hiccups in utero, irish speaking neices and quick as a whip nephews

so Friday night had a first. Hobbit decided to hiccup for first time (well first time I could feel it). Till 130 in morning for about an hour.... very strange feeling. Also noticed I find myself humming Irish songs more and holding my tummy. 23 weeks now and it's been hard giving up the boxing...

some cute things from my neices and nephews -

Niamh was asked could she count to ten by her Dad James who's from England. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 she said and smiled. James said well done and sat down.
Daddy, Niamh said, Yes James asked. Then Niamh smiled and then counted to 10 in Irish/Gaelige. She's two so understandably he's a bit floored, he thinks she said them right as he doesnt have any Irish. He called my sister Orla and asked did she teach her. Nope - must have been the creche.

Thanks to http://www.phouka.com/irish/ir_numbers.html for their spelling for numbers in Irish.
1 ,a haon, 2 a dó, 3 a trí, 4 a ceathair, 5 a cúig, 6 a sé, 7 a seacht, 8 a hocht, 9 a naoi, 10 deich

Then Ryan who's two was grinning like a chesire cat as you only can when you've done a lovely poo in his nappy (americans read diaper ;-)> My sister Fiona asked him - did you do a poo. No he declared. Well she asked who did the poo in your nappy then - Emma he replied as quick as a wink, blaming his sister who wasn't even in the house.

From the mouth of babes.

seriously !

Here's another baby email tip that came this week.

***********************************************
Hello Sinead,
You are now in Week 23 of your pregnancy, and there are exciting things to come for both you and your baby!

Some more tips for you
Empty Your Bladder
Empty your bladder completely when you go to the bathroom. This will help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common during pregnancy.
************************************

Empty your bladder? Do you mean there's folks there who pee and don't empty - what do they do, save some for later? I can imagine them now... Ah yes, that's a good pee but let me savor that moment again, I'll hold onto some and pee more in a half hour..

Who creates these tips? They're funny as hell but also a bit scary

seriously...

Hobbit Hides Again

So himself myself and Hobbit (of course where I go Hobbit goes...) went back to Dr MaCallum to get another scan done. Last time they couldn't get a good picture of the 4 chambers of the heart so asked us to come back again and also was the day the heart doc would be there for added consult.

When heart doc came in - a very nice Dr. Stafford Grady Jr., a pediatric cardiologist, Hobbit was rolled up tight like an armadillo. After an hour on table getting scanned where they even had me turn sideways in an attempt to get hobbit to uncurl and be more cooperative for the scan (and imagine me pulling then Jan to my back so I wouldn't show my plumbers arse to the whole room).

The cardiac doc was lovely and thinks all is ok but had to be honest that they couldn't see everything with position of hobbit who's playing hide and seek with the scan folks. He said we could go back in 6 weeks but sure Hobbit could be hiding again anyway. So we left thinking feck it - we'll just wait till hobbit comes as there's nothing they can do anyway. I was feeling shite and needing a good nap as my sore throats gone into my chest giving me a lovely hearty cough that sounds like I'm trying to eject a lung...

On plus side - all looked good although we did laugh when they said femur was 39 mm and then said 22 - so for a moment we thought we had a super long tall child. Turns out he meant 39mm is normal for 22 weeks of pregnancy....

And http://www.freecycle.org/ is my new best site ever - we just picked up a crib looks brand new (after taking home on roof of my SUV after being tied down by himself and the hubbie of lady giving away). We crawled home hazard lights on and now its in the boxroom. Which is filling up very quickly.. I can see why they say babies are small but their stuff takes up most room !

nesting and I don't mean nesting tables...

So when I was in college I did do nearly three years of computer science. Lets just say that it was suggested to me that if I left the class quietly and didn't cause any more trouble then the prof who taught LISP programming wouldn't then fail me on purpose. It was OK, I sucked anyway.

I just don't have that kind of brain that can do analytic kind of programming. Counting how many brackets (programmers call them parentheses but fancy name for brackets in LISP) I had to make sure they were all nested correctly and what order came where. Well I didn't much care really.

Reason the prof wasn't biggest fan was that he had a strict deadline for a project and was famous for no extensions EVER. So I came to class and half way during project discovered that only 2 computers out of 15 were working for this project. This was in days before Internet folks, circa 1989 in UCD. So being the student union rep, (you can imagine a soapbox here if you like) I notified the computer science department that the class of 150 students couldn't do the project on time on 2 computers and shock horror we got an extension. The uproar it caused ya think I had asked for someones liver instead of 2 weeks extra to get project in.

Reason that I bring that up is because in LISP all that putting into brackets is called nesting and I thought I would never be near it again. Turns out that when you're preggers you start to nest to get the place ready. Few weeks ago it was new dressers and tearing through wardrobe. well its gone beyond that..

This weekend we were away in Monterey, enjoying a wee break. First down to Munras Lodge http://www.munraslodge.com/- quirky wee hotel but great rooms with HUGE deep jacuzzi style baths and fireplaces in rooms. Having a deep bath for first time in ages and eating pizza in bath felt sinfully delicious... We then headed to a massage next day where lady worked wonders on my shoulders and neck.

