Post by NomadicMama on May 26, 2012 4:52:45 GMT -5
Ugh. That sucks. How much would an inexpensive dehumidifier cost? Can you buy one anyway?
I am not looking forward to the prospect of a warm summer without air conditioning. Luckily, our house stays cool, and I'm learning the timing of opening it up, in the evenings, to cool it down, and "buttoning it up" in the morning to keep it cool(er).
Humidity is no fun. Feeling like you need a shower the moment you get out of the shower is gross.
NL is 40 weeks. Induction starts at 41. They don't like you to go past 42.
Have you seen the still-birth rates at/beyond 42!?! Especially with older moms!?!? I can't imagine using 42 as a baseline and not acting until a woman is at 44 weeks. Scary.
I got pregnant and had my son while living in the states, so 40 weeks was the assumed duration.
I got into a disagreement with the OB I saw for the second half of my pregnancy. LO was conceived through IVF--we KNOW when we conceived. It involved a sterile environment and a gaggle of medical professionals. But, because he did not the lab report, and therefore how far developed our embryos were, he went by my LMP. Unfortunately, I stimmed quickly. My first OB put my EDD at June 28th, according to a dating ultrasound. The online calculator put it at June 30th. My LMP/OB went with July 4th.
In normal life, six days is not a big deal. And, the thought of an Independence Day baby was kind of cool (especially as a military family). So, I did not push the issue. I really thought that he'd be born around 38 weeks (older moms, I'd heard, tend to deliver earlier, as do those with IVF babies).
Boy was I wrong! My OB made me wait until his 41 weeks to schedule my induction--which, according to my first OB, put me much closer to 42 weeks. And, if I'd had a healthy and all was peachy, it would have been different. But, I'd been dealing with borderline high blood pressure since about 25 weeks. At my last appointment, there was a surprising amount of protein in my urine. He had me pee again, and it was fine. (Dude should have ordered a 24 hour urine catch at that point.). So, he went ahead and scheduled my induction.
Unfortunately, Dude (or his nurse) FORGOT to put my induction information into the system. I was supposed to get a call on Friday to go in that evening. I called at three in the afternoon to see what was going on. Long story short, I was not on the schedule, not that it matter--L&D was full. Lucky me was given the chance to select what time I wanted to come in on Sunday.
It got worse before it got better.
Bottom line, though, I strongly believe that if my OB had paid more attention and induced me earlier (with reason), I might have very well not developed pre-eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome, therefore not required an emergency c-section, which might have decreased the severity of my postpartum depression. And, my son might not have had a bowel movement prior to his birth, which landed him, briefly, in the NICU.
I consider myself very fortunate to be healthy and to suffer no long term consequences and that my son is here and healthy. I wish my OB had not been so damn married to his version of my EDD and treated my pregnancy as it developed.
Sorry, nearly three years after the fact, I am still very angry with the shitty care Dude provided. As I mentioned, there is more to the story, which includes an intern accusing me of faking it to get a bed in L&D. And, as you can see in my signature, my DH was in Iraq as all of this went down. To this day, I don't think he really knows how bad it got. My mom dropped five pounds in two days. My son's pedi came in and checked on me because she was so worried.
Post by NomadicMama on May 26, 2012 4:10:44 GMT -5
Hello! I, too, have no problem with new names, heck, I have one. :Y: But, like you, a hint to one's old SN, if not the actual SN, provided in the signature helps immensely!
I am formerly Smudges*Mom. I am a SAHM to an awesome, almost three year old boy. We have a five year old Boston Terrier. We have been married for six years (as of yesterday).
DH is active duty Army. We recently PCS'd to Germany. DH is deploying next month for 365.
My background is in Early Childhood Education. Once upon a time, I taught Kindergarten. My last professional, IMO, position was as a family literacy trainer at a large, national literacy nonprofit. (I've had jobs since then, but not career level positions.) I don't know what I want to be when I grow up, despite being one of the "blue hairs" on the board. But, our time here in Germany is buying me time and providing me opportunities.
