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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Mommy Blogging: Nearly No Socks
Okay, so I have to ask, are my boobs BIG enough?



I would really like to breast feed, and yes, my boobs have gotten bigger, but they seemed to have plateaued, and don't seem to be expanding anymore. I don't know if this is normal, and I fully expected them to just keep expanding - like everything else is. So really does size reflect the ability to make milk? I read it doesn't.

I read also, that my breast size would stabilize during the 6th-8th month time frame, and that my milk jugs will expand right after birth, that the birth will trigger the machines to get a-going and to expect them to "engorge" at that time. So I am hoping that I am worrying about nothing.

I haven't bothered to buy "nursing bras" yet. I need to now, and have found some helpful info on sizing from Breastfeedingwear.com. Considering my pre-motherhood boobie-holders were a 36B - and I am still able to barely use some of my old bras, I think I'm more like 38C now... so yah. I guess I should measure and go get some tit-slings. There's another $100.



On the subject of once in a life time clothing expenses, I live in my $25 maternity jeans, but I am at the point where I am finding it nearly impossible to get my socks on. I almost didn't wear socks today. Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with that? Seriously, it is coming up to winter and rain is pretty much in the forecast for every day. I have a $20 pair of shoes I got that slip on, which I wear all the time too, but I need socks to keep my feeties warm. My yoga moves on the bed in the morning while getting dressed just keep getting harder.

My belly is expanding major now. I can feel the tightness on the skin and the pressure as I am expanding. My heartburn comes and goes and the pressure on my stomach is pushed to the limit. That baseball-sized fibroid that sits on the top of my uterus sometimes sticks out like a 3rd boob, and it is pushing on my tummy too. Oh the burps and farts, that make pregnancy soooo attractive.



22 years of sex and honestly I don't know, how long is the longest I've gone without sex, and even though being pregnant surely doesn't make me feel sexy, still... 6+ months of no sex now and I admit - I could use a cuddle. A back rub? Foot massage... oh what I wouldn't give for a foot massage. No I'm not desperate but human contact is necessary for all beings and I'm starting to seriously notice that it is missing. *sigh*

When I think about how long it will be before I ever find that "connection" again, and I am able to have that human contact again... *sigh*



Oh well, Lydia Jane is worth it.

I'm worth it. I know that I'll never settle for the types of men I've fallen for before. I accepted too much, I tolerated, I tried to fix, I bent myself out of sorts to make a square fit into a circle. I can't do that now. I won't do that ever again. So I have hope that when it is time again, when my heart has healed completely, and I am ready again, I will find someone that is worth the wait.

I was reading Evan Marc Katz blog, and came across this article of his called "Why Do Men Cheat?" which references an interesting study from Psychology Today that concludes that Monogamy is very much a choice. Mr. Katz writes:

"It’s easy to find someone else you’re attracted to; it’s really hard to find someone who loves you for all that you are.

THAT’s what keeps men monogamous – not the silly idea that we’ll be so attracted to one woman that we’ll never have eyes for another."

DAMN if that doesn't nail it on the head.

I have hope. I know there are good men out there, and then there are Guyland guys. I'm done with Guyland guys. I have hope that in my future I will find myself a real man to love, to cuddle, and to give me foot massages. In the meantime, I will be happy with my head full of hope and being a wonderful mommy. Which is the greatest gift from the universe - ever.

Now if I can only continue to get my socks on - I'll be fine.

Lilypie

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pre-written & posted by Barbara Doduk & scheduled to publish @ 2:22 PM  
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
MOMMY BLOGGING: 32 Weeks & 8 To Go


So I am now 32 weeks along, and only 8 weeks until the due date of January 10th. However as I have noted it could be earlier, depending on the fibroid space issue. I go on the 25th to see the doctor about the fibroid tumors, the biggest sucker that is on top of my uterus sure is big and sticks out of my tummy. On some mornings depending how I lay on my side or back, it almost looks like a third smaller breast LOL

You have to laugh. Laughter is key.

Time is flying by though, and I am getting pretty excited about meeting my little darling. My step dad has guessed that Lydia Jane will be born Jan 14 at 2:22. LOL I think she'll be here earlier given the fibroids... but who knows, only she does.

Anyone else want to guess her time of arrival?



My dad took me out on Sunday and he bought me a car seat. This seat by Graco will hold Lydia Jane up to 30 lbs and 32" tall. It is a bigger seat, weighs 9.8 lbs without the kid in it, but heck I could use the arm exercise.

I also came to the conclusion that - in the new year - I will need to get a more practical "Mommy Car". I know I was thinking of a 4 door sedan, but in fact, as *gasp* shocking as this sounds to me, I think I will get a mini van.

