My pending son either doesn't like doctors, or just likes messing with them.
We've had three ultrasounds, now; one to confirm the pregnancy and two since.
I don't know if he had any opinions at the first one; I don't think he had brain waves at that point. Heartbeat, yolk sack, everything's where it's supposed to be and there's only one of him. Have a nice day.
At the second one, the idea was to get a look at his spine and, to a lesser degree, his face to make sure he doesn't have any major defects. And once we got to look at those things, he was confirmed to be healthy. But in the meantime, he crossed his legs, covered his face with his hands, and kept turning away from the scanner. "Go away!" he seemed to be saying.
After this ultrasound, but before the next one, we had a routine checkup. The doctor went to check his heartbeat, and then has this look on her face. She got very deliberately neutral. The "Something is wrong so I have to look like nothing is wrong" face.
Yeah, he was just dodging the wand. Once she tracked him down, his heartbeat was strong and healthy.
Then came the most recent ultrasound. This was the one where they would reveal the sex.
Many of our friends who have recently had, or will soon have, kids, found the sex through a blood test (did you know pregnant mothers have bits of their babies' DNA floating in their own blood? Science is awesome!). We just waited for the ultrasound. Even Chris, who is vehemently against spoilers, wanted to know.
So in the week or so leading up to the test, we talked to my bump. "You better cooperate with the doctor and the tech!" we told him. "We want to know who you are!"
(Well, we won't know that for a few months, yet, but at least this would determine his name.)
So the tech takes a look, and says, "Look! It's a boy!"
Yeah... she didn't need to tell us that. He wasn't subtle.
He was manspreading.
And just as soon as she announced it... his legs were crossed, his hands were over his face, and he was rolling away from the scanner. "I did what you asked, now leave me alone!"
And so it goes. At our last appointment, he let the PA check his heartbeat... then tried to kick the wand.
Immunizations are going to be an adventure, I just know it.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Friday, April 1, 2016
Friday Review #59
It's been since October since I did one of these, and since December since I posted at all. There's no way I'm going to be able to fill you in on everything, so I'll just fill you in on the big news that I actually not too long after the last Friday Review...
Chris and I are expecting our first child in July.
Before you ask, the smart-ass answer is, "I'm sure they will let us know their gender identity by the time they're two or so."
The precise answer is, "The fetus is anatomically male."
Yes, we have a name in mind. No, I won't be sharing on this blog. Chris has consented to being mentioned by name on this blog. Small Nyberg, as I'll be referring to him for now, clearly has not.
My first trimester kicked off with back-to-back colds, which segued nicely into morning sickness so bad you could put it in pill form and sell it as a weight-loss drug. I kept food down fine... when I could manage to eat it in the first place.
But I'm doing much better now, as our grocery bill can attest. You should have heard us a week or so ago:
Me: I need a snack, but we're out of everything.
Chris: Have some ice cream.
Me: I already killed that.
Chris: Fruit?
Me: All we have left is citrus. That won't end well.
Chris: We have chips.
Me: ...Yeah, not anymore we don't.
Chris: Cereal?
Me: I finished the milk this morning.
At which point he looked a little dismayed, because now he wanted a snack, too, and I had already eaten all of everything he had thought of (except the grapefruit, which would give me indigestion).
Also, the baby likes to screw with the doctor, but that's a story for another day.
But you don't care about any of that! Let's look at how the last week has been.
Last Friday was the second day of my temp job. It's supposed to be a two-week gig, which is about perfect, except they won't commit to an end date. I can work longer; I'd be happy to do so. But I really need to know what the story is so I can, you know, make and keep doctor's appointments.
Friday night was a comedy of errors in trying to get to Long Island for sushi with some of Chris's friends. This place had a pretty extensive menu of cooked sushi, which was amazing once I finally got there. Oh, I miss real sushi. We went bowling, where I did surprisingly well. I guess the baby is a good bowler already.
Saturday we mostly ran errands and relaxed. We got some nice steaks for dinner.
