Sean feels the baby kick

She/He gave a good couple of kicks under dads palm tonight! Exciting. ;)

Baby LOVES Thai massage!

So, yesterday I had a glorious thai massage (YES, right here in Lumsden!!)  Apparently the babes approves, because during the massage was the first time it has ever kicked and KICKED hard continually - for the first 30-45 minutes of my massage.  Talk about being blissed out.  Having a delicious massage AND have baby making its presence known - very cool.

The shop has been INSANELY busy!  I really need two people there at all times now.  I am just barely getting the necessitites done, and the little things (like planning and cleaning) are just not being done.  Sean has been helping with more deliveries, bank deposits, and helping out in general too.  Thank goodness there will be  break in January.

Oh, and I have been crazy cry-y lately.  Crying over stupid cheesy "touching" moments where they play the serious music (!) on shows an stuff, and I am there blubbering and laughing at how stupid I am being at the same time.  Geez.

Have found post t notes and such a huge help to remember things, as well as reminders in my phone. I cannot believe its less than 2 weeks till Christmas!!  Where did the year go?  Before I know it, this kid will be trying to make an early arrival, scary.

oh, dogs say HI.  Friday wants to know where the apples/carrots/treats are being kept.

19 weeks

Winter is here to stay, Christmas is only weeks away.  I am nearing the halfway point of our pregnancy.  At the moment, my belly feels big and full of preassure. (that doesn't look like its spelled right)  Some of the strange symptoms I have are

• numb arms
• stupidity / forgetfulness
• trouble breathing
• my lower abs hurt when I cough

We had our staff Christmas party last night - went to Moose Jaw with Last Mountain Distillery and enjoyed a lengthy meal and visit.  I wore a red maternity dress which didn't quite fit, but allowed me to eat lots :)  Although, service was a little slow so I mostly filled up on yummy virigin mojitos. mmmm

The deer are finally out of the garage and were carved up yesterday, allowing Sean to organize the garage better.  Syd is getting old and has lost control of her hind end, those bad hips.  Scout limps on his front right side - shoulder?  Sara pervails as always, as does Friday.

Baby is the size of a yam - whatever that means.  I can tell he/she is getting bigger all the time.  The Doc showed Sean how to measure the uterus size too.  I am tired and often grumpy.  I have to restart my fire, it is struggling.  Good night

onto the 18th week

Another Doctor appointment and another, and another - seems endless.  The baby's heartbeat was really loud and filled the room last time!  Doc showed Sean how to measure my "fundus" the top of the uterus from your pelvis bone.  We're right on track, 17cm for 17 completed weeks.  Interesting huh?

Today we were called in to receive our screening results from my bloodwork, because they couldn't tell me over the phone that everything was a-ok!  No flipper baby or any other detectable weirdness, which is a relief.

I feel like my belly is getting bigger everyday  - I guess it probably is.  I employed Malsa's technique of the hair elastic holding your button on your jeans, giving you that extra couple inches right over your tummy.  Ah!

Also tried something a little less baby-ish, but more mommy won't be able to see down there pretty soon... I went for a brazilian wax job!   Actually, a groupon for 3 of them!  Figured if I'm gonna give birth, I should be able to have the hair ripped out of the area, and maybe get over some potential shyness of having strangers grabbing at your crotchal region.  Wasn't so bad.  Worst part was over your pubic bone, NOT in the cracks - who knew?!  :)

So, we continue to grow and keep going to the doctors I guess.  :)  Oh, baby is the size of an onion or turnip apparently.

16 weeks

16 weeks down. 36 to go!  Today I feel fat and sluggish.  I am always hot and thirsty nowadays.  Sean has been very supportive of my crazy moods - bitchiness, hysterical laughter, tears, etc etc.  Being pregnant is tiresome, I'm telling you.

On a good note - though I feel fat, I have only gained 10 pounds since the end of my isagenix cleanse on July 30.  Some of that has to be water retention, as my feet get fat and puffy now and then.

Sean and I tagged out on the second day of hunting season this year.  It was funny because the butchering didn't bother me at all.  We both got bucks, though mine was a nubbins.

I can feel baby fluttering around a little now, which is kinda cool.  Sean can instigate this when his big hand rubs my belly and talks to and laughs at the baby.

