When You Find Out Things Aren’t What They Seem…

Well today was a day of surprises! We had to take back some paperwork to the landlord regarding our new house, fill out some other paperwork to have our rent automatically taken out of the bank account each week, go to the Big Ultrasound and then do a quick bit of shopping and changing of bank account types.

Everything went along nice and smoothly, including stopping at the acupuncturists this morning so D could meet him and have an impromptu interview/overview of his condition. Bottom line, D’s ailments can be cured. And so can mine. Huzzah!

We then headed back down the coast so I could have my ultrasound, which I ended up arriving 20mins early for. Then they made me wait an additional 20mins before they took me in, so there I was sitting on the seat and squirming up a storm. But then, in we went and were immediately greeted by the NICEST sonographer I’ve ever dealt with. She let us ask questions, she talked to us, she told us exactly what she was doing as she was doing it.

And then we got a gender check. And we are not having a boy. We’re having a little girl!!! I was gaping unbelievably at the screen, wondering how that happened because I was SO SURE we were having a little boy. She’s roughly 15cm in length, has a good strong heartbeat of 143 beats per minute, has 2 arms, 2 hands, 8 fingers and 2 thumbs, 2 legs, 2 feet and 10 toes. Her head circumference is 4.7cm, and her feet are 4.3cm long. (She has the most adorable little feet!) Her heart is pumping blood normally, all her arteries are fine and dandy; all her organs are functioning normally and the placenta is up where it should be, and happily doing it’s job. And our daughter was moving around A LOT! I didn’t feel most of the kicks though, but man she was moving. We could not believe we were actually watching our child on screen, especially when she did a full body stretch and we were able to watch it as it happened!

We headed to Mum’s house afterward, my sister was jumping up and down begging us to tell her what the gender was (apparently there was a bet going on). So, when I suddenly blurted out, “It’s a girl.” My sister screamed, my Mum started laughing in disbelief, and D and I were grinning like maniacs.

Even though we were both slightly disappointed to find out our Shaun had become a Shauna, we’re both so stoked and can’t wait until she’s here with us.

Photos will come as soon as I can get them scanned.

We’re All Moved In and Dear God Do We Need Furniture!

Saturday night was the first night we spent in our new house, and it was so strange being that it was so quiet. Our house is so huge and right now, quite devoid of furniture so everything echoes. The main entrance way, kitchen/dining room, and all of the halls are white tile; the lounge room and all the bedrooms are carpeted however that does little to block the echoes from the adjoining rooms. It is a gorgeous house though, and the layout is an open concept, and very family oriented.

We had friends helping us move on Saturday, and we had to rent out a 3 tonne truck in order to bring everything up. We stopped by a couple of stores to pick up the new furniture we'd bought (a fridge, a washing machine and a bed for D and I) before bringing it to the house and unloading it. In my ongoing efforts to remain as frugal as possible for now, I had decided against buying an ensemble bed (box spring and mattress) because we had 2 single bed frames that I thought would suit a double bed quite well. I was quite wrong.

It turns out that 2 single bed frames are far too big to comfortably house a double mattress. It seems I should have bought a queen mattress, or even a king mattress! Anyway, so after placing the double upon the single frames, and realized that it was far too small, D suggested it wouldn't be so bad if we shifted the mattress over to one side (nevermind that the other side was half the single frame uncovered) and we could sleep that way. It wasn't so bad for me to lay down, being that he was giving me the side of the mattress that was comfortably resting against the full single spring frame, but D's side of the mattress was laying right ontop of where the 2 single frames joined! Obviously that was an uncomfortable arrangement so I, in my infinite wisdom, suggested scrapping the frames and laying the mattress on the floor. I paid no attention to both D and Garth who kept saying things like, "You're pregnant, you can't get up off the mattress properly." and "How are you going to get up in the middle of the night?" (To which my answering was, "I'll crawl to the bathroom.") Luckily I don't have too much of a problem getting in and out of the bed on the floor, but we did decide yesterday that we were going to buy the base of the bed (the box spring) sometime this week and have it delivered.

D took one of the single frames back into the garage and the other one was made into a makeshift couch until the time comes when we can afford a second-hand one, or one is given to us. I spent most of the afternoon on this makeshift couch because after spending 4 hours wandering around the nearest Mall buying up necessities, my feet were quite swollen, and I was ordered to rest for the day. This order by both boys, and Mum (who I called because I was freaking out a little bit).

