Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Year's Resolutions

There are many little things I'd love to better about myself in 2010:

I'd love to be one of those moms that looks better after giving birth than she did before she was pregnant...
I'd love to kick my habit of procrastinating...
I'd love to be better about keeping the house clean...
I'd love to stop bickering with Hubby over "What's for dinner?", and actually have a meal planned ahead...

But I feel like all of these resolutions are meaningless if I'm not a good mommy. So this year, my resolution is simply to survive my first year as a mom with as few tears as possible!

What is your New Year's resolution??

New Year's Resolutions

There are many little things I'd love to better about myself in 2010:

I'd love to be one of those moms that looks better after giving birth than she did before she was pregnant...
I'd love to kick my habit of procrastinating...
I'd love to be better about keeping the house clean...
I'd love to stop bickering with Hubby over "What's for dinner?", and actually have a meal planned ahead...

But I feel like all of these resolutions are meaningless if I'm not a good mommy. So this year, my resolution is simply to survive my first year as a mom with as few tears as possible!

What is your New Year's resolution??

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A year in review

What an eventful year! Here's a little recap:

In January, we rang in the new year full of hope.
Hope that our beloved sports teams would play well.
Hope that we would survive another school year.
Hope that the mortgage industry would rally.
Hope that our newly-made plans to start a family would bring only happiness...

In February, I went on a whirlwind European adventure with my mom and sister.
How funny to wander the streets of Europe, looking at tiny little baby clothes (so much better than anything in America) without buying a single thing. Because I didn't want to jinx our plans to begin trying.

In March, we visited Hubby's family for a baby shower. And just smiled to ourselves thinking that with any luck, we would be next.

In April, my baby fever was out of control... so I started this blog! Thanks for reading! In the midst of finals, I took my first pregnancy test. And while it was negative, I could not have been more excited about the process we were just beginning.

In May, we received the happiest news of all. A positive pregnancy test! Hubby and I still cannot how incredibly lucky we are to have created our little Lulu so quickly. I read blogs of couples that have been trying for years, and my heart goes out to them. Just as I am elated to hear of the positive pregnancy test results for every one of them!

In June, our pregnancy was confirmed with ultrasounds. I was in the full swing of first trimester grossness - although I even got lucky here! A little queasiness, but no puking!

By July, I was into my second trimester and finished with summer classes. Hubby and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary by making our happy news public.

In August, Hubby and I were able to visit my family twice! And even though August was on its way out... we learned that our little friend is a girl! Break out the pink, because Lulu is coming to town!

By September, I was back at school and rocking my pregnancy. I suffered a little tinge of jealousy with the birth of our best friends' little boy. And while I was able to get over it (and am soooo excited for my little girl!!), I also learned that my feelings were perfectly normal. And did I mention that we got to meet our best friends' little boy?! It's been quite the year for babies in our little group of friends!

In October, I finally found comfy maternity pants. And just in time for a long weekend with friends! We also began seeing Lulu's little kicks, both creepy and spectacular! Hubby and I could truly begin to appreciate the life growing in my tummy looking at those little wobbles and rolls.

In November, I was honored with THREE baby showers! And while I just realized that I never posted about the third, they were all incredibly special. Hubby, Lulu and I truly have the most wonderful friends and family. We also got to eat a lot of turkey and other yumminess in November - hooray for the kick-off of the holidays!

In December, I suddenly realized that they tell you to slow down for a reason! I truly began to understand that late-pregnancy discomfort - shortness of breath, weird little cramps, fatigue... and internal exams! But, Hubby and I still feel as though this has been a dream pregnancy. I have had only minor discomforts, and minimal emotional break-downs!

And here we are in the final days of 2009. Looking back, this was definitely a baby-themed year from the start. We've come so far from the first tugs at my heart of baby fever. I look at Hubby everyday, and am even more in love with him. He has simply astounded me with his tenderness during the past nine months. And now that we have January 2010 in our sights, I am even more excited for what our future will bring. Miss Lulu, you are already so much a part of our lives. I can't wait to meet you!

And blog friends? Thank you for reading all year!

