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!

26 weeks! Helloooo 3rd Trimester!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

How far along? 26 weeks and 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: At my last OB appt, I was up 2.5lbs. Yesterday, I was weighed during an exam for life insurance, and I'm back to being down 11lbs.

Maternity clothes? Red peasant top (non-maternity), black maternity gauchos, and black wedges.

Stretch marks? More are definitely forming. My itchy belly is the dead giveaway.

Sleep: It's certainly getting more difficult to get comfortable, and it's taking longer to actually fall asleep.

Best moment this week: Sunday night, I saw my belly move!

Movement: Lots! Inside and out. She's moving right now, in fact.

Food cravings: Not really. I'm still all about the dairy - going through a gallon of milk every 3 days.

Gender: Girl!

Labor Signs: I think I may have experienced Braxton Hicks Monday afternoon. Nothing since, though.

Belly Button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Sleeping comfortably

What I am looking forward to: So much!

Weekly Wisdom: Carter onesies are far superior to Gerber onesies. Thanks, Tribies!

Milestones: Seeing discernable belly movement Sunday night - and entering my 3rd trimester on Tuesday.

99 Days Left!

I can't believe I'm already at the double-digits mark in my pregnancy. 99 days left.

99. days. left. (!!!)

And, to mark such a milestone would befit yet another milestone.

Last night, I saw my belly move. A lot.

The bean was pretty active yesterday, but her movements were fluid and fish-like. Nothing new - until around 8pm when I polished off a glass of milk, sat on the couch with my laptop, and proceeded to feel something that felt like a kick.

Could it be?, I thought. And then I felt it again.

So, I stretched my t-shirt taut over my belly, watched, and waited.

And there, just to the right of my belly button was clear and distinct movement. A kick. A punch. Or a jab. And then another in the same spot.

To say "it was awesome" would be quite the understatement. It was surprising, amazing, and totally beyond awesome.

Unfortunately, Tony was out when this all occurred, but sleepy Sancho was my witness. Well, sort of. He was dozing off on my shoulder when I exclaimed, "Yay!". Curiously, he lifted his head, but unimpressed, he laid it back down. So, I went into my mother's room, sat on her bed with her, and described exactly what happened. And, together, we cried a little. It was one of those moments when we weren't just mother and daughter. We were girlfriends. Sisters - sharing a tiny but pivotal event that only two women can share and understand.

Thanks, mom.



So, by the time Tony got home - around 11pm - I was still riding the high of our little girl making herself noticed. After describing to me how his evening went, he sat down next to me on the couch to watch that last innings of the Yankees/Sox game. The Yanks were up 3 runs to 2. At that point, I knew a 3-game sweep was inevitable. So, in mid-play, I shared my news with Tony.

"I saw my belly move for the first time tonight", I said to him.

Silence.

"Baby?"

"Hmm?... That's great sweetie", he answered never removing his eyes from his iPhone, as he was clearly reading a text message or e-mail from his buddy and fellow Sox lover Art.

:::Sigh::: OK, I'll admit it. It may not have been the best time to direct his attention to me, but still.



Needless to say, I went up to bed after that - completely disappointed. But, it was short-lived. Lying there on my side and rubbing my belly, I felt another kick or jab. My baby girl was just letting me know that soon enough, her papa will come around and completley lose it over his baby daughter. We'll have a lifetime of amazing moments like these, and daddy's faraway distraction over a baseball game will be but a faint memory. So, until then, I'll get to continue sharing my own little moments with the bean.

Ha! She's not even born yet, and already, I'm being schooled by my daughter, whom undoubtedly will join her papa in teaching mama what patience and love are.

Aww.. sweet baby girl. Mama is counting the 99 days or so to meet you, too.

25 weeks today!!... and all things nursery

How far along? 25 weeks today!!
Total weight gain/loss: Up 2.5lbs since my last OB appt 4 weeks ago.
Maternity clothes? My oldest and dearest friend, Betsy, recently brought over a bag filled with her maternity clothes. I accepted it graciously, even though I suspected I'd need a shoe horn and to be able to fit into her clothes. Well, surprise surprise. Most of the contents in that bag actually fit. Comfortably. So, today, I'm rocking a pair of Betsy's khaki capris, a longish black non-maternity shirt of my own, and my trusted black wedges.
Stretch marks? None that are new.
Sleep: Not a lot - thanks to funny face Petunia, my 1 1/2 year old pug. Her witching hour happens to be a solid three hours before mine.
Best moment this week: Finding the perfect and most funky notecards, which I'll morph somehow into Baby Shower invitations. Stay tuned for the post.
Movement: She's swimming around in there like a little fish, and I love every second of feeling my babygirl's movements and knowing pretty soon, I'll get to see and hold her.
Food cravings: Chocolate ice cream. Specifically Hagen Daz.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? Still in.
What I miss: Can't think of anything right now.
What I am looking forward to: Entering my third trimester next week!
Weekly Wisdom: Betsy talked me into registering for a bottle warmer, which I never thought I needed. She told me that just the fact that the baby's nursery is on the 2nd floor of our house, it's best to have a bottle warmer up there. Thanks, Bets!
Milestones: Signed up for the birthing and breastfeeding classes at my hospital. Yay!


So.. I finally decided on crib bedding.

Since the last pregnancy, I had my eye on the Emmy crib bedding set from Pottery Barn Kids, but alas, it became discontinued by the time I was ready to start looking again. My mother in law, God bless her, even called her friends there at PBK, but to no avail. No store anywhere in the country carried it.

And ebay was no help, either.

So, I told myself to move on and find something else. Something with the same colors. Something not too cartoony. Something with monkeys.

Well, I hit the jackpot - sort of - when I found this..




It's "Tahiti" by CoCaLo Couture. Pretty, isn't it?

OK. So, it doesn't have monkeys, but it does have that subtle brown and cream animal print without being ostentatious. And, that print alone ties up the whole modern global vibe I'm going for.


As for the monkeys, I can incorporate them by mounting a few of these "Glitter Monkeys" by Twelve Timbers to the nursery walls.
A couple more accessories that complement the theme are a Rattan Elephant Hamper and a Jungle Friends Mobile.

Fun, aren't they?? I can't wait to see it all come together!

Until then, we'll be cleaning out the room, the closets, putting up crown molding, and then finally, picking out paint color(s). We're still undecided. Tony wants some shade of tangerine, and I want something a little more subtle like ::gasp:: off-white.

I'll keep you posted on our progress.