We went to Babies R Us today and started a registry. Just thought I would let y'all know. :)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/540744/ref%3Drd%5Fbru%5Fhp%5FSTE/103-3991102-5531032
Remember, my last name is now Richards ;)
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Good News!
Well, I never did give my letter of resignation, because I was waiting for our fall festival to be over. The festival was last night, and it was a great success! Between school and the festival, the principal asked me to come see her. I went to her office, wondering what in the world she would want to see me for. Well, she first asked if we could pray before she spoke to me... make you want to worry? She informed me right as we were going to pray that I need not worry, the news she had for me was nothing negative.
After praying, she began to remind me of a conversation that we had about a month ago; where she was telling me how good I was doing, and how she really appreciated my staying with the school, and giving my all, even considering the lousy pay. She reminded me that she had been trying to get me a raise in pay. Then she proceeded to tell me that she can now give me that. I will be making more money, and they are paying for my health coverage. The insurance company they are setting me up with will cover the pregnancy and delivery! I can go see a doctor again!!!!!!
See, I told you it was good news!
Oh, and I am getting sick of everyone touching my tummy!!!!
After praying, she began to remind me of a conversation that we had about a month ago; where she was telling me how good I was doing, and how she really appreciated my staying with the school, and giving my all, even considering the lousy pay. She reminded me that she had been trying to get me a raise in pay. Then she proceeded to tell me that she can now give me that. I will be making more money, and they are paying for my health coverage. The insurance company they are setting me up with will cover the pregnancy and delivery! I can go see a doctor again!!!!!!
See, I told you it was good news!
Oh, and I am getting sick of everyone touching my tummy!!!!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
22 weeks, not much change.
Well, I feel about the same. The babies kicks are starting to occur more often, and are getting stronger, but I am about the same size and weight that I have been for a couple weeks. I have put on about 20 pounds since I got pregnant. Most people at work think that I am having a girl, but I have this gut feeling that it is a boy. I want to find out the sex, but Chris doesn't, this is very hard!
Work is seeming to calm down a bit, but I am going to talk to them after our Fall Festival is over (that is tomorrow). I am going to basically tell them that I expect equal pay to my co-workers, or to consider this my thirty days notice. Chris said we will figure something out, but I am not allowed to wait tables. He thinks that is to degrading.
Well, I guess that is all for now... See below for details on how baby is growing.
Oh, GO ASTRO'S (they made it further than they ever have before!)
How your baby's growing: Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.
• Note: Experts say every baby develops differently — even in the womb. This developmental information is designed to give you a general idea of how your baby is growing.How your life's changing: You may start to notice stretch marks on your skin as your abdomen expands to accommodate your growing baby. Some pregnant women never get stretch marks, but at least half do. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color), and they become more apparent as pregnancy progresses. They can appear not only on your tummy, but also on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. Lotions won't prevent or eliminate them, but they help with any itching. Also, you may no longer be an "innie" — your navel is flat and may soon pop out. It will revert to its usual shape after birth.Another interesting skin quirk you may notice during pregnancy is something called vascular spiders. These are little areas of raised, reddish skin, with tiny branches. Commonly found on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms, they're caused by the higher levels of estrogen in pregnancy, and they usually disappear after delivery.
Work is seeming to calm down a bit, but I am going to talk to them after our Fall Festival is over (that is tomorrow). I am going to basically tell them that I expect equal pay to my co-workers, or to consider this my thirty days notice. Chris said we will figure something out, but I am not allowed to wait tables. He thinks that is to degrading.
Well, I guess that is all for now... See below for details on how baby is growing.
Oh, GO ASTRO'S (they made it further than they ever have before!)
How your baby's growing: Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.