Sunday was Easter. We met up with Chris's family at a restaurant, which would have been nice had our table not been next to one full of screaming children. I was overwhelmed and overstimulated pretty quickly. Also, Chris's grandfather had passed away on Palm Sunday, which cast an odd tint on things. Not sad, exactly. Just odd.
Tuesday I had a doctor's appointment. The baby tried to kick the PA when she measured his heartbeat. Like I said, he likes to screw with doctors. Chris found the whole thing hilarious.
All in all, a fairly uneventful week. Tiring, though.
Not much knitting this week. I am far from the only person in my circle of friends expecting this spring, so I spent a decent chunk of the winter churning out booties. I'm still a little burnt out, not to mention out of the yarn I need. I'll make a pair for Small Nyberg once I replenish. I should probably pick at a hat in the meantime, but meh.
As for reading, I finished The Happiest Baby on the Block
(which will hopefully prove helpful -- I expect Small Nyberg will be born without any chill) and worked on Storm Front 
for book club, as well as The Seventh Bride
.
So what have you been up to?
Note: Crap, I just realized as I was preparing the draft for this post that it's scheduled for April 1. The news about the baby is NOT an April Fool's gag. That said, I don't expect you to believe me -- I wouldn't -- so feel free to remain skeptical until future blog posts confirm the news.
Updated 5/6/16 to add links and fix typos.
Chris and I are expecting our first child in July.
Before you ask, the smart-ass answer is, "I'm sure they will let us know their gender identity by the time they're two or so."
The precise answer is, "The fetus is anatomically male."
Yes, we have a name in mind. No, I won't be sharing on this blog. Chris has consented to being mentioned by name on this blog. Small Nyberg, as I'll be referring to him for now, clearly has not.
My first trimester kicked off with back-to-back colds, which segued nicely into morning sickness so bad you could put it in pill form and sell it as a weight-loss drug. I kept food down fine... when I could manage to eat it in the first place.
But I'm doing much better now, as our grocery bill can attest. You should have heard us a week or so ago:
Me: I need a snack, but we're out of everything.
Chris: Have some ice cream.
Me: I already killed that.
Chris: Fruit?
Me: All we have left is citrus. That won't end well.
Chris: We have chips.
Me: ...Yeah, not anymore we don't.
Chris: Cereal?
Me: I finished the milk this morning.
At which point he looked a little dismayed, because now he wanted a snack, too, and I had already eaten all of everything he had thought of (except the grapefruit, which would give me indigestion).
Also, the baby likes to screw with the doctor, but that's a story for another day.
But you don't care about any of that! Let's look at how the last week has been.
Last Friday was the second day of my temp job. It's supposed to be a two-week gig, which is about perfect, except they won't commit to an end date. I can work longer; I'd be happy to do so. But I really need to know what the story is so I can, you know, make and keep doctor's appointments.
Friday night was a comedy of errors in trying to get to Long Island for sushi with some of Chris's friends. This place had a pretty extensive menu of cooked sushi, which was amazing once I finally got there. Oh, I miss real sushi. We went bowling, where I did surprisingly well. I guess the baby is a good bowler already.
Saturday we mostly ran errands and relaxed. We got some nice steaks for dinner.
Sunday was Easter. We met up with Chris's family at a restaurant, which would have been nice had our table not been next to one full of screaming children. I was overwhelmed and overstimulated pretty quickly. Also, Chris's grandfather had passed away on Palm Sunday, which cast an odd tint on things. Not sad, exactly. Just odd.
Tuesday I had a doctor's appointment. The baby tried to kick the PA when she measured his heartbeat. Like I said, he likes to screw with doctors. Chris found the whole thing hilarious.
All in all, a fairly uneventful week. Tiring, though.
Not much knitting this week. I am far from the only person in my circle of friends expecting this spring, so I spent a decent chunk of the winter churning out booties. I'm still a little burnt out, not to mention out of the yarn I need. I'll make a pair for Small Nyberg once I replenish. I should probably pick at a hat in the meantime, but meh.
