Dear People In Charge of the Tucson Zoo:
I would like to first say how much I've enjoyed taking my son to see your animals. He likes the gibbons and the polar bears and the elephants, and he sometimes enjoys feeding the giraffes when I feel like spending $2 for biscuits. All in all the Tucson Zoo is pretty much what you would expect a zoo in Tucson to be like.
I do, however, have a suggestion. A simple request. And it doesn't involve any kind of money to be spent on your part. In fact you could probably save money by taking my advice because you wouldn't have to pay an employee. Except I think there are mostly volunteers at the zoo, so maybe that is a moot point. But back to my suggestion: If you could be so kind to keep the snakes locked inside their respective cages and not bring them outside of their special reptile building, that would be great. Or if you do bring them outside of their special reptile building, please keep them right NEXT to their special reptile building and NOT right next to the giraffes. In plain sight of unsuspecting zoo patrons who may not enjoy the company of snakes, myself being one in particular. As a result of this situation that occurred at 10:20am this morning, my son never made it to the polar bears because as soon as his phobic mother (me) saw aforementioned snake, I flung his stroller around so quickly that I nearly plowed over a 4 year old, and power walked us the heck out of there.
I mean, really. I understand that you're a zoo and you have all kind of animal exhibits, and for crying out loud we live in Arizona, so that pretty much guarantees snakes will be included. I'm not trying to discriminate against them. Just please keep them in their designated area like you have all the other 40+ times I've visited the zoo. I'm very good at avoiding a building, however you made it quite difficult today to avoid a snake-holding zoo employee/volunteer right next to the damn giraffes.
Thank You,
Karen
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Awesomeness
My husband and I have been together for almost 8 years, although we've only been married for just over 3. It's interesting to think back on so many moments throughout our relationship and reminisce about events we've experienced together, which in turn leads me to remember exact moments when I thought to myself, "I love this man."
Like our first trip to Rocky Point, and spending a wonderfully long weekend on the beach drinking tropical beverages and enjoying each other's company.
Or when he took me skiing one Valentine's weekend and was patient with me and went on all the beginner hills because I had never skied before.
Or when he proposed, with an elaborate display of roses and rose petals and candles everywhere. Got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of our lives together. Which I found out later that he had already asked my dad's permission weeks before.
Or when our girl cat died in my arms and I didn't know what to do. I had never experienced that kind of hurt before. We helped each other through and still celebrate her life today.
Or when we had our son. I always figured Joe would be a great father but I was in no way prepared for how amazing he is with Brandt. Watching him take care of our son, bathe him, read to him, snuggle with him, love him with every ounce of his being. I fall in love with him in a whole new way.
Or like Saturday, when I watched Joe stay calm and composed as he held Brandt while he threw up ... I thought to myself, "I love this man."
Like our first trip to Rocky Point, and spending a wonderfully long weekend on the beach drinking tropical beverages and enjoying each other's company.
Or when he took me skiing one Valentine's weekend and was patient with me and went on all the beginner hills because I had never skied before.
Or when he proposed, with an elaborate display of roses and rose petals and candles everywhere. Got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of our lives together. Which I found out later that he had already asked my dad's permission weeks before.
Or when our girl cat died in my arms and I didn't know what to do. I had never experienced that kind of hurt before. We helped each other through and still celebrate her life today.
Or when we had our son. I always figured Joe would be a great father but I was in no way prepared for how amazing he is with Brandt. Watching him take care of our son, bathe him, read to him, snuggle with him, love him with every ounce of his being. I fall in love with him in a whole new way.
Or like Saturday, when I watched Joe stay calm and composed as he held Brandt while he threw up ... I thought to myself, "I love this man."
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
2nd Trimester
So I think technically the second trimester begins at 14 weeks? I think. And I'm almost there ... just shy of 14 weeks. I'm definitely feeling the second trimester start with a bang. I feel like I have tons of energy and the only things that sound really fun to me are going to Body Attack or going for a run. I don't know why.
