I better watch my language...

Because the baby can hear me now! So amazing!

Here you go sports fans, the weekly baby stats:

• Baby is approximately the size of an avocado 
• 4.6 inches, 3.5 oz
• Baby can hear my voice
• Baby is growing more hair, eyelashes and eyebrows
• Baby is developing taste buds (love it - already a food connoisseur!)

Hump Day, Bump Day

I know when you are not officially working you probably have no right to call Wednesday "Hump Day" but that's what it is on TB (The Bump for you non-preggos). 

Sorry I have been absent the last couple of days. I'm pretty much transitioning into my fall routine and have been going into school getting things ready. I actually love being in my classroom. I feel really calm and happy there. It's a pretty pleasant place to be - colorful and homey! I hope I have a great group of kids this year. I know last year's crew was pretty darn awesome and I miss them very much. I hope I get some visitors that first week. I'm bursting to tell them the good news.

I have definitely felt as if I have grown a lot the last few days. I literally can feel it when I wake up in the morning. So for those of you that do not see me regularly, here is my bump picture:



I will be 16 weeks tomorrow! I can't believe it!

And I wish people would STOP telling me I don't look pregnant! I look significantly bigger than I did before I was so that just means I look FAT! Come on - you see the evidence - that's definitely a knocked up belly right?!

Whoa Baby!

So I thought I was already rocking a little mini-bump which in my mind was "showing", but when I woke up this morning I found a whole new meaning of that word. 

I have been reading about women who just "pop" overnight and I think that's what happened. A little TMI, first thing in the morning I had to take a whizz so powerful you would have thought I had a 6 pack of beer the night before. However, after I relieved myself I still felt heavy in the abdomen. I looked in the mirror and cried out, "Holy Mackerel!" I had a distinct baby bump.

Now don't get too excited - I still don't look like I'm 7 months along or anything, but my guess is over the next week or so I may be getting "When are you due?" comments from strangers.

(I certainly hope so. It's better than, "Did you drink a 6 pack of beer last night?")

Back to School...(Almost)

I went into school today to finally unload all the school supplies that have been in my car for a month and to start putting my classroom together. I ended up being there for something like six hours, because the first three that I was there I was yakking it up! Teachers are extremely chatty creatures. I also got a chance to tell my principal the good news, and get this - her daughter is also expecting, and is due on Valentine's Day! So funny! It felt good to be back. I'll probably go in a little every day now until the year officially begins. I'm really excited about it, but it is definitely odd to start the year knowing that I'm only going to be working for about 5 months. 

So then I'm walking out of the building in a great mood..when SPLAT. I fell. I fell right on my butt. Apparently they were waxing, and since it was 6pm and there were no other people in the building other than me and the custodians, there wasn't a bright yellow caution sign or anything. I didn't hurt myself...both my rear and my right hand broke the fall, but I still got slightly panicked that I may have hurt Baby. Now, hours later, I still feel physically fine and my fear has subsided. I posted on the Bump, and some of those lovely ladies chimed in and said that as long as I didn't fall on my belly, there's really no cause for alarm. Also, my sister in law lent us her home doppler, so Kevin and I were able to listen to the heartbeat, so I know little one is alive and kicking. Still, it was a pretty scary experience.

I'll definitely have to walk cautiously when I go back tomorrow. Either that or bring ice skates!

Wedding Dress Shopping!

So even though it was for somebody else, it was still a ton of fun! 

Today I was very lucky to be invited to go wedding dress shopping with Rebecca and her mother. I still love entering bridal salons and seeing all the beautiful white gowns. I now have yet another reason why I'd love to have a daughter...or at the very least, an extremely kind daughter-in-law! I had my MIL there when I got my gown, so maybe I've developed some good karma.

Anyhow, Rebecca looked beautiful in every dress she put on, but there was one in particular I knew she thought was "the one". You could see it in her face when she tried it on, especially the second time. With a big smile and eyes sparkling, she said "yes to the dress" and I was so excited to be a part of it.

