Anyway, thats the latest update. Glad I don't have to pack that bag for a few weeks. At least I know Danny will be here by the time I'm ready to stay in Yokosuka. I think he'll be starting leave at the beginning of that week.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Stork's Nest
I finally have a tentative date for my check-in to the Stork's Nest (the "hotel" for expecting moms). The coordinator called me and said they're flexible on the date. Right now I'm scheduled for the third. I told her that although everyone says they try to get people in two weeks early that they didn't need to get me in that early. Really, we don't live that far away and I am sure she won't be born that early anyway. If anything changes I'm sure I can adjust the date. They keep the room available for up to two weeks after my due date so I'm not concerned about that at all.
Anyway, thats the latest update. Glad I don't have to pack that bag for a few weeks. At least I know Danny will be here by the time I'm ready to stay in Yokosuka. I think he'll be starting leave at the beginning of that week.
Anyway, thats the latest update. Glad I don't have to pack that bag for a few weeks. At least I know Danny will be here by the time I'm ready to stay in Yokosuka. I think he'll be starting leave at the beginning of that week.
36 week appointment
Okay, didn't write yesterday when I go t home, but I am now.
Nothing to eventful at the appointment which I suppose is good. My blood pressure is still good and I haven't really gained any weight since my last appointment. My fundal height was 34cm, which is still two behind my due date, but the midwife still isn't concerned. I also had the GBS test. They are checking for certain bacteria that could be passed to the baby during birth. If it comes back positive, they'll give me antibiotics in labor. She is still head down and my midwife wasn't surprised to hear about my contractions.
The "fun" part was that there was a male Japanese medical student shadowing my midwife. He was the one who measured me and checked the baby's heartbeat, but was also watching during my GBS test. Awkward...
I managed to schedule for next Wednesday so I won't have to drive down twice next week. I am going to he breastfeeding class that same day at 2. Luckily I'll only have a few hours to kill.
Nothing to eventful at the appointment which I suppose is good. My blood pressure is still good and I haven't really gained any weight since my last appointment. My fundal height was 34cm, which is still two behind my due date, but the midwife still isn't concerned. I also had the GBS test. They are checking for certain bacteria that could be passed to the baby during birth. If it comes back positive, they'll give me antibiotics in labor. She is still head down and my midwife wasn't surprised to hear about my contractions.
The "fun" part was that there was a male Japanese medical student shadowing my midwife. He was the one who measured me and checked the baby's heartbeat, but was also watching during my GBS test. Awkward...
I managed to schedule for next Wednesday so I won't have to drive down twice next week. I am going to he breastfeeding class that same day at 2. Luckily I'll only have a few hours to kill.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Mocha's appointment
Mocha was still acting odd with her eyes, so I decided to finally make an appointment for her. So today at noon she saw the vet. He looked at her eyes and said that her eyes were dilating properly and her cornea wasn't scratched. He inner eyelid was a little swollen so he gave me an antibiotic ointment to put in her eyes. It may be difficult to do it myself, but I'll try at least once. If she tries to rip all my skin off then I'll get my neighbor's help. :) I'm already formulated how I'll hold her down.
They told me when I checked in that she would be due for her rabies and another shot in September. They gave me the option to do it later, but as I will have a baby then and they don't allow anyone under 10 inside the office I knew it was best to do it now. She acted amazingly well through the whole thing. I was impressed. Now if only I can hope for that much from the baby!
She was very happy to get home and out of the carrier. I can see her beautiful eyes now and she isn't mad at me! Its comforting to know things are better.
I go in for my appointment tomorrow. Another trip to Yokosuka. Yippee. I was having some minor contractions last night, but they finally stopped. A bath has never been so great. Don't worry, I'm taking care of myself. It will be much nicer when Danny is here. I am counting down the days until I hope he can come home.
They told me when I checked in that she would be due for her rabies and another shot in September. They gave me the option to do it later, but as I will have a baby then and they don't allow anyone under 10 inside the office I knew it was best to do it now. She acted amazingly well through the whole thing. I was impressed. Now if only I can hope for that much from the baby!
She was very happy to get home and out of the carrier. I can see her beautiful eyes now and she isn't mad at me! Its comforting to know things are better.
