Ah, yes. Fun with Rob's Mac & the built-in photo booth. Not too sure why I didn't think of this sooner.
22 and 1/2 weeks. Yikes! I'm huge!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
4 more months....
Ah, yes. Fun with Rob's Mac & the built-in photo booth. Not too sure why I didn't think of this sooner.
22 and 1/2 weeks. Yikes! I'm huge!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Honoring my pregnancy
So our yoga instructor asked us a long time ago, "How are you honoring your pregnancy?" You know you aren't when you don't even understand the question. I thought she meant, "What are you doing to capture this moment in time?" Which, I guess one could take it to mean just that. For example, I'm blogging about it, taking photos every 4 weeks, etc.
But, what she meant was,"What are you doing to honor your pregnant self?"
Answer - nada.
I haven't done anything to truly "treat myself." Many of us weren't treating ourselves, which, to me, is the very essence of motherhood.... too damned preoccupied with everyone else and their needs that you sacrifice yourself. Now, you're MY mother when you then turn it all around to martyrdom, but that's another story for another day.
I had decided a long time ago that I'd get monthly pedicures when I'm pregnant. You can't see your feet (or reach them) and why the hell not - its fantastic. So, this past Sunday - I did just that.
K and I went to a new spa in Carytown (Fusion - its great) and had a fun time. I reached the 5-month marker the follwing day so I should be able to do this 4 more times before baby gets here. And hell, why not treat myself for doing such a good job during labor one month after that? Why should the honoring end with the pregnancy?
;-)
But, what she meant was,"What are you doing to honor your pregnant self?"
Answer - nada.
I haven't done anything to truly "treat myself." Many of us weren't treating ourselves, which, to me, is the very essence of motherhood.... too damned preoccupied with everyone else and their needs that you sacrifice yourself. Now, you're MY mother when you then turn it all around to martyrdom, but that's another story for another day.
I had decided a long time ago that I'd get monthly pedicures when I'm pregnant. You can't see your feet (or reach them) and why the hell not - its fantastic. So, this past Sunday - I did just that.
K and I went to a new spa in Carytown (Fusion - its great) and had a fun time. I reached the 5-month marker the follwing day so I should be able to do this 4 more times before baby gets here. And hell, why not treat myself for doing such a good job during labor one month after that? Why should the honoring end with the pregnancy?
;-)
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Hand-me-downs
The world of maternity hand-me-downs is an amazing one. No woman truly "gets it" until she is pregnant and people throw clothing at her. Its amazing. It reminds me of some college friends who would buy so many clothes that they could afford to purge and pass on while it still was in style.
You have to understand - I still wore jeans from college until about a year ago (I have now finally gotten to fat for them. And no, it wasn't due to pregnancy). I never buy clothing. I LOVE to, there's just been so many other things in life that we needed or wanted. Clothing went on the wayside. I truly think you've reached the pinnacle of adulthood when you realize how fantastically out-of-touch you've become with the latest fashion trends.... and you don't really even care.
So, back to prego clothing. I have already said that C gave me a bag of her hand-me-downs. The "bag of denial" I lovingly called it. I've actually begun to take a dip in that bag in the last 2 weeks. I think I am, as of this week, exclusively into maternity clothing now. There's no going back-n-forth for this belly, not anymore.
I've also posted that I have purchased 5 pants, a skirt and various tops from Old Navy, The Gap and, ah yes, Gabriel Brothers.
But yesterday was the MOTHERLOAD. Thank you, thank you, thank you to A for her amazing box of never-ending cotton fiber blends. A moving box filled with trash bags... all... maternity.
After rummaging through every article, I settled on 2 trashbags for myself. Did you read that sentence? I settled on TWO TRASHBAGS filled with clothes! Ha! I actually left behind a third bag (all too large or out of season).
While discussing how I will need to purchase plastic bins to store all my old clothing, in order to make room for all of this new stuff, Rob made a great comment. He nailed it, "I think its so cool - this maternity network - where all of you share and keep the stuff moving around. It makes it so you can all save your money for what's important and fun in the end - the kid."
What more can I say?
You have to understand - I still wore jeans from college until about a year ago (I have now finally gotten to fat for them. And no, it wasn't due to pregnancy). I never buy clothing. I LOVE to, there's just been so many other things in life that we needed or wanted. Clothing went on the wayside. I truly think you've reached the pinnacle of adulthood when you realize how fantastically out-of-touch you've become with the latest fashion trends.... and you don't really even care.
So, back to prego clothing. I have already said that C gave me a bag of her hand-me-downs. The "bag of denial" I lovingly called it. I've actually begun to take a dip in that bag in the last 2 weeks. I think I am, as of this week, exclusively into maternity clothing now. There's no going back-n-forth for this belly, not anymore.
I've also posted that I have purchased 5 pants, a skirt and various tops from Old Navy, The Gap and, ah yes, Gabriel Brothers.
But yesterday was the MOTHERLOAD. Thank you, thank you, thank you to A for her amazing box of never-ending cotton fiber blends. A moving box filled with trash bags... all... maternity.