• Note: Experts say every baby develops differently — even in the womb. This developmental information is designed to give you a general idea of how your baby is growing.How your life's changing: You may start to notice stretch marks on your skin as your abdomen expands to accommodate your growing baby. Some pregnant women never get stretch marks, but at least half do. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color), and they become more apparent as pregnancy progresses. They can appear not only on your tummy, but also on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. Lotions won't prevent or eliminate them, but they help with any itching. Also, you may no longer be an "innie" — your navel is flat and may soon pop out. It will revert to its usual shape after birth.Another interesting skin quirk you may notice during pregnancy is something called vascular spiders. These are little areas of raised, reddish skin, with tiny branches. Commonly found on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms, they're caused by the higher levels of estrogen in pregnancy, and they usually disappear after delivery.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
The ball hit the bat, not Dye's arm!
The Umps in Chicago are cheaters!!!!!!! That is all I have to say right now... the game is still on! Grrrrrrrrr! Astro's better win!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
21 weeks, and the kicks go on...
Well, I had the post all typed up, and for some reason, it disappeared! I am so mad! Anyway, that is not the only thing that I am mad about! I am so sick of my boss! She made me very mad today, but I am not going to get into that! Long story short (since I don't feel like typing it all over again) my friend who teaches 5th grade gave her notice and her last day is November 10th. I plan on telling them that they either need to pay me what all the other teachers are making, or more... or I am putting in my notice. They tried to threaten Priscilla (5th grade teacher) by telling her they would take her teaching license and make her job history look bad and all this stuff. Well, her fiancee came in and had a talk with them about that! Our contracts state that we have to give 30 days notice, without reason! She gave them much more than that, and has great reasons for leaving! She is getting married for crying out loud! Like I have said so much in the past 3-4 months, this job is nothing more than a job... there is no ministry left! Unfortunately, I HATE it!
On another note, I saw my mom today! She looked so good.... I had not seen her in a great while, because she works crazy hours and I live far from her now. She is so happy in this job ad I am so thankful that God provided for her a job were she is respected and appreciated, now it is my turn!
My baseball team is going to the World Series!!! GO ASTRO'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And now, the baby update, brought to you by babycenter.com :
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth.
How your life's changing: You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. Relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester will bring some mild discomfort from carrying a baby who is nearly full-term.That's not to say you don't have some minor glitches to deal with now. Increased oil production may have given you a mild case of acne, for example. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap and water twice a day, but don't take any oral acne medications — or even use any topical acne products — without checking with your practitioner first.You're also prone to varicose veins now (especially if your mom has them). That's because pregnancy puts added pressure on the veins in your legs. (Your blood volume is increased and your uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, the large vein that returns blood from the lower half of your body to your heart.) As if that's not enough, an increase in the hormone progesterone causes the walls of your blood vessels to relax, so as your baby and uterus grow, the veins can become more and more prominent. Varicose veins tend to worsen with each pregnancy, and while they're most likely to show up in your legs, they can also appear on your vulva.If your legs ache, put maternity support hose on first thing in the morning. Increasing your circulation with a brisk walk each day can also help, as can elevating your legs and sleeping on your left side with your feet propped up with a pillow.
On another note, I saw my mom today! She looked so good.... I had not seen her in a great while, because she works crazy hours and I live far from her now. She is so happy in this job ad I am so thankful that God provided for her a job were she is respected and appreciated, now it is my turn!
My baseball team is going to the World Series!!! GO ASTRO'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And now, the baby update, brought to you by babycenter.com :
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth.
How your life's changing: You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. Relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester will bring some mild discomfort from carrying a baby who is nearly full-term.That's not to say you don't have some minor glitches to deal with now. Increased oil production may have given you a mild case of acne, for example. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap and water twice a day, but don't take any oral acne medications — or even use any topical acne products — without checking with your practitioner first.You're also prone to varicose veins now (especially if your mom has them). That's because pregnancy puts added pressure on the veins in your legs. (Your blood volume is increased and your uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, the large vein that returns blood from the lower half of your body to your heart.) As if that's not enough, an increase in the hormone progesterone causes the walls of your blood vessels to relax, so as your baby and uterus grow, the veins can become more and more prominent. Varicose veins tend to worsen with each pregnancy, and while they're most likely to show up in your legs, they can also appear on your vulva.If your legs ache, put maternity support hose on first thing in the morning. Increasing your circulation with a brisk walk each day can also help, as can elevating your legs and sleeping on your left side with your feet propped up with a pillow.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
20 weeks, and still kicking... Literally!
