... I am still pregnant. I really wanted Macy to come on 5-20-10, but she had her mind set on other things. I really tried to help her out, literally. I had hardly slept the night before thinking how nice it would be if I could meet her on Thursday. And I woke up ready to start my day.
I helped Haley get ready for school and took her. When I got home, I did dishes and stayed on my feet as much as possible. Then I played my trump card-- I weeded the back yard by hand! That involved squatting, crawling on my hands and knees, bending straight over yada yada. Even though initially the ground was far away, I finally stretched it out. (And as a bonus my torn ab wasn't screaming just yet!) I weeded for two full hours. And no contractions came...
So then I tried some of the "natural" techniques that I had seen online and been recommended. That did give some strong contractions, but they quit as soon as I stopped. By this time I was pretty discouraged. So I tried walking (waddling) to the mailbox. And it's a decent clip away since we're rural. And still nothing.
Next on my agenda was a kids' birthday party. I again tried to stay on my feet most of the time but then my ab, the thickness of thin-shaved deli meat, was beginning to become irritated so I rested some.
In the end, all that I have to say for my efforts is that I lost my mucus plug (eww!). I was pretty excited, but then I called the nurse to see if it was time to check into L&D. Same ol' same ol' "If your contractions are not yet 5 min apart, you're not having bleeding or if your water hasn't broken then it's not yet time." Bummer. And she went on "The mucus plug (eww!) can be lost as early as 32 weeks even in a pregnancy that runs to term." Now more bummed.
I had been having contractions, but hadn't been timing since I was at the party. I only had 2 contractions during the 25 min ride home. Oh, now totally bummed.
I finished the night by reading a chapter in my book and sleeping soundly (something that hadn't happened in 2 days of nervous anticipation). I think the only thing keeping me together at this point is that I have a scheduled induction date in one week. YAY! There is a light at the end of the tunnel! I think...
One of my friends joked the other day that Taylor and I will have gray hair before she's even born. Flash forward 7 years: "Hey Mom and Dad, I have this big project due tomorrow. I forgot about it. Can you help me?" Seems to fit the bill so far.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Still pregnant
Yes, still.
Had another check-up on Tuesday. I'm still at 2 cm and only a little more effaced at 80%. Membranes still intact (ie. my water hasn't broken). So basically no change. We talked about some of my concerns and frustrations and have an induction date set in case she doesn't come before then. We're set for May 28th (at 4 a.m.). That's the Friday before Memorial weekend.
Usually we hit the Frio River for Memorial, but could you imagine me in a bikini floating at 10 months pregnant? HA! That makes me belly laugh! Then I quit because it hurts...
So my last post outlined by increase in activity in hopes to stimulate labor. Somewhere between squats and jumping jacks, lunges and power-walking, my abs decided to revolt. I tried to roll over in bed night before last and was awakened with a sharp stabbing pain in my upper abs (which are now located closer to my earlobes than my navel...). I'm 95% sure I tore that thin piece of meat. And that's persisted for two days now. Fortunately it doesn't hurt with contractions, but it does scream with every other movement.
And I've kissed the floor goodbye. Well, not literally since I can't reach it anymore. Haha! I do have a great assistant who's not usually willing to help, but will agree if the bribe is right. My sweet four year old likes to be "Haley Helper." And her behavior is straightening out. YAY! Funny story- she came home from school the other day and asked "Mommy, what did you do at work today?" I reminded her that I'm not going to be back to work till after Macy is born. Without skipping a beat, Haley says "Well, tell me what you did on the couch today." Wow, called out by a 4 year old!
So that's it. Just more of the waiting game.
Had another check-up on Tuesday. I'm still at 2 cm and only a little more effaced at 80%. Membranes still intact (ie. my water hasn't broken). So basically no change. We talked about some of my concerns and frustrations and have an induction date set in case she doesn't come before then. We're set for May 28th (at 4 a.m.). That's the Friday before Memorial weekend.
Usually we hit the Frio River for Memorial, but could you imagine me in a bikini floating at 10 months pregnant? HA! That makes me belly laugh! Then I quit because it hurts...
So my last post outlined by increase in activity in hopes to stimulate labor. Somewhere between squats and jumping jacks, lunges and power-walking, my abs decided to revolt. I tried to roll over in bed night before last and was awakened with a sharp stabbing pain in my upper abs (which are now located closer to my earlobes than my navel...). I'm 95% sure I tore that thin piece of meat. And that's persisted for two days now. Fortunately it doesn't hurt with contractions, but it does scream with every other movement.