So now, after the long shopping spree yesterday, we are significantly more broke than when we first started, but neither the pantry nor the fridge look as sad or as empty. We may not have furniture, but we sure as hell have food!

It's so weird being in a giant house with nobody to talk to. We don't have internet yet which would help ALOT in passing the time, and we also don't have a phone line; not that it would matter too much since I have D's cellphone with me and will have it until we get another phone, or until we get the phone line installed. I have no idea when that will be - I have to call the phone company today and make an appointment. Thankfully we have electricity.

I woke up this morning with cramps in the lower left side of my stomache - so bad they were in the beginning that I could barely walk without grimacing in pain. I'm not sure what those were about, but I think it might have been because I may have pulled a muscle sometime yesterday while trying to close the double glass doors in the dining room, that lead out onto the back patio. They weren't put in properly so they're very hard to try and close and lock. That's just one of the problems we have to list for the landlord to get fixed.

It seems there's alot that needs to get fixed and noted, so I'm hoping this house doesn't prove to be a bother. I got the feeling our landlord was quite tired of us constantly calling her BEFORE we even got the house (sometimes she was "out of the office" or "on the phone" or "with clients") when we'd ring, so if she thought we were pains in the ass then, wait until she sees how much of a pain in the ass we'll be about getting all this stuff fixed.

There are some design flaws which can't be fixed unfortunately. The bathroom doors swing wide open and smash right into the towel racks which are on the same wall as the bathroom door, directly BEHIND it. The shower door in the ensuite swings open and wide enough to smash into the vanity cabinet which was placed RIGHT NEXT to it. These are just some of the stupid things done that can't be UNdone. And there's a long list of things we're not allowed to do - for example, we're not allowed to alter the gardens in any way without getting the owners permission. We're also not allowed to hang anything on the walls without permission. I ask you, how is one supposed to make this place feel like a home when one isn't allowed to do anything "homey" like? The pessimist side of me is so happy we're only leasing for 6 months.

We're Buying Furniture So It Must Be Happening

We handed over the first weeks rent to the real estate agent yesterday. And then we went through a very quick inspection of the house again; I was extremely pleased to see no broken beer bottles on the lawn in the backyard this time. Mum and Tia came with, as well as Garth who hadn't seen it and was trusting D and I to get a really nice house for him to live in - all were impressed. It's big and echoey and just stunning. Pictures will come.

I have the Big Ultrasound next week on the 28th, and D's able to get the day off even though his boss doesn't seem thrilled with the idea.

I wanted to write today but I'm suddenly feeling very queasy and much like I'm going to throw up. It's entirely possible I ate something I shouldn't have, last night. Signing off.

ps: So we're buying a fridge and a washing machine. I love new appliances!!

Not Moving?

Nope, not this weekend. Real estate agent has appointments Saturday at another office, so we can't go in and sign the papers. She did say that if D could be at her office by 6pm then we could do it one night after work, but since he cannot guarrantee getting the 5pm train, then there was no way we could make a firm date for the lease signing. Spoke with the agent this afternoon and she told us she needed the first weeks rent on Monday or she'd have to list the house online, so I told her we'd be up for a quick inspection on Monday afternoon, and give her the money order for the first weeks rent.

I'm so tired today. We've been working the past week to figure out finances and how we're going to manage this, which includes buying furniture because we have none. Right now it looks like we'll be moving in with a fridge, washing machine, some pots and pans, a bed and an iron/ironing board. That's it. No couch, no dining suite. What am I supposed to sit on? I'm more than a little annoyed by this whole thing, even though I know the money isn't really that available - I KNOW we can do a $100 crappy plastic dining suite for the time being. But I won't get into it. It just upsets and stresses me and my blood pressure has already been high at my last 2 Dr. visits. I need to calm myself alot more; it's a pity I'm not allowed to drink.

So, It's Official

We got the house we'd been spying for the past few weeks. The real estate agent called me today, told me the building had settled and the builders were dropping off the keys to her today. This means we SHOULD be able to move in this weekend... and we are SO pumped about it! Sadly it's only a rental - how I wish it was a house we were rich enough to be able to buy.

