Pets are family too

This AM, Greg got a call from a friend of ours asking if he would help him this morning. Our friend asked Greg that he would need help carrying Mandy into the car because they made the hard decision to put her down. Mandy hasn't been doing too well the past few months. She's been in pain on and off. Joints have been hurting her. But she's a trooper. She's one tough cookie, that's for sure. Even when she was in pain, she would always get up to say hi. She had such a huge heart. She always loved to say hi to everyone. Even though I HATED her tail because it felt like a baseball bat had hit me, I'm really going to miss it. I'm going to miss her butch personality. There was nothing feminin about Mandy except the fact that she knew how to love.

I heard so many stories about Mandy before I met her. I heard how she was hooked up to Greg's old heavy truck and how she saw a cat running down the street and started chasing the cat with the truck in tow. The picture above, apparently they heard Mandy in the kitchen and as she walked into the living room, she had the trash can lid around her neck with the "I wasn't doing anything wrong" look. I heard she was following Greg and his buddy Joey as they were bleaching the deck and she was licking the bleach off the deck. And apparently she loved bleach. Greg told me he got Mandy addicted to water because he pushed her in his friend's pool as she was walking around it, scared of it. She was burley. She beat up a raccoon! When I met her, she was nothing but a total sweetheart! She acted like she was still a puppy. I don't think she knew time, nor did she knew she was getting old. When we introduced her to Mr. T, she was trying so hard to keep up with his energy. But apparently she slept well every night we brought him over. We all called her hydrolics because when she would get excited, she looked like she had hydrolics on her front legs. She would jump on her hind legs to say hi. Mander Banders is what we would call her. She was a total sweetheart with a big heart. You'll be missed Mandy.

Yesterday morning Mandy fell (don't know how, legs may have gave out on her) and since then she was not able to get up. Greg said he could hear her whining in the background when our friend called him this morning. Greg dropped me off work that morning and he headed over to our friend's house right after. Greg was telling me they tried a few times to see if they can help Mandy up. They tried to coax her, they tried to pick her up with bands on her front and back legs, but it was with no luck. They found a vet to come by and the vet gave Mandy a pain killer shot. She was in so much pain, that when the vet left to grab soemthing out of his mobile truck for a few minutes, he was surprised that she was still in pain. Soon her breathing started to slow. By 11:56 I got a text from Greg saying that Mandy was in a better place. I didn't think it would hit me so hard, but it did. I left work early, I wanted to see my bubs. I'm gonna miss her greeting me at the door. The baseball bat tail, the burley butch breathing of her, her constant licking of air until she reaches you to say "Hi, I LOVE YOU!" She was a good dog and a constantly happy dog.

You'll be missed Mander Banders!

Time to count kicks.

On Wendsday, I had my 29th week prenatal visit and Greg got to go for the first time. My OB is quite happy with my progress. Everything is going great, everyone is healthy. But unfortunately since I stopped crossfitting, I gained 6 lbs since my last visit!!!! *cries* So my OB said to try not to gain any weight for the next visit which I will try my very best to do so. Gotta get some kind of exercise going. Probably going to do some boring walking with Greg and bubbas. My blood pressure is in the normal range, which I'm happy about too since I was having a hard time keeping my blood pressure down.

This time, my uterus was measured and she said I'm in the normal range, but in the higher range. So once again, gonna have to get my exercise system back. I'm really having some bad crossfit deprived feeling... How I miss it so much! Now, I have to start counting kicks. I have to time how long it takes for Wyatt to kick 10 times. She said that it can be kicks, pokes and turns. And boy do I feel all!

When I first read up on what movements will feel like, I was confused! Books and online were saying that women start feeling movement around 16 weeks. Now here's the crazy part! They state in books and online that the movements feel like popcorn popping, butterfly flying, fish swimming. And I thought, how does one know exactly what a popcorn popping, butterfly flying, fish swimming feel like?! And how would that be possible to feel those kinds in your tummy? Why can't they just make it simple and more true to an actual feeling. Something that people actually feel. To me, the first movements felt like a muscle twitch, muscle spazm. Can others relate to that kind of feeling? I would think so. I mean seriously, popcorn popping, fish swimming? Another that they mentioned was gas bubbles... Ok, that most definitely made sense. But that didn't feel like that to me.

