Well, I'm at 36 weeks today and for the most part things are going great! The only thing I could live without is this kiddo is already showing how stubborn it can be, I assure you this is a feature he/she gets from David and not me(ha!) because it's still not head down. It should be moving into position but it's happy where it is. So, unless things change, I'm scheduled for a c-section in a few weeks.Of course we still have time for the baby to flip over, so nothing is set in stone.
I know this is weird to say, (and maybe I've been watching too many episodes of 'A Baby Story' on TLC) but I am kind of bummed I won’t get to have a normal labor. I mean, I wasn’t really looking forward to it (by any stretch of the imagination) but labor was never something I was afraid of. It’s part of life and was always how I envisioned having a baby.
I’ve read this is not a totally uncommon feeling to have. I will admit that it's kind of neat knowing when the baby will come (unless I go into labor earlier!)but also strange to know that one day we will wake up and know that our last day of non-parenthood is gone forever! I'm also not really looking forward to the recovery but such is life I guess. As long as the three of us come home safe and sound, that’s all I care about.
A very wise friend pointed out that I probably didn’t always envision myself living in the Maryland suburbs, being a cat owner and eating cheeseburgers either, but life is about adjustments. This is not how I had always pictured it, but it’s the way things are playing out so I have to just enjoy the fact that we are going to have a healthy happy baby soon. Also, not much about this pregnancy has been as I had always pictured it. From fertility treatments to cesareans- it's been a really unique experience.
I can also think of it as now I will have something in common with Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie, Victoria Beckham, Julia Roberts, Gwen Stefani, Claudia Schiffer and Brooke Shields (but also Tori Spelling, Britney Spears and Ashlee Simpson so it’s a wash I guess).
I actually recently read a quote Kate Winslet gave after her daughter was delivered via C-section in 2000. She said she was left feeling “like a complete failure.” She also said “There’s this thing amongst women in the world that if you can handle childbirth, you can handle anything. I had never handled childbirth, and I felt like, in some way that I couldn’t join that ‘powerful women’s club.’" I honestly don't feel like a failure. For the most part, I have enjoyed this pregnancy and tried to make the best of all the bizarre quirks that have come along with it. I know that once I'm holding our baby I won't care how it got there but it’s comforting to know it’s normal to have these mixed feelings about c-sections.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Maternity Portraits
A few weeks ago, just as as the gorgeous fall colors were peaking, (and before it became freezing here!) we took some fun maternity portraits at Glenview Mansion and the Rockville Civic Center Park. I had purchased a Groupon deal (love Groupon!) for photographer Brooke Bready, and I'm so glad I did. She was fun to work with, full of ideas and really sweet. Plus, I think all the portraits came out adorable!
I did not go all "Demi Moore nekked" in these photos- nobody wants to see that- but I did bare the belly in a few. Some are sweet, others are playful... I'm still sorting through the 130+ photos Brooke sent over, but I wanted to share a few of my early favorites here with you.
This one reminds me a similar picture we took during our engagement shoot.
of course... the requisite "lovingly and contemplatively staring down at my belly" portrait
I'm so glad we took these pictures. I'm really trying to appreciate these last few weeks where it's "just the two of us" before life changes forever. We are so looking forward to becoming parents and we can't wait to meet our baby- but I'm also very glad we were able to document spending one last sunny warm afternoon together.
I did not go all "Demi Moore nekked" in these photos- nobody wants to see that- but I did bare the belly in a few. Some are sweet, others are playful... I'm still sorting through the 130+ photos Brooke sent over, but I wanted to share a few of my early favorites here with you.
This one reminds me a similar picture we took during our engagement shoot.
of course... the requisite "lovingly and contemplatively staring down at my belly" portrait
I'm so glad we took these pictures. I'm really trying to appreciate these last few weeks where it's "just the two of us" before life changes forever. We are so looking forward to becoming parents and we can't wait to meet our baby- but I'm also very glad we were able to document spending one last sunny warm afternoon together.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Homestretch
So... I know that technically my due date is more than 30 days away.. but now that it's December, I can officially say the baby is coming next month!!
just about 33 weeks
We're starting to get really excited.. and a little panicked about how much there is left to do! We've been working on the nursery and gathering a few essentials needed to bring the baby home; so far we've painted the walls and put up a few decals, we have newborn diapers and some first aid items.