As for reading, I finished The Happiest Baby on the Block
(which will hopefully prove helpful -- I expect Small Nyberg will be born without any chill) and worked on Storm Front for book club, as well as The Seventh Bride.So what have you been up to?
Note: Crap, I just realized as I was preparing the draft for this post that it's scheduled for April 1. The news about the baby is NOT an April Fool's gag. That said, I don't expect you to believe me -- I wouldn't -- so feel free to remain skeptical until future blog posts confirm the news.
Updated 5/6/16 to add links and fix typos.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
What makes you happy? #59
I hate most exercise, but I don't necessarily mind being active.
And there's a real nice point that comes most evenings when my FitBit buzzes on my wrist.
That buzzing means I hit 10,000 steps for the day.
Yeah, sometimes it includes a run I forced myself to take.
But sometimes it's running errands, or wandering around the park, or just decided to walk to church instead of driving, or walk to the slightly further bar.
If I can get myself out of the house, I've got a good chance of hitting it.
It's a pleasant moment. Maybe I should even up my goal?
Updated 3/30/16 to fix links.
And there's a real nice point that comes most evenings when my FitBit buzzes on my wrist.
That buzzing means I hit 10,000 steps for the day.
Yeah, sometimes it includes a run I forced myself to take.
But sometimes it's running errands, or wandering around the park, or just decided to walk to church instead of driving, or walk to the slightly further bar.
If I can get myself out of the house, I've got a good chance of hitting it.
It's a pleasant moment. Maybe I should even up my goal?
Updated 3/30/16 to fix links.
Monday, December 21, 2015
I Don't Know What I Want... Chapter 12, Part 5
I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This
By Julie Jansen
Chapter 12: Job Search -- the Nuts and Bolts
Your Job Search: The Most Important Elements of a Job Search.
Let's see if I can't simplify this a little. Said elements are:- Your Resume. Be sure to have both an Internet version and a hard copy version. I personally have a "master" resume that has everything, ever, plus a bank of keywords; I then edit it down to one-to-two pages for specific jobs.
- Networking. The only people I know of who like networking don't even like networking; they like free cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres and possibly showing off to one or two specific people. But basically, real networking is just keeping in touch with people and making sure you can offer them what they need so they're eager to do the same for you. I watched your dog while you were at the funeral, so you came to my fundraiser, where you met your future partner, who introduced me to my future client. That's not so hard!
- Answering Internet or Newspaper Ads. Meh. Even the book says you're better off going right to the websites of companies you like and looking at their Careers pages.
- Contingency and Search Firms. The book says these are mostly for high-end jobs, but I've gotten several low-to-mid-range jobs though these companies. They're given a position by their client, then comb the major job sites for likely candidates (see "Resume" and "bank of keywords").
- Interviewing. Nothing new here.
- Follow-up. Write thank you notes! Emails are fine! (I try to send a quick email right away and more formal notes by the next morning). You stand out, and it's a really positive way to remind your interviewer that they saw you.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
What Makes You Happy? #58
For our anniversary back in September, Chris and I spent the day in Woodstock, NY. Now, yes, a lot of the residents sure seemed like they came out for the concert and never went home. But that's fun, too.
What was really satisfying was that we started our Christmas shopping. Yes, it was technically too early, but as we wandered the strange little shops, small items kept jumping out at me. Person A would love this! they'd say. Person B would love that. Sometimes I'd make a note. Other times, I'd make a purchase.
Heck. It spreads out the costs so our credit card doesn't take a hit come December. That alone makes me a little happier.
Not to rush you, but do you have any fun holiday plans yet?
Updated 3/30/16 to fix links.
 |
| picture of a wrapped present (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Heck. It spreads out the costs so our credit card doesn't take a hit come December. That alone makes me a little happier.
Not to rush you, but do you have any fun holiday plans yet?
Updated 3/30/16 to fix links.
