February 16, 2008

• Valentines, Dog Pillows, 20th week and random thoughts

  Ok, this will probably be one of the longest posts, because I have several things I want to talk about and have not had the time to get on here and do it.  First was Valentines Day.  Have I told y’all how much I love my sweety?  Well, I do.  (Even though my name is on the picture below, obviously I did not take it.  I put it on there because of previous pictures ending up on others blog’s like they were theirs.   DeEdra took this picture and it is one of my favorites)

    

  I have never been big on Valentines Day.  When I was younger it was a big deal, then as time went on it just became annoying really.  That was until John.  I always tell him you should give a card or something special just because it is Thursday and not because “Hallmark” say’s you should.  Well, John often surprises me with “just Thursday” gifts.  Once he sent me looking through our front yard to find a little black box from “Zales”.  So now I like Valentines again.  I am sure it is only because of John.  John is very hard to buy for.  He has a wide variety of interests, and most are crazy expensive.  He is also addicted to Ebay.  Seriously, he is.  John is retired from the Navy and is very proud of the Navy traditions and his military career.  John has great admiration for the Navy divers and he went to Navy Dive School as well.  While training he had a pneumothorax embolism that ended his diving career which was a huge disappointment for him.  So…  back to Ebay.  John has been looking for a Mark V diving helmet.  (to learn about the helmet check out this site http://www.divingheritage.com/markvkern.htm) To get an authentic one is crazy expensive, but he did find a replica on Ebay, so when he bought it I told him “Happy Valentines Day”  The pictures are off of Ebay and not mine, so they are pretty small, but this is what it looks like.

  

   

  John will polish it up and make a base for it.  When it is here and done, I will post it.  I did at least get him a gift card to Academy, so he can get what he wants for this years lake days.  I, on the other hand, am easy to buy for.  If it sparkles, I want it   I will say he did very good this year. 

  

  

  I know this is late, but I hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentines Day.

   

  Dog Pillows

  We spoil our dogs something terrible.  If you are like us, you end up spending a lot of money here and there just to make them comfortable.  It was long past time to get them new pillows.  The size and kind we like usually cost between 80-90 dollars and with three dogs that really adds up.  So we heard about a guy who sells dog pillows at Second Monday or Bowie Days in Bowie.  All I can say is wow, these are fantastic, washable and prettier than the ones at the pet stores all for 25 bucks.  I love a good deal and Bones loves us!

  

   

   

  Ashleigh is at twenty weeks

  I am very excited about this week.  Thursday I will be headed to Ashleigh’s Doctor’s office to be there during her ultrasound.  Hopefully if the baby cooperates, we will know the sex.  Keep your fingers crossed.

  

   

  You are 20 Weeks Pregnant!
  
  WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOU
  
  Congratulations — you are halfway through your pregnancy! You’re probably feeling wonderful now that you’ve regained your energy. Finally people are beginning to notice that you are indeed pregnant, as your uterus pushes your abdomen out at the belly button. The uterus now reaches the level of the umbilicus (plus or minus a fingersbreadth). Your care provider has probably been measuring the level of your fundus, or top of the uterus, with a tape measure. It should now be approximately 18 to 22 cm. if you are having one baby and your dates are accurate. Your abdomen may start to itch a bit as stretching occurs. Let your care provider know about this even if though it’s probably perfectly normal. (Better to be safe …)
  
  It is now possible to hear your baby’s heartbeat with a special stethoscope, called a Delee stethoscope. Some providers begin to use this type of listening device instead of a doppler. It may now be possible for your partner to hear your baby’s heartbeat by placing his or her ear against your bare lower abdomen. If you can’t hear it right away, try the other side. Listen every day and you will be rewarded with a tiny, fast, rhythmic beat.
  
  You may be having some trouble taking deep breaths on occasion, particularly if you are short in stature, or overweight. Call your care provider if you exhibit signs of asthma, such as coughing, wheezing when you exhale, or difficulty breathing at any time, especially during, or following, a cold or respiratory tract infection. One in every 100 women suffers from asthma during pregnancy. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that women with a history of asthma, who are pregnant with girls, were more likely to experience an increase in symptoms, possibly due to hormonal differences. Asthma can be easily treated, and medications safe for use during pregnancy are a available. If you have asthma, it is very important to get a prompt diagnosis so you can avoid distress and complications.
  
  WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY
  
  This week, your baby weighs ten ounces and is 16 centimeters crown-to-rump. A white, waxy-looking substance called vernix now protects your baby’s skin. If you are carrying a girl, she has six million eggs in her ovaries — six times the number she will have at birth! Her uterus is now formed and she’s beginning to develop a vagina.
  
  EATING FOR TWO
  
  You probably have heard that fish is very healthful and even contains nutrients that are known to reduce the risk of heart disease. So, why all the concern for fish consumption during pregnancy? Certain fish, such as swordfish, bluefish, striped bass or bluefin tuna, may contain high levels of mercury. Freshwater fish are also susceptible to pollutants in the water. It is best to check with your local department of natural resources to see if any warnings exist for fish in your area. Fish taken from the Great Lakes should probably be avoided during pregnancy.

  • Here are some fish that get the pregnancy seal of approval:
  • Sole
  • Flounder
  • Haddock
  • Pacific halibut
  • Cod
  • Salmon (check with your local department of health as some farm-raised salmon may contain higher levels of contaminants depending upon where they are raised and the feed they are fed)

  FACT OF THE WEEK
  
  Every month, you should have a blood pressure check. A blood pressure baseline reading gives your care provider a yardstick for a safe level for you, both during pregnancy as well as when you’re in labor. Your practitioner will also be checking to make sure you don’t experience a sudden elevation in blood pressure, which might mean you have developed a condition requiring close monitoring to avoid pregnancy complications. In general, blood pressure exceeding 140/90 is considered high.

   

  Blog Stalkers

  We all know that I blog stalk.  One of my favorites is Gary Fong.  I learn a lot from his blog.  Today he blogged a couple that is worth sharing. 

  

   http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/2008/02/fast-track.html

  Also check out the link 65roses4pattysue to make a dontation.  

   

   

  Enjoying a lazy weekend

   

  I love the rain, especially when I get to watch it from my living room.  Today is just that day….  and we have a new heater so it is quite nice (especially after being without one for about 2 weeks).  This is one of my favorite pictures of the rain, I took this during the many rain storms this summer.  As I turned in to work, I thought it was really beautiful and shot this while driving, through my windshield.  Boy Cannon makes a great camera.

   

  

   

   

  Hope your weekend is amazing. 

   

   

   

  • 4:20 pm
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