36 weeks... and a Babymoon!

How far along? 36 weeks today!
Total weight gain/loss: No weight gain since my last OB appt two weeks ago. We’ll see if that still rings true at my next appt this Thursday.
Maternity clothes? Yes. Tan and chocolate brown argyle maternity cardigan, khaki maternity cords, and brown canvas espadrille wedges.
Stretch marks? Yes.. and still counting.
Sleep: Had the best nights’ sleep on our babymoon in VT this past weekend. Since being home, I’m back to not sleeping comfortably or soundly, but whatevs.
Best moment this week: A couple of great moments, actually. First, the aforementioned babymoon. Two and a half days of rest, relaxation, great foliage, and an even greater bed and breakfast. And, 2nd, WE FOUND A DOULA! What a sigh of relief to know that Tony and I will have our very own advocate and professional to help guide us and support us through my labor. Now, we know we’ll have the best birth we can possibly have.
Movement: A lot! At this point, there isn’t a lot of room in there. So, even the slightest movement feels huge. Feeling her as well as seeing my belly move and jut out is beyond wonderful. While I can’t wait to finally meet her, I know I’m going to miss having her closer than any mother and child can be with each other.
Food cravings: Not really a craving, but this morning, I indulged in a French toast bagel with cream cheese and peanut butter.
Gender: A sweet baby girl!
Labor Signs: Random Braxton Hicks. And, I must say, I’m paying very close attention to any signs of preterm labor. Keep cooking in there, little lady! We’ll meet soon enough!
Belly Button in or out? Still on it’s way out!
What I miss: The sleigh bed in our amazing room at the B&B this past weekend. Most comfortable bed I’ve slept on since our honeymoon in Montreal two years ago.
What I am looking forward to: Tonight’s supplement to our Prepared Childbirth classes – Breastfeeding 101. And, we’re taking Rosa (my mom) along. I can tell she’s excited, because she’s reminded me of it about four times in the last 24 hours. Ha! Cute, that one.
Weekly Wisdom: At the B&B, we met several interesting couples, including the inn-keepers, all of whom had children ranging from 2 years old to 23 years old. Until now, everyone has really brought it home to us that our lives “will change completely” and to “enjoy this time now, because nothing will ever be the same after the baby comes”. While we know that to be true, we really don’t think it’s a death sentence once children come into the picture. We hope and plan to continue on with our lifestyle – with obvious adjustments, of course. The couples we met on our weekend getaway each confirmed to us that becoming parents actually opens our lives up to a lifetime of amazing, wonderful, and unexpected experiences, and to welcome the good with the occasional bad, and we’ll be just fine. Thanks, Noah and Becca from Newton, Mass, Gillian and Dennis, our innkeepers, and the fancy but down-to-earth power couple whose names escape me. Your encouraging words of wisdom to us were invaluable.
Milestones: Reaching 36 weeks today is a total milestone in my book, and each day from here until my due date will be welcomed one at a time with equal enthusiasm.

A weekend in Putney, VT

Last Friday, I took a half day and Tony worked from home. By 2pm, we were headed up to Vermont. It was closer than I thought – only 1.5 hours. That’s it. Hard to believe a place like Putney, VT is that close to us.

When we arrived at the B&B – Hickory Ridge House – we were given a warm welcome by Gillian, one of the innkeepers, as well as Jack and Gracie, the inn’s resident furbabies. They led us through the beautifully decorated inn and up to our room – The Autumn Room - which was very a propos to this time a year. Our “home” for the next couple of nights included high ceilings, windows on three sides with amazing views of the back garden and meadow, an amazing sleigh bed, gorgeously-kept antiques, and a large en suite bathroom (photos courtesy of www.hickoryridgehouse.com).

After getting settled, we freshened up and headed out for dinner in Brattleboro at this tiny and out-of-the-way gem called Alici’s, a Turkish bistro serving Mediterranean tapas-style dishes. Tony started of with the Bistro Mussels, which were drenched in a curry-coconut broth (so good!) and then ordered the kobe sliders, which looked fantastic. I started off with the Lobster Bisque, super chunky and flavorful with real crab and lobster, and then ordered the Mediterranean Mussels, which had chorizo and a really nice spicy tomato sauce. Dessert, which we really didn’t need, because we were beyond full at that point, included fudgy chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream for Tony and crème brule for me (photo courtesy of www.alicisbistro.com).