Then off to SeaScape http://www.seascaperesort.com/ where friends of ours had very nicely given us a night stay for our wedding at their ocean side villa. We stayed in Sat night by the fire, had dinner in the room from the on site restaurant and watched Eragon the movie we missed in theatres. Not bad movie if you haven't seen it.

So I digress (one of reasons I can't be a computer scientist folks, there's a lot of things that distract me in my world - lots of LOOK there SHINY moments...)

Anyway got back Sunday and was resting as fighting off a cough thingie. Ya think I would just rest up but nope, had himself off to goodwill leaving off last of items a friend had left, then grabbing things from car, sorting out all the bags from trip. Then I spotted area near beer fridge with soda cans in a crate. Cleared those away, then cleaned out two cabinets, window sills, reorganized two other cabinets, then decided under coffee table had to be cleaned and all books gone and did that, then put extra blankets in space saver bags and cleaned kitchen as well... Then went to bedroom and got that all cleared as well.

Himself said it's funny to watch me as I drag him into the odd thing (like going to OSH to get mini shed type thing and a metal shelving system for office so I can get dug into patio and our office next) but for most part its me whirlishly sorting out and organizing areas.

Nearly forgot - also organized three clutter drawers as well...

Nesting folks, not just for the birds... or computer programmers...

wonderful emails

This is a real email I got from one of those pregnancy sites - had to share as I laughed out loud.

Week 22 Pregnancy Tip
Activities to Avoid While You Are Pregnant

Hi Sinead,

For the health and safety of you and your baby, there are certain physical activities you should avoid while you are pregnant. Here's a short list:
Avoid contact sports such as football and boxing, and other high-impact activities, such as horseback riding
Avoid activities that make you jump or change directions quickly, such as tennis or basketball

Now you know that if you have to tell folks - don't box during week 22 of your pregnancy that someone did. When I turn over in bed, its like I'm now a big planet sucking all beside me in a huge gravity well. I can only do it in one motion with a pillow lodged between my legs and poor himself clinging onto dear life on his side of the bed.

Who the hell is agile enough to box, play tennis or basketball at 22 weeks... ?

Guess I should give up the skateboarding then folks ....

someones trash is anothers treasure

So with my twin moving to NY there's a lot of cleaning happening - her place and ours. We've started organizing the rooms, getting more organized with new furniture from IKEA (and thanks to the dandy handy electric drill we bought himself has whizzed through the putting of the furniture). Thankfully he's very patient while doing it, growing up I wrote a story once on my Dad doing DIY (do it yourself) in which I mentioned how the 3 inch nails graced the floor like the curses in the air.. The teacher said it was a very realistic story. Not surprising as I was sitting there watching my Dad try to fix the washing machine and cursing away. Finally they found the problem, a fried mouse on the electronics board of the machine. Even my Dad couldn't see that one coming. So we have two new dressers from IKEA, one that we can put a changing table onto and we need a couple of more bookcases and we can then recycle some more furniture and organize some more.

So twin left Tuesday morning and dropped her to airport at 5am. I couldn't be too sad as I know our paths will still cross and we still intend to move out East Coast wise in a couple of years. I'm still amazed that she was able to sell her car (twice after first one flaked!) in half a day. So she asked us to help clear out last of apartment rubbish as things got crazy before she left. I have Eva my wonderful cleaning lady going there for a move out clean as a going away pressie next week to do the spit and polish. Figure it was a better pressie than a vase !

For those who have never had the pleasure of real good cleaning folks whizzing through house - its still the best thing ever I discovered in the horrendous move from apartment in Willow Glen to 17th street all those years ago.

Horrendous move marked by movers 8 hrs late. Who never moved then a whole apartment of stuff as the truck was too full (which we found next day and then had to rent a truck ourselves to do). Then they billed my credit card twice, and also for an extra 5 hours that they hadn't worked, illegaly signed my name and mis-spelled it (this was their office not the hardworking chaps by the way). And oh yes the topper was discovering at 2am that the money taken out to tip the three hardworking guys was stolen. The guys in fair part were overbooked and ill-informed hence the delay and small truck, but still the tip money was stolen from purse and finding it in the 4th ones shoe including extra money he turns out had stolen from the head guy just topped the bad move.

But after all stress and misfortune, it was first time I had used cleaners for a move out clean and I was so impressed (I remember tears of joy as only thing that had gone right!) I started using them every 3 weeks or so to clean my house and have used them for all the move out cleans. Moving is stressful enough without worrying is the fridge or oven as clean as it could be and you're so tired and done for its even harder to do. Better to have the wonderful 4 ladies swoop in and clean away. Having them clean the house is wonderful too. Working so hard during the week, keeping house neat is hard enough and generally clean without all that scrubbing of bathtubs and floors. My back and my free time in general thanks Eva and her wonderful ladies. Even if they keep moving some rugs around to where they think they should go. Its a small price ladies and gentlemen to pay for that wonderful house clean and spotless smell.