When I was pregnant with Brandt I pretty much avoided most physical activity and spent most of my extra time on the couch. I also ate a lot. Cereal, Dairy Queen, bread, Dairy Queen, cereal, Dairy Queen, bread. Pretty much just carbs. I'm trying to eat better this time around, although I find myself quite lazy when it comes to preparing food so I often go back to the old standby of cereal. Or peanut butter & jelly. Sometimes I make eggs. BUT, I am being way more physically active than I ever was when pregnant with Brandt, so hopefully I'll stay fit and healthy this pregnancy and not gain an unnecessary amount of weight like I did last time.
Speaking of weight gain, I'm up about 4-5 pounds right now. Last time I had already broken the double digits for weight gain so I'm hoping to continue this trend of g-r-a-d-u-a-l gaining.
Here is a picture I took earlier this week at 13 weeks.
I'm one of those women who actually enjoys pregnancy, so I'm looking forward to watching my belly grow and to feeling the baby move. 6.5 more weeks until we find out if it's a boy or girl, although I do have gut feeling of what it might be. I'm not going to share just yet, though.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Weekend
We had a pretty good time hanging out with Brandt and family. Saturday morning we took Brandt to an Easter Egg Hunt, the same event from last year, except this year it was about 35 degrees cooler. It was freezing cold and windy, but luckily I had planned a bit better than last year and I made sure to get there early to sign Brandt up for the first hunt. Last year we didn't get there early and ended up waiting around for almost 2 hours. So we got there a little before 11am, Brandt hunted for eggs and then we went to McDonald's for lunch with my sister-in-law and her two boys. Brandt then took over a 2 hour nap :) When he woke up I started steaming some eggs so we could decorate them. Brandt really had fun dipping the eggs in the dye.
On Sunday we went to my mother-in-law's for brunch and another egg hunt. By this time Brandt seemed to understand the concept of searching for eggs and putting them in his bucket. He kept saying, "another one?" so we started taking some that he already collected out of his bucket and re-hiding them.
That afternoon my parents came over and we made a ham dinner with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, steamed carrots, and salad. My dad had a couple beers and Joe had a few bloody mary's (since it was The Masters and all) so I decided I wanted a drink, too. I got out a martini glass, poured some Perrier & cranberry juice and put a slice of pineapple in it. Not exactly the same, but the martini glass helped. After dinner we all had some of the carrot cake I had made ... yum.
All in all it was a nice weekend, although the past three nights Brandt hasn't slept well so I'm a little worried that he might be getting sick. He's gotten up on average of three times, and Joe mostly goes in there with him so I can sleep (so wonderful). Hopefully he feels better soon.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
When Life Isn't Fair
http://thespohrsaremultiplying.com/
I can't even begin to imagine what this family is going through right now. I urge everyone to say a little prayer and think of Maddie and the Spohr family.
It seems the above website might be temporarily suspended. To read a little bit about what happened go here: Madeline Alice Spohr or here: For Maddie
I can't even begin to imagine what this family is going through right now. I urge everyone to say a little prayer and think of Maddie and the Spohr family.
It seems the above website might be temporarily suspended. To read a little bit about what happened go here: Madeline Alice Spohr or here: For Maddie
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Soapbox
I know this topic isn't always the happiest, since the decision to breastfeed or not to breastfeed is a very personal decision for every woman. I'm just putting it out there, though.
CDC finds rocket-fuel chemical in baby formula
The Associated Press
Tucson, Arizona Published: 04.04.2009
ATLANTA — Traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel were found in samples of powdered baby formula, and could exceed what's considered a safe dose for adults if mixed with water also contaminated with the ingredient, a government study has found.
The study by scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked for the chemical, perchlorate, in different brands of powdered baby formula. It was published last month, but the Environmental Working Group — a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization — issued a press release Thursday drawing attention to it.
The chemical has turned up in several cities' drinking water supplies. It can occur naturally, but most perchlorate contamination has been tied to defense and aerospace sites.
No tests have ever shown the chemical caused health problems, but scientists have said significant amounts of perchlorate can affect thyroid function. The thyroid helps set the body's metabolism. Thyroid problems can impact fetal and infant brain development.
