Glucose Tolerance Tests

Is there anything better when you’re pregnant than swigging 10 ounces of pure sugar so you can go get your blood taken in an hour?

When I was pregnant with Joel (#1), I had to do that. The result was borderline for gestational diabetes, so I had to go back. The 2nd time I had to fast overnight, then go get my blood taken, drink a mound of sugar in the morning, then have my blood taken every hour for a couple more hours. Man, the headache I got! I wanted some FOOD! My vision was all screwy because I was all sugared up and apparently borderline diabetic.

My result was very iffy (according to the nurses AND the insurance company), but still my ultra-careful doc put me on the diabetes track. I went to a dietician to learn how to eat like a diabetic. I learned how to take my blood 4 times a day. I went to non-stress tests twice a week. I only gained 24 pounds with that pregnancy, and Joel was only 7 pounds, 10 ounces. Oh, and I had THREE sonograms. I was an insurance company’s nightmare!

That was with Baby #1, when I had all the time in the world and taking time off work was a treat. Now if my result is borderline, forget all that other crap! I’ll just promise the doc I’ll eat well and we’ll call it good. And I WILL eat well because I don’t need to be squeezing a 12-pound baby out of myself.

Anybody have a fun diabetes or gestational diabetes or preeclampsia story out there? Come on, Cathy, I know YOU have a good story!

Ah, Johnson County, Kansas

I love contradictions. And if I can see one in my brain-challenged pregnant state, then it must be pretty blatant.

Recently our library held a Science Night (thanks for letting us know, Eva!). One of the stations was Johnson County Park and Recreation District, and they handed out their activities guide, a trail map, etc. in a plastic bag.

They also gave out a black Frisbee that said “Reduce Reuse Recycle” on it.

Here’s the problem: the Frisbee is a piece of crap. It’s cheap plastic and all bent and doesn’t even work. Last time I checked, Johnson County was one of the 25 richest counties and home to the 4th richest city in America (referred to the OC of the Midwest). They can't afford a decent Frisbee?

AND it doesn’t have a recycling number on it, so how the hell am I supposed to RECYCLE it?

If it was a quality Frisbee, I could certainly REUSE it over and over for many years. I guess I could use it as a plate, but God only knows how many kinds of cancer I could get eating off that freaky plastic.

I think they need to REDUCE their staff by one moron who made this business decision.

All They Need is a Pile of Dirt

Jeez, you buy them toys and books and give them cartoons and all they need is a pile of dirt across the street.

These were taken about 2 years ago when the school was doing some project involving mounds of dirt in the summertime. Can you tell I'm still missing my digital camera because I'm going back 2 years and pulling photos?!

Give a Girl a Hot Glue Gun …

… and she can glue a hundred million (feels like it, anyway) popsicle stick picture frames, complete with yarn hanger.

I’m a little Craft Challenged. Years ago, I finally realized I couldn’t write fiction to save my life. I’m not creative in that way. I’m also not really creative craft-wise. I know what you’re thinking, “How the hell does she homeschool without being able to do a craft every now and then?”

Well, I outsource them usually. Vacation Bible School. Homeschool boy’s groups and art classes.

But this time I couldn’t fake it. I had to make a craft. Thankfully, Jill came up with the idea. I just had to figure out the implementation.

Preggie Pic Week 21

Yes, folks, I'm over halfway through this baby-growin' fest. Went to the doctor today, and all is well, even at my "advanced maternal age". Thanks for all of your prayers and good thoughts! This photo is rare because I got Michael to pose with me!