You may have noticed

The little icon to the right of my newest posts -->

I found this site through this fantastic blog. And have had so much fun reading other mommy blogs! And let's face it, this blog quickly transitioned from my little internet diary to a mommy blog. In record speed.

At any rate, I would love to have more readers following my ramblings. And this site will help! Click on the icon, the link below the icon, or here to put in your vote for me as a wonderful blog! The link will bring you to their homepage, where you can find all sorts of mommy blogs to read, follow and enjoy.

A year in review

What an eventful year! Here's a little recap:

In January, we rang in the new year full of hope.
Hope that our beloved sports teams would play well.
Hope that we would survive another school year.
Hope that the mortgage industry would rally.
Hope that our newly-made plans to start a family would bring only happiness...

In February, I went on a whirlwind European adventure with my mom and sister.
How funny to wander the streets of Europe, looking at tiny little baby clothes (so much better than anything in America) without buying a single thing. Because I didn't want to jinx our plans to begin trying.

In March, we visited Hubby's family for a baby shower. And just smiled to ourselves thinking that with any luck, we would be next.

In April, my baby fever was out of control... so I started this blog! Thanks for reading! In the midst of finals, I took my first pregnancy test. And while it was negative, I could not have been more excited about the process we were just beginning.

In May, we received the happiest news of all. A positive pregnancy test! Hubby and I still cannot how incredibly lucky we are to have created our little Lulu so quickly. I read blogs of couples that have been trying for years, and my heart goes out to them. Just as I am elated to hear of the positive pregnancy test results for every one of them!

In June, our pregnancy was confirmed with ultrasounds. I was in the full swing of first trimester grossness - although I even got lucky here! A little queasiness, but no puking!

By July, I was into my second trimester and finished with summer classes. Hubby and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary by making our happy news public.

In August, Hubby and I were able to visit my family twice! And even though August was on its way out... we learned that our little friend is a girl! Break out the pink, because Lulu is coming to town!

By September, I was back at school and rocking my pregnancy. I suffered a little tinge of jealousy with the birth of our best friends' little boy. And while I was able to get over it (and am soooo excited for my little girl!!), I also learned that my feelings were perfectly normal. And did I mention that we got to meet our best friends' little boy?! It's been quite the year for babies in our little group of friends!

In October, I finally found comfy maternity pants. And just in time for a long weekend with friends! We also began seeing Lulu's little kicks, both creepy and spectacular! Hubby and I could truly begin to appreciate the life growing in my tummy looking at those little wobbles and rolls.

In November, I was honored with THREE baby showers! And while I just realized that I never posted about the third, they were all incredibly special. Hubby, Lulu and I truly have the most wonderful friends and family. We also got to eat a lot of turkey and other yumminess in November - hooray for the kick-off of the holidays!

In December, I suddenly realized that they tell you to slow down for a reason! I truly began to understand that late-pregnancy discomfort - shortness of breath, weird little cramps, fatigue... and internal exams! But, Hubby and I still feel as though this has been a dream pregnancy. I have had only minor discomforts, and minimal emotional break-downs!

And here we are in the final days of 2009. Looking back, this was definitely a baby-themed year from the start. We've come so far from the first tugs at my heart of baby fever. I look at Hubby everyday, and am even more in love with him. He has simply astounded me with his tenderness during the past nine months. And now that we have January 2010 in our sights, I am even more excited for what our future will bring. Miss Lulu, you are already so much a part of our lives. I can't wait to meet you!

And blog friends? Thank you for reading all year!

You may have noticed

The little icon to the right of my newest posts -->

I found this site through this fantastic blog. And have had so much fun reading other mommy blogs! And let's face it, this blog quickly transitioned from my little internet diary to a mommy blog. In record speed.

At any rate, I would love to have more readers following my ramblings. And this site will help! Click on the icon, the link below the icon, or here to put in your vote for me as a wonderful blog! The link will bring you to their homepage, where you can find all sorts of mommy blogs to read, follow and enjoy.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Time to slow down...

So everyone kept telling me to take it easy, slow down, rest...

And everyone kept telling me that things would get harder. It would be harder to breath, harder to walk, harder to put socks on...

But I felt fine for so long! I seriously didn't believe them. I had great energy, flexibility, lung capacity...

