The Wait is Over!!!!

Internet, It's been a long wait, but I'd like to introduce you to my new little baby*:









MINTOP!
Delivered: Yesterday, May 28th
Weight: Around 3lbs (so cute!)
Dimensions: 10" (so tiny!)








Aren't we cute??

And aren't these cute??



Chubby feet that got bigger in the span of 15 minutes while waiting for Justin to pick me up. He lovingly referred to them as "hobbit feet." Mmmmm, cankles. You can't even SEE my bunions! Amazing! But I don't recommend this look when you've already got some other area on your body completely swollen courtesy of a full-term BABY.


*Oh, did you think this was actually a delivery announcement? Circle one:

Yes No Sucker

Teh Pimp

Justin's new toy.

Until baby arrives.

The Dump

It seems regular posting is heading south or non-existent (unintentionally of course). Unless you want everything to be baby related? But I thought it was time for a camera dump post again.

Look who we haven't seen in a while!



SCULLY! She's doing well. Here, she's posing with her not so favorite home, her crate. We sold it on craigslist and I needed to show the size of it compared to my wee little girl. She's so happy it's gone now. And Justin really likes this picture of her. So grown up!



This is Max. He turned 4 on Saturday. Grandma and Grandpa got him a 4x4 electric hot wheel (or whatever those plug-in cars are called). His eyes almost popped out of his head when he saw it. We were hoping he'd forget the rest of his birthday at Chuck E. Cheese, but, no, he didn't forget. The good thing about 4-year-old's, they don't care if adults are around. Except, this guy is in LOVE with Justin. But the 4x4 did distract him enough for us to leave.



"I think I might be pregnant AND these are on SALE!" - clearance aisle at Cub.



Out shopping for a nursery chair on Saturday. I know, talk about waiting til the last minute. Justin decided this one wasn't a good rocker or recliner and it might be a little hard to get out of. But after sitting in 10 chairs from various stores, we ended up picking the one we liked about 3 months ago, but just couldn't commit. "We can't waffle anymore!" And bam, money spent, chair on order, delivery sometime in the next 4-6 weeks. Seeing as I'm due in about 3, we'll see which comes first.

One Day of Misery

Yesterday was the first "hot" day of Minnesota. I'm sure we've had some warm days in the past few months but seriously, yesterday was HOT. Upper 80's to the low 90's by the time I got home from work. I even got a farmer's tan on my arm during the drive home.

Once home, I walked in to see Justin wearing a hoodie. I said, "WHY ARE YOU WEARING THAT?!?! I'm DYING over here!"

A few years back we had a conversation about things we missed from either Salt Lake or the Midwest, in general. While we both had really dumb things we missed (me - Sconecutter, Justin - the Minnesota State Fair) we both agreed that we missed basements the most. On day's like yesterday, the basement is a life saver. Justin was so chilled he had to wear a hoodie.

I was hot. I was swollen ALL over. Scully was hot and panting and annoying because of the heat. I mentioned to Justin about 7 times, if we were still in Las Vegas, I would have died by now. I couldn't walk. It was more of a slow, sloooooow waddle. I was so miserable that all I wanted for dinner was ice cream. (ok, it's frozen yogurt, but still, something cold NOT hot to eat.)

(No, I didn't have frozen yogurt for dinner.)

So while I'm really excited for it to be in the 80's, I'm more excited that I don't have to be really pregnant during the entire summer. One day was enough!

In thinking of things that I could do to stay in the basement, I decided to wash baby clothes. NO, I haven't done any of that either. I know! I'm terrible (as Tony said, "You're not a very good boy scout.") but I've got other things to do. Like stay cool and not swollen 'n stuff.

Don't Call Me Crazy, Please

I don't have a car seat, but I've got diapers covered. (I know I can't leave the hospital without a car seat, don't worry, I plan on getting one very soon. Yes, talk about waiting til the last minute.)

We're going to try out the new cloth diapers. Apparently, these things aren't like what our 70's moms used.

First up, I had no idea even where to start. Online searching one night took 4 hours just to get to know the different kinds. Fitted, All-in-Ones, Pre-folds, Pockets - I think that's it? And that's a lot! How to care for them, how to wash them, what someones day might look like with cloth diapers. The information was everywhere.