So, when she was getting Wyatt's hearbeat, she felt him move a few times and laughed saying that it would take no time for me to count 10 kicks. So that night, I went on my android app market to see if there might be an app for kick counts and yay! There are a couple of them on there. I knew having a smart phone would be very handy! Because knowing me, I would totally forget to do the kick count thing because I don't wear a watch and i get easily distracted. And right now he is kicking :-) always makes me smile.

Hospital Tour!

Last night Greg and I had our hospital tour and late pregnancy class. We got to learn what we'll be expecting the next few months leading up to labor and what signs to look out for if I do go into labor. She gave us information for very informative classes to take like 'Baby make Three' which she emphasis how important it is because of the big change to come along and how to cope in the relationship, communication between each other and such. There were a few other classes she explained. I still have to take my preparing for birth class and how to care for a newborn. OH! And breastfeeding class.

As far as the birth class, I'm really leaning towards a more natural birth. If women have done it for years, why can't I? At first, the thought of labor to me was just all pain. And well, I'm a whimp when it comes to pain. I have a very low tolerance of pain. But, thinking about giving birth naturally seems more right to me. I want to have meds as a last resort. If the pain is just too unbearable kind of last resort.

When we toured the hospital, she was explaining what goes on, all the way up to discharge. It's a pretty secure place too! Everyone has to sign in at the security desk. They get their picture taken and their name and picture are printed on a sticky thingy that they'll have to wear in order to see me. So family and friends who will be there for the birth of Wyatt, keep that in mind, you'll need your ID!!!!!!!!!!!!! So begining of labor, we start off at the first check. It's a small room that will monitor contractions, baby's heart beat and mom of course. If I were in labor, I would not be in that room for long. Basically it's to determin if it's a false labor or a true labor. Then, if I were actually in labor, I would be given my own room with papa's in tow (and anyone else to comfort me). The room is HUGE! They even have a couch to pull out as a bed for papa's to lay in. I think we had about 20 something people in the class last night and we were all able to comfortably fit in that room. There was a TV with a DVD player, a nice bathroom with a shower (and chair) in it. A rocking chair and this really cool high tech thingy for when Wyatt is born to be weight, measured, monitored and temp regulated. It was so neat. By the way, there's no nursery! Wyatt will be with me the whole entire time! Then, few hours after birth, I will be transfered to the next floor up for recovery for the next day or two. Once again, another big room, but without all the medical electronics. I am quite happy with all that we will be expecting. OH! and we get a free diaper bag from Kaiser. I'm really liking Kaiser more and more as I'm goign through this pregnancy!

Now, the tour was not the most interesting part. The most interesting part of last night (crossing fingers that dear mother in law does not see this until after Greg tells her), the lady who gave us the tour, she was there for Bill's birth! She was either Roni's mid wife or birth coach or something... I don't remember. her and Greg were exchanging stories, but she was more so telling him what she remembers, which was crazy enough right on the dot. Like greg and his "juice". He thought the wine Roni was drinking was juice, so he had to get his stomach pumped, and she said that to this day, she still tells that story. How crazy is it that this world is so small????!!! How we found out was, after the class and on our way to the labor and delivery building, she was saying "I knew Boling's once" so Greg said "Donna" (his grandmother)? she shook her head no and as soon as Greg said "Roni" you should have seen the look on her face. The look of "Oh.my.god.no.way" kind of look. We were all in shock. She said "I think i was at your birth" and so Greg asked if she worked at Sutter San Juan, she said no. So I say, maybe Bill's birth?. So Greg said that Bill had his birth at home, and she was excited and said YES! and asked if Scott was his dad. She was there for Bills birth, along with her husband and her 4 year old daughter. We still can't get over all this. We were in shock. She said that she has Greg's cookie jar (I really don't know much about that).

At the end of the tour, we asked her if she would be there for the birth of Wyatt as our labor coach. She said she would love to, but with her schedule of tours, she can't gurantee it. We totally understand. It would be pretty cool if she was there. She'll be present for another Boling birth. Crazy small world I tell ya! So now, we have her number and I'm hoping to take a private birth class from her. I'm thinking more Bradley than Lamaze with a side of hypno birthing.

I'm really excited about it all. Just the thought of finally meeting Wyatt gets me all teary eyes (which by the way, i've been more emotional lately, I'm hating it!). The thought of seeing the look on Greg's face when he gets to finally hold him in his arms. *cries* tears are forming, I'll stop!