However, the extent of the risk is hard to assess. The government requires that formula contain iodine, which counteracts perchlorate's effects. The size of the infant and how much formula is consumed are other factors that can influence risk.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, aware of the debate over perchlorate in food and water, has not recommended that people alter their diet or eating habits because of the chemical.
The study itself sheds little light on how dangerous the perchlorate in baby formula is. "This wasn't a study of health effects," said Dr. Joshua Schier, one of the authors.
The largest amounts of the chemical were in formulas derived from cow's milk, the study said.
The researchers would not disclose the brands of formula they studied. Only a few samples were studied, so it's hard to know if the perchlorate levels would be found in all containers of those brands, a CDC spokesman said.
"This study provides no data on potential health effects of perchlorate. Health authorities continue to emphasize that infant formula is safe," said Haley Curtis Stevens of the International Formula Council, which represents formula manufacturers.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it was considering setting new limits on the amount of perchlorate that would be acceptable in drinking water. A few states have already set their own limits.
The EPA has checked nearly 4,000 public water supplies serving 10,000 people or more. About 160 of the water systems had detectable levels of perchlorate, and 31 had levels high enough to exceed a new safety level the EPA is considering.
CDC finds rocket-fuel chemical in baby formula
The Associated Press
Tucson, Arizona Published: 04.04.2009
ATLANTA — Traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel were found in samples of powdered baby formula, and could exceed what's considered a safe dose for adults if mixed with water also contaminated with the ingredient, a government study has found.
The study by scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked for the chemical, perchlorate, in different brands of powdered baby formula. It was published last month, but the Environmental Working Group — a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization — issued a press release Thursday drawing attention to it.
The chemical has turned up in several cities' drinking water supplies. It can occur naturally, but most perchlorate contamination has been tied to defense and aerospace sites.
No tests have ever shown the chemical caused health problems, but scientists have said significant amounts of perchlorate can affect thyroid function. The thyroid helps set the body's metabolism. Thyroid problems can impact fetal and infant brain development.
However, the extent of the risk is hard to assess. The government requires that formula contain iodine, which counteracts perchlorate's effects. The size of the infant and how much formula is consumed are other factors that can influence risk.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, aware of the debate over perchlorate in food and water, has not recommended that people alter their diet or eating habits because of the chemical.
The study itself sheds little light on how dangerous the perchlorate in baby formula is. "This wasn't a study of health effects," said Dr. Joshua Schier, one of the authors.
The largest amounts of the chemical were in formulas derived from cow's milk, the study said.
The researchers would not disclose the brands of formula they studied. Only a few samples were studied, so it's hard to know if the perchlorate levels would be found in all containers of those brands, a CDC spokesman said.
"This study provides no data on potential health effects of perchlorate. Health authorities continue to emphasize that infant formula is safe," said Haley Curtis Stevens of the International Formula Council, which represents formula manufacturers.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it was considering setting new limits on the amount of perchlorate that would be acceptable in drinking water. A few states have already set their own limits.
The EPA has checked nearly 4,000 public water supplies serving 10,000 people or more. About 160 of the water systems had detectable levels of perchlorate, and 31 had levels high enough to exceed a new safety level the EPA is considering.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Aches & Shooting Pains
I pretty much have been feeling crappy for the past week, due partly to an unsettled stomach and partly to a pain in my neck. And shoulder. I went to the chiropractor on Wednesday hoping he could pop things back into their correct locations, and while I'm sure he was successful at aligning my spine, he got no where near fixing my shoulder & neck issues.
My neck feels stuck because when I turn my head too far in any particular direction I experience shooting pains on the right side of my shoulder area. This made sleeping kind of difficult because anytime I changed position (probably 10 or so times that I remember) I woke up wincing and inadvertently whispering unpleasant words. It's the kind of injury (let's call it that, because I don't know how it happened) that makes it difficult to turn my head while driving, you know to check my blind spot or to look for anything/anyone behind me before backing up. And it's almost impossible to talk on the phone, since the only time I'm really on the phone is when I'm also doing something else like emptying the dishwasher, putting stuff away, retrieving the cat from the back yard before he tries to jump the fence again ... so I'm usually holding the phone between my shoulder and my ear. I physically cannot do this right now because of the pain.