Breakfast Saturday morning was at 8am sharp and served family-style in the inn’s dining room. Gillian and Dennis really outdid themselves. We feasted on antique compotes of fruit salad, homemade banana muffins, mushroom and rosemary omelet, smoked bacon, and plum tomatoes topped with a sweet tomato salsa or chutney. Seriously. Can I please start every day off like that??

After breakfast, we headed out by car to explore Putney and the surrounding towns. Tony planned a day, that included a visit to a cheese factory, a scenic drive through southern Vermont, and then a stop at the yearly pumpkin Festival in Keene New Hampshire.

We arrived at the Grafton Cheese Company, located right next to one of those quintessentially New England covered bridges, and in who’s pasture were grazing a group of lazy cows.





Ah, cheese, glorious cheese! Inside the Grafton Cheese Company, we caught a quick glimpse at cheese making, and then got to sample so many varieties of cheeses, mustards, jams, and chutneys. We left with six pounds of cheese and two jars of artisan jams.

And then, we were off to continue our exploration..

Thanks to our Navigation System, we were able to get from point A to point B throughout our weekend relatively unscathed. While Vermont is filled with perfectly paved highways and roads, there are still off-the-beaten-paths that somehow were recognized by the navigation system as legitimate routes. Imagine our surprise when on two occasions, we wound up on a road that precariously narrowed and became less paved with every mile, only to end up literally in the middle of the woods in what seemed like a foot path flanked by a ravine on either side. Special… and quite the adventure! I laugh now, but at the time, I panicked and kept thinking about the possibility of getting even more lost in the woods a la The Blair Witch Project! Thank God my absurd melodrama is tempered by Tony’s level-headedness and humor!

The parts of Vermont we drove through were something out of a postcard - antique shops and white steeple churches in every town, farm stands and general stores on every Main Street, and local artists and bohemians everywhere. The foliage was already past its peak, but even the muted colors that spread themselves out along the hills and valleys stretched out in front of us like a carpet. Just beautiful – and a clear reminder to me why Fall is my favorite season.

The pumpkin Festival in Keene, New Hampshire was the perfect place to people-watch. Essentially, it was a huge street fair of vendors of everything from fried dough to chowder. Sorry, chowdah. Speaking of which, Tony and I shared the absolute best seafood chowdah, and we walked what seemed like miles from one end of the festival to the other. Keene is a college town. So, plenty of students, locals, tourists, and pumpkins! There was close to 30,000 carved pumpkins on display.



Later that evening back in Putney, we decided to stay close to the B&B for dinner and ended up at a great little local pub, where we grabbed Fish & Chips and a pint of Pumpkin Ale (for Tony) and a Cobb salad topped with grilled salmon (for me).

After dinner, we settled back in our room at the inn to watch a movie. We were so exhausted from our day of exploration; we were asleep within 10 minutes of popping in the DVD.

The next morning, we packed up our suitcase, and went down to breakfast, which included fruit salad topped with mascarpone cheese and an edible flower, homemade orange and carrot muffins, a cheese omelet, and a tomato and goat cheese tart. Tell me: What is NOT to love about this place??

After breakfast, we still had some time before checkout. So, we laced up our sneakers and decided to wander around the grounds of the inn. It was much cooler and more overcast than the previous day, but after feasting on so much food and in front of a wood stove, the air outside was perfect – cold and refreshing – and the exercise did us a lot of good.









We walked past the property, past a swimming hole, and up to the grounds of a neighboring school. Every person who drove past us smiled and waved. Loved that.

Back at the inn, we thanked Gillian and Dennis for such a lovely stay, said goodbye to Jack and Gracie, and packed up the car and left. Instead of taking 91 to return home, we took backroads, which fortunately didn’t lead us astray, but rather took us through more picturesque towns alongside the Connecticut River.