9-11-01

I remember what i did that day. I don't remember what I did the day before or even the day after.  Exactly one month and 1 day before the twin towers were hit, I was up there trying to concur my fear of heights and to view the city I love to visit.

That June I just graduated high school and as a graduation/birthday gift, I was given a plane ticket to New York that summer.  I was up there in August, and I will always remember it.  The view is just breath taking. The place was amazing for tourists and locals.  I LOVED being up there.

  One month and one day later, my best friend and I decided to skip our first class and hang out. We were in his old 80's box Volvo when we heard the news. Of I were to say we were shocked, that would be an understatement. Along with every American out there watching the same thing. Both him and I worked at the same coffee shop. We both worked at Choc-o-Bean. I remember we went there that morning and he luckily had a portable TV with him. I remember him saying he wasn't quite sure if it'll work, but he plugged it in, messed with the bunny ears and soon, we got the news.  It was on every channel station, you could not have missed it.

So we sat in the back together and were shocked to watch it all happen.  I remember the news kept playing the video clip of the plane hitting the first twin tower over and over again.  We were there for a few hours with little conversation between us except the "oh my god" phrases being thrown back and forth.  Then I remember watching the pentagon get hit.  It was horrifying.  I was also praying my aunt was safe since she worked out there. And luckily, she was away for business in Baltimore.

Everything and anything else after that was a blur. But that moment, I remember it so clearly.  Tomorrow i'll be attending the Capitol Airshow. Tomorrow will be the 10th anniversary of 9-11 and also the 70th anniversary of pear harbor. They were saying that it's going to be special to commemorate those days and to honor those who have died those days and the military men and women who caught and are fighting to keep us safe.

I wish I was in the military so that I too can fight alongside the brave

Trying other things

So unfortunately the VA wont be able to pay for the security school. Something about not receiving any funds... hmm, shocker there.... stupid State. So Greg has been trying to get a hold of someone at Calves. They might be able to help along with possibly EDD as well.  I told him he has until next Wednesday to figure something out with the whole security thing or move on to the next best thing, which would be trucking.

The great thing about where greg wants to work is that both options are so high in demand. You constantly see jobs available in security and trucking. The best part is he can work in armored car with his class A license. Two birds/one stone kinda deal.

This weekends looks to be very exciting. I'm probably going to bed early tonight for a couple reasons. I didn't sleep all that well last night and I have to be at the capitol air show tomorrow by 0545! Yep, that's right, 0545! A friend of mine told ne that, that time will be sleeping in for me! Haha. Well, the reason I have to be there so early is because I volunteered for the air show this year and they put me in the check-in pile. So I'll be checking volunteers in. The great thing about being there early is I get front row parking AND I get to enjoy the show. Saturday I'm probably going to leave shortly after we're all done checking volunteers in and Sunday I'm most definitely staying for the show. It's supposed to be big this year.

This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and the 70th anniversary of pearl harbor too. So they have big plans. They didn't say what they are as they are a surprise, but I'm excited none the less.

I can't wait for Wyatt to be big enough to truly enjoy all this stuff. Im in my third tri now. Wyatt is to arrive in 3 months, isn't that crazy?!?! Funny how time flies. I can't wait to meet him, but I'm also afraid I'm not ready for him just yet! He's working his way head down lately as I have been feeling a lot of pressure on and off down in my pelvic and it's really uncomfortable! But I love feeling his kicks (well, for the most part).

Wow... I'm gonna be pretty busy and tired the next few months!

Brighter days are upon us

That's what I'm hoping for!  I had a great weekend! But it felt way too short for a 3 day weekend! I really don't remember what we did on Saturday or Sunday except take bubbas out to the river.  On Monday we had a lot of fun. We got to spend time with dad early in the day. Before that we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa for a bit while Greg and dad ran an errand.  That afternoon we headed to Old Sac. A friend of ours invited us to join them for the Gold Rush days event. The museums were free, so Greg and I got to check out the Train museum first.  It was pretty cool. The lower level was the different types of trains they had. What they were used for and history behind them.  On the 3rd floor was all the toy trains. Greg was saying how he wants to build one for him and Wyatt.  We walked outside and got to see them shoot a cannon.  It was pretty loud! Of course. And everywhere you look, people were dressed up in the olden days.  The concrete road was covered in dirt.  They had shows at certain areas to show you what it was like back then. They had gun fights break out and a brothel (of course they used Evangeline's) "set on fire". That's always fun to go to.  We went last year and it was a blast too.  We also got to check out the military museum, free admission as well.  Greg explained to our buddy's gf's kid about the military, the types of weapons that were in display, uniforms, etc. He was very interested in it all to say the least! Our last stop before dinner was Evangeline's. We went upstairs to check out the costume mansion, play with a few things, haha! I had a lot of fun that day. And boy was I beat!!!! As soon as we got home, I was ready for bed.