But, it's all good - we're out of the family house now (or will be) - and on the way to setting up our own little family house. Well, Garth included because he'll be moving out with us until he finds his own place, or he gets fed up with a screaming baby. Either is the probable case.

I also had my antenatal booking-in at the hospital today which turned out rather well. I met my midwife who is English (like my Dr.) and is very nice. She also informed me that they do have a birthing bath, however they do not allow full water births. I'm allowed to go in at 5cm dialated, but have to come out at 10cm dialated for the actual crowning. I'm wondering exactly how many cm I will be at before the crowning actually happens? At any rate, I get to spend some time in a bath which I'm VERY excited about.

And my next (and final) ultrasound is on the 28th of this month. VERY excited about that one too and hopefully bub will be in the right position for a gender check. And hopefully it'll be nice and clear and there will be no guessing on the sonographer's part. And of course I get more pictures so I will post those when I can.

And Now For Some REAL News

I had a Dr. appt today with my new Dr. who I must say, I like very very much. He's from England so he has rather a strong accent, but he was very nice and answered all my questions without hesitation - this one actually sounded like he knew what he was talking about. When I questioned him about the rash I had, that my previous Dr. said he had no idea what it was but it wasn't sinister, my NEW Dr. promptly informed me it was dermatitis, although if the rash persists (which it hasn't been) or if it comes back full force, they will do a few liver checks to make sure my liver is all working normally. Apparently funky things can happen to your organs while pregnant. Who knew?

We also got to hear the baby's heartbeat! Mum was with me the whole time and she got to hear it too - it was VERY exciting. It was a little weird at first, cause we heard my heartbeat on the doppler, then we heard the placental heartbeat, and THEN came baby's heartbeat!! It was SO fast! So Dr. is happy that the heartbeat is so strong and healthy sounding. He also measured my uterus and it's 18cm long, from the pelvic bone to my bellybutton. He's also not sure how far along I am - he thinks either 18 weeks or 20 weeks, and apparently the next ultrasound will give him a more accurate reading, who the hell knows. All I know is that I'm having a little boy, and he'll be born on Feb 16th. And don't ask me how I know that - I just do.

So my next ultrasound appt will be made for next week. I'm terribly excited about that as well because hopefully he'll be in the right spot to get a gender check. If he isn't, then unfortunately we won't know until he's born because it's going to cost me money to have subsequent ultrasounds done that aren't "necessary". Medicare only picks up the tab for the first 3 (unless there are complications warranting more) so I'm hoping he'll be in the right spot next week when I need him to be.

I also found out the private hospital nearby DOES do water births! They have a full water birth clinic where the baby is born completely underwater which I am THRILLED about, but since I'm already pregnant, I can't have this baby in that hospital because it's private and we currently don't have private insurance. And I need to not be pregnant for 12 months ANYWAY before I can go in and deliver there. So, baby #2 will be born in the private hospital, in a water tub. Of course, if we chose to forgo the whole public health system and have this one in the private hospital, it will cost us around $7000 . . . so I think I'll pass on that one for now.

Meme of Unknown Origin

Well partially. I nicked it from S who probably nicked it from someone else:

