The Last Few Days...

Well, the maternal-fetal specialist didn't go smoothly to say the least. It's still a little too fresh to go into detail, but I will tell you my heart broke instantly with the potential news. My husband wasn't there with me because he had back to back meetings, so after my appointment I was all alone. My mind was blank. I literally was numb. When I got in my car, I started crying, and kept crying for who knows how long. I called Daniel and told him what the doctor said - and he said he would meet me at home right away. Then I called my mom, who was at the airport, getting ready to board the plane for Atlanta (the timing was a blessing). For the next 8 hours (until I fell asleep), I felt like I couldn't breathe.

The next morning I decided I needed to go back to the doctor. I didn't feel like they gave me correct information, and I needed a second opinion. By the grace of God, they were able to squeeze me into an afternoon appointment with a different ultrasound tech and perinatologist. The ultrasound tech was MUCH better and significantly more professional. She said she saw what the first ultrasound tech did, but that it was not abnormal or anything that should raise a red flag. The perinatologist did a thorough exam of the baby said the same thing when he came in - there was nothing to worry about.

Ultimately, I think the first ultrasound tech overstepped her role and tried to play doctor. Then, when the first doctor couldn't see anything, she was determined to prove she was right - that she found something "abnormal". I'm still 100% unsettled from the events of the past few days, but I feel confident in the second doctor's screening, and continue to pray that my little baby girl will be healthy.

I think Juno's step-mom said it best in one of the cutest movies of all time:

Bren: What is your job title exactly?
Ultrasound Technician: I'm an ultrasound technician, ma'am.
Bren: Well, I'm a nail technician and I think we both ought to just stick to what we know.

I second that, Bren! : )

Maternal-Fetal Specialist: Oh My!

After my ultrasound last Wednesday, the doctors informed me the baby wasn't "cooperating" so they weren't able to get a full look at her heart. She basically was a little wiggle worm, but wouldn't roll the way they wanted her to. SO - now I'm headed off to the Maternal-Fetal Specialist this afternoon for another ultrasound. They assured me nothing was wrong or of concern, but the name "Specialist" sounds really scary! Keep me in your prayers that everything will be ok today - I'll update later tonight.

Crocs Rock!

I have to admit, I never was able to jump on the original Croc bandwagon. The big, bulky clogs on my Size 10 feet weren't pretty. So when my sister suggested I try a pair of Crocs for my aching, swollen feet, I had little hope to say the least. But once I saw hers -- cute sandals vs. bulky clogs, my heart fluttered a bit. Could it be? Comfortable shoes that could pass as dress shoes in a more casual setting? My rhinestone flip flops weren't cutting it in my business-casual workplace. So I went online, picked two different styles with two different color combos, and waited patiently for them to arrive.

I've had them for about a week now, and I have to say -- they are FABULOUS!!! At first they were a little snug, but they stretch out to fit your foot (and hopefully continue to stretch as my foot does?). I got two styles: The "Cleo" in brown and the "Patricia" in black. I would by no means say they are "dressy", but they work with sun dresses, crop pants, jeans -- basically, the much more casual side of "business casual". The price was ok -- $29.99 for the Cleo and $39.99 for the Patricia, but I figure I will wear them for a while. At least another 4 months!

Mama Bears Never Take a Break!

As mamas, I think the safety and security of our family is always top of mind. Found this interesting list from Reader's Digest: The 21 Things Burlars Won't Tell You. Check it out! Kind of scary, yet good to know!

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom—and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at  faketv.com.)

14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

16. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.

17. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

18. I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.

20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.

21. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.  

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs  crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Hey There, Delilah!

I have a new secret obsession as I drive home from work each evening. It's DELILAH! You know, the cheesy radio show where people call up to talk about love and relationships, and then the breathy host chooses just the right song to capture the story. I count down until 7 pm when it starts each night. And the funny part is that my baby even loves Delilah! As soon as she starts to speak, the baby begins fluttering around my belly without fail. Those cheesy love songs from the 80's and 90's are the BEST to sing along to. And the sweet stories bring tears to my eyes! I blame my prego hormones for my increased sensitivity. I wonder if I'll still like Delilah after the baby is born, or if its just a prego fling. Only time will tell!

It's a....

GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!