I go in for my appointment tomorrow. Another trip to Yokosuka. Yippee. I was having some minor contractions last night, but they finally stopped. A bath has never been so great. Don't worry, I'm taking care of myself. It will be much nicer when Danny is here. I am counting down the days until I hope he can come home.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Budgeting Class
I took the Budget for Baby class offered by the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society tonight. It was alright. I got some good resources, but the class itself wasn't so beneficial. I actually feel guilty about the bag of free stuff I got, most of which I already have.
When I went to the post office before I left, I had about 6 boxes waiting for me. Some of it is Danny's, but I got some things I have ordered. I got the two baby wraps/carriers I wanted and the diaper bag I got on sale. Tracy also sent me a box that had some baby clothes in it from the shower. That means I have more laundry to do. :)
I took the day off to get things done, but I didn't get anything done. Big shocker. It was a hard day, just feeling a little down. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Honestly I am just tired of being pregnant. It's a little too early yet for her to be born, but I can say there is nothing fun about being pregnant anymore. I am becoming aware again of how much it's messing with my hormones. This last month is gonna be tough. It doesn't help that Danny is gone and I am SO over that too. I told him this morning that sometimes I really hate the Navy. It is time for him to come home 'cause I am tired of dealing with it. I think I handle it pretty well most the time, but when I'm done I'm done. Hopefully it is just two more weeks. I hope Sato can get a clue and give Danny a decent flight back instead of making him wait until September. I may have to kick someone's bum.
When I went to the post office before I left, I had about 6 boxes waiting for me. Some of it is Danny's, but I got some things I have ordered. I got the two baby wraps/carriers I wanted and the diaper bag I got on sale. Tracy also sent me a box that had some baby clothes in it from the shower. That means I have more laundry to do. :)
I took the day off to get things done, but I didn't get anything done. Big shocker. It was a hard day, just feeling a little down. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Honestly I am just tired of being pregnant. It's a little too early yet for her to be born, but I can say there is nothing fun about being pregnant anymore. I am becoming aware again of how much it's messing with my hormones. This last month is gonna be tough. It doesn't help that Danny is gone and I am SO over that too. I told him this morning that sometimes I really hate the Navy. It is time for him to come home 'cause I am tired of dealing with it. I think I handle it pretty well most the time, but when I'm done I'm done. Hopefully it is just two more weeks. I hope Sato can get a clue and give Danny a decent flight back instead of making him wait until September. I may have to kick someone's bum.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Placing my bet
Welcome to a new week!
So far this one has been quite exhausting for me. I haven't been super busy, but do get tired quite easily. Naps are my best friend. Mocha likes them too 'cause she really likes to cuddle with me. Last night I didn't sleep so well (hot & uncomfortable) so I was dragging all morning.
Yesterday afternoon I went down to Yokosuka for the "Labor & You" class. We got a lot of information on basically what to expect during labor. I knew a lot of things in the class already, but did learn some new and useful things. I don't think any amount of classes could prepare me for the big day.
Besides the class, I've just been trying to straighten the house out. I cleaned out the living room closet yesterday and moved a bunch of stuff to our storage shed. I am also trying to clear out general crap. We collect a lot of useless stuff. (Especially Danny!) Right now the guest bedroom is collecting all the extra stuff. Dan and Tracy, I promise it'll be cleaned out before you get here! I have a lot of stuff I just don't know what to do with, like my old computer. I think it'll have to be donated. Not sure that anyone will want to buy it, but I should try one last time. Just gotta post fliers.
Weather here has been a little crazy today. It was overcast and hot this morning. Just after 11 it started to rain and it has on and off nearly the whole day. We had a thundercloud move right over the house. Had to plug my ears a few times. Every now and then I still hear rumbling off in the distance. Don't think I'll be taking my walk tonight.
Oh, I promise to take a belly picture soon. Not exactly wearing my fine clothing today. Got too sweaty earlier.
Thursday night is my Budget 4 Baby class. I get to come home with $100 worth of free stuff. Woohoo.
Oh, and I ALMOST forgot the main reason I started to post. I have been looking back at my first ultrasound and other information and decided to make my own guess on when she'll be born. I am placing my bets on September 12th. In just a few weeks we'll know for sure.
