Houston, we have a Heartbeat!

Well, FINALLY I've heard it! The baby's heartbeat that is. It's been 12 long weeks, and I was SO looking forward to this morning's appointment.

I switched Dr's this time around. The other Dr delivered both boys, but something was always missing. After 2 pregnancies, and countless office visits, they still couldn't pronounce my name right. Okay, so this happens alot in my life, all the time in fact, but seriously after all the money I've paid you, and I've tried being polite about it, could you at least try. This wasn't the only reason... There was the fact that not just the first time around, but the second time too, and even 30 minutes before B was born, they were PUSHING me to have an epidural. Really pushing, and not respecting my wishes, my past experience, etc. So I decided not to deal with that again.

Instead I'm going to an awesome midwife. She's been great so far, and I've heard good things. She practices in an office with an OB/GYN but I never have to see him, and she will delivery me pretty much guaranteed (unless something goes really haywire-which I just don't anticipate). So I switched and the only down-side I thought, was that they don't to the early ultrasound (that fun internal one), so I couldn't hear the heartbeat last month at 8 weeks.

So, I go to my appointment today, at 9:45 am. I walked in the door at 9:46....oops 1 minute late. Do you know what time I made it out of the waiting room? 10:48. The midwife made it in to the exam room at 11, and by 11:09 I was back in my car. SERIOUSLY??? Yup, seriously. The full story gets even better....

At 10:40, I walked up to the receptionist to ask when I would be seen. After all, I had to pick-up T from school and needed time to get back there. Now, those of you that know me IRL, can imagine that cranky Mommy would be up there biting her head off, being rude and pushy. So what happened? When I tried to talk to her, no words came out, just tears running down my face. I couldn't spit the words out to ask. Who knows why....I'm an emotional basket case right now! 10 minutes later they called me back.

She walks in and asks me how I am. Thru tears (still) I tell her I was crying a lot less an hour ago. She apolgizes for the wait (that's good) and then complains about her tough/busy morning with all her sick patients and double-booked appointments (bad). Bad....because that's not my problem, and it's not what I want to hear right now. So we ran thru the basics, she took out the doppler and listened to the heartbeat, answered my questions and was gone. SERIOUSLY?? And how much is she gonna charge insurance for that? Can I charge her for my time? And my babysitter's time??

I really just wish that when you got there and checked in, they would tell you, "Oh, it's been a busy morning she's running x minutes behind." That gives you the warning you need, the option to reschedule if you have a busy morning, and it's just plain courteous! Maybe I could have run out, done my errands, and come back..... I think next month, I'm going to call first thing in the AM and see if she's running on time or is double-booked. I recall from my days as a dr office receptionist, that a few patients would do this so they didn't have to just sit there waiting (and wasting their time!).

On the plus side, the heartbeat was pure music to my ears. 160 beats per minute to be exact. I knew how much I wanted to hear it, and it didn't let me down. The relief flooded thru me, and more tears too! Only later, when talking to Steve, did he ask, "Just 1 heartbeat?" to which I said yes. I forgot he'd been joking, and other friends too, that we were going to have twin girls just to even things out around here!!! Oh my wouldn't that have been fun!

I think for a few minutes in all the emotion this morning, it also hit me how close I am to the original due date from when I misscarried earlier this year. Baby would have been here on 10/25.... so I'm sure that's adding to my emotional baggage!

The REAL reason I haven't been blogging...

Well, I've come up with MANY different excuses in the last few weeks of why I haven't been blogging. None of them are the real reason. But until now, I was VERY reluctant to share the real reason.

I've also been thinking about and planning this particular post in my head for weeks and weeks. Wondering just what the right way was/is to make the announcement.

So....any guesses yet? Y'all tired of me waffling on and not making any point.

Well, we're THRILLED (words don't even do justice) to announce that Baby Kappel #3 is on the way! He/She is due to arrive April 26, 2009!!!

We've kept this under wraps until today because I'm now at the 12 week mark, and theoretically past most chances for bad things happening. My confidence level in this pregnancy making it has risen dramatically over the last few weeks, and will really get a boost on Wednesday, when I FINALLY hear the heartbeat at the midwife's office. (Love the midwife - not always a fan of less technology! I'm sure my old OB could have heard it at about 8 weeks, but they drive me nuts and it's not worth it just for that!).

This is one of my methods of announcing this pregnancy. I've thought of a billion others in the last 3 months. It's been hard not to announce it, but I will say this... Those of you who have asked me point blank if I am, I have not lied to you. If you've hinted around me expecting...well now you know!! My Halloween costume will be a second announcement of things to come. So stay tuned for photos!!

