Attack

I don't really want to complain, because I know things will get worse*, but being pregnant and short sucks.

We successfully closed on the house yesterday. Thank you, thank you. We've been formulating a plan of attack because this house needs an attack, and fast. We knew it would need work, and luckily, it's all cosmetic. But deciding what needs to be done first is a battle. But we both agree that painting the joint needs to be first. Blue is nice (we're actually painting our bedroom the same blue we had in Vegas), but the colors they have are, well, a little crazy. And bright. And very, VERY blue. And turquoise and green.

So we'll be priming everything this weekend. Any extra hands are welcome because I can't paint. I can, but we don't want a retarded fish-frog baby - so no painting for me.

Justin is gladly letting me stock up on things now, knowing the deals I'm getting. For those who have a CVS near them, I strongly urge you to use them. They have a program where you earn dollars for qualifying purchases. At first I was like, "I don't need that right now." But I changed my thinking to, "I will need it and use it eventually - say, in a few weeks or a month." THEN, can you score killer deals.

Here's what I got for $3 last night:
2 - liquid laundry detergents
2 - big bottles of shampoo

The best part, I earned $6 to spend at CVS as well as a $5 off my next $20 purchase. Once you start earning Extra bucks, you can roll them over to your next purchase and use them like cash. And if you have coupons, the deals are even better. (I used coupons for both products last night.)

How many of you know about this program? How has it worked out for you?

*Ok, "worse" probably isn't the best word for pregnancy. But I meant, I know I'll be getting bigger and the belly, it grows fast now. I have short arms, how the heck am I going to drive or type at my desk?

31

I'm 31. It didn't really shock me until I was playing Sudoku on my DS when Dr. K from Brain Age said, "You're 31 right? Happy Birthday!"

It was somewhat shocking to see it. 31. I think that puts me in a whole new age bracket on forms. You know, the one that lumps middle-aged people in one category and spans across generations. That sucks.

And my Nevada driver's license expired too. No longer will I have braces and cute, little red cheeks on my photo, somewhat angelic looking. Now I'll just look pasty, bloated and 31.

Justin let me do whatever I wanted this weekend. So Friday night, we saw "Doubt". Excellent movie if you get the chance to see it.

Saturday, we hit up the huge clearance of Wilson's Leather items. Since they are closing all of their stores, they've sent all stock to this one location in Minneapolis. We went and scored: 1 suede purse, 1 leather purse, 1 not leather or suede purse - just cute, 1 wallet for me, 1 wallet for Justin, a belt for Justin and a leather messenger bag for his laptop.

All for $100. We rule.

Then we drove up north to the outlet malls and hit up a few stores. The best score was at Old Navy. All already discounted items were an additional 50% off. Justin found a pair of jeans for $6 and I got a top for $4. We totally forgot about the 50% when we checked out (or I would have grabbed more shirts), and the total was only $6! Seriously, even if he uses those jeans to work on cars, it was still a better deal than Saver's!

Target was our last stop. No big scores there but I did manage to buy 3 big bottles of cranberry juice for $2. I'm smart like that. Now that we're closing on the house on Wednesday (EEEEEEEEEEE!), I'm trying to restock my pantry. Plus it's just the nesting urge I've had to suppress for so long. Must.restock.NOW!

It was a double feature Saturday night with "Frost/Nixon" - also very good and "Benjamin Button" - another good one. It'll be an interesting Academy Awards this year.

And then it was Sunday. 31. Baby kicked me all day. Maybe it was "Happy Birthday" in Morse code? No, it was probably all the sweet treats I had for breakfast. And for lunch. And for dinner.

As much as it can suck to have a birthday so close after Christmas, it wasn't bad this year. I know, I know. Last year I got to go to London for my Birthday. Ya, it was cool but this year was better for different reasons.

Semi Wordless Wednesday

It's amazing what a little black can do.



Hide a belly! 19 weeks today. Belly has no where to go but out. Impressive, huh? Say "HI" Scully!



In preparation for a baby who we don't know the sex, I've started working on some clothes. I used Kwik Sew 3090 and tried it out on new niece, Natalie. (I don't know what happened with the snaps. It was all even at the leg.)