Thats all for now, another doctor appointment this thursday. :)

13 week ultrasound

This was actually a rush ultrasound.  A week prior I had experienced some bleeding and we were advised to prepare for the fetus to be expelled.  Yeah.  Not nice news.  So for a week I kept having to give blood in the city while my doctor monitored my hormone levels. All seemed ok, so we were sent for an emergency ultrasound, where this little body was so active!  Twisting and turning, punching, kicking, that was pretty amazing.  Results came back all ok - whew!

Honestly, I was surprised at how saddened I was at the thought of this baby not making it - even though I can't really feel it.  We could easily try again, but still I was shocked at how sad I was, we both were.

So far the second trimester is kinda boring.  I can feel butterfly wings in my lower belly occasionally, but more than anything I feel like a bloated parade balloon full of foul smelling gas - ew.  Oh, and breathlessness.  EVERYTHING makes me breathless.  Washing my hair makes me gasp for air, not to mention merely walking!  Oh, and facial hair kicks it up about 100 notches.  Not only is there more than the odd thick dark hair - its becoming patches!  GAWD.  Pregnancy sexy?  If only you don't look too close!  Sheesh.

I guess the only bizarrio craving I had was at 10pm for fish and chips (not something I normally care for).  Otherwise, I eat the same things as I always have, though papaya is very appealing.  Hm.  Papaya would be good right now actually.  Maybe Sean can pick one up for me...

We'll keep you posted! Lets all hope that one of our trucks sell, so we can continue renovating the basement!  :)

Doctor appointment

Not much to report besides the fact that I will be eventually referred to a GP for delivery and later prenatal visits.

I am also free to go back on my asthma meds! Yay. To be able to breathe again will be nice.

Weird pregnancy symptoms

Jenny thought I should let you know about the fun symptoms I've had.

Excess saliva, yes drooling. Cramping, sore boobs, growing boobs, constipation, which I've been told can lead to nasty hemrroids, so metamucil 2x a day to avoid that! Baby brain - like trying to buckle myself into the seat at the movie theatre, putting a refilled ice tray into the dishwasher instead of the freezer, forgetting things.  Body fatigue, moodiness - I freaked out on Sean about chocolate and his concerns of me over-imbibing.  Then a while later I was sobbing for god knows what reason.

Lately I have been super hot, too hot. whew.  No weird cravings or aversions really.  The weird dreams have subsided a little, however last night I had a dream about revisiting Banff and my old steed Scout, who they had renamed to "Neil" as Scout was a poor name!?  Really!

My asthma is much worse - yes, I acquired asthma this summer and it has been horrendous!  My my IUS had kept it away??? :)

Its hard to believe that next week - Oct 18, will mark the end of our first trimester!  Baby is growing.  I feel like I'm showing already.

1st ultrasound

Lucky for me - morning sickness rarely rears its ugly head and passes moments after it first makes me wrinkle my nose.  I haven't had a lot of weirdo cravings or aversions - Sean?  Can you confirm?

Baby brain is in full swing as I attempted to put the ice tray in the dishwasher instead of the freezer this morning.  However - apparently Dads can have sympathy baby brain as Sean has been doing and saying some odd things lately as well. :)

This ultrasound was a "dating ultrasound" used early on, it determines the due date based on the growth of the fetus at this stage: New Due Date: MAY 9, 2013.  We could see the little heart beating and what I thought was a close up of the face was actually my ovary - they look like faces in that grey-wash mess!  Really! Anyways, this twerp has hands and feet that are now moving around pretty good.  Sean was a little disappointed there was only 1 baby in there.  We didn't cry there at the radiology place, but I had a mini meltdown in superstore (whats with that place?!)

This Monday we meet with my Doctor and... I have no idea what will happen.  Maybe I'll get a balloon and a lollipop?  Hope so. 

Pregnancy kind of reminds me of being a teenager - crying for no real reason, delirium at the thought of a paddy pan squash being a flying saucer.  I love that word: Paddy Pan!  Wonder when my baby will be the size of a paddy pan?  hmmm.  Alright I'm rambling now, so more to come after Dr appointment and I can tell you what happened there.

ps- the basement is coming together (thank you Sean and Grampy Franner!) while our spare room (aka:warehouse) is piled high with junk and treasure

First day of morning sickness

So, apparently superstore trips are not agreeable to baby bean.  I could not look at the pork loins! Felt wretched while searching for bigger bras (yes, already) and vitamin e cream. Have had seriously dry skin since pregnant. Today we told the Schmidt's about baby.  They were pumped. :)

Telling the families...

