Happy Father's Day

2006

My dad and I share a birthday.  I was born 5 weeks early just to show up on his 30th birthday so we kind of have a unique bond. 

April 2011

Our birthdays in 2007

I'd guess this to be from the early 1990's.

My dad has always been involved in our lives.  And while that seems like an obvious statement  or one to be expected he was really active in participating.

My dad was the one who took us on little mini-vacations during spring breaks while my mom worked.  We went one time up north near Mackinac Island, one year I remember going up to Traverse City area.  Another year we went to the Detroit area.  I remember staying in a pink hotel that looked like a castle that had a tv in the bathroom (not sure why that stands out).

Our 5th grade tradition was to go to Chicago and visit the Museum of Science and Industry.  My dad went with all of us I believe and I still have memories of that trip.

So thank you dad for being so fantastic!

Special shout outs to my father in law for always welcoming me with open arms, my brother in law J who celebrates his first father day this year, and my brother in law C who isn't celebrating his first father's day ever, but his first with his sweet little girl.

And while Rob doesn't consider himself a father yet, a special shout out to him as well just because I think he will be a fantastic dad to baby Eleanor.

Week one back to work, check!

This week marked my first week back to work and I am exhausted. I'm enjoying both of my jobs though.

One of the jobs involves watching kids I watched for 5+ years, but it ended last summer when they went back to school.   The job is great because it was easy to fall back into a pattern and routine and the kids and I are familiar with one another.

The other is a family member of a family member and I am enjoying that one as well.  It takes a little bit more to figure out the kids personalities and quirks, but it's a change and I like it so far.

It's nice feeling like I am finally able to help financial, little as it may be, and it's nice to get out of the house although it leaves me no time for doing my internet earning sites and contest entering.  I am making money though so I suppose it's okay.  I do love getting free stuff though.  :)

I'll have the month of September to relax and finish up things, and then I'm hoping to be able to hold off until after the holidays to find  a job.

When I left work today this is how I felt.  TGIF!

Glucose Test Fail

(I'm not posting from my computer so I have no clue why the font and formatting is off)

So my plan for today was go to the lab to get the glucose stuff,  drink it, go to my appt and go back for blood work

(the lab & my office are in the same building) and then go to work.

I have a 9:30 appt and get to the lab about 9.  It's pretty busy, lots of of pregnant ladies hanging out, and its nearly

9:30 before I get taken back.

At this point I know I'm going to be late but what can I do? I don't want to come back after the appt and have

to wait another hour for my blood to be drawn.

Did I mention it was the first day of a new job? Or that I said I'd be there between 10:30 and 11?

So they get the drink (I had orange; honestly it wasn't that bad)  I drink it and the lady goes to take my blood.

I always have blood drawn from the same vein because it’s a easy vein and I've never had issues with it.  Apparently

I moved when the lab tech poked my arm and the vein rolled.  I've never had that happen before. So she's trying to

get back to it and then says I'm going to have poke a different vein.  Fine, it's not a big deal I say. She feels bad though.

So she is about to do the second vein when lab tech #2 comes in and says

"Isn't this a one hour draw? Why are you drawing beforehand?" 

Lab tech #1 'says "I thought I was suppose to."

Lab tech #2 "No that's only with a 3 hour draw."

Lab tech # 1 "I'm really sorry"

Me: "It's fine" (and it really wasn't a big deal (I don't have needle phobias); I'm more annoyed I'm late for

nothing), "I'll be back in an hour."

I goupstairs and have my appointment. Heart rate in 140's and measuring 24 1/2 weeks.  So right on track. Yeah!

I'm starting to feel a little nauseous, but I'm fine and go to check out. Then I start to feel really light headed and hot.

I take off my sweatshirt and even say something to the receptionist as I schedule my next appointment.

I barely acknowdge the front desk staff as they say goodbye and walk out and hit the elevator button debating whether

to sit down or just make it down to the lab which I decide is the better option.

The normally empty elevator is full and I don't acknowledge anyone in it and hold my checkout paper over my face trying to cool

myself off somehow.

I'm the first one out and by now I'm nervous because I feel dizzy and my vision is blurry.

I walk into the lab, tell them how I feel and they quickly find me a back room I can rest in.

The rest helps a lot.

Some random man walks in the room not knowing in in there, and quickly walks back out

The lab tech #2 comes to check on me once and then comes back after my hour to draw my blood

Lab tech #3 ends up doing it out if a different arm on the first try.

I'm still feeling a little dizzy but way better. It's 10:40 now.

I leave, and of course the person in front of me has issues leaving the parking ramp, but I make it out, drive as

quickly as I can and make it just as the clock turns 11.

All I can say is I better pass this test because the thought of doing the 3 hour one is making me anxious a little bit.

24 weeks-Viability!!

How far along:  24 weeks!

Baby Size: Cantaloupe

Weight:  Up 2+lbs this week.  I ate 4 donuts since Friday (oops) and didn't exercise much (I blame it on high pollen and seasonal allergies). I tried the wii fit in the last week. It told me I was overweight; no spot to mark pregnant. I'm up almost 15 total.