And now I'm finally starting to realize that it's time to slow down! I have done so much the last week or so, visiting the in-laws and having my family visit us. I am just pooped. I have been up way past my bedtime for several days in a row. My nose is stuffy, so between that and, yes, my severely reduced lung capacity, I'm having trouble breathing. I just want to lie down! And nap! And spend all day under the covers! Instead, I'm at work.

And they really aren't lying about that lung capacity thing. I feel like my diaphragm is IN my stomach!

PS - like the face lift??

Time to slow down...

So everyone kept telling me to take it easy, slow down, rest...

And everyone kept telling me that things would get harder. It would be harder to breath, harder to walk, harder to put socks on...

But I felt fine for so long! I seriously didn't believe them. I had great energy, flexibility, lung capacity...

And now I'm finally starting to realize that it's time to slow down! I have done so much the last week or so, visiting the in-laws and having my family visit us. I am just pooped. I have been up way past my bedtime for several days in a row. My nose is stuffy, so between that and, yes, my severely reduced lung capacity, I'm having trouble breathing. I just want to lie down! And nap! And spend all day under the covers! Instead, I'm at work.

And they really aren't lying about that lung capacity thing. I feel like my diaphragm is IN my stomach!

PS - like the face lift??

Monday, December 28, 2009

35 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: Probably around 30, but I don't care anymore.
Maternity clothes? Still struggling to get shirts to cover me.
Sleep: I love Benadryl. I have a very stuffy nose, especially at night. Don't hate.
Best moment this week: CHRISTMAS!!! Spending time with in-laws without wanting to scream and having my family down for a few days!
Movement: A LOT.
Food cravings: I really wanted Brigham's Chocolate Chip ice cream this week... and my awesome parents found a way to get it to me!
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: Definitely feeling some contractions (not real ones), and the pelvis is still spreading to make room.
Belly button? I think it's finally out! I have a weird button...
What I miss: Sitting comfortably for a full day.
Weekly wisdom: For maximum comfort, move around and then sit and then move around and then sit, etc.
Milestones: I had a Christmas Revelation this year. OMG - I am a mommy and an adult. I received a new dryer, a new garage door, and removal of some oversize junk for Christmas. And I could not have been more excited! I also looked in the mirror last night and realized that the (really cute) haircut I got on Monday is totally a "Mom" haircut. I think this is what being a grown-up feels like... Weird!

I also realized that December 25th is just an arbitrary day on which to celebrate Christmas. This was my first Christmas away from "home" (my parent's), and I was really upset about it for a while. Until the 25th came and went, and everything felt ok. Hubby and I had Christmas Eve and Christmas at his parent's house. My family came down the next day to our house (I can't do the drive right now... too long...). While it was weird going a whole December without seeing my mom's decorations, we still got to spend time with our families. And I realized that the actual DAY of Christmas doesn't matter - it's the ability to see loved ones, in whatever way, on whatever day that really matters!

This realization added to my feeling of adultness.

35 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: Probably around 30, but I don't care anymore.
Maternity clothes? Still struggling to get shirts to cover me.
Sleep: I love Benadryl. I have a very stuffy nose, especially at night. Don't hate.
Best moment this week: CHRISTMAS!!! Spending time with in-laws without wanting to scream and having my family down for a few days!
Movement: A LOT.
Food cravings: I really wanted Brigham's Chocolate Chip ice cream this week... and my awesome parents found a way to get it to me!
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: Definitely feeling some contractions (not real ones), and the pelvis is still spreading to make room.
Belly button? I think it's finally out! I have a weird button...
What I miss: Sitting comfortably for a full day.
Weekly wisdom: For maximum comfort, move around and then sit and then move around and then sit, etc.
Milestones: I had a Christmas Revelation this year. OMG - I am a mommy and an adult. I received a new dryer, a new garage door, and removal of some oversize junk for Christmas. And I could not have been more excited! I also looked in the mirror last night and realized that the (really cute) haircut I got on Monday is totally a "Mom" haircut. I think this is what being a grown-up feels like... Weird!

