A Happy New Year

Sorry I haven't had much time to post anything new lately. Dalen has been keeping me pretty busy. We have both been sick since Christmas day. I got a stomach virus, and he got a cold and right ear infection. Travis has been taking good care of us. He had to take two days off work even. But we are all doing alot better now.

We had a great Christmas. I hope all of you did as well.

I feel like I actually accomplished something in 2008. I had a baby. I'm really looking forward to 2009 and seeing all of Dalen's "first's" to come. I can't wait.

Happy 2009!

And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg:

KJV Holy Bible, Genesis 11:16

If you read this then you must......

Pick up the book closest to you
Turn to page 27
Find the 9th sentence
Post the sentence as a title in a new post
Write the title of the book in the body of your post then
copy the information in this post into the body of your post.

Game time.....

A Happy Dalen

I think that we have finally got Dalen on the mends. He has acted so much better over this past week! He is happy, playing, and sleeping well. This picture was just taken this morning. Dalen was trying to get Daddy out of bed to play.

Thanks again for everyone's prayers. They worked!

It happened again

Early yesterday morning Dalen (sorry to be so graphic) vomited again. He did fine when I fed him at 3am. Then when I fed him again at 7am he threw it up. Both the bottles were the Nutramigen which is easy on a baby's stomach because it isn't milk based. That is what had me so worried. Before he had only had that problem with the Similac, he was fine on Nutramigen. After that I got him cleaned up and call Travis' work and told them he needed to call me, it was an emergency. He left work and met me down at the main clinic. I'm so glad he was there with me, I was about ready to go to pieces thinking of the worst. We saw the same nurse practitioner that we had seen at last Friday's follow-up. She had us go down immediately for an upper GI scan to check for something internally that if it came back for he would have to have surgery, but thank the Lord he was ok as far as that went. I took it that they thought this all was serious too because they worked him in for the GI scan immediately and there was a rush put on the results. As of right now the NP thinks it is just a very bad case of reflux. It is just something we have to manage until he grows out if it, and that can take up to a year if not longer. As for today, so far, he hasn't had any problems, but we are keeping a very close eye on him. I feel incredibly bad for him. He has been on the Prevacid for a few days now. He has been actually able to sleep in his crib again because he is able to lay down. We are praying this medicine works.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Dalen. Please continue to do so.

I'm Worried

I had taken Dalen back to the dr. about the reflux last Thursday (I'll get into some details in a bit) and he had me switch him from his Nutramigen formula back to regular Similac. A few hours after he had the first bottle of similac he threw up, and I mean projectile and alot of it. It really scared me. After that I thought he wasn't acting right, sort of sleepy and weak acting. I wasn't sure what to do and it was time for him to eat again so I fed him some more. When I went to burp him after 2 oz. he threw up all of it the same way as before. Oh, I was really scared. I loaded him in the car as fast as I could and we went to Urgent Care at the main hospital. I figured that if something was really wrong that it would be best to already be at the hospital instead of at the clinic. Well, they did blood work to see if he was dehydrated, and he was mildly, and was told that he had a stomach virus, so we were sent home with orders to give him pedialite and have a follow up appt. the next day. Well the next day he had diarrhea, but no vomiting. So I'm thinking they are right about the stomach virus, I heard something was going around. I was given orders to continue the pedialite for the next 48 hours then put him back on formula. So tonight at 11pm was the first time back on his formula, and it wasn't even 2 hours and he threw it all up just like before. It has to be the Similac. I think he is ok at the moment because he went back to sleep, but now I'm afraid to go to sleep myself in case something happens. And after this weekend, I'm exhausted!

So about the dr. appt. about the reflux. The guy was a total jerk to me. I've had to take Dalen a few times to him over this because the poor baby is hurting. And this past week we spent the entire week sleeping together sitting up in the recliner because he couldn't lay flat. He would start gagging or coughing really bad and then crying nonstop. Horrible. Well, the dr. tried to tell me it was colic...no I don't think so. He also gave me referral papers to take him to Children's hospital in Columbus to see a specialist because, "it will ease my mind." It doesn't matter what I think, it matters that my baby is ok. Moron. He finally gets on the phone to one of his friends that is a pediatrician and she tells him to prescribe previcid. Well he gave us a prescription for the liquid, and no one in this entire area has it, it has to be specially made and would cost a fortune. So I called his answering service and was told to, "call back tomorrow."!!!!! The woman would not even listen to why I was calling! Then right after this is when Dalen started vomiting. But back to the appt. The dr. also says, "I can refer you to a pediatrician because I can tell you don't trust what I'm telling you." That ticked me off. Well clown, if you have to call another dr. to see what you should do, and I've had to take Dalen to see you about 4 times over the same thing, then why should I? And then he tells me to switch his formula. That was a horrible idea.

I called his office the next day and didn't even mention that Dalen had to be taken to urgent care the night before, because I was still thinking it was a virus and I was planning on taking him somewhere else after the fiasco the day before so it didn't matter to him, but I wanted him to fix the prescription. Get this. He called a pharmacist to see what the dosage should be. His nurse told me when she called me to let me know it had been called in. Um, hasn't a dr. had more training in these matters than a pharmacist? Well, to the point, the medicine has been helping, so far. But it usually does work for a few days before it stops helping him. So, yet again, we'll see.

The bad news is is now I will have to call him tomorrow to get Dalen's formula switched back. I hate like anything to have to take him back to another appt. We are really racking up the bills, but if it's what he needs then I will. I just really hope that it's not something serious that's going on with Dalen. I am worried about it.