After rummaging through every article, I settled on 2 trashbags for myself. Did you read that sentence? I settled on TWO TRASHBAGS filled with clothes! Ha! I actually left behind a third bag (all too large or out of season).
While discussing how I will need to purchase plastic bins to store all my old clothing, in order to make room for all of this new stuff, Rob made a great comment. He nailed it, "I think its so cool - this maternity network - where all of you share and keep the stuff moving around. It makes it so you can all save your money for what's important and fun in the end - the kid."
What more can I say?
20weeks
February 19th was 20 weeks. Its the halfway point! Its funny cause... the first half is way easier than the second half. Its almost not worth celebrating. I have no problems getting up or down and midnight bathroom runs haven't been a problem this last months. I'm enjoying this before it all comes crashing down on me and just taking a shower wears me out.
*wink*
20weeks
Have I mentioned how much I hate our camera? All these moments passing us by...
*wink*
20weeksHave I mentioned how much I hate our camera? All these moments passing us by...
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
We're f*&ked
In the first formal study of fetal temperament in 1996, DiPietro and her colleagues recorded the heart rate and movements of 31 fetuses six times before birth and compared them to readings taken twice after birth. (They've since extended their study to include 100 more fetuses.) Their findings: fetuses that are very active in the womb tend to be more irritable infants. Those with irregular sleep/wake patterns in the womb sleep more poorly as young infants. And fetuses with high heart rates become unpredictable, inactive babies.
Uh-oh, our baby's a mover...
"Behavior doesn't begin at birth," declares DiPietro. "It begins before and develops in predictable ways." One of the most important influences on development is the fetal environment. As Harvard's Als observes, "The fetus gets an enormous amount of 'hormonal bathing' through the mother, so its chronobiological rhythms are influenced by the mother's sleep/wake cycles, her eating patterns, her movements."
If you know me - I got's some crazy cycles & patterns...
The hormones a mother puts out in response to stress also appear critical. DiPietro finds that highly pressured mothers-to-be tend to have more active fetuses--and more irritable infants. "The most stressed are working pregnant women," says DiPietro. "These days, women tend to work up to the day they deliver, even though the implications for pregnancy aren't entirely clear yet. That's our cultural norm, but I think it's insane."
What? Me? Stress? P-shaw! Now as for working up to the very day the kid drops... that's a given!
Uh-oh, our baby's a mover...
"Behavior doesn't begin at birth," declares DiPietro. "It begins before and develops in predictable ways." One of the most important influences on development is the fetal environment. As Harvard's Als observes, "The fetus gets an enormous amount of 'hormonal bathing' through the mother, so its chronobiological rhythms are influenced by the mother's sleep/wake cycles, her eating patterns, her movements."
If you know me - I got's some crazy cycles & patterns...
The hormones a mother puts out in response to stress also appear critical. DiPietro finds that highly pressured mothers-to-be tend to have more active fetuses--and more irritable infants. "The most stressed are working pregnant women," says DiPietro. "These days, women tend to work up to the day they deliver, even though the implications for pregnancy aren't entirely clear yet. That's our cultural norm, but I think it's insane."
What? Me? Stress? P-shaw! Now as for working up to the very day the kid drops... that's a given!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Picture pages! Picture pages! 19w4d
Photos going down the page:
1. She's stretched out with her feet together (ankle to ankle).
2. Here's a profile (you can see her nose and lips). I think she looks like a Klippstein.
3. Here's looking at you! Straight on face!
4. Profile and hand. See her thumb?
1. She's stretched out with her feet together (ankle to ankle).
2. Here's a profile (you can see her nose and lips). I think she looks like a Klippstein.
3. Here's looking at you! Straight on face!
4. Profile and hand. See her thumb?
Friday, February 16, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
Yes, there's a baby in there
"Rob! You aren't going to believe how pregnant these new t-shirts from Old Navy make me look."
"Well, uh, Yeah! That's kind of what you are."
"No, but really [squeezing into shirt] look at this [rubbing belly], can you believe this?"
"Um, again, yeah! You're pregnant. There's a baby in there. This is what happens."
"Yeah,... but, I mean, this is crazy!"
"Again, I don't know why you're surprised. You keep pointing to your stomach saying, 'Look at this!' You're like a little boy who's discovered his penis for the first time."
"Yeah, well, that amazement still hasn't worn off - has it?"
"Well, uh, Yeah! That's kind of what you are."
"No, but really [squeezing into shirt] look at this [rubbing belly], can you believe this?"
"Um, again, yeah! You're pregnant. There's a baby in there. This is what happens."
"Yeah,... but, I mean, this is crazy!"
"Again, I don't know why you're surprised. You keep pointing to your stomach saying, 'Look at this!' You're like a little boy who's discovered his penis for the first time."
"Yeah, well, that amazement still hasn't worn off - has it?"
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Dear Baby Ullman,
In one more week we will know what you are - boy or girl. Finally, we will stop calling you "it".
I'm still in disbelief that you already look like our baby, only much too small for me to want to actually hold you.
Do you have my red hair or dad's brow? Do you have my mush nose or dad's strong chin? Will your hands be cold like mine or hot like dad's? Will you be good at managing things like me or excel at remember odd factoids like dad?