It just seems the most sensible thing. When I have been looking at what I could afford, they are in the price range. I also note, that with a child comes a lot of "stuff" to carry around. The more space in the vehicle the better, the more easier it is to get in and out of the vehicle the better. Those side sliding doors on the mini vans are looking pretty attractive to me LOL.

So that is plan. Mini Van. LOL Who'd have thunk it!

This weekend is my baby shower. I am not doing some BIG thing about it, just a few good friends and family. After that I will go out and grab up what I still need. If anyone out there cares, I am registered at Babies R Us online.



Also, a few days ago, on the weekend, I had a long talk - in person - with Lydia Jane's biological father.

[He also fixed my car so it doesn't squeal anymore. Which I much appreciate.]

He asked if I would be willing to provide a paternity test to prove he is indeed the father. I agreed. I am 100% certain, so if he needs that proof I understand why. Men can never be sure can they? However I will not pay for it. I think that is fair. He needs the proof - he can pay for it. Like I said, I know 100% Lydia Jane is his, because I know that since September 22 2006 when we met, I was never with any other man.

I'm not into having meaningless sex with meaningless people.

In any case, I am glad to put the past behind us. I am over it all.

I explained that he (and his extended family) can be a part of her life, if he wants to know her. I don't need "support" from him and will never seek it. I am not vindictive and know full well he has nothing to give anyway. I am lucky that I am able to do this alone, as hard is it might be, I always have the support of family - and my friends that are like my family.

If he isn't ready to be a part of Lydia Jane's world, he will have no pressure from me at all. He can walk away and never be involved, if he so chooses. I will never speak badly of him to her. Plainly, I know he never loved me, we certainly didn't work as a couple because he wasn't "into" the relationship, he was miserable with me, sucks to admit but there is nothing more to say about it. He can go live his life, and he doesn't have to care about Lydia Jane. If that is his choice, that is his choice.

In the end he always has time to decide. If he isn't sure now, or when she is born, he can decide later on if he wants to meet her and know her. I know as she gets older she will have questions about who her father is, and she will be naturally curious, and I am prepared to deal with whatever the situation is.

And frankly - who knows - by the time she is old enough to ask those questions I may have all ready met someone... and she might have no need for all that... there are so many possibilities in the next 4-5 years. Time is on my side.

In any case am not going to carry around that past anymore. I am truly sorry I was so angered and hurt by him, BUT I think it was acceptable and normal to be - under the circumstances. This time I've had without contact gave me time to heal. I have truly moved on. Seeing him in person really made that clear to me, and I am glad I got that settled for me. He is yesterday.

I am only thinking of today and tomorrow... yesterday is long gone.

My only priority is my daughter.

She is my today, she is my tomorrow. She is my everything.

Lilypie

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Monday, November 16, 2009
RAPS: Adoptable Pets & Christmas is Coming
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

October 13th, 2009 6:34 PM

RAPS has a lot of different animals up for adoption. The cats, dogs and various other fuzz balls like bunnies, that are currently up for adoption at the No. 5 Shelter can always be found listed on the PETFINDER website.

Please consider adopting an adult animal that needs a loving home.

October 13th, 2009 6:31 PM: Ike?

I'd like to take this opportunity to talk about pet adoption, with Christmas coming up, I know a lot of folks like to adopt new pets for gifts. Although it is wonderful to give an animal a home, remember that Christmas time is a stressful hectic busy time and a new animal will be stressed enough by the changes to his or her world enough without the added maddness of Christmas.

If you do plan to adopt an animal at Christmas, plan to do so before or after the big day. Give the animal lots of time to adjust to the "normal" household activities. During holiday parties it is better to leave dogs and cats locked in a safe room with food/water, litter box, and a favorite toy AWAY from the comings and goings of endless guests.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

October 13th, 2009 6:16 PM: Lexi

Speaking of the upcoming holidays, there are a lot of hazards that pets, and cats in particular can get into around the upcoming Christmas holidays.

Since adopting cats in to my life and home 15 years ago, I educated myself on the hazardous items to kitties at Christmas.

A few Holiday Items to Beware of:

TINSEL & RIBBONS: Cats that ingest the ribbon or tinsel can develop a foreign body. This type of foreign body may cause the intestine to fold on itself like an accordion, this in turn causes a lack of circulation to parts of the intestine. If the intestine starts to die due to lack of circulation then the cat may need part of the bowel surgically removed. Foreign bodies generally require surgery to remove them, it is better to try to avoid this traumatic surgery. If cats are in the home it is recommended to not use tinsel or ribbon as part of the holiday decorations. Foreign body symptoms include but are not limited too; vomiting and lethargy. Cats that have ingested ribbons or tinsel should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

PLANTS like poinsettia, mistletoe, and holly - can make a pet sick if eaten due to their toxicity to animals. If your animal has vomiting and diarrhea, seek a vet as soon as possible. Keep these plants out of your home, if possible, or put them out of "munching" reach of your pets.