Paul McCartney + Rain = 2nd Woodstock

I won tickets to the Paula McCartney "green" concert through work - woo hoo! But I have to admit, my husband and I are not huge Paul McCartney fans. My last concert was Justin Timberlake, and my husband's was Up in Smoke 2 - Jay Z, Dr. Dre, Eminem. So the thought of heading out to a massive field to watch Paul McCartney with the hippies was definitely an adventure for us. But I figured it was a once in a lifetime experience, and the baby's first concert should be a memorable one! So we went, blanket and pillow in tow. No chairs allowed. No umbrellas allowed either. We staked our spot in Piedmont Park with a blanket around 6:00 - music was scheduled to begin at 7:00. It had to have been at least 100 degrees outside in Hotlanta that day. We were absolutely BAKING in the sun. Did I mention we aren't really outdoors people? Luckily, the sun started to go down as the opening band came out. They were an Irish band -- not too memorable because I really can't remember their names. As they wrapped up, the winds started to blow and the sky turned an ominous shade of gray. We both got really excited when Paul McCartney took the stage just as dusk was settling in. He sang his first song, which surprisingly we both recognized - "Drive my Car". Then it happened -- the sky opened up and it started to POUR RAIN! Not just a little bit of rain either -- it was an instant torrential downpour!! We wrapped ourselves in the blanket, but it didn't help much. We were both drenched down to our skin. We stayed for about 5 or 6 more songs (none of which we knew) and then had to hit the road. I was shivering, miserable and people started acting a fool. By this point, it had been raining for about an hour, so there was a good layer of mud throughout the park. As we walked to the exit, we had to dodge around people of all ages playing slip-and-slide in the mud. YUCK! It was the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock that day, and people were living it up!

So, ultimately we had a good time at the concert. We were glad we went. Definitely the "once in a lifetime" experience we were thinking it would be. And the baby enjoyed it and was dancing around in my belly the whole time. But now you know how I most likely got sick... that's why I like the indoors. Dry. Safe. No mud. : )

SICK

Uuuugh! Other than morning sickness during the first trimester, this is the first time I've been sick during my pregnancy. YUCK! Woke up Sunday with a a sore throat, stuffy nose and massive headache. Turned into chills and a fever by that evening. Of course my mind ran to the worst case scenario -- N1H1 virus!!! But luckily it isn't : ) Went to the doctor on Monday morning and they confirmed it was just a bad head cold. And my blood pressure was good too, which was one of the biggest concerns due to the headaches I was having. So here I am, medication-free, trying to sleep off this illness. The baby must know I was worried about him/her -- he/she has been doing massive flips for the past two days, all day long. I think he/she is saying -- "It's ok mommy! I'm fine in here! No sickness for meeeee!" : )

BTW - Find out tomorrow morning if the bay is a boy or girl. Can't wait!!!

Second Hand Commuter Smoke

Every day I commute from the northern suburbs to midtown Atlanta for work. Maybe it is my enhanced sense of smell, or perhaps my mama-bear instinct is kicking in, but I feel like I (and in turn my little bambino) are sucking it terrible second-hand smoke every morning! Car fumes and smog is one thing, but I'm talking serious cigarette smoke! This is the scenario: I get stuck at a red light, or traffic is bumper to bumper on the highway, and I all of the sudden get a gulp pf cigarette smoke. YUCK! At first I had no idea where it was coming from, as I don't ride with my windows open. But then one day I noticed that the car next to me, or even two cars ahead of me, was puffing away, blowing their waste into the fresh air. My air filtration system pulled it into my car, and instantly, I'm engulfed in a cloud of smoke. It happens at least three times every morning. I want to beep my horn and say, "HELLLLLO! Don't you know I'm PREGNANT?!" : ) Of course they wouldn't know, but it just frosts my cookies that people can be so inconsiderate. They don't want it in their own cars, so they just blow it in everyone else's. Now that I am aware of this, I dip and dodge around the smokers each morning like its a game of chess. I also give them the stink eye as I pass them by.. maybe one day they will figure it out!

Words of Encouragement - Keep 'Em!

I logged into my email this morning to see an email newsletter from The Bump, congratulating me on finishing my 20th week. HALFWAY THERE!! Woo hoo!

But then as I read down the email, I see these haunting words: "the weight gain has just barely begun". WHAT!? Barely begun? What is that supposed to mean?

Over the last week alone, my belly has swelled and I look like I swallowed a rubber kickball. I know my belly is going to get a lot bigger, but let's keep the weight gain out of the equation. One step at a time, people! : )

Maternity vs. XL: The Internal Debate Continues

The transition into maternity pants was easy... who wouldn't want to wear an elastic waist band?? COMFORTABLE! However, jumping onto the maternity tops bandwagon hasn't been as smooth. It's just that maternity shirts and dresses look so... maternity! This is the one time a woman can purchase something cute and trendy because she'll only need to wear it for 9 months. By the time it goes out of style, the baby bump is gone and the clothes are off to Goodwill anyway. But instead, they make maternity clothes in "classics". Black trousers. White button downs. Blah patterns. Stripes! Polka dots! I'm over it before I've even begun purchasing them.