I Voted Today

I have to just say that I have never, since I have voted in my hometown beginning at the age of 18, seen so many people at my polling place to vote. I've heard all day on the news how in the bigger cities there were hours of waiting time in the long lines, but never thought it would be any different here than it ever was, I was wrong. I guess it just goes to show that people care about this year's election or at least so that they can say they helped to make history. I personally think, and have heard from many people, that this year's presidential candidates have been the poorest excuse for choices. I'll be glad when I turn on the tv from now on, at least until the next election season rolls around, that I won't have to listen to the name smearing and character bashing.

Happy Trick Or Treat!

I had to take Dalen back to see his ped. again yesterday afternoon. I wasn't planning on the visit, but I had called them in the morning to tell them that his Zantac wasn't lasting him all day but the dr. said he wanted me to bring Dalen back in. For the past few days mornings and nights were a terror. He would cry and scream and cough and gag, it was horrible. It turns out that the growth spurt he had last week was the culprit. He wasn't getting enough of a dosage because he is bigger now. He weighed a whopping 12 lb. 1 oz. and was 22 1/2 in! He gained almost 2 lbs. and grew 1 1/4 in in two weeks! Anyways, the dr. raised his dose. I'm a hoping this works. The little twirp flirted with ALL the nurses at the dr.'s office, smiling at them with his sparkly little eyes...I need to get a stick already! I keep telling him that girls are the "Debil" (from Waterboy). ;-)

I've decided that Dalen is too young and it's too cold outside for me to have him out for tonight's Trick or Treat. I wasn't going to take him Trick or Treating this year anyways, but I was going to have him out while we gave out candy. Then Travis informed me that he has class tonight so he won't be home and there's no way I could handle Dalen and give out candy to a zillion kids at the same time so I'm just going to stay inside. I might have him out at my parent's house for a few minutes to show him off to the neighbors since they have not seen him yet. Which reminds me, today Dalen is 6 weeks old!

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Trick or Treat!

Our 7th Wedding Anniversary

was yesterday. Travis brought me home some beautiful flowers. It doesn't seem like we've been married for 7 years! But I hope that we have many, many, many more years together, especially since he is so wonderful and all. ;-)

(Thanks honey!)

I also wanted to brag on Travis for alittle bit. He has been invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, a Greek honor society at his college. His induction ceremony is November 3rd. I am so proud of him!!!

The Best Thing In The World

About The Appointment

I said in my last post that I was taking Dalen to see Dr. W. So far I am very pleased with him. He actually took time to listen to me explain what Dalen's problem was. After he checked Dalen over and got some info from me he said that Dalen probably has acid reflux and prescribed Zantac for him. It immediately helped Dalen feel better. Last night he started crying and screaming like he was in pain again, but Travis gave him the Zantac and he settled right down. He also said to take him off the rice cereal because he is too young for it which really makes me mad that the other dr. told me to do it if it would be bad for him.

That's all for now. Hope everyone has a great week.

Dalen Loves His Mobile

Mystery Dalen

I'm not sure what to do anymore. I said before how Dalen was doing so much better and sleeping well, I'm going to retract that statement. He did good for about 2 days, but all week he has been feeling so bad and crying almost all the time. I feel horrible because I don't know what else to do for him. I've called his dr. just about every day this week. She thinks he has an allergy to milk so she has switched him to Enfamil Nutramigen. It's a special type of formula that is hypoallergenic. By the way, it is $26 for a 1 lb. can!!! He has been on it for about 3 days now, and is still fussy and will not go to sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time. It says right on the formula can that it will greatly reduce or stop colic within 48 hours, not 72, so I'm not sure it's doing him any good. I think that his regular ped. has him all screwed up because she has so many patients that when I call she doesn't remember who I am or what all she has already told me to be doing. I really don't like that. I think I might've mentioned before that her office is smaller than my living room. I can't even fit Dalen's stroller in there because it is always packed! I was told yesterday that there is a new clinic in Middleport and that the dr. there is really good, so I called them just awhile ago to check out what kind of people they were and how their office works especially if I would need to call to talk to the dr. after hours. I am desperate for some help for Dalen at this point. I was told that the dr. is very nice. He is a young dr. from Huntington and is married with children and one on the way. So knowing that he not only has been medically trained, but he has real experience with his own children makes me feel better. I was also told that they have an answering service 24/7 where I can talk to an on call dr. or have him paged. I like that too. So I went ahead and made Dalen an appointment for this afternoon. Maybe I am just overreacting to the whole situation, but I don't think so. Even if I am I would feel so much better knowing that he has been checked over by a dr. and I've been given advice on what to do by someone who has time to think things through. I am hoping that something will be figured out for the poor little guy by this afternoon.

Crying baby = very stressed out and unhappy Mommy!!!

Dalen's First Church Service

Today we took Dalen to church for the first time. He slept through the whole service! He looked so adorable and everybody loved him. (Thanks for the outfit Rylan & Angie).

Dalen is doing good. His pediatrician said to add rice cereal to his soy formula because he wasn't satisfied with only the formula, and therefore wasn't sleeping but 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. at a time before he would want to eat again. He is doing soooo much better with that and is typically sleeping for around 3 hrs. now. He smiled for the first time this past week. It was very exciting. He also found out he has a voice that can make sounds.

Last week he weighed in at 9lbs. 1 oz.!

All About Dalen

Where to start? He has kept us so busy and so much has happened. Since Dalen was tongue tied I was having to pump for what seemed to be constantly, and he was having alot of issues with colic. Not only was I having trouble keeping up with him, but it was exhausting, and since he was having colic too I called his pediatrician and she suggested that we try him on Soy formula. He has been on it for about 3 days now and has been doing great! It was so hard seeing him in pain, and it was obvious that he was. I am upset about the whole bf thing, but for me it was worth giving up if it was going to help Dalen. So here's hoping that the Soy formula continues to help him.

