Baby Chronicles: Flu + Pregnancy = Major Not Fair

Sorry it's been so long since I blogged. I have been sick for almost a week now on top of release time at work. I took my flu shot like a good little patient on October 19. By last Wednesday, I had full on flu symptoms. You're prolly saying, "but I thought the vaccine couldn't give you the flu?!?" Well, that's what I was told too. I'm just gonna go ahead and come right out and call Bullsh*t. They claim that I was merely having "symptoms" of the flu. Semantics, I tell you. Mere semantics. If you are achey, puking, feverish, etc, then you've got the flu... whether the needle toting, influenza injecting bastards agree or not. :)

As you can tell, I am on the mend but it comes after a full 6 days of pure torture--hence the anger. Hey, I come by this red-headed temper naturally so cut me some slack! So, anyway, I went to the doctor today since I'm only getting better in minor increments and I need to work a 60 hour work week this week in order to get all my stuff done for the release on Friday. Verdict: sinus infection. I honestly believe that pregnant women everywhere should be banned from being sick in any way. When they hand you the positive test strip, they should also hand you your own personal bubble in which to pass through life for the next 9-10 months, sans germs. Seriously. Is it too much to ask? I think not. And, a man should develop it.

It's the least he can do. Get crackin!

Baby Chronicles: Bouncing Baby

The cat is out of the bag. Now that we've survived the "danger zone" of the first trimester, we're telling everyone our news. It was really fun to tell the folks at work today but most of all, it was fun to see our little leech bouncing around on the ultrasound this morning.

The little monkey would hardly be still long enough for us to get a good picture but we did get several and will post them here as soon as we get them scanned in. Leechie was waving arms and kicking legs and generally being rowdy. For this reason, Russ and I both sorta think it's a boy. But, both of my dreams have been of a little girl. So, who knows. The jury is still out for a few more weeks before we'll know. Of course, Russ is crossing his fingers for a little girl. I prefer a boy but I only want to do this one time and I'd rather him get what he wants. :)

The ultrasound today was the first round of the sequential screen genetic testing we're doing. They do a round of blood work and look for specific measurements in the baby that indicate Down Syndrome or Spina Bifida. In 4 more weeks, they'll do the second set of tests and compare the first tests with the second. For now, the ultrasound looked good and there was an appropriate amount of whatchamacallit fluid for the spine. The heartbeat was 145 bpm and everything seems to be on track. Amazingly, with all the food I've been eating, I even lost weight this trimester... 7 lbs. So weird.

Leechie obliged nicely in facing the camera several times so we could get a full on frontal view and we have decided this baby is DEFINITELY a Cook due to the huge melon head. Looks like he's gonna take after Popi! j/k

Cook Clan vs. ALS: GO BEARS!

Well, we are back from the Bears vs. Cardinals Monday night game and I am proud to say that the Bears pulled one out of the hat just for us! How 'bout them Bears?!? The final score was 24-23 and we won it because the Card's kicker Rackers choked at the last minute on a field goal. I'm not sure if he really choked or if it was all the blowing dad was doing from our seat in the stands... I think he blew the ball right into the goal post, causing it to bounce off and result in a Bears win.



The entire experience was a TOTAL SUCCESS, due in no small part to the crew at Cardinals stadium and some amazing fans. Now I can confess that we were there to see the Bears but I have to say that we couldn't have been prouder to be rubbing shoulders with Leonard and Debbie and some other amazing Cardinals.

This was the first time we had actually travelled by plane with dad's electric wheelchair and Southwest Airlines was fantastic. Everything went smoother than anyone could dream. We arrived in Phoenix and Laura with Wheelchair Getaways met us at baggage to give us the keys to the well equipped handicap van we rented for the occasion. We arrived at the game and I was pretty preturbed at the "handicap" parking since it was regular sized spaces, leaving no room for the side ramp from our handicap van. However, I thieved a cone and put it in the spot next to us so we wouldn't have trouble when it was time to leave and no one moved the cone so it turned out after all.

We only had to go about 20 yards to the shuttle buses where we were escorted to the front of the line and installed expertly in the bus. The bus took us up to the stadium where we were met by a trolley that took us to the gate. Wow! Amazing that the Cards crew is so organized and well oiled. By this time we were 20 minutes away from kick off and decided to go to our section. Our section was field level section 125 and there looked to be quite a few people in the section that were not handicap. However, we met some fabulous people (Leonard and Debbie) who welcomed us and had us pull up a chair. They explained that the seats we were sitting in were owned by a season ticket holder who is handicap and his girl but that he wasn't able to attend and resold the tix. So... the people who bought the tix didn't show up until after half time and were more than agreeable to take our seats in row 36. Leonard and Debbie negotiated the entire deal and were so sweet and amazing!



