Still Alive II

Imagining where to start a post after very prolonged stretches of silence makes me want to channel surf. But I'm trying not to turn on the news until 4 today because Chicken Little is running all over CNN, and I'm susceptible to panic. And I'm already thinking too much about the financial crisis. So, I decided it was time to sit down and write. Or pull the plug on Truls Bobby. And I really don't want to pull the plug.

Since I'm keeping this blog as a kind of diary for myself as much as a window for friends and family, I need to basically make more of an effort. So here's my effort. Can you hear me straining?

I thought I would start with a recap of the last couple months. As I know this will take more than one post, I'm calling the first installment:

Chapter I
In August, we traveled to Norway for E's dissertation. Congrats to my man, he's now Dr. E. Maybe I should refer to him as Dr. E on the blog now. Could be funny. His area of specialty is MHCII molecules and... diffen gofle strapple gangler. Or, it may as well be diffen gofle strapple gangler when he gets into any kind of detail regarding his work with me. He's so highly specialized at this point that attempting to put things into laymen's terms, and believe me, I do ask and ask often for laymen's terms, is somewhat fruitless.

That said, I'm really very proud of him. Watching him at his dissertation was very impressive. In Norway, dissertations are handled a bit differently than in the US. I think we estimated that there were around 50 people (including professors, students in the program at University of Oslo, and family and friends) were in the auditorium that day. And then, we hosted a party at the university afterward. And even more friends were at the party. I've put together a slideshow of a few select pictures from the day. Notice that EM is dressed somewhat casually compared to the rest of us. Well, we had just arrived at the university for what was going to be a very long day when the little one launched a smear campaign. On my dress. And his lovely little outfit.

But without a doubt, it was a really great day. Even though when we were going to leave the party, the car battery was dead. And it was late. And the baby was screaming. And we didn't get in bed until 4 a.m.

Slide show coming. No really. I promise. But the baby is yelling for my attention. Tomorrow, pictures and more about the trip. (My version of a cliffhanger. OK. Really gotta run now.)

Pictures! Finally.

Coming up for air

Yet another bout of silence on the blog. Oops. The initial phase of new motherhood is consuming, to say the least, both emotionally and in terms of time. The time just disappears.

The past few weeks have been particularly hectic as we spent seven days in Louisiana and then a weekend in Richmond for the wedding of a close friend (who I've known since I was three). This was the wedding of the infamous dress... the one I didn't know if I would be able to fit into post-pregnancy since I had to purchase it when I was only a month and a half away from birthing my big bean. The wedding was really beautiful, quite grand actually, as was the reception. I'm posting a few pictures, though not too many since I don't actually have permission from everyone I snapped shots of. Notice the ones of the little girl pictured; she is the daughter of S, my sister by another mother -- and father. Anywho, the little one put up a respectable resistance to wearing her dress shoes, though she lost in the end. That's the reasoning behind all the photos of her in the folding chair! That was where the showdown occurred.

I've thought several times over the past few weeks of happenings that would make interesting posts. I'll start with an abbreviated recounting of last Friday evening/night, the evening of B's wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, both of which I was to attend. The plan, a not to intelligent one of a new parent still adjusting to life with a little one, was for E to stay at the hotel to watch the Bean while I was at the rehearsal. E was to follow to the rehearsal dinner with the bean in tow. Though dinner would be late, I thought (now I'm embarrassed to write) that the Bean could sleep comfortably in his carrier while we ate. How silly (euphemism for utterly stupid).

As the rehearsal dinner wrapped up, I called E as planned to share with him the directions to the restaurant. Even Michael was screaming in the background. This is something he's taken to as of late when he gets really tired in the evening. You can blow out your back bouncing the little guy into snoozeville. So, I gathered from E and his tone of voice that it was a rocky evening back in Room 202 at The Linden Row. What to do. Luckily, I was in the car with a family that's been my family, though not by the technical definition, for over 30 years. I should say, to be more specific and to make sure I communicate the degree of their selflessness, that I was with the mother, father and sister of the bride. They offered me their car to drive back to the hotel. This meant the three of them had to squeeze into cars with other family members later that evening. I felt terribly guilty, but I didn't really have a choice. So, fastforward an hour. I'm walking back into the hotel room. The bean lay swaddled and sleeping at the foot of the bed. E was sprawled out close by.

We were starved. I hadn't eaten. E hadn't eaten. In fact, we missed a decadent and scrumptious dinner by all accounts. We were desperate. At that point, it was about 9:30 in the evening. And our hunger got the best of us. The Linden Row is a really lovely restored property in a part of town with few late evening eatery options within walking distance. The exception, according to hotel staff, was the Third Street Diner. Our empty stomachs drove us to gently place the Bean in his stroller and to set out on foot for the diner. At this point, little Even Michael, who was surely tired from all the traveling, was awake and in full charm mode. He was smiling and cooing and doing that baby pre-talk that amuses E and I to no end. No really. I'm serious. We don't get tired of it.

Back to my story. So, we're strolling with the baby to the diner, when just around the block from the entrance, we observe a conversation between a woman and a man who looked to be a little less than fully comfortable. We're quite sure a business transaction, of an illegal variety (kissy kissy), was in the works. We kept strolling. Ah. The Third Street Diner. It looked as if it could have been the setting for a shady meeting one might see in a movie, or read about in a book. We peeked in the window... we were unsure that it was a place that was appropriate to bring the Bean. I walked in and asked one of the waitresses, who, by the way, was standing beside one of three poker machines on the bar. Her answer, sure!

So, we dug in. I had a candy bar from the vending machine beside our table for dessert. (Delicious and nutricious.)

Check please!

Stolte Besteforeldre

This evening, when E brought today's mail in, tucked between one of the million Care First statements we've received lately and a piece of junk mail was a small envelope from E's parents in Norway. Inside was a really sweet note and three copies of the birth announcement they had placed in a regional newspaper in Norway.

Notice the old school typing on the side. E's dad, who is in his late 70s, is a die hard devotee of his mid-century typewriters. He is quite serious about his archiving, which is great for us. He noted the publication and date on the side of the clip.

This is one of my favorite pictures of EM; it was such a treat seeing the announcement! Confirmation that this isn't all just a really sweet dream...

Spanx me

Break out the bubbly, we've reason to celebrate! Aside from the fact that my lovely little boy is thriving (he had his ONE MONTH doctor's appointment Friday; we found out he now weighs 12 pounds 1o ounces! At one month!) and that I am truly loving, loving, loving being his mom, I can already fit into the bridesmaid dress I am to wear next month at B's wedding. Yay! (This is the dress, except we have it in navy.)

I had been somewhat distressed over this not so little matter since I had already purchased the dress. I had just guessed at the size as I had NO CLUE what to expect in the aftermath of the pregnancy that saw my stomach stretch beyond what I would have ever imagined possible. By the very end, I had gained 42 pounds, which is seven pounds over the max recommended weight gain. Oops. But evidently a lot of it was water weight as the majority of it is gone.
That's not to say that everything is, well, as it was. Yet?