And I've kissed the floor goodbye. Well, not literally since I can't reach it anymore. Haha! I do have a great assistant who's not usually willing to help, but will agree if the bribe is right. My sweet four year old likes to be "Haley Helper." And her behavior is straightening out. YAY! Funny story- she came home from school the other day and asked "Mommy, what did you do at work today?" I reminded her that I'm not going to be back to work till after Macy is born. Without skipping a beat, Haley says "Well, tell me what you did on the couch today." Wow, called out by a 4 year old!
So that's it. Just more of the waiting game.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Still pregnant
Nothing new. Have had contractions on and off, but nothing significant. I really think that Macy is playing a game of cat and mouse- just a big tease. My next appointment is Tuesday morning. We'll see how it goes, but I'm beginning to have a negative outlook on things.
Decided this weekend to try to help things out with activity. So I started walking long distance. And for some reason, the therapist in me decided it would be a great idea to add some lunges. AHH!!! I'm paying for it today! Thought maybe jumping jacks would help too. The only significant outcome was a hearty belly laugh from my preschooler. Talk about a blow to my ego!
Friday, I managed to make my hair appointment, though I almost missed it (I thought it was 1:30, but really was 11:30). Good thing my awesome hair dresser called because the severe weather hit about 1:00. Good news is that I got my hair done. Bad news is that the baseball game was called off. Haley was disappointed, but didn't throw too much of a fit. So we need to figure out when it's rescheduled.
So that's pretty much it. Of course I have other concerns on my mind, particularly with being off work for so long prior to delivery and also with the false labor of last week. I think his week has been harder than the two weeks of bed rest...
Decided this weekend to try to help things out with activity. So I started walking long distance. And for some reason, the therapist in me decided it would be a great idea to add some lunges. AHH!!! I'm paying for it today! Thought maybe jumping jacks would help too. The only significant outcome was a hearty belly laugh from my preschooler. Talk about a blow to my ego!
Friday, I managed to make my hair appointment, though I almost missed it (I thought it was 1:30, but really was 11:30). Good thing my awesome hair dresser called because the severe weather hit about 1:00. Good news is that I got my hair done. Bad news is that the baseball game was called off. Haley was disappointed, but didn't throw too much of a fit. So we need to figure out when it's rescheduled.
So that's pretty much it. Of course I have other concerns on my mind, particularly with being off work for so long prior to delivery and also with the false labor of last week. I think his week has been harder than the two weeks of bed rest...
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Nothing new
Increasing my activity as tolerated with no real increase in contractions over the past two days. My hair cut got cancelled since my hair dresser got a stomach bug. :( I think its rescheduled for tomorrow.
On a bright note, I took Haley to play in the pool and she loved it! I had "trapped" her with my legs at one point and she looked at me and says with a straight face "Let go of me, you idiot!" Yes, we talked about it... Sad thing is that that is totally my word. OY!
Tomorrow we're supposed to go to the baseball game, but there's a good chance it may be rained out. I hope not, cause that sure would be fun!
On a bright note, I took Haley to play in the pool and she loved it! I had "trapped" her with my legs at one point and she looked at me and says with a straight face "Let go of me, you idiot!" Yes, we talked about it... Sad thing is that that is totally my word. OY!
Tomorrow we're supposed to go to the baseball game, but there's a good chance it may be rained out. I hope not, cause that sure would be fun!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
False alarm
"You won't be pregnant forever." I think Dr. Locke was reading my mind Tuesday morning. Maybe it was the pained expression on my face or the look of confusion or grave disappointment.
Monday I had been awakened a few times with mild contractions. They increased in frequency and intensity throughout the day. By Monday night, I was nearing tears and the contractions were almost 5 min apart. Taylor was supposed to work, but ended up staying home to take care of me and Haley. I really thought Monday was going to be our night. I had been in contact with my nurse and she made an appt for me first thing Tuesday morning.
After checking me, Dr. Locke found that I was only dilated to 2 cm and no further effaced. So Monday was just a hoax. I was completely prepared to be admitted Tuesday and to meet my Macy. But that's not what God had planned. As I have been telling Haley for months, Macy won't "come out" until God says it's time. Now I'm reminding myself of the same thing.