I know, we are only 6 weeks along, but were telling family. They're gonna notice my not drinking and baby brain moments anyways. Such as: trying to buckle myself into the seat at the movies, putting things in oddball places...

Here I am at 6 weeks

1st Dr appointment

Sept 7- meeting Dr brown (dr Blignaut is away) on Monday Sept 10 at 9am. Exciting! Gonna go shop for an antique rockin chair with my honey this weekend.  So far I feel a constant stirring in my belly, my boobs are sore, I am weird and emotional, fatigued, I do stupid things. I also have crazy vivid dreams, often scary. Sean is cute cooking me delicious meals and stocking the fridge with healthy food. :) very happy.

Sept 10, just waiting to have bloodwork done. Saw Dr Brown. He figures I am a-ok to ride, ski, etc. He told us if we have 2 confirmed Pee tests, then we are yes, pregnant. He loosely agreed that my due date would be May 10, right around mothers day - great. Nothing like going into labour during flower deliveries! Ultrasound on Sept 27 and next appointment is Oct 1 with Dr Blignaut.  Sean and will tell our news to family and friends this week - I think.

Baby On Board

Discovered September 2 2012, that we are indeed, pregnant!  Eeeeee.  Scary.  Exciting. To think life as we know it will be ending in 8 months.

2 pregnancy tests can't lie.  To think Baby was along on our Yaha Tinda horse ride this summer! Next Duck Derby we will have a baby!  CRAZY!

Looks like baby will be due right around MOTHERS DAY - talk about a the worst time for a florist to be expecting to pop. :)  Now, what colour to make baby's room? Hmmmm...

Getting set up in the new shop

With the help of family and friends, we were moved over in a matter of hours. Now to get the cooler hooked up, phone lines, and finding a home for everything...

This little guy was super excited about the new look

Home

What a holiday! Mom n Dad met us at the airport - so wonderful, thank you!

It's nice and weird to be home, tho soon enough it will be routine as tho we never left. This trip will feel as tho we read about it in a book.

The last pics here are from a deluxe toilet in the Tokyo airport! Notice u can change the temp and pressure of the bedet. (bum spray). U can also deodorize, and add toilet flushing sound effects to cover any unpleasant bodily function noises. Wonder who sells these in Canada?!

Singapore

Still unable to dive, we went snorkeling in front of our resort. It was awkward stumbling out over rocks, backwards, in fins. We were treated to lots of pretty coral and anemonies at the drop off, along with schools of swirling fish - in yellows, purple and silver. The bad part was, there were also lots and lots of jellyfish. Some were electric colours that actually lit up, others had long trailing tentacles. The worst though, was the huge masses of the clear box like jellies. They stung. There was no avoiding them either. There was so many. We did see what we were lookin for though, a sea turtle! Gliding gracefully off the reef on the hunt it appeared. Remarkable.Then we bee lined for shore, avoiding the Sharp, live coral, spiney urchins, and another urchin that looked like multi coloured hedge hogs. On shore we were covered with red stings from the jellies. These faded in a few hours and no longer stung

Really too bad we couldn't Dive tho. Otherwise, lazed about: reading, swimming, having massages, etc.

Stranded in stupid Manila. Awful, stinky, city. We were composing lists of the best and worst things in Philippines earlier, this flight counts as worst. So much for dinner plans in Singapore. :( At least the people watching is good.

Finally arrived at the infamous Marina Bay Sands just before midnight. Only 5 hours late :) Wow. Singapore is a rich, lush, cityscape full of skyscrapers and wonder.  Our room is larger than imagined, its easily as big as our house! The next 2 days should be fabulous! 

Dacozy Resort, Moalboal

Our resort is so lovely. Small, friendly and quiet. Yesterday and today we just kicked back, enjoying the day, being lazy.

It seems all the guests including myself love the coconut shakes. The one staff member keeps scaling trees in order to cut down precious green coconuts. God bless him. :)

I did catch a ride to the nearby town and its pharmacy, who thankfully sold me antibiotics over the counter for a lovely bladder infection I've acquired. Seems Sean and I are doomed to be ill, as he's been having gastrinol issues.  This and our head colds. And, Seans one ear hasn't been right sin ice our flight to Cebu. I think it leprosy. Better commit ourselves to one of the many beautiful island institutions in the area.

Seriously tho, we are feeling better... Hopefully well enough to dive tomorrow.