And, I'll mail a pack or two of Haribo Gummi bears to the first person who knows/remembers what my original SN name was, back in the day, when I first joined the Knot. Anybody? ;D
Post by NomadicMama on May 26, 2012 3:58:53 GMT -5
It's a gift grab, I mean bridal shower (not that I have anything against showers, but their importance is often over stated). Sounds to me like your future SIL wants to extend her claim to one day to include some extra time and put your brother, her fiancé tome task of bullying you into attending.
Enjoy your breakfast with your husband and ILs. See him off at the airport, then go get a pedicure.
Post by NomadicMama on May 26, 2012 3:53:42 GMT -5
As far as annoyances go, I'd be irked, too. But, as others have said, none are deal-breakers. But I get what you are saying! Vent away!
I like HB's manner of dealing with pick-ups. Tell her that you have started putting Sofia down a bit earlier for bed, and don't want to be rude, but can you have her ready to go at such and such time? Also, you could shoot her an email at lunch confirming pick-up location. Yes, you should not have to do this, but if it lessens your stress level, it might be worth it.
Is there something that you could do for her, that is inexpensive and easy, that shows her that you appreciate what she does? If you "goose" her, positively, she may step back a bit. This works for some people (perhaps it's a non-marriage approach to the Five Languages of Love).
Post by NomadicMama on May 25, 2012 17:35:39 GMT -5
Smudge was covert-stealth dog yesterday. I think he misses when his Boy was so kissable. I have not seen him like that before. Crazy dog. At least he's lovable, but still--35 pounds of dog love is still 35 pounds. Kernel was fabulous, though. At first, she was surprised, but not upset. By the end, she rolled with it--as both of us lunged to pull Smudge away. When guests are over, I sometimes put his collar and short leash on, and he drags the leash around. It just provides a handle, of sorts, for grabbing him. I don't want Kernel to develop a phobia of Boston Terriers or brindle colored dogs!
I am up for GTGs! I can host, if it is determined to be central enough. I've even got room for a few folks is they want to spend the night. With DH being a way for a year, I can have a houseful of ladies and he doesn't care!
Post by NomadicMama on May 25, 2012 17:26:11 GMT -5
There are two groceries within walking distance, but neither is very good. I drive to the commissary, it's about a 15 minute drive. I might be more open to walking, but my almost three year old refuses to ride in a stroller, or allow me to use our Ergo to strap him to my back--but he gets tired after a while and wants to be carried.
We did go from two cars to one when we lived in NoVA, right by a Metro station. We even went for five weeks without our car when we shipped it ahead before our move. We took the train and bus as we were able, and rented a ZipCar as needed. It worked. And, with DH deploying, I am thrilled to have just one car payment, instead of two, like we had last deployment.
Post by NomadicMama on May 25, 2012 15:08:01 GMT -5
In a perfect world? Two.
My reality is one and done. LO is an IVF baby. I ended up quite sick at the end of my pregnancy (see signature) and postpartum was awful. My OB wholly encouraged our being one and done. Plus, I'm forty, with a deploying husband, and we'd have to do IVF again to get pregnant. All signs point to one.
I'm good with it.. Just before I met DH, I had a freak-out about getting married and having a family, but then realized that I'd rather be alone and have control over my life than to tie myself to some guy, just to have a baby. So, I have more than I'd dare hope for.
But did she make you cupcakes? That should be a rule...
No, but I had Triple Double Oreos!
We had a wonderful time with Popcorn and Kernel! We talked and talked and ate and talked. A wonderful day! And Kernel is a precious and adorable girl!
Smudge will be leashed next time. He was a sly dog, going in for kisses. He means well, but he's 35 pounds of love (and tongue).
And man, my family room looks nekkid! We've got cement walls, so it's difficult (and a pain) to put nails in. And, well, I have not unwrapped out pictures yet. I need to do that to warm the place up!
My husband is stationed at Wiesbaden. We've been here about 2.5 months.
I understand how the American military does upset the balance of things in a community. There are downsides. But, there are positives, too! But, I get that most people only feel how it directly impacts them. The town where we live, there aren't many service members. Rents are high here all on their own.
I'm just settling in, mentally. And trying to determine how to not take things personally. And yes, there are situations where service members and their dependents do take advantage of benefits. There is a poll on Money Matters right now about military compensation. It seems that Americans have similar ideas about military compensation. Our housing is not free. Our health coverage is not free. We just don't have to pay any additional money. It's not free--service member earn these things.
