I got back on Sunday, and spent time with my in laws and nephews and visited with some people that we'd made connections with while here in Illinois. Yesterday, I went to my doctor's appointment. All I cared about was that he would be able to pick up fetal heart tones with his Doppler ultrasound. It took a second of rooting around but I knew the moment he found it. Nice and strong and fast. He showed me the meter and it said 156. I was very happy. During the first trimester, apart from the nausea and the tiredness, there are no indications coming from within that tells you that the baby is still in there or that everything is alright. It is also a paranoia buster when you get to hear your little one. Being halfway through my 12th week, I am happy to be pretty much done with my first trimester. I look forward to the stage where I can feel the baby move and have a daily reminder that all is well and that my little one is still there, waiting patiently to make his/her appearance. Yesterday was definitely a good day.
We got behind on laundry over the last couple of weeks due to all the traveling and the packing and getting ready for the big move, so we decided that a laundry mat would be the best way to get caught up in a short amount of time. So, this morning, while Randy was at work, I lugged LOTS of clothing over the laundry mat. I DID TEN LOADS! Ten loads?? How we accumulated that much laundry I do not know. I didn't even realize that we had that much clothes. Anyhoo, I'm glad that its over. Now, I am trying to relax and get caught up on some things at the same time.
The last couple of weeks have been hectic, but filled with family and friends and the reassurance that everything is on track with my pregnancy. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
My hectic but wonderful last couple of weeks part Two
So I knew Cassandra Daugherty back when she was Cassandra Kraus, with braces, short dark hair and glasses (lol Sorry Cassandra). We met in Junior High, maybe even elementary school, and were inseperable for many years. We were defintely the odd couple but it worked. After maybe 8yrs of losing touch after high school and reconnecting long distance, the stars aligned and we were both in Arizona at the same time and got to see eachother again on Saturday. We met for lunch. It was great. I got to meet her two beautiful little girls and her husband Bryce, who was funny and seemed like a pretty nice guy, so I approve (not that it matters at this point). It is just crazy where life can take people after highschool. It was good to see Cassandra again.
My hectic but wonderful last couple of weeks part One
Some of the Past Mesa High Graduates
We stood in order or graduation: Me, my cousin Charlene, cousin Jerome, my sister Avianne, cousin Casey, cousin Michelle, and last but not least the lady of the day, my sister Rayisa
(missing are one of my sisters(Genisha) and three other cousins)
Me, Avianne, Mom, Rayisa, Roland and DadMy sister Genisha is missing. She had to get my nieces out of the rain.
If you can't tell by now, we were soaking wet with rain, but happy nonetheless!
The First and the Last
Me, Rayisa, and our favorite aunt Michelle
On Tuesday the 19th, I flew to Arizona to witness my sister Rayisa, the last of the five siblings, graduate from Mesa High School with Honors. That day it rained and it was chilly, but considering that last year's graduation was rained out completely for the first time in probably a millenia, we were all happy that it still went on as planned. I've been able to go to all of my siblings' graduations except for Avianne's (I was out of the country) and it is always a special occasion to me. I look forward to seeing where my three youngest siblings will end up in their
lives. I am very proud of all of my siblings.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
First Comes love, then Comes Marriage, then Comes a Baby...
The days are sweet
The future bright
with you at my side
I can do anything
I can be brave
I can be scared
with you at my side
I never have to explain
you already know
you are at my side
I always have someone to talk to
with you at my side
You make me laugh
your words can bring me to tears
my heart is always full
with you at my side
Thank you for 4 wonderful years, one of which as husband and wife.
Here's to 99 more years, My Love!
~HAPPY ANNIVERSARY~
The future bright
with you at my side
I can do anything
I can be brave
I can be scared
with you at my side
I never have to explain
you already know
you are at my side
I always have someone to talk to
with you at my side
You make me laugh
your words can bring me to tears
my heart is always full
with you at my side
Thank you for 4 wonderful years, one of which as husband and wife.
Here's to 99 more years, My Love!
~HAPPY ANNIVERSARY~
Friday, May 15, 2009
I declared to my parents at Three years old, that I was going to be a doctor. Looking back on my life, I see that God has blessed me with a vision of what my future was to be, earlier than most usually come to that realization.
