Baby Registry Help

Ladies (and gentlemen if you are reading) I need some help.  There is a shower being planned for me in August (due to travel schedules and other things, this timing just works well).  We will be going to register next week.  (I know, I know, invitations will go out before I have even registered, slacker on my part!)  Please tell me what you couldn't live without and what I can't forget to add!!!  I am planning on registering at Babies R Us and Target for now.

THANK YOU!!!

Caldrea at Target

I went shopping at Target with my SIL the other day.  I was looking for some new soap for the powder room.  They had a Caldrea display on the end of one of the aisles.  I was intrigued, so I took a look.  The only fragrance there in just the hand soap was Citron Ginger (exclusive to Target).  I opened it to take a sniff.  I thought not too bad.  Well with my present condition, I travel to the bathroom quite often and I might have just found a reason to actually enjoy it....the soap smells AWESOME!  I will be going back for more!  I highly recommend it!  And I don't think it was priced too bad, maybe $7.99.

pictures

Finally - here are some pictures!

This is 17.5 weeks in the morning (not a great picture but we were hurrying out the door and J said we needed a picture)

This was last Tuesday after dinner at Montgomery Inn.  Can you tell the difference at the end of the night? (sorry its a little blurry - those are regular jeans with a belly band)

This is 19 weeks.  Taken in the evening before dinner.  Love this dress.  Wear it a lot!!

See, I told you I was getting a little bump!!!

Nineteen Weeks

Almost halfway!!  You are the size of a large heirloom tomato, quite relevant for July as they are in season ;)  You're definitely growing.  I had to use the belly band last week and have been wearing some hand me down maternity shorts - they are Oh So Comfortable.

I had an appointment with the midwife this week.  Everything looks good.  Heartbeat was in the mid 140 - 150s.  Your definitely moving around in there.  I have started to feel it more and more.  I can't wait for your dad to feel it in the next couple weeks.

We are starting to plan for your arrival.  We went to our first baby store looking for furniture and other items.  We narrowed it down to 2 cribs, but will look a couple other places before ordering.  It definitely is hard to find something we both like!  We'll be registering in the next week or so as your aunts are throwing a shower in Lexington in a few weeks.  (Its early, but timing of travel and everyone being in one place makes it work). 

All your aunts on your dad's side will be here this weekend for a Girls get together!  Looking forward to their visits.

One more week to the halfway point!!!

(I will be getting ready to go out in a bit and will definitely take a picture.  Then I will post all the pictures I have been promising for the last week.)

Embarrassing Story

 picture from www.marketingpilgrim.com

I am not sure if I should share this story since I was really embarrassed.  But I was alone when it happened and what fun is an embarrassing story if you don't share it.  Just promise not to judge....

I had a doctor appointment yesterday - just a check up and meeting with one of the midwives, nothing fancy.  As you know (or maybe you don't and I'm enlightening you) at most or all of your OB appointments you get to pee in a cup.  And sometimes that is not a big deal.  And sometimes it can be very traumatic.  After waiting my turn in the "patient's restroom" (so designated because there is a little door in the wall for the lab tech to grab your cup when you are done), I go in.  I write my name on the cup and go about relieving my bladder (which I was thankful for as it was pretty full.) Feeling pretty good about the specimen I was leaving, I open the door to the little opening for the lab.  WELL....the door is on a hinge and you have to hold it open or it will close on you.  Yep, damn door closed right on my hand creating a little spillage.  Well, maybe not a little as I lost about half.  Luckily it really only got all over my hand (not my clothes or anything else) and I was able to clean it up.  But I worried it wouldn't be enough and I would have to do it again.  Apparently, I was in the clear, so I didn't have to go again.  But you better believe I scrubbed my hands and arms up to my elbows.  Not a very fun experience. 

And proof that I was flustered....my blood pressure was higher than it has been at any other visit.  Not terribly high, and the nurse wasn't worried, but high enough that I noticed the effect.....

After writing that out, I am only slightly embarrassed and glad that I was the only one who witnessed it. 

Home Sweet Home

I am home again, finally.  I will try to post in a bit to catch up.  I have some pictures, so I'll upload those too! 