[ ] I am bisexual or homosexual.
[x] I've consumed alcohol.
[ ] I've run away from home
[ ] I have lied to my parents about where I am.
[ ] I listen to political music.
[ ] I collect comic books.
[x] I shut others out when I'm depressed.
[ ] I open up to others easily.
[ ] I am keeping a secret from the world
[x] I watch the news.
[ ] I own over 5 rap CDs.
[ ] I own an iPod or MP3 player
[x] I own something from Hot Topic.
[ ] I love Disney Movies.
[x] I am a sucker for hair/eyes
[ ] I don't kill bugs.
[x] I curse regularly.
[ ] I paid for that cell phone ring.
[ ] I am a sports fanatic.
[ ] I have “x”s in my screen name.
[x] I've slipped out a “lol” in a real conversation.
[ ] I love Spam.
[x] I bake well.
[x] I would wear pajamas to school/work.
[ ] I own something from Abercrombie.
[ ] I have a job.
[ ] I love Martha Stewart.
[ ] I am in love with love.
[x] I like to laugh.
[ ] I smoke a pack a day.
[ ] I loved Perks of Being a Wallflower.
[x] I loved Go Ask Alice.
[ ] I can't swallow pills.
[x] I eat fast food weekly.
[x] I have many scars.
[x] I've been out of this country.
[ ] I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.
[x] I am really ticklish.
[ ] I see a therapist.
[x] I love chocolate.
[x] I bite my nails.
[x] I am comfortable with being me.
[x] I play video games.
[x] Gotten lost in my city.
[x] Saw a shooting star.
[ ] I Had a serious Surgery.
[x] Gone out in public in your pajamas.
[ ] I have Kissed a Stranger.
[x] Hugged a stranger.
[x] Been in a fist fight.
[ ] Been arrested.
[x] Pushed all the buttons on an elevator.
[x] Made out in an elevator.
[ ] Swore at your parents.
[x] Kicked a guy where it hurts.
[x] Been close to love.
[x] Been to a casino.
[ ] Been skydiving.
[ ] Broken a bone.
[x] Skipped school.
[x] Flashed someone.
[x] Saw a therapist.
[x] Played spin the bottle.
[ ] Gotten stitches.
[ ] Drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour.
[x] Bitten somebody.
[x] Been to Niagara Falls.
[ ] Gotten the chicken pox.
[ ] Crashed into a friend's car.
[ ] Been to Japan.
[x] Ridden in a taxi.
[x] Shoplifted.
[x] Been fired.
[ ] Ever had a crush on someone of the same sex.
[x] Had feelings for someone who didnt have them back.
[x] Stole something from your job.
[x] Gone on a blind date.
[x] Lied to a friend.
[x] Had a crush on a teacher.
[ ] Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
[ ] Been to Europe.
[x] Slept with a co-worker.
[ ] Saw someone dying.
[ ] Been to Africa.
[x] Driven over 400 miles in one day.
[x] Been to Canada.
[ ] Been to Mexico.
[x] Been on a plane.
[ ] Seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
[ ] Thrown up in a bar.
[x] Eaten Sushi.
[ ] Been snowboarding.
[ ] Been Skiing.
[x] Met someone in person from the internet.
[ ] Been to a moto cross show.
[ ] Lost a child.
[ ] Gone to college.
[x] Dropped out of high school/college.
[ ] Done hard drugs.
[x] Taken painkillers.
[x] Had someone cheat on you.
[x] Miss someone right now.

A Day of Surprises

Woke up this morning to find out my sister had collapsed. Again. Had a Grand Mal seizure. Again. The only thing different this time, was she actually stopped breathing and her mouth was blue. I don't think I've ever seen my mother cry so much or so hard as she did this morning and I've never felt more helpless in my entire life. Thankfully she started breathing again, and the ambulance rushed her back to emergency which I believe is quickly becoming her second home. I think secretly she digs the food.

We were meant to go house hunting again today. D, Garth and I. Garth decided rather than go house hunting, he would go to the hospital with Mum, and D and I would go looking at houses. This was confirmed and agreed to by all household members, so off we went. The entire trip up the coast this morning, I was wraught with worry and fear, so much so that I kept crying on and off all the way there.

An hour or so later, we'd chosen 3 brand new 4 bedroom houses to apply for, and our estate agent was happy, promising to call us on Monday with further details. With luck we'll get approved for the first house on our list which we absolutely adored, even though it has no a/c and we'll have to buy a free standing one before Summer hits.

Just before we headed to lunch, I got an SMS from Mum updating us on my sisters condition. Blood levels were normal. Blood pressure was low and dropped dramatically through the series of tests. They can't figure out why so she's been referred to a neurologist.

I'm still worrying over it even though Tia's home now and is feeling better, albeit very tired. This isn't fair that this keeps happening to her and there's one freaking thing any of us can do, except wait for whatever happens next and deal with it then.

And, because I'm the Goddess of Clumsy, I sliced open my middle finger on my right hand today, opening up a pack of gum. GUM.

Hotmail, You Insensitive Piece of Shit

How dare you just reload at whim and make me lose an entire page and a half of an email I was writing? Don't you know that NOW I have to go back and rewrite it all? Don't you realize that I'm just super mad about it and right now if I could I would cancel you for good? I hope something karma-like and mean and rotten and nasty happens to you in your cyberspace world.