Things are looking up, I hope. Greg found out today that he may be able to go through security school and get his guard card and permits for free through the VA. We shall find out soon!

It's a shame...

To lose a good friend because they chose their immature relationship over close friends and their own family.  I would never in my whole entire life let anyone control me on what I can and cannot do, who I can and cannot see.  Let alone have them pull me away from my own family.  Especially family who are in need.  I've gone through 2 deaths of close family and one of close friends. I've dealt with 2 families of a cancer survivor and dealing with it at this moment. I've dealt with one who passed away from cancer.  The bottom line? I dealt with it the right way instead of running away. And to hear an excuse like "well I don't like being around death" is by far the most selfish, low life type of excuse I have ever heard.  What do you think they are around 24/7??? Roses?!?!   What makes you think cancer is "death"!?  Why are you better? Because you don't have it?  It kind of hurts me that this friend turned down his family because of some selfish excuse.  turn down your friends, that's fine, but family???  I see it as a scared cat running away.  It's too close to home and honestly, it pisses me off!  He's only 1 hour away from his Uncle. Guess what?! Im 8 hours away from my GODMOTHER! If I still lived in so cal, I would see her often. Instead, I call and send emails and I have sent letters through snail mail.

I don't know if its his choice or if its her controlling him.  But either way, he allows it and she should have the sense to help him realize what a selfish act he is doing.  I've been in a relationship where my S/O, at the time, was dealing with his dad that got diagnosed with acute leukemia. A very rare form and it progressed so fast he passed away in less than a year.  It was not easy to deal with but I had the sense to let him be with his family.

You don't know when one will be gone. The only way to deal with it is to give support and hope for the best. Not stay away. I truly hope this "friend" soon realizes how important family is especially when they themselves have given him love and support as well.

Fighting gloves are on!

So with the streak of bad luck, the truck incident, I went into the emergency room a few Fridays ago, Greg got a speeding ticket (he had a rental and didn't realize how fast he was going), and Greg loosing his job, we just have to keep moving forward.

So Greg is going to take the rest of the week off and hitting the streets next week to find jobs. I'll be helping him by looking online for openings in probably the towing company business. It sucks, but it's life. We just have to fight through it and come out on top again.

On a better note, our new TV arrived yesterday. We got it before Greg got suspended and then fired, so don't think we just bought it.Unfortunately i'll be paying twice as much as the actual price, but with my Jeep payments coming to an end, no TV (as our old one just completely took a crap on us), and us really needing to rebuild our credit, I thought it might be a good idea.When the Jeep is finally paid off, we'll be putting that extra money to savings and to other bills to pay off sooner. Oh! And the funny thing about the TV, Mr T is terrified of it! Big bad TV is out to get bubbas I guess.

It really is nice to have Greg home. It's been a little over a year of seeing each other only a couple days out of each month. I know he'll find something soon. Wyatt is arriving soon. Just a few more months and we literally have nothing for him :-( but I know that is in the back of Greg's mind too. We already started getting the apartment ready just in case we end up not moving yet. We got a bigger storage so that we can put things we want to keep for a bigger place in storage until we get into a bigger place. We also have the apartment mapped out for rearrangement. But we might move to a downstairs apartment. The landlords live in one of the downstairs one and will be moving to the other side where the apartment managers usually live. They've lived here since the beginning of this year and recently were hired as apartment managers. Pretty good people. So that's how we might end up downstairs. Which is perfect for us. Gonna be hard dealing with potty and walks with bubbas and carrying Wyatt around if we're on the 2nd floor. It'll make it a whole lot easier if we live on the 1st. Least we're getting rid of stuff and putting stuff away. Im excited!!!