Today is the first day that I'm on my own taking care of Dalen by myself. He has been such a good baby (so far lol). He is very slowly starting to stay awake alittle more during the day and sleeping just alittle longer at times. I feel like we are starting to get a good bond with each other now that it's just me and him for the most part each day. Travis has been a great help with him. He gets up once at night with him most nights and does alot after work too which is good considering he is working full time and is in college full time. My Mom usually comes over in the evening and will do a feeding while I take a nap or something. I can't complain about the help I've been getting.

I have been alittle cranky which should be expected. I don't handle change well, and Dalen is a huge change! The first week I cried alot, but the second week wasn't so bad. Now my two major obstacles are the lack of sleep and trying to make the adjustment of not going out like I used to. That has been difficult. I probably could go to the grocery store or something except I'm not supposed to lift anything over 10 lbs because of my C-section. I'm sure that an 8lb. + baby and a car seat is over 10 lbs. Don't get me wrong though, I wouldn't trade being Dalen's Mom for anything. I know things will get better, just like everyone keeps reminding me :-)

Have a great Monday everyone!

My Cutie Pie

Mr. Dalen James

He's sleeping right now so I have a few minutes and thought I'd stop by. Dalen definitely keeps us busy.

The induction went ok for awhile and then I stopped progressing, and the baby turned so he was pointing the wrong way. After 12 hours of trying to work through things my dr. came in to talk about a C-section. By that time I was ready to get it over with. Travis about had a cow when he realized I'd have to have a surgery because he didn't want me to have to go through that. I was more worried about him than I was about myself.

We got home from the hospital on Sunday afternoon after spending 3 days there. The first night home with Dalen didn't go so well. He cried all night long. Then the next day he didn't eat very well and I was getting really concerned about it. We ended up having to call a lactation consultant to come help us. Turns out that Dalen was tongue tied and it was preventing him from latching on. Yesterday we saw his pediatrician for the first time and was referred the same day to a specialist to have it clipped. He did so good, he didn't even flinch when the dr. did it. It didn't hurt him at all. I still can't get him to latch on, so I'm pumping and feeding him that way. Other than that obstacle Dalen is doing great. He is such a good baby.

Here is an update on the baby.
His name is Dalen James Gibson.
He was born at 5:39 pm on September 18, 2008.
He weighed 8lbs and 6 oz and was 20 1/4 inches long.
Trisha had to have a C-section, but her and the baby are both doing great.
We are expected to go home tomorrow, Sunday.
When Trisha is feeling up to it, she will post more details.
Thanks for everyones support.

The Big Day

I just wanted to let everyone know that tomorrow is the big day. Since Travis will be with me at the hospital the whole time, I'll be having him to post pictures of the baby once we are home.

My dr. appt. went well yesterday though. The nurse threw away my pee cup! I told her that I wanted to burn the thing. She said, "And I didn't even give you the satisfaction of throwing it away yourself, did I." Believe me, I wanted that satisfaction! So that made me feel that alittle bit of closure was coming to the pregnancy. It was weird. The baby is still doing great. And I did make some progress on my own over the weekend. I am 85% effaced, and almost dilated to 3 cm. I was really hoping that I would be able to go in today to have the baby, but the dr. explained that she had some meeting that she really did not want to miss today, so being the nice, understanding (even though I'm extremely uncomfortable) person that I am, I agreed to do it on Thursday. And plus it is probably better that Travis and I have the day to process what's about to happen. She even went into detail about the induction process and what I should expect to happen and about when. It really took away some of the unknown factor that was really stressing me out. Travis, bless his heart, I'm not sure how he's handling things. The reality that he will be a father tomorrow is setting in on him. For me, either I'm ok with everything, or it hasn't hit me yet. I'm not sure which. I am just trying to go with things without thinking too much.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I'm hoping to have some pictures of the baby to show soon!

Still Waiting, But Not For Long

I don't have a lot of time to talk. I am on my way to TRY to get Travis the new Metallica Death Magnetic CD as a surprise. I'm feeling good today, for a change, so I'm going to chance the trip because I know how much it would mean to him to get this CD. Plus, he really deserves the surprise...he has been taking such good care of me and has had to put up with alot of crap from me lately...(sorry honey).

But you probably want to know about the baby. He is fine. There is still not much of a change as far as dilation goes. The dr. made me an appt. to come back on Tuesday the 16th and if I haven't had him by then she will schedule me to be induced either Wednesday or Thursday. So, I'll be a Mommy in less than a week! I am still a nervous wreck, but I'm starting to settle down alittle by just trying to stay focused on the baby, and not how bad it could be for me. My dr. had a talk with me yesterday to help settle me down. I was impressed that she did that because she sure didn't have to take the time. She said that it will hurt, but they are there to treat the pain, I know labor will not last forever, and I will get something really good at the end. I thought that was so nice of her. And I am very thankful that I made it past September 11th. The other good news is that my dr. is the one on call this weekend, and she takes her own patients during the weekdays so odds are I'll be able to have my own dr. deliver the baby. I am very comfortable with her, and Travis likes her, so I'm very happy about that.

So until next time...