I talked to Justin about trying a few out to see if we wanted to even go this route. He's the best. We're totally using this child as an experiment, but in a good way! He didn't mind trying them out as long as I showed him how to use them. So I placed my first order. I ordered 2 fitted - Kissaluvs with 2 covers and 2 All-in-Ones. Fitted diapers are just that, they fit without having to do any folding of any kind. They've got elastic around the legs and snaps around the waist. The only thing with this style is you have to have covers for them.

And speaking of covers, those pre-folds that our moms used? You can still use them with the new style covers. So even if I run out of all these other diapers, I've still got the pre-folds.

AIO's (All-in-Ones) are basically like disposables except you don't throw them away. No covers are needed either.

I recently placed another order for a pocket diaper - FuzziBunz. These are a lot like AIO's but have a pocket in the back to add more layers in case your kid is like Niagara.

The resale value of these things are not like the housing market in Las Vegas. You can get a lot of money out of them - even used. I purchased more on Craigslist last week. Actually, they were brand new, she just never used them. So I scored them a few dollars cheaper than I would have at an online retailer. (I bought more Kissaluvs and covers.)

The initial cost for cloth diapers is high. And it's not like we can't afford disposables, we can (I've already bought some because I'm pretty sure I'll only be able to handle one big baby challenge a day). I'm no hippie either, I'm pretty sure I'll be using a lot of water to wash these things so please don't tell me I'm doing no better with cloth.

Honestly, I think they'll be easier. Easier that I won't have to go out late at night or at all because I ran out of diapers. There's a less chance of diaper rash but only if I change baby right away. Who knows what's in disposables and if they cause any long-term effects (since they've really only been around for the past 20-25 years). Potty training has been proven easier using cloth diapers instead of pull-ups. And they are cute too!

Sure, they'll be a downside. Like washing. I get it, people are grossed out. But seriously, if you can pop a kid out, what else is gonna gross you out? A dirty diaper? Oh, please. (We just went to our birth preparation class - lots of "gross" talk.) Anyway, breastfeed diapers can be thrown in the washer, no dunking at all. Once you start solids, then you have to "take care of things" before washing. But no soaking is necessary.

I've yet to try this out, seeing as I haven't had my baby yet (please don't start calling asking if I've had the baby. Few weeks left, people). And there is a lot more info regarding cloth but I figure I should become an expert (or not) before I go into that stuff. But I'm prepared with my small diaper stash including disposables.

One Year Ago

It was one year ago when I went for my first interview. I admit, I lied about where I was that weekend to our friends and co-workers in Las Vegas. But we really thought bad things would happen to both of us if we told everyone I was looking for a job and had interviews with a company out of state.

Looking back, I guess it wasn't that big of deal. But I really hated lying to people about where my new job was. And that "No, we aren't moving." Oops, HI we're moving.

Despite a long, difficult winter (mostly for Justin, even though I spent numerous mornings in negative temps waiting for a bus), we're finally getting used to it here. There are many things we miss about Las Vegas, even Salt Lake City. But with spring finally here and summer around the corner (EEEEEEE!), our attitudes have gotten better.

Our house and all its projects are taking shape and getting done. We didn't have anything to do last night because of a power outage so we finished up some projects that didn't require electricity. And you know what? They took all of 30 minutes. But it feels good to finish them. And it felt good to have the power back on because I needed a fruit smoothie made in my awesome new blender! Because, you know, when you move across country, you don't have room for that old blender.

BTW

34 weeks and belly button hasn't popped yet (man that thing is DEEP). So my prediction of 35 weeks might not be far off.

Shall I up it to 36 or just go for 40?

And btw, my sister-in-law had 2 of her 6 kids before 34 weeks. She was just reminding me last night. They were really, really little.

And, and btw, this kid is pushing me around, using my hip bone as a spring board.

New Poll

Well, now that we've clearly determined that baby is a GIRL based on your votes, although the Chinese Pregnancy Calendar states my baby is a BOY, let's guess when she'll show up.

And if you'd like to get on a "it's a..." email list, send me your email. I can't assume you'll want to know, so send me your address. I won't spam you, I have nothing to spam. And I don't tweet so don't ask if I have an account.