One things is for sure - you will be pale all your life thanks to both of us. I'm apologizing, in advance, for all that sunscreen you'll be complaining about before I let you go outside. I hated it, too.
You will also be tall and scrawny while you grow up. You may not always like this, but you'll appreciate it later on in life when you don't have to worry about weight as much as some of your friends.
You will look like you need sleep much of the time, thanks to both dad and I with our puffy eyes.
On the positive side of things, you will have awesome, strong shoulders (I am not looking forward to labor cause of this). Both mom and dad have never needed shoulder pads.
You'll also never worry about hair loss - we both have good genes for full heads of hair. Although, I can't promise that you won't have a ridiculous receeding hairline the older you get - we also both have genes for large foreheads.
You might have moles (thanks, dad!) or freckles (thanks, mom!) but if you get really bad acne in your teens - I promise you that we will take you to a dermotologist. Both dad and I remember how akward Jr. High really was and we have both agreed to do our best to make it as painless on you as possible. With that being said, we can't help with the glasses - no contacts till you're ready for the responsibilty. You might be OK in this department - dad and I are both good at personal resposibility.
There's a few things I want you to know now before you get here. A few things you'll learn along the way but the sooner you are up-to-speed, the better. I'm a basketcase of worry. I'm just letting you know up front. My mother was a worrier so I think I acquired this annoying habit from her. Its straight from good intentions and love, so please be kind with me if I over ask you things or question what you are doing. Patience with me is key. Incidentally - patience is another one of my shortcomings. I may push you to succeed and to try hard at big things. Again, its only because I am your biggest fan and want you to grab the world by the tail. Just remind me if I get too smothering. Its all I ask. We are both going to be learning things as we go along.
I also want you to know that dad will be taking over for me once you are out and about in the real world. Carrying you around the first 9 months is hard work but watching out for you - out in the world - will be a lot more work! He's going to be good at it though, you needn't worry. Dad is very good with kids and understands when to take charge. He'll give you the space you need and he'll play with you often (You're pretty lucky. I have to be up front and tell you, kids just love your dad). I didn't really have a great relationship with my dad (he traveled all days of the week) and I have always regretted it. And most kids end up going to daycare when they are little. We can't afford it (we'll teach you about money when you are old enough... its pretty difficult to fully understand and honetsly, most adults I know still don't understand it either). Daycare is an OK place to be (its fun to hang out with other kids your age) but I think staying at home with dad all to yourself - is simply the best! You'll soon see for yourself.
We'll be having many more talks in the future - but these are just some of the things that float to mind today. I think the sooner we start communicating - the better. So, you do the same and tell me what's going on once in awhile, OK?
Until later, I love you,
mom
I'm still in disbelief that you already look like our baby, only much too small for me to want to actually hold you.
Do you have my red hair or dad's brow? Do you have my mush nose or dad's strong chin? Will your hands be cold like mine or hot like dad's? Will you be good at managing things like me or excel at remember odd factoids like dad?
One things is for sure - you will be pale all your life thanks to both of us. I'm apologizing, in advance, for all that sunscreen you'll be complaining about before I let you go outside. I hated it, too.
You will also be tall and scrawny while you grow up. You may not always like this, but you'll appreciate it later on in life when you don't have to worry about weight as much as some of your friends.
You will look like you need sleep much of the time, thanks to both dad and I with our puffy eyes.
On the positive side of things, you will have awesome, strong shoulders (I am not looking forward to labor cause of this). Both mom and dad have never needed shoulder pads.
You'll also never worry about hair loss - we both have good genes for full heads of hair. Although, I can't promise that you won't have a ridiculous receeding hairline the older you get - we also both have genes for large foreheads.
You might have moles (thanks, dad!) or freckles (thanks, mom!) but if you get really bad acne in your teens - I promise you that we will take you to a dermotologist. Both dad and I remember how akward Jr. High really was and we have both agreed to do our best to make it as painless on you as possible. With that being said, we can't help with the glasses - no contacts till you're ready for the responsibilty. You might be OK in this department - dad and I are both good at personal resposibility.
There's a few things I want you to know now before you get here. A few things you'll learn along the way but the sooner you are up-to-speed, the better. I'm a basketcase of worry. I'm just letting you know up front. My mother was a worrier so I think I acquired this annoying habit from her. Its straight from good intentions and love, so please be kind with me if I over ask you things or question what you are doing. Patience with me is key. Incidentally - patience is another one of my shortcomings. I may push you to succeed and to try hard at big things. Again, its only because I am your biggest fan and want you to grab the world by the tail. Just remind me if I get too smothering. Its all I ask. We are both going to be learning things as we go along.
I also want you to know that dad will be taking over for me once you are out and about in the real world. Carrying you around the first 9 months is hard work but watching out for you - out in the world - will be a lot more work! He's going to be good at it though, you needn't worry. Dad is very good with kids and understands when to take charge. He'll give you the space you need and he'll play with you often (You're pretty lucky. I have to be up front and tell you, kids just love your dad). I didn't really have a great relationship with my dad (he traveled all days of the week) and I have always regretted it. And most kids end up going to daycare when they are little. We can't afford it (we'll teach you about money when you are old enough... its pretty difficult to fully understand and honetsly, most adults I know still don't understand it either). Daycare is an OK place to be (its fun to hang out with other kids your age) but I think staying at home with dad all to yourself - is simply the best! You'll soon see for yourself.