Anywho, back to the dress. I had no idea if it would fit. I thought - holy crap! What if I have to buy it again! Not good. Not good.

Well, yesterday, I mustered all of my courage and pulled the dress out of my closet. Standing there in my skivvies, a feeling something close to dread wash over me. But when I slipped it on and zipped it up, I was so relieved! Crisis averted! IT FIT! OK, so it JUST fit. But I have a few weeks... and I have Spanx!

Spanx are a modern miracle. Some act of wizardry and engineering has allowed for the creation of these undergarments that look delicate but have the muscle to squeeze you down at least one size. So, one more month of feeding my little piggy should shave off another couple pounds. And with the Spanx, it should fit perfectly... with no strain on the zipper...

Tub Huddle

Today, while on the phone with my mother, I noticed that the wind had picked up outside. I walked to the window and looked out to see that the sky had suddenly darkened, the trees were bent horizontal and sheets of rain were falling diagonally. And the whole apartment building was slightly trembling. A rumbling sound, which I was convinced was a tornado, seemed to be getting closer.

I tried to sound calm while I got off the phone with my mother, I grabbed the baby, who had been relaxing on his round Boppy pillow, while calling E and moved quickly to the bathroom in our bedroom. This was the most scared I had been over weather in many, many years. And being from Louisiana, I am acquainted with bad weather. Huddled in the bathtub with EM, I was looking down at him thinking about what I would do if I heard the sound of breaking glass or the like. He was wide awake, sucking furiously on his pacifier, but seeming to enjoy the tight hold I had on him.

I'll admit I wasn't completely calm while on the phone with Even. But in a matter of minutes, the storm had moved on. There had been a tornado, but not in our immediate vicinity. However, the storm was bad enough to make it to CNN's main news program.

Yikes!

Still Alive

If I have a single individual still checking into the blog after such a protracted silence, I'll be surprised. The last few weeks are a blurry composite of fluid -- of all types --and smiles and cuddles and exhaustion. Even Michael eats constantly and he's growing at a rate that has the doctor smiling and shaking her head.

When he was weighed at his two-week appointment, he had gained over a pound in ONE WEEK. Last Thursday, when a nurse visited our house to check on him, she weighed him and he weighed 10 pounds 14.5 ounces. He's been gaining two ounces a day! And he's grown 2.4 inches since his two week doctor's appointment.

OK. So, a few words on the not to easy parts. First, I am of course unbelievably happy that EM is growing as he is. However, sustaining that growth is wearing me out. My boobs are huge and get sore after around the millionth feeding of the day. Again. I'm in love with the boy and am thrilled he is thriving, but the first month of breastfeeding has been exhausting.

So, apologies if this posting is a bit dull. I wanted to check in though. Now, I'm off to get a kiss from EM.

The price of a Subway sandwich.

The thought struck me a few moments ago that I've not said thank you to all of you who've been following us these past months, and sending us your love, thoughts and prayers. It's meant so much to us. And on that sentimental note, I'll do a 180 and share a story from this past week that I think will amuse you.

Last Monday, just before noon and the end stages of my labor, the doctor told E he would have time to run and grab a bite to eat. After all, he needed sustenance. The real action was about to begin.

I know what you're probably thinking. Sounds reasonable so far. We had been there for hours. What happened next is where those thoughts might start to wane. Instead of running upstairs to the hospital cafeteria for a sandwich, E decided it was really Subway he wanted. (Interesting that in all the drama, he actually had a yen for something specific rather than simply filling his empty tank...) In his defense, I had not fully dilated, so, eh. And Subway was just down the street.

Anyway, while he was out, the action started. The doctor rushed in. It was time to push. But where was E, she asked. Still at Subway? My dad runs out to try and find him. He had actually had time have grabbed a sandwich and already returned.

Meanwhile, the contractions are getting stronger. And the doctor is saying, we can wait. Let's wait for your husband. It was at that moment that I said, let's start without him. Seriously. I didn't feel like I could hold back. Big loss, but at that point, unavoidable I felt. (Sad, but true. The pressure!Felt like I was trying to hold back a train!)

Just about that time, E appears in the doorway. He made it! Turns out, he had decided to dine-in. Interesting decision.

To think, he almost missed the arrival of his firstborn for a Subway sandwich.

Hunkered in the Bunker

Wow. Don't know quite where to start. First of all, we've been home a few days now and nothing seems real yet. Last week was scary, and little Even Michael had a rougher start than I realized at the time. But we're unbelievable thankful to be home now -- with our healthy and very hungry boy.

I can't quite believe it's been a week since I checked into the hospital. And since things got a little too crazy for me to blog, I'm posting a week in pictures. Here goes... But first, you can check out the official "hospital" photo here.




Tomorrow, I will be adding more pictures to the slide show. So, if you're interested, check back in.

And to all of you who forewarned me -- this is indeed hard work! Just breastfeeding the little one is an enormously time-consuming task in the beginning... I did have another "first" today though: Surfing online while the bean had his third lunch.

OK. EW2 is crying... It's midnight. Gotta go...

Meet the Bean

Today has been one unbelievably happy day. A surreal day. When I woke this morning, my first
thoughts were of when I would be able to see our little boy.

E has been posting to the blog for the past couple days since I've been a little tied up, shall we say. I thought I would flesh out his post with a bit more detail.

First, E posted the Bean's weight. He's HUGE! Really. People are already commenting on how he looks like he's about a month old! Because of his size, and the fact that it made it a bit difficult for me to push him out, he wasn't in the best condition when he emerged. In fact, I didn't get to do as I had intended, to try and breastfeed him immediately. It was a bit scary actually. His cry sounded weak, and he was quite listless. I got to hold him for only a couple minutes before he was taken to the NICU (intensive care unit for babies). No breathing problems, etc. He just wasn't as active as he should have been.

He was much better today though, which was a huge relief for all of us. In fact, I got to breastfeed him for the first time this morning, which was an amazing experience. I felt so fortunate! He latched on immediately and fed and fed and fed. And encouraging as he sucked so strongly. I fed him again this afternoon. All I can say is that our boy really likes the boobie.

So, regarding his health, the doctors are performing a spinal tap this evening to rule out any infection as infections in newborns can be very serious. I hate that he needs to have this done, but as long as the results show that he is infection free, and he continues as he has done today, we'll be able to take him home Thursday.

Meanwhile, I continue to creep around at a wounded snail's pace. Let's just say that a 9 pound baby can do some damage on the way out...

OK. I'm pooped. But I wanted to share pics and stories...

More news to come!

The Bean has landed

Everything went well, the Bean - from now Even Michael weighed 9lb 3.6oz (4.2 kg).

More to follow soon...