You know.. just monkeying around. (this will go over the crib)
working on our decals
I dont know why, but the walls look very peachy in this photo. They are actually more beige in person- the first pic of David and the monkey on the vine is a better representation of the real color.
Here is mom and I at Dennys picking out layette items. We have a 'boy' box and a separate 'girl' box which she will bring down to Maryland once the big day arrives!
We also started our labor and birth class at the hospital- which seems useful except for the fact that I can't stop laughing during the breathing exercises. I just can't look at David - he gets so intense with the counting! Some couples in the class looked a little annoyed at us, but you know what? He's the one I hope will make me laugh when I'm in real pain- so let them be pissed. I think some of the positions we learned will be helpful. The breathing however? Notsomuch.
just about 33 weeks
We're starting to get really excited.. and a little panicked about how much there is left to do! We've been working on the nursery and gathering a few essentials needed to bring the baby home; so far we've painted the walls and put up a few decals, we have newborn diapers and some first aid items.
You know.. just monkeying around. (this will go over the crib)
working on our decals
I dont know why, but the walls look very peachy in this photo. They are actually more beige in person- the first pic of David and the monkey on the vine is a better representation of the real color.
Here is mom and I at Dennys picking out layette items. We have a 'boy' box and a separate 'girl' box which she will bring down to Maryland once the big day arrives!
We also started our labor and birth class at the hospital- which seems useful except for the fact that I can't stop laughing during the breathing exercises. I just can't look at David - he gets so intense with the counting! Some couples in the class looked a little annoyed at us, but you know what? He's the one I hope will make me laugh when I'm in real pain- so let them be pissed. I think some of the positions we learned will be helpful. The breathing however? Notsomuch.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Introducing... our niece Natalia!
Over Thanksgiving weekend, Ilan and Patricia had a beautiful baby girl!
Natalia Sofia was born on Wednesday, November 24th at 8:26 PM. Healthy and happy, she was 8lbs, 7oz, has big brown eyes and a head full of soft dark hair.
first family picture
happy new parents
Natalia was very considerate to come exactly on her due date- as David and I were in town for a few days and could visit with her and her proud new parents.
David finding out he's an uncle on Thanksgiving morning
So in love with their little girl
meeting our gorgeous new niece
mommykisses
Patricia labored for a few days and from what I am told was an absolute champ!
We are so in love with our new little niece- we can't wait to introduce her to our baby in a few more weeks.
happy at home
We miss everyone already!
Natalia Sofia was born on Wednesday, November 24th at 8:26 PM. Healthy and happy, she was 8lbs, 7oz, has big brown eyes and a head full of soft dark hair.
first family picture
happy new parents
Natalia was very considerate to come exactly on her due date- as David and I were in town for a few days and could visit with her and her proud new parents.
David finding out he's an uncle on Thanksgiving morning
So in love with their little girl
meeting our gorgeous new niece
mommykisses
Patricia labored for a few days and from what I am told was an absolute champ!
We are so in love with our new little niece- we can't wait to introduce her to our baby in a few more weeks.
happy at home
We miss everyone already!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Boy or Girl... what do you think?
It’s been fun not knowing what the gender of the baby is going to be, but also VERY hard. I mean… I. NEED. TO. PLAN. Also? I'd like to be able to answer the very first question EVERONE asks when they see me these days. “So…what are you having?”
Still, I’m glad we are going to wait… it has been pretty a pretty cool experience. But just for fun, I decided to look up a few old wives tales that are supposed to predict the gender of the baby. Both websites I consulted (totally at random) came to the same conclusion. Guess we’ll see if they are right in 2 months!
Website Number 1: iVillage tells me it could be a boy
It's a boy if:
You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy (Yes I did. Moderate but there.)
Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute (it’s been 135-140 since the very beginning)
You are carrying the extra weight out front (I am not “all belly” but I am carrying mostly in front)
Your belly looks like a basketball (sure does)
Your areolas have darkened considerably (hey now personal!)