We'll be having many more talks in the future - but these are just some of the things that float to mind today. I think the sooner we start communicating - the better. So, you do the same and tell me what's going on once in awhile, OK?
Until later, I love you,
mom
Monday, February 05, 2007
18 weeks and kickin'
I have felt the baby move, or you at least think to yourself, 'What was that? I felt a little bubbly something. That was different. That must be it!" But yesterday morning, Sunday, as I lazily laid in bed (on my back no less. Yes-yes, stop scoulding me, you are not supposed to lay down on your back past 16 weeks... but it was really a brief roll-over in preparation to get up and out of bed) I felt a definitive kick. I had my hand on my belly and felt it both internally AND externally. First thought, 'what the?' Then, 'Rob should have been here!' Quickly followed by, 'do it again!'
I felt the baby wriggle in the morning and again after eating. It wriggled rather wildly when I went to bed. No need to lay on my stomach waiting for it anymore. I now notice it a lot more often! I'm wondering when it will turn from cute to driving-me-crazy. I hear they can kick-kick-kick when you try to lay down and to go to sleep. Or they stomp on your bladder sending you running for the toilet. Rather unfriendly!
Like my friend A wrote in an email (and I have heard this before, so you are not crazy A!), there does come a time when you get used to the cycles of movement and it becomes a part of your routine. Then there's the stage when it hardly moves due to space limitations and it can make you a wee bit frantically worried. And then finally - the separation anxiety after you have the baby. I can definitely see that later stage affecting me when I go off to work again after the baby arrives. I know I'll be a bit of a cryer when that time comes.
I still can't believe this is all happening. Having a baby. I know that may sound a bit stupid - but its all such a crazy ride. You get used to the stages of pregnancy and you begin to forget what it was like to wear pants with a zippered fly or that you used to sleep through the night without peeing or what it was like to stay up late without crashing at 10PM. Feeling the baby move is making this all seem a bit more real. But I also have to admit, its also making me a bit more selfish, too - I want more! ;-)
I felt the baby wriggle in the morning and again after eating. It wriggled rather wildly when I went to bed. No need to lay on my stomach waiting for it anymore. I now notice it a lot more often! I'm wondering when it will turn from cute to driving-me-crazy. I hear they can kick-kick-kick when you try to lay down and to go to sleep. Or they stomp on your bladder sending you running for the toilet. Rather unfriendly!
Like my friend A wrote in an email (and I have heard this before, so you are not crazy A!), there does come a time when you get used to the cycles of movement and it becomes a part of your routine. Then there's the stage when it hardly moves due to space limitations and it can make you a wee bit frantically worried. And then finally - the separation anxiety after you have the baby. I can definitely see that later stage affecting me when I go off to work again after the baby arrives. I know I'll be a bit of a cryer when that time comes.
I still can't believe this is all happening. Having a baby. I know that may sound a bit stupid - but its all such a crazy ride. You get used to the stages of pregnancy and you begin to forget what it was like to wear pants with a zippered fly or that you used to sleep through the night without peeing or what it was like to stay up late without crashing at 10PM. Feeling the baby move is making this all seem a bit more real. But I also have to admit, its also making me a bit more selfish, too - I want more! ;-)
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Boy or Girl?
One horrible online quiz says its 54% likely to be a girl and 45% likely to be a boy.
The Chinese Lunar Calendar says its a girl:
According to this site (listing many old wivestales):
1. The hair on my legs is growing slow, so its a girl.
2. The heart rate was 147 the first time and 155 the second time, so it must be a boy.
3. I had almost no morning sickness - so it must be a boy.
4. I think I am carrying low (so far) which I always know to mean "boy", but this website says its a girl.
5. Strings move in a circular motion over my belly - so it must be a girl.
6. I am craving sweets! Must be a girl.
7. I pee bright yellow... almost neon green! So, it must be a boy.
So, judging by all the above... it must be a girl. Majority wins, no?
The Chinese Lunar Calendar says its a girl:
According to this site (listing many old wivestales):
1. The hair on my legs is growing slow, so its a girl.
2. The heart rate was 147 the first time and 155 the second time, so it must be a boy.
3. I had almost no morning sickness - so it must be a boy.
4. I think I am carrying low (so far) which I always know to mean "boy", but this website says its a girl.
5. Strings move in a circular motion over my belly - so it must be a girl.
6. I am craving sweets! Must be a girl.
7. I pee bright yellow... almost neon green! So, it must be a boy.
So, judging by all the above... it must be a girl. Majority wins, no?
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Pregnesia
preg·ne·sia pronounced [preg-nee-zhuh]
–noun
loss of a large block of intelligent thoughts and memories; complete or partial loss of memory caused by pregnancy.