E

From Bean Senior

The storm has calmed somewhat after a pretty rough night.

Actually it's all good in room 1606 - post epidural and several demorols...

The dialation was 6 cm about 1.5 hours ago, so we're on the right track.

More to come....

We're here!

... at the hospital, and we won't be leaving without the Bean. We arrived a little before seven, but since mine isn't exactly an emergency situation, we had to wait a little over an hour (in our room here) to see doctor and get examined. I now have an IV (because there are some meds they have to start giving me soon) and am listening to the Bean's galloping horse heartbeat.

OK. So now for the really good news. Who would have thought I would ever get so excited to hear the words "you've dilated a centimeter." Yes! I'll take anything! What I'm wondering is, did the Castor oil help? Probably. Though, even with hindsight, I would not take that again.

The bad news. I didn't realize I would be able to eat once I arrived. I know that's the case when you're in labor, but since this treatment is supposedly to help accomplish that, I thought I would still be able to eat. I was wrong. And lunch was the last meal I had today. Oops. Since I have dilated a little, the only thing they allowed me were a few graham crackers and orange juice. From here on out, it's ice chips. Even if it takes 24 hours! I'm already planning my first post-baby meal though. A large sandwich from Subway; something that's been off-limits for the past nine months!

OK. I think I'm about to sign off... Getting nervous. First time to be spending the night at a hospital! Here are a couple of photos to give you an idea of what it looks like here in the room...

Devil in a bottle

Last night, at the suggestion of my doctor, I took it upon myself to try an old wives' trick for triggering labor. Castor oil. I quickly downed two tablespoons, which according to the packaging, would take between six and 12 hours to, well, trigger any "activity," shall we say.

First, I should say for those uninitiated folk, Castor oil -- which I learned last night -- is not a mild laxative, but the devil in a bottle. After throwing up numerous times and, well, other things, I thought I was going into labor. Contractions started. And they were painful. So, about 1 a.m., we called the hospital and I spoke to a midwife who said that she never recommends Castor oil for specifically this reason; some people react so violently to it -- and it can produce FALSE labor.

I was up until a little after 3 a.m. when I was finally able to doze for about half an hour before getting sick again. So I was up again until about half past five when I was finally able to drift off to sleep until seven.

I think it's safe to call this a failed attempt at this point. A horrifying and very painful failed attempt. And really disruptive for the rest of the household. In two shifts, I had E, my mom and dad up. Oops!

Let my dreadful experience be a warning to all: Beware Castor oil, particularly when you are 40 plus weeks pregnant.

Jinx. The Bean's a bandit.

Disclaimer: This post does away with many of the euphemistic niceties that I've used in previous postings to keep from offending anyone's senses. If you are sensitive to words like "dilation," proceed at the risk of your own stomach.

This morning started with all the great anticipation one might expect in our situation. Was I nervous? Yes. But excitement at that point outweighed the nerves. Once we arrived at the doctor's office, where I was to be examined prior to being admitted to the hospital, things didn't follow the course I had expected. First, the doctor had been called to labor and delivery to introduce another very lucky woman's child to the fair city of Baltimore. So, we waited.

My thoughts at this time? I wonder if the Bean will be born in the middle of the night or in the morning. Hmmm... Well, maybe the Bean could hear what I was thinking.

Finally, Dr. Craig returned. My name was called. I went back for my final (shameful) weigh-in and then proceeded to the exam room. We listened to the heartbeat. Sounded great! And then, then came the fun part. I just KNEW that I had begun to dilate. Last week, my cervix had effaced 60 percent, but I hadn't dilated. Yesterday though, I was having very sharp pains that led me to believe today's exam would show that I had indeed dilated.

Well, I've obviously not been through this before. No dilation. Ah! What were those pains? Well, guesstimations are that the Bean is going to be quite a large baby. The doctor says it's mighty heft if simply causing more pain as it presses more strongly against, well, everything.

Bottom line: We're to report back to the hospital Sunday for induction. Yes, you've read this before. I've heard it before. But this is it. Meds are coming on Sunday.

Have I mentioned how tired I am? Oh. Sorry. I have, haven't I.

Cracked

It's a little past 5:30 a.m., and I've been awake the majority of the night. Here's the strange part. I'm not tired. I've been waiting for 5:30 so that I would could get up without bothering anyone else in the house.

The thoughts that have been running through my head range from the mundane (Oh no, did I leave the white chair on the balcony?... It's supposed to rain) to the neurotic (Hard candy! I haven't put any in my bag for the hospital!) to the legitimate (Hmm... Dr. Craig didn't tell me if she would admit me immediately after she examines me tomorrow, and I can't ask her today because she's out). And that's how the night went. Meanwhile, bobbed -- WE ARE BRINGING A NEW PERSON HOME THIS WEEKEND, TO STAY -- in and out of thoughts as well.

I'm excited that in just a little over two hours, we'll get the last in-utero glimpse of the Bean. It is amusing how funny this is since I'll see, touch and smell the little one by Saturday. There's something at the same time sweet and sad about it though, knowing this is the beginning of a hopefully very full life -- with all the love, joy but also sadness this brings.

OK. I'll get off the sentimental train. My mom, dad, Even and I are about to leave for Baltimore. And because I'm a first-time mother, I'm doing things that some of you guys are probably giggling over. For example, today, we're making a little documentary of the last day before the Bean's arrival. I've already shot some "footage" ;-)

Getting down to the wire. Gotta run. I'll update with those creepy ultrasound pics upon our return!

Hmm...

I don't want to write anything negative, so I'm not going to write anything more.

Updates tomorrow...

No, I'm not having twins

Today, no fewer than two strangers asked if I was pregnant with twins. This happens every time I venture out of the house these days. Seriously.

My parents arrived Saturday, and both have been a huge help. OK. So help is the wrong word. They're handling all the last minute preparations --getting the Bean's room ready, the remaining clothes washed and put away, plus my mom has been cooking and cleaning. Nice! But I digress.

Today, we ran a few errands and my dad commented on how every time I passed by someone, they would either blatantly stare, or politely try the covert glance. It's true. And then you have those individuals who blurt -- "you must be due, like, now." Well, yes I am.

All true. You may be curious now about just how large my Bean belly is. Well, I'll post a new picture in the morning.

So, Thursday, we'll go for our last ultrasound. Didn't I post that already? Anyway, I'll be posting the pictures as soon as we return from the hospital. UNLESS, the Bean arrives before then. We'll see. I have a feeling he/she is quite comfortable and in no rush.

BLASTED!

This is best for the Bean. This is best for the Bean. This is best for the Bean.

This is my mantra for the evening. I am so utterly disappointed. I was at the doctor a couple of hours ago and it seems things haven't progressed to a point where I can be induced tomorrow. So, unless the Bean arrives of his/her own volition during the next week, next Friday is the big day. To you, this is only seven days. To me, it might as well be a month. Here's why. In no particular order.