For those of you that know how strangely my brain works, I will also share this lovely mathematical fact with you. I have 2 VERY close friends -from grade school) and 1 cousin born in April (They are the only 3 birthday's I can name off the top of my head in that month. There may be others, but not that I can remember off the top of my head. SORRY!). The three birthdays are: April 3, April 12 and April 17. (Now here's the strange part of my brain working...) If you add April 12 and April 17, you get April 29; then subtract April 3; and you get April 26....my due date.

So that's what I've been doing instead of blogging.... figuring out weird April birthday math, sleeping, and growing a baby!!

Apples and Dancing, and Cubbies, Oh My!

Well, another week and a lack of blogging. I'm really slacking here aren't I? No new excuses, see last week's post for my pathetic list of reasons!

Anyway, I must do a little update, mostly on my reality TV watching.

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Amazing Race....good episode. Sorry that we didn't lose either the blondes, or the newly dating couple-Terrence and Sarah.

The blondes drove me a little nutty with the boat challenge.....if you don't think you can do it, fine....go do the other one!!

The divorcees, Kelly & Christy, drove me CRAZY with their lack of reading-skills.... geez! How many more clue blunders can you make in an episode.

But Terrence & Sarah took this cake this week. Seriously, he's got issues....a baby after the cab trunk hit him in the head-demading 'mothering' from Sarah; over-emotional in line for the airplane (not that Tina wasn't a PITA!); rude to Sarah constantly; goes the wrong way leaving the detour and then has a fit in the middle of town; and they end up coming in third!!! GEEZ... I could stand to see them leave!!

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I quite enjoyed DWTS tonight. My favorite 4: Lance & Lacey-I'm glad they went traditional, Maurice & Cheryl, Warren & Kym-god he can dance, and Brooke & Derek. It was sad to see Misty go, and I hope she'll recover and come back to jive on a future season results show. Sorry to say, it's still time for me to see Cloris go. I don't really appreciate her humor and bottom line it's a dancing competition and she didn't do much dancing!

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As for baseball..... Damn the Cubs. What a depressing end to a phenomenal season. And when my darling, but sports inept, husband says to me, "Why are you surprised? It's been 100 years!", I want to smack him!! Aside from that response, I think it's harder for me this year because they were so good and so consistent all season long. To go 3 and out is just killer. Add to that 9 straight post-season losses, well.... 'nuff said. Trevor is bummed, and if he continues as a Cubs fan, I guess he'll learn that is a way of life.

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Finally.... on a much more interesting note, and less TV related. The boys and I enjoyed a gorgeous fall day picking apples. We picked a 1/2 bushel....that's a lot of apples! And had a great time. We met friends there, and thank god they brought cameras, cause I forgot. So pictures will be coming soon. Trevor ate about 3 apples, while picking, and Blake probably 2. They adore this kind of stuff, and now I just have to figure out what to make with so many apples!!!

Is TV her life??

Looking back at the last few weeks of blogging, the answer to the above question would be yes.

In reality, I've been working, sleeping, ferrying the kids to school, and trying to get out from under a bunch of stuff I put off while enjoying the summer. So, sorry that the blogging has been less than thrilling, and not much about the family. I'm not sure what me and the kids have done in the last few weeks that is really interesting or noteworthy. Oops!!

As for TV....

Biggest Loser - I thought this week's challenge - camping - was just interesting. It was SAD to me to see how uncomfortable all those people were out in nature, and that they couldn't think of any ways to exercise!!! DUH!!! I also thought the no-vote, lowest percentage sends one home was interesting. I guess if my team has to be split, I'd rather decide it with my partner, than have the rest of the teams decide it. I was sad to see either of the Yellow team go, but it makes sense to pick Jerry as his injuries were slowing him down.

Dancing With The Stars - Seriously! Cloris is still here. I'm sorry, I guess I just don't appreciate her humor, cause I find many of the moments on camera (such as the final 2 waiting to find out who would go home) painful and annoying vs. funny. I do think that Kim didn't do a great job and I was not a big fan/supporter of hers. I don't think she got my vote last night so I guess I'm part of why she went home. I thought she could have improved, but now we won't find out. Sad to see Mark go, he's a cutie!


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A few random kid-ism's from the last few days:

While changing Blake's diaper, he points down and says "That's my pen!s". "Yes dear," I respond. His response, "I want 2 pen!ses!" HA HA!!! I think he just summed up what most men have been thinking their whole lives!!!

Trevor over the last 2 weeks, has been whinny each morning when he learns it's a school day. He fusses from wake up until I drop him at school and run out the door, leaving him crying (or nearly) and usually with a teacher holding him from clinging to me. Today, his friend Shayla told me after school that he stopped as soon as I left. So I asked Trevor about it in the car. He says, "I just cry to make you stay. I'm not really sad." GRRR.....kids!!!