I was in Target this weekend returning the dreadful prego pencil skirt, and decided to browse the maternity section to see if there was anything new. NADA! Unless you count the white, black and gray t-shirt assortment. Oh -- and prego booty shorts. Wrong for so many reasons... So I ventured to the non-prego wear and lo and behold -- cute stuff that actually fits over my belly! Tons of stretchy dresses, long shirts and tanks, cute stretch pants. A lot of which was on clearance! So I found the XL to accommodate my new, rounder shape, and went on my way.

I'm wondering how much longer I can carry on this charade... they do indeed make XXL at Target for when my belly grows even bigger! : )

Has anyone out there been able to go their entire pregnancy with just buying bigger sizes? If so, give me some tips... I may turn it into my new mission.

Prego Pencil Skirt? UPDATE

I have two words to describe the prego pencil skirt from Target: SO WRONG! It was TERRIBLE! AWFUL! As soon as I took it out of the box, I knew Target made a huge mistake with with this prego design. Picture a big, black rectangle. No shape. No style. Just an elongated square with a half-round elastic waist. Where is my prego belly supposed to go in this getup? Last time I wrote about the skirt I felt like a bulky easer -- now I am more like one of those large packing tape dispensers. Pencil skirts + roundness = fashion tragedy. I think they tried to class it up with a "satin" lining -- however, the lining was only tacked in at the waist, and went halfway down the skirt (or just below my booty) once the skirt was hiked over my belly. NOT PRETTY. I couldn't wear it to work. Back to Target it goes this weekend... I knew it was too good to be true! BOO!

Nap time? Not so much

I was scanning over a weekly newsletter I get from BabyCenter.com Here was their words of wisdom for the week:

Afternoon energy booster "If you're finding it hard to get through the afternoon at work without a little nap, find a place you can escape for 15 to 20 minutes (close your office door, use a conference room, even sit in your car). Bring a small travel alarm clock and set it for 15 minutes." — Laura

Ummmm... Seriously? There are a few things wrong with this "advice" in my opinion:

1. Close my office door: The walls are thin at my office. My snoring would penetrate through the halls. People might think it is a fire alarm and evacuate the building.
2. Use a conference room: Where? Under the table? Or maybe on top of it. Nothing weird about that! Maybe if I put a notebook over my head, no one would notice.
3. Sit in your car: If someone saw me laying in my car, they would probably think I was dead, call 911, or smash a window to rescue me. And the walk back from my car to my office would tire me out anyway.

I have a tip for a mid-afternoon boost. A 100-calorie pack of chocolate covered pretzels. YUM! And it limits the chance of massive embarrassment - unless I get chocolate on my face, of course : )

Documenting the Big Swell UPDATE

I made an AMAZING discovery this morning as I was grabbing my debit card from my wallet for my daily Dunkin Donuts run (don't worry -- decaf iced coffee). I try to avoid eye contact with my terrible drivers license picture, but out of the corner of my eye I noticed the expiration date this morning. It jumped out at me like a jack-in-the-box... 4/10/2010!! I don't know how I missed this before, but the expiration date didn't change just because I updated my info. IT WAS A MIRACLE! By 4/2010, I'll be 4-months past delivery... that means I'll be back to normal, right? Just kidding... but hopefully the swoll-face syndrome will have dissipated some. FINGERS CROSSED!

What I'm Loving Right Now: LilaGuide.com

I found this really cool website through TheBump.com. LilaGuide.com is an awesome site created by pregos and moms like us that lists product reviews, playgroups, story hours, etc. -- all by city!

Little Heart Beating UPDATE

So I have some bad news for the mamas-to-be out there... direct from my OB. I told her how I was so happy about my new Fetal Heartbeat Monitor, and that I could hear the baby's heart beat all the time. In the frank way only doctor's can get away with, she completely burst my bubble with a few simple words: "You are hearing your own heartbeat. Those don't work until the third trimester"! WHAT?! I bamboozled myself into thinking I was listening to my baby, when really it was just my own heart thumping away. BOO!!

My next big idea? Reading to my baby every night. I read in a magazine that the baby can hear its mama's voice (even in the 2nd trimester), and if you read the same book every night, the book will one day soothe the baby with memories of the womb. I know its a little far-fetched, but I think its a cute idea. I think I'm going to read "If You Give A Pig A Pancake" just because its so cute, and the illustrations are adorable.