I also realized that December 25th is just an arbitrary day on which to celebrate Christmas. This was my first Christmas away from "home" (my parent's), and I was really upset about it for a while. Until the 25th came and went, and everything felt ok. Hubby and I had Christmas Eve and Christmas at his parent's house. My family came down the next day to our house (I can't do the drive right now... too long...). While it was weird going a whole December without seeing my mom's decorations, we still got to spend time with our families. And I realized that the actual DAY of Christmas doesn't matter - it's the ability to see loved ones, in whatever way, on whatever day that really matters!

This realization added to my feeling of adultness.

Friday, December 25, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

May your day be merry and bright!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

May your day be merry and bright!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas Eve!

I'm at work today, for a few hours, in order to save up as much leave as I can for Lulu. And since I was so uncomfortable yesterday, today I wore a velour sweatsuit and sneakers to work.

Don't worry - I dressed it up with a strand of pearls!

Merry Christmas Eve!

I'm at work today, for a few hours, in order to save up as much leave as I can for Lulu. And since I was so uncomfortable yesterday, today I wore a velour sweatsuit and sneakers to work.

Don't worry - I dressed it up with a strand of pearls!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Pubis Symphysis

The Pubis Symphysis is the area where the bones of the pelvis come together and are held by some ligament tissue or something. This is also the area that, in a woman, spreads prior to squeezing out a 7-pound baby. From reading wikipedia, this spreading happens in most women during labor and delivery.

Most women.

Lucky me, my pelvis has already started spreading! While I'm thrilled that my body is getting ready to pop Lulu into the world, I'm not so thrilled to have searing pain with every step I take. It even hurts if I'm sitting the wrong way! My doctor tells me this is normal, and that heating pads will help.

I'm guessing that standing in the 30* cold waiting for a train to arrive won't help.

Pubis Symphysis

The Pubis Symphysis is the area where the bones of the pelvis come together and are held by some ligament tissue or something. This is also the area that, in a woman, spreads prior to squeezing out a 7-pound baby. From reading wikipedia, this spreading happens in most women during labor and delivery.

Most women.

Lucky me, my pelvis has already started spreading! While I'm thrilled that my body is getting ready to pop Lulu into the world, I'm not so thrilled to have searing pain with every step I take. It even hurts if I'm sitting the wrong way! My doctor tells me this is normal, and that heating pads will help.

I'm guessing that standing in the 30* cold waiting for a train to arrive won't help.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Let me just reach right on up in there...

Yowee!

I had my first internal exam today... I guess "they" do tell you that the internals are uncomfortable. But I figured it would be like PAP smear uncomfortable.

I was wrong. At an internal exam, the doctor spreads your legs, and shoves a begloved hand up in there. To this point, it feels PAP-like. Uncomfortable, but fine. BUT THEN. The doctor just keeps on going! I had no idea a hand could go that far.

Or that the sensation would be so... surprising. And painful!

After one look at my face when the doctor hit that "magic spot" Hubby said, "Ha! I don't think she's dilated!" The doctor responded, "Nope!"

So there you have it. I am 0 cm dilated, 0% effaced. I have had only the mildest contraction type Braxton-Hicks. Lulu is going to take her time coming out!

Let me just reach right on up in there...

Yowee!

I had my first internal exam today... I guess "they" do tell you that the internals are uncomfortable. But I figured it would be like PAP smear uncomfortable.

I was wrong. At an internal exam, the doctor spreads your legs, and shoves a begloved hand up in there. To this point, it feels PAP-like. Uncomfortable, but fine. BUT THEN. The doctor just keeps on going! I had no idea a hand could go that far.

Or that the sensation would be so... surprising. And painful!

After one look at my face when the doctor hit that "magic spot" Hubby said, "Ha! I don't think she's dilated!" The doctor responded, "Nope!"