I promise I'll try and have interesting life moments with the kids the next few days so I can have something besides TV to blog about. Oh wait, the playoffs start tomorrow.....nevermind!! No life for me, just CUBS!!!

SNL.....and Palin

SNL.... gawd, I haven't really watched this show since High School. You know, you get old and go to bed early, the show seems to lose that something it used to have. And somehow, in the last 15 years, I just haven't watched it much.

Lately, I've started checking the web to see what skits they've been doing, relating to the presidential race. I'm glad to see SNL is back in FINE format, and I love the work of Tina Fey.

This clip is just too perfect. Especially the part about using a "lifeline".....it's worth waiting til the end for that one!!!

DWTS Week 2

Yay, more dancing. But I have to say, the Rumba is not a dance I enjoy. For me, too much posing and posturing and not enough foot movement. I don't care how much their feet move, it's still boring. With that in mind, it's hard for me to judge tonight's dances, because the 6 couples that did the Rumba are kinda getting a rough deal in my head. Anyway...

I was quite impressed with Brooke & Derekand Warren & Kym (these football players keep doing SO well).

I thought Cloris & Corky and Susan & Tony did much better this week, each of those being relative statements. Cloris finally did more dancing than acting this week, which is what the show is all about. THANK YOU!

I thought Rocco & Karina, Kim & Mark, and Maurice and Cheryl deserved higher scores.

While I like Lance & Lacey being original, tonight's dance was NOT a Paso Doble, so their scores are appropriate.

I want to like Misty & Maks, but they need to connect to each other better....she's kinda un-engaged emotionally with him.

Yet, again I have to say I see Cloris & Corky deserving to go home. She did much more dancing than last week, especially dance #2, but it's still a contest of who is the best dancer, and she's just not going to win that. Sorry....

Amazing Race 13

Thank god it's back! I LOVE this show! I would so be on it if my kids weren't so young. Maybe in 10 years if they're still doing it!!

Last night's season premiere did not dissapoint. I was surprised to see only 1 married couple, and older at that. Usually there are a few married couples who've been together 5-ish years. I guess I should count the pair from Florida, Ken & Tina, who are separated, as married...but we'll see at the end of the season. I expect their relationship issues to affect their race performance, but last night proved me wrong. However, it's still early!

I was not at all surprised to see a token set of blondes on the show. I think the last few seasons have always had the pair of "more-concerned-with-our-looks-or-getting-guys" type gals, who also happen to be blonde, and this season is no different. I predict Marisa & Brooke, the "Southern Belles" will not make it very far....maybe 7th place at best.

Another team that came to my attention, but not necessarily for positive reasons, the 'Frat Guys'. They came to my attention due to one team member wearing a Delaware t-shirt. Great publicity for my home state - NOT!!! Dude, is he actually from Delaware? Ugh! I am not expecting much from these guys, except maybe some girl chasing of the southern belles.

My top 3 picks:

Toni & Dallas- Mom & Son - I think the fact that she's raised him alone will help them get farther than other mother/son teams. So far, they seem to have a positive respectful relationship which is definetly more than other parent/child teams in the past.

Nick & Starr - Brother & Sister - While the opening footage of them doing cheerleading moves together, leads Steve and I to question certain things, those things are not relevant to the winning of the race. They seem to have a close brother/sister relationship and also are quite athletic.

Kelly & Christy - Divorced Friends - I think there is a possible strength in these two females due to what they've dealt with personally in the last few years. I base my choice soley on the fact that you shouldn't mess with pissed-off women, so watch out for these two!!

I was sad to see Anita & Arthur go. I've seen some gerat older couples do quite well at this race over the past seasons, and I honestly thought they had a chance to be one of those. In fact, they were my #4 finisher pick. Oops, guess I'm not that good!!

DWTS Night 2

Night #2 of DWTS! Yay!! It took all 2 hours of the show, but I got my 1st voted off right. Good bye Jeff & Edyta. Sorry, but dancing just wasn't for him.

I debated doing a couple by couple run down for tonight, but my head just wants to hit my pillow so I'll skip it. I really enjoyed Brooke & Derek and they deserve #1. I really thought Maurice & Cheryl, Ted & Inna, Cody & Julianne, Rocco & Karina, and Susan & Tony IMPROVED dramatically. I was dissapointed by Cloris & Corky -no substance; Kim & Mark -bad song choice, and she just didn't move like he did.

Sorry to say, but I think Cloris is going home. She's entertaining, but not able to compete at this level! Good for her for trying!!!