• I now walk like a severely arthritic elderly woman.
• I feel I have the hips of a severely arthritic elderly woman.
• I can't actually see my inside right ankle bone.
• Two complete strangers today asked if I am pregnant with twins.

I could go on, but I've whined enough.

Here's the silver lining though: Tomorrow is ice cream day! Yes.

Is that a twinge I feel?

(Hey you. If you're reading this post, take a look at the column to the left. I added a poll to see what folks are guessing the Bean will be! So vote already! You don't need a photo ID! ;-)

Yesterday was my weekly doctor's appointment during which I was examined to determine if "things were happening" yet. Well, they are. (Out of respect for all of you guys who really don't need the nitty gritty details, I'll spare you the prego lingo.) All yesterday, I felt, well, different. Lots more pressure like the Bean is about to fall out, and other twinges and such that can indicate impending labor. So, last night, suddenly I thought -- Crazy lady! Pack your bag! So, that's what you see in the picture here. E grabbed the camera and snapped a shot. I packed the Bean's clothes for the first time. Weird!

So, I have another appointment on Friday; Dr. Craig will do that oh-so-fun exam again and if I'm still progressing, then she actually plans to induce labor Saturday morning -- during what when I was a kiddle was prime cartoon time. Hoo-ah!

If on the other hand things haven't changed much, then it will be next week; but she doesn't plan to let me go longer than that.

I'll post Friday night to let everyone know what's happening. If it's a go -- check by Saturday or Sunday for photos and/or video!

I just ordered a new digital video camera that will be delivered Thursday. You know how we love our tech gadgetry. Oh! In case any of you are wondering, there will be no documentation of any muckety muck. There will however be plenty of photos of the Bean, who will by then given one of the following names:

Annelise
or
Even Michael

What will it be? We're about to find out...

Kettle Watching

Well, now, we really are entering the home-stretch. And I feel it. the enormous belly you see pictured here is beyond uncomfortable.

Tonight, I attended a breastfeeding course which was held at the same place as the birthing course E and I finished up a couple weeks ago.

I feel like my head is so full of directions on everything from how to clean the baby's umbilical stump (yikes!) to how to recognize that the baby is swallowing and not just sucking (another worry...) that I will never remember what I need to when I need to.

I know that some of you reading this have assured me of the contrary, but what does one really have to do but worry about such things in the final days before the little one appears and life changes in a way that we still can't quite grasp? (These concerns though are much more manageable than the ones related to, "will the baby be healthy and OK?")

As next weekend is our due date, and my parents arrive next Saturday, this weekend I kept thinking how this would be the last one that E and I spent together alone. Again, hard to grasp. No, impossible.

It's funny how such strong feelings of excitement, anticipation and fear can simultaneously grip you.

But on to lighter topics. To capture the relaxation that was happening here Saturday morning (if only briefly for E), I snapped a few pictures for the family photo album. The morning was really beautiful and we were both up before 7... notice the planters in the background, empty but screaming: flowers; bring'em! Soon after these were taken, E transformed the balcony (it's now been prettified with flowers), then moved onto cleaning inside, worked on his thesis and did a million other things while I slept and reclined on the sofa. The only piece missing from this scenario were the bon bons... but E did take me for ice cream later in the day. Love my guy.

Boy nation?

Well folks, in case you're wondering -- the Bean hasn't lost his/her gills yet! But several others baking beans in my circle of family and friends have. Yesterday, my cousin's wife gave birth -- the good old-fashioned route -- to a little boy who weighed in at 10 pounds and 8 ounces! The doctors had just taken an ultrasound and told her the baby looked to be around 8 or 9 pounds. Surprise!

But babies on that side of the family tend to be large. My mom has six brothers, all of which (excluding one) are very tall, brawny, thick wristed men. I don't know how my mother ended up with the figure she has. I suppose it's the Y chromosome shared by all those brothers that carries the serious heft. (Oh, side note: the new 10.5 pounder joins two brothers; notice a trend there?)

Moving on... two other friends also had their babies in the past couple weeks -- both boys. Which makes me even more suspicious about my instincts. What are the odds that the bean is a boy? And in all honestly, we need to throw a girl into this mix. What is this, China?

37 wks: One tent, no campfire

Ah. I've finally found the answer to my wardrobe dilemma. Exhibit a. The tent dress. If my belly weren't so enormous, it wouldn't look quite as much like a tent, I believe. However, with the 2 ton bean tucked away in there... Tent!

I've purchased two of these lovelies. Here's my plan. I'll use them as the two key pieces of my transition wardrobe. You know, as I transition from the 9month pregnant belly to the 6month pregnant belly to the marshmallow belly to ... the scary unknown.

Hottt!

Think I could wear these in labor? "Excuse me, Dr. Craig, can you put on your safety goggles so I don't put your eye out?"

I miss wearing shoes like this...

E the Doula/Jordmor

This past Saturday, E and I wrapped up our 12-hour childbirth and infant care class. Don't laugh. We are so glad we took the 12 hour version. I mean, we went into this ("this" being the Bean growing project) totally ignorant, so we found the class to very informational. It was particularly good for E because I think he really knows his role now for the big day. You know. Blaze of glory. Emergence of the Bean.

Much to my enjoyment, E is feeling quite proud of himself. And confident. He keeps talking about when we "start dancing," which is what our instructor Tibbie (yes, Tibbie; that's not a blog cover name. It's her real name.) called the movement where, while I'm in blinding pain, E and I sway together (to the smooth sounds of Lionel Richie?) to keep me from locking up the Bean's exit route tighter than a supermax federal penitentiary. Because evidently, the goal is to "get me out of the way" so that my body can "do what it knows to do." Big job.

Props to Tibbie though. We couldn't have had a better instructor. God love her, she got into some serious character while illustrating various relaxations techniques, etc. (Truly, Tibbie needs an agent.) And she certainly captured E's attention. So much so that tonight he announced that he has yet another career path to consider. We were howling with laughter. He says he's prepared to take on the full-time role of doula (på norsk, jordmor) -- so long as he doesn't have to actually see anything "bloody down there." Interesting concept. Anyone need a squeamish doula for labor disco, breathing exercises and coaching (no funny stuff below the waist...)? Sorry, he's taken!

But our edumication stretches far beyond the actual birth experience. E and I learned, among many things, how to swaddle and diaper a baby. OK. So, not a baby. But we've got the very lifelike dolls down COLD. We can't wait to show the Bean how lucky he/she is.

Now, back to waiting...

36 Weeks People!

Oh so close. Only one birthing class to go (I haven't mentioned those yet, have I?), one booby feeding class and a few (OK, maybe not so few) things left to buy. This weekend, some good friends gave me a baby shower. So generous! And it was such fun.