Each morning I wake up stiff but by the time I'm crawling into bed at 9:30 my shoulder & neck finally feel somewhat relaxed. Just to start all over the next morning. This morning I finally made it to the gym and got in a decent work out and I really feel better for doing it. I was very close to blowing it off because my stomach wasn't 100% and my neck was hurting, but I went and now I have more energy. I still experience shooting pain near my shoulder but I don't feel as "blah" as I have this whole week.
So my advice to you: be active because you'll feel better. Or like the advertising geniuses at Nike say, "Just Do It."
My neck feels stuck because when I turn my head too far in any particular direction I experience shooting pains on the right side of my shoulder area. This made sleeping kind of difficult because anytime I changed position (probably 10 or so times that I remember) I woke up wincing and inadvertently whispering unpleasant words. It's the kind of injury (let's call it that, because I don't know how it happened) that makes it difficult to turn my head while driving, you know to check my blind spot or to look for anything/anyone behind me before backing up. And it's almost impossible to talk on the phone, since the only time I'm really on the phone is when I'm also doing something else like emptying the dishwasher, putting stuff away, retrieving the cat from the back yard before he tries to jump the fence again ... so I'm usually holding the phone between my shoulder and my ear. I physically cannot do this right now because of the pain.
Each morning I wake up stiff but by the time I'm crawling into bed at 9:30 my shoulder & neck finally feel somewhat relaxed. Just to start all over the next morning. This morning I finally made it to the gym and got in a decent work out and I really feel better for doing it. I was very close to blowing it off because my stomach wasn't 100% and my neck was hurting, but I went and now I have more energy. I still experience shooting pain near my shoulder but I don't feel as "blah" as I have this whole week.
So my advice to you: be active because you'll feel better. Or like the advertising geniuses at Nike say, "Just Do It."
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Update
Because it's been a while and I really haven't posted anything substantial recently.
1. I'm pregnant.
Due toward the end of October. Haven't decided if I'm going to attempt a VBAC or just schedule the c-section. Seeing as it's still 6.5 months away I have some time to not really worry about it.
So far this pregnancy has been slightly different from my first, since when I was pregnant with Brandt I never had any symptoms until my belly got big. No sickness or fatigue or strange cravings. This time I get really tired in the afternoon and find myself falling asleep on the couch while Brandt watches Wiggles. This scenario is not an accident. I plan this almost everyday. I also experienced some nausea in the mornings, and a general unsettled feeling in my stomach depending on what I ate recently. Last time it was a free-for-all with food (hence 60 pounds) but this time I'm more sensitive to what I eat.
At my 8 week appointment I had only gained 1 pound and I'm continuing to workout regularly (except for this week because Brandt was running a fever ... but I'm going tomorrow!) per my doctor's authorization. She definitely encourages me to continue.
I will have another ultrasound on April 13th for the nuchal translucency screen although I'm not high risk because I'm only 29. But I'm having the scan done anyway because I want to see the baby again.
2. Brandt was sick.
Not super sick but it was still a little unnerving for me & Joe. I took Brandt to Phoenix on Friday March 27th. We spent the afternoon with my parents and I went with my dad to enjoy some yummy food at Abuelo's (Reynosa Salad). Brandt might have over-indulged in some chips and salsa and his lips and cheeks got a little red.
That night he woke up at 3am and NEVER WENT BACK TO SLEEP! I tried everything, aside from putting him the car and driving around (which now that I'm writing this I'm wondering why I didn't try that...) but he never fell asleep. We were going to meet Lindsey & David and their 10 month old son, Carter, for breakfast around 10am. Since my parents live so far south in Chandler I figured the 50 minute drive to Paradise Valley Mall would provide the perfect opportunity for Brandt to take a much needed nap.
He did fall asleep, but when I woke him up he was soooooo cranky. And I noticed again that his cheeks were red. The first 15 minutes at the restaurant were fine, but once the food arrived he started getting really agitated and cranky, and he refused to sit down. He only wanted me to hold him and carry him around. I'm sure Lindsey & David were thinking that my kid is out of control, but I had no idea it was around now that he was getting sick.