On an unrelated note, I cannot stop going into the nursery. It still blows my mind every time I enter the room. In less than six months, I'll have a baby. This time next year, I'll have a six month old baby. And in less than one month, I'll know if I've been carrying little Julia or little Rory. I know I bluster a lot about wanting a girl, and of course I do. I want a girl for all the superficial reasons that any woman wants - the cute clothes and frilly, girly things. But obviously I'd still be super happy with a boy. And he'd be very lucky. He would most likely be voted "Best Dressed Boy" in his middle school yearbook! 

Glider Quest

Today my mother and I went on a quest to find a glider to go with the rest of our nursery decor. The choices at Babies R Us were a little too big and pricey for my liking. I got a tip to check Walmart because they had some pretty cheap deals. The website had a nice looking option for only $100. But before we ultimately decided to just order one from online, we must have checked half a dozen stores looking for this particular item. Who knew it would be so difficult?! So of course, we are going with the Walmart glider, but I think it's perfect for the space and the natural wood matches really well with the crib and changing table. 



It's so awesome to be completing the nursery! I keep walking in the room just to look at it. It's funny because we never used that room for anything before, and now it will be our baby's room! 

Woo woo!!

It's been another busy/exciting/eventful weekend!

Friday night I went to a good ol' fashioned sleepover party with my pals Jess, Ipsi, and Pam. We had a little celebration to commemorate Pam's wedding on Tuesday and Saturday night was the main party event in the city at the same club where she met her now husband. Our NYC friend Helen also made the trip up so the whole college gang was together and that was AWESOME because it's so rare that we can all get together at once. I was definitely getting nostalgic this weekend, reminiscing about the fact that these girls have been my friends for 10 years. That's pretty impressive. 

In between, on Saturday afternoon, Kevin, my mother and I went to my brother's house for my little nephew's 2nd birthday. It was an adorable, truck-themed party. I was extra happy to spend a little cuddle time with my youngest nephew who is about 5 months. I was making him laugh and smile and it was the best feeling. I need to spend more time around babies because the more I do the less terrified I am of them! They just seem so fragile to me!

And then today, Kevin and I built our crib and changing table which arrived way earlier than anticipated. Well, Kevin did most of the building, but I was an excellent assistant if I do say so myself. 

Here's the finished product:

Last Day of Camp!

And actually, it was my last day teaching kids yoga for a while. 

After much thought in consideration, I have decided to take a break from teaching kids yoga. First of all, the beginning of the school year is always really hectic, and with the baby coming and all I don't want to take on too much. (Something I am an expert at!) And even though it's really only a few extra hours a week, I would like to have them back. I want to make my pregnancy as stress free as possible, and that includes giving myself a break.

I'll go back to it down the road. It is something I truly enjoy doing. In fact, both Y directors and the camp director I work with have all told me to keep in touch and I know I'd be able to find a spot again when the time is right. It was a very nice feeling though to know I have been appreciated. 

I went out with a bang today too. The kids at camp were really terrific. I got so many hugs and thank yous that it made me feel so special and grateful for the opportunity. One girl even said, "I hope your baby has a wonderful life." What a sweetie!

So for all the kids I've taught yoga to out there since I started this adventure, from the bottom of my heart, I give you all a resounding

NAMASTE!

My Fabulous Weekend!

So Saturday to Sunday morning I went on a little girls' getaway weekend down to Rhode Island with my friend Jess. It was supposed to be a beach trip but the forecast predicted on and off thunderstorms. Instead of being bummed, we took a detour to the outlets. I know, I know, I am supposed to be saving, and I am. I didn't spend that much and got a few great deals. The best find was when visiting the Motherhood Maternity outlet. I found a super cute   belted dress that is perfect for work and makes my mini-bump look quite flattering. I think it just may be this year's first day of school dress! When we got to the hotel, it wasn't raining so we lounged around the pool for a while before gorging ourselves on mountainous platters of appetizers that seemed like a great idea for dinner. Add a trip to Ihop the next morning and the whole shebang was a big hit.