She's tiny. I'm sure it won't fit her until Spring. Justin practicing his football hold on Natalie. It was a reality check, apparently.

Minus

19.

Minus 19 kids (not counting wind chill). I've got the picture on my camera to prove it. Oh, and the frostbite on my toes too. And the Silly Car didn't want to start, and the car seats (cloth car seats) were like sitting on a brick. And my snot froze instantly. And I need a latte to warm up.

BUT! I made it to work on time.

That is all.

Minus 19.

Ya, Ya, It's Cold. So What

The last time it was this cold here (well, close enough. The highs were about 5 - in the afternoon), I was miserably taking the bus from the house to work. Over an hour commute, because both of our cars were down. But, BUT! now we're a two car family again! Justin's the best auto mechanic around!!!

Kids, it's cold this week. I took a photo of the bank sign on my way to work this morning and it was negative 7. Normally at that time it would be five, ten or 25 degrees. Not today. Negative 7 everyone. At 9am. Apparently, this is the coldest and crappiest winter Minnesota's seen in decades. I love the drama they put into it. Whatever. It's cold. Bundle up. Stay inside. Who cares.

I finally ordered some winter boots. I don't know why it took me so long, but I can't wait til they show up. Hopefully they'll fit since I ordered them online. Some say your feet grow a size when you're pregnant. Is this true? If so, do they stay that way afterward?

So besides the unbearable cold weather I live in (and the drivers who can't drive on ice), what else is going on? We close on the house in 2 weeks. Since we sold most of our furniture and electronics in Las Vegas and everything we own is in a 10x10 storage unit, we'll be doing a lot of shopping. But first, we have to pick out paint colors again.

(This reminds me: Mike, I lived in a 300 sq. foot basement apartment in SLC. It was perfect for one person. It was easy to maintain and simple furnish. Once Justin moved in, it became a little cramped; lack of storage space. I'd love to downsize again, but not with baby on the way.)

Can anyone recommend a good place to find dog winter booties? The stores can't seem to keep them in stock here and Scully REALLY needs a pair.

Shopping

I scored a few good deals this weekend. First, Bath & Body Works had their "Semi-Annual Sale" and I was able to get TONS of yummy smelling stuff for $20. They had all their stuff on sale; $1, $3, or $5. So I stocked up on anti-bacterial hand soap (pump dispensers), travel size lotions and shower gels (all for $1) and a few other items. I want to go back today and get more because seriously, that stuff is normally expensive.

I also read that Macy's was closing a bunch of their stores so expect a sale at local stores. I went looking for a few things that could accommodate my growing belly but didn't see anything I liked. But I did find a layette set for $10. Guess what color it is? Yellow and white. It's cute and Justin liked it, but I'm getting discouraged with the lack color options that can be used for any sex. But for $10, I can't complain.

I ended my shopping spree at Target. I found a few tops on clearance ($3 for a maternity top!) and found another layette set that I waffled on. It was discounted down to $9. I'm glad I got it though because it rang up as $2! Oh, Target, how I love you. AND, I was with my Father-in-Law so I got an extra 15% off.

So I did pretty good for my first trip out post Holiday season. But really, preparing for our baby is going to be hard because we've opted not to find out. I might have to bust out my sewing machine and make some super cool, non-yellow or green clothes.

Now if I can find this stroller on clearance somewhere, I'd be happy.

Poll up. Take a guess.

Everything is Just a Few Hundred Clicks Away

Justin just sent this to me. Too bad we moved and can't go to CES anymore.


Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

Out of the Bag

I, at least, have always thought the news of a pregnant worker is bad news to a boss. Apparently, I was wrong. And for this reason, why I'm happy I'm employed at Public Television. My boss was happy and said, "Family comes first, don't worry about your job while on maternity leave. Congratulations!"

Phew! My last hurdle done and done. Now I don't have to suck in as much when I walk by offices or talk to people. Cause this belly is going no where but out.

I moved offices yesterday but not before I killed my computer with this stupid virus. The Rapid Antivirus is apparently just an upgraded version of an old one. I have no idea how I got it, but I did. Luckily, I called IT when Justin said, "Ummm, you really need to call IT with that." But it still hosed my computer.