So there you have it. I am 0 cm dilated, 0% effaced. I have had only the mildest contraction type Braxton-Hicks. Lulu is going to take her time coming out!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

34 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Probably around 30, but I don't care anymore.
Maternity clothes? The shirts (what few I have) are getting a little short. I'm not sure if I should blame the growing belly, or the dryer that shrinks EVERYTHING.
Sleep: Pretty good this week...
Best moment this week: Playing in all the snow!
Movement: Tons. She's like a ninja with all her swift kicks and punches.
Food cravings: M&M's, coffee (decaf, don't worry)
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: The exit ramp pain is still there, UTI perhaps? And some really tiny BH contractions.
Belly button? Still not completely popped out...
What I miss: Sitting comfortably for a full day.
Weekly wisdom: Don't shovel snow.
Milestones: The countdown is on. Under 50 days to go!

34 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Probably around 30, but I don't care anymore.
Maternity clothes? The shirts (what few I have) are getting a little short. I'm not sure if I should blame the growing belly, or the dryer that shrinks EVERYTHING.
Sleep: Pretty good this week...
Best moment this week: Playing in all the snow!
Movement: Tons. She's like a ninja with all her swift kicks and punches.
Food cravings: M&M's, coffee (decaf, don't worry)
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: The exit ramp pain is still there, UTI perhaps? And some really tiny BH contractions.
Belly button? Still not completely popped out...
What I miss: Sitting comfortably for a full day.
Weekly wisdom: Don't shovel snow.
Milestones: The countdown is on. Under 50 days to go!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Hiccups

For weeks, my mom has been asking if I've felt the baby hiccup yet. She seems so sxcited when she asks, "Have you felt any hiccups yet?!" Nope. Nothing. Lulu is incredibly active, but not a hicupper.

Until tonight. I finally felt her hiccup! And where did I have the pleasure of feeling this funny sensation? In my butt. That's right. My butt was getting whumped every 15 seconds or so.

At least we know she's head down, right?!

Hiccups

For weeks, my mom has been asking if I've felt the baby hiccup yet. She seems so sxcited when she asks, "Have you felt any hiccups yet?!" Nope. Nothing. Lulu is incredibly active, but not a hicupper.

Until tonight. I finally felt her hiccup! And where did I have the pleasure of feeling this funny sensation? In my butt. That's right. My butt was getting whumped every 15 seconds or so.

At least we know she's head down, right?!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Ew.

So for whatever reason, I am reading a 17th century midwives handbook. Each chapter deals with some part or another of pregnancy and childbirth. I'm just now reading the section on hemorrhoids, and am horrified by the suggested methods to deal with them! Bloodletting is nothing compared to:

Take twelve red snails without their shells, 30 or 40 wood-lice, boil them for a small time in linseed oil, and make an ointment thereof, and annoint the hemorrhoids therewith.

I'm sorry. Boiled snails and lice?? Rubbed onto my backside??? NO THANK YOU!

Reading this handbook, I am constantly reminded of how thankful I am to be delivering in the 21st century!!

Ew.

So for whatever reason, I am reading a 17th century midwives handbook. Each chapter deals with some part or another of pregnancy and childbirth. I'm just now reading the section on hemorrhoids, and am horrified by the suggested methods to deal with them! Bloodletting is nothing compared to:

Take twelve red snails without their shells, 30 or 40 wood-lice, boil them for a small time in linseed oil, and make an ointment thereof, and annoint the hemorrhoids therewith.

I'm sorry. Boiled snails and lice?? Rubbed onto my backside??? NO THANK YOU!

Reading this handbook, I am constantly reminded of how thankful I am to be delivering in the 21st century!!

What a day...

I have already been locked IN my office this morning.

And apparently the building is testing the fire alarms today, to the noise is just fantastic.

This is one of those days where I am regretting the decision to get out of bed...

What a day...

I have already been locked IN my office this morning.

And apparently the building is testing the fire alarms today, to the noise is just fantastic.

This is one of those days where I am regretting the decision to get out of bed...

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

32 Week Belly

Because I'm not so good at posting belly pictures, here's one from my staff holiday party last week. Enjoy!

32 Week Belly

Because I'm not so good at posting belly pictures, here's one from my staff holiday party last week. Enjoy!