Then on Sunday, my mother, who very graciously offered to buy our baby's crib, wanted to take advantage of the tax free weekend so we took a trip to Babies R Us. I literally was exploding with baby mania! We ended up finding a beautiful crib that will later convert to a toddler bed and a day bed as well, and we also found a matching changing table. Somehow, buying the nursery furniture made everything so real and exciting. My nesting instinct was in overdrive! I can't wait to find out the sex so we can decorate. I want to do a jungle theme if it's a boy and a garden theme if it's a girl. 

And now I am into the second trimester which is supposed to be the best part of the whole pregnancy! I'm pretty jazzed to be here!

Such an eventful, exciting weekend!

But unfortunately, you'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what it was about!

Sooooo exhausted but incredibly happy.

Baby is a mover and shaker already!

I had my second doctor's appointment today and I got to hear the heartbeat! It was the most amazing sound I have ever heard. It was strong and fast! It was funny too because they could find the heartbeat easily, but then the baby would jump around and they'd have to find it again. They said it was great the heartbeat was so easily detected because sometimes early on it can be difficult, and it was also reported that the baby is "very active" already considering he/she was moving all around. So cute! My yoga instructor Susan always jokes that the baby will come out doing headstands. Maybe she's not too far off!

I am in such awe still. I have my heartbeat, but then another heartbeat inside of me. It's so beautiful. Seeing the heartbeat on the ultrasound last time was incredible, but hearing it was indescribable. I feel even closer to the baby. 

Shoot. Now I'm getting teary-eyed.

Wonderful Afternoon

Today was really nice. I woke up this morning with no big plans so I decided to call my dad and see if he was free for a visit. He recently moved closer to me so this was the first time I was able to drop by spontaneously. He was super excited when I called, which of course, made me very glad I did. We went to lunch and ate outside looking over the ocean. It was a beautiful day for that. My dad, aka George Hamilton, claimed he was "losing his tan" which is physically impossible. The man is dark in December. Me, on the other hand, well I got a sunburn on my shoulders - go figure! Afterwards we went back to his place and sat out on the balcony eating Klondike Bars, his freezer staple. So good! The second he said the words "Klondike Bar" my eyes got really wide and I started salivating a little. 

On my way home I stopped by Target to pick up a couple things. Target always makes my day a little brighter. I found some cute, giant, pink clothespins in the dollar section to use as passes in my classroom! And speaking of Target, since we are trying our best to save every penny now, I have come up with a Whole Foods-Target compromise because my grocery trips were getting quite pricey. All of our produce, meat and dairy I'm going to get at Whole Foods, and then any other staple, cereal, bread, pasta, etc, I'll get at Target. That will even things out a bit cost-wise and we'll still get to eat healthy!

I'm in Love!

I am completely infatuated with a stroller and matching pack 'n' play that I found! The stroller is awesome. It's a "traveler" which means that first you put the baby in a car seat and wheel them around that way and then as the baby grows it becomes a more typical stroller. This way, you don't need to buy more than one! It's also a super-cute pattern that would work for both boys and girls. 


And then in the same pattern, I found a 4 in 1 pack 'n' play which is a bassinet, mini changing table, vibrating rocker and play pen combination. So cool!


I was originally going to wait until I found out the sex before I started registering, but I am feeling the registry itch already! Looking at baby things is so addictive. I thought it would just be that way for the clothes, but it turns out everything baby is exciting!

I'm really happy to be in this mood too because after I posted yesterday, everything sort of came to head and went boiling over and out my eyeballs. Previously, I have been lucky and really haven't been too emotional, which I know is pretty surprising. Well, I must have been saving it all up or something because my poor husband woke up to me sitting on the floor of our closet crying my heart out. I couldn't even articulate words for about ten minutes when finally I exclaimed/screeched, "I have no idea what I'm doing!!!"

