Thankful November

[duskymonkey]

August Blooms that's big news! I recall up thread about your H's vasectomy and this just happening right before. I also recall what a roller coaster it was for you the last time. Big hugs and like everyone I am here with you. Big hugs to your sister too. I was where she is, she still has options, just not the way she envisioned them but nonetheless there's still hope. No matter what though it's a harsh reality for her especially if she is family focused. Thinking of her. Life happens in mysterious ways as you're experiencing it now. 
codex320 great to see you popping in from time to time. I also cannot believer it's already November and only 2 weekends left before Thanksgiving! I was actually planning to start making my pie crusts and baking my cheesecake in advance but it looks like I'll just be making it in time oh well. 
danvers it's nice to have an assistant and glad to hear you're all well too. I have no words about your SIL. She seems to be living her life as well as all my neighbours here. Thanks so much for debating and ignoring public health recommendations and ordinance.
CoachTsWife thinking of you and your mom's recovery.
cythe I love to get swim lessons for the boys; for us here the majority of people don't care to take any precautions so it's an absolute no go for us and CV can't spread though chlorinated water as Taitai said and so does my sister who's even more paranoid than me but have allowed her kids to go to the pool this summer.
Taitai how exciting for your DS' first field trip! I was so so nervous ( due to his behavior ) when DS went on his first field trip in preK that I was tempted to do a drive by but luckily I couldn't get out of work that day haha! I am a little sad he hasn't been able to experience that in K ( everything cancelled due to CV)  for what looks like all of G1. Sorry to hear about the AQI despite less movement from CV. It still doesn't stop all the trash burning in the region which is/has been a huge issue...ugh. I was proud of DS today when he raised his hands to share a fact about earth in his science lesson; after his teacher said that land is only 1/4 of the earth, he raised his hand and said there's going to be less due to global warming caused by CO2 and the warm temperatures are melting the arctic and causing lands to be less. 

[duskymonkey]

What a nail biter last week was. I have never been so concerned about politics before. Even hubs woke up Thursday morning and said, it's hard not to rage because I was ragey and disgusted with the POTUS. He's such a disgrace and IMO a vindictive vile person who has zero interest in public service for the people and country. He is dangerous and has managed in the last 4 years to set the country back a century and what he has "sowed" amongst his "tribe" has the grassroots of a terrorist organization. It's very hard to be around some people I encounter and listening to so much hate coming out of them. I am relieved being an immigrant with bi-racial kids and I hope the new admin can chip away little by little all the lies and hate. I feel bad for them, 4 years isn't enough to undo all the hate that has been sown and I hope people will realize that and give them grace and a chance.
Other good news, the largest fire is now 92% contained and we got more snow today. The others are still smoldering which is still a concern. Hoping and praying these FF are able to at least get some rest over Thanksgiving.

[August Blooms]

And just as I was wrapping my head around the idea of baby #3 it’s over. I started spotting last night and by this morning it was full on bleeding. My symptoms are gone too, they came on strong and were gone very quickly. I’m feeling all the feelings but this one is easier to accept since it never really got started. It still sucks and I’m going to start decorating for Christmas and probably buy myself a treadmill.

[August Blooms]

duskymonkey Like was for the fire containment and the election results. I’ m sure the past 4 years have not been easy for you and your family. I watched Joe and Kamala on Saturday night and was in tears watching Kamala, a biracial women elected to one of the highest most powerful offices in the world. Canadians no matter the political party are very happy with the result as we usually work better with Democratic governments.

[Taitai]

August Blooms I am so glad to hear that you’re better prepared this time around, and I’m excited for you! Wonderful to hear that you and your H are in a better spot too. I’m so sorry to hear about your sister though - that is a difficult position for you to be in, and how sad for her. As someone who has dealt with IF issues, I can empathize with her pain. I am sure you will handle it well, as you are a caring and kind person. I will be keeping you in my thoughts, and I am hoping for happy updates as thing progress!

duskymonkey Wohoo to your DS1 for raising the topic of climate change at school! I’m proud of him too. To be honest, I was a bit nervous for DS1’s field trip today, just as it involved being on the road and a boat, but all went well! He and his friends had a great time, and I am glad he had such a positive experience for his first field trip. He is already telling me that he can’t wait for next year’s excursion. Must have been a fun time for him.