To prevent labor, it's probably prudent to keep taking it easy. But since I'm at 36 weeks and it is no longer necessary to prevent labor I refuse to take it easy. I miss being a mother and a wife and doing my normal activities. So I have banned bed rest (with my doc's permission) but did agree to rest when necessary.
The hard thing is not knowing what to expect. After Monday, my sis-in-law cancelled her flight down. No point in having an infant with her, unable to go to the hospital when that's exactly where I'm at. I did make an appt to get my hair cut today. At this point, looks like I might make it. :)
So that brings us up to date. Still more waiting. I'm ready to meet this impatient little girl who is keeping me on my toes.
Monday I had been awakened a few times with mild contractions. They increased in frequency and intensity throughout the day. By Monday night, I was nearing tears and the contractions were almost 5 min apart. Taylor was supposed to work, but ended up staying home to take care of me and Haley. I really thought Monday was going to be our night. I had been in contact with my nurse and she made an appt for me first thing Tuesday morning.
After checking me, Dr. Locke found that I was only dilated to 2 cm and no further effaced. So Monday was just a hoax. I was completely prepared to be admitted Tuesday and to meet my Macy. But that's not what God had planned. As I have been telling Haley for months, Macy won't "come out" until God says it's time. Now I'm reminding myself of the same thing.
To prevent labor, it's probably prudent to keep taking it easy. But since I'm at 36 weeks and it is no longer necessary to prevent labor I refuse to take it easy. I miss being a mother and a wife and doing my normal activities. So I have banned bed rest (with my doc's permission) but did agree to rest when necessary.
The hard thing is not knowing what to expect. After Monday, my sis-in-law cancelled her flight down. No point in having an infant with her, unable to go to the hospital when that's exactly where I'm at. I did make an appt to get my hair cut today. At this point, looks like I might make it. :)
So that brings us up to date. Still more waiting. I'm ready to meet this impatient little girl who is keeping me on my toes.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
House- we are moved in!
My last house update was about the timing of moving in. Didn't happen that beautiful weekend that we had hoped. Nope. We moved in Tuesday Feb 23. That date is significant for the 8th most snowy day in Midland's history. Yup, pregnant and moving in the snow... OY!
Thanks goodness for family and good friends. They really did the bulk of the moving while I cleaned the apartment and took care of the loose ends. But we made it all out of the the apartment on that day. The paint, literally, wasn't even dry yet at the house. That weekend we emptied out the storage. I had all my things back! Now I had to unpack.
Taylor urged me not to get too crazy and aggressive, that I needed to rest more. But my brain couldn't process that. Except our first apartment, I have never completely unpacked anywhere we've lived. So my brain said that if I didn't unpack, we wouldn't really be staying here. So unpack I did. I had the house completed and ready for visiting right at the first of April. All the while working full-time and being pregnant-fatigued. Whew!
We've got grass planted in the back yard and the pool has survived what the spring season has offered. We're still suffering the dust with our barren landscape and spring winds, but it's getting better.
It's almost as if my house were expecting my prolonged stay and wanted me to finish getting everything ready. So it's completed and I'm happy. We're all moved in! Maybe this week I'll be up to cleaning the house and taking pictures to post... unless Macy makes her debut before then.
Thanks goodness for family and good friends. They really did the bulk of the moving while I cleaned the apartment and took care of the loose ends. But we made it all out of the the apartment on that day. The paint, literally, wasn't even dry yet at the house. That weekend we emptied out the storage. I had all my things back! Now I had to unpack.
Taylor urged me not to get too crazy and aggressive, that I needed to rest more. But my brain couldn't process that. Except our first apartment, I have never completely unpacked anywhere we've lived. So my brain said that if I didn't unpack, we wouldn't really be staying here. So unpack I did. I had the house completed and ready for visiting right at the first of April. All the while working full-time and being pregnant-fatigued. Whew!
We've got grass planted in the back yard and the pool has survived what the spring season has offered. We're still suffering the dust with our barren landscape and spring winds, but it's getting better.
It's almost as if my house were expecting my prolonged stay and wanted me to finish getting everything ready. So it's completed and I'm happy. We're all moved in! Maybe this week I'll be up to cleaning the house and taking pictures to post... unless Macy makes her debut before then.
Check-Up
So good news last Friday!