We really lucked out with the weather. Rain was predicted all weekend, but it actually didn’t start to rain until we were already on the road headed home Sunday afternoon.

This “last hurrah” before the baby comes was a much needed time alone for Tony and me. We really enjoyed the part of Vermont we saw, loved the Hickory Ridge House and the people we met during our stay there, and we can’t wait to return next year. It was a weekend of no pugs, no Rosa, and no other distractions, and yet, we found ourselves talking about them constantly. “Rosa would love it up here”… or … “I wonder what the puggies are doing right now”… or “we have to make sure we return next Fall with the baby, Rosa, and the pugs”.

We know they’ll love it as much as we did.

10.13.07

Two years ago today, I married my best friend..

I don't love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as certain dark things are loved,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom and carries
hidden within itself the light of those flowers,
and thanks to your love, darkly in my body
lives the dense fragrance that rises from the earth.
I love you without knowing how, or when,
or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because
I don't know any other way of loving but this,
in which there is no I or you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep
it is your eyes that close.
- “Love Sonnet XVII” by Pablo Neruda

34 Weeks... and a Baby Shower.

How far along? 34 weeks today!
Total weight gain/loss: No weight gain since my last OB appt two weeks ago.
Maternity clothes? Purple embroidered babydoll non-maternity top, khaki maternity cords (most comfortable pants I’ve EVER put on), and brown canvas espadrille wedges.
Stretch marks? Yes.
Sleep: A little.
Best moment this week: Today, we had another scheduled ultrasound – to measure for growth. Seeing her face was magical. We could hardly make it out, but there she was, with her hands up to her mouth and moving like crazy. Hearing the doctor say, “this little girl is very entertaining” was HEAVEN.
Movement: A lot! She wasn’t as cooperative as she was at the last ultrasound, but it’s all good. She’s active, and that’s all that matters to me.
Food cravings: Farina. Yes, folks, that’s cream of wheat. And, I can’t get enough of its creamy and gritty goodness, and a sprinkle of sugar, cinnamon, and raisins makes it special.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Random Braxton Hicks.
Belly Button in or out? Still on it’s way out!
What I miss: This week, I miss sushi. So, after my ultrasound, I stopped at Fuji Sushi and ordered the cooked kind - a crunchy shrimp tempura roll wrapped in crab and row. Oh my God – so good.
What I am looking forward to: Tonight’s Prepared Childbirth class.
Weekly Wisdom: At yesterday’s 34 week OB appointment, my doctor and I discussed Cord Blood Banking, Flu shots, and the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine. Basically, it’s wiser to put my money into the baby’s college fund than into Cord Blood Banking. As for the flu shot, they offered it to me at my appt, and I accepted. I also plan on getting the swine flu shot once it becomes available in a couple of weeks. Apparently, pregnant women are at a higher risk to contract the flu and/or the swine flu, and either one could develop into pneumonia which is known to be fatal among pregnant women and their fetuses.
Milestones: Everything from my fabulous baby shower this past weekend - to reaching 34 weeks today - to seeing my 4lb, 5 oz. baby girl during my ultrasound this morning.


Speaking of “my fabulous baby shower”, it was truly fabulous. This past Saturday, around 40 of my closest and dearest friends and family gathered at The Pond House here in town to shower me with so many well wishes and loot, my head was swimming.

My mom hosted the shower, my mother-in-law took care of the favors and trays of Italian cookies for each table, and my childhood friend Betsy was in charge of the centerpieces, games, and decorations – among so many other details that made everything come together beautifully.

As tacky (or not) as it may seem, I actually helped to plan my own shower. I chose the venue, the date, the menu, and I even made the invitations.

Klassy (with a K)? Maybe.

Presumptuous of me? A little.

Am I a control freak? Definitely!

Here are what the invitation and enclosures looked like:



The blank notecards and envelopes were from Target. The monkey was found in Microsoft Clip Art. The font on the invitation is Papyrus. And, the poems – both on the invitation and on the book request enclosure – were found online by searching Google.

