May 31, 2008

Video Game Review : Go Pets, Vacation Island

Recently, I was asked to review the new game by Konami for Nintendo DS called GoPets: Vacation Island.

[Read Full Post over at Dana Reviews]

May 30, 2008

Absof*ckinglutely Fabulous

I just got home from seeing the Sex and the City movie. I laughed. I cried. I cried some more. I loved every moment, every memory, every witty line, every emotion. All the anticipation? Totally worth it. This movie was amazing in ways I never expected. I want so badly to share some of the movie plot with you, but as a loyal S&TC fan, I must hold my tongue.

I have so much to say…but first I must unleash the inner Carrie Bradshaw in me and write it in a way you’ll appreciate. I can’t tell you how the story ends, but I will say, you won’t be disappointed. See the movie. You’ll thank me later.

I’m Taking Charge of My Fertility

Hi. My name is Dana, and I’m “Reproductively Challenged.” It’s rather uncomfortable for me to admit that I have difficulty conceiving. Factors like weight, heredity, genes, hypertension and other familial traits have contributed to my fertility troubles.

What’s even more difficult is coming to the realization that I have to make certain the moon is aligned perfectly with Jupiter (…or is it the sun?), chart my reproductive cycles to determine ovulation, have sex on the “right days,” and dance in a circle three times around the apple tree in my back yard, and then maybe, just MAYBE, I will get pregnant.

I’ve been through this ring-around-the-ovaries game before. It was 2+ years before I conceived Dawson, who is now almost four years old, and for the last year or more, I’ve been in baby mode. Conception is on my mind all the time. I want nothing more than to have a second child. Unfortunately my body isn’t cooperating. I’ve ranted about that whole situation before.

[Read Full Post]

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Mommytalk visitors — head over to MouthyGirl’s place for your next clue!

May 28, 2008

Hello, Baby? I’d Like You Out of My Uterus, Please!

Sam at Temporarily Me is 7 days overdue, and since most of us know how anxious we were to deliver the babies that took up residence in our wombs for nine months, we’re having a Bloggy Baby Shower to let Sam know we’re crossing our fingers and hoping her little bundle of joy makes an entrance in this big bad world sooner or….SOONER!

I can’t say I know how it feels to be pregnant longer than 40 weeks. Dawson was induced two weeks early because of my pre-eclampsia.

However, my mother remembers all too well being overdue with my brother. He was due June 20th but he decided he didn’t want to stick to any stupid due date. Nathan arrived on June 30th, ten days late. Which, really, is kind of fitting because my brother likes to take his time with everything in his life. He insists on making certain all his ducks are in a row before he makes any type of decision, big or small.

Since I have no advice for Sam that will make her feel comfortable during the waiting, I went on a hunt for ten ways to naturally induce labor:

1. Acupuncture – They say various points can start contractions. Personally, I think getting poked with needles is a little insane, but if it works, I say go for it.

2. Nipple Stimulation/Breast Pump – This uses the mother’s oxytocin to stimulate contractions. Right, because the first thing a tired, swollen, cranky mama wants is her nipples stimulated. Men, beware, if you try this you may get killed.

3. Walking/Changing Positions Frequently – this is supposed to stimulate action in the uterus. But honestly, if a pregnant woman is already overdue by more than a day, she’s probably already pacing the floor in frustration.

4. Castor Oil – Mixed with juice or food it stimulates prostaglandins to contract the uterus. All I can say is ick. Ick!

5. Herbs – Common herbs used are black and blue cohosh, they are supposed to induce labor. For some reason I keep visualizing an open bottle of ground basil and a cup of hot tea. Another ick.

6. Spicy Food – It’s supposed to stimulate digestion and increase prostaglandin production. I see a bout of heart burn coming on. Probably not a good idea if labor is imminent.

7. Massage – Now this is one technique that may do nothing but distract the mama-to-be from those stupid false contractions. If anything, it will relax Mom enough to help labor start more easily.

8. Orgasm – Uh huh. We know it’s supposed to induce contractions, but when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant, sex was the LAST thing on my mind.

9. Pineapple – I heard an old wive’s tale that pineapple is a labor inducing food. I have no research to support this, but I love pineapple. I might remember that one for next time.

10. Glass of Wine – Again, no evidence that it stimulates contractions, but it might help an anxious mom relax. Obviously doctors would advise against this, but if I were overdue, I’d probably take a tiny swig just to take the edge off.

Good luck, Sam! That’s all the assvice I have for you. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the little one arrives soon!