Travelling and waiting

So, we're going on a trip this weekend, heading down to the States with my brother and sister in law for some shopping and sight-seeing. The dollar's nearly at par, and we're in need of some new clothes. Today, for instance, I'm wearing a t-shirt that had bleach spilled on it. Not in an artsy, funky way - just in a ruined shirt way. Classy. Definitely time for some new clothes.

This is definitely not a regular expedition for us - I think the last time I went to the US exclusively for shopping was in the eighties, as a kid, with my mum and dad! So it will be fun to see if we can get some deals. I have heard that Pennsylvania's the place to go, and someone else recommended Detroit for outlet shopping, but it wasn't me planning this trip and so we're going a little further afield, to hit the Arundel Mills mall. Anyone been there? I hope it's good.

As for me, I'm getting more and more anxious to have some closure on this miscarriage. I know I talk about it a lot (boring right?!) but it's pretty much on my mind all the time. I know that this is going to end that way (it's not just a feeling - the HCG levels aren't rising properly, and there are other clear indicators that this is going to terminate), but my body keeps trying to convince me otherwise. My body is pregnant and keeps reminding me that it is. The more pregnant I feel, the more that hope creeps in - which is bad, because I know I should absolutely not get my hopes up. There is no chance this pregnancy will result in a baby. So the longer this goes on, the more painful it's going to be both emotionally and physically.

Yet, there seems to be very little help for me from the medical professionals at this point. The earliest ultrasound I could get was for next Monday (and results take up to a week). My family doctor is referring me to an OB (as of last Friday) but I haven't heard from them yet (though I've been calling to try to rush things along). Meanwhile, each day that passes is another day wasted, another day of spotting, another day of useless pregnancy nausea and sore boobs. Another day of over the top hormonal emotions. Another day of the slight pains and cramping. Another day of futile growth that will have to go - and the more growth, the more pain when it does go.

So to me, and my husband as he is dealing with it too, this is urgent. And incredibly frustrating.

Anyway. There's my whining for today (I saved up from yesterday ;) )
And here are some giveaways.

For baby:

• Win a set of two Luvloo Mini ToyWranglers at {Natural} Mommie. Ends October 27th.
• Win a trio of speesees kimono bodysuits (size 12-18 months) at True Cuddles (must be a subscriber). Ends October 24th.
• Win Mrs. Smith's diaper bags - at Baby Loving Mama (ends November 3rd), Jabbering Jessi (ends November 6th) and Me and My Boys (ends November 2nd).
• Win a Puj Go Sling at My Wee View. Ends October 27th.
• Win a Rockin Baby Sling at Newly Wed, Newly Bred. Ends October 29th.
• Win a set of Bummas wipes at Newly Wed, Newly Bred (ends October 26th), Suburban Saving Mama (ends November 3rd), or Organic Girl (ends November 6th).
• Win a cute plush monkey from CSNBaby at Cravens Home. Support her very first blog giveaway! Ends October 29th.
• Win the item of your choice from Momo Baby at The Deal Scoop! Ends October 27th.
• Win an absolutely lovely handmade papercut night light at Fog and Thistle. Ends October 26th.
• Win a Glow Baby journal at Brown Couch Events. Ends October 31st!
  

For the ladies:

• Win a $50 gift certificate to Amon Maternity at Mommy? I'm Hungry! Canadian winners must pay shipping. Ends October 27th.
• Win a bamboo tee and stainless steel water bottle from Green Cricket at Country Mouse, City Mouse. Ends October 25th.
• Win a pair of Hatley Pyjamas at Jolly Mom. Ends November 4th.
• (or for kids) Win a tee from Andira Rain (three winners!) at Sweeps4Bloggers. Ends October 30th.
  

For anyone:

• Win a $50 gift certificate to ecopiggy at Mkokopelli. (Lots of baby stuff, but also other eco-friendly goods) Ends November 2nd.
• Win a $50 gift certificate to Novica at A Happy Hippy Mom. Ends November 10th.
• Win a Cuisinart ice cream maker at Tri to Cook! Oh, my. I want one of these. My mum used to make amazing homemade ice cream... I wanna play! Ends October 26th.