Just An Update

He's still not here!!! I'm a couple weeks behind on the info, sorry. On my Aug. 28th appointment I was feeling really bad, really bad. And of course, that had to be the day that my Dad was on vacation and decided to go with Mom and I. Not that I don't want my Dad involved, but it embarrasses me for him to know certain things, it's my Dad, you know. Well, since it was getting so close for me to have the baby, I also had to go shopping for a nursing bra. Again, there was my Dad. Urgh. So not only was I aggravated and embarrassed, I was getting really nervous that I was going into labor or something because for the first time I was getting really crampy. So when I got to my appt....finally, they decided to go ahead and do an exam just to check things out. This was on week 37 and they weren't supposed to start doing my exams until I was 38 weeks. Turned out everything was ok. I was dilated to a 1 and working on 2, but my cervix was still really thick. Sorry if that grossed anyone out. Then on my last appt., there was no change. And she said his head is still up really high and not pushing down which is why there was no change. I am really disappointed about it and I'm alittle worried that he won't come on his own since I didn't make any progress. And I still don't feel like he's dropped any. We'll see I guess. So unless I have him before Thursday, I go back to the dr. and talk to her about either waiting things out or inducing. I wish I would've had him by now since Travis starts back to school the week of the 15th. He will be getting his week of vacation from work whenever I have the baby, but I was hoping to have his uninterrupted attention for that first week. That's our luck though. So my next post will either be telling you when I'm going to be induced, or to introduce my baby :-) Thanks for everyone who has been thinking about us and to those who have came to see us before the big day. In the mist of some of the drama we've been dealing with lately, it has been really nice knowing that there are some people who do care about us.

My Ultrasound

Yesterday evening Travis and I went to get my last ultrasound. Seeing the baby was absolutely incredible. He didn't look anything like he did in the last ultrasound pictures, it was amazing how much he has grown and changed. At the beginning, the tech re-confirmed for us that he is still a boy :-) which is always good to know. She also got a quick shot of his face. It was a good thing she did it then too because after that he would not cooperate. He would either turn completely away, or he'd put his hands in front of his face. He was acting just like his father...ha ha. We also got an estimated weight of 6 lbs. 6 oz., which she said is just that, an estimate. It could be off a pound either way. So I figure that by the time I have him, he'll be a normal birth weight. I was also glad to get his position pointed out to me. He is pointed down correctly, but I wanted to know what was where mostly. He has been staying on my right side, and it's like my belly is lop sided all the time, and I have alot of pressure towards the top on that side, which come to find out is his rear end. Go figure. His legs and feet are what's on my right, his back is on my left.

Here is his face.

It looks like he has some chubby cheeks :-) and like he's holding on to his foot there too.

And here's his little foot.

I thought for sure after our first ultrasound that he looked just like Travis, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe both of us now? I'll just have to wait to see, and I hate that. He was the cutest little baby none the less.

An August Dog Day

I thought I'd dedicate a post to my wonderful puppy dog, Bella. She probably hasn't quite been getting the attention she is used to because of all the baby preparations we've been doing around here. But she's still our baby too.

Bella's enjoying the breeze in her face while she's on the porch.

Ok, now you think you're a model...show off :-)

Back to the guard post...This is her favorite spot during the day so she can look outside at all the goings on. And we were blessed by a smile too ;-)

Only One Month To Go...

Lets just say I had a clever title

I have a ton of things to write about today. Most of it will probably be complaining. First let's start with our heat pump experience. Last Monday was the company's first day to start the job. Today is Tuesday of the following week, and they have had to be here every single day with the exception of the weekend. Let's just say I'm alittle aggravated about it. The initial estimate for the completion was 5 days. The guys installing everything were like, woo hoo we have 5 days to do a 2 or 3 day job. So, they piddled around all week. I was alittle ticked about it because I felt like they were wasting my time since I had to stay home the whole day, and my Dad was in the hospital, and I had other things to do also, and there they were outside smoking sitting on my front porch, in my chairs laughing and talking on their personal cell phones (man, I'd be a tough boss lol) when they should've been doing what we were paying them ALOT of money to do. Let's not even get into how they tracked mud into my house, on my carpet, had furniture pulled out to run the duct work that they just left in the middle of rooms, left lights on all through the house, and kept slamming my front door. Maybe I'm just picky but I really thought they were rude and inconsiderate. Travis got so mad at the electrical guy because he ran the wires over top of beams instead of in the holes that all our other wires go through so we couldn't even put our drywall back up. RETARDED. Well, the 5th day, Friday comes along. At the end of the day I was told that a breaker they needed hasn't came in yet and that they'd have to come back on Monday to put it in and do the system check! First of all, what, do I look like all I have to do is sit at home while they come and go? I actually had a doctor's appt. that day, so we didn't even get the thing turned on until Tuesday. I made the guy fix those wires too! The second thing to that is, they knew 2 weeks before they came that they were going to have this job, and Travis even called and asked them about the breakers, why didn't they order the thing then? Well, when Travis got home he looked things over and found that the register in our bedroom wasn't putting out any air so he called them and told them they needed to come fix it. Well, the moron comes this morning and looks it over. He says whatever the big hose like thing is called was falling apart and it needed to be replaced! Can you believe that? We just got the thing, why would they have given us something that would fall apart? So, he didn't have that with him, of course, so he had to go back to town to get it. Then when he finally got back, he decided he needed to go back, yet again, to get some boots. I was thinking to myself if this clown has to go back one more freakin time I'll tell him not to even bother coming back. I was, and still am just so ticked off about the whole thing. It would be different if they hadn't messed around all last week. I mean to waste that much time so they didn't have to go to another job, which isn't my problem to begin with, then to not have it finished on time is freakin ridiculous!!! I'm sure part of it is pregnancy hormones, and from being tired, but they were really starting to push their luck with me. Travis went down there last Friday and told them off, so I'm sure they hate dealing with us, but they should do things right! They'll love seeing him again today when he stops in to have a little talk ;-) I told Trav though, he'd better not come home tonight and find something else wrong with the thing.