So as, the days go by, the baby kicks more and more. He or she will be quite the soccer player some day (following in mommies footsteps). There has not been a lot going on, as you can see by the lack of posts. Christian's birthday is tomorrow, he will be nine! We went on a field trip to the children's Museum. The kids had such a great time; there is so much to do there, and not enough time to do it. After the museum, went went to CiCi's Pizza for lunch. Kids love CiCi's; and so do hungry pregnant women! Well, that is all I have. If you are interested in what is going on with the baby, read on.... Otherwise, comment or come back and visit us soon.
The following is from babycenter.com :
How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).
The following is from babycenter.com :
How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).
Friday, October 07, 2005
19 weeks, and little baby kicks...
So, what to say about the happenings of the Richards family. We are keeping very busy, pushing every penny to its max! We are getting tile put down in the house. My older brother (Maurice) works for a tile laying company, and is doing the job... We have to pay, but they are working with us. We are getting the tiles for about 50 cents a square foot, and the labor is crazy expensive, but not really, considering what all they have to do. Once the floor is down, our kitchen will be basically done. Just need to finish a few cabinet doors. Our living room and dining room just need the floor and then a couple area rugs to add some character. I am going to love my house when it is all done.
Now, to the tummy news... We are 19 weeks, and this baby is going to be a great soccer player! It is so funny when I am in the middle of teaching and all of a sudden *bam bam* ok, what did I do, I am just teaching these kids how to use a number line, and I get kicked... You think he or she is going to want all of my attention, all the time? That could be a problem! I am sorry to my friends out there who are pregnant, and can't eat, sleep, ect... I am still having a very calm pregnancy, thank God for that, this no insurance thing would suck if there were problems. Well, that is all for now...
Now, to the tummy news... We are 19 weeks, and this baby is going to be a great soccer player! It is so funny when I am in the middle of teaching and all of a sudden *bam bam* ok, what did I do, I am just teaching these kids how to use a number line, and I get kicked... You think he or she is going to want all of my attention, all the time? That could be a problem! I am sorry to my friends out there who are pregnant, and can't eat, sleep, ect... I am still having a very calm pregnancy, thank God for that, this no insurance thing would suck if there were problems. Well, that is all for now...
Monday, October 03, 2005
There's no hiding...
Well, the news is well known at my job. My principal came to talk to me today about a 6 week sub. Now, I just need to find out how much of my maternity leave will be paid! So, once the principal talked to me, all these teachers came to talk to me and say congratulations. I am thinking the shirt that I wore today gave it away. Well, that is all I have to say. I am tired and my knees hurt. Hope you are all well.
Friday, September 30, 2005
18 weeks...
Well, I am now 18 weeks pregnant, and our baby is about the size of a large sweet potato (about 5 1/2 inches). Almost all of my co-workers now know, but because they asked, I have not told anyone at work. My boss has not said anything yet, I don't think she dares. Still no morning sickness, I feel fine. So, I have no complaints, except, it is kind of hard to get comfortable at night when going to sleep. I have learned that a body pillow does the trick quite nicely. Ok, well I am done for now. I wont bore you with pregnancy stuff. But, I do love being pregnant!
Monday, September 26, 2005
Keeping in touch...
It is amazing what a little storm can do :) I got so many phone calls both before and after the storm, people checking to make sure that we were okay. Among those were a few from BBC... I got to talk with Elizabeth Bosley... yeah! She is so awesome, I miss her and Jon, and I want to meet their two little ones. I also got to talk to my big brother, Elli-bum ;) (Elliott). He and Dena are coming down to Texas in a couple weeks... I think she and I may have to compare bellies! I am thankful to all of you who prayed for us, and thought of us during this craziness.