So far this one has been quite exhausting for me. I haven't been super busy, but do get tired quite easily. Naps are my best friend. Mocha likes them too 'cause she really likes to cuddle with me. Last night I didn't sleep so well (hot & uncomfortable) so I was dragging all morning.
Yesterday afternoon I went down to Yokosuka for the "Labor & You" class. We got a lot of information on basically what to expect during labor. I knew a lot of things in the class already, but did learn some new and useful things. I don't think any amount of classes could prepare me for the big day.
Besides the class, I've just been trying to straighten the house out. I cleaned out the living room closet yesterday and moved a bunch of stuff to our storage shed. I am also trying to clear out general crap. We collect a lot of useless stuff. (Especially Danny!) Right now the guest bedroom is collecting all the extra stuff. Dan and Tracy, I promise it'll be cleaned out before you get here! I have a lot of stuff I just don't know what to do with, like my old computer. I think it'll have to be donated. Not sure that anyone will want to buy it, but I should try one last time. Just gotta post fliers.
Weather here has been a little crazy today. It was overcast and hot this morning. Just after 11 it started to rain and it has on and off nearly the whole day. We had a thundercloud move right over the house. Had to plug my ears a few times. Every now and then I still hear rumbling off in the distance. Don't think I'll be taking my walk tonight.
Oh, I promise to take a belly picture soon. Not exactly wearing my fine clothing today. Got too sweaty earlier.
Thursday night is my Budget 4 Baby class. I get to come home with $100 worth of free stuff. Woohoo.
Oh, and I ALMOST forgot the main reason I started to post. I have been looking back at my first ultrasound and other information and decided to make my own guess on when she'll be born. I am placing my bets on September 12th. In just a few weeks we'll know for sure.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Vet advice
So, I have to make a shameless plug for a website.
No actually I am really happy and am making a recommendation. Mocha has been favoring her eye all week and I kept putting off calling the vet. Yes, an answer would have been free from them but I decided I didn't want to wait any longer and it is already after hours on Friday. So Lori waited too long, thats me. :)
I was trying to find online advice and I came across a website called just answers. I was able to ask a real person (veterinarian) a question and I got an answer in less than 5 minutes. She was really sweet and helpful too. I know sometimes people don't have the time or money to take their animal to the vet, so I just want to put this out there for anyone who has never heard about it. If you're interested you can follow this link (Ask Your Cat Question Now.) or go to the link I will keep in the right side bar.
BTW, she told me to apply a tea bag to the eye for 30 seconds 4 times a day and try to use saline eye drops like people who have contacts use. I'll be trying it out and I'll let you know how it works.
No actually I am really happy and am making a recommendation. Mocha has been favoring her eye all week and I kept putting off calling the vet. Yes, an answer would have been free from them but I decided I didn't want to wait any longer and it is already after hours on Friday. So Lori waited too long, thats me. :)
I was trying to find online advice and I came across a website called just answers. I was able to ask a real person (veterinarian) a question and I got an answer in less than 5 minutes. She was really sweet and helpful too. I know sometimes people don't have the time or money to take their animal to the vet, so I just want to put this out there for anyone who has never heard about it. If you're interested you can follow this link (Ask Your Cat Question Now.) or go to the link I will keep in the right side bar.
BTW, she told me to apply a tea bag to the eye for 30 seconds 4 times a day and try to use saline eye drops like people who have contacts use. I'll be trying it out and I'll let you know how it works.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Half Blood Prince Trailer
This was just released and I already can't wait for the movie to come out.
Teaser Trailer: Harry Potter Half Blood Prince Trailer
Teaser Trailer: Harry Potter Half Blood Prince Trailer
My 34 week appointment
I JUST got home from my appointment. I'll try to remember the important stuff.
So... She asked me if I was on the list for the stork's nest (their place for women that live outside Yokosuka) and I told her I was. Of course, I don't know yet if I have a spot, but I will know in a few short weeks.
We did the regular check-up procedure. My fundal (uterus) height is 32. It is supposed to match the number of weeks I am, but there is no worries since it is only 2cm off. Baby's heartbeat was in the 140s. Thats good.