This past Saturday (Aug. 2nd) we took our Childbirth class at the hospital. I was totally surprised when only one other couple showed up. So it was a really laid back class. And our instructor was really nice. We got a really nice canvas bag full of books and magazines, and a ton of free sample diapers! She also said they have an over-abundance of baby hats that different groups have knitted so we got to pick two to take home. She said we'll get more when we go into the hospital too. I love free things, Travis thinks I'm crazy. I'm a sucker for free ink pens for some reason. But little knitted baby hats tops the free things category. Anyways, we went over what to expect during labor and delivery, different medications that can be given, and alittle bit of newborn care. We got little fake babies (that's just what I called them) to practice with. We learned how to swaddle them, burp them, and different feeding positions. We also got a tour of the maternity floor and got to see a labor room and the nursery. I was so freaked out about some of the things we went over in the class during the tour that the whole floor seemed to smell like a dead person or a nursing home to me, it just all seemed so cryptic. So after my regular dr. appt. on Monday, Mom and I took a tour together and it seemed alot better. I know, that was totally weird. I only about passed out or got sick one time though. The instructor had a skeleton of the pelvis and she had this baby doll that she put down through those bones to show how the baby should be positioned, and I about lost it. Well, I also didn't like the video that showed the placenta being delivered either. Those were my two biggest problems. I guess considering, that wasn't too bad. I was really thinking the instructor would teach us breathing exercises, but it wasn't even brought up. I guess people don't do that anymore, they go straight for the pain medicine. I'll most likely be one of those.

My dr. appt. Monday went well. Dr. R had to chase him around to get his heartbeat, it was about 150 she said. I only gained 2 lbs. this time, which is great! I was thinking it would be alot more than that. I am waiting to hear about some lab work though, they think that I might have a UTI. I've never had one before, so it's weird getting one now. I hate that pee cup anyways. I hate carrying it around when I have to go up there. OMG, we ate at Bob Evans right before my appt. and I had it in my purse, well I went to the bathroom and set it on the sink so I could wash my hands and knocked everything on the floor. I thought for sure my pee cup was doomed and that pee was all over my purse, but I lucked out. But enough about pee lol. I go back in 2 weeks and then every week after that until the big day. Dr. R. did give me the order for my last ultrasound. I am really happy that I was able to schedule it in the evening so Travis doesn't have to miss work. And I can't wait to see how the little guy has changed.

I also wanted to let everyone know that I won't be having a baby shower. I'm just having a family thing, so I'm telling everyone that they are welcome to come visit me, no gifts are necessary. Just maybe let me know first to make sure I'll be home.

Also, my Dad is really doing great now. He had a visit with his dr. and is doing so well that he gets to do away with one of his daily insulin shots. Thanks again to everyone who prayed for him. It has been working!

Have a great Wednesday!

I find this quite funny (not really)...

The Beijing Olympics Do's and Dont's

People of Beijing told what not to wear

Published Date: 01 August 2008
By Stephen McGinty

THE Little Red Book, the sayings of Chairman Mao, has been replaced by a little red booklet that instructs Beijing's residents how to act and dress ahead of next week's Olympics.

Don't mix more than three colours.

Do shake hands for three seconds only.

Don't wear your pajamas in public.

Citizens are ordered not to dress in more than three colours, wear white socks with black shoes or parade in pajamas, in the dos and don'ts of Olympic etiquette.Like a totalitarian version of Trinny and Susannah, Zheng Mojie, deputy director of the Office of Capital Spiritual Civilisation Construction Commission, has penned a booklet posted to four million Beijing households stating acceptable standards of dress and behaviour. On the black list is handshakes that last longer than three seconds, quizzing visitors about religion or politics and spitting, a popular habit which was banned in the city in 2006. The etiquette booklet is part of a slew of admonitions on manners, said Ms Mojie: "The level of civility of the whole city has improved and a sound cultural and social environment has been assured for the success of the Beijing Olympic Games."There should be no more than three colour groups in your clothing, the committee advises, and wearing pyjamas to visit neighbours, as some elderly Beijing residents like to do, is also out. It recommends dark socks, and says white socks should never be worn with black leather shoes. In the last few years the government prepared people for the Olympics with the slogan: "I participate, I contribute, I enjoy."Measures such as the ban on spitting in the capital city and the introduction of a day to show more patience in lines – on the 11th of each month – have paid off, Ms Mojie said. Campaigns involving nearly a million volunteers have been launched to give etiquette tips at schools, universities and government offices. Ms Mojie said: "Such campaigns and educational activities are now improving the lives of Beijingers. Now you'll find more smiling faces and people are more elegantly dressed."She said people have formed a habit of queuing and at more than 1,000 bus stops people are forming orderly lines. "This has already become a habit for the Beijing citizens," she said. The booklet also advises there should be no public displays of affection and feet should be slightly apart or in a V or Y shape when standing. It also says resident should not ask foreigners their age, marital status, income, past experience, address, personal life, religious belief or political belief. Another book, published in April, details how to be a good fan when watching Olympic competitions, saying spectators should cheer all teams, and accept that a victory or loss is temporary whereas the impression of the culture inside a sports venue lasts forever.
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According to the Today Show yesterday, this not only goes for Chinese citizens, but foreigners as well. Why should we, who live in a FREE country, allow ourselves to be dictated by a communist government? I think all of that is just plain wrong. The Olympics is about freedom, and the world coming together, not becoming part of China and their ridiculous rules. I also heard that the Chinese government will be monitoring all internet activity by foreigners and some websites will be restricted. Also, no one is allowed to send text or have anything that talks badly about China. What is there good to say? The main building they constructed for the Olympics is not even visible from the road right beside it because of all the pollution. It's disgusting. I really feel sorry for all the athletes that trained so hard to go and not be able to breathe and be told they don't even have basic rights. Just thought I'd share.

Update

I wanted to let everyone know that my Dad is home from the hospital now. His blood sugar is still alittle high, but so much better than it was. He says he's feeling alot better. He is looking better also. I really appreciate everyone's prayers for him.

My Dad...