That was Friday, and now it's Tuesday and the IT dude said, "I'll bring your tower down in 15 minutes." That was an hour ago. So, I'm working on my Mac but it's really a pain to get work done on it (for various reasons, not Mac related so don't hate me Mac lovers).

So the office move, totally awesome! I was at the end of the hall where no one knew I was even there. Now I'm part of the action and my office is way bigger and RED! No window, but I'm next to my boss who has a window, so I do get some sunlight. Except, it's January and there isn't sunlight in Minnesota until, oh, about when baby will be born. So in June.

Did I mention I bought a house? Well I did. We close at the end of January. It deserves a post itself because it was stupid drama trying to get it. But our offer got approved and now I'm just waiting for FHA to do their end of the deal. It needs some cosmetic work but overall, a solid house for a great price.

Ok, gotta go find my computer. Mac, you're cool and all, but I need to get work done.

No Resolutions

I finished the 30-day blogging challenge with 17 posts. So, I did suck, but hey, 17 in one month, that's a lot for me. Maybe I'll do it again when I don't have 5 to 6 days off in a row.

New Years was very quiet and respectable. If pregnancy lets you be one thing, it's respectable. No boozing, no screaming running down a street, no hangovers. You really can't beat it.

We went bowling at the dumpiest bowling alley where we watched the Ms. Hooters Competition. A chick from Austin, Texas won. Her name was - and I'm NOT kidding - Hoots. Can't remember her first name, Justin would know that. But her last name was seriously Hoots. How could she not win such a contest? I called it the white trash of Ms. America.

Has anyone else tried to bowl while pregnant? It's the weirdest thing. I'm still sore from it and I only used the 8 pound ball. I'm so weak. And my game sucked.

We carried on our white trash festivities at home where I took a bath and I tried to increase my brain power (or as Homer says, "Increase my killing power.") with Brain Age. The tub is the perfect place to play. Once done getting smarter, I watched Justin and his friend launch fireworks about 30 minutes after midnight. Better late than never. Actually, Justin will light fireworks anytime of year.

I passed out, they sobered up and that was it.

16 weeks and growing. During the Holiday's I tried to eat reasonably and I think I succeeded. But for some reason, the belly has popped out all of a sudden. No weight gain yet, but I go in next week for a check-up and a lot can happen til then. I have a photo but it just looks like I'm bloated so I probably won't post it. Unless I get an overwhelming cry to see it. But I don't want to scare anyone.

What Happened Over Christmas

1. Found out my Wii Fit age is 44. Not good, even if I wasn't pregnant. Didn't I just run a half marathon? Wait, that was a year ago.
2. Ate lots of potatoes.
3. Drove 6 hours to Nebraska where dinner was waiting for me.
4. Sober the entire Holiday.
5. Was bombarded by a certain sister-in-law telling me she can't buy me ANYTHING for our baby unless she knows if it's a boy or girl. Sorry Angel, you'll just have to wait until June like everyone else. But you can still give us your crib and anything else gender neutral. Thanks!
6. I didn't blog.
7. My sister and I harassed two little boys into cleaning their VERY messy room by taking away their Nintendo DS. The screaming could be heard down the street.
8. The boy's room was partially cleaned. For 20 minutes.
9. Presents covered the entire floor Christmas Eve. Little ones had to step on them to get to their pile. Justin yelled, "LOOK AT ALL THOSE!!!!! WHO ARE THEY FOR????"
10. Justin got warm, fuzzy slippers. I think they were his favorite gift from me.

We did Christmas Eve/morning here in Minnesota. Since there are so many little grandchildren on one side, there really were a lot of gifts in the living room. We let them open first so they could be excited playing with them somewhere else, while the adults opened. The in-laws didn't even get to see us open gifts from them. They were stuck on open-kid-packages-NOW and I-need-4-AA-batteries-now! We got towards the end and found one kid missed 3 gifts. I think he got really excited and took off with whatever. He did eventually come back to claim them.

I got nice gifts as usual. Justin did too. Justin's Grandparents must think we're having a girl (actually, everyone wants this baby to be a girl for some reason) because they got us pink receiving blankets and a somewhat gender neutral outfit. But since it's a gift, I'm going to keep it, girl or boy. Why not use it no matter who pops out?