Still Not Really Counting

Welcome to my 33rd week of pregnancy! Seriously, I forget what week I'm in. I have to look at the weekly email I get saying "Pregnancy: Week XX" just so I remember. I'm close most of the time. I'm excited but mostly stressed out that in possibly 7 weeks (or EARLIER!) this baby will be here.

Not too shabby for 33 weeks, eh?


My butt isn't really shaped like that. It probably didn't help that I used it as a shelf for my arms.


Remember this photo at 24 weeks?:



So ya, the baby moved into the "all fo sho" part. The belly is all baby now. Biology is weird!

We're slowly crossing things off the "must get done before baby" list. But even then, we won't get to everything. And I'm fine with that. Today is the last day the hardwood floor guys are around, applying the last few coats. And let me say, I've never gotten so excited over hardwood floors. EVER. They are beautiful! This is just one small step to liking my dumpy new house a wee bit more.

Justin asked why we didn't do it sooner. Cause we're dumb, that's why. Seriously, I can't wait to move back into our bedroom and get the baby's room set up with beautiful hardwood floors! I'd show pictures, but I want it to be a big reveal because they were beat-the-crap up. Even so, beat up hardwood floors looked better than the hideously green, piss-smelling carpet that was there. And no, I didn't let anything of ours touch that piss-smelling carpet. We pulled it up before we even moved in.

Completely unrelated, but Justin and I are dealing with it now, spring in Minnesota. Minnesota weather, you are seriously f'd up.

Oh Please

I'd expect to see something like this in Utah. Justin and I were accused of stupid stuff that was totally inaccurate, judgmental, and discriminatory but within an organization, not a neighborhood. I can't imagine having to deal with this stuff on your own street.

Of course, I'm sure there's another side to this story, but when the press show up and you want people to maybe understand why you did it, don't run in your house and hide.


On a completely different note: I know I'm a little behind but I love Flight of the Conchords. Anyone else? Anyway, I found out the writers/directors of Napoleon Dynamite are about to release a new film called Gentlemen Broncos with Jermaine Clement that looks hilarious. Or maybe it's just me who thinks it looks funny. At least I think Jermaine looks funny. Ok, how about this instead? Hilarious, no? Yes!

One Giant Step in the Wrong Direction

My bed is in the living room. Our clothes are downstairs. The crib is still untouched, in pieces and in the living room. BUT! I managed to unpack the last office box. That room, is officially unpacked.

We're getting our hardwood floors refinished in our bedrooms (ours and baby's).

(BTW, can we say that Justin and I are 100% doing our part to spend money EVERYWHERE we can, including buying a house in a VERY unstable job market. And yet, we owed Minnesota taxes? How the? What the? Dumb Minnesota and your state taxes! Nevada isn't looking too bad right about now. Everybody, move to Nevada - NO STATE TAXES! And I know of some great houses for sale.)

Anyway, that's why I'm camping out in the living room. Scully doesn't care. As long as her bed is by ours, she can sleep anywhere. We knew this day would come - moving out of our bedroom, into the living room. It's just annoying. But, better do it now while the baby's room is empty with no more stinky carpet (seriously, it STUNK) and while I'm able to help move things, we're going for it.

(We could have moved into our spare room but it was downstairs, smelly (think, too many glade plug-ins courtesy of the previous owners leaving them everywhere) and I didn't want to move our bed that far. Plus, there's really nothing in the living room, it was easier.)

Justin suggested I start showing some before & after pictures of the projects we've done. Most have been started, only a few are finished. PLUS! There's random furniture everywhere, which is impressive because we don't HAVE any furniture. So until rooms are completely done, I'll hold off on the photos.

None of this helps because I want to "nest." That's such a silly, dumb, stereo-typical term. I think I'm going to call it "get my house in order before baby arrives." Much better. But for short, I'll call it "unpacking."

So, until further notice, no one is allowed to come over to my home. I'll most likely be in bed, in the living room, or possibly unpacking.

Practicing

Look at the CUTE sling Todd and his sister got me! I love it! And look at my cute substitute baby.

It's REALLY a bad angle of me and I'm not making excuses. Justin was sitting down, talking on the phone. I was laughing because Scully was trying to jump out. I thought she'd enjoy a little carry action from me. She's always wanting me to hold her. I guess not. I can only hope the baby doesn't try to jump out the first chance it gets.