Monday, December 14, 2015
I Don't Know What I Want... Chapter 12, Part 4
I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This
By Julie Jansen
Chapter 12: Job Search -- the Nuts and Bolts
Your Job Search: You Must Make Decisions and Take Action
If you feel stuck, make the decision or take the action anyway; it's the best way to get unstuck....Yeah, because it's totally that easy.
But it helps to understand our motivations. Why are you doing this or that?
10/1/15: Three Good Things
- I have a Fitbit! I was paying a credit card I only still have because it's my oldest (as soon as my credit history allows, I'm closing it) , and saw that I have a ridiculous number of points. Now, the points are only good in the offiial "store" -- I can't get cash back or miles or really much of anything. I think I got a CD once, and by that I mean a Compact Disk, not a Certificate of Deposit (although, given the current interest rates, one's about a useful as the other...). Anyway! Seeing my ridiculous amount of points, I thought I'd skim the "store" and see what thy had -- and they had some fairly high-end fitness trackers. A little research later, and I have a Fitbit Charge HR. This didn't happen today, but I just happened to find it useful today, so I thought I'd mention it. This happened because I managed to combine two whims (get a fitness bracelet; check out my rewards points) into something useful.
- It's raining! Again, this didn't start today, but it's just so nice. It's cool, and it's sucking the humidity out of the air, and it's just a pleasant fall rainstorm. I'm trying not to be pessimistic and think about how this is probably the first salvo of a hurricane (you'll know the result of that before this goes live), so let's just enjoy it while it's good.
- Tea. I'm just enjoying a nice pot of tea. I bought some tea, but not a tin for it, so I'm trying to finish off a tin that's nearly empty so I can reuse it. Also, I just like tea.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
What makes you happy? #57
Chris and I have very different views on hiking.
I want to enjoy nature. Look at the flowers, the animals, the waterfalls, the vistas. The physical strenuousness is a price I choose to pay for that, and if the price is too high -- if I'm too tired, or in pain, or worried about losing my footing to enjoy what's around me -- then I'm not interested.
Chris is there for the challenge. He wants to conquer the mountain; that saps all the fun out of it for me. If we're conquering, we're not appreciating.
Yes, there's probably a sociopolitical metaphor there. No, I don't feel like untangling it right now.
For our anniversary trip [link to friday 10/2], we started by hiking the Kaaterskill Falls. We couldn't do the whole trail; it's being renovated for safety reasons. And the falls themselves were pretty weak, given how dry it had been.
But as a result, we could climb on boulders all the way out to the base of the falls. And we could just take in the beauty of nature.
Is it any wonder an entire arts movement was formed around this region?
Three Good Things, 9/29/15:
 |
| English: Upper Kaaterskill Falls, Catskills, NY (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Chris is there for the challenge. He wants to conquer the mountain; that saps all the fun out of it for me. If we're conquering, we're not appreciating.
Yes, there's probably a sociopolitical metaphor there. No, I don't feel like untangling it right now.
For our anniversary trip [link to friday 10/2], we started by hiking the Kaaterskill Falls. We couldn't do the whole trail; it's being renovated for safety reasons. And the falls themselves were pretty weak, given how dry it had been.
But as a result, we could climb on boulders all the way out to the base of the falls. And we could just take in the beauty of nature.
Is it any wonder an entire arts movement was formed around this region?
 |
| Cole, Thomas - Kaaterskill Falls (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
- An English muffin for breakfast. I don't buy them often, because they're kind of expensive, but a few weeks ago, they were buy one, get two free, so of course I bought three packages and froze two of them. I don't know why, but they're so much more satisfying than toast. This was caused by the willingness to jump on an opportunity when I saw it.
- Pulling the trigger on my dad's birthday present. For a long list of reasons I'm not getting into here, this was a frustrating task. And as things stand now, it still won't arrive in time. But I did it. This was caused by my recognizing the situation and being willing to organize all those involved.
- The Adventure Zone. This podcast never fails to make me laugh, and I finally got to start listening to the latest episode. I really recommend it. This was caused by me recognizing the need for a laugh and the desire to catch up.
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