They say a woman's brain shrinks 5-9% in pregnancy. Apparently, it continues to stay that way until 6 months after the baby is born. I'm most definitely suffering from this. In fact, did I already blog this?
Lighter news: *Yippee!*, we find out what baby is on Friday, February 16th. Agh! I can't... stand... the waiting!
–noun
loss of a large block of intelligent thoughts and memories; complete or partial loss of memory caused by pregnancy.
They say a woman's brain shrinks 5-9% in pregnancy. Apparently, it continues to stay that way until 6 months after the baby is born. I'm most definitely suffering from this. In fact, did I already blog this?
Lighter news: *Yippee!*, we find out what baby is on Friday, February 16th. Agh! I can't... stand... the waiting!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
16 weeks
A third of the way there...Maybe these awfully BLURRY and GRAINY and HORRIBLY WRONG COLOR photos will demonstrate, to my husband, WHY I have been wanting a new digital camera for when the baby comes. Already my idea of creating this picture montage of my monthly changes is thrown out the window. Not to be shitty, but seriously, why am I bothering to "capture" these moments on something that looks worse than a polaroid?
*sigh*, all that aside....
So! Check out the belly – wild, huh? Or is it just me? I busted out the maternity pants this Monday. I thought I'd get some comments. Nuthin'. Perhaps people don't notice the suddenly saggy wear? Maybe, I generally look like crap so this doesn't really stand out as anything unusual? Maybe, people have more going on in their day than my pregnancy (although I can't imagine anything more important).
Exciting news: I have felt it move. Everyone says its "like butterflies!" or "bubbles!" or a "tickling in your belly!". Its not. Its more like this slimy thing sliding across your lower abdomen. I told Rob it feels like your tongue sliding across the inside of your cheek. I described this to a friend who had a baby 2 years ago (who likened the sensation to "bubbles" at the time), she flatly said, "Yeah. That's it." Maybe I'm supposed to be more 'magical' about all of this. I'm such a realist when it comes to these things that I took out all the creativity in describing this feeling. Whoops! Sorry for those of you who haven't felt it yet.
It really is wild when it happens, though.
The first time I felt something was around 14 weeks. They say it can happen that early but will more likely be around 16 weeks. I guess by 20 weeks, you KNOW its the baby moving and it moves a lot!
I felt the baby move (first time) when we ate dinner much too late. I was starving. After that first bite... it slid across my abdomen. I couldn't move. I was wide-eyed. I wanted to ask, "Did you feel that?" like it was an earth quake shared all. Its so very real but only to you - that's what makes it so crazy.
The second time was a week later. After eating a very fast lunch at work, I raced to a meeting. Sitting there, I felt it slide. Again, wide-eyed. Now I knew what I felt the week before was it.
This week - it isn't as momentous but maybe its because I'm eating regularly... or maybe I'm getting used to it? Now I'm just getting plain selfish and I want it to really kick or hit. What a snot I am wanting to rush all these things. But, when you've "known" about your pregnancy for months before anyone else knows... you get a little impatient wondering when will you look/feel pregnant rather than just "telling" people you are.
This week is the alpha-protein test (NOT looking forward to this. It basically tells you if the kid will have Spina Bifida or other respitory problems or the liklihood of Down's). I'm so nervous. Its really a major test (one of the last one's to see what could be "wrong" with the baby) but they put it off so far along in the pregnancy... it makes me crazy. What if something IS wrong? Then what? Options still allow termination but that choice doesn't seem very easy when you've reached this far. I mean, its moved. Its beyond a tadpole at this stage. Its our kid. Geez, my head spins. I need to not worry & just wait and see. Its so much easier said than done.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Rubber-band solutions my ass
I have always heard/known/read that one trick to keep your regular pants on longer... is to loop a rubberband around the button and through the hole. This may work if your pants aren't like all of my dress pants (one with metal hooks) or if you don't mind that you've got your fly open as far as it can possibly be open (and I mean open wide! Is that white panties that I see?).
We leave today for the 8 hr drive to Stow OH. Tomorrow we then drive 2 hrs to Toledo OH to attend my grandmother's funeral (yes, I got the call at work yesterday at 1PM). On Saturday, they may (or may not) have a private burial just for family members and on Sunday we drive home. *sigh*, its a lot and I am already exhausted thinking about it.
I had to try on more work pants last night to see what I could wear to the funeral. My 2 pairs of black pants (didn't I wear this one pair just last week Wednesday?) already fit horribly. It happened so quickly. It went from minor uncomfortableness to all-out belly that fits into nada. Its funny and really not-so-funny at the same time. I'm 14 weeks - the books were right. I can't believe T held this event off until 17 weeks. Sheesh!
So, I dove into a bag of maternity clothes given to me from C. All, ok MOST, of the pants are floods. Fat, pregnant and pants too short? Please God, kill me. I did manage to find 2 pairs of Liz Lange in there. Although, not exactly crisp dress slacks (they look like dress pants made out of knit fabric typically used for yoga pants. The cinched waist doesn't help either), they will do. People don't look at family members clothing anyway. You're supposed to look like shit out of respect for the dead. Hell, some cultures covers mirrors and forego make-up (hear me now, I will never forego make-up. I will even given birth with mascara!).
