Catheter please.....anyone?????

On average, I bet I make about 20+ trips to the bathroom in a 24 hour period. It's similar to 'breaking the seal' when you are drinking...without the added benefit of a buzz.

I don't mind the frequency at home so much (except for the middle of the night, which averages anywhere from 2-5 times a night). It's the in-public restroom trips that wig me straight out.

Yes, I use the potty protectors. However, I can't help but think about whose ass was on the seat before mine. And, because of my frequent trips, how many asses am I coming in contact with per day?

Luckily I'm usually in and out in under a minute. However short my stall time, the experience is kind of like an ass hand shake...you know you have to do it, it's quick and painless, and yet you have no idea where that hand has been.

Remembering my 1st Baby, Moses...

This week has been a TOUGH week, to say the least. We had to put my dear Moses down after 18 years of a long, hopefully great life! He has been around since I was 18 years old. I knew it was going to be hard, but had NO idea just how very hard it was going to be without him. All that know me, know that I am a HUGE animal-lover and have been a fur-mama for many, many years!

So, as I reflect back on his life, I want to remember all the special memories we shared. Like the way he just loved popcorn, or the way this little 7 pound cat just loved to torment my 100 pound Labrador! Or, the way he greeted me every morning sitting at the end of the bed just looking and waiting for me to feed him. The past few days have been really hard adjusting to him not being around. Especially because Moses, Pablo & I have become very close since being layed off a few months back. My two fur-babies have been my sole companionship during the day these past few months, and I feel lucky to have spent as much quality time with him as I did.

That being said, I wanted to share with you all a poem that my friend, Erin sent me yesterday that has really helped me get through not having my dear Moses around anymore.

So, to my first fur-baby I will miss you terribly but have solace knowing that you are no longer in pain. Tarzan (yes, Tarzan - my non-cat lover hubby), Pablo and I miss you more than you know.............

Moses
1991 - 5/19/2009

The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this--the last battle--can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
Don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so.
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me til the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close--we two--these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
-Author Unknown

Welcome to the 3rd Trimester!!!!!

Only 10 weeks to go until I'm considered full term! Technically, full term is 38 weeks, but the majority of deliveries actually occur between 38-42 weeks.

Our little one is 2.25 - 3 pounds and is 15 inches in length (head to heels)...about the size and weight of half an average bag of sugar. Our lil' cub's eyes blink, which now sport lashes!

The baby's eyesight is also developing, and may be able to see the light that filters in through my womb. Salma also is developing billions of neurons in it's brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

As for me, I can look forward to any number of the following physical side effects during the remainder of this pregnancy: constipation, heart burn, bloating, indigestion, headaches, dizziness, nasal congestion, bleeding gums, increased appetite, leg cramps, swelling, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, itchy stomach, protruding naval, hot flashes, backache, skin changes, fuller breasts, carpal tunnel, tingly hands and feet, fetal hiccups, skin eruptions, lower back and leg (sciatica) pain and clumsiness.

Two words: pregnancy bliss.

The onset of PANIC!!!!!

So far, I've been pretty accepting of the changes that have been occurring to my body. As I have stated to Tarzan, it is no longer my body, but Salma's. I'll get it back some time after 8/11. I've also thought I have been fairly realistic about "what's to come." Until now.

Every week I get an update from babycenter.com informing me of how my baby is developing each week, as well as what I physically should/could be in for. Today I found out that I may experience some darkening skin patches; and most importantly, could fall victim to "the mask of pregnancy." As a good woman would do, I turned to Google for pics of this so-called mask.

Lucky me (please note the VERY thick, thick sarcasm)...I ran across a site that prides itself on exploiting the reality of the postpartum body. I'm not exaggerating in the slightest, when I say my life has been forever changed. My heart hasn't stopped beating rapidly since my eyes laid on the disturbing imagery, and like a car wreck, I keep going back to the site and starring at these women. I'm so scared I could puke.