I'm a little more effaced, no more dilated and right where I should be for this stage of pregnancy. Effective today I am 36 weeks and coming off bed rest. Sounds easier than what it actually is though. I'm pretty tired after 2 full weeks of very minimal activity.
This weekend we went to a planned family "retreat" at a lodge in San Angelo, with my doctor's permission. It was so peaceful and quiet (minus the three active grandchildren, Haley included). After the busy day on Friday morning (doctor and all..) I was fairly tired by the time I got there but did get to rest. It was pretty nice and an awesome Mother's Day weekend. I liked being able to get outta the house for the first time in 2 weeks!
So now that I'm off bedrest, I can be active to tolerance (though no work). I'm happy that I am allowed to take Haley to and from school and take care of necessary things like my haircut. My list of "do nots" is now a list of "if you cans." YAY!
And my sis-in-law is flying in on Tuesday and I'll be able to pick her up and be able to be active and not so much a bump on a log. Taylor's working his long week, plus doing some other things that will put him out-of-pocket this week and next.
If I go into labor at this point, Macy will come; in other words, Dr. Locke won't stop my labor after 36 weeks. Another milestone passed! I'm having a hard time adjusting from the "don't come" attitude to the "any day" now concept. Hard to believe we're on the cusp of adding my second daughter to the family! YAY!!
I'm a little more effaced, no more dilated and right where I should be for this stage of pregnancy. Effective today I am 36 weeks and coming off bed rest. Sounds easier than what it actually is though. I'm pretty tired after 2 full weeks of very minimal activity.
This weekend we went to a planned family "retreat" at a lodge in San Angelo, with my doctor's permission. It was so peaceful and quiet (minus the three active grandchildren, Haley included). After the busy day on Friday morning (doctor and all..) I was fairly tired by the time I got there but did get to rest. It was pretty nice and an awesome Mother's Day weekend. I liked being able to get outta the house for the first time in 2 weeks!
So now that I'm off bedrest, I can be active to tolerance (though no work). I'm happy that I am allowed to take Haley to and from school and take care of necessary things like my haircut. My list of "do nots" is now a list of "if you cans." YAY!
And my sis-in-law is flying in on Tuesday and I'll be able to pick her up and be able to be active and not so much a bump on a log. Taylor's working his long week, plus doing some other things that will put him out-of-pocket this week and next.
If I go into labor at this point, Macy will come; in other words, Dr. Locke won't stop my labor after 36 weeks. Another milestone passed! I'm having a hard time adjusting from the "don't come" attitude to the "any day" now concept. Hard to believe we're on the cusp of adding my second daughter to the family! YAY!!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Pregnancy to Date
Today I am 35 weeks and 3 days along. Not that I usually count to the day, much less know what week I'm on, but things haven't exactly been normal lately.
I've been on bedrest for going on 13 days now. Yes the dreaded B word. It is hard for me to be still, but a parent does what a parent has to do.
Everything has been right on schedule and right on for our dates. I continued to work and had no trouble doing so, with modifications of course. Then everything changed April 23, a Friday.
During the long walk into work that morning I was having a lot of pressure "down there." My associates were concerned (as was I to a small degree), but I parlayed the inevitable. "I'll be fine. I'm already feeling better just sitting here." And so we agreed that I would take it easy that morning. Fortunately, there wasn't too much work for me that morning. In retrospect, that was definitely a God thing. I carried only 1/3 of the caseload I usually take.
Although I felt better sitting, the pressure returned when I was on my feet working. Not as bad, but still present. I began to become concerned and I confided in my "Grandma Wannabe" colleague my worst fear. Bed rest. I shouldn't have verbalized it because as soon as I did the waterworks began.
I had been in contact with my OB-Gyn nurse that morning. She assured me that as long as I wasn't having contractions I was okay, but I could come get checked if I felt the need. My colleague urged me to go get checked.
I wrapped up the loose ends at work and made plans for in case I didn't come back. And of course that spurred the water works. By then I had rested a good deal and was feeling better. I almost talked myself out of the checkup. But I went anyway.
I was actually worked in pretty quickly and underwent the, ugh, pelvic exam. Soon as Dr. Locke got to his stool. He plainly states "I'm not going to lie. I am concerned. You are 50% effaced, 1 cm dilated, and her head is right there." "You mean you felt her head?" I asked. That's not normal.