Symptoms:   Acid reflux, Braxton Hicks, Restless leg & arm syndrome (picture me swinging me arms wildly in a dark living room at 2am, it's ridiculous)

Maternity Clothes:  Mostly yes.  A few tops and sweatpants are non-maternity.  I need some pajama bottoms that are maternity though.

Sleep:  I wish, but with the new symptoms it's gotten worse

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I have never been a milk drinker, but I've made an effort to drink more of it.  It's become a cause of my acid reflux I think, so I don't think drinking it is a good idea.

Belly Button: In

Rings on or off:

Gender:  Girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement: She moves around more now.  Still only when I'm sitting or laying down.  She's at her most active late at night, which makes me think she's going to take after Rob.  I was mentioning this to my mom and she said that even when she was pregnant with me I rarely moved after 9/9:30 at night.  Which sounds like me now.

Stretch Marks: I haven't seen any yet

Best moment: Hitting V-day!

Looking forward to:  Baby showers, meeting her,

What I miss:  Sleep


Labor signs: Some braxton hicks this week. 

Appointments:   I have my 24 week checkup and glucose test today.

Misc.  Every week that passes has me going "aah, I'm really going to have a kid soon" I'm excited, but I hit the "am I really ready stage?"

Post shower and still looking gross. 

Swim, Sun & Fun Blogger Giveaway Opportunity

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.aladybugonthego.com/2013/05/swim-sun-n-fun-moon-giveaway-event.html" title="A Ladybug on the Go" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE3EroSTYGyeusmZ8sGktrTJeML1dVaQa85sj0ppkNM32C33RYsiTfqnlpiDo3MbelzUMGnMj1-ICwE0orVmhfIFzssTjE6CvFONvAz53buyeDEefr5z4gEmBF9jdhMS_kjGoBHVQTA1O/s1600/ID-10026481.png" alt="A Ladybug on the Go" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Summer is one of those exciting times of year no matter where you live or how old you are!  This giveaway  will be about celebrating the season in every way.  Prizes may include outdoor games, pool or beach gear, vacation essentials, swimwear, outdoor sporting goods and More.......

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Sign-ups close 6/20

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Weekly Wrap Up

1) A couple of my good wins arrived this last week!  They have been far and few lately and so I get quite excited when the UPS or Fedex pulls into my driveway!
I got a $100 gift to Best Western Hotels.  Rob & I are excited to be able to go away somewhere for a night.  We aren't sure where yet though.
 I also got these things; a comfort and harmony swing and a comfort and harmony mombo nursing pillow (it came with a slipcover as well).

2) I posted already about these things, but I start working again next week.  More consistently anyway.  The last job was very sporadic.  These will be the same days and times (with a few expectations throughout the summer).  I'm looking forward to getting out of the house.

3) Speaking of the getting out of the house, this week has been tough on me.  I went to the gas station once and the bank once and that was it.  Gas prices are at $4.20 a gallon, and while my car gets decent mileage even driving to go to the store to look around is going to cost me $5 and so I am cheap and can't do it if I don't need to.  I didn't need anything so I stayed home

4) Because I stayed home, I only spent $1 this whole week.  And that was on 2 donuts yesterday.  It was national donut day and since that's been a craving of mine, I had to celebrate.  I intended to eat one for breakfast and one for lunch, but I may have eaten them both at breakfast, and shortly after regretted it.

5) I was accepted into a few blogging groups this week so I'm excited about the opportunities that will come along with that.  I like getting to try out new products.  I'm not paid for the review, other than in the sample itself, and my reviews are honest, but I've had success with the things I've tried so far.

6) I've been trying to step away from the computer and my contesting more.  I feel it's becoming an addiction of sorts. I love the fact that it's saved me money on gifts and things for the baby, but I'm finding I don't know what to do with myself when the internet isn't working or Rob is using the computer.   So I read a book this week (it was on a kindle, but close enough right?)

7) Because I enter a lot of contests, I follow some of the blogs via email and even with a separate account my email get's clogged up.  Now I usually delete those emails and I follow the blogs via bloglovin' which I have become a huge fan of (you can follow me on the right side bar at the top as well).  It's easy to use, and let's you mark a whole blog or individual posts as read or unread, and I like that.

That's all I can think of at the moment.  If you haven't already done so I have contests up on my right side bar to enter.  And if you could vote for me under the picket fence icon also on the right side bar I'd love it!

I’m a Cascade #MyPlatinum Ambassador!

I am participating in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central for Cascade. I received a product sample to facilitate my review.  All opinions are my own.

I hate doing dishes.  Even with a dishwasher it is my most dreaded chore, and I know I've mentioned it before. I don't mind laundry (I won't let Rob wash my clothes because I'm so particular), dusting, vacuuming etc... Looking at a sink full of dishes makes me cringe.  I'll even move the dishes to one side which overflows so that they aren't taking up both sides. 

When I was given the opportunity to review this product I was excited.  I like to think I don't need to pre-rinse them and I don't think I should have to, but with some things it is a necessity because we don't run the dishwasher everyday.   That goulash I made last week would have been a nightmare had I not soaked it beforehand. 