Later that day he still hadn't taken a decent nap and we were supposed to go to my godson's 3rd birthday party at 3pm. 10 minutes before we pulled up to their house Brandt fell asleep. So I didn't know if I should keep driving to let him sleep, or just go inside and see what happens. I chose the second option and it probably wasn't the better choice. He was still fussy and cranky and sooooo tired. I finally got him to fall asleep in Tommy's room and he got a decent amount of sleep.
We drove home that evening, and I started noticing that he felt really warm. I never took his temperature that day but I'm sure that's when the fever started. When I took his temperature on Sunday it was 102.2, but it kept going down once we gave him motrin. By Tuesday the fever was gone and by now he's completely back to normal. It was just a strange 3-4 day virus that only gave him a fever.
3. Houses
We're thinking of trying to sell ours again. I'm hopeful but realistic. There's not really a lot to say about this right now, but we spoke with a Realtor on Sunday and Joe and I are still discussing the selling process.
That's all for now.
1. I'm pregnant.
Due toward the end of October. Haven't decided if I'm going to attempt a VBAC or just schedule the c-section. Seeing as it's still 6.5 months away I have some time to not really worry about it.
So far this pregnancy has been slightly different from my first, since when I was pregnant with Brandt I never had any symptoms until my belly got big. No sickness or fatigue or strange cravings. This time I get really tired in the afternoon and find myself falling asleep on the couch while Brandt watches Wiggles. This scenario is not an accident. I plan this almost everyday. I also experienced some nausea in the mornings, and a general unsettled feeling in my stomach depending on what I ate recently. Last time it was a free-for-all with food (hence 60 pounds) but this time I'm more sensitive to what I eat.
At my 8 week appointment I had only gained 1 pound and I'm continuing to workout regularly (except for this week because Brandt was running a fever ... but I'm going tomorrow!) per my doctor's authorization. She definitely encourages me to continue.
I will have another ultrasound on April 13th for the nuchal translucency screen although I'm not high risk because I'm only 29. But I'm having the scan done anyway because I want to see the baby again.
2. Brandt was sick.
Not super sick but it was still a little unnerving for me & Joe. I took Brandt to Phoenix on Friday March 27th. We spent the afternoon with my parents and I went with my dad to enjoy some yummy food at Abuelo's (Reynosa Salad). Brandt might have over-indulged in some chips and salsa and his lips and cheeks got a little red.
That night he woke up at 3am and NEVER WENT BACK TO SLEEP! I tried everything, aside from putting him the car and driving around (which now that I'm writing this I'm wondering why I didn't try that...) but he never fell asleep. We were going to meet Lindsey & David and their 10 month old son, Carter, for breakfast around 10am. Since my parents live so far south in Chandler I figured the 50 minute drive to Paradise Valley Mall would provide the perfect opportunity for Brandt to take a much needed nap.
He did fall asleep, but when I woke him up he was soooooo cranky. And I noticed again that his cheeks were red. The first 15 minutes at the restaurant were fine, but once the food arrived he started getting really agitated and cranky, and he refused to sit down. He only wanted me to hold him and carry him around. I'm sure Lindsey & David were thinking that my kid is out of control, but I had no idea it was around now that he was getting sick.
Later that day he still hadn't taken a decent nap and we were supposed to go to my godson's 3rd birthday party at 3pm. 10 minutes before we pulled up to their house Brandt fell asleep. So I didn't know if I should keep driving to let him sleep, or just go inside and see what happens. I chose the second option and it probably wasn't the better choice. He was still fussy and cranky and sooooo tired. I finally got him to fall asleep in Tommy's room and he got a decent amount of sleep.
We drove home that evening, and I started noticing that he felt really warm. I never took his temperature that day but I'm sure that's when the fever started. When I took his temperature on Sunday it was 102.2, but it kept going down once we gave him motrin. By Tuesday the fever was gone and by now he's completely back to normal. It was just a strange 3-4 day virus that only gave him a fever.
3. Houses
We're thinking of trying to sell ours again. I'm hopeful but realistic. There's not really a lot to say about this right now, but we spoke with a Realtor on Sunday and Joe and I are still discussing the selling process.
That's all for now.
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