Everything that has been done in my life since then, including my wise parents moving to the United States, was so that I could accomplish that one major goal. Coming to the U.S. at 10 yrs old, about to turn 11 was a very difficult thing for me to withstand. I did not know about racism until I came to this country. Trinidad is such a culturally diverse place. Heck, the joke about Trinidadians is that they are mixed with at least 2 or three distinct races (I have Scottish in me among other things. My paternal grandmother is half Scottish)
In my household, nothing was impossible, but growing up in Mesa Arizona, being black, smart and driven got you hated and misunderstood by the African Americans and underestimated by the Whites.
Going through Junior High and High School definitely reinforced in me my already existent belief that others opinions and expectations of you have no bearing on who you actually are or who you will become.
I had teachers and counselors, hired to inspire the next generation, who, although I was the only black person in any of my classes, most of which being Honors classes, and I consistently earned great grades, still couldn't comprehend the possibility that I would be something great. I still remember the startled looks whenever I used to say that I was going to be a doctor.
One of my younger sisters, a straight A student in Highschool (and Deans list etc student now in College), was advised to look for a job or learn a bloody trade by a Mesa High guidance counselor when she went to him to ask for college planning advice.
I had teachers (both black and white) gossiping about me in Highschool simply because I was dating a white guy, instead of focusing on their jobs or the fact that I was always one of their best students.
(I did have a handful of great teachers who I know will be richly rewarded by God for their commitment to nonjudementally doing the job of teaching and guiding)
But, amidst it all, I always had God. And, the thing about God is that he does not only inspire you to do something, but he guides you along the way, constantly giving you what you need to realize that which he has chosen for you. It is to him I give all of the glory and the praise. He has always had my hand in his and he has never let go.
He gave me awesome parents, an amazing husband and now has entrusted me with a life that I get to guard and to guide.
I am truly, truly humbled..........
Everything that has been done in my life since then, including my wise parents moving to the United States, was so that I could accomplish that one major goal. Coming to the U.S. at 10 yrs old, about to turn 11 was a very difficult thing for me to withstand. I did not know about racism until I came to this country. Trinidad is such a culturally diverse place. Heck, the joke about Trinidadians is that they are mixed with at least 2 or three distinct races (I have Scottish in me among other things. My paternal grandmother is half Scottish)
In my household, nothing was impossible, but growing up in Mesa Arizona, being black, smart and driven got you hated and misunderstood by the African Americans and underestimated by the Whites.
Going through Junior High and High School definitely reinforced in me my already existent belief that others opinions and expectations of you have no bearing on who you actually are or who you will become.
I had teachers and counselors, hired to inspire the next generation, who, although I was the only black person in any of my classes, most of which being Honors classes, and I consistently earned great grades, still couldn't comprehend the possibility that I would be something great. I still remember the startled looks whenever I used to say that I was going to be a doctor.
One of my younger sisters, a straight A student in Highschool (and Deans list etc student now in College), was advised to look for a job or learn a bloody trade by a Mesa High guidance counselor when she went to him to ask for college planning advice.
I had teachers (both black and white) gossiping about me in Highschool simply because I was dating a white guy, instead of focusing on their jobs or the fact that I was always one of their best students.
(I did have a handful of great teachers who I know will be richly rewarded by God for their commitment to nonjudementally doing the job of teaching and guiding)
But, amidst it all, I always had God. And, the thing about God is that he does not only inspire you to do something, but he guides you along the way, constantly giving you what you need to realize that which he has chosen for you. It is to him I give all of the glory and the praise. He has always had my hand in his and he has never let go.
He gave me awesome parents, an amazing husband and now has entrusted me with a life that I get to guard and to guide.
I am truly, truly humbled..........