Cebu island

I'm starting to get used to everyone calling me mum. (really its ma'am, but it sounds like mum) thank you mum, sit down mum, nice husband mum... :)

Our flights were good, quick hops, similar to Hawaiian inter-island flights. Sean got searched in Manila, but I think they just wanted to frisk him.  We hired a taxi to take us the 2.5 hours to Moalboal. $50

Our resort, DaCozy seems pretty sweet. I noticed a pool in the dark from our verandah, which seems it might have a view of the sea... The staff had a bottle of bubbley waiting for us, since its our honeymoon.  Aw.

Island Hopping and Dusk Hot Springs

Since we are sick and unable to dive, we booked an island hopping snorkel trip for tomorrow. Today we are "getting better" aka: eating, drinking, having massage, lounging in the shade by the sea... Being sick could be worse!

Tonight were planning to hire a tricycle taxi to the hot springs after dark. Hot water, cold beer, stars. Sounds good. Well find out if it stinks like feces or if bats want to dive bomb our heads... :)

Later: No feces. The bats just swooped overhead. Great success! Enroute to the hot springs we picked up some kids and gave them a ride home from school. Ages 7-12, they practiced their English on us. "whats your name", "how old are you", babies?, etc. They were cute, all dressed in ill fitting school uniforms.

Next day:  The island trip was fun. We got lovely sunburns, and were fed like kings on a tiny stretch of white beach with sparking aqua waters. The snorkelling was ok. Saw more nemos, some tiny electric jelly fish, and countless others. The wreck we swam over was overshadowed by the schools of fish swirling around us looking for hand outs.

At one mangrove beach, a grey monkey jumped aboard with us and begged for food.  Dirty little creatures, yuck.  They give me the creeps.

Lots of Chinese tourists everywhere, as its almost Chinese new year. Makes sense that the Philippines are a hot spot to visit.

Off to Cebu island on Saturday. :)

Coron

So, as usual with travel: we hurried to check out; pack, use the facilities, and get to the pier on time. We were a little late, but so far we are still waiting an hour and a half later. :)

I forgot to tell u, Sean got 100% on his PADI final, a first for the dive shop. Clever man.  There u go Fran, now Sean has his diploma! Woo hoo! :)

The ferry is just a big canoe with outriggers, and glides easily through bud swells and choppy seas.  It's 530 and I think were almost at our destination.  Sad story: were both feeling sore throats, meaning we may not be able to dive the famous wrecks here. Boo.

The scenery is gorgeous and we have been passing hundreds of islands, all palm fringed, white sandy beaches... It's hard to believe there are so many sunken ships below us from WW2.

Moving on to Coron island

We've been doing lots of dives. Sean is now certified and were taking a 7 hour boat ride to Coron island where the wreck dives are supposed to be amazing.

We've been lucky to swim with turtles, sting rays, and cute Nemos of all colours and sizes. Even a sea snake, luckily it wasn't as creepy as the ones on land! It's hard on the hair tho, all the salt and sun.

Diving el Nido

<p>Sean is finishing up the videos for the course. Can't wait to dive here.&#160; It's another hot, sunny day in the Philippines. Last night I dreamt we messed up and flew home early by accident.&#160; I'm blaming it on the cuttle fish I ate last night. Squid my ass. After dinner I felt all swuidgy around the edges, and was staggering around. I didn't have any booze either! Felt better in an hour. Weird tho.</p>
<p>So, no diving yet. Tried to gain access to fancy resort pool - denied. Never bother to ask permission, better to just go ahead and act as if u belong. Stupid for doing "the right thing".&#160; Oh well. Back at our mediocre $60/night place. It's nice but not $60 in a developing country nice. At least it has a toilet complete with a seat :)</p>
<p>A 26 of coconut rum is $3, dinner can run $5 to $25 depending on the restaurant, for the same dish. Pays to shop around apparently. Other things r regulated: hour massage $12, island hopping tour $18. Weird.</p>
<p>Finished Marian keyes book, Love her! </p>
<p>Diving today! Wow. I did 3 dives while Sean did his beginner dives. I saw and swam beside turtles! Saw 4 kinds of clown fish, including Nemo. Lots of bright sea slugs and schools of anchovies that jump of the water in unison. Cool.

More diving tomorrow. :)

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El Nido

If you've seen the movie The Beach, it is supposedly based on an island nearby.

I t is gorgeous, aqua seas, carst mountains rising straight up, palms hanging out over the golden beach.Hot, and the sun is so bright it hurts the eyes.

