Chicago Trip in Photos: Day 3

Another day of classes and then it was off to our new hotel. We extended our stay so we could see more of the sights in the area. We were kind of forced to rent a car since it had cost us $40 to take a taxi from the airport to the first hotel and the rail line would make going to see everything we wanted impossible. It wasn't my first pick for a car, but it fit us all and got us to where we needed to go.

Our rental car.

My sleeping boy, out within minutes of getting into the car.

Same with Aislynn.

Rhiannon was still awake.

Cool old tank sitting outside a National Guard building.

Welcome to Brookfield Zoo!

Our first stop was to see this very handsome fellow and he even posed.

Checking out another kitty.

Rhiannon just chilling in the stroller.

Aidan and his 'Treasure Map' aka the map of the zoo.

Making a plastic mold of a dolphin, reminds me of trips to Hogle Zoo as a kid.

Watching for the dolphin to be finished. He looks excited, huh?

She was curious too.

They had dolphins at this zoo, we thought that was pretty neat!

Dolphin Dance

My sad boy did not want his picture taken.

Checking at the bears.

In the children's petting zoo, although this was all they got to pet.

In the wolf den

Aislynn loved the little bronze wolf cub and she gave it a goodbye kiss.

Aidan's Dinosaur

I finally got his picture, ha ha!

Got to love this classic photo!

So cute!

Aidan racing out of the zoo trying to keep up with Daddy.

Chicago Trip in Photos: Day 2

Our second day in Chicago started out long. It included breakfast and dropping the kids off with the hired babysitters that were provided. Followed by hours of classes, some that were quite enjoyable and others a little more snooze worthy. Instead of staying for the dinner they provided we set out in search of something different and decided on a Rainforest Cafe. Of course we got lost looking for it and showed up after like an hour of walking just before they closed.

She was petrified of the animatronic crocodile that opened its jaws and moved forward.

He scared both kids, it was terribly funny.

Christopher was having a lot of fun teasing the kids with all the animatronic animals.

Aislynn was desperately trying to get away.

They had a cool arched fish tank that served as a doorway and we found Dorie swimming around.

After our adventure we went for a short swim and tested out the kids' new swim vests.

Rhiannon just hanging out while I took some photos.

Aidan being daring.

He was trying to teach both kids some swimming basics.

Now its Aidan's turn to practice.

Floating or rather attempting to.

Rhi just loved the water.

Daddy & his Pixie playing in the water!

Chicago Trip in Photos: Day 1

Aidan waiting at the terminal, he was so excited he could hardly sit still.

Christopher showing Aidan his dog tags that gave his info in case he got lost.

Rhiannon drinking her bottle to help with the take off.

Aislynn checking out the 'Big Airplane!'

Aidan awaiting take off.

He had to check out how high up we were.

Aislynn couldn't be left out either.

Not too happy about my taking her picture.

I think he was getting a little wiggly at this point.

Rhi didn't do so well and wanted to be held, so she and Daddy took a nap together.

After a rather frightening taxi ride to our hotel, its time for bed.

My sweet baby was tired and was quickly asleep.

A Rough Day (To Say the Least)

I will keep this brief. I just had to get it off my chest and feel a little better. I hate when Drs and nurses, however good their intentions are, treat one as a procedure, a practice round, a pincushion and everything less than a human freakin' being! I had a simply awful day today or rather yesterday depending on when you read this. I was passed off from one group of medical professionals after another. No one wanted to deal with my problem and so handing me off was just so much easier. I held it together, but by the end of the like 4 hours at the hospital I was barely holding it together.

Also I'm 26 and not 2 or even 10, don't talk to me like I don't understand things or aren't smart enough to know anything. I hate days where I'm made to feel less than I am by the people who are supposed to be helping me. I really am tired of being a human pincushion!

My IVs are lasting less than 24 hours and I've been in everyday since Friday for a replacement IV. I'm hoping my amazing Dr will make a definitive decision at my appt tomorrow so I don't have to deal with this and can work on feeling better.