So, I think I've reached that pinnacle. That pinnacle I've been anxiously waiting for - getting a belly and actually looking pregnant (showing). And now that I realize there's no going back and all I have are 5 pairs of pants for the next 6 months... what the hell was I so anxious for?!.
We leave today for the 8 hr drive to Stow OH. Tomorrow we then drive 2 hrs to Toledo OH to attend my grandmother's funeral (yes, I got the call at work yesterday at 1PM). On Saturday, they may (or may not) have a private burial just for family members and on Sunday we drive home. *sigh*, its a lot and I am already exhausted thinking about it.
I had to try on more work pants last night to see what I could wear to the funeral. My 2 pairs of black pants (didn't I wear this one pair just last week Wednesday?) already fit horribly. It happened so quickly. It went from minor uncomfortableness to all-out belly that fits into nada. Its funny and really not-so-funny at the same time. I'm 14 weeks - the books were right. I can't believe T held this event off until 17 weeks. Sheesh!
So, I dove into a bag of maternity clothes given to me from C. All, ok MOST, of the pants are floods. Fat, pregnant and pants too short? Please God, kill me. I did manage to find 2 pairs of Liz Lange in there. Although, not exactly crisp dress slacks (they look like dress pants made out of knit fabric typically used for yoga pants. The cinched waist doesn't help either), they will do. People don't look at family members clothing anyway. You're supposed to look like shit out of respect for the dead. Hell, some cultures covers mirrors and forego make-up (hear me now, I will never forego make-up. I will even given birth with mascara!).
So, I think I've reached that pinnacle. That pinnacle I've been anxiously waiting for - getting a belly and actually looking pregnant (showing). And now that I realize there's no going back and all I have are 5 pairs of pants for the next 6 months... what the hell was I so anxious for?!.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Yoga
So, tonight was the first night of my "Prenatal Yoga" class. I was worried it was going to be slow (first day getting acquainted with the teacher, fellow students, the center, etc) but we dove right in after the initial introduction! 9 girls in the class.
I was the barely pregnant one there (at 14wks) but there were some just beyond me. One girl was 15 weeks, another was 18 weeks. There was a 20, 25 and a 26 weeks prego there. Then there was the girl next to me at 37 weeks! Yikes! And she kept up with all of it so... maybe that's a good sign for me. It at least gives me no excuse to get spongy later on in this pregnancy.
I'm excited to have a weekly activity to look forward to - its a nice feeling.
I was the barely pregnant one there (at 14wks) but there were some just beyond me. One girl was 15 weeks, another was 18 weeks. There was a 20, 25 and a 26 weeks prego there. Then there was the girl next to me at 37 weeks! Yikes! And she kept up with all of it so... maybe that's a good sign for me. It at least gives me no excuse to get spongy later on in this pregnancy.
I'm excited to have a weekly activity to look forward to - its a nice feeling.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Who Loves Me?
http://store.peppermint.com/hotslings-sophia.html...enough to buy me this? Any takers out there? I think I'm a size medium... at least that's what the calculations on a competitor's site (Mother's Milk) said.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Baby Name Voyager
A co-worker showed me this link yesterday - its addicting! You can type in any name you want to see how its popularity fluctuated throughout time (Brooke, the newage name isn't ven on the charts tillthe late 1950's and Robert, is a slippery slope since it peaked in the 1930's).
Click somewhere near the blinking cursor and type in your name of interest... the chart just moves to display your name's history. Want to try another name? Just backspace (no need to click with the mouse again) and retype a new name.
Click somewhere near the blinking cursor and type in your name of interest... the chart just moves to display your name's history. Want to try another name? Just backspace (no need to click with the mouse again) and retype a new name.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time this morning
Sorry - you'll hafta click on the title link - the flash code seems to not be working...
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Retail Therapy
Well, like Rob said, it really wasn't "retail therapy" since it was all functional, practical and not necessarily anything "fun" that I'd truly want to own.
Maternity wear.
Yes, its sad to say, today I wore my black dress pants with a safety pin holding them together. I've also already progressed beyond many pairs of business slacks since they all feature those double hook/eye latch systems that fit well when you bought them... before you were pregnant.
Off to Old Navy I went. Rob, what a good team player, went with me.
All for $75.48 I am now the proud owner of:
2 tank tops - not maternity but long & stretchy - $6ea.
1 pair of green pants - chinos, really - $16.99 (were $34.99).
1 pair of tan velveteen-like "jeans" - $16.99 (were $34.99).
2 long Henley Tees with wide necks - $5.99ea. (were $19.50ea.).
1 charcoal v-neck sweater - $12.99 (was $34.99)
Rob and I were pretty amazed. It turns out I only liked the stuff on super mark-down. How often does THAT happen?
I still need 1 pair of basic black slacks and 1 pair of jeans... and shloads more tops... but I'm feeling confident, should the need arise, I'm prepared. And, I think that need could happen as soon as 2 weeks from now.
Maternity wear.