She says that I've gained about 28 lbs since I got pregnant and told me I'm doing fine. Just don't pass the 35 lb mark because its harder to take off later. I gained a lot while in the states, but I really don't feel like broadcasting the number all over the internet. If you really wanna know, email me.
The baby is laying head down, which is obviously good. I just hope she stays that way for the next 5.5 weeks. She didn't mention any concerns over premature labor.
Oh, the sad news is that I won't get any more ultrasounds. I was hoping to get a glimpse and how chubby she is getting and have a better idea on her size. I thought they may give me an estimate later on how big she may be at birth.
I mentioned my nasal congestion and she got me a bottle of saline nose spray. Hopefully that will help. Since Danny won't be home for a few more weeks yet, I asked her about what I should do in an emergency. She said that I should call labor & delivery (of course) and although my friends have children, nearly anyone would be willing to help out a pregnant lady. :) The average time of labor for a first child is 27 hours, so I could drive myself down to Yokosuka. A lot of books and websites tell you not to, but she said I should be okay if I needed to. Of course if I have bleeding or my water breaks then I need to call the ambulance in Negishi and they would get me to Yokosuka. That is good to know because I didn't think they would.
We also talked about birth control and all the exciting paperwork we get to do, but I don't need to share those details.
I took some time after my appointment to start picking up all the little things I have left to buy for the baby. I got about halfway through my list. I think I'll have to get a lot of stuff online 'cause they just don't carry it here.
My next appointment will be on August 13th.
So... She asked me if I was on the list for the stork's nest (their place for women that live outside Yokosuka) and I told her I was. Of course, I don't know yet if I have a spot, but I will know in a few short weeks.
We did the regular check-up procedure. My fundal (uterus) height is 32. It is supposed to match the number of weeks I am, but there is no worries since it is only 2cm off. Baby's heartbeat was in the 140s. Thats good.
She says that I've gained about 28 lbs since I got pregnant and told me I'm doing fine. Just don't pass the 35 lb mark because its harder to take off later. I gained a lot while in the states, but I really don't feel like broadcasting the number all over the internet. If you really wanna know, email me.
The baby is laying head down, which is obviously good. I just hope she stays that way for the next 5.5 weeks. She didn't mention any concerns over premature labor.
Oh, the sad news is that I won't get any more ultrasounds. I was hoping to get a glimpse and how chubby she is getting and have a better idea on her size. I thought they may give me an estimate later on how big she may be at birth.
I mentioned my nasal congestion and she got me a bottle of saline nose spray. Hopefully that will help. Since Danny won't be home for a few more weeks yet, I asked her about what I should do in an emergency. She said that I should call labor & delivery (of course) and although my friends have children, nearly anyone would be willing to help out a pregnant lady. :) The average time of labor for a first child is 27 hours, so I could drive myself down to Yokosuka. A lot of books and websites tell you not to, but she said I should be okay if I needed to. Of course if I have bleeding or my water breaks then I need to call the ambulance in Negishi and they would get me to Yokosuka. That is good to know because I didn't think they would.
We also talked about birth control and all the exciting paperwork we get to do, but I don't need to share those details.
I took some time after my appointment to start picking up all the little things I have left to buy for the baby. I got about halfway through my list. I think I'll have to get a lot of stuff online 'cause they just don't carry it here.
My next appointment will be on August 13th.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Quick update
Everything is going well. Mocha is returning to normal and eating again. I have an appointment tomorrow and will update as soon as I get home. Maybe I'll get another ultrasound...
I am trying to get important baby stuff done still. It always seems like there is a lot left to do. Still keeping time for non-baby stuff too. My poor gardening is recovering. I am finally getting some rain though. Glad I don't have to water tonight. It was sunny and hot. Out of nowhere I started hearing thunder. Now it is stormy and rainy, but I'm good inside in my pjs. :)
I am trying to get important baby stuff done still. It always seems like there is a lot left to do. Still keeping time for non-baby stuff too. My poor gardening is recovering. I am finally getting some rain though. Glad I don't have to water tonight. It was sunny and hot. Out of nowhere I started hearing thunder. Now it is stormy and rainy, but I'm good inside in my pjs. :)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
It's been a whole month?!