Monday, December 14, 2009

33 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: Last week I was up 27, but I still just don't care.
Maternity clothes? :-)
Sleep: Terrible. She's kicking harder.
Best moment this week: Getting the house completely decorated for Christmas!
Movement: She is a mover and a shaker. I swear, the kicks are getting really hard - especially if I haven't eaten enough! Little piggy...
Food cravings: M&M's, milkshakes, salad
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: I have been getting a funny feeling in my exit ramp area the last week or so... not painful at all, but as if something is happening. I'm going to ask about it at my next appointment next week.
Belly button? Still not completely popped out...
What I miss: SLEEP. And not feeling breathless after a flight of stairs.
Weekly wisdom: Make sure you eat enough. A hungry baby is a violent, keep you up at night baby.
Milestones: I'm starting to understand what women mean when they say they were "uncomfortable" toward the end. While this might not be fun, I feel it's a milestone. I'm getting near the end! Still feeling great, considering, just a little uncomfortable!

33 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: Last week I was up 27, but I still just don't care.
Maternity clothes? :-)
Sleep: Terrible. She's kicking harder.
Best moment this week: Getting the house completely decorated for Christmas!
Movement: She is a mover and a shaker. I swear, the kicks are getting really hard - especially if I haven't eaten enough! Little piggy...
Food cravings: M&M's, milkshakes, salad
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor signs: I have been getting a funny feeling in my exit ramp area the last week or so... not painful at all, but as if something is happening. I'm going to ask about it at my next appointment next week.
Belly button? Still not completely popped out...
What I miss: SLEEP. And not feeling breathless after a flight of stairs.
Weekly wisdom: Make sure you eat enough. A hungry baby is a violent, keep you up at night baby.
Milestones: I'm starting to understand what women mean when they say they were "uncomfortable" toward the end. While this might not be fun, I feel it's a milestone. I'm getting near the end! Still feeling great, considering, just a little uncomfortable!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

A word to the wise

If you are pregnant or considering the possibility, please take this advice. Do make an attempt to slow down and ask for help. Lifting things and running up and down stairs really isn't a good idea.

In the midst of all my cleaning and organizing last night, I suddenly felt very achy and flu-like, a bit nauseous, and all primarily located on the right side of my abdomen. I ignored it for a little, simply thinking, "I wonder why I feel so crappy."

Then it occurred to me. I was probably overexerting myself, and bringing on some sort of contraction. I did what they tell you to do: stopped what I was doing, drank a lot of cool water, and laid down on my left side.

Funny thing. It worked.

The lesson here is: Listen to your body. Don't be stupid. You can move the breadmaker later.

Things you never knew about pregnancy

You catch find your husband staring, mouth agape, at your belly.

"It just goes straight out. I mean, it's like you shoved a basketball under your shirt. And it's just going straight out. It's so round! Does your back hurt??"

Thanks Captain Obvious! I had not realized that my spherical tummy goes straight out!

A word to the wise

If you are pregnant or considering the possibility, please take this advice. Do make an attempt to slow down and ask for help. Lifting things and running up and down stairs really isn't a good idea.

In the midst of all my cleaning and organizing last night, I suddenly felt very achy and flu-like, a bit nauseous, and all primarily located on the right side of my abdomen. I ignored it for a little, simply thinking, "I wonder why I feel so crappy."

Then it occurred to me. I was probably overexerting myself, and bringing on some sort of contraction. I did what they tell you to do: stopped what I was doing, drank a lot of cool water, and laid down on my left side.

Funny thing. It worked.

The lesson here is: Listen to your body. Don't be stupid. You can move the breadmaker later.

Things you never knew about pregnancy

You catch find your husband staring, mouth agape, at your belly.

"It just goes straight out. I mean, it's like you shoved a basketball under your shirt. And it's just going straight out. It's so round! Does your back hurt??"

Thanks Captain Obvious! I had not realized that my spherical tummy goes straight out!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Busy Bee

We have been busy chez moi! I've been meaning to post something meaningful, my apologies. Here's a quick look at what's been happening:

1) We went to birth class!
A two-day jam-packed information session on how to give birth at our hospital of choice. This included everything from what things might feel like, when to hop in the car, what to bring (and what is completely unnecessary), and where to go at the hospital. I have to say, I already new a lot of the birthing information from the fantastic yoga class I go to every week. Which is reassuring in a way - I feel as though I've been preparing myself really well! The parts that were most valuable to me were:
(a) Hubby actually heard everything from someone other then me (even though he said, "Duh, it's all common sense.") Yes. It is common sense. But it's good to start thinking about it now! and,
(b) the hospital tour. I feel so much more ready for The Day now that I know where to go and what everything looks like. I am definitely someone who needs to know logistics to feel comfortable.