You are carrying low (not really)
You are craving salty or sour foods (I crave all foods)
You are craving protein -- meats and cheese (I crave all foods, but thanks because now I want a steak)
Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy (nope)
The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy (nope)
Your hands are very dry (nope)
Your pillow faces north when you sleep (wtf?)
Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you (a smidge, but anyone would gain with all the sweets from Halloween)
Pregnancy has you looking better than ever (my hair IS thicker, but I think that’s the vitamins)
Your urine is bright yellow in color (not really)
Your nose is spreading (YES!!!)
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles (have to try this- will report back) (**UPDATE - it went in a circle!**)
You are having headaches (nope)
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number (30+4=34 EVEN!)
It's a girl if:
You had morning sickness early in pregnancy (Yes I did. Moderate but there.)
Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute (It’s never been more than 140)
You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear (I got some ‘junk in the trunk’ but it’s mostly up front)
Your left breast is larger than your right breast (um, I don’t THINK so)
Your hair develops red highlights (nope)
You are carrying high (not really)
Your belly looks like a watermelon (not really)
You are craving sweets (I crave all foods)
You are craving fruit (OMG YES!)
You crave orange juice (ugh, heartburn, no. However, I do crave milk. )
You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy (now that’s just plain rude!)
You are moodier than usual during pregnancy (this must be a trick question)
Your face breaks out more than usual (nope)
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread (it’s the best part)
Your breasts have really blossomed! (I mean… have to SEEN me?)
Your pillow faces south when you sleep (again, WTF)
Your urine is a dull yellow color (actually it kinda is)
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side (have to try this- will report back) (**UPDATE - it went in a circle!**)
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number (30+4=34 EVEN!)
Website Number 2: Pregnancy-Info tells me it could be a boy
Carrying High, Carrying Low
The way you are carrying during your pregnancy is one of the most oft cited ways of determining the sex of your baby. The general story goes that, if you're carrying low, you're having a boy. If you are carrying high, then you must be having a girl.
(I don’t think I’m high or low… my conclusion is this predictor sucks)
What Your Urine Says
This next test to determine a baby's sex may not be for everyone, although it is very simple. Just take a sample of your urine and mix it with Drano. Depending on the color change of your urine, you will have a boy or a girl. If your urine turns bluish yellow, brownish, brown, black or blue you will be having a boy. If your urine looks more greenish brown, green, blue or doesn't change at all, then you're having a girl.
(My bathroom is not a science lab and I don’t want to be near any Drano fumes… this predictor sucks too)
Heartbeats
One belief that has been around for some time, and even had some acceptance in the medical community at one point, is that the fetal heartbeat differs for boys and girls. If you're having a girl, the fetal heart rate will be above 140. A boy will have a heart rate below 140.
(it’s been 135-140 since the very beginning, never higher: Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)
Cravings
Many people believe that your cravings are caused by the sex of your baby. So, if you can't get enough chocolate, you could be having a girl. Does the idea of drinking straight lemon juice sound delicious to you? Then those sour cravings are a result of the little boy inside of you.
(First of all, this is unfair to ask right after Halloween. Second, all I really want is SPICY foods)
Weight Gain
Thankfully, this one doesn't refer to your weight gain. The belief is that, if your husband puts on weight during your pregnancy, then you will be having a girl. If he doesn't put on a pound, then you're carrying a boy.
(David maybe put on 2 lbs… which I think doesn’t even count as sympathy weight. See my comments above re: Halloween. Guess we’ll see if it’s a girl in January)
Is Her Face Round and Full?
Some say that the shape and fullness of your face during pregnancy can indicate your baby's sex. Every woman gains weight differently during pregnancy, and every woman experiences different skin changes. If people tell you that because your face is round and rosy you are having a girl, they might be right - but it's just as likely that they are wrong!
(Nobody has ever told me I look “rosy” Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)
At-Home Tests
Here's a test that you can do next time you change or get out of the bath. Look in the mirror at your breasts. If the right one is larger, you're having a boy! A larger left breast indicates a girl
(If they're the same size, does that mean you're having one of each? My conclusion is this predictor sucks)
Pendant
Hold a pendant over your hand. If the necklace swings back and forth, you're having a boy. If it is more of a circular motion, then it's a girl. This can also be done by suspending a ring on a string above your belly.