The food was prepared by the husband of the friend who was playing host (they are actually opening a restaurant in Baltimore this summer). De-lish. Lime marinated and skewered broiled shrimp, curried chicken salad, orzo salad with roasted veggies. And all the girlfriends brought lots of other yummy dishes -- zucchini bread, a salad with homemade orange vinaigrette, cheesecake, chocolate pie and more, more, more! (OK. So maybe reading about Sunday's menu isn't so exciting. I'm just reliving it.)

And the gifts! I have very generous friends.

BEAN'S ALMOST HERE! Spontaneous outburst!

Head-first Dumpster Dive

I was so excited to have found what I thought could be a promising consignment shop right here in Germantown. I actually found out about the establishment -- Emma's Closet -- in an article in Washington Parent. Immediately, I thought -- hidden gem?

One of the very last things I've yet to buy is a baby bag. I've been picky. I wanted something stylish that doesn't look like a baby bag. Encouraged by the Washington Parent article, I made plans to zip over there today and be wowed. After all, I have been in some really great consignment stores. Some carry very upscale pieces and resemble high-end boutiques while others look like third-day garage sales. Unfortunately, Emma's was more of the third day garage sale variety. I was so disappointed.

However, I have bookmarked this listing I found online of some other consignment stores, a few of which I hope to check out. If any of you guys who live in Maryland happen to be reading this post, can you take a look at the list and let me know if you you've heard anything about any of them?

I'm hopeful that I'll be able to find a nice one to check out.

Overheard in Panera

This should actually be a category of posts on its own, as I'm at Panera a couple times a week and am often treated to the conversations of true wackadoos.

This morning, a man sits with his teenage son at a table very close to mine. Said man has done his level best to terrorize the son during the past 45 minutes. Evidently, father thinks son is not working hard enough to secure an internship with a major investment firm for next year (son's first year in college).

Father: "Do you want to be a floor sweeper? That's what your option will be if you don't GET this internship."
(A's thoughts: Is the line between Wall Street investment banker and broom pusher really so thin? Holy crap! What does this mean for me? One stumble and I'll be working as a low-dollar hooker on the south side of... I don't know, south side of somewhere... I'm really listening now. This man could be saving his son's life AND mine.)

Father: "Give me an example -- one example -- of your advanced critical thinking skills."
(A's thoughts: This kid's frontal lobe isn't fully developed, Father. It's true.)

Son: "Um, I called the lifeguard when I saw someone in trouble in the pool."
(A's thought: Poor kid, he's really nervous now. Totally white bread, upper middle class. Father is now painting a picture of ghetto life, something he's read about in the Washington Post. Sweat. Sweat. Thus came Son's lifeguard scenario.)

Father: "That is most certainly not an example of critical thinking skills. Is that the best you can do? What are you learning in your advanced business courses? I could have answered such a question when I was your age. You are behind."

And so it continued. Really, it became quite intense. Is this what leads to those seemingly inexplicable stories of suburban tragedy where the teenage son who "had it all" turns on his parents?

I get so annoyed. While the scene started out humorous, by the end of their conversation, I felt like gouging my fork in the dad's eye.

Gotta get back to work. I'm evidently one slip-up away from panhandling and pimpville.

Absurdities

Today, after a meeting with a client, I decided to go by Panera to eat and work instead of going directly home. Reason being, I've been really tired. And I have work to finish today. It's less likely that I'll simply drop off into a deep sleep if I'm in the middle of Panera and not at home. (Believe me, I don't need to be reclined at home to fall asleep. I can lean my head back and be out in a matter of seconds.)

So, I was on the phone with my mom when I was preparing to parallel park. I asked her to wait a moment as I placed the phone in my lap. When I was done parking, I picked up the phone from my lap, dropped it in my backpack, and collected my things to go inside. After perusing the menu and ordering, I heard my phone ringing. I looked at my phone. It was my mom. OK. Here's where it gets worse, I'm wondering, hm... why is she calling? We just spoke. It's not until we're on the phone -- AND SHE REMINDS ME that we had been talking -- that I realize what had happened. This is beyond absent-minded. It deserves another word. And I don't want to even entertain "mommy-brain." (That particular concept seems so patronizing. Maybe it's the phrase I find irritating. Suffice it to say, I don't like it.)

Regardless of what you want to call it, I am rattled -- yet again -- by a behavior that is so completely out of character for me. It will get better soon, right?

Showin' Skin

I utterly hate this picture. Seriously. But yesterday, E convinced me to continue what we started, even though I looked like a washed out, exhausted "patty," to use a term E and I incorporated into our private vocabulary some time ago. (I'll let you guys guess about the definition of Patty... can't be that difficult!) I'm glad we took it, I'm just not happy with it at the moment.

I sized the picture a little smaller for the reasons stated above.

OK. That's it for this evening. Still cranky!

I just need a nap.

Look Ma, No Pants

It would seem that the baby has now "dropped" -- at least I hope it has. If a further drop is to come before delivery, well, wait. I don't know where I'm going with this. No further drop is possible. Period. There's no room left. I've nary a pair of pants left that fit comfortably, with the fine exception of one solitary pair of yoga pants (these don't really count since I can't wear them to client meetings!). The rest I wear with a grimace as they dig deeply into my abdomen when I sit. Nice.

So, for the most part, when I'm at home (99.999 percent of the time) I either wear no pants, or wear PJ bottoms. Right now? No pants. It's true. The only exception is if someone happens to drop by. (Lucky for them.)

"In other news": I'm kind of boring these days. I whine and eat and make frequent trips to the ladies'. Bet you wish you were here!

Nutty Rant

I've got the blues. Or whatever you want to call them. Blues. Mullygrubs. A case of the nerves. I've got them all.

While I'm so excited for the Bean to arrive, I'm unbelievably unsettled by the unknown as pertaining to how we'll manage it all. Seems like a ridiculous worry considering the majority of adults on the planet have been through the same thing, but walking hand-in-hand with the mullygrubs has arrived an inability to rationalize.

So, my postings have been sparse.

Not to mention, it seems I was quite ignorant to the realities of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy. And for the love of Pete, I'm only to be sleeping on my left side!?!??! I wake up on my right side, on my back (though I'm sure I wake as soon as I shift to this position because it makes me feel as if I'm being smothered...), and even -- gasp -- leaning heavily on my enormous belly. Each time a panic strikes. Have I hurt the Bean?

And I love my doctor. I really do. But I'm feeling I may scream at her if she reminds me once more of the importance of "left side sleepinggggggg." AHHH!!!!!

I apologize if any spittle leaped through the screen onto your keyboard. You know what happens when lunatics get wound up.

OK. So, here's this week's photo. Don't I look comfortable? And on a funny side note, my boobs are actually quite a bit larger, but you can't even tell because of the enormity of my belly.

Only 8 weeks to go...

Well, here I am... two days ago. How much larger will I get?

Getting scared.