I have to go back to work on Wednesday (man!) I am really enjoying the time off. Chris and I got a lot done yesterday and today around the house. Our kitchen looks really good! Soon, the tile will be going down in the kitchen, dining room, living room, hall ways, and bathrooms. Then, our house will be perfect! Thank God my brother works for a tiling company!
Well, that's all... Talk to y'all later.
I have to go back to work on Wednesday (man!) I am really enjoying the time off. Chris and I got a lot done yesterday and today around the house. Our kitchen looks really good! Soon, the tile will be going down in the kitchen, dining room, living room, hall ways, and bathrooms. Then, our house will be perfect! Thank God my brother works for a tiling company!
Well, that's all... Talk to y'all later.
Oh, and Elliott said I sound like a southern bell.... I think it is for sure time for me to move back to Canada!
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Rita made a right turn...
Well, Rita went to the right, and missed us. My parents lost power for a while, but nothing more than that. We have two extra days off school. I have not heard from my school as to any damage to the building, but I know that we have Monday and Tuesday off. It's crazy you know, to think that the storm could have come through and torn up our house and all the things that we hold dear. But, there is not damage, nothing more than a few extra leaves in the grass, and some much needed rain!
Well, that is all I have for you, just wanted everyone to know we are safe, and so is our house. Thank you for all your prayers during this time.
Well, that is all I have for you, just wanted everyone to know we are safe, and so is our house. Thank you for all your prayers during this time.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
EEEEEK HURRICANE!
Okay, so now we are the victims at hand. Rita is headed right for us :( We have not done anything by any means when it comes to preparing the house. There is no more plywood at the stores, no water, nothing. My parents think that they will be okay staying here, they live in North West Houston. We live in South Houston, otherwise known as Sugarland. While they have not said anything about Sugarland evacuating, we think it may be a good idea. Chris does not want to leave. He wants to say here and take care of the house and all the stuff. I have to admit, I am getting a bit scared. I am not sure if I should stay, or go to Dallas and stay with my sister in law or my other sister in laws sister (was that confusing?) Chris wants me and Christian to go, and he wants to stay... does that sound bad? I told him that I don't care about our stuff, I just want us all together. So, we may leave around 3am tonight/tomorrow morning and head for Dallas... So, I don't know, but I will keep you all updated as I know more, and as I can get to a computer. Please keep Texas in your prayers, this is a category 5 hurricane, and it is supposed to be a historical storm. Ok, so I am rambling because we are on and off the phone with family all over the US and Canada. Love y'all!
Monday, September 19, 2005
More, more, more...
So, I found out this morning that one of my students older sister died over the weekend. She had down syndrome, and had been in the hospital since July. Imani (my student) came to school with a cough, and was feeling sick to her tummy all morning. When she ran for the bathroom holding her mouth, I took that as a sign to send word to the office to have her mom pick her up. I later found out that her parents were in the middle of making funeral arrangements when they were contacted. I sent work with her, so hopefully she was distracted from the painful information her parents were going through.
At the end of the day, I received word that I will have a new student tomorrow morning. So now, I have the most (no longer tied for the most) students in the school, and I am still the lowest paid teacher. But, I keep on because I love the Lord, and I love those kids!
I am seeking various possibilities on where to have the baby. I have considered libido at a birthing center. I learned that birthing centers tend to cost less than a hospital, and you get to do things your way, and kids are welcome in the room. We want Christian to be in the room when the baby is born. No, he is not going to be down on the side where the baby comes out, he wants to hold my hand :)
Check out this site to find out some of the stuff I have found out! http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/birthingcenter.html
At the end of the day, I received word that I will have a new student tomorrow morning. So now, I have the most (no longer tied for the most) students in the school, and I am still the lowest paid teacher. But, I keep on because I love the Lord, and I love those kids!