Kevin then smartly pointed out that no one knows what they're doing at first. We all just needed to figure it out as we go. I know this is true - it's just a difficult pill to swallow for someone like me who likes to figure everything out in advance, thus the emotional breakdown. 

I feel much, much better now, but it felt darn good to have a nice, solid cry about it. 

I am so pregnant, it's not even funny!

Whining for Wine at a Wedding

Last night I went to Kevin's cousins wedding. The location was gorgeous. It was right on the water and the weather was beautiful with a nice ocean breeze. The ceremony was lovely and I even got a little weepy. Something about a woman in a wedding dress brings tears to my eyes, and I had never even met this lady before!


Probably the biggest plus to the whole evening was that I got to hang out with my pal Lindsey all night (shout out girl!). I haven't seen her since the last day of school - I can't believe it - so we had lots to catch up on. It was also cool that another fellow pregnant lady was at our table. She was having her second, so it was nice to be able to chat with her and ask for some of her expertise. And then she said something that rang more and more true as the night went on:


"These things are always hard when you can't drink."


Amen sister. Now, most of you readers know me pretty well, so you know that I am not an alcoholic but I love my vino. Last night, I have never wanted wine more in my entire life. Even just a sip. Anything. I even went so far as to smell Kevin's French red. It was like I had never smelled anything sweeter. See without that warm and fuzzy blanket of a wine buzz, my dancing inhibitions were not lowered enough for me to really cut loose - that and the dance floor was crooked and I had on huge heels. I tried dancing but it started to look like that scene in Titanic and the boat splits in two. I also kept feeling self-conscious that after everything I ate, my tummy was growing to enormous sizes. However, the ice cream bar they had set up was totally worth it. 


I was watching the bridesmaids party it up and I started to wonder if that ship has sailed for me. And then I watched the mother of the cutest toddler I have ever seen in my life and couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I guess I just felt kind of stuck in pregnancy limbo.


And please don't misunderstand - I am overjoyed at becoming a mother. It's just that the transition period is not all the sunshine and rainbows that I thought. It can be pretty confusing at times.

Awaiting Bump

As of today I am on week 12 of my pregnancy, which means now my uterus has started to rise above the pelvic bone. I can actually feel it, low down on my abdomen. Most likely within the upcoming weeks, I will start getting a baby bump! There's really no way to tell though. Some women start showing now, and others don't really pop until their sixth or seventh month. Still, I'm glad I have a bunch of maternity clothes on hand just in case. It's weird, part of me really wants a bump, but then when I get comments like, "You're pregnant? You don't look it! Wow!", it makes me happy. I think I really just don't want that in between phase. The part where people look at you and go, "Is she having a baby or just get fat?". Luckily, I'm a blabbermouth so hopefully word just spreads around quickly and puts any fat rumors to bed fast. 


I was supposed to go to the dermatologist today and get a mole removed on my leg, and I did go, but the doc and I both decided to hold off until I get the go-ahead from my OB, the fabulous Dr. B. I felt kind of bad I wasted his time, but he was really sweet and gave me a lot of good wishes. It worked out well though because the dermatologist office is in the same plaza as my favorite Italian bakery. I stopped in and got a giant M&M cookie, you know, the ones as big as your face. GLORIOUS! I ate it with a tall glass of milk and watched a Lifetime movie on my couch. Pretty sweet life!

I couldn't write more today because...

I was too busy reading my Jodi Picoult library book. Seriously, that woman writes books that are as addictive as crack...or at least as addictive as ice cream to a pregnant lady! And she has so many of them. Damn! I want to be the next Jodi Picoult! Sure, all her books are kind of similar in formula but they are compulsively readable. I could not stop myself!

Anyone have a favorite J.P. book?