'm a wimp.

Now, Dr. Uma said I could stand, but I read that lots of standing can lead to premature labor, and lots of other things I'm already worried about. I took the liberty of telling my co-workers I needed to sit b\c I can't stand for long periods of time. Geez, I know friends who sit at a desk all day and are exhausted, I think they can give me a chair. So, I got a stool. It has no back support, and is hardly conducive to cashiering, but I do get to sit once every hour+ for about 30 seconds... It's not so bad if i work a short shift, but anything over 4 hours gives me raging back and foot pain. i'm definitely consulting with the dr. regarding this.

also. I put an open schedule b\c i wanted the job, and they like that better, of course. i didn't want to work Sunday's, but I told them I would in the interview. I also told them that I would prefer days b\c I have a baby on the way, and a husband, and I married him b\c I like spending time with him. I told them I would work at night, but not every night. Someone there obviously didn't get the memo. I now see my precious husband for only 2 hours a day. I know i'm very lucky to get that b\c I have a friend who is expecting and her husband is overseas, but I currently live w\ my husband and would like to see him more. I'm going to see how long they keep me on this schedule, and try not to complain too much. If I could've found a regular 9-5 upon arriving this probably wouldn't even be an issue!

I do have tomorrow off, so I will actually be here when my husband returns from work, and not the other way around! Looking forward to that! Just praying that my work schedule will change b\c I want to spend all the time I can with him these next 5 months!

whirlwind weekend

My parents and brother were in Chicago over the last 6 days. Of course, i'm very sad that they're gone, but was glad to have them here and show them around. It was a good Chicago experience. I think we did the best of the best!

Thursday: Arrival- Picked up pizza from Lou Malnatti's (restaurant too crowded), checked them into hotel, ate pizza at hotel, left for the evening to give them some rest. At home I went through 1 of the 2 garbage bags full of maternity clothes that were sent to me! Bed.

Friday: I was so excited, I woke up at 6:30 am, they however didn't arrive until 11:30. Picked up my first (2!) checks from work, picked up Dave and went to lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. Had the hottest, messiest wings ever. Dropped Dave back off at work. Went shopping at Woodfield, checked out the Motherhood Store and A Pea in a Pod, probably won't be buying anything at Pea although they have this gorgeous shirt that I want. Ate a delish mall pretzel and had a frozen cherry lemonade. Drove around the Streets of Woodfield. Headed back to the hotel to wait for Dave. Met David & Debbie & John & Sally at The Assemby for dinner. Went back to hotel to decide on plans for next day. Home and bed.

Saturday: Woke up early, drove to Wrigleyville, found free parking. Walked to Wrigley, took pictures around the entire perimeter. Tours were sold out. While walking around, we found out there was a free game going on at Wrigley. Got into stadium for free. Mom & I sat while the guys walked around. Watched the high school home run derby. Left Wrigley, had lunch at The Cubby Bear. Drove to Graceland Cemetery. Drove around Graceland Cemetery. Mom & I were dropped off at Union Station. Bought train tickets, took the train back to Bartlett. Boys went to US Cellular to watch the White Sox game. Mom & I took dogs out once back in Bartlett then headed to hotel. Cleaned up. Headed to Pasta Mia for a delicious dinner. Chocolate Italian Ice. Went to Target to pick up some things. Headed back to hotel to wait on boys. Listened to boys talk about trip to US Cellular. Decided on plans for Sunday. Home and bed.

Sunday: Woke up, waited on family. Decided to go to Arlington Park. Got to Arlington, and was very confused. Missed first horse race. Walked around indoors for a while. Found seats for 2nd race, and finally getting the hang of things! Placed bets on 3rd race. Sandwich for lunch. Almost won $400+ in the trifecta had I not switched "place" and "show." Didn't win anything in 4th race, but picked the correct winner. Didn't win 5th race either. Derek cashes out with $4.20. Headed back to Bartlett, dinner at Dogfather's. Chicago Hotdogs! Picked up desserts at Oberweiss. Drove to Temple on 59 and drove around amazed at it. Headed back to Dave's parents house with desserts. Spent time with Grace. Ate dessert. Decided we'd go putt-putt. Lost horribly to Dave & Derek, but I got the only hole in one! Decided on plans for Monday. Home and bed.