Writer's Cramp

According to what I believe are generally accepted rules of etiquette, thank you cards are to be in the post within two weeks of gift receipt. Crapping rules. Look. Executing big plans sometimes demands more time -- correction ALWAYS demands more time -- than the simple route.

Case in point: I decided to create my own thank you cards because I wanted them to be personal. And special. I had found a website with designs that I LOVED. But I wanted to personalize the designs more than was possible ordering online. So, I bogarted the design and added a twist of my own. THEN, getting them printed required more time than I expected due to a few formatting issues. And STILL THEN, I trimmed them myself to get the bleed I wanted. I'm thinking that if you figure in the time I've spent on these, they must have cost me about $30 a card. So maybe the wallet damage wasn't quite that dire.

I'm really happy with the result though -- which I've posted so you can see. I paired the card with a bright yellow envelope.

Tonight, I managed to get 13 cards written. These will be in the mail tomorrow. I've vowed to myself to have them all complete by Tuesday!

Uff!

OK. I was under pressure from my mom to take this photo tonight. I was reluctant. I mean, I work from home now. Which means, many days, I'm looking, well, like this.

The funny thing is, I actually believed what I was saying when I told her that I didn't think I was that much bigger than I was a couple weeks ago. Well. After seeing this photo, I think I may have been wrong...

Changing topics, this past weekend, E and I made our whirlwind trip to Columbus for the UFC fight. OK. All you lovelies out there who just don't see the art in two well-trained, sweaty men first trying to put a physical "whoopin'" on the other and then give a little love when it's all over -- I can't help you. I'm not an art appreciation professor, so, you'll need to look elsewhere for guidance.

Let's just say, E had a lovely time. As did I! The drive was very scenic. This was the first time we had driven through western Pennsylvania, and I was surprised by the mountainous terrain and snow!

OK. I've got to wrap this up. Sorry for the two week pause between posts. Very busy.

Flood

This weekend, I made a quick trip to Louisiana to take care of a bit of business. While there, my family, led by my sister-in-law and close family friend, threw me a baby shower.

Since it's been 10 years since I lived in Louisiana, I didn't expect the flood of gifts that I received! Family, friends, one of my high school teachers and even a favorite college professor were among those that arrived bearing gifts!

Among the stash are hand crocheted baby blankets, hand-made quilts, baby books, millions of pieces of the sweetest clothes, stuffed animals and a very special silver engraved comb and brush set -- not to mention generous gift cards and oh so much more.


I'm so happy that we don't know the sex... the colors they decorated were bright yellow, orange and green. Very festive. One my favorite treats was the chocolate dipped, strawberries made by my sister-in-law's mother. What makes them particularly irresistible is that they are halved and filled with some kind of creamy filling. I'll see if I can get the recipe...

Surprisingly, I was able to pack most of the baby shower haul in two huge suitcases for the trip home. Unfortunately, the suitcases are still sitting in my living room.

Now, to begin preparing the Bean's room...

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Bean's adorable cousins pictured here...

Crazy Eyes?

I've been a bit silent this week. My excuse can be summed up in two words. Busy and tired. I think the Bean had a growth spurt this week. (Oh, and by the way, in case any of you notice the large spot just above my belly -- I had to do some quick cleanup just before we took the picture! Chocolate spill...)

Today we had a couple guests over for lunch. I made a delicious roasted vegetable pasta dish with eggplant, zucchini, onion, tomato, garlic, feta cheese and several other yummy ingredients. On the side, I made a caprice salad, but I must brag that the presentation was quite nice. I sliced the tomatoes accordion-style and then cut the mozzarella to fit precisely into the openings, stuffing a little fresh basil in each tomato as well. Then I sprinkled them with pepper. On the side was some store-bought focaccia. Yum! Dessert was fresh strawberries served in little light cake cups, drizzled with a chocolate sauce I made of dark chocolate, milk and sweetened condensed milk. Oh my...

Oh! This was the meal I had fretted over, with the kosher guests. It was definitely a success. I don't think I broke any rules in the selection of ingredients. (I did consult with a friend about guidelines.)

Double Oh! This week was a good one. I captured a little more PR for myself. Friday morning, a journalist I have pitched stories to in the past called and offered me the opportunity to be the featured guest of a brief column she pens weekly. She did a brief interview and requested a head shot. Well, I had a head shot that I had used with my previous employer. However, since it was taken there, I was sure using it would not have been a popular move among my former camp. I was in a bind though. I wanted something professional - but how in the world would I manage that by 4 p.m. the same afternoon?

A friend/consultant I work with worked a miracle for me. I had the best head shots taken in a matter, truly, of minutes. The photographer actually specializes in children and babies. She takes amazing photos. (I plan to engage her to take pictures of the Bean, me and Even early this summer.)

Anywho, she actually took the photos at 2:30. I left her studio around 3. Thanks to her quick work, I was able to deliver the photo electronically to the newspaper by 4 p.m. precisely.

And the article was out in yesterday's paper!

Beware Catwoman

I've been something of a sporadic blogger lately. So much happening! Meetings. Work. (Oh, and I do love that my sometimes office is Panera. Great life.) Friday morning, I was at Panera working at 7:30 a.m. While there, a group of what I'll call Prada Mommies, en masse, encamped at a table next to mine. Though I was concentrating quite intently on my work, their conversation kept breaking through. Probably because they were talking so loudly. I could hardly keep from laughing.

Truly. Conversation roamed, not so broadly, from one's "genius son" ("no, I mean, he's truly BRILLIANT") whose brilliance is still not being recognized, even though he's on his third (private, in her words "very expensive" school (and he's in the 8-year-old range) to one's daughter whose teacher just didn't appreciate her (the daughter's) sense of humor. Poor teachers! This went on for over two hours. Seriously.

I suppose I'll stop beating up the Prada Mommies now.

Tomorrow, I'll be 28 weeks. Twelve weeks to go! So, here I am, a few minutes ago in my catwoman suite. If I look a little droopy around the edges, understand that sleep has been evading me. And this is a problem that I've NEVER had. Last night was the first in several days that I banked several hours in one night. Not uninterrupted, but still. Those hours were delicious.

Sweet!

I've officially made my first purchase on Etsy, the site I gushed about last week. I snapped up this origami crane mobile for the Bean's bedroom. The piece was shipped today, so I should have it in a few days.

I love it. Also, I had a nice preview of what it would look like once we've hung it as the walls in the photo look to be precisely the color of the ones in the Bean's bedroom.

On another note, I'll be making a super-quick trip to Louisiana in a couple weeks. It's businesses related, but the fam is quickly planning a baby shower to happen that weekend. I'm surprised at just how excited I am! If anyone would have told me this time last year that this time this year I would be getting jazzed over a baby shower -- correction, MY baby shower -- I would have laughed. Life's funny.

Oh So Fickle

After all the gushing earlier this week about the bedding I found for the Bean... I've changed my mind. I'll be returning it as soon as it arrives.