Needless to say, the Cardinals played a fantastic game. I was happy to see Bears and Cards fans enjoying the game side by side with a happy competitive spirit. The stadium was beautiful and dad was very emotional at getting to be there. I'll post some pics of the game soon so check back.

All in all, we couldn't have asked for a better trip or a better game or better time together. Perfection is what we call it. Praise the Lord for being so good to us. We are truly blessed. What an amazing ride! GO BEARS!



P.S. Thanks to all of you who called during and after the game. I know you all had us in your thoughts and prayers and it means so much to know you are thinking of us.

Cook Clan vs. ALS: Wheelchair Getaways!

Ooooooweeee! I just had what may have been the easiest car rental experience EVER, and it was for a wheelchair van to boot!

So... my dad (who grew up in Illinois) is a lifetime Chicago Bears fan. I decided that while he's still able to go to and enjoy them play, we should go. Of course, the Bears are smokin' hot this season so every single ticket everywhere is SOLD OUT but you just gotta love ebay! I bought the tickets yesterday online for the Bears vs. Cardinals in Phoenix on Monday night and they are scheduled to arrive in Hutto this afternoon. They are field level, about 36 rows back from the field with what promises to be a great view. (Keep an eye out for us on TV!)

Got the plane tix this morning and called Wheelchair Getaways in Phoenix to set up a wheelchair van rental. In about ten minutes, I had the thing set up. They will meet us at baggage claim 30 minutes after our flight arrives and curbside the morning we depart. Awesome! Dad will literally drive his wheelchair from gate to van and back again. No muss, no fuss... more time for us to play in the sunny city. I'm so excited! We are gonna have a complete blast! I love LIVE sports too. I hope the Cards are ready for a spanking!

GO BEARS!!!

Baby Chronicles: Mind Over Matter, Revisited

Nette called last night to check on things and chat. She asked how the mind over matter mantra was coming along and I explained that every day, every hour, and every second, I practice the mind over matter mantra. For the most part, it works well but there are those occasions where my innate weakness gets the best of me and I must visit the toilet bowl (Tika: 4,873 choke backs; Leechie: 4 pukes to date) or lie down for a nap. I am happy to report that these incidences are becoming less frequent though. Yippeeee!

Nette says that one of the girls in her office commented that "It IS mind over matter... it's just not [a pregnant woman's] mind that matters!" This is so true. Ironic that even at such a young age, the little squid is already making all the rules. Nan says that we should just go ahead and give up the fight since we're going to lose anyway... we might as well forfeit and save our energy. I think it's true. Even without a set of lungs, leechie is letting it be known that he/she now wears the pants in this family! And, I'm OK with that... I'm too tired to be the boss anyway. ;-p

Baby Chronicles: Are we there yet?

Ok, I know I complain alot but everyone keeps saying that I'll be feeling much better soon so you guys will just have to bear with me until that day. And, if you are all lying, then tough nookies. You'll have to listen to it until it is over. At this point, I am worried that all women who have had children lie to all women who have not had children... telling them that pregnant women are beautiful, the nastiness is over after the first trimester, and various other fables. I'm beginning to think that these tall tales are just that and that the queasiness will never end.

All in all though, I guess I shouldn't complain, I am less than 2 weeks away from the 3 month marker and I have only 3 pukes under my belt. Howeva, one of those pukes came last night so I may be a little less objective than I could be. Poor little Joseph is so sweet though, after I was sick last night, he kept saying, "Tika, I feel so bad about you" while stroking my cheek. Awwwww.

For Fun: Halloween Ponchos

Oooh, so I found a pattern for these really cute little Halloween Ponchos today. I couldn't even stand it... I took a long lunch to pop out to Joann Fabric and get all the goodies to make one of each. The boys will have so much fun with this!



You too can make one! (Note: To get to the no sew pattern, you may have to give them your email address.)

No Sew Simplicity Halloween Ponchos

For Fun: White and Nerdy

Baby Chronicles: No Boys Allowed!

If you are reading this and you're male, it just goes to show that men don't ever listen. :) Continue if you must but don't say I didn't warn you.

Ladies, I just have to say that most of the ill effects of pregnancy have started to wane. Howeva, the boob PAIN definitely HAS NOT. As you know, most of my symptoms occur in the evening, starting about 5 or 6pm and lasting all night. Last night was no exception. I've been wearing this sports bra thing at night. The nurse said that it's supposed to let all the breast tissue relax and rest and it really does help. Works wonders, even. But, not when someone is slamming into you, pushing on you, or otherwise inadvertently maming you! Seriously, Russ may not survive another night of this.

Tonight, I think I shall buy some masking tape and draw a line down the middle of the bed. Then, if he crosses over into my realm, I cannot be responsible for my responsive actions! This means war!