Okay, so I know it has been a while since I updated. Most everybody who reads this saw me while I was in the states, so I just didn't write anything. The longer I don't update, the more I dread it.
I've been home since Wednesday night (my time) and not doing a whole lot around here. Today is the first day I didn't leave the house, but it's so hot outside I don't want to. Didn't even check the mail.
Right now my brain is gearing up for the final stretch. I am getting the nursery decorated and figuring out what I have left to do. The car seat arrived on the 17th and is sitting in the living room waiting for Danny to get home and install it. I am perfectly capable of doing it (it isn't as heavy as I thought it would be), but he wants me to let him.
Everything pregnancy related is going perfectly normal. I am excited for my appointment on Wednesday. I know I have no reason to worry, but I have to think a little about the fact that Danny won't be home for another month and I'm due in 6 weeks. If I went into labor, I have no idea what I'd do.
Anyway, I'm sure everyone will worry about me being here alone, so I'll try to update as much as possible. My neighbors are in DC, but their friend is staying in the house so there is someone around if I need anything.
I've been home since Wednesday night (my time) and not doing a whole lot around here. Today is the first day I didn't leave the house, but it's so hot outside I don't want to. Didn't even check the mail.
Right now my brain is gearing up for the final stretch. I am getting the nursery decorated and figuring out what I have left to do. The car seat arrived on the 17th and is sitting in the living room waiting for Danny to get home and install it. I am perfectly capable of doing it (it isn't as heavy as I thought it would be), but he wants me to let him.
Everything pregnancy related is going perfectly normal. I am excited for my appointment on Wednesday. I know I have no reason to worry, but I have to think a little about the fact that Danny won't be home for another month and I'm due in 6 weeks. If I went into labor, I have no idea what I'd do.
Anyway, I'm sure everyone will worry about me being here alone, so I'll try to update as much as possible. My neighbors are in DC, but their friend is staying in the house so there is someone around if I need anything.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Getting out of Narita
It is 4pm here and I've been at the airport for a while. When I checked in they said the flight may be delayed because they were waiting for the arrival of the airplane. It looks now that it was only pushed back 25 minutes and hopefully we'll make up the time in flight.
The best news so far is that I got an isle seat! I am really happy. Now I don't have to climb over a sleeping person next to me and I won't be squished between two people. It was so easy, all I had to do was ask at the counter and it took less than two seconds to print out. Fantastic! I'm prepared with extra water and a movie on my iPod. I didn't ask them if I could load with parents with children 'cause the less time I can be on the plane the better. I hope things work this well on the way back to Japan, but I'm trying not to worry about that right now.
Well, I love you all and I'll see you soon.
The best news so far is that I got an isle seat! I am really happy. Now I don't have to climb over a sleeping person next to me and I won't be squished between two people. It was so easy, all I had to do was ask at the counter and it took less than two seconds to print out. Fantastic! I'm prepared with extra water and a movie on my iPod. I didn't ask them if I could load with parents with children 'cause the less time I can be on the plane the better. I hope things work this well on the way back to Japan, but I'm trying not to worry about that right now.
Well, I love you all and I'll see you soon.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Getting Ready
Things are getting done around the house and I'll be ready to leave tomorrow morning. Nothing exciting there, just wanted to let you know that things are going as planned and I shouldn't have any problems tomorrow. I'm gonna grab the bus around 11:30 tomorrow morning. Gotta give myself enough time to get to the airport.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Be aware :)
Before I arrive in Bremerton, I wanted everyone to know that I am a fruit fanatic. Or at least I am going through a phase right now. Last night I ate a whole (yet very small) cantaloupe. Tonight I've finished off almost a whole bag of cherries. I've ate a banana almost every morning for the past month or two. Things here are very seasonal. I tried to find strawberries a few weeks ago... no luck.
So anyway, just know that if you offer good fruit to me, I will eat it! (Guess thats a lot better than being addicted to ice cream, right? Not that I would turn that down either. hehe)
So anyway, just know that if you offer good fruit to me, I will eat it! (Guess thats a lot better than being addicted to ice cream, right? Not that I would turn that down either. hehe)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
A little funny something
Start your weekend with a laugh.