What if the quality is really bad? Plus, my plans have just shifted. I'm going back to my original plan. I'm really not a person who buys things in sets. I need something more eclectic. It is absolutely VITAL that I begin forcing my tastes on the Bean as soon as he or she enters the world.

On a completely different note, regarding work, I have a couple really amazing days. I am meeting people who are so inspiring, and get just as excited as I do. I am feeling so optimistic about how things will continue to develop. Potential business partners!

More work adventures next week! (A client pitch, actually. I'll keep you posted...)

I'll Take Potpourri, Alex

So, I've got a severe case of pop-corn brain today. Which means, I've been all over the place. I'm trying to finish up a somewhat tedious client piece, which is involving my least favorite part of my job. Oh. That's not true. It's not the least favorite.

Anyway, part of my job is keeping up on the newest developments in web 2.0 (a term that's evidently already on the way out...). I love that this is part of what I "need" to do. I find the coolest websites. And the most interesting applications, etc.

So, keeping in mind who reads my little blog, I decided to start sharing little gems that I think might interest some of you. For example, today I ran across a website called Etsy. I'm in love! If you like unique gifts, check it out. Etsy describes itself as a place to "buy and sell all things handmade." Don't click on the link if you have a meeting in 10 or something simmering in the kitchen. This place will suck a good 45 minutes right out of your day. Not that it did mine... ( I love these notebooks, for example.) Oh! And I've started a new "Worth a Visit" section which I've placed as a permanent fixture on the blog homepage. You'll find it below "About Us." I'll keep adding what I deem to be cool sites there!

On another note... I am so delighted to have found bedding for my little bean that I LOVE. See, my plan has been to design the room so that it still looks like it belongs with the rest of the house. And I like a more modern eclectic look.

Much of what I had found so far that I really liked was just ridiculously priced. (When the price enters territory where you think, I could put this in a money market account and have a very tidy sum in 18 years, then I don't consider it a smart purchase.) It's also unnecessary as I can create something perfectly stylish on a budget.

So I was taken completely by surprise today when my browsing led me to Wal-Mart, where they offer a line called baby mod via their website. I fell in love with a bedding set called Orchard Park. I'm sharing pictures so you can either "oooo" and "ahhhh" or gag.

The second photo is a closeup of the crib sheet. I'm all about the details. And sharing.

I love this because it matches the color already in the Bean's room. I didn't want to repaint it because I love the color. It's a blue that is similar to the blue in the bedding set.

My plans already had been to contrast the blue with a nice tangerine. When I saw the orange shade in this fabric, I was pleased. I had yet to find anything with this color combination anywhere else.

So, it should arrive within the next 7 to 10 days. Hopefully I'll be equally pleased once I unpack it!

Free Willy

Maybe I should try a new pose. I'm realizing that once this, um, "process" is over, all I'll have are these kind of funny profile shots. Next week, I think my photographer and I will get creative. Don't worry. Nothing involving our sheepskin rug; indeed nothing that you'll need to shield your eyes from... This photo was taken yesterday evening. It's the official 25.9 week photo.

I have some busy days ahead of me this week. Lots of meetings... hopefully a couple of which will turn into some quite interesting projects. On top of this, two potential clients have been referred to me. So, I'll assume something with those will be happening this week as well. (Positive way to look at it, yes?)

I met Friday with a very nice girl/woman (I have a hard time using the word woman for myself... so when I meet someone younger, imagine my struggle.) Digression. Back to the girrwoman. She's someone I hope to be working with in the future -- a potential project partner.

I'm finding that there are many incredibly talented freelance consultants who seem to work in the shadows. I didn't realize how many, actually. I'm optimistic about the partnership opportunities this will allow. These relationships, I'm hoping, will be the compensation I need in projects where a larger team is really needed.

On the Bean front, this weekend was very productive. We now have both the crib and changing table. Cool! They are an Italian brand called Pali, and are very nice. And we bought them for a song off Craigslist! I love Craigslist. Both pieces are truly like new. Once they are set up, I'll post pictures. Could be a few weeks...

OK. Back to work.

Jumpin' G. Hossifat!

In my new career venture, I am learning much quickly. For one, when something somewhat disturbing happens, there's no one to turn to and frantically gasp -- OH CRAP.

I had a gasping OH CRAP moment this morning. I was interviewed Monday for an article on social media and public relations. This was a great opportunity. My first chance to be quoted in connection with my own business. Yes. Better than advertising, baby.

Here's the kink. The article ran today. Turns out, I was somewhat misquoted. (I'll post the article in just a bit.) The journalist stated that I had plans to launch a new PR firm later this year with two partners. The firm being a new breed of PR agencies in that it would have an integrated social media practice. Anywho. That's not what I said!

The bright side -- to some extent, this is still good publicity for me. Who knows who may read this and want to give me a call? The underbelly -- once my former employers read this, and they will, the goodwill I so carefully worked to keep intact will be shot. SHOT. Not good.

Stay tuned for the fallout.

Gulping Syrup

This morning was my scheduled ultrasound appointment. The purpose of this visit was to determine if the aching slight protrusion above my belly button was a hernia. It wasn't.

It was a fibroid, which the doctors assured me was tiny and innocuous. It was quite a relief. The odd thing is though, that after all the discomfort last week, the pain was magically gone this week. Strange.

Now, to my Bean news. I didn't realize they would be performing another full ultrasound. Lucky me! And the majority of it was in 3D mode. I don't think it's my imagination projecting my wishes onto the pictures -- the Bean looks like E. The lips, the spacing of the eyes -- the forehead even. Where am I? As far as I can determine, it looks to have the distinctive nose from my Mom's side of the family.

It was so sweet, during the ultrasound, the Bean yawned twice, and quite stubbornly resisted moving its hand away from its face. We poked and tried our best to disturb him/her. Evidently, the Bean was in a comfortable position.

And weight! It's weight is already well over two pounds! I was a little concerned by this, but the doctor assured me that he wasn't.

After the ultrasound, I made my way to the blood lab for the glucose test which screens for gestational diabetes. I had to down about 12 ounces of the most disgusting, sickly sweet, "lime" flavored drink before waiting an hour to have my blood drawn. (I felt like such an adult, I didn't have the dreaded panic feeling before getting jabbed.)

Regarding the diabetes, I'm really, really hoping that this won't be something that I'll have to worry about. It will be a couple days -- probably Monday -- before I know the results.

So, I'm sharing my photos of the Bean, AKA Lil' e.

La Petite Academy

Evocative name, is it not? Minimally, yet impeccably dressed French women gently instructing young children to recognize and appreciate fine art while at the same time teaching them how to properly eat patte.

Well, not at exactly. If this were a TV show or movie, this is the moment in the program that you would hear the sound effect of a record player's needle being dragged abruptly across the vinyl. This morning I took my first daycare center tour. The center, not-so-aptly named La Petite Academy, is so conveniently located just a two-minute drive from our house.