CoachTsWife I hope your mom is recovering okay. Bummer about not being able to visit, but with COVID numbers skyrocketing, it’s probably safest for you both. Sending comforting and healing thoughts her way!

[Taitai]

August Blooms I just saw your post - I must have hit post just after you sent your update. I’m so, so sorry. Big hugs to you. That is a rollercoaster of emotions to go through, and you are processing it really well. Go buy yourself the treadmill, and I hope that the decorating helps you take your mind off of things and stay busy. So sorry again, thinking of you.

[CoachTsWife]

Thinking of you August Blooms.

[danvers]

Thinking of you August Blooms

[codex320]

August Blooms thinking of you! Hope you are ok.

[August Blooms]

Thanks guys. This loss isn’t hitting me as hard as the last time, physically or mentally. I did make a point to enjoy the moment at the time since I knew it would be my last pregnancy and could end at any time. It does suck knowing that my last two pregnancies ended in losses.

On a happier note the treadmill I want is back in stock next week, my house is partially decorated for Christmas. And I moved DD2’s room since her previous one could not accommodate a full sized bed. It’s mostly done, I just need the artwork hung and find a place for toy storage. I took her to the dentist for the first time and she did great even with all the scary covid precautions.

[duskymonkey]

August Blooms big big hugs to you sister. Let yourself feel whatever it is you need to and go get that treadmill, you deserve it! Much love.

[duskymonkey]

CoachTsWife how is your mom? Always thinking of you and your family. Big hugs

[duskymonkey]

I must apologize, my last posts have been in a lot of angst and doom and gloom. I didn't mean to upset or offend anyone. I am sorry if I did. So let's talk about what terrifying things our 3 year olds are up to these days? So lil fella only napped 1 day last week, ONE! He's also the absolute worst during teeth brushing time. I am having to pin him down using all my arms and legs and he cries like he just got pulled out of my womb! I did see his last molar popped out but he's just awful during teeth brushing time. Also lately trying to get him to sit and eat his meals at the table is like catching a fish. We somehow manage after 30 minutes of luring him with books and toys, the latter I am not happy about but we have strict rules about only eating meals or anything messy at the table. I've allowed him toys due to the fact that often times, I need to get him to the table and eating quickly between DS' classes since everything happens on the dining table. So yeah, my dining table is the hardest worker in our house in Covid times. He used to eat ok on his own. Breakfast seems to the the easiest and he'll at least eat his apple sauce and yogurt on his own but I am mostly spoon feeding him so we can just get it done. Speaking of apple sauce and yogurt, I used to make apple sauce and get a huge tub of plain yogurt but he's refused to eat those in bowls and wants the ones in the "little cups" as he calls it and loves to go "get it myself". So are your little people giving you grief at mealtimes or any other times? Share.
Sigh! I also spotted a white hair growing in my hairline. I know I shouldn't complain I only have a few and barely noticeable but because I can see it, it's a reminder that I really am not young anymore and probably shouldn't be running about like I am. A happier note, I just pulled out our Thanksgiving cheesecake out of the oven. Now I just have to find a spot for it in my constant over stuffed Covid freezer.

[Taitai]

duskymonkey Did you make the pumpkin choc cheesecake again? Every year you talk about making it, I just want to come over and grab a slice. I have the recipe and maybe will try to make it this year...it’s hard to get canned pumpkin around here though. On the grey hair thing...I started getting greys at 26. Yes, 26! So, I say you’re doing pretty well, lol.

On the 3 year old stuff - I’ve noticed mine has definitely been wanting to do more things himself and do what he wants, when he wants. That has meant more difficulty getting him up to the table to eat, and he’s not letting me brush his teeth as much. I like that he wants to do it himself, but I also don’t trust him to do a thorough enough job, and hard pass on dealing with cavities. So, he brushes on his own first, and then he lets mom double check/finish the job. For the eating thing, I’ll be really happy when both of my kids are old enough to completely feed themselves so I can eat in peace!!

August Blooms Been thinking about you. You have a really healthy attitude, and I hope you love the treadmill. I am looking forward to decking the house with Christmas decor too - once we finish with Thanksgiving!