2) I wrote a crappy nineteen-page paper! It was supposed to be 20-25, but I just couldn't write anything else. And I couldn't add anymore pictures. And my bibliography just was not going to exceed two pages. So I called it a day and sent it in. I'm so over grad school, I just don't even care anymore. (Good thing I have another 15-20 page paper due in the next two weeks...)

3) I'm 32 weeks!!! Feeling... much less comfortable. I have been so lucky this whole pregnancy, in so many ways. Hubby and I had no trouble getting or staying pregnant, for which we count our blessings everyday. I had little morning sickness. I've stayed cute. I only have a few stretchmarks on my boobs (I keep expecting real ones anyday now...). I can eat as much sugar as I like. And I've been reallllllly comfortable! Till now. Lulu has a foot lodged deep between my ribs. It hurts. I arch my back in weird ways to relieve the sharp heel-induced pain, which makes my upper back ache to no end. It's all for a good cause - I mean, at least Lulu has that little foot, and I'm sure it's a cute one at that!! And, considering everything, I still have a lot of energy and am still generally feeling good. Like I said, I'm incredibly lucky.

4) I planned and pulled off a holiday party at work! Along with two co-workers, we planned and hosted a very fun party this afternoon. I can honestly say, this was one of the best holiday parties my office has had in a long time. The theme (fire and ice) was just enough to spark people's creativity for the potluck. We had spicy, red foods and we had cold, blue snacks. The spread was as tasty as it was colorful, and people really had a lot of fun!

5) Our stroller/car seat combo arrived!! It's a huge relief, knowing that we have a seat restraint to bring Lulu home from the hospital in. I would still like to wait to use it for at least 6 more weeks. You hear that, little girl??

6) Hubby and I are hosting our annual holiday party on Saturday! I'd invite you all, but then I'd have to lift my mask of anonymity. The house isn't ready at all... we have a Christmas tree in the stand (and I'm trying to remember to water it), but it's not decorated. I haven't even brought the decorations up from the basement yet! And the house is a MESS. I seriously don't even know where to start. Not that I've had time! It'll get clean, the house will be decorated, and the party will be terrific. I just need to survive that long!

I think that's about it... I hope you all are enjoying the holidays!

Busy Bee

We have been busy chez moi! I've been meaning to post something meaningful, my apologies. Here's a quick look at what's been happening:

1) We went to birth class!
A two-day jam-packed information session on how to give birth at our hospital of choice. This included everything from what things might feel like, when to hop in the car, what to bring (and what is completely unnecessary), and where to go at the hospital. I have to say, I already new a lot of the birthing information from the fantastic yoga class I go to every week. Which is reassuring in a way - I feel as though I've been preparing myself really well! The parts that were most valuable to me were:
(a) Hubby actually heard everything from someone other then me (even though he said, "Duh, it's all common sense.") Yes. It is common sense. But it's good to start thinking about it now! and,
(b) the hospital tour. I feel so much more ready for The Day now that I know where to go and what everything looks like. I am definitely someone who needs to know logistics to feel comfortable.

2) I wrote a crappy nineteen-page paper! It was supposed to be 20-25, but I just couldn't write anything else. And I couldn't add anymore pictures. And my bibliography just was not going to exceed two pages. So I called it a day and sent it in. I'm so over grad school, I just don't even care anymore. (Good thing I have another 15-20 page paper due in the next two weeks...)

3) I'm 32 weeks!!! Feeling... much less comfortable. I have been so lucky this whole pregnancy, in so many ways. Hubby and I had no trouble getting or staying pregnant, for which we count our blessings everyday. I had little morning sickness. I've stayed cute. I only have a few stretchmarks on my boobs (I keep expecting real ones anyday now...). I can eat as much sugar as I like. And I've been reallllllly comfortable! Till now. Lulu has a foot lodged deep between my ribs. It hurts. I arch my back in weird ways to relieve the sharp heel-induced pain, which makes my upper back ache to no end. It's all for a good cause - I mean, at least Lulu has that little foot, and I'm sure it's a cute one at that!! And, considering everything, I still have a lot of energy and am still generally feeling good. Like I said, I'm incredibly lucky.