Monday: Woke up early. Drove to Bartlett train station. Caught train into city. Walked to Sears (Willis) tower. Made it through security. Cut line because our tickets were at Will Call! Watched movie on tower. Took elevator up to 103rd floor. Viewed the city from all angles. Actually talked myself into standing out on the new SkyDeck. Never looked down. Left tower, starving. Walked back to Union. Caught #124 bus to Navy Pier. Headed into shops for lunch. I decided on Taqueria. Got a chorizo burrito, probably not a good decision. Ate and then walked entire length of pier. Baby makes me so tired. Mom & I walked back the length of the pier indoors! Dave & Derek decided to walk to Buckingham Fountain. We took the water taxi to museums. Best decision ever! Walked to Field Museum- Free Target Second Monday's! Viewed the Ancient Americas exhibit. Dave & Derek finally showed up. Boys walked to Soldier Field, Mom & I chilled in Museum lobby. Caught water taxi again- first to Navy Pier. Transfered at Navy Pier to go to Union. Caught train back to Bartlett. Took dogs out at home. Drove to Japan 77. Thought we'd never eat- so crowded. Extra chef called into work. Finally dinner! Annoying drunk guys sitting at next table. Annoying drunk guys leave. One gets on motorcycle and drives off w\o a helmet. Stuffed full of Japan food. Back to home. Hug family goodbye. Family leaves. I cry. Bed.

Tuesday-Saturday. Work. Not excited at all.

exciting day today!

this afternoon i have an ultrasound. it's actually the test for down syndrome, but i'm excited none the less to see baby peach McFadden. i think it's too soon to determine the sex at this point, so i won't have my hopes up!

Dave & I are still hard at work on our insurance claim. we have all our pictures printed, and our list looks complete- we just need to sort the photos and I think we can send everything in with our fingers crossed! it rained here really hard around 4 am last night- it always makes me worry that we need to go check out the unit for further damage! it seems pretty dry now though, so i think we're ok...

tonight i have orientation for work... finally! i am packing tylenol, rolaids, zofran, lots of snacks and lemon drops- all to fight off hunger and nausea! i don't know how long it will last- so it's best to just come prepared!!

earlier this week, i got a wonderful birthday/baby package from my friend Lyn! it included adorable pictures of her little girl, Ava (now almost 6 months- WOW), the BabyWise book, a nice soft blanket, and teddy bear (that Eleanor proceded to dig out of the box and make her personal plaything, and 2 packs of Swaddlers diapers (mmm, they smell so sweet)! how exciting is it to receive baby things?!

so, i said earlier this week that my sister in law was supposed to find out the sex of her baby- well, it is maybe a girl. she said her technician really didn't do that well in trying to even find out- which i know disappointed her. she also found out her fluid is low- which could be the result of her reappearing morning sickness (which her Dr. tried to call a "bug"). She has had a really hard time with her Dr.'s office- she has to see a different Dr. every time, and it's really bugging her- here she is at 20 weeks, and has yet to see the same Dr. and the one she's liked best so far was the first one she saw!! they just keep jerking her around- and I realize i have been really lucky- i love my Dr.!! since her fluids are low she is going to have a more in-depth level 2 ultrasound in the next 2 weeks- they are also more in-dept with the anatomy check too- so maybe she'll have some confirmation. my step-niece was really wanting a boy, and threw a total tantrum when she found out it was possibly a girl. hopefully this next ultrasound will give them confirmation either way and she can either jump for joy, or get over it and prepare for a sister. i love my brother dearly, and i'm glad i have him, but i always wished i had a sister too! I think she'll be fine, and she'll get over it... eventually!

well, i can't think of anything else that's really pressing right now, so i need to get ready and go feed myself so i don't get sick later!

until next time...