I am seeking various possibilities on where to have the baby. I have considered libido at a birthing center. I learned that birthing centers tend to cost less than a hospital, and you get to do things your way, and kids are welcome in the room. We want Christian to be in the room when the baby is born. No, he is not going to be down on the side where the baby comes out, he wants to hold my hand :)
Check out this site to find out some of the stuff I have found out! http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/birthingcenter.html
Thursday, September 15, 2005
We went to Build-A-Bear last night and made a Giraffe for Baby Richards. We dressed it in a baby outfit... they also had T-shirts that say "It's a boy: and "It's a girl" But we don't know yet ;) So... that's the new news here.... oh, and I know you can't really tell in the picture, but I am now 4 months along :)
Wedding Pics
What to say when people start to notice...
Well, one of my coworkers asked me today if I was pregnant... She and I sat down during a break that we share and talked about everything. She is also trying to get Medicaid for herself and her daughter. Her ex-husband lost his job, so she now gets no child support. Man... that stinks! We decided to talk about things with each other and she plans to help me out as much as she can through all of this... Yeah, I have a buddy at work, LOL!
On another note, my Dad came home from Louisiana. He caught a nasty virus while he was there, and then to make matters worse, he stepped on an old rusty nail while doing an inspection. That sucker went through his rubber boots and his steal toe boots. Needless to say, he is relaxing in bed and on lots of meds. He told me that he does not want to go back when he is better, "it smells so bad there!" But he will go back if they call him to return.
Well, that is all for now.
On another note, my Dad came home from Louisiana. He caught a nasty virus while he was there, and then to make matters worse, he stepped on an old rusty nail while doing an inspection. That sucker went through his rubber boots and his steal toe boots. Needless to say, he is relaxing in bed and on lots of meds. He told me that he does not want to go back when he is better, "it smells so bad there!" But he will go back if they call him to return.
Well, that is all for now.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
What to say about this and that...
Okay, so we don't qualify for Medicaid, however I got a packet in the mail today about the Texas Star Program. From what I have read, it sounds like we can get insurance for about $10 a month. That is better than the $200+ I would pay at work. Now that is only if I am reading the information right. I have to call and get it all set up, so be praying for that to work out.
On another note, my principal is already asking if I plan to return next fall. In my head I am saying HECK NO, but I have to be nice, so I told her it is up in the air and dependent on Chris' employment. I have some leads into some schools closer to home, and we are still looking into the possibilities of relocation. I will keep y'all posted as I know more.
Last thing... I watched that new show "Supernatural" tonight! Wow, I give it good ratings! It kept me watching :)
On another note, my principal is already asking if I plan to return next fall. In my head I am saying HECK NO, but I have to be nice, so I told her it is up in the air and dependent on Chris' employment. I have some leads into some schools closer to home, and we are still looking into the possibilities of relocation. I will keep y'all posted as I know more.
Last thing... I watched that new show "Supernatural" tonight! Wow, I give it good ratings! It kept me watching :)
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Wedding pictures are up!
Okay, nearly two months after the wedding, I finally got some of the pictures up. Check them out at the link below!
Wedding Pics
Wedding Pictures
Friday, September 09, 2005
Officially done with the USA
Well, I am not happy with the USA! I wasted a day sitting at the Medicaid office, to find out the our joint income is to high to qualify for Medicaid! What kind of crap is that! I have crappy pay, Chris does too, and we make to much!?!?!?!? We are over by $100 a month. So, long story short, LOOK OUT CANADA, WE ARE WORKING ON OUR PAPERWORK!
Oh, and I saw the doctor yesterday: we are 15 weeks along, and the babie's due date is March 2nd. (Maybe he/she will be late and be born on Tammy's birthday)
Oh, and I saw the doctor yesterday: we are 15 weeks along, and the babie's due date is March 2nd. (Maybe he/she will be late and be born on Tammy's birthday)
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Excited!
I just wanted to say that I am very excited for Denise and Tyler! They will be seeing each other soon, after so long apart! Pray that they make a baby!
Check out what is new with them at http://spaces.msn.com/members/denisebickford/
Check out what is new with them at http://spaces.msn.com/members/denisebickford/
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Dinner Ideas?
So, I need some idea's on some cheap to make, but good dinners. We are very tight on money, especially now that gas prices are over $3 a gallon. If you have some ideas, please let me know!
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