I will develop a thicker sick. Again though, despite having posted about it, this is not something that had me all upset. Just trying to work things through.
I think people make assumptions about one's economic situation based on where you live all the time, whether it's tied to being a foreigner or not. Hearing it said out loud is a little annoying, but I wouldn't think it's necessarily negative, just a bit intrusive/nosy. Sounds like your neighbor is a little nosy.
FTR, I'm not all worked up about this, despite what it might appear. ;D Anna's comment makes sense. He was being nosey and conversational in a language not his first.
This one conversation spurred me to post, but I think it's a culmination of multiple interactions that I've had recently. I may be a bit sensitive, too. I know that there are Americans (living back home and abroad) who fit the negative stereotypes. And I understand that the US military presence abroad come with positive and negative impacts. I'm also very proud of my DH's service/career and he has earned the things we have. So, I will own feeling a bit defensive/reactive. I came here to pose the question as it is one that I am mulling over in my head.
As for the unleashed dog. . . I don't understand someone warning me about their potentially aggressive dog, then allowing it near mine. But, I'm sensitive about this too--my DH and dog were attacked by a neighbor's two dogs in January. Smudge has been to the vet more in the first four months of this year than he normally goes in three years!
Post by NomadicMama on May 24, 2012 1:22:43 GMT -5
How often do you run into locals with negative assumptions of Americans?
I was just out walking the dog. I encountered a neighbor. He said that because his wife is Filipino, they had a number of American friends in one of the local military housing communities. I said that they didn't have room for us, so we got to choose where to live. He commented on how expensive it is, but then said that the government paid for it, so it didn't matter.
Ummm, last I checked, while the exact amount is dependent upon his duty location/assignment, my husband's housing allowance is part of his compensation package--that he earns. Yes, this is a nice assignment, I am enjoying this opportunity. But, we are not living the highlife on the government's nickel. In fact, we paid more rent for less house back in the States. We are not taking undue advantage.
Do you encounter this much? If you have encountered this, how did you deal with it? I mean internally? I know that saying something snarky won't do any good.
He wasn't being mean, in fact, I think he was just making conversation. He was out with his dog. He asked if my dog was a boy or girl. When I said boy, he cautioned me about his dog--evidently his dog does not like other males. Oh, and his dog was not on a leash.
Not the way I wanted to start my day. Oh well. We have important guests coming today--Popcorn and Kernel. So, I must go tidy up!
Post by NomadicMama on May 23, 2012 23:06:52 GMT -5
I seem to recall another ILer's DH feeling compelled to come up with a creative and humorous delivery of a wedding gift. I want to say it was Crimson&Clover.
Personally, I think it's rather funny. I would make sure that it doesn't require too much additional work to exchange, if that were to be necessary.
Post by NomadicMama on May 23, 2012 16:33:41 GMT -5
Yes you can whine! Dear heavens, what an awful experience and now, continuing aftermath. That your father, and your family has had to endure because of this woman's selfish act is terrible. And to go after your father now for money? Ummm, that says a lot to me about their character. Money grubbing is right. What about a countersuit for the suffering and trauma of being made a weapon. I hope that the final result is no money for them and that they have to pay for all court costs and attorney fees.
Post by NomadicMama on May 22, 2012 7:42:39 GMT -5
It depends what we've got going on that day. If we've got plans, I set my alarm for seven or so. If we are just hangin' around the house, we sleep until LO decides to get up--which can range from 7:30--9:00.
Post by NomadicMama on May 21, 2012 14:53:33 GMT -5
Any chance that you could mail the uniform home?
IMO, you are a better wife than I am. I would be here bitching about my DH if he went TDY, leaving me to deal with HIS dress blues on a transatlantic flight, where you are having to get yourself to the airport from several hours awa
Yes, I'm in England. I've only spent one summer here (a few years ago), but I'm from TN where its basically even warm in the winter. Not to sound evil but at least I'm not the only one experiencing this weather. Lol I am so jealous of those pics on FB where people are out enjoying the nice weather! Haha
My family has all relocated to Nashville, and my son was born there, too. Yes, it is typically warm there, even in winter.