Dancing with the Stars

WOO HOO!! I love this show! I'm so glad it's back, and night #1 did NOT dissapoint. I am not a big American Idol or Survivor watcher, but this is my show. And I will follow it VERY closely, and blog about it to no end. If you don't care....well too bad!!! =)

Now for my reviews....which, yes are just my opinion. While I am a former dancer (from age 9-17), I am by no means familiar with Ballroom dancing (that's my brother's area!-go Tim!), and have no qualifications to be a judge. This show however, is sadly a popularity contest, and I at least try to base my votes on who dances well (in my opinion) and not who's cuter, more famous, etc.

Anywho...

Cody & Julieanne - 7th - Umm, 1 word... dull! She's spent a lot of time doing things aside from dancing lately (country music, magazine covers) and I don't really care for that. Dance because you love it. Do DWTS because it's a challenge. But now you're just another famous person trying to make too much $$$. And him, again dull..... Just didn't do it for me. Guess you can tell I'm too old for Hannah Montana.

Rocco & Karina - 12th - Well, they were better than the first two. Not sure I can say much more than that. I would like to see them back a few more times to see if they can get better. In the meantime, he can cook for me anytime!!

Toni & Alec - 2nd - WOO HOO!!! I'm sorry, these two should be in first!! Kudos to Toni for doing this with her heart condition. I love people like this who go out and do something to prove they can (like past contestants Marlee Matlin, Marissa Jaret Winokur, & Heather Mills). I was very impressed by her musicallity (okay she is a singer) and their connection!

Maurice & Cheryl - 7th - Well, at least Cheryl hasn't been handed the competition this year, as it seemed in past years. Don't get me wrong, I like her, but don't make it a give-away that she'll win it! They weren't bad. He's a lot of fun - I like Carrie Ann comparing him to James Brown! I want to see more.

Brooke & Derek - 1st - First of all, I want to look like that after having 4 kids, and 6 months after having my latest!! Holy Cow!! They were good and fun! I'm seeing a possible champion but I honsetly thought Toni & Alec were better (or at least as good).

Ted & Inna - 7th - Hey, it's Jefferson Darcy (Mr Marcy Darcy) from Married with Children. My parents tried to stop me from watching that messed up show, but I loved it!!! And he was pretty funny! Better than Cody and Maurice IMHO.

Lance & Lacey - 2nd - Seriously, more *NSYNC guys, really. I wasn't a fan, EVER. Joey Fatone grew on me during season 4, but I',m not sure Lance will. I will give them credit for originality, and making ballroom 'cool' but I like traditional ballroom, so I'm a little with Len on this one. Show me some technical substance and then I'll be with you on the originality factor.

Cloris & Corky - 10th - Okay, she was a hoot after the dance and backstage! I wasn't hugely impressed with her technical ability, BUT she's eighty-frickin'-two and I doubt I'll be able to move like that at that age. So I give her HUGE kudos. I truly hope I can move like that at 82! But she's not making my top3.

Jeff & Edyta - 13th - So usually, when Edyta dances comments come up about wardrobe. I believe that will be true again tonight. But not about Edyta for once... but about Jeff. What was wardrobe thinking. He's not a thin/small guy. That's fine. But that outfit DID NOT help him look any more graceful or good (like Warren Sapp's did) at all!!! They're sabotaging him or something. That being said, even with the wardrobe issues aside....sorry, it's time to go Jeff. Back to Comedy Central!

Kim & Mark - 6th - Well, they were good technically, but I agree with the judges that they lacked chemistry between them and with the audience. I want to see more and they might be top 3 material.

Susan & Tony - 11th - Okay, the weight comment is already getting tons of press online. I think CarrieAnn meant it as a strength thing as she did look like she was going to break like a twig at times. Moving on.... They were really stiff together. Maybe she will be better at ballroom, but I'm not convinced right now. But I think Rocco was better than her!!

Misty & Maks - 4th - Well, she was VERY jock. But she was WAY better than Steffi Graf last year. I think the judges got it right that she needs to relax more and she'll improve.

Warren & Kym - 4th - Not quite Emmit Smith, but pretty damn good for a big man and football player. I'm very impressed by his footwork, and they were a lot of fun!

Hmm...top 3: Toni & Alec; Brooke & Derek; Lance & Lacey.
Good bye #1: Jeff & Edyta

Good Day!

Woo Hoo!!

I'm dead tired, but I have 3 reasons today was a great day:

1. Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

2. I'm now only 39 Wii years old!!! (down from 55+)

3. The CUBS clinched the NL Central Division Championship!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Now I will go to bed a happy Cubbie fan!