Need a Laugh? Kathy Griffin's New Book Foreword

This has nothing to do with being prego, except for the fact that we could all use a good laugh from time to time, right? The hilarious comedienne Kathy Griffin just finished her book -- "Official Book Club Selection". Read her foreword (addressed to Oprah) here: http://perezhilton.com/2009-08-02-your-first-look-49#more-63466

Documenting the Big Swell

Even though I was married back in April, I've been putting off officially changing my last name for one simple reason: I don't want to look swollen, puffy, pimply or fat in my new driver's license picture! I mean, this thing isn't a flash in the pan -- I will have it as my photo ID for the next TEN years of my life! Ok, I know I sound like a complete egomaniac at the moment -- but bear with me here. Flash forward 5 years -- even 2 years. You've lost the baby weight, you're back to looking good and feeling good. SO good in fact that you get I.D.'d at a restaurant when you order your favorite green apple martini. AHHH! The HORROR! No matter how much progress you make post-baby, you'll forever be reminded of the Big Swell that was your life for 40 weeks. And on top of that, in Georgia (where I live) you have to put your WEIGHT on the driver's license!!

So over the last three and a half months since the wedding, I've been "too busy" to make it happen. Every time I got close to biting the bullet and heading down to the DMV, I'd have a bad hair day, sprout a giant pimple, or feel like Shamu. But late last week -- I did it. Deep breaths. I got my new license -- with picture and weight -- and officially, legally changed my last name.

Here's a description (I'll try and scan in a pic soon!)... my hair looks greasy, my face looks a shade of gray/green, my nose is a swollen mess. Basically, my fears were not in vain.

And you're probably now wondering about my weight? Well I'll tell you this... they don't actually weigh you, so how do they know if I put my pre-pregnancy weight, or perhaps even my goal weight POST pregnancy : ) (Please Note Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles: I'm not saying I lied on this legal document, but it could be in the realm of possibilities for someone to do if they so chose)

My Puppy Wants the Baby’s Toys

I have a one-year old puppy named Lenni. She is an adorable German Shepard/Golden Retriever (we think) mutt. So sweet. So loving. And SO spoiled! Because she has been the only “little one” in our house for the past six months, she thinks every toy that she finds is automatically hers. Even when we visit our friends’ homes who have children, she thinks any squeaky, fluffy or fun toy was put there just for her enjoyment. I can’t blame her though – I would probably think the same thing! But now that we’re starting to acquire baby toys and stuffed animals, I can’t figure out how to keep her away from them. First came the fuzzy lion. I was downstairs one day and noticed the house was pretty quiet. That was until I heard little Lenni bolting out of the guest room. By the time I got up there, she was laying on our bed in the master bedroom, smiling at her find. Somehow she had nosed her way into a bag of goodies I had been gathering for the baby and found the stuffed lion. The latest incident was earlier this week. My half-unpacked suitcase from my trip to NY was on the bedroom floor, slightly unzipped, but definitely not sprawled open. While I was in the bathroom getting ready for work, it dawned on me that I hadn’t seen Lenni lately. After a few minutes of searching, I found her downstairs on the couch, cuddling with a Cookie Monster stuffed animal that I had brought back for the baby. To this day, I have no idea how she found it or got it out of my suitcase. I of course took it away from her, but I could tell she didn’t understand. She really loves the fuzzy, squeaky toys – but how do I teach her which ones are for her, and which ones are for the baby? I have 4 more months to figure it out… I’ll let you know when I have a good idea : )

I DO NOT Snore!! No way. No how.

For the past few weeks, my husband has told me that I have been snoring. AHHH! NO WAY! At first I didn't believe him -- he likes to make things up sometimes. And he snores like a freight train every night, so I figured he was just teasing me. But then, when I was up in NY last weekend and spent the night at my sister's house, she confirmed what my husband has been telling me. She said she woke up with her daughter around 6 am, and heard a loud noise coming from my room. She thought at first I was talking on the phone -- but then she realized I was SNORING! I don't know why I find this so embarrassing. Lots of people snore! I guess the snoring, in combination with the round belly, lack of energy and general moodiness, is the icing on the pregnancy cake. Some women glow when they are pregnant -- I just feel like a fat old man, who now snores on top of everything else. According to a pregnancy tracking website, I have 156 days to go. I wonder what else will happen to my body between now and then? I'm kind of scared to find out...