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Glad that's over
Yesterday, Randy and I returned, exhausted from a busy trip to Philadelphia over the weekend. Our mission was to find a place to live. We toured rental homes as well as apartments and realized that we like the security of an apartment complex, not to mention all of the amenities. Our research showed that for most places, house or apartment, we would have to pay hefty deposits and first and last month's rent. We were so overjoyed to find that one of the apartment complexes that Randy had put on his short list before we left, were having move-in specials and huge decreases in their rent depending on when you moved in. We found an available floor plan that was way larger and nicer than our present one here in the Chicago area for only about $100 more a month and we did not have to put down a lot of money for deposits. The property is right next to a beautiful park, in a wonderful neighborhood, only about 7 miles away from my hospital. We were so thrilled to find where we wanted to live on Saturday that we though it would be smooth sailing for the rest of our stay.
Life is never that simple. Monday and Tuesday we spent having to delve into Randy's rental past to clear up some issue that unbenownst to him or me arose back in 2005 that only now jumped out in front of us when this particular property did our "background checks". We saved money on moving in but ended up spending a hefty wad of cash to settle things and get all misunderstandings straightened out, but this morning Randy called me from work to let me know that everything was secure, all was fixed and that we would be receiving our leases via Fed Ex for us to sign. I was so relieved!
When I came to Philadelphia for my residency interview I did not really get to see much of the city and its many unique neighborhoods. It was pleasantly surprising to see how lush and green the area is and how many quaint neighborhoods and beautiful parks could be found while still having the ability to drive a few miles and feel as if you are in the middle of all of the activity.
On Monday, we had lunch with some of the faculty and residents that I will be working with. I got to try on white coats to make sure that I had ordered the right size, and I was always being introduced as Dr. Mills. It was so surreal but pretty cool. Randy got to visit an office that his bosses had reserved for him in a building right in the heart of downtown Philadelphia (Center City per the locals).
One thing I did not expect was how unwell I would tolerate all of the driving. It wasn't just being nauseous, which was a part of it, but just the jostling of the car in traffic made my insides feel very uncomfortable. Its hard to explain, but by the time we got back to the hotel each night, I was absolutely exhausted. Randy took good care of me, as usual, and we both survived a tumultuous weekend. It wasn't all bad. We did manage to have a good time amidst it all. I am glad to be back, knowing that our mission is accomplished.
Life is never that simple. Monday and Tuesday we spent having to delve into Randy's rental past to clear up some issue that unbenownst to him or me arose back in 2005 that only now jumped out in front of us when this particular property did our "background checks". We saved money on moving in but ended up spending a hefty wad of cash to settle things and get all misunderstandings straightened out, but this morning Randy called me from work to let me know that everything was secure, all was fixed and that we would be receiving our leases via Fed Ex for us to sign. I was so relieved!
When I came to Philadelphia for my residency interview I did not really get to see much of the city and its many unique neighborhoods. It was pleasantly surprising to see how lush and green the area is and how many quaint neighborhoods and beautiful parks could be found while still having the ability to drive a few miles and feel as if you are in the middle of all of the activity.
On Monday, we had lunch with some of the faculty and residents that I will be working with. I got to try on white coats to make sure that I had ordered the right size, and I was always being introduced as Dr. Mills. It was so surreal but pretty cool. Randy got to visit an office that his bosses had reserved for him in a building right in the heart of downtown Philadelphia (Center City per the locals).
One thing I did not expect was how unwell I would tolerate all of the driving. It wasn't just being nauseous, which was a part of it, but just the jostling of the car in traffic made my insides feel very uncomfortable. Its hard to explain, but by the time we got back to the hotel each night, I was absolutely exhausted. Randy took good care of me, as usual, and we both survived a tumultuous weekend. It wasn't all bad. We did manage to have a good time amidst it all. I am glad to be back, knowing that our mission is accomplished.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Hunt is On
Tomorrow morning Randy and I are flying out to Philadelphia. Our mission is to not leave on Tuesday without having signed a lease on an apartment or rental home. Wish us luck. I hope that I will be able to handle all the walking and driving around with my nausea but I am excited. It is fun touring properties and exploring new neighborhoods. We have our list of places and some appointments lined up. We are confident that we will find something that works for us.
Hopefully by the end of this upcoming week or the first part of next week, I will have my next post up on the Women's Corner. It will most likely be about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Hopefully by the end of this upcoming week or the first part of next week, I will have my next post up on the Women's Corner. It will most likely be about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
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