I usually buy the store brand or the cheapest powder detergent so trying these will be something new. 

This post will be the first in a series of posts about the product.  Cascade is also running a "my platinum  contest on instagram where you can win prizes. 

23 week update

How far along:  23 weeks

Baby Size:  grapefruit

Weight:  135.4, only up a quarter pound this week.  I ate much better this week.  I am home a lot so snacking when I was bored was part of the problem.  I cut back on that and tried to eat less junk.  I know it's okay to gain weight, but 2lbs a week for the last few weeks seemed like a bit much.

Symptoms:   

• Hungry.all.the.time
• Nauseous again.  That one started over the weekend. 
• It's getting difficult to get up from sitting down.  I kind of have to do this whole roll thing to get momentum.  I'm not huge, but it's starting to be uncomfortable.

Maternity Clothes:  Mostly only maternity.  I do have a few skirts, and tops that are still working.  Everyday I seem to find something in my drawers/closet that doesn't fit anymore.  On the flip side I did find a pair of leggings, a tunic style top and a dress that still worked.  Yeah for that!

Sleep:  I had a few 2 hour stretches this week, but it's never enough.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Chocolate (especially peanut butter cups), donuts.   My facebook followers saw this pic, but Friday Rob called on his way home and asked if I needed anything.  I told him if he stopped somewhere peanut butte cups sounded good, but not to make a special trip.  He came home with this.   I was a happy pregnant wife. :) 

Belly Button: In

Rings on or off: On

Gender:  Girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement: I felt her from the outside for the first time over the weekend.  I've been trying to get Rob to feel her, but when I move so he can, she stops.  Fickle girl. 

Stretch Marks: Not yet.  Rob keeps asking me if I've been putting something on my belly.  When I remember lotion after a shower I will, but otherwise no.  

Best moment:  Not baby related, but getting a source of income again! I now have 2 part time jobs this summer totaling about 28 hours. 

Looking forward to:  Viability, baby showers, meeting her

What I miss:  Bending forward, twisting at the waist.


Labor signs: I didn't notice any braxton hicks this week. 

Appointments:  Next week is my 24 week appt and the GD test. 

Misc.  Rob cracks me up.  I think he's proud of my growing belly.  Sometimes he'll look at me and be like "Wow, your really starting to show"

(This post, along with all my other weekly updates are linked up here)

Job update

I went to bed Saturday night totally stressing out about money. 

I've mentioned that at the moment we don't need much for the baby (car seat, clothes, diapers are top needs) and I attribute that to contest wins.  

We do need money for the bills that will start rolling in after birth and for the fact that we have car insurance which will be also due around the same time, on top of normal monthly bills. 

I was fortunate to pick up a one day a week job thanks to a family member of Rob's which will cover groceries, gas, and net flix. 

So Saturday night I was laying in bed mentally going over what I can sell, and what meals I can make from what we have.

Sunday I came home from church to a text from my former boss asking if I can watch the kids afternoons this summer.  When I went back to visit in April the mom mentioned it maybe happening.  I sent the mom a text a few weeks ago and didn't hear back, and then I actually visited last week and she said she wasn't sure what they were doing so I seriously started to look for something to get me through the summer. 

So I will work 4 afternoons (about 20 hours a week) which is great, not only for the financial aspect, but I miss those kids, watching them, and then the other day watching the other family all day. 

It will be busy, but I am ready for the chance to add some money to the savings.  I'm not planning on spending much of it however.  I'm looking forward to getting out of the house as well.

And so my lesson in trust and faith was renewed.  It came at a good time because this morning in the mail was a possible bill for labwork for $300+.  I'm going to resubmit it and see what happens. 

For the moment though I'm just going to be happy I can help contribute something again. 

Getting Ready for Summer Giveaway

Hosted by:

 NYSavingSpecials 

and 

Your Fashion Resource

Co-Hosted by:
Barbara's Beat, BabyDashCo, Capri's Coupons, Maria's Space, Stay a Stay at Home Mom, My Natural Family, Simply Sherryl, The Parenting Patch, The Mommy Nest, My Devotional Thoughts, All in a Day's Work , Kaisy Daisy's Corner  

Come and join us on this great giveaway

"Getting ready for Summer"
We will have 3 winners, all prizes will be ordered and shipped from Toysrus.com

Prize #1 Any bike up to $150 (kids or adult/Safety accessories not included)

Prize #2 Step2-Touring-Wagon-Functions Value $119 (if not available winner can pick another wagon up to $119)

Prize # 3 Scooter up to $80 (Safety accessories not included)

US Only

June 1 to June 30

All entries are optional

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Urban Times in Michigan is not responsible for prize. If you have any questions about this giveaway please send an email to nysavingspecials@gmail.com.  All entries are optional, if you do any of the tasks with the 10 extra entries, even if you do one entry you can get the extra 10 entries  but if the winner tasks is a tasks you did not complete, a second winner will be chosen. If the winner tasks is the one you did you will be the winner.

NYSavingSpecials is responsible for prize.