At that point I began to become concerned myself and I knew what his next words would be. As my nurse held my hand, Dr. Locke outlined exactly what "modified bedrest" consists of: I can't lay down or sit. I would be off work effective immediately and essentially bound to my own house. No taking Haley to and from school, no lifting her or even bathing her. No more volunteering at church. Taylor would have to take care of my every need. Wow!
In addition, I had to take a shot in the butt. Twice. Once on Friday and then again on Saturday. Haley just reveled in this. Saturday she even got to swab the spot and put on the band-aid. Sunday I let her take off both band-aids. She loved every second of it! The shots were Celestone (I think), a steroid to help mature Macy's lungs in case she came early. Oh, and a prescription of progesterone. That's the hormone responsible for sustaining pregnancy in the first trimester. You know, the one that makes you sleepy and moody and nauseaus and gives you breasts more tender than what the Colonel sells. So I'm back to that again. Good thing is that so far I have had no trouble sleeping through the night, even with a generous day time nap.
So after 12 full days of bed rest I'm surviving on the generosity of those who love me and my growing family. Another coworker of mine (who has first-hand experience on bed rest) brought me library books and her physical presence during a week day visit. A girlfriend brought me movies and came another time just to visit. My mother is always available for whatever I need. She brought some board games and computer games for me. And the mother-in-law has twice brought us a week's worth of food. Taylor is coming home for a quick supper and gets Haley showered and in bed. (Really, we live too far out for him to feasibly come home for supper, but he's worked that out.) My sis-in-law has scheduled a flight down here next week!
Moving forward, if Macy tries to come before 36 weeks, which happens to be Mother's Day, Dr. Locke will try to stop labor, after that it's fair game. Although I'm already tired of bedrest, I sure would like to make 37 1/2 weeks. And perhaps Macy could be born on 5-20-10. Haley's birthday is 10-20-05. Cool, huh? My next doctor's appointment is Friday. We'll see how it goes.
So that's the story so far.
Me, looking my bedrest best. Really, who do I have to impress?
Hot, huh? Uncomfortable- yes!
I've been on bedrest for going on 13 days now. Yes the dreaded B word. It is hard for me to be still, but a parent does what a parent has to do.
Everything has been right on schedule and right on for our dates. I continued to work and had no trouble doing so, with modifications of course. Then everything changed April 23, a Friday.
During the long walk into work that morning I was having a lot of pressure "down there." My associates were concerned (as was I to a small degree), but I parlayed the inevitable. "I'll be fine. I'm already feeling better just sitting here." And so we agreed that I would take it easy that morning. Fortunately, there wasn't too much work for me that morning. In retrospect, that was definitely a God thing. I carried only 1/3 of the caseload I usually take.
Although I felt better sitting, the pressure returned when I was on my feet working. Not as bad, but still present. I began to become concerned and I confided in my "Grandma Wannabe" colleague my worst fear. Bed rest. I shouldn't have verbalized it because as soon as I did the waterworks began.
I had been in contact with my OB-Gyn nurse that morning. She assured me that as long as I wasn't having contractions I was okay, but I could come get checked if I felt the need. My colleague urged me to go get checked.
I wrapped up the loose ends at work and made plans for in case I didn't come back. And of course that spurred the water works. By then I had rested a good deal and was feeling better. I almost talked myself out of the checkup. But I went anyway.
I was actually worked in pretty quickly and underwent the, ugh, pelvic exam. Soon as Dr. Locke got to his stool. He plainly states "I'm not going to lie. I am concerned. You are 50% effaced, 1 cm dilated, and her head is right there." "You mean you felt her head?" I asked. That's not normal.
At that point I began to become concerned myself and I knew what his next words would be. As my nurse held my hand, Dr. Locke outlined exactly what "modified bedrest" consists of: I can't lay down or sit. I would be off work effective immediately and essentially bound to my own house. No taking Haley to and from school, no lifting her or even bathing her. No more volunteering at church. Taylor would have to take care of my every need. Wow!
In addition, I had to take a shot in the butt. Twice. Once on Friday and then again on Saturday. Haley just reveled in this. Saturday she even got to swab the spot and put on the band-aid. Sunday I let her take off both band-aids. She loved every second of it! The shots were Celestone (I think), a steroid to help mature Macy's lungs in case she came early. Oh, and a prescription of progesterone. That's the hormone responsible for sustaining pregnancy in the first trimester. You know, the one that makes you sleepy and moody and nauseaus and gives you breasts more tender than what the Colonel sells. So I'm back to that again. Good thing is that so far I have had no trouble sleeping through the night, even with a generous day time nap.