(Will try this tonight)
Acne
Do you have acne? Some believe that getting acne during your pregnancy indicates you're carrying a girl. Maybe the acne is caused by twice the amount of female hormones?
(My face has actually cleared up. Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)
Keys
Pick up a key. If you've picked it up by the thinner end, you're having a girl. Picking it up by the bottom, rounder part means a boy is on the way. Did you pick it up by the middle? Then congratulations, you're having twins!
(Twins?! Shudder. I picked it up at the thinner end. Guess we’ll see if it’s a girl in January)
The Chinese Birth Chart
This is a very popular calendar used by many women not only to increase their changes of conceiving a girl or boy, but also to predict the sex of baby who is already conceived.
(It says boy. Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)
Still, I’m glad we are going to wait… it has been pretty a pretty cool experience. But just for fun, I decided to look up a few old wives tales that are supposed to predict the gender of the baby. Both websites I consulted (totally at random) came to the same conclusion. Guess we’ll see if they are right in 2 months!
Website Number 1: iVillage tells me it could be a boy
It's a boy if:
You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy (Yes I did. Moderate but there.)
Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute (it’s been 135-140 since the very beginning)
You are carrying the extra weight out front (I am not “all belly” but I am carrying mostly in front)
Your belly looks like a basketball (sure does)
Your areolas have darkened considerably (hey now personal!)
You are carrying low (not really)
You are craving salty or sour foods (I crave all foods)
You are craving protein -- meats and cheese (I crave all foods, but thanks because now I want a steak)
Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy (nope)
The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy (nope)
Your hands are very dry (nope)
Your pillow faces north when you sleep (wtf?)
Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you (a smidge, but anyone would gain with all the sweets from Halloween)
Pregnancy has you looking better than ever (my hair IS thicker, but I think that’s the vitamins)
Your urine is bright yellow in color (not really)
Your nose is spreading (YES!!!)
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles (have to try this- will report back) (**UPDATE - it went in a circle!**)
You are having headaches (nope)
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number (30+4=34 EVEN!)
It's a girl if:
You had morning sickness early in pregnancy (Yes I did. Moderate but there.)
Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute (It’s never been more than 140)
You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear (I got some ‘junk in the trunk’ but it’s mostly up front)
Your left breast is larger than your right breast (um, I don’t THINK so)
Your hair develops red highlights (nope)
You are carrying high (not really)
Your belly looks like a watermelon (not really)
You are craving sweets (I crave all foods)
You are craving fruit (OMG YES!)
You crave orange juice (ugh, heartburn, no. However, I do crave milk. )
You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy (now that’s just plain rude!)
You are moodier than usual during pregnancy (this must be a trick question)
Your face breaks out more than usual (nope)
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread (it’s the best part)
Your breasts have really blossomed! (I mean… have to SEEN me?)
Your pillow faces south when you sleep (again, WTF)
Your urine is a dull yellow color (actually it kinda is)
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side (have to try this- will report back) (**UPDATE - it went in a circle!**)
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number (30+4=34 EVEN!)
Website Number 2: Pregnancy-Info tells me it could be a boy
Carrying High, Carrying Low
The way you are carrying during your pregnancy is one of the most oft cited ways of determining the sex of your baby. The general story goes that, if you're carrying low, you're having a boy. If you are carrying high, then you must be having a girl.
(I don’t think I’m high or low… my conclusion is this predictor sucks)
What Your Urine Says
This next test to determine a baby's sex may not be for everyone, although it is very simple. Just take a sample of your urine and mix it with Drano. Depending on the color change of your urine, you will have a boy or a girl. If your urine turns bluish yellow, brownish, brown, black or blue you will be having a boy. If your urine looks more greenish brown, green, blue or doesn't change at all, then you're having a girl.
(My bathroom is not a science lab and I don’t want to be near any Drano fumes… this predictor sucks too)
Heartbeats
One belief that has been around for some time, and even had some acceptance in the medical community at one point, is that the fetal heartbeat differs for boys and girls. If you're having a girl, the fetal heart rate will be above 140. A boy will have a heart rate below 140.