Well, I am pretty upset right now. My Dad had a dr. appointment today because he hasn't been feeling well and found out that he has Diabetes. I really hate that disease!!! His sugar level was over four times the normal level. The nurse couldn't even get their meter to read his level it was so high. The dr. sent him to the hospital to be admitted so they can get his insulin level under control and educate him on managing diabetes. He will have to take insulin shots at least for the first six months before they will even think about other medication. I know what my Grandma went though with diabetes, I don't even want to think about seeing my Dad go through the same thing.

Photo Funia

I just found a really neat website where you can do things like this...

32 Weeks...

I can't believe how big I am

I had my 32 week appointment yesterday. Everything is still looking good, and baby is healthy. I didn't get to see my doctor at the appointment which was disappointing, but I was checked over by the practice's midwife, she was nice. She said I'll go back in another two weeks, and have one more two week appointment before I go every week. I did get really upset when she indicated there might be a logistical problem when I need to go to the hospital if I'm in labor and Travis is at work. Since I live 45 minutes away, and he works another 30 minutes from that, she acted like I need to have someone else take me, and we don't want that at all! So I'll be talking to my doctor about that next time to see what we can do. I do not want anyone but Travis to take me! I am just worried he will miss everything, or that he'll be too busy to help me. He says I shouldn't worry and that he'll do all he can. I know I'm just being hormonal. I need to try to stay positive. Our extended family situation has been upsetting me more lately as it gets closer to having the baby also. I really wanted to have the experience of having everyone there to welcome our baby, and to be happy for us, but that won't be happening. It has been very hard not having their support and feeling like they don't care about our baby. I'm not sure how to get past that, or if I can. There is alot more I could say on the subject, but I won't. Travis says that I need to just focus on the baby, and beginning our own family, which he's right. I just wish that the ones who should care about our baby would. But I can't make anyone do anything. Well, that's enough complaining. ;-) I was really only going to post about my appointment yesterday lol.

I made this...

hat for our little one.


It was pretty difficult to figure out at first since it is the first round shaped thing I've ever knitted, but I'm happy with the end result :-) I can't wait to see him in it.

I go for another dr. appointment tomorrow afternoon. I'm starting to wonder how I'll be able to drive myself all the way up there to the hospital from now on. My energy level is very low these days. I've had to start having Travis go with me to the grocery store so I don't have to try to lift heavy things in and out of the cart. He's been really great with helping me if I ask. He's been catering to me alot, cooking me dinner and bringing me snacks and things to drink. I really appreciate him. I feel guilty asking him to do so much since he works and is so busy with school though. But I don't know what I'd do without him. Sleep is also a major chore. I'll usually sleep for an hour, maybe two, before I have to make a trip to the bathroom. Then I'll spend five minutes trying to prop my belly up and get situated before I can go back to sleep. These past few nights it's been getting worse where it seems like he's pressing on my stomach, making me feel nauseous. I have to say though, I've been doing very well on little sleep, so far ;-) I usually get very cranky when I'm tired. Well, I have been very moody, but I just chalk that up to hormones. I'm just glad to have an excuse ;-) Am I complaining? I really don't mean to. I'm very happy there's a little guy in there :-)

I'm thinking I'll have another appointment in two weeks after tomorrow, then go every week, but I'm not sure. I can't believe how close it's getting!

I'm also very happy to announce that we are having a heat pump and all the duct work installed next week. Travis and I decided it was ok to have a cold house in the winter if it was just us, but we can't have that with a baby. I hated shelling out all that money right now, but it's a necessity at this point.

Have a great Monday!

Happy Birthday to Travis!!!

I love you baby!

Week 30 Appointment

Yesterday was my week 30 appointment. Now I am officially going every two weeks. :-0 Baby is doing great, his heartbeat was in the 130's and from the measurement the dr. got he grew quite a bit since my last visit. I was wrong in my last post, his heartbeat then was in the 140's at my last visit, just to make the correction. I have been alittle concerned though because things have hit me all of a sudden, like I feel like I can't do things like I used to, I get tired soooo much easier! And the heat has been getting to me making me feel like I'm either going to be sick or pass out. My family and I went to the West Virginia Arts and Crafts Fair in Ripley on Saturday and I was only able to make it about half way through before I started feeling that way and had to leave. It was kind of scary feeling like I was going to pass out in front of all those people. I know I think weird, but that's what I kept thinking, instead I guess I really should've been thinking about the baby's well being. I just really do not like attention drawn to myself, it comes along with my anxiety issues. Anyways, I talked to my dr. about all that also, but she said to just start resting more often, and that the heat can really take a toll on pregnant women. It did make me feel better knowing nothing is really wrong. I just thought that things would gradually progress into being uncomfortable, not come all at once.

Next on my to do list is to find baby a pediatrician. Where to even start? I am also really confused about the whole breastfeeding thing. I'm wondering if I'm going to get everything done and learn what I need to at this point.

Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend!

My 28 Week Appointment; Travis; Insurance.

Things went really well! I had to drink that nasty orange glucose stuff for the gestational diabetes test, which I'm so glad turned out negative since diabetes runs in my family, but that drink! It actually didn't taste all that horrible, but it made me sick for about 2 hours afterwards, to the point I thought I might throw up or pass out. It was weird, and kinda scary. My Mom took off work that day to go with me since I figured I'd be at the hospital for most of the day, which I was really glad she was there. I got to the lab about 9am, and by 9:30am I was back getting my blood drawn for the glucose test, and for my Rhogam shot. I had to wait a couple hours before getting the shot, so we went shopping and got breakfast (which I couldn't hardly eat from feeling sick). We went to Toys R Us and I got a Fisher Price Rainforest Crib sheet as an extra, and then we went to Old Navy where I was treated to two maternity shirts from my Mom, and I indulged in two pairs of flip flops.

We went back to the hospital and I went to get my shot. I really dreaded it, since I was told before that it would sting. The nurse asked me if I wanted it in my hip or arm, and I said neither! It was sort of funny. But it didn't hurt or sting at all, surprisingly.