18 weeks

Lots has happened in the last 3 weeks, Little One.  I think you have grown quite a bit, or at least that is what my weekly email and expanding waist line are telling me.  I have definitely "popped" (Pictures to be posted this weekend when I have my camera cord) and my non-stretchy clothes are becoming very uncomfortable.  You're taking up more space :)  But that is a good thing because it means you're growing and that's what we want....we want you to grow into a healthy baby that we'll get to meet in 5 months.  You've also started to cause mommy some discomfort.  I started getting heartburn about 2 weeks ago.  The first time was after a traditional spaghetti dinner.  Since then, it has been at least every other day, sometimes every day.  However, I can't pinpoint what is triggering it...I'll have to ask the doctor if I can take Zantac regularly because that seems to help as does reminding myself that in the end of these 40 (+ or -) weeks I get to meet you!!

In addition, you have kind of put an end to my running, even at a slow pace.  It just doesn't feel comfortable anymore.  I am still trying to get into the gym to lift and have transitioned into walking more.  I am still trying to play tennis, though it has been about a week since I have played.

We have started to get some gifts for you.  So far you have gotten a rocking horse, blanket and a book!  I can't wait to read it to you!!  Your dad and I have talked briefly about your room design, but figure we'll get to that in the next few weeks.  However, your arrival is sneaking up on us!  It is starting to feel very "real".  I have to admit, its kind of scary and at times I feel pretty overwhelmed.  I have a lot of questions running through my head...what kind of mom will I be? will you be a calm baby or one who cries a lot or needs attention? are we really going to be parents?? (the answer is yes, but WOW!)

This past weekend we visited with your grandparents (mommy's mom and dad).  I think you wanted to make sure they saw your impact on mommy's appearance.  Your growth translated in mommy starting to show over the weekend.  It was nice to be able to share that with my family since I am not sure I will see them before you are born.

Also, over the past week or so, I think I have felt you move around in there.  But I wasn't positive until yesterday.  I think you did a flip.  Feeling you move was amazing and what really brings this all into perspective.  (It might also be causing all the overwhelming thoughts!)  I can't wait for your dad to be able to feel it to.  I really want him to be as much a part of this pregnancy as possible.

Until next week, Love you little one!
Mommy

Big Girl Panties

I arrived in Cincinnati for my work meeting yesterday around 5.  Nothing specific was planned for dinner.  I saw this as an opportunity to eat at my favorite restaurant in downtown, Palomino.  However, I was going to have to go into uncharted waters.  I can't remember a time I sat down at a "sit down" upscale restaurant for dinner by myself.  Sure, I've run in somewhere and gotten take out when traveling by myself, but to sit down to an hour plus dinner, I can't remember.  But I was really looking forward to getting to eat at Palomino (we don't have one in ATL that I know of).  So, I pulled on my big girl panties and ate alone.  And let me tell you, it wasn't that bad.... I had a seat overlooking Fountain Square.  I enjoyed the views while eating and read a book when there wasn't food in front of me.  Overall, it was a relaxing experience.  No talking with colleagues about work or life, so constant chatter...just plain ole quiet alone time.  It was kind of nice.  Not something that I would want to do all the time, but at least now I am not afraid of it!

OOT

Most of the house work is done.  And now I'm out of town til next Friday!  I owe a 17 week update and hope to get a picture and something posted this weekend!  I hate being so slow on these, I was doing every other week, and I just missed that.  I want to have something to look back on....

Have a wonderful weekend!!

"home" work continued

"Home" work so far:

Monday - master bedroom clean up
Tuesday - downstairs dust and vacuum, guest room clean up, bathroom cleaning (minus shower)

"Home" work to complete:
Mopping hardwoods - thinking just downstairs, but if I get a lot of energy (doubtful lately) then I'll hit upstairs too.
Upstairs guestroom declutter and vacuum.  Bathroom cleaning
Kitchen counter clean up

And I think that covers the prep for our visitors, a few arriving before I get back from work in OH and KY.  Don't worry - hubby is doing the showers since I like to clean those with chemicals not pregnant woman friendly :)

Most of this during lunch hours - taking advantage of that work from home "perk"  :)

Work from Home Perk?!

I haven't yet decided if this is a perk or not...

I just spent my lunch break dusting, vacuuming and changing sheets in our bedroom.  The downside is no fun lunch break or workout for me.  The upside is it is now done and I don't have to do it later or "after work" if I worked in a traditional office.

What do you think Perk? or NOT?