My “theme” was clearly monkeys, and my colors were fuchsia, pink, tangerine, and brown – all the colors in the crib bedding.

And, Betsy ran with it! See the shower pics below.

{ One of the tables - decorated with a diapercake centerpiece, Italian cookies, and oh-so-cute cheese grater favors.}

{ Part of the space. Those pom poms are from Martha Stewart Crafts and were made entirely of tissue paper and wire.}

{ Close-up of one of the famous monkey balloons.}

{ Entrance to the banquet space - flanked by Betsy's monkeys.}

{ Amazingly high wall of glass featuring views of the Pond and the Park.}

{ This is a doll bed that Betsy decorated and used as the "basket" for cards.}

{ The Moses basket filled with gifts that Betsy gave me - and one of the diapercake centerpieces.}

{ The loot.. ha!}

I didn’t include all the pictures that were taken, because I wanted to highlight the amazing job my mother-in-law, aunt, and a friend did in each of their crocheted and knitted works of art. I love handmade gifts!

It was wonderful to see all the amazing ladies - who have each touched my life in their own significant way - all together in one room. Their presence as well as their outpour of congratulations and well-wishes was overwhelming and humbling. I am truly very lucky – as is the little princess bean baking away in my belly.









{ Tony's aunt and awesome sister - she's like a sister to me.}

{ Tony's aunts and cousin.}

{ Me and my adorable mom.}

{ Sister-in-law, niece, me, and mother-in-law.}

{ Best shower helpers ever.}

In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be busy writing and sending thank you notes to all of my guests, as well as helping Tony complete the nursery in time for the baby’s arrival.

As for the thank you gifts for my mom, mother-in-law, and Betsy, I knew I wanted them to be as unique as each one of them. So, thanks to one of the message boards that I frequent, I came across a talented seller on Etsy.com whose shop is called MoonlightDoodles.



{ This necklace is similar to the ones I gave my mom and Betsy.}

{ This bracelet is the actual one I gave my mother-in-law. Each charm is stamped with the name of each of her grandkids' names, and one is stamped with what her grandkids call their grandparents - Ninny & PopPop.}

I presented each one their gift at the start of the shower, and I was so pleased to see how much they loved them. Those gifts were only the tip of the iceberg of my appreciation for all of their efforts to make my shower the special event it turned out to be.

33 weeks!

How far along? 33 weeks and 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: At my last OB appt last week, I was up 6lbs. Total weightloss is now 8lbs.
Maternity clothes? Black embroidered non-maternity sweater tunic, black wide-leg non-maternity trousers, and black kitten heels.
Stretch marks? Yes, a few..
Sleep: Not soundly or comfortably.
Best moment this week: So many! WE HAVE A CRIB, A MOBILE, AND BEDDING! None are yet assembled, but we're getting there. The nursery is being painted as we speak. We needed the bedding to start on it, and we're thrilled with our color choice - a soft tangerine for the walls and a glossy white on the trim, doors, and built-ins. Oh, and our swivel/rocker from PBK was delivered yesterday. I can't wait to see everything finally put together!
Movement: She’s moving – a lot – as I type this. I had a jalapeno and cheddar bagel and eggwhites for breakfast. I can’t tell if she hates it or loves it, but she’s moving!
Food cravings: Nothing really notable this week.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Random Braxton Hicks.
Belly Button in or out? On it’s way out, but technically, it's still in.
What I miss: NOT having heartburn or nausea.
What I am looking forward to: My baby shower this Saturday! Check back for pics!
Weekly Wisdom: At the last couple of Prepared Childbirth classes, an area Pediatrician spoke to us about what to look for, what to ask, and what to mention to prospective pediatricians. He also gave us a crash course on what’s normal (and what isn’t) for a newborn. All invaluable information! Also, we are now seriously considering hiring a doula to be present at the hospital during my labor. We were thrilled to discover that the hospital offers this service.
Milestones: I’m finally looking pregnant. Until recently, I wasn’t showing very much, and to be honest, it concerned me. My doctors have not been worried, because despite my weight loss, the bean is measuring right on schedule, her heartbeat is nice and strong, and she’s moving around in there almost constantly. Since week 30, I feel like she (and I) have gone through a growth spurt, because my shirts are clearly snugger in the belly. We also just had the hospital maternity tour! 7 weeks to go and counting!