(it’s been 135-140 since the very beginning, never higher: Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)
Cravings
Many people believe that your cravings are caused by the sex of your baby. So, if you can't get enough chocolate, you could be having a girl. Does the idea of drinking straight lemon juice sound delicious to you? Then those sour cravings are a result of the little boy inside of you.
(First of all, this is unfair to ask right after Halloween. Second, all I really want is SPICY foods)
Weight Gain
Thankfully, this one doesn't refer to your weight gain. The belief is that, if your husband puts on weight during your pregnancy, then you will be having a girl. If he doesn't put on a pound, then you're carrying a boy.
(David maybe put on 2 lbs… which I think doesn’t even count as sympathy weight. See my comments above re: Halloween. Guess we’ll see if it’s a girl in January)
Is Her Face Round and Full?
Some say that the shape and fullness of your face during pregnancy can indicate your baby's sex. Every woman gains weight differently during pregnancy, and every woman experiences different skin changes. If people tell you that because your face is round and rosy you are having a girl, they might be right - but it's just as likely that they are wrong!
(Nobody has ever told me I look “rosy” Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)
At-Home Tests
Here's a test that you can do next time you change or get out of the bath. Look in the mirror at your breasts. If the right one is larger, you're having a boy! A larger left breast indicates a girl
(If they're the same size, does that mean you're having one of each? My conclusion is this predictor sucks)
Pendant
Hold a pendant over your hand. If the necklace swings back and forth, you're having a boy. If it is more of a circular motion, then it's a girl. This can also be done by suspending a ring on a string above your belly.
(Will try this tonight)
Acne
Do you have acne? Some believe that getting acne during your pregnancy indicates you're carrying a girl. Maybe the acne is caused by twice the amount of female hormones?
(My face has actually cleared up. Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)
Keys
Pick up a key. If you've picked it up by the thinner end, you're having a girl. Picking it up by the bottom, rounder part means a boy is on the way. Did you pick it up by the middle? Then congratulations, you're having twins!
(Twins?! Shudder. I picked it up at the thinner end. Guess we’ll see if it’s a girl in January)
The Chinese Birth Chart
This is a very popular calendar used by many women not only to increase their changes of conceiving a girl or boy, but also to predict the sex of baby who is already conceived.
(It says boy. Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)
Monday, November 8, 2010
Chi-town!
We went to Chicago for a long weekend with our friends, Becky and Aaron. It was a combination weekend getaway with friends, a visit to see Brian in his new city and Babymoon Part II (Boston was part I).
We arrived Friday night and had some late-night snacks and drinks (and here I never thought I would get to use the word 'mocktail' in my life) in the gorgeous lobby of our hotel.
swank lobby ceiling.
I learned this after we got home (thanks Google!) but apparently there are 21 paintings on the ceiling of the Palmer House lobby, designed and created by French painter Louis Pierre Rigal. The man who helped restore the Sistine Chapel – Lido Lippi – also restored the lobby ceiling in 1996.
The whole hotel is stunning- we didn't even get to explore the whole thing but I did become kind of obsessed with these massive, bronze doors which were apparently designed and built by Tiffany.
hotel room
On Saturday morning we kicked off our touristy weekend with an Architecture Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. We learned about the history and design of many of Chicago's most recognizable buildings.
boarding the cruise
David and Becky's fav buildings, the Marina City Buildings. All the apartments are shaped like a piece of pie.
One of many touristy pictures from the weekend
Architecture cruise sites
Architecture cruise sites
Architecture cruise sites
Then it was off to lunch at Doug's Dogs. Also known as "The Encased Meats Emporium and Sausage Superstore" this was David's one request for the whole weekend and it did not disappoint. Check out our dogs (and duck fat fries).
The men and their 'food babies'
Aaron and his dog
After lunch we headed back downtown and had drinks at The Signature Room at the top of the John Hancock Building. It had really amazing views of the whole city and some delicious hot chocolate!
great views and good friends
We had tapas for dinner at Mercat a la Planxa and then dessert at Rick and Shannon's place that night. Getting home was a bit of a challenge as snagging a cab on Halloween is no easy feat- but we did it!