I'm in Germany. It hit about 80* today. Like most German (European?) homes, ours does not have a/c. I do not do well in the heat. I think that the moment DH deploys, I will tuck my make-up away until fall.
I didn't want one before because I didn't think it was worth it if you already have a laptop, phone , etc. But DH bought me one for christmas anyway (he's a tech nut and thinks everyone must have one, hehehe), and surprisingly I have found it to be a lot more useful than expected.
I use it mostly to answer emails, browse on the internet, and watch movies at times. I wouldn't be able to work entirely on it, but it does allow me to answer emails in the morning before even getting out of bed, which I love, and gives me the freedom of being away from my computer yet still be able to answer work emails.
This, except I don't have a job, there for no work emails to check. ;D
When my techie DH got it for me, I was kind of upset that he'd spent so much money on something we don't need.
Ummmm, now? You will have to pry it out of my cold fingers when I die. DH has one. I have one. And. . . our toddler has one. I did not want to have to share mine.
But, it's not for everybody. I do love me my Apple products.
Post by NomadicMama on May 21, 2012 1:35:53 GMT -5
In the past, we've had them unpack the kitchen, while we stood there and took what they unpacked and put it away immediately. That way, you get one big set of boxes unpacked, and the kitchen is usable almost right away.
Good luck! Get his car washed, and put some good beer in the fridge--your DH will think you rock!
Post by NomadicMama on May 20, 2012 16:16:28 GMT -5
Sixty-five euro for six weeks sounds almost too good to be true! What kind of facility is it? Your car will sit in their lot, or at your place. Frankly, I think I'd prefer the convenience of having it at the airport.
Post by NomadicMama on May 20, 2012 14:03:07 GMT -5
Moms
How old is LO? LO will be three in less than two months. How, how, how is this? Please, tell me!
What new skills or accomplishments has LO achieved recently? He is talking up a storm, serious continued language explosion! This is amazing to me considering that a year ago, at nearly two years of age, he was, for all intents and purposes, nonverbal. He has also transitioned from a crib to a toddler bed like a pro!
Any big milestones coming up this month? Given his age, milestones are different. Potty training is one of the next big steps, but he's not showing any interest, and I'm not pushing.
Any issues you're running into? (sleepless nights, illness, etc.). LO has always been a good sleeper. We've had a few hiccups along the way, but on the whole, he has slept well, in his room, alone. That is, until we moved out of our house in NoVA. Since then, the end of February, he and I have at a minimum, shared a room. He has gotten accustomed to having me with him. He is in his own bed now, but I am sleeping in the extra bed in his room--at night and for naps. I know that I need to retrain him, but sleep training a toddler is different than a baby. He will tell me how sad or mad he is, he will get out of his bed and come out of his room. And, we have another big transition coming up (deployment). But, I miss sleeping in our big (über comfortable bed) with DH. I know, it's something I just need to do. . . But I'm taking the easy way out. Well, easy for now.
Share a new picture or two. I'll see if I can find one. . .
Post by NomadicMama on May 20, 2012 6:51:29 GMT -5
Well crap, I did something, as a new mod, and now I can't quote. Bugger.
Oh, hi! I'm NomadicMama, formerly known as Smudges*Mom, but that's in my signature, to make it easier.
I am an American SAHM married to an American soldier, living in Germany with our nearly three year old son (and our five year old Boston Terrier). Due to my DH's military obligations, I will soon become a situationally single mom. I've done it before--but not with a sassy toddler, living in a foreign country, without the help of family living near-by, and a yard in which our dog can potty as needed. (We have a small garden, but it is written into our lease that der hund is not to pee or poo back there.) Its going to be an interesting year!
Post by NomadicMama on May 19, 2012 6:42:09 GMT -5
Lurker from International Living. Is there anyway to extend the trip? Five days does seem like a rather short period of time for such a great distance. We moved to Germany two month's ago and my LO is 2.5 years old. Honestly, he seemed okay, but it took ME several days to get acclimated.
The trip would be fabulous, but I'd be hesitant to go for only five days. Good luck with your decision!