And, for good measure, here is my first belly pic - taken at 31 weeks!

30 weeks!

How far along? 30 weeks, 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: Up 2lbs since last OB appt, which brings my total weightloss/gain to -12lbs.
Maternity clothes? Black and white non-maternity tunic top, black maternity wide-leg capris, and black wedges.
Stretch marks? Yes
Sleep: Thanks to Petunia, who again feels the need to go out at 3:30 every morning for the past week, no, I haven’t had much sleep. :::sigh:::
Best moment this week: Lots! First, getting to 30 weeks. Then, hearing the beans heart beat at my OB appt yesterday. And, lastly, receiving the call from JCPenney that my crib is ready to be picked up! Sweet!
Movement: So much! Rolling, kicking, jabbing… it’s incredible.
Food cravings: This past weekend, I craved a Pumpkin Pie Blizzard from Dairy Queen. So, Tony decided to make his own version, and it was DIVINE. Thanks, my love! Then, I continued the pumpkin trend and stopped at Starbucks after my OB appt for a Decaf Spiked Pumpkin Latte. Delicious.
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? Still in. Stubborn little sucker.
What I miss: Can’t think of anything right now.
What I am looking forward to: Finally seeing the crib in person!
Weekly Wisdom: At my OB appt, the doctor advised that I should start looking for a pediatrician soon. So, I posted a solicitation for recs on both Facebook and The Tribe, and I’ve already received so many great recs. Thanks, ladies!
Milestones: 10 weeks left! Seriously… when did I get here?

~

I still can’t believe it. My crib is in! I ordered it last week, and even with the long holiday weekend, it arrived at the store in record time. I expected to wait at least two weeks. So, I’m thrilled and excited to very soon see it in person.

Now, if only my crib bedding would arrive…

~

Yesterday was sure a busy day for Patty and Tony. After work, we sped to our hospital for the first in a 6-week series of Prepared Childbirth classes. It was a fun first class. There are six couples including us, and a few of us actually share the same due date.

How funny is that??

Can’t wait for next week’s class. It’s like being back in school.

Crib!

I’m happy to announce that we finally ordered our crib!

For a while now, we’ve had our sights set on the Espresso Finish Morgan Convertible Crib from JC Penney, but the price has always been way too high for our liking. So, I bookmarked the page and checked back every week or so to see if it went on sale. Well, a couple of weeks ago, it did, but you had to buy TWO cribs to get the sale price.

So, I waited… and a week ago, it went back to the original price, and I began to wonder if we were ever going to get that crib. In our opinion, none of the other cribs we’ve looked at compare to the Morgan in style, durability, and quality.

I even began to think that at this point, we may very well have a baby before actually having a crib - despite my hopes of using the crib from day one.

Imagine my delight this morning when I finally saw a sale price! A great sale price, in fact.

So, after a quick IM to Tony, I ordered the crib. And, best of all, it will be delivered to our nearest JC Penney store within two weeks!

Score!






All photos courtesy of JCPenney.com

29 weeks.. and a Lullaby.