On Sunday we hit up some more of Chicago's touristy-must-do's including the Bean, Michigan Avenue Shopping, Garrett's Popcorn, Navy Pier and deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's. We checked out Brian's new apartment and had a really incredible dinner at Boka that night.
Yet another touristy pic- Chicago's famous bean
Garrett's popcorn just off Michigan Avenue
Navy Pier
Navy Pier cuteness
Getting some authentic deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's
On Monday we got some culture at the Art Institute of Chicago and dug into some Italian Beef sandwiches at Portillo's before heading back home.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Seated Buddah
American Gothic
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte
Nighthawks
Italian beef sandwiches at Portillos.... yum!
It was a fabulous weekend. We did a lot of walking but I made sure to take it easy when I felt tired. The weather was really great and I even saw a few celebs along the way. Except for Thanksgiving and an upcoming family Bat-Mitzvah, this was the last real trip away before baby. I'm trying to enjoy these moments because I know it will never be the two of us again.
We arrived Friday night and had some late-night snacks and drinks (and here I never thought I would get to use the word 'mocktail' in my life) in the gorgeous lobby of our hotel.
swank lobby ceiling.
I learned this after we got home (thanks Google!) but apparently there are 21 paintings on the ceiling of the Palmer House lobby, designed and created by French painter Louis Pierre Rigal. The man who helped restore the Sistine Chapel – Lido Lippi – also restored the lobby ceiling in 1996.
The whole hotel is stunning- we didn't even get to explore the whole thing but I did become kind of obsessed with these massive, bronze doors which were apparently designed and built by Tiffany.
hotel room
On Saturday morning we kicked off our touristy weekend with an Architecture Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. We learned about the history and design of many of Chicago's most recognizable buildings.
boarding the cruise
David and Becky's fav buildings, the Marina City Buildings. All the apartments are shaped like a piece of pie.
One of many touristy pictures from the weekend
Architecture cruise sites
Architecture cruise sites
Architecture cruise sites
Then it was off to lunch at Doug's Dogs. Also known as "The Encased Meats Emporium and Sausage Superstore" this was David's one request for the whole weekend and it did not disappoint. Check out our dogs (and duck fat fries).
The men and their 'food babies'
Aaron and his dog
After lunch we headed back downtown and had drinks at The Signature Room at the top of the John Hancock Building. It had really amazing views of the whole city and some delicious hot chocolate!
great views and good friends
We had tapas for dinner at Mercat a la Planxa and then dessert at Rick and Shannon's place that night. Getting home was a bit of a challenge as snagging a cab on Halloween is no easy feat- but we did it!
On Sunday we hit up some more of Chicago's touristy-must-do's including the Bean, Michigan Avenue Shopping, Garrett's Popcorn, Navy Pier and deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's. We checked out Brian's new apartment and had a really incredible dinner at Boka that night.
Yet another touristy pic- Chicago's famous bean
Garrett's popcorn just off Michigan Avenue
Navy Pier
Navy Pier cuteness
Getting some authentic deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's
On Monday we got some culture at the Art Institute of Chicago and dug into some Italian Beef sandwiches at Portillo's before heading back home.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Seated Buddah
American Gothic
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte
Nighthawks
Italian beef sandwiches at Portillos.... yum!
It was a fabulous weekend. We did a lot of walking but I made sure to take it easy when I felt tired. The weather was really great and I even saw a few celebs along the way. Except for Thanksgiving and an upcoming family Bat-Mitzvah, this was the last real trip away before baby. I'm trying to enjoy these moments because I know it will never be the two of us again.
A whole post about snoring. You're welcome.
So apparently the secret to a happy marriage involves Breathe Right nasal strips. You know, those funny looking "spring-like" bands you put over your nose? Best. Invention. Ever.
Apparently my recent (and still lingering) cold, combined with cruising along into my third trimester has resulted in some snoring. According to David, a lot of snoring actually (poor guy). Let's face it, people who know me can attest that I'm not exactly a quiet person to begin with- and this apparently extends to my snoring as well. It's so loud it even wakes me up!