Christmas morning, we headed to Nebraskey where my brother lives. FYI: there is nothing open on Christmas day. NOTHING, so get your travel cooler stocked with snacks and drinks because you're not getting Hardee's or Dairy Queen along the way.

More presents, more wild children not talking to you because they are too enthralled with their favorite Christmas gift, more everyone else drinking but me. Including a comment from my mom asking why I can't have a Miller Lite. "Does it upset your stomach?"

Oh dear lord please tell me that she didn't drink while pregnant.

Fail

On so many levels.

I fail because I haven't posted since, when? Friday? FAIL. Busy weekend as usual but no excuse not to post especially since I was on the computer for 4 hours on Saturday trying to get work done.

Silly Car fails too. Justin and I must be jinxed with this move to Minnesota. Silly Car doesn't work now. Not sure if it has anything to do with it being 6 below yesterday (oh, with a minus 31 windchill. MINUS 31 and yes, it was cold that yesterday). I can't say I blame it, I didn't want to get out of my warm bed this morning either, but I managed.

And all my clothes fail. Enough said.

So, I loaded up my queue for work and will stay busy. And warm. And not disrupted like at work, so I might get more work done. But bothered by the fact that now we have NO running cars.

(It runs, just overheats (HAAAAAHAHAH!) which Justin thinks the heater hose busted somewhere. Not easy to get to apparently.)

The 21st Century Strikes Again...Again

Back when I wrote this post it was true. Apparently, it's true again.

Remember, we parked the Silly Car away for the winter. The plan was to get in sometime in April or May and rely on Justin's newer car, the subie. Apparently, his car is so modified that the computer (the brains of the car), froze up. Awesome huh? So, we had no choice but to go get the Silly Car out of hibernation.

It was a long day at work, plus it started snowing on the drive home. No driving for either of us, I ended up taking the bus into Minneapolis and catching another bus home. That took 2 1/2 hours! I was exhausted. But we still had to go up to Nowthen, Minnesota. Luckily, Justin's awesome Aunt and Uncle had pulled the car out of it's hibernating spot and parked it, ready to go, in their driveway. And Aunt Peggy made me homemade blue cheese dressing! So at least it wasn't as bad as we anticipated.

And now I'm exhausted again today. I think my lack of any symptoms during the first trimester is catching up with me. But, I set a goal at work and I have to finish it or I'm a dummy who can't meet deadlines. Plus, my plan is to make my goal and then tell them I'm pregnant. That way they aren't too upset. But, actually, I just found out another chick at work is due the same time as me and everyone knows. So why am I waiting? Who knows.

So my car, which is 16 years old, is our primary car and runs awesome. And Justin's car, which is only 6 years old doesn't run and has icicles hanging off of it. And who said the technology from the 21st century is better?

The 21st Century Strikes Again

Just got home, too tired to write, but it's silly, stupid, drama, dumb, the usual.

More later.

Struggle

Phew! Now that the cats outta the bag, I can officially talk about anything. But, not baby related today.

I like this 30-day challenge. There's tons of goodies to talk about in December. I just can't seem to get my act together on the weekends. This weekend was hard. Apparently you really shouldn't sleep on your stomach when your 3 months along. Ok, but it's still kinda flat so why not? Cause your back will hurt like you got kicked. So all day Saturday I was miserable. Nothing done or posted.

Sunday, full steam ahead the moment I got up because I knew I had tons of crap to do. Bake cookies for work, laundry and watch it rain in Minnesota in December (then watch it turn into ICE 1 hour later. Then try to drive on it to go see a children's play with the family. We made it ok because nobody else was dumb enough to try that.). With all of these really awesome things happening, I can't blog on the weekend. Yesterday's blog is actually one I wrote on Friday while my database was down at work. But I can NOT get on the computer on the weekend.

Can't do it. At all. No way.

But things did happen and I didn't blog. So here I am. Want the latest news? Apparently, (and I've only seen emails confirming, not the actual agreement) I bought a house. Long story short, this was a house we bid on back in July. The bank was stupid and we walked. But once they reduced it, oh, about 30k, we jumped again and they agreed. We rule because we're moving in the middle of the winter! Awesome, huh? No, not really because kids, today it was minus 10 this morning. And Justin's car doors froze shut and then once they were open, the car didn't start. I wasn't ticked at the temp. I was just ticked about his car not starting up. He's taking care of it today. All will be normal again.