How far along? 29 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: Down a total of 14lbs
Maternity clothes? Red non-maternity peasant top, black maternity wide-leg capris, and black wedges. Yes, I'm still in heels.
Stretch marks? Yes.
Sleep: Not really.
Best moment this week: The cooler weather! I love that it's starting to feel like Fall - my favorite time of year.
Movement: Yes, she moves a lot!
Food cravings: Ice cream would be my latest craving. I've been having some after dinner for the last week. I also bought a box of Funny Bones, which I have never had before. Being a lover of all things chocolate and peanut butter, I found them to be just "OK". So, if I never have them again, I won't be missing much. And, yesterday morning, Tony realized we had no more coffee. I typically allow myself a half cup to a cup of coffee drowned in over a cup of scalded milk every morning. Let's just say hell hath no fury like a woman deprived of coffee!
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Walking normally (I've recently graduated to full waddle) and sleeping - comfortably - through the night.
What I am looking forward to: Ordering more stuff for the nursery
Weekly Wisdom: If you're looking for a great smelling lotion that prevents stretch-marks, keep looking. There's really no such thing. If you're already predisposed to them, there's really nothing you can do to prevent them. I have my share - thanks to years of yo-yo dieting. Still, I recently purchased an anti-stretch-mark lotion that doesn't smell anything like I thought it would. It was a drug-store buy. So, it didn't cost much. But, the other day, I ran into Cynthia, a coworker of mine, who has four beautiful kids. She raved about The Cocoa Butter Body Butter from The Body Shop. It won't prevent or fade stretch-marks, but it smells incredible, and it keep the skin nice and soft and itch-free. Thanks Cynthia!
Milestones: Nothing notable this week, but honestly, every week I get closer to my due date is a milestone. 11 weeks to go!




I am very fortunate to have wonderful inlaws. From the first day I met them, they made me feel welcome and always a part of the family. All those "mother-in-law stories" I hear from some of my friends make me thank my lucky stars that I have never had any "stories" like those to share. If anything, my inlaws are actually too nice, and I love that about them. I especially love the relationship they have with Tony, who's the youngest and the only boy. He is truly their Prince - as he is mine. And, besides my mom, of course, Tony Sr. and Barbara couldn't be more over the moon about their newest granddaughter-to-be, and for that (and countless other reasons), I love them even more!

My mother-in-law recently announced to us that she'd be buying us the glider for the nursery. At first, I couldn't accept a gift as extravagant as that, but Tony quickly talked me into changing my mind. I now understand it would make my mother-in-law very happy to buy us the glider, and her enthusiasm and pride for having picked it out is infectious and humbling.

Oh, and did I mention my mother-in-law thinks of everything AND has impeccable taste?? Yeah.. the glider is essentially an overstuffed armchair that's conveniently slipcovered in this beautiful tangerine-colored basketweave fabric.

Behold the Lullaby Swivel Glider - in Kumquat - from Pottery Barn Kids:

Awesome, right?

If you're reading this, Barbara and Tony Sr., thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being who you are and for selflessly doing all you do - for Tony and me - and for each of us lucky enough to be part of your family. We can't wait to see the glider in person, and we know it will be a Godsend on those long sleepless nights, those lazy afternoons, and during those super-early-morning feedings. It goes without saying, but like all your grandkids, we know this baby girl will be just as head-over-heels in love with her wonderful Ninny and PopPop as we are.

I passed!

My OB’s office called to let me know that I passed my 1-hour glucose test. Yay! In fact, “excellent” was the precise word she used. She said I scored a 95, which to me, is an A, thankyouverymuch.

In all seriousness, anything over 140 would have required I take the 3-hour glucose test. So, I’m very pleased with my excellent results.

However shall the bean and I celebrate, you ask? Hmm… the caf here just started selling chocolate croissants.

Yeah.. a chocolate croissant and a small carton of milk. Most excellent.