Yes, its sad to say, today I wore my black dress pants with a safety pin holding them together. I've also already progressed beyond many pairs of business slacks since they all feature those double hook/eye latch systems that fit well when you bought them... before you were pregnant.
Off to Old Navy I went. Rob, what a good team player, went with me.
All for $75.48 I am now the proud owner of:
2 tank tops - not maternity but long & stretchy - $6ea.
1 pair of green pants - chinos, really - $16.99 (were $34.99).
1 pair of tan velveteen-like "jeans" - $16.99 (were $34.99).
2 long Henley Tees with wide necks - $5.99ea. (were $19.50ea.).
1 charcoal v-neck sweater - $12.99 (was $34.99)
Rob and I were pretty amazed. It turns out I only liked the stuff on super mark-down. How often does THAT happen?
I still need 1 pair of basic black slacks and 1 pair of jeans... and shloads more tops... but I'm feeling confident, should the need arise, I'm prepared. And, I think that need could happen as soon as 2 weeks from now.
Monday, January 01, 2007
She ain't what she used to be
Well, I'm still learning that I am no longer what I have always been–––a high energy, multi-tasking, type A, work-a-holic that loves to pivot between stress and more stress. I am now the forgetful, laid back, more-interested-in-couch-time, not-wanting-to-get-involved, pregnant lady. Alas, is this the end of an era?
this weekend was a 3-day weekend. Thank God, I needed the break from - everything. From all the shopping, wrapping, traveling, family, ... all of it.
Friday, after work, I just couldn't wait to kick off my relaxing weekend. So, I cleaned. I know - it makes no sense to many people. But, I can't relax in a filthy house. Its like being sick and laying around in the same bed all day and all night with no shower - you feel so gross that it begins to make you feel worse.
I had Rob bring down all the XMas green & red storage bins so I could pack away every last morsel of the holiday. I had most of it packed and ready to go back up to the attic by the time I was calling it a night. We also managed to undecorate the tree and clean up all the needles. I vacuumed the whole living room so we could finally move over our new club chair that arrived after the tree was erected in its future location. It was nice to have the space again - room to breathe. Rob reffered to this purging of festive decoration as,"the living room's return to its normal mirthless state," to which he got a sideways glance. I don't think its mirthless, the walls are bright orange for God's sake.
Saturday morning I awoke early (thanks Betty, you truly are a great gift) to finish packing things away. I dusted off tops, put out a fresh table cloth, watered plants - hell, I even "repotted" the chinese bamboo just cause it, too, looked like it needed freshening. I was full force by the time Rob awoke. I then proceeded to finish up some laundry (did I mention I did 2 loads the night before?) and vacuum the rest of the house.
Somewhere between vacuuming the hallway and the master room - it hits me. The most severe backpain of my life. I don't mean the,"ouch! I ache," variety either. This was the,"Holy shit, did I pinch a nerve? I can't bend over to put on my pants!" variety. I was torn between pushing through so I could say I finished vacuuming the house (at least) or lying down before I made it worse. Which would old Brooke choose? The former, of course!
Rob was running errands and by the time he got home, I couldn't bend to pet our waisthigh dog. I was pathetic. He was, understandably, frustrated with me. I rested till we went to see a movie that night. I fidgetted throughout the flick but after a night's sleep, I was halfway to normal the next day.
Sunday I did hardly a thing. I really did take it easy. So easy, I even napped. I never nap! What's happening to me?
I then opted for the couch verses going to Carytown to watch the ball drop (man, I'm turning into a lazy-ass person. Aren't I supposed to be out and 'enjoying the final days of not having kids'?). Rob went on without me and called to wake me up with a,"Happy New Year" call. I'm fine with it. I wish I had been there but I have no regrets about sleeping through it all. ;-)
Monday, today, is New Year's Day. I wake up at least 3X's throughout the night to pee (wee! this is fun!) including 8AM when I was starving in addition to having go to the bathroom. I ignored the hunger and crashed some more till 10AM. When I woke up, finally, I knew I should eat something. I putzed straight into the kitchen for some toast. The amount of time that toaster took to toast was just enough time for me to crash... hard. I was pouring coffee and thought, "This smells awful," right before I noticed I was woozy. I dashed for a kitchen chair and flopped my head down on my folded arms. It still wasn't enough and I must admit, this was scary to me. I told Rob to get the toaster and that something was wrong. So wrong, that I needed help to the bed, I needed to lie down flat and fast! It was scary, my hands were tingling and I felt like I was slamming into walls as I tried to bolt for the bed. I laid down on my back and then became hot. Real hot. So hot I tried to tear off my housecoat that I wear (when you own a drafty house, you own things like housecoats) and asking Rob to help me. It was pathetic and sad all at the same time. I was afraid he wouldn't believe this little fit I was having so I told him I was burning up and to feel my forehead. I was sweaty all over. All this in the span of say, a minute. My hands became more tingly (like the marching ants you feel when your legs fall asleep) and I got really freaked out. I almost wanted to cry - it all seemed so exaggerated and irrational. Apparently, Rob says he feels this way when his blood sugar drops. Maybe he's right. I've never felt this way before and it was scary. He brought me the toast and I began to bounce back. I obviously plan to talk to my doctor regarding this little episode this Thursday when we go in to hear the heartbeat (the first time!). It was just all so strange.