So after 12 full days of bed rest I'm surviving on the generosity of those who love me and my growing family. Another coworker of mine (who has first-hand experience on bed rest) brought me library books and her physical presence during a week day visit. A girlfriend brought me movies and came another time just to visit. My mother is always available for whatever I need. She brought some board games and computer games for me. And the mother-in-law has twice brought us a week's worth of food. Taylor is coming home for a quick supper and gets Haley showered and in bed. (Really, we live too far out for him to feasibly come home for supper, but he's worked that out.) My sis-in-law has scheduled a flight down here next week!
Moving forward, if Macy tries to come before 36 weeks, which happens to be Mother's Day, Dr. Locke will try to stop labor, after that it's fair game. Although I'm already tired of bedrest, I sure would like to make 37 1/2 weeks. And perhaps Macy could be born on 5-20-10. Haley's birthday is 10-20-05. Cool, huh? My next doctor's appointment is Friday. We'll see how it goes.
So that's the story so far.
Me, looking my bedrest best. Really, who do I have to impress?
Hot, huh? Uncomfortable- yes!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Larry the Cable Guy
I'ma Back!! That to quote my favorite little Italian, Mario (he's got a brother named Luigi and his own Wii game!)
Okay, so many of this blog's "followers" have expressed concern over lack of updates. Short answer: they're on their way. Reason: D i a l - U p I n t e r n e t . . . SO SLOW!! Being rural, our options are quite limited. But today, we moved back up into the 21st century with high speed internet. Whew! So while I have lots of stories to tell of pregnancy, moving, social activities etc, I will start with today's Cable experience.
So I did some searching for internet providers in my rural area, on dial-up no less, which took about 3 hours- no exaggeration! I determined we had 4 options 1) retain dial-up 2) satellite internet 3) air card and 4) one local high-speed company that serves this area. So my thinking goes like this:
1) dial-up sucks- good thing I don't have high blood pressure during pregnancy cause I woulda gone into labor. I could manage if I had to, but I felt ripped off paying $15 a month
2) satellite internet- my rural neighbors (aka the family also residing on the same half-section of land) have satellite internet. Pros: it works and is faster than dial-up; Cons: it's way expensive and unreliable. Next option please...
3) air card- could work. I have reservations about signal reliability (we had to get a landline b/c of lotsa dropped calls and poor signal strength; once it took me 5 hours to get a text... ugh!). Plus it's pretty expensive if you go over your allotted time. Just not sure that would work as our primary means of internet connectivity.
4) this local company called Ridgewood Cablevision. I had called them early on and just decided to wait and know what our bills looked like before signing up with them. Besides, they only offer internet our area and no cable. But I know Mom and Dad are with them. So another call to Mom to verify that she was happy with their service.
In a nutshell, she tells me that yes, she is very happy with them and is even on a first name basis with two guys named Tom and David. Okay, I am convinced to try it. Dial-up is NOT working for us and Ridgewood is reasonably priced, especially compared to satellite internet.
So I call and get the simple pre-reqs upload/download speeds and they guy verifies that yes this is a lot faster than dialup. I give him my information and we set up an appt for Tuesday at 10 (that was Friday afternoon). After getting the details worked out, I ask for his name. He replies David. So I decide to name drop and mention my mama. He chuckles and says "Well, I do know Charlee and you've got a good Mom." I take the opportunity to third hand compliment their services, as coming from Mom.
So Tuesday rolls around. I'm stoked from the moment I wake up knowing that the cable guy is coming today. Just maybe we can be wireless again and I can work online from the living room! So about 9:55 I hear a car door. A peek out the window shows that it is the cable guy from Ridgewood. He introduces himself, Larry. Yes, Larry the cable guy. hehehe
He hands me some paperwork to fill out. On top is the work order outlining address, phone, services to provide etc. At the bottom in the notes section reads "Charlee Helms daughter." I laughed outloud (good thing I was alone) and immediately called Mom. We shared a good laugh. By 10:35, Larry the Cable guy was all done. He joked "I'm surfing 19-11's right now." Perplexed, I asked if that was good. He shot a look to Taylor and then Taylor chimes in "that's a gun, honey." Oh. So Larry the Cable guy is a gun enthusiast with a sense of humor and is super good at his job.