Ok, I feel somewhat better. I'm sure I'll feel even better when things are actually getting taken care of. Sorry for the vent, but this poor pregnant lady has put up with a lot the last few weeks. Happier posts to come!

12 Week Pregnancy Survey

How far along? 12 weeks (as of 10/14)

Total weight gain/loss: At my appt on Tuesday the only reason I'd gained a lb was because I'd received fluid just before the appt. He would have guessed I had really lost 2 more lbs.

Maternity clothes? Of course
Stretch marks? Still only the old ones

Sleep: I'm getting it, but its rather broken up and interrupted.

Best moment this week: Getting to watch my little one wiggle and squirm during the ultrasound. I loved seeing that.

Movement: Not yet
Food cravings: Strawberries and raspberries

Gender: Hopefully the second week in November, although I'm pretty sure its a boy!

Labor Signs: No

Belly Button in or out? It's slowly making its way to an outie.

Wedding rings on or off? I can't really them anymore, sad huh?

What I miss: Not being sick and not always being hungry!

What I am looking forward to: My sweet little baby

Weekly Wisdom: Take care of yourself for both of your sakes.

Milestones: I'm almost out of first trimester and hopefully on to feeling better.

What I’m Into October Edition

This idea came from two different blogs Arms Wide Open and she got it from The Outdoor Wife. Every month they dive into what they're reading, what they wants to read, what they're watching, listening, loving… all of it… for that particular month. It sounded like so much fun and would give a different feel to my blog. So here goes for the month of October.

What I'm Reading:

New Spring (Prequel to the Wheel of Time) by Robert Jordan

I have plans to start working my way through the Wheel of Time series after New Spring in order to be ready for the release of the final book in the series.

What I'm Listening To:

I finally loaded music onto my computer, well some anyway. I hope to add more, just haven't yet. I've been listening to my Glee and Broadway channels on Pandora this month. So relaxing and helps me sleep.

On TV:

I have been diligently keeping up with the Vampire Diaries, Glee and Castle online since the new seasons started. I hate how long I have to wait to watch Glee with the wait they have following an episode airing. Oh well I guess I least I have a way to watch without waiting for the seasons released on DVD.

In the Netflix Queue:

Dr Quinn Medicine Woman Season 2-I just love this clean and thoroughly enjoyable TV series.

North and South-I'm finding it interesting, but definitely not on my to-buy list.

In Blogland:

Megan @ In This Wonderful Life-I'm still just as addicted to hearing about her beautiful twins and all the fun in their lives. Thanks for sharing, Megan!

I've been sort of sporadic this month on what I'm really following and such, but maybe next month I'll be more up to it.

11 Week Pregnancy Survey

How far along? 11 weeks (as of 10/7)

Total weight gain/loss: Well the report on this for the week is a two lbs. loss. So I have to keep doing an IV bag twice a day until I can at least maintain.

Maternity clothes? Yup, no one around that one.

Stretch marks? Just old ones.

Sleep: I sleep as much as I can, I am always tired. I don't think I'm sleeping great with how tired I feel in between, but I guess that comes with pregnancy.

Best moment this week: Just being reassured that although the all-day sickness is unbearable at least it means the baby is still thriving.

Movement: Not as of yet

Food cravings: Fries and donuts, but that doesn't mean I can keep them down.

Gender: Not until November

Labor Signs: Heck no

Belly Button in or out? It's slowly making its way to an outie.

Wedding rings on or off? I can't really anymore, sad huh?

What I miss: I miss the whole not pregnant thing, this being sick and tired all the time is getting old, but I do get a cute baby in the end.

What I am looking forward to: Not being sick anymore

Weekly Wisdom: Do whatever it takes to get your baby here safe and stay hydrated because you do NOT want to become a human pincushion.

Milestones: Making it 11 weeks and I'm surviving all the IVs.