I'm now trying to learn the lessons that it's no longer just me but somebody else here, too. Such a weird concept when you don't feel anything moving and you're still getting used to the idea of being pregnant.
I also wonder if I'll be forever changed by all of this. Not this weekend's events, no,.. but the whole pregnancy thing. Will I ever be my old high-strung, Type A self again? Will I be able to multi-task and "push the envelope" again? Or, does pregnancy open a whole new chapter on one's thinking. Does it make you evolve somehow into a new you where you change and become more learned?
this weekend was a 3-day weekend. Thank God, I needed the break from - everything. From all the shopping, wrapping, traveling, family, ... all of it.
Friday, after work, I just couldn't wait to kick off my relaxing weekend. So, I cleaned. I know - it makes no sense to many people. But, I can't relax in a filthy house. Its like being sick and laying around in the same bed all day and all night with no shower - you feel so gross that it begins to make you feel worse.
I had Rob bring down all the XMas green & red storage bins so I could pack away every last morsel of the holiday. I had most of it packed and ready to go back up to the attic by the time I was calling it a night. We also managed to undecorate the tree and clean up all the needles. I vacuumed the whole living room so we could finally move over our new club chair that arrived after the tree was erected in its future location. It was nice to have the space again - room to breathe. Rob reffered to this purging of festive decoration as,"the living room's return to its normal mirthless state," to which he got a sideways glance. I don't think its mirthless, the walls are bright orange for God's sake.
Saturday morning I awoke early (thanks Betty, you truly are a great gift) to finish packing things away. I dusted off tops, put out a fresh table cloth, watered plants - hell, I even "repotted" the chinese bamboo just cause it, too, looked like it needed freshening. I was full force by the time Rob awoke. I then proceeded to finish up some laundry (did I mention I did 2 loads the night before?) and vacuum the rest of the house.
Somewhere between vacuuming the hallway and the master room - it hits me. The most severe backpain of my life. I don't mean the,"ouch! I ache," variety either. This was the,"Holy shit, did I pinch a nerve? I can't bend over to put on my pants!" variety. I was torn between pushing through so I could say I finished vacuuming the house (at least) or lying down before I made it worse. Which would old Brooke choose? The former, of course!
Rob was running errands and by the time he got home, I couldn't bend to pet our waisthigh dog. I was pathetic. He was, understandably, frustrated with me. I rested till we went to see a movie that night. I fidgetted throughout the flick but after a night's sleep, I was halfway to normal the next day.
Sunday I did hardly a thing. I really did take it easy. So easy, I even napped. I never nap! What's happening to me?
I then opted for the couch verses going to Carytown to watch the ball drop (man, I'm turning into a lazy-ass person. Aren't I supposed to be out and 'enjoying the final days of not having kids'?). Rob went on without me and called to wake me up with a,"Happy New Year" call. I'm fine with it. I wish I had been there but I have no regrets about sleeping through it all. ;-)
Monday, today, is New Year's Day. I wake up at least 3X's throughout the night to pee (wee! this is fun!) including 8AM when I was starving in addition to having go to the bathroom. I ignored the hunger and crashed some more till 10AM. When I woke up, finally, I knew I should eat something. I putzed straight into the kitchen for some toast. The amount of time that toaster took to toast was just enough time for me to crash... hard. I was pouring coffee and thought, "This smells awful," right before I noticed I was woozy. I dashed for a kitchen chair and flopped my head down on my folded arms. It still wasn't enough and I must admit, this was scary to me. I told Rob to get the toaster and that something was wrong. So wrong, that I needed help to the bed, I needed to lie down flat and fast! It was scary, my hands were tingling and I felt like I was slamming into walls as I tried to bolt for the bed. I laid down on my back and then became hot. Real hot. So hot I tried to tear off my housecoat that I wear (when you own a drafty house, you own things like housecoats) and asking Rob to help me. It was pathetic and sad all at the same time. I was afraid he wouldn't believe this little fit I was having so I told him I was burning up and to feel my forehead. I was sweaty all over. All this in the span of say, a minute. My hands became more tingly (like the marching ants you feel when your legs fall asleep) and I got really freaked out. I almost wanted to cry - it all seemed so exaggerated and irrational. Apparently, Rob says he feels this way when his blood sugar drops. Maybe he's right. I've never felt this way before and it was scary. He brought me the toast and I began to bounce back. I obviously plan to talk to my doctor regarding this little episode this Thursday when we go in to hear the heartbeat (the first time!). It was just all so strange.
I'm now trying to learn the lessons that it's no longer just me but somebody else here, too. Such a weird concept when you don't feel anything moving and you're still getting used to the idea of being pregnant.
I also wonder if I'll be forever changed by all of this. Not this weekend's events, no,.. but the whole pregnancy thing. Will I ever be my old high-strung, Type A self again? Will I be able to multi-task and "push the envelope" again? Or, does pregnancy open a whole new chapter on one's thinking. Does it make you evolve somehow into a new you where you change and become more learned?
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