Rockstar Parking: Who Could Resist? July 28, 2008

I had to run a few errands on Saturday, which included picking up gifts for two friends at Babies-R-Us. When I was leaving, I noticed the lovely, primo parking spots for “expectant moms” and made a mental note about how much I will appreciate those rockstar spots when I’m GINORMOUS and it’s 10 degrees F and snowing.

 

I didn’t park there Saturday, since I didn’t notice the sign until I left (and any extra exercise is GOOD for me anyhoo, considering my hearty appetite these days). But today, Joe and I were in a rush, and I couldn’t resist. We had lunch together right after he landed at MSP. Afterward, I dragged him there to show him a crib I fell in love with on Saturday. And, I had to hurry up and get back to work…

 

So, voila, here’s where we parked (I snapped this w/ my phone):

 

 

They should rename it “Dork Parking” for me. You wouldn’t know I was expecting unless you looked very closely. Still, we both laughed at the thought of being able to park their “for real.” Yes, reality is starting to set in, slowwwwwwly…

Starting to think about the nursery July 23, 2008

So I’ve discovered an awesome online resource that’s new to me… It’s TheKnot.com’s answer to “Babyville” – www.TheNestBaby.com. This site is perfect for what I’m ready to tackle next: El Nursery.

 

And no, I’m not planning to deck out our baby’s room in some kind of extreme nursery theme. I’m too practical for that… Besides, we’re not going to find out whether Baby C is a boy or girl until delivery day (weeeeeeeeee!). I was simply interested in pinpointing things like a nursery checklist, current guidelines for safe cribs (slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, etc.), eco-friendly tips, just the BASIC jazz. Well, TheNestBaby.com did not disappoint!

 

I’ve been known to tell Joe no less than eight times recently, “I’m a big fan of white noise makers when babies sleep; did you know that?” I must still consider myself an expert from the days as my oldest niece and nephew’s self-appointed number-one babysitter (Jake is 23 now, and Jenna is 21). We used an old, noisy fan right outisde the bedroom door, and turned it the opposite way. It worked magic!

 

Wouldn’t ya know it? TheNestBaby.com recommends a cool, portable white noise machine that plays a wide selection of sounds (the womb, the ocean, etc.). Wow, the things they have nowadays! When I was little, I got mom’s measuring spoons and that was it. Or maybe a Tupperware-made toy. Discoveries like these really amaze me. It’s been since Jake and Jenna were toddlers that I’ve paid attention to any kind of “baby stuff.”

 

So, here’s a pic of what will become Baby C’s nursery.

 

We’re sticking with the green color on the walls because we both like it, and it relaxes me. Plus, it’s totally gender neutral. I’m hoping to talk my mom into making some great curtains (she’s very talented with the sewing machine), and TheNestBaby.com also recommends hanging vinyl blackout curtains behind the “pretty” ones, to keep things nice and dark. Listen to  me. I sound like an informercial for the site.

 

No idea yet where we’ll move my favorite stuff from the San Francisco apartment (the little green thrift store couch and jute rug). Maybe the basement?

 

In foodstuffs this week, Raisin Bran has been upstaged by nectarines. Yummmmmmm!

Getting back to real life July 16, 2008

We’ve been lucky enough to spend a little time with family recently– quite a rarity in the summertime given Joe’s work schedule. I’m still pinching myself that I get to hang out, too, instead of hiding my nose in some dry textbook.

 

Last Saturday, we drove down to The Hometown to visit family on both sides, including my sister, Jean. I haven’t taken the time to tell many of my out-state friends about Jean’s recent battle with breast cancer, since it all happened so quickly.

 

We learned she had breast cancer on May 12, and by June 9, she underwent a radical mastectomy of the right breast. Her doctors at Mayo Clinic are not recommending chemo or radiation; they sound so confident that a second surgery performed two weeks ago should suffice (taking the ovaries). Let’s hope the experts are right!

 

Jean’s having a tough time adjusting to all the rapid changes, but overall, her spirits are good. She may not consider herself “lucky” right now, but we sure do. The follow-up visits have gone well, and when I think about all the women who’ve fought the battle and lost, a huge wave of “God, we are lucky” washes over me.

 

Here we are on Saturday…

 

 

In Baby C news, I’m exactly 16 weeks along today. It also marks the first day I’ve worn anything “maternity” to work. I picked up a pair of black capris at Target, finally tired of putting up with the belly-pinching from my regular pants. Wow, it feels nice to stretch out a little.

 

The magic food for me this week has been Raisin Bran cereal (with milk). Gotta have it!

Couple of Preggo Lists July 8, 2008

In honor of feeling a little bit better these days – and building up energy so that I may begin prepping the nursery (a.k.a. “the green room” if you’ve been to our house) – I’m penning some of my favorite things about being preggo, just 3 ½ months in.

As you will see, both lists relate to protein and RED MEAT, something I rarely craved until now.

 

Favorite Dining Experiences During the Last Week

1. Manning’s hamburger
2. Cheeseburger on the grill, by J
3. Blueberry walnut whole-wheat pancakes from Al’s Breakfast
4. Anniversary dinner (steak, what else?) at Capital Grille
5. Chicken McNuggets (this craving was especially odd – the last time they crossed my lips might have been 2003)

Please do NOT tell me to watch my weight… I am listening to my body, and it’s telling me Baby C needs iron! Plus, I’m still hitting the gym like usual. On most days. As Dad-in-law recently told me, hockey legs (like J’s) are not built on fish and turkey burgers alone.

 

Favorite Non-alcoholic Beverages for Summer BBQs

1. Lemonade (this I have not craved since I was a kid in Grandma R’s kitchen)
2. O’Doul’s Amber (not bad, reminds me a bit of Mich Golden Light)
3. Mango lemonade from California Pizza Kitchen
4. Ginger Ale
5. Nordic, the LaBatt’s knockoff (um, it’s OK)

Non-alcoholic beer notes: For about a week, I thought I liked Kaliber, the Guiness imitation. I came to realize the Guiness brand was somehow influencing my taste buds (plus, I was in an Irish pub watching soccer, and the atmosphere sucked me in). I now believe it makes me a bit nauseous, so no more Kaliber, thank you very much.

Funny of the Day July 2, 2008

Here’s my situation these days, in a nutshell… with a generous side of nausea.