I was nervous when I left home today. What would I find?

While I wasn't greeted with a waft of freshly-baked croissants when I entered the building, I was quite pleasantly surprised. I was armed with questions regarding references, certifications and the like. The woman who greeted me and gave me the tour was very likable and had a personality that really put me at ease. (So, La Petite is at least not dumb. The fact that this woman was the one giving the tour and acting as my first point of contact with the daycare earns them kudos from me.)

Not to mention, the babies in the 6 weeks to 6 months area truly looked happy and content. I was relaxing.

I had previously dreamed up horrible visions of banks of baby beds where one adult was responsible for at least five infants. That definitely wasn't the case here. And the employee turnover wasn't bad in the infant section. Another check in the good column. (The ratio here, by the way, is one adult to three babies.)

Bottom line. Was it perfect? No. But it was good. And, with their being so close, I can drop by regularly, take the Bean in when it suits me, etc. We'll see how the rest of this "exploration project" goes. I've got a number of other options to check out in the meantime... But the end result of today's trip is that I feel much, much more relaxed.

24.9 Weeks

I left this photo larger because I am LARGE. Looks like some growth since last week. Indeed.

Kosher

This weekend, a new friend of E's, and his wife, invited us to their home to eat. They are Jewish and kosher. Since this is the second time we have been invited to their home, we of course asked if we could bring anything. They said dessert. But it needed to be kosher -- and include no dairy. May sound simple enough. Ah. It wasn't. First, I had a genius idea. I remembered a little kosher store in Rockville. I thought we could drop by and pick up something on the way. It was Saturday... you know where I'm going with this.

We pulled into the parking lot -- and they were, of course, closed. With only 15 minutes to find something, we scooted back over to Trader Joe's. Nothing! I even asked. Nothing. So Even had a brainstorm. Or rather, he was distracted by the orchids displayed by the exit. An orchid it was. In place of dessert. The were very gracious and we had a nice time.

Sometime during the next month, they'll be coming to our house to eat. I'm quite nervous! If anyone has recipe ideas -- well, don't hold back! I assume I can easily enough find something online by simply searching for kosher recipes. That's the plan. I'll make sure to post whatever I settle on. And the results!

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New Slideshow
I finally posted a brief slideshow of photos from mine and Even's trip to Maine. If you're curious, check them out below in the post titled "E's Brand of Babymoon."

Another Ultrasound

So, I had my doctor's appointment yesterday. Everything with the Bean looked good. Yay! The only bit of disappointment concerns the pain above my belly button. The doctor thinks it may be a hernia. So, I am to have another ultrasound. This time, I won't be getting a glimpse of the Bean though. Boo.

"HacK" -- Pardon the germs

Well, here's the freshest photo. I MUST have graduated from bump to, well, something significantly larger than a bump. I can't believe I still have 16 weeks left. My stomach feels so stretched. If anyone whose already been through this is reading and laughing. Please don't share. I'm feeling cranky.

I've been a bit under the weather for the past several days with a sore throat and cold. Not to mention, I'm having some kind of weird pain above my belly button. Not a light kind of discomfort, but real pain. (But look at that smile. I'm such a trooper.) To make matters worse, it hurts even more when I'm laying on my side -- the one position "approved" for preggos to sleep in.
I suppose the pain is due to a growth spurt in the Bean. I mean, look at me. Whopper.

As I've written before, I don't realize how large I've become until I look at these photos. One gets a distinctly different impression looking at a photo, when compared to looking in the mirror.

On that note, I'll be visiting the doctor tomorrow for my 24-week visit. I'll let you know what she says... (By the way, my doctor is Dr. Caren Craig. I adore her. She's the reason we're driving over an hour to to Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore to have this baby when good hospitals are literally 10 minutes away from our house.)

Anyway, I'll let you know what the doctor says tomorrow...

E's Brand of Babymoon

FedEx was ringing the doorbell about five minutes past nine this morning. I couldn't believe how quickly they had arrived. The two tickets I had purchased yesterday for an upcoming UFC event in Columbus, OH, on March 1. The ticket and trip were E's Christmas present from me and my parents.

For all of you unfortunate souls who are unfamiliar with UFC, let me start by saying this isn't the average pursuit of the fine wine and cheese crowd. UFC stands for Ultimate Fighting Championship. Ground and pound. Sweaty men. Blood. E loves it. So, on Feb. 29, we'll pack a bag and drive to Columbus, which I believe is approximately five hours from here. Full recap and photos will definitely follow.

I had been daydreaming of maybe taking a last-minute getaway before the baby arrives. I had been imagining a trip more reminiscent of last spring's getaway to Maine, where we stayed in a beautiful sea-side town called Ogunquit. Blueberry pancakes and walks by ocean. Killer combination.



But if work remains as hectic as it is shaping up to be now, UFC in Columbus may be our babymoon. We'll see... Either way, we'll have a great time. We always do.

Until I take us on a four hour hike (during which E dreams of nothing else but ice cream), and then use our remaining cash on fudge before he gets a single taste of vanilla. Oops. No credit cards accepted. Ahhhh. Memories.

The Silence is Broken

So, 2008 is already shaping up to be a year of surprises. I returned from Louisiana last Thursday evening, the 3rd. Already, the next day, I was making calls pertaining to my new business and sending out a proposal. By the next day, I had two lunch meetings scheduled for the next week!

And this week has been even busier. Part of me, the part that doesn't want to be disappointed later, thinks -- is this luck? An initial flurry of activity that will subside to be replaced by more difficult days ahead of painstakingly searching for clients?

Either way, this is a great beginning. I'm already working on the PR strategy for a project that I love. This project in particular was kicked off Tuesday with a meeting that was nothing but fun.

I finally reached my accountant today. I was in a panic already because I have an invoice I am to send out ASAP. And for tax purposes and such, I was at a loss as to what to do. Much was clarified by the accountant this morning. I was more than a little surprised to find out all that I can deduct on my taxes since I am working from my home. My new blackberry? Yep. And even a percentage of the cost for getting the car washed and waxed. Lovely. The down side -- our tax bracket is significantly higher than I expected. It could be around 48 percent when all is said and done. Excluding the tax deductions.

In Norway, I paid around 45 percent (roughly, I believe) in income taxes each year. But I didn't have to pay health insurance or a plethora of other services that we do here in the states. So it puzzles me about the overriding attitude concerning socialism here in the states. People somehow still think they will find a way to "beat the system" I suppose. While dreaming the illusive dream of attaining a caviar lifestyle. I'll stop ranting now.

More to come tomorrow. And a picture will follow shortly. We've been lazy with the photos. Meanwhile, I felt a sharp angle of the bean last night ABOVE my belly button. It felt like an elbow. Very odd indeed. And my skin itches. Boooooo.