28 Weeks!

How far along? 28 weeks today!
Total weight gain/loss: Lost another 2lbs bringing total weight loss to 14lbs.
Maternity clothes? Purple and black non-maternity top, black cropped maternity pants, and my favorite black wedges. I really need to start looking for flatter shoes...
Stretch marks? I swear I saw one stretch from my cleavage down to my nipple. So not cute.
Sleep: Ha! What's that? The only time I actually sleep - comfortably - is in the wee hours of the morning, when it's Tony's turn to let the pugs out. It's heaven having the bed all to myself even if it's just for 30 minutes. I'm seriously considering upgrading from a Queen to a King.
Best moment this week: Hearing my little girl's heartbeat yesterday at my 28 week OB appt. I'll never tire of that. It just brings it all home that there's a little wriggly person in there.
Movement: OMG, lots! I feel her moving all the time, and I love it.
Food cravings: Not really. Although, I did have scrambled eggs and sliced hotdog over rice yesterday for lunch.
Gender: A baby GIRL!
Labor Signs: Nope.
Belly Button in or out? Still in.
What I miss: Ha! Putting on underwear and pants comfortably - and gracefully. I always feel like I'm going to topple over!
What I am looking forward to: Test results from the glucose test I had yesterday. Fingers and toes crossed that I passed.
Weekly Wisdom: A coworker recently introduced me to Uggs, which I always thought were up there in unattractiveness with the likes of Crocs and Very Bradley bags. But, the style she showed me were lined slip-ons made of waterproof leather that had just a hint of a heel. Totally cute with slacks, jeans, or khakis. Come Fall, I'll be in the market for comfortable shoes that I can wear to work, but I refuse to sacrifice cuteness for comfort. ;-) Thanks, Rita!
Milestones: Hmm.. not really a milestone, but definitely something I'm excited about. The other day, I was updating my registry online and noticed that someone already purchased my Chicco infant car seat. Woohoo!

27 Weeks.. and Stroller Crush

How far along? 27 weeks today!
Total weight gain/loss: Down 12lbs
Maternity clothes? Black linen peasant top, khaki maternity capris, and black kitten heels
Stretch marks? Yes. Let's just leave it at that.
Sleep: Sleep? What's that?
Best moment this week: I have to say - since we're on the subject of sleep - I slept better last Saturday night than any other night in weeks! I think it may have had to do with the pugs being at doggie daycare overnight.
Movement: I feel the bean moving all the time, and I love it.
Food cravings: Last Sunday, I craved Taco Bell for lunch. Had a Taco Salad and a Cheesy Gordita. Not the best choice to eat both in one sitting. I basically ate nothing else the rest of the day. Sorry bean!
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? Still in.
What I miss: Sleeping through the night.
What I am looking forward to: Ordering the crib soon!
Weekly Wisdom: I ran into my friend Amy at work this morning, and she swears by the Body Pillow she used when she was pregnant with her gorgeous baby girl Alyssa. I've been considering one for some time now. So, I'll take it as a sign to get one ASAP. Thanks, Amy!
Milestones: Nothing notable this week.

Now, on to my crush du jour: The Bob Revolution Stroller in Mesa Orange

It's the only stroller I want (besides the Snap 'n Go, which will only be used while the bean is in her infant carrier) or will ever need. And, by the time our baby girl weighs enough to ride in it, it will be Spring/Summer 2010 - perfect time to get outside and walk/jog off the post-baby weight. And, with a front wheel that swivels or locked in place, I can maneuver it while I'm out shopping or strolling on busy streets or when I'm power walking or jogging. Of course, who are we kidding? I haven't jogged since 1996.

The Bob Revolution is consistently rated among the best in safety, convenience, and value in my baby gear bible 'Baby Bargains', and is therefore uberpopular among the lovely ladies of The Tribe, the local message board I belong to. Nothing but raves. And, even my sister-in-law Leah covets one.

It's hard not to.

Here's a description from the Babies r Us site:

With all the features you want all in one stroller, the BOB Revolution Stroller in Mesa Orange features a 12" front wheel that swivels can be locked forward for maximum stability for running or jogging and straight-ahead walking. Take the tilt out of your life with the BOB Revolution Stroller. The Revolution's revolutionary pivoting front wheel swivels for quick, easy, all-wheels-on-the-ground turning. It's as easy as steering your bike. Three inches of suspension and on/off-road tires give the child a smooth, nap-inducing ride. The BOB Revolution Stroller in Mesa Orange, is equipped with two step folding made for compact storage and easy travel. This jogging stroller is designed with a padded reclining seat is made for your child's comfort. Rear wheel foot-activated parking brake is easy to operate and locks out both rear wheels. Tough, welded frame and durable fabric will ensure that this BOB Revolution Stroller with be with you for years to come.

And, what the description doesn't say is that it will hold a child up to 70lbs, while most other joggers only go up to 40 or 50lbs.

I'd say it's the mother of all strollers... and I can't wait to order mine.

Love!