David has tried to be a good sport- but ultimately after waking up a few times, one of us ends up schlepping to another bedroom in the middle of the night and nobody gets a good night's sleep. Something had to be done- and separate bedrooms for the next 2 1/2 months was not an option. Enter the Breathe Right strips.
Sure, I look like a football player and yes, they are one-time use only so I will be buying them in bulk from now on, but! they! work! So far we've both made it through the night without incident. I'm still getting up a few times to reposition myself and my pillow fortress or go to the bathroom, etc but overall I think we are both more rested and happiness has returned to our little home.
Apparently my recent (and still lingering) cold, combined with cruising along into my third trimester has resulted in some snoring. According to David, a lot of snoring actually (poor guy). Let's face it, people who know me can attest that I'm not exactly a quiet person to begin with- and this apparently extends to my snoring as well. It's so loud it even wakes me up!
David has tried to be a good sport- but ultimately after waking up a few times, one of us ends up schlepping to another bedroom in the middle of the night and nobody gets a good night's sleep. Something had to be done- and separate bedrooms for the next 2 1/2 months was not an option. Enter the Breathe Right strips.
Sure, I look like a football player and yes, they are one-time use only so I will be buying them in bulk from now on, but! they! work! So far we've both made it through the night without incident. I'm still getting up a few times to reposition myself and my pillow fortress or go to the bathroom, etc but overall I think we are both more rested and happiness has returned to our little home.
Friday, October 29, 2010
28 weeks!
Well, we are in our third trimester little one. You continue to get stronger; your gentle nudges have turned into some pretty strong kicks. I sometimes call you my little ninja. You can't seem to sit still for long, you must get this from me.
You are also getting bigger..and so am I. You have started to feel heavy this week and I've noticed a slight shift in my balance. My bigger belly has thrown off my posture, and on top on that, the hormone relaxin is loosening up my joints- so I'm trying to be more careful reaching for things and I'm also holding on to the elliptical machine at the gym. (Because let's face it: for a former gymnast, I'm surprisingly kind of a klutz)
I passed my Gestational Diabetes test this week (wahoo!) and I have to admit that overall, I feel really good. My hips do hurt a little, but taking a warm shower before bed, doing some stretches and propping myself up with pillows at night seems to be helping. I make a sort of pillow fortress around me each night- one behind me, one between my knees and one in front of me. David has almost given up on a) having any space for himself in the bed and b) a kiss goodnight. Instead, we've been giving each other a high-five over the mountain of support pillows strategically placed around me. The space issue? Well some things are just not my problem :)
I'm really looking forward to our long weekend in Chicago. Of course we are going to NJ and NY for Thanksgiving, but this will be our last vacation as a couple before we become a family.
You are also getting bigger..and so am I. You have started to feel heavy this week and I've noticed a slight shift in my balance. My bigger belly has thrown off my posture, and on top on that, the hormone relaxin is loosening up my joints- so I'm trying to be more careful reaching for things and I'm also holding on to the elliptical machine at the gym. (Because let's face it: for a former gymnast, I'm surprisingly kind of a klutz)
I passed my Gestational Diabetes test this week (wahoo!) and I have to admit that overall, I feel really good. My hips do hurt a little, but taking a warm shower before bed, doing some stretches and propping myself up with pillows at night seems to be helping. I make a sort of pillow fortress around me each night- one behind me, one between my knees and one in front of me. David has almost given up on a) having any space for himself in the bed and b) a kiss goodnight. Instead, we've been giving each other a high-five over the mountain of support pillows strategically placed around me. The space issue? Well some things are just not my problem :)
I'm really looking forward to our long weekend in Chicago. Of course we are going to NJ and NY for Thanksgiving, but this will be our last vacation as a couple before we become a family.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Cute Maternity T-shirts
I have seen a lot of really cute maternity t-shirts recently and while I didn't find this one early enough to order for Halloween this weekend, the rest of the ones below might be just too funny not to get:
I found all of these at CafePress and you can customize a lot of them with your due date, etc.
I think this one is my favorite....
Followed closely by this one....
Because let's face it, I'm not trying to impress anyone.
I found all of these at CafePress and you can customize a lot of them with your due date, etc.
I think this one is my favorite....
Followed closely by this one....
Because let's face it, I'm not trying to impress anyone.
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