Good thing for Mother-in-Law's no-work-on-Monday's, drive-husband-downtown. I hitched a ride into Minneapolis with her and barely caught the St. Paul bus. At least I didn't have to stand outside waiting for it like I will tonight heading home.

Can anyone recommend very warm socks? Cause every pair I own put together isn't cutting it. Think, Everest quality socks. Where can I get those? And boots? I need warm boots. Suggestions? Or should I just go to Fleet Farm?

Who Saw This Coming?

(Whoa! Is my spine gonna look like that??)

Just like when Justin helped with Scully's Halloween costume, he helped with this project.

I had my genetic screening done last week. It's an ultrasound and blood work. I got to see the baby for a good 45 minutes. We must have woken baby up because he/she was in the correct position for the tests for about 5 minutes, then got the hiccups and rolled over about a thousand times (probably looking for a good, comfy spot to chill). The tech kept jiggling my stomach and I had to make sure she wasn't giving him/her shaken baby syndrome. She assured me she wasn't.

Once baby found the best position, he/she stayed there. So I got some good photos of thumb sucking, general spazzing out, and probably giving us the bird (lots of hand gestures, it's really hard to tell). It was awesome to see what life is like inside someone like me. I'm crazy in the head but apparently, that hasn't scared baby away.

Justin wants to find out who the baby is. I say no way, we'll find out soon enough. All of our friends are very much against this (except Elsa) but at this point, I'm just happy knowing there's a little one inside of me and the surprise it'll be in 6 months. (Oh crap! 6 months!!!)

Oh, for those interested, here are the deets:

Due Mid-June (I could give you the date, but honestly, it's a guesstimate, so who really knows, right?)
13 weeks right this moment.
No morning sickness (please don't hate me)
No weight gain...yet
Still wearing most of my clothes.
No unusual cravings/aversions except: no salad/dressing, no chicken, loving grilled cheese, baked potatoes and did you really think I'd give up bean burritos? Baby LOVES him/her some beans!
No uber exhaustion. I still go to bed at 9pm. Nothing new.

Honestly, up until recently, I thought I somehow cheated on the pregnancy test. But I've got the pictures to prove otherwise.

We've told a few people early on. Some of them were a little surprised we said anything so soon. I realize there's the change of miscarriage, but honestly, it was our choice to share. There are no rules about when to announce. Now, telling my boss, that might take a little more time. Maybe I'll wait until I'm seven months. Then it'll be so obvious I won't have to say anything.

I hope not to make this a baby blog, but updates and general information relating to baby will appear. So I need your help. I need a baby blog name. Something I can call baby until he/she appears and is officially named. Something like JJ (Justin/Jessi junior), or spazzoid, you know, terms of endearment.

Too Much for One Day

I was so busy yesterday, I didn't blog. Seriously busy from the moment I woke up til my head hit the pillow. That busy.

I had a Doctors appointment up "north" and since we were down one car and Justin had client meetings all morning, I had to take the bus. But first, I had to get some work done. TPT is awesome! If you ever get an opportunity to work here, do it. They let me work at home in the morning, no problems. Finished some shows, got on the bus and made my way up north.

Justin picked me up after my appointment and we headed down "south" to pick up Paveena for a shopping date. She doesn't have her license yet, so she has to rely on others to take her places. She should learn the bus route!

We left Justin at her house and we headed to Mall of America. FYI: walk just one lap around the place and it's one mile. Do it with lots of bags in your hand and count it as two. Just kidding. But seriously, that place is huge and it reminds me of the fact that I don't like to go there.

We were on the look-out for a nice cashmere scarf for her husband's birthday. After so many freaking stores (on the first level only) we finally found one at Bloomingdale's. The best part of this find was Paveena asking me, "Does this LOOK expensive?" Knowing her husband likes to find expensive looking goods but pay half the price, I knew exactly why she was asking. "It looks very nice." And it did. And he'd be a rotten husband if he told her he didn't like it.