Sean and I had dinner on the beachside bar, all alight with fire burners and tiki torches. Sizzling squid, and garlic prawns-delicious! We enjoyed an apple beer under the stars watching the waves lap higher and higher towards our table. The live band was awesome and I normally dislike live music. Usually too loud and not my taste.

S.ean starts his PADI course tomorrow morning. I haven't decided what I'll do. Might just stroll, read and swim. My toes could use a new coat of paint...

NExt day: another bright sunny day. After breakfast we got fitted for dive gear and Sean started his course. We treated ourselves to afternoon massage followed by a swim. Sean will get back to the books and I will beach comb or read....

Stupid Blogger

I had a lovely long shpiel for you about the underground river, but it is now lost in cyber space. So, here are some pictures....

Palawan Island

<p>Not sure if our trekking post worked..</p>

<p>It was a bit of an adventure leaving the mountains. Our night bus broke down in a cloud of smoke just 2 km from where we were straNded on the way to Banaue. Another bus picked us up in an hour or so, but it was kind of a carnival atmosphere. The Locals opened up their small shops to sell us snacks and beer. They either peered from Windows or driveways at us while some cruised past loaded onto the tricycle sidecars. Funny.

Long wait from 7 am to 330 pm til our flight to Puerto Princessa.  OMG, you should see our room! We missed out on the first 2 hotels we went to. This one! Lotus Garden, wow. There are ponds and waterfalls throughout the grounds. Floating rock passages through the pond to your suite! Our room is amazing! Canopy bed with chandelier, and the bathroom is outside in a private garden. You shower, per and brush your teeth out there amid the tropical garden. Love it.

  Today were off to see the underground river which I think is a wonder of the world?

Banaue and Batad Cordillera

We decided to get the heck out of Manila, maybe a little premature... Boarded a bus at noon and we were off - 6 hour trip. I love traveling by bus sometimes. The scenery whizzing past. People with their shops selling everything: fax hoses, vulcanizing (?), fruits, carved wooden doors, wash tubs in every colour imaginable, baskets and brooms, bicycles, and many sari sari shops (small general convenience).  The terrain went from urban sprawl to rice fields to mountains.

We were dropped in Bagabag after 8 long hours. Then we were informed that there is no way to Banaue from here except aT 3 am. If you stand by the road. And if the bus has room. Huh. And there are no hotels. Huh. We sat down for a.coffee to take this in and.think. 10 minutes later a mini van pulls up. It's going go Banaue - in a few hours, but were welcome to sleep in the van and we do. We arrive after midnight and our driver is able to wake up one of the hostel owners to let us in as they are all locked up. Oh sleep!

The stunning views from our restaurant balcony are of rice terraces, colourful huts perched here and there on the steep mountainside amidst the trees. Mist rises from the river crashing along below.  Hanging Footbridge allows children quicker access to school across the gorge. Wow.

We hired our saviour and driver Jody to guide us to Batad. The road there is barely passable and is gouged out of rock along the face of the mountain. It is straight up or straight down. Breathtaking.  The hike into the village of Batad is nice. From there we traverse the terraces to the long, steep drop to the waterfall. Swim is worth it! But now, legs are shaking jelly. We are soaked, sweaty tired and we have 2-3 hour hike All The Way Back Up. Groan. I'm sure Jody thought we would die. He was all ready teasing us about being too fat. Too fat to ride the tricycle, too fat to sit on the hanging bench... Funny from him, the pip squeek.  We made it! Got back in 1 piece, showered, ate and enjoyed A beer with other travelers. :)

Manila

Awoke with a start at 7am to the rattle of jackhammers! Laid in bed practicing Tagalog counting words while Sean slept.

Our hotel is pretty cool. WWW.whiteknighthotelintramuros.com

Took a horse tour of the walled city. Love love love it. Apparently our horse was gay?

At the airport

We got through Regina security with ease for once. The air Canada lady rewarded us for packing light with first class upgrades!

Ok, she didn't. We asked though. :) Seans pack was 29 lbs and mine was 20lbs. Let's see how that differs at the end.

Thank you for all the heartfelt send off calls, texts and emails. XOXO

Wow. It's midnight in Manila. Were standing in a long queue for customs. It's been good flights, just long. It's a warm 25 degrees here, which is delightful

Keeping in touch

We leave in a couple days!!  eeek.
....more once we arrive :)

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