CoachTsWife Thinking about your mom - hoping she is okay!

[CoachTsWife]

duskymonkey Taitai
My mom seems to be doing well. She's set to be discharged from rehab Tuesday, so I'm taking the day off and driving her home. We haven't been able to see her since last weekend when they shut down the hospital to visitors, but she's sending video chats and looks good. Anxious to get her home but also nervous since she lives alone. My sister and brother live in the same town as mom, so at least they're close.

[danvers]

DD2 would much prefer to have H or I do everything for her. She takes her roll as the baby in the family very serious.

Except for naps. She gave up naps sometime in October. Daycare tells us she just lays their quietly during their naptime and we don’t even try anymore here 😫


Also, our county continues to have the highest covid positivity % in the state for the 3rd week in a row. We are still 100% in person for teaching. This just feels like insanity. Tests are taking 4-6 days to be returned and we do not require students to quarantine if a family member is awaiting results (students who are getting tested should quarantine but my neighbor, who most certainly seems to have it, has been told her son can come to school till her results come 🤬)

So it’s all a good time here 😭

[Taitai]

danvers Wow to all of that. How sad to hear that tests are taking 4-6 days to turn around. I suppose all of the labs are totally overwhelmed. I hope you and your family stay safe.

I am now having family members in the states who have have it and are sick. Both of my grandparents (age 91) tested positive for COVID-19 and are in the hospital. They are both on oxygen, and they have my grandpa on steroids, remdesivir, and plasma treatment. These are my only surviving grandparents, and we are close to them - but we weren’t able to have our annual summer visits with them due to the pandemic (and it’s travel bans), so now I’m just hoping and praying that they make it through. Thinking of them alone in the hospital with no visitors also makes me very sad.

[CoachTsWife]

Sorry to hear about your grandparents Taitai. That must be so difficult. Will be sending prayers for them. Will you keep us posted on them?

My grandma is in a nursing home in the small, rural, town where I grew up. It is a small nursing home and 33 residents/staff have tested positive. There are 3 hallways in this nursing home and 2 are now quarantined off and only 1 hallway remains for healthy residents. So far my grandma is ok, but I feel it is only a matter of time. We haven't seen her since March and it's just so hard. When I talk to her on the phone she sounds good, but I just cannot imagine being in her situation. She's a strong lady, that's for sure.

[codex320]

duskymonkey, you always seem to plan ahead! Send me all the tips We are going to smoke a turkey breast this Thanksgiving. Not sure if we are going to see anyone since it's weird and germs and stuff but even my H was like "we should really come up with a menu" and I'm just like, "ugh. don't feel like cooking anymore". The struggle is real. Our 3 year old is sooo independent and sassy. We brush her teeth every morning and she's perfectly fine with it. Fingers crossed she stays that way I'd be happy if she doesn't fight me to brush her teeth at night but I'm all for small victories for now. She goes potty all by herself and tells me she doesn't want me to help.

Taitai, That is awful! I hope they can make a smooth recovery. I've known of at least 2 people that had it pretty bad e.g. being on oxygen and in the hospital. They are ok now.

danvers, Crazy, man. Beyond rude. Stay home and keep your people home if you might have covid. Geez.

[codex320]

Are we crazy? Trying for #2? We are going to do an FET. I just had a hysteroscopy this morning and ouch! I don't remember doing one before, but IVF was a while ago. No big dates yet since we are waiting for a couple of things and need to do a couple more tests but I'm nervous/anxious/excited. I would love to get this done before the end of the year, but I don't want to rush anything I think another October baby would be good Please cross some fingers for us!

[Taitai]

@goodynewfy You’re not crazy at all! Excited for you, and sorry about the ouch from the hysteroscopy. I had one of those during my lead up to IVF, and I remember squeezing H’s hand so hard that I made something pop. Good luck on the FET!! Please keep us updated!

Thanks everyone for the well-wishes on my grandparents. My grandma is doing better and is off oxygen, and grandpa is stable. Still have a few more remdesivir shots to complete, but he isn’t getting any worse, which is good. CoachTsWife - I will be praying and hoping for your grandma to stay safe, healthy, and mentally well also. Being alone in a nursing home these days, not being able to have visitors, is so terribly difficult. I hope the vaccines get here quickly so we can all see our elderly loved ones again. It’s hard.