Twin was very good and suggested we use1-800-got-junk to help clear her place before cleaners come next week. She realized that wasn't enough time nor manpower to try and do it before she left as movers came Monday afternoon and even with her good friend Monica's help too much to pack and still clear out it all before flying Tuesday morning. Which was good as when I went up to the flat there's no way could have done it without them. Even if we got help to clear it all out and then bring all the stuff downstairs and from garage, then of course there's the problem of where do you put it? So booked http://1800gotjunk.com/ yesterday online and scheduled a two hour window mid afternoon as I knew if I did it later in afternoon would be harder to do. Went over and started clearing cupboards to make it as quick as possible. They came on time, two healthy strapping college kids and cleared in no time at all. They filled up a truck to three quarters full about 27 bags. Have to say excellent service and now place is ready for Eva and her girls to whiz through. Great idea on twin's part and one I will use again if needed to clear out as they were fantastic.

The funniest was the two wee boys age 7/8 ish who turned up asking if they could hunt for treasure while we were mid cleaning out. (At one point they had jumped in junk truck in their eagerness). They found a small bowl of quarters in garage and asked could we split the treasure three ways (very honest to a T these wee pirates..). After they helped bringing down stuff let them split it among themselves. They also were delighted re finding her old stage makeup box finding costume jewellery for their Mums and said makeup for sister but keeping the fake blood and the box which they assured me would be great for not only holding fishing tackle but fish themselves..

My Mam was laughing at that when I was telling her, as she remembers us as kids bringing home what we thought of treasures as only kids can. We once bought her this perfume that could only really be described as smelling like a bad cheap whorehouse for mothers day or birthday or something like that. Being kids we bought the one that was the biggest bottle and cheapest to boot. Big bottle is best we thought and poor Mam - we would make her wear it daily as a testament of how good the present was. She said she got smiles of sympathy from all the other mums as she wafted by leaving tears in other folks eyes with how powerful the astringent smell was.. She tried to spill the perfume bottle dry with no luck. She said took months to go through.

So all this cleaning and I have also thanks to my old boss Sarah found a wonderful website http://www.freecycle.org/ its basically on concept that your trash is anothers treasure and rather than put in landfills its local yahoo community groups in your area where you can give away items and another person picks up from your porch or you want something and go pick up from their porch. Saving some mullah before baby Hobbit comes I've found some great stuff on the site and also given away items too. Its only for free stuff and I now have an old sewing machine to learn from and some great baby stuff as well. Well worth while checking out if you haven't before.

Its a great way to do it as sometimes hauling to GoodWill where you don't know where it goes isn't as satisfying. Where as I know now that David the chap who picked up our two wine racks is putting them on a wine shelf he was building before the project turned difficult and seeing I was giving away the racks thought - why don't I just put wine racks on the shelf instead !

Someones trash is another persons treasure folks. Have a great week.

see that tv remote jiggle

So we got a new sofa couch from LaziBoys. Wonderful two seater where each seat not only rocks independently but also reclines as well. So we're officially old folks now in our recliners sitting watching telly.

Watching telly last night I could feel the Hobbit jumping around but you cant see it from outside. I put the TV remote on my belly and suddenly you could see the TV remote jiggle around on my tummy on its own as the Hobbit had a good tumbling session so me and himself could see baby kicking around. Its very strange and nearest I'll hopefully get to the Alien movie...

To offset the new couch and its alluring hold on my arse over the next few months I also signed up for swim exercise class at our local Campbell recreation center for next three months every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8am. I had been walking and since I cant walk with the SPD at moment its great to get out and make sure I get some exercise in and lot easier to do that in water with the preggy belly!

Also got Easter Egg on Monday from the British Food Store as had forgot to get before hand. Eating some chocolate - I must say much more into the jello that chocolate :-)

Just Chillin

So we got a new scan done Monday. Its the week 20 one where they do a very detailed scan on all of the baby to see all organs etc are doing well. It was more week 19 and a bit scan but was fun as we got some great scans of the baby. They want us back in again 3 weeks to get a better scan of the 4 chambers of heart as every time they tried to take a good picture (and we all saw 4 chambers and heard heart no problem) Baby Hobbit decided to start jumping around. Before that baby Hobbit was lying on their back just chillin playing with their hands for a 40 minute scan.

The rate the baby is kicking this last 2 weeks we are either signing them up for Riverdance or Soccer as soon as they come into the world. We want to wait to find out sex of the baby so we wore two big stickers asking folks not to tell us (they will keep saying sex of baby if you don't !)

Of course being my pregnant forgetful self I forgot to take off sticker and went to see my new customer who hadn't met me before and doesn't know of course I'm pregnant. She said well I dont think I do know the sex of your baby and of course I looked down and big sticker on my chest saying Please Dont Tell Us the Sex of our Baby.

Everything else is grand and looking forward to a weekend away mid April just down on coast. Walking less like a penguin then before so the Physical Therapy and chiro really helping the SPD.

Have a good week folks and don't eat too much chocolate for Sunday if you're celebrating Easter.