He finishes up by showing us the upload and download speeds and runs a ping time. I suppose the numbers were good. I'm just a consumer, not really into what all the "megs" and "kilos" mean. But I think that's good. All I know is that this sucker is fast! Just as fast if not faster than our former Suddenlink.. YAY!!
So I was able to talk Taylor into hooking up the wireless router. And now it works!! I am writing from the "comfort" of my recliner chair and my feet are up. So thanks to Larry the Cable guy and Taylor the awesome husband, I am functional again! Welcome to the 21st century! (Just to be ordered to spend all my time at home... another story.)
So look for house and pregnancy updates to come! And pictures, hopefully!
Okay, so many of this blog's "followers" have expressed concern over lack of updates. Short answer: they're on their way. Reason: D i a l - U p I n t e r n e t . . . SO SLOW!! Being rural, our options are quite limited. But today, we moved back up into the 21st century with high speed internet. Whew! So while I have lots of stories to tell of pregnancy, moving, social activities etc, I will start with today's Cable experience.
So I did some searching for internet providers in my rural area, on dial-up no less, which took about 3 hours- no exaggeration! I determined we had 4 options 1) retain dial-up 2) satellite internet 3) air card and 4) one local high-speed company that serves this area. So my thinking goes like this:
1) dial-up sucks- good thing I don't have high blood pressure during pregnancy cause I woulda gone into labor. I could manage if I had to, but I felt ripped off paying $15 a month
2) satellite internet- my rural neighbors (aka the family also residing on the same half-section of land) have satellite internet. Pros: it works and is faster than dial-up; Cons: it's way expensive and unreliable. Next option please...
3) air card- could work. I have reservations about signal reliability (we had to get a landline b/c of lotsa dropped calls and poor signal strength; once it took me 5 hours to get a text... ugh!). Plus it's pretty expensive if you go over your allotted time. Just not sure that would work as our primary means of internet connectivity.
4) this local company called Ridgewood Cablevision. I had called them early on and just decided to wait and know what our bills looked like before signing up with them. Besides, they only offer internet our area and no cable. But I know Mom and Dad are with them. So another call to Mom to verify that she was happy with their service.
In a nutshell, she tells me that yes, she is very happy with them and is even on a first name basis with two guys named Tom and David. Okay, I am convinced to try it. Dial-up is NOT working for us and Ridgewood is reasonably priced, especially compared to satellite internet.
So I call and get the simple pre-reqs upload/download speeds and they guy verifies that yes this is a lot faster than dialup. I give him my information and we set up an appt for Tuesday at 10 (that was Friday afternoon). After getting the details worked out, I ask for his name. He replies David. So I decide to name drop and mention my mama. He chuckles and says "Well, I do know Charlee and you've got a good Mom." I take the opportunity to third hand compliment their services, as coming from Mom.
So Tuesday rolls around. I'm stoked from the moment I wake up knowing that the cable guy is coming today. Just maybe we can be wireless again and I can work online from the living room! So about 9:55 I hear a car door. A peek out the window shows that it is the cable guy from Ridgewood. He introduces himself, Larry. Yes, Larry the cable guy. hehehe
He hands me some paperwork to fill out. On top is the work order outlining address, phone, services to provide etc. At the bottom in the notes section reads "Charlee Helms daughter." I laughed outloud (good thing I was alone) and immediately called Mom. We shared a good laugh. By 10:35, Larry the Cable guy was all done. He joked "I'm surfing 19-11's right now." Perplexed, I asked if that was good. He shot a look to Taylor and then Taylor chimes in "that's a gun, honey." Oh. So Larry the Cable guy is a gun enthusiast with a sense of humor and is super good at his job.
He finishes up by showing us the upload and download speeds and runs a ping time. I suppose the numbers were good. I'm just a consumer, not really into what all the "megs" and "kilos" mean. But I think that's good. All I know is that this sucker is fast! Just as fast if not faster than our former Suddenlink.. YAY!!
So I was able to talk Taylor into hooking up the wireless router. And now it works!! I am writing from the "comfort" of my recliner chair and my feet are up. So thanks to Larry the Cable guy and Taylor the awesome husband, I am functional again! Welcome to the 21st century! (Just to be ordered to spend all my time at home... another story.)
So look for house and pregnancy updates to come! And pictures, hopefully!
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