We had dinner at D'Amico and Sons. It was ok. I think it tries a little too hard to be unique.

On our way home we stopped off at our Realtor's house to sign a document for a house we are considering (at this point, waiting again for the bank to consider our offer-should be another post, really). I missed "The Office" and my usual bedtime routine, but once I was home, I was out within 10 minutes.

It was just one of those days with too much to do, and not enough time. Is it just me, or is everyday starting to feel like that?

Christmas Tree 2008

We took a family trip up north (Justin laughs at me when I say that. We weren't that far north.) to pick out our Christmas tree over the weekend. It was cold (seven degrees) and we really should have been bundled up like the little ones. We won't make that mistake again.

Trying to warm my hands.


Bundled Baby


We picked out a tree, time to chop.


Justin gives it a go and finishes what we all started.


A very pregnant Heather.


The family on a hay ride. The snow really started getting thick.


Mother and Father-in-Law.


Jake and his drunk bundled baby.


Aren't we cute all cold and frozen? That's Justin's "it's colder than a witches tit" face.


No silly car in the driveway. Just a subie, all covered in snow.

Extra

Dudes, someone came to my blog looking for "Min Pin Leg Warmers". Seriously, that is cracking me up today!

Maybe there's a market for it? I do know how to sew and I do have a min pin. I wonder...

What Buyers Aren't Looking For

We are still looking for a house. It's very frustrating for numerous reasons but, what really ticks me off are the descriptions and photos online.

(in all caps of course)
"Adorable paint!"
Seriously? Paint is adorable? It's just a color. Sometimes the choice of color is NICE, but never adorable. Adults shouldn't try to sell something to another adult using the word "adorable".

"Subject to bank approval!"
Ok, why is there an exclamation point on something that can take 2 months? Wow! Really? I need the banks approval??!? No way!! I understand that since the bank now owns the house, that they are quick to respond. Not in ANY of my cases; I've been waiting for banks since June. You don't see any exclamation points here.

A 660 sq. foot house, 1 bedroom, 1 bath
(again with the caps)
"Great for a small family..." Do you mean little people or a single person with a dog or cat? What small family wants a 1 bedroom house, when at this price range, can get way more square footage with additional bedrooms? They should fire their listing agent.

With all these great descriptions, let's take a look at their quality photos.



Ok, if the place was clean, this shot wouldn't be too bad. A view into the kitchen and then the other hall. This looks like it could be the living room. But if you look closlier, I think it's someone's bedroom. Notice legs on the bed to the right and all the bags of clothes on the left. I don't need a bedroom attached to the kitchen. Thanks, but no thanks.



What the heck is this? I'm going to assume it's a room maybe for Hansel and Gretel. I could have used another angle of the kitchen or a shot from the kitchen to the living room or something else! What a waste.



Remember the 1 bedroom house? This must be where the rest of the "small" family can sleep because doesn't that look comfy? Why am I looking at the couch? Why am I not looking at the whole room maybe from the doorway? I know the decorations are eye catching (like the rest of the house), but I want to experience the whole room and all it's hideous glory!

And the winner of worst quality AND most pointless photo:


So please, listing agents, work on your descriptions and take a photo class. I want to buy a house. I need to buy a house. But you're making it difficult.
lemon

Gah!

Only one week in and I miss a day. But with good reason! Sunday's are my "do not do anything" day and that includes getting on the computer. Actually, I'm glad December is the month to do this challenge because there is ALWAYS something going on. Including things on my "do not do anything" day. (So I'm going to label this post as Sunday to keep up with everyone else. I know it's cheating, but I'm only cheating myself, right?)

But I don't want to talk about Sunday until I can unload the photos to show all the fun we had picking out our Christmas tree when it was seven degrees at 10 am, kids. Seven! I really don't want my blog to become a weather report for all of my non-Minnesota readers, but for a newbie like me, these temps are killing us. Justin actually said he'd like to move back to (wait for it...) Salt Lake! Not Las Vegas, but Salt Lake City! This cold must have knocked the sense out of him because he was itching to leave SLC the moment he got there.

Maybe we just need to be winterized and then we'll survive and live happily ever after.