Date Night - Pizza

Last week, James decided we needed a date night.  So we decided to try a pizza place we had heard (or read) a lot about.  Being that I lived in Italy for nine months and I am pretty sure pizza was a big contributor to my 20 pound weight gain (gelato and pasta probably helped a bit, too), I am pretty particular about pizza, especially when they claim its "Italian".  We went to Antico Pizza.  It's located downtown just west of Georgia Tech.  I had very high expectations.  Heck, even the website ends in dot IT, not dot COM.....Also, they only make so many dough balls a day and the closing time is whenever they run out....We went on a Wednesday and it wasn't that busy.

It's a very low key place.  You order at the counter and grab a drink (not a ton of option, which makes ordering easy) and then take your place in the kitchen.  That's right, they have 4 long butcher type tables in the kitchen area.  About 5 minutes after we sat down, our pizza was ready.  We got a margherita pizza with sausage.  It was pretty good.  The ingredients were authentic (we even noticed they import their mozzarella cheese - we saw them opening a package that had been shipped) and the taste was pretty good.  Good authentic taste from the ovens (which I believe were imported too).  The only complaint I had was the crust around the edges was pretty thick and I don't remember that.  I think that "americanized" it a bit.

Our authentic pizza experience was over in less time than it took to drive there, about 20 minutes.  Overall, the pizza was good and I would go back.  But I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be.  Maybe I had too high expectations???

Dreams and other baby stuff

I had a dream last night....In it I had a baby boy and called him by the name we have picked....does this mean anything?

More details - he was born early (which I have dreamed the baby was born early twice now, but what is scary is that its been really early - like 4 weeks).  Then all of a sudden the baby was about 6 months old holding his own bottle...weird? or not?

On another baby note, I think I have started to feel it move.  I am not entirely sure, but I think so.....Its mainly been on one side though.  Is that normal?

Also - Moms out there...where did you get your cribs?  I've been looking a bit online (in store shopping to start next month hopefully) but I can't find anything that I like.

Confused

I think this baby is a bit confused....ever since we hit the 2nd trimester part my stomach has been totally unsettled.  I am not sure what it is, but nothing seems to sit right in my belly.  It could be baby or it could be my ongoing digestive issues.....wonder which???  I'll be asking the doctor at the next appointment.

Hopefully it will clear up soon......

Fifteen Weeks

We're officially in the 2nd trimester (that might have been last week, but who's counting!).  Let's see, what has happened since our last update.  We went back in for the NT ultrasound since you weren't big enough the last time.  You're still measuring a bit behind the Dec 22 due date, but they say early U/S are hard because you're all curled up!  Speaking of curled up, you made it hard for them to get the right measurements.  So, we had to see the doctor then try again.  I think it worked that time.  We got to see your little profile again and you were sucking on your hand.  Your dad thought he saw something that would indicate your sex, but I think it was just wishful thinking ;)  You're getting bigger and its starting to show on Mom.  Played tennis again this weekend (thanks to good scheduling we didn't have to play in the heat of the day) and definitely was showing a little bump in my top.  I've been back to the gym a bit and with tennis, averaging about 4 days of activity.  I'm still REALLY tired.  I am not sure when you'll stop sucking all my energy.   Some of Mom's friends indicate it will be a long while!  Hopefully I'll get some back because we have lots to do to get ready for your arrival.  I had my first experience of heartburn...yikes.  Pasta sauce.  Guess you don't like the tomatoes so much.  I've started to take a zantac before eating anything with tomatoes and hopefully that will help.  I think this is a little early for you to not like what I eat ;)  Otherwise things are going great!  Still feeling pretty good.  I tend to wear dresses (perfect for the hot weather) or elastic banded workout pants.  These are most comfortable.  Still no maternity clothes, but I am not sure how long that will last since I have to go to work for a week this month!  Keep on growing little one!  We're excited to meet you in less than 6 months ;)

And a photo for record keeping.  Your big brother B wanted some attention :)  (Doesn't look as big as the 11 week shot.  This was before bed.  I was dressed since your dad took me out to dinner - that's another post - but I was too tired to wait in it until the camera battery charged.  Your dad also mentioned he thinks my a** is getting bigger....I don't think so...)

Belly Shot Update

Just an old belly shot to bring you up to date.  Then I'll try to post them with the weekly letter, if I remember to make it weekly :)

This was at 11.5 weeks around lunch time (it does make a difference!)  Don't pay attention to the crazy look on my face.  I was getting ready to leave and James insisted we do the pictures.  A little belly starting ;)