Next was my actual dr.'s appointment...after all that poking and prodding, I was ready to get it over with and go home! The baby is growing right on schedule. She measured me, but didn't tell me what it was, but his heartbeat was a strong 151. I am on my every two week visits now, but since I'm a week late in posting this, I go back next Monday. It is really nerve racking hearing the dr. say, now you come back every two weeks. I guess now it's inevitable that the baby will be coming soon. Lately, I've been having feelings about the birth of our son that I really didn't expect. For as long as I can remember I have been scared to death at the thought of giving birth. Even people I knew from my late teens to early twenties said to me how they didn't think I wanted kids. But of course, I always knew I would, and wanted them too, I was just so afraid. But now that I know it's getting so close I find myself thinking more about the first time I see him than I do about how much it's going to hurt. I still do think about the pain, and it freaks me out, but I just have to keep reminding myself that women have done this since the beginning of time, and do it everyday still. I still imagine myself having a panic attack on the way to the hospital, but I'm relieved knowing that it will all be for a good cause. It's just strange to me how my maternal instincts and feelings are starting to kick in. I'm just glad to know they're there! I have been really worried also about after he's born and how I'll do taking care of this new little person. Part of me is still detached from the idea that there is actually a baby growing inside my belly, so I wonder how I'll feel about him when he's finally here. Then the other part of me is so excited and knows that I'll love him so much and won't let anything bad happen to him. It's like this constant emotional roller coaster I'm on, it's exhausting! I'm not even sure I'm making any sense at this point.

The baby has been interacting with me and Travis lately too. It is the most amazing thing. He will move around and we will rub my belly there and he will kick back! It has really helped us start to bond with him in a different way. He also likes when we play his Rainforest Soother in his crib and read to him. He moves around like crazy. It's so exciting!

In other news, Travis started summer quarter this past week. He's taking 3 classes instead of the usual 4 because as always, summer sessions are jam packed with info in a shorter timeframe. He is taking Process Control, which he says is like learning how to work in a power plant's control room with all the buttons (I'd have fun just pushing different colored ones :-)) He's also taking Technical Writing, which is his last writing class! And the hardest by far is Global Issues. It's really hard for him because for one he hates politics, but two, it talks alot about the war in Iraq which he has major issues with. I was helping him over the weekend do 4 analysis questions, which ended up being a 5 page word document! And he has a 2 page reaction paper that's due on Wednesday, not to mention his other classes! I feel bad for him, plus it's really boring for me when he's doing homework.

He also replaced our front porch roof because it leaked so badly, and had our electric service changed over and moved our breaker box to the inside of the house. This was all in an effort to get better homeowners insurance, which ended up going in our favor with one little glitch. I had called my soon to be former insurance agent to come do a home inspection. I asked when a good time would be because I was willing to work around her schedule, but she said whatever time I set, they'd be there. Well, no they weren't! She didn't even have the decency to call, and I still haven't heard from her 2 business days later! I figured if we are going to pay her hundreds of dollars a year and have 5 insurance policies through that agency, and my business isn't that important, then I'll take my money else where. I contacted another agent that afternoon and they said they would call me the next day to schedule an inspection. Well, the inspector's son had a ball game at the park that night and she did it that same evening! I was impressed. So considering the great service I've gotten so far, not to mention a far better price quote, I'm transferring all my insurance to them. Hey, I'm all for competition!

Well, now that I've wrote a book, I'll quit typing for now. :-) Have a great Monday!

It's finished!;27 Weeks

Here's a picture of me at 27 weeks and some nursery pictures-

Travis & Mom putting up the border

The finished product...looks good!

Travis putting together the crib

The crib with the bedding

The only thing I still need to actually complete the room is a dresser. I'm really happy with how the paint color turned out and how it matches the bedding and border. I'm glad I picked this theme over all the other choices. Travis and I go in there sometimes and just sit in the rocking chair and almost fall asleep, it's so relaxing in there. Thanks to Travis for doing pretty much everything, and to my Mom for helping with the border.

I have alot to write about, but really don't have the time right now since Travis promised to spend the evening with me and here I am now while he's waiting. :-( Hopefully I'll get the time within the next day or so.

Also, congratulations to Travis for getting straight A's again for Spring quarter. I'm extremely proud of you! Keep up the great work!

My Surprise Last Night
Last night my Eastern Star friends threw me and another girl who is also pregnant, due in August, a surprise baby shower! I was totally tricked by them all into thinking the surprise shower was just for the other girl, Erin. Well, after the meeting we all went into the dining area, where I knew everything would be set up for Erin. Then I saw there were two sets of gifts and I glanced at the cake and it said "Welcome Babies". I whispered to Mom, "I thought this was just for Erin." I was and still am blown away. I got alot of really nice gifts. It's nice to know they all care so much about each other to do something this nice for us. Here's some pictures...(Please excuse the background, nursery renovations are taking place)

The tables were decorated with these...it was adorable!

My Balloons :-)

I got quite a few newborn and 0-3 months outfits, a laundry hamper, blankets, washcloths, diapers, and baby toys. I'm sure baby will love everything!

Alittle Freaked Out...

I just got home from my monthly doctor's checkup. Everything is going well still, his heartbeat was 135, she measured my belly for the first time, and it was in good range also. Then at the end of the appointment she said that now instead of coming every four weeks, next time I come back in three and after that every two. I didn't think it was quite time for all that yet so it is freaking me out alittle that things are moving so quickly. I was thinking that I was approaching my sixth month (even though you don't go by months, I know) but she said it was more like my seventh and that in a week and a half I'd be in my third trimester! I knew I'm due in September, but still, it's like I lost a month of preparation here!