LIVE CHRISTMAS TREES often come with a fertilized watering base, which if your pet drinks could make them very ill. As well cats might want to climb a real tree (or chew on it - think kitty barfing up pine needles all over) and you can imagine the mess you'd find if kitty got into the tree and knocked it down, tangling lights, smashing bulbs and decorations...

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

October 13th, 2009 5:51 PM: Ella

As I get closer to my baby's arrival my time at RAPS is coming to an end (for the time being) but I hope to continue on as a member of the society, by promoting their charity in anyway I can.

I have taken nearly 2000 photos of various cats at the Cat Sanctuary during 2009, and have loved getting to know many of the cats. I have collected the photos on my Flickr photo album, and continue the task of putting names to fuzzy faces. So far I have over 100 cats individually named and their photos divided into individual photo sets... so far.

Some of my favorite fur buddies include: Leonard, Lincoln, Lillix, Yoda, Groucho, and Baxter. I hope you enjoy meeting the cats in the photos, and videos.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

October 13th, 2009 5:50 PM: Marmalade

RAPS PUB NIGHT!
Friday, November 20th, 2009
@ Legends Pub & Grill

@ 6511 Buswell, Richmond, BC

To raise money for the courtyard drainage project.

Get your tickets now at the RAPS' Shelters or Thrift Store, only $14/person.

To donate silent auction items to help RAPS rescue animals, please contact Sonya at 604-275-2036.

It's always a fun time, a great way to meet the volunteers & staff and to raise money.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Furthermore once again I'd like to remind you local readers, BOTH the cat Sanctuary and the No.5 Road Shelter are mainly run by volunteers, and RAPS is always looking for more volunteers for various shifts - please visit the link to RAPS BLOG for more details.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS) is a registered charity that operates two shelters in the City of Richmond, British Columbia. The first shelter, on No. 6 Road in Richmond, is North America's largest cat sanctuary. At this shelter homeless and abandoned cats and kittens are rescued and cared for. Most of these beautiful animals would have otherwise faced starvation, injury, disease and an early death due to the many hazards in their environment. The cat sanctuary is currently home to more than 800 animals.

The second shelter is the City of Richmond Animal Shelter, which RAPS have operated since February 2007. In 2006, RAPS bid for and was awarded the city contract to take over operation of this shelter. By expanding to a second facility, RAPS now cares for a wider variety of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic animals.

In addition, the RAPS City Shelter runs a comprehensive adoption program to find the animals at this facility a safe and loving home.


♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥


October 13th, 2009 5:49 PM: Squirrel

I have made a personal pledge page to collect donations for RAPS. I hope to raise money for the charity through this blog. I have all ready donated, and donate monthly. You can set up monthly donations through CanadaHelps or do a one time gift. You can always pick one specific cat at the shelter to sponsor as well, there is a sponsor program (info available on their web site). If you are interested in adopting an animal, please contact RAPS directly.

Every bit helps.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

For great stories about RAPS adoptions and other tidbits, please read the RAPS BLOG.
or read stories from another RAPS volunteer: Neko's Blog. Also check out the Helfer Wellness Fund Blog on the RAPS web site, for updates on the work the lovely Helfer sister's fund do for RAPS.

You can now also follow RAPS on Twitter.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

For more of my photos of the Cats & Cat Sanctuary please visit my Cat Sanctuary Flickr Photos.




Barbara.Doduk's RAPS Cats (2009) photoset




♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

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The Love Blog by Vancouver Blogger Barbara Doduk
A personal view of the world from a hopeful human being longing for a world of love, for an earth called Unity. Barbara Doduk was born in and resides in Vancouver British Columbia Canada and writes about her life, her city and her views on the world.
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Barbara Doduk has had a web site since 1997, which included a journal. She started a web site to promote her creative writing, poetry and photography interests. Over the last 10 years the www has evolved and so has web journalling or as it is now known "blogging". THE LOVE BLOG is her main personal journal. WIREDSECRET is her poetry weblog. THE UNITY PROJECT is her world wide photograph collection for unity.

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After the last tree has been cut down,
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Mommy Blogging: Nearly No Socks
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RAPS: Adoptable Pets & Christmas is Coming
Mommy Blogging: Rock N Roll Baby Clothing
11:11 = 12 Years
Mommy Blogging: 31 Weeks & Pink Ladybirds
RAPS: Donate, Volunteer... or give LOVE
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Mommy Blogging: 30 Weeks and 1 FLU
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