Old Love Poem
If you love something
Set it free.
If it comes back, it was and
Always will be yours.
If it never returns, it was
Never yours to begin with.
If it just sits in your living room
Messes up your stuff,
Eats your food,
Uses your telephone,
Takes your money, and
Never appears that
You actually set it free in
The first place
You either married it
Or gave it birth!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Flight information
Here is the latest on my flight. I got it all paid for and scheduled today. Here is a link to my itinerary. http://yourtripandmore.jp/JP/main.asp?LName=KOHLBECK&Locator=NBJZFZ&div_type=IT
Oh, and I'm not bringing Mocha. They wanted to charge me an extra $130 each way. I love her, but her adoption fee wasn't even that much and I'll pay a lot less with my cat sitter. Sorry kitty.
It's late and I'm tired, but if there was anything I forgot you want to know, just say so.
Oh, and I'm not bringing Mocha. They wanted to charge me an extra $130 each way. I love her, but her adoption fee wasn't even that much and I'll pay a lot less with my cat sitter. Sorry kitty.
It's late and I'm tired, but if there was anything I forgot you want to know, just say so.
Latest flight update
I found a flight for the 26th of June. I was almost able to leave on the 20th, but it got booked while I was on the phone with the travel agent. Bummer. So I go down to Yokosuka today to pay for it. Once I get the final details I'll pass them on to everyone. I'll be leaving Seattle on the 22nd of July. Just wanted to make sure I was back here well before my 35th week in the terrible case that our girly wants to make an early appearance. Hopefully not. I am constantly telling her to stay in there. :) Especially with as high as my stress levels have been; I don't want to force myself into early labor. Of course, you all know how much I hate flying.
So, update likely to come sometime tonight.
So, update likely to come sometime tonight.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Waiting...
I am here at the passenger terminal in Yokota. I've marked myself as available and I'll know if I get on the flight in about 10 minutes. When I know I'll write and I'll be calling the Snyder place. :)
I'm gonna pull my hair out. It's been a long day...
UPDATE: No more available for now. Still waiting with the small amount of hope I have left. There were 17 seats available and about 40 people on the list. I'm probably at the bottom.
UPDATE #2: Didn't get on the flight. Trying for the soonest possible flight. Looks like I got one for June 20th to July 22nd.
I'm gonna pull my hair out. It's been a long day...
UPDATE: No more available for now. Still waiting with the small amount of hope I have left. There were 17 seats available and about 40 people on the list. I'm probably at the bottom.
UPDATE #2: Didn't get on the flight. Trying for the soonest possible flight. Looks like I got one for June 20th to July 22nd.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Flight to Seattle
Nearly everything is ready for me to leave tomorrow. Most things are straightened out here. I just need to finish packing my bag. Since I don't intent on bringing too many things it is the least of my worries. I'll be at the terminal by noon tomorrow and should know around one or 1:30 if I get on. I will be making lots of calls to let people know if I make it on or not. I'll have to call my house and cat sitters and other people to make sure everything is okay. I have very little hope I'll make it, but I clearly have to try.
I went to the travel agency today and they quoted a round trip flight for me at $890. I'd rather not pay that if I don't have to. It's more than I want to pay, but still considerably cheaper than anything else I'd find.
Alright, did I forget anything else?
I went to the travel agency today and they quoted a round trip flight for me at $890. I'd rather not pay that if I don't have to. It's more than I want to pay, but still considerably cheaper than anything else I'd find.
Alright, did I forget anything else?
To Danny
I am taking advantage of my chance on the blog to say Happy 2nd Anniversary to Danny!
We had a wonderful dinner on friday and exchanged cards and gifts. He was really sweet and made Tonkatsu (a Japanese food - the only thing he knows how to make) and I made angelfood cake, which I know is one of his favorite.
So, I just wanna say my husband is a sweetie and I love and miss him very, very much.
We had a wonderful dinner on friday and exchanged cards and gifts. He was really sweet and made Tonkatsu (a Japanese food - the only thing he knows how to make) and I made angelfood cake, which I know is one of his favorite.
So, I just wanna say my husband is a sweetie and I love and miss him very, very much.
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