[August Blooms]

Taitai I hope they continue to recover!

duskymonkey My 3 year old is being weird about her clothes fitting her, everything is too tight even when it’s not. She loves her new big girl room but is still not staying in her own bed, I need to put the gro clock in there. She is also becoming scared of the dark for no reason. Fun!

codex320 Fingers crossed for you!

[CoachTsWife]

That's exciting codex320! Thinking of you guys as you go through this process.

Good to hear they're doing ok Taitai.

My mom is getting discharged from inpatient rehab today, so I'm taking half the day off and taking her home. Excited to get her out of the hospital but also anxious about her being alone.

[danvers]

codex320 excited for you as you all begin this process!

Taitai how are your grandparents doing?

CoachTsWife how is your mom doing in her recovery?

duskymonkey if you can find any room for all your delicious Tday foods in your freezer, I probably have some room for cheesecake and such in mine 😂 Actually we have the Wednesday before off and I think making a cheesecake sounds perfect. H and I deserve a whole desert to ourselves after all this elearning craziness

[danvers]

Nothing new to add. I have been watching The Crown on Netflix any chance I get but at 50+ minutes it’s hard to binge with DD1 and DD2.

The Queens Gambit (about chess and not British royals) on Netflix is excellent is anyone needs a new show. Like, maybe one of my favorite shows this year.

H and I really, really enjoyed The Boys on Amazon Prime but it certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea so I hesitate to recommend it to anyone....

Obviously we are doing a lot of “staying home” when not at work 🤣😂

[codex320]

danvers, The Boys wasn't my cup of tea, but my H watched it and (I think) liked it.

[CoachTsWife]

danvers she's doing as expected I think. She's been at home mostly by herself since Tuesday evening and seems to be going ok.

My grandma has now tested positive for covid. IDK if there's any resident in the nursing home who doesn't have it. I'm sure there is but the numbers I'm hearing are crazy. It appears that most of them are feeling mostly ok so far. But one of Grandma's good friends, who was also in the same nursing home, just died. My mom seemed to think the lady wasn't doing well and her death isn't directly related to covid. I just feel so bad for my grandma - and everyone who is also in this situation. I truly hate it.

[Taitai]

CoachTsWife I am so sorry to hear that your grandma now has COVID too. Both of my grandparents are stable, and yesterday they were transferred from the hospital to a rehab (aka nursing home) facility while they recover. My grandma is still very weak and just needs lots of rest to get better. Grandpa is doing okay, but he also is weak, and they say it will be a while before we can think about getting them both back home. I am very thankful for all of the medical staff doing their very best to take care of them. Hoping your grandpa and my grandparents pull through. I am very sorry to hear about your grandma’s friend.

Glad to hear that your mom is back home, and I’ll keep hoping that she has a smooth recovery.

[danvers]

Taitai I’m glad to hear your grandparents are recovering

CoachTsWife I’m sorry to hear your grandmother has it. Continued thoughts for your mom as she recovers too. How are you doing with this all? So many caretaking roles as wife, mom, daughter, and granddaughter - I hope youre able to find a moment for yourself too

[duskymonkey]

CoachTsWife Thinking and wishing so much wellness for your grandma. Glad to hear your mom is recovering well. Same with yours Taitai . I am so sorry they got it but glad they are on their way to recovery. Treatment has improved a lot. I am so heartbroken with our situation. This virus is just extremely contagious. I am truly mind blown especially after almost a year with compelling evidence. I just can't with all the anti-maskers and non-believers. Things aren't looking good here. 1 in 49 people are estimated to be infected in our state. The governor has mandated a level red for most of the state except my GD county declared it wasn't going to enforce it. We have a dial system and level red is just above purple which they just added meaning the health system at that point is in critical capacity. We are worse now than we were back in April/May. Before it was an acquaintance of an uncle's acquaintance's cousin's friend's BIL's friend. Now it's basically my sister's in-laws and my nephew who had/have Covid - they all have mild symptoms. I am really nervous being around people now and I am dreading having to go pick up our Turkey Sunday morning and to go inside to grab a few items I couldn't find last night.
danvers big hugs. I am nervous for you. Be safe.