4) I planned and pulled off a holiday party at work! Along with two co-workers, we planned and hosted a very fun party this afternoon. I can honestly say, this was one of the best holiday parties my office has had in a long time. The theme (fire and ice) was just enough to spark people's creativity for the potluck. We had spicy, red foods and we had cold, blue snacks. The spread was as tasty as it was colorful, and people really had a lot of fun!

5) Our stroller/car seat combo arrived!! It's a huge relief, knowing that we have a seat restraint to bring Lulu home from the hospital in. I would still like to wait to use it for at least 6 more weeks. You hear that, little girl??

6) Hubby and I are hosting our annual holiday party on Saturday! I'd invite you all, but then I'd have to lift my mask of anonymity. The house isn't ready at all... we have a Christmas tree in the stand (and I'm trying to remember to water it), but it's not decorated. I haven't even brought the decorations up from the basement yet! And the house is a MESS. I seriously don't even know where to start. Not that I've had time! It'll get clean, the house will be decorated, and the party will be terrific. I just need to survive that long!

I think that's about it... I hope you all are enjoying the holidays!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

The paper still sucks.

But you know what doesn't suck?

My Hubby.

He just brought me up a french bread pizza to help me focus. Because he's the bestest!

The paper still sucks.

But you know what doesn't suck?

My Hubby.

He just brought me up a french bread pizza to help me focus. Because he's the bestest!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Papers Suck.

Just a little note to let you know I'm procrastinating. 6 pages down, and only 14 to go!

Crap.

Papers Suck.

Just a little note to let you know I'm procrastinating. 6 pages down, and only 14 to go!

Crap.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Just a tip

Don't leave your tea kettle unattended on the stove for over an hour without the whistle engaged. It will catch fire.

Just a tip

Don't leave your tea kettle unattended on the stove for over an hour without the whistle engaged. It will catch fire.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

A note to the haters

I'm not that huge! Seriously!
This picture was taken on Thanksgiving (note the green bean casserole in front of me). I added some lines to show my actual shape, since the dress was a bit flowy.

I'm 7 months pregnant. I'm feeling good. I'm neither HUGE nor small for how far along I am. I'm just right. Please stop telling me that I'm going to "drop any day now."

Trust me. I'm going to get a whole lot bigger.

Ok, even I freak out now and then

I will not google. I will not google. I will wait to call my doctor at 9am. I will not google.

This is the mantra going through my head right now. I got an email last night from my uncle warning me that my grandfather (age 93) has just been diagnosed with shingles. Contagious and dangerous.

I haven't seen my grandpa in two years, so it's reasonable that I spent ALL Thanksgiving by his side. I have definitely been exposed. CRAP!

And not to mention, I am worried about my grandpa. At 93, this cannot be an easy illness to get over. My mom was down with shingles for over a year when I was 14... I hope he's ok...

A note to the haters

I'm not that huge! Seriously!
This picture was taken on Thanksgiving (note the green bean casserole in front of me). I added some lines to show my actual shape, since the dress was a bit flowy.

I'm 7 months pregnant. I'm feeling good. I'm neither HUGE nor small for how far along I am. I'm just right. Please stop telling me that I'm going to "drop any day now."

Trust me. I'm going to get a whole lot bigger.

Ok, even I freak out now and then

I will not google. I will not google. I will wait to call my doctor at 9am. I will not google.

This is the mantra going through my head right now. I got an email last night from my uncle warning me that my grandfather (age 93) has just been diagnosed with shingles. Contagious and dangerous.

I haven't seen my grandpa in two years, so it's reasonable that I spent ALL Thanksgiving by his side. I have definitely been exposed. CRAP!

And not to mention, I am worried about my grandpa. At 93, this cannot be an easy illness to get over. My mom was down with shingles for over a year when I was 14... I hope he's ok...