At my next appointment I'll be up there all day. I have to drink a nasty orange sugar drink so they can test my blood for gestational diabetes, and also they are going to test my blood for antibodies. If the antibody test comes back negative, I'll have to go that evening for a Rogam shot, which I need since my blood type is a negative and Travis' is a positive, that way there won't be a problem with the baby's blood and mine mixing if they are not the same type. I think that's how it goes anyways.

We got started on the nursery finally. It's all cleaned out where our junk was in there from the time we moved in. And we, meaning Travis ;-), tore down all the wallpaper. Now it needs some drywall putty in some places, and then painted. The crib should be here this week. And I ordered the Happy Tails bedding collection, it should be here next week. I think that the room will look great when we're finally finished with it.

Here's the crib we ordered...

And as promised, here's some of my ultrasound pictures that I haven't gotten around to posting.

Just browsing...

online and I came across this article about how being a mother has completely changed Nicole Ritchie's life for the better in the new issue of Harper's Bazaar. I'm not a fan of the whole Nicole/Paris Hilton/Brittney Spears scene, I think the whole thing is immature really but I was interested in what she had to say about motherhood. As I was reading the article I came across this picture of her and her baby. Now I can't wait until my baby is here and I can have one like this. Granted, it won't be in a designer dress!

Travis' Honors Ceremony

Last night was Travis' Honors Ceremony at his college. He got awarded a certificate for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement because he made the National Dean's List as well as the college's President's List, meaning he has a 4.0 GPA, over the last school year. I'm so proud of him. I know how hard he has worked in school, so he totally deserves the recognition.

The college's President and Deans of different Programs

Travis Gibson....way to go!

Shaking hands with the President

Way to go sweetie! Keep up the good work!

This is just wrong...

Who would do this to their baby??? I saw this product (it's a pacifier) for sale on amazon.com and was blown away at people's stupidity. Just thought I'd share.

21 Weeks

I'm 21 weeks pregnant this week. I'm over halfway now, but I can't imaging I've still got that long to go. I'm feeling pretty good overall, except for getting dizzy and not being able to sleep real well.

Last Monday I went back to Huntington for my do-over ultrasound. My Mom went with me since Travis couldn't miss work that day, she loved it! It was disappointing not having Travis there though. I have more pictures but don't have them scanned yet. Baby Boy grew alot just in that 2 weeks, I was surprised. He finally turned around so they could get a view of his spine. Everything looked great, there were no abnormalities whatsoever. Here's the catch though...a couple days later I got a call from a nurse at my doctor's office saying that the person who reads the ultrasounds says that the still shot of a certain part of the spine was not clear enough, even though the live shot the tech and I both saw was probably sufficient, I need to go back. Argh! If it were not for getting to see him again I would have told them I don't think so since it was them who screwed up. So I go back again next Wednesday (and yet another $20 in gas for the trip) for a full ultrasound (last time was just a short visit to get only the views they missed the first time).

Yesterday I went for my regular doctor appointment. She seemed aggrivated that they screwed things up in Huntington, which we're in the same boat on that issue. Baby Boy's heartbeat was in the 150's which is good she said. He was moving around like crazy while she was trying to hear it. And on the way to the appointment, I cranked up the radio and he kicked like crazy, I told Travis he was dancing :-) I gained a whopping 6 pounds over the last 5 weeks. It's upsetting since I worked so hard to lose the weight before, but it's what I gotta do. Really I lost 5 pounds with morning sickness, then gained half a pound, then the 6, so from the start I've only gained an extra 1.5 lbs. She said that next month I'll get a Rogam shot :-( and have other bloodwork to do, and she'll start measuring my belly instead of just feeling around to check the baby's growth. I can't wait to meet the little guy, even though I'm scared of what labor will be like.

Confused!

I have been trying to get my baby registry done online, but I am totally confused about what some of these things are, let alone how to use them. I feel dumb for not knowing too. Mothers should know these things, it seems to me anyway, it may not really be true. I borrowed a book from the local library called Baby Lists What to Do and What to Get to Prepare for Baby by Elaine Farber thinking it might help me. It has a shopping list of newborn necessities in the back that might help me get the general idea of what I need. My other problem is that I keep changing my mind about the nursery's theme. We are having the same problem when it comes to picking a name too, I have one I really like, but Travis isn't sure yet. But back to the nursery theme. I know for sure I want something having to do with animals. I'm pretty sure this is what I've decided on. I like the animals in this collection better than other ones, and I think the colors are more masculine too.

Walmart.com Bedtime Originals Happy Tails Collection

We go back on Monday morning for another ultrasound. I'm hoping that baby has moved around so that they can get the images they need. All I know is that he's been kicking me in the back alot. That is the weirdest feeling. I think I'd rather get kicked in the front any day. It doesn't really hurt, but it doesn't feel great either.

I also made the mistake of ordering a sweet tea a couple weeks ago when I was out to dinner with Travis. He should've stopped me. I'll just use the excuse that I'm not making good decisions because I'm pregnant :-) I was worried about having any caffeine, but I figured one glass couldn't hurt anything since I haven't had any at all the whole time. I even called my nurse who assured me one cup a day is fine, which was also a bad thing to tell me :-) Tea is all I want to drink now since I got started on it. Thanks Travis and nurse!

My cousin, Jacey, gave me a ton of baby things over the weekend. I am so excited about it too. I got about four boxes of baby boy clothes (though I still need to go through them to sort out the sizes), a very nice changing table with storage underneath, an infant car seat with the matching stroller that fits in together, a baby bath tub, a bouncer, swing, playmat, a close and secure sleeper (it's really cool, like a little roll out baby bed for when you are away from home and baby wants to sleep), a jumeroo for when he's alittle older, and a baby carrier. It was so awesome that she gave me all those things...it will really help alot!

Well, that's all I can think of to say for now....have a great weekend!