I hate to mention it... but holy CHINS! And I DON'T hate to mention it... but holy boobage!

We spent last night at a baby consignment sale that happens twice a year. Last night (the first night) was for first-time mothers. Justin went along because, well, I kinda made him. But he seemed to have enjoyed himself picking out toys for his baby, and for him. Actually, I think most were for him since he found me in the clothes section exclaiming, "You've GOT to see this phone I found!"

"Ok"

Waddle, waddle, waddle over to the toy table where they had electronic games like guitar hero and phones? (kind of a weird thing to be selling at a baby/kid sale.) This phone apparently lights up. You know, for the kids. I told him to think about it for a while if he REALLY wanted one.

So while we stood in line for 1 1/2 hours to check out, he finally decided to get it. He also decided we need to come back after the baby is born because he wants to look for baby shoes. I guess it doesn't matter what we're having, Justin wants to buy shoes for this baby. NO.MATTER.WHAT! We scored a few newborn outfits, some maternity clothes and a few infant toys. And a phone.

Earth Day Deals

It's Earth Day kids! So I thought I'd provide you places to get freebies and cool projects to celebrate today.

Print up this coupon for a free reusable shopping tote AND get 15% off eligible store items AND 20% on all Walgreens brand items. It's today only!



Visit the Disney Store and bring in 3 bottles to recycle and they'll give you a free gift. Details here.


Justin wants to start an herb garden. He even has the kit but hasn't opened it yet. If you're ready to start and don't want to buy the kit, you can make your own herb garden by recycling tin cans. Cute project!



Want to try some 100% recycled Reynold's Wrap for free? Go here and print this mail-in-rebate for a free roll, while supplies last. Purchase must be made by May 4th and must be mailed in by May 30th. Who doesn't like a check in the mail?



You can recycle cereal boxes...or you can use them as magazine holders. I love it!

Neti Pot

Continued from yesterday:

I was desperate to breathe. No matter how much nose-blowing I was doing, it wasn't solving the overall problem of allergies. So I hit up Walgreen's on the way home from work.

They had 3 different brands! I couldn't even find one pot at Target. The pots all looked the same so I grabbed the one that came with the little salt packets.

I told Justin I bought one and as grossed out as it sounded to him, he wanted to watch. But with working on organizing the office and him setting up his computer, he missed out. Darn.

It didn't say anything about not using it *while* congested because, oh boy, was I stuffed up. I thought, if it doesn't work today, I'll try it again tomorrow. So I shoved the Neti Pot up my nose, tilted my head, opened my mouth and started to pour.

Hmmm, nothing came out the other side. I must have really been stuffed up. But where the heck did all that water go?

So before I thought I'd choke on salt water, I pulled the pot out and out came the water. I blew my nose like it said and surprisingly, it helped clear things out. So I tried it again on the same side. But I couldn't get the water to come out the other nostril. So I gave up. BUT! I could breathe so much better from that side.

I tried the other side and I got it to work. Water went into one nostril and out the other! Oh my garage! It was the wildest thing. Guess what? I could breathe! I demonstrated my breathing to Justin - impressed - and I slept most of the night without coughing fits and the inability to breathe, only waking up to rotate the belly.

I was going to do it this morning because I am a little stuffy (but not as I've been these last 2 weeks), but I ran out of time. So I'll be pouring water up my nose tonight. (Oh my Friday nights are EXCITING!)

Kids, the Neti Pot worked. Probably not as well had I not been completely stuffed up, but I'm pretty sure once I get everything flushed out (a few more days), that it'll be something I use on a semi-regular basis.

You can read more about it here and here.

Water Ballet

There's something about posting an ultrasound photo online that kinda freaks me out. Yes, the profile of the kid is cute but it's more of a "I don't really want you to see the inside of me" problem. Some things are too personal.

So, instead, you get my kid doing water ballet - or at least that's what it looks like. Or surfing on some big waves. Or just trying to find the best position before bed.

I held the camera pretty steady. This babe likes to move! Notice within the first 3 seconds the body part (arm? elbow? bum?) sweeps across. Yeah, it's weird to feel too.



It was a really active night. But we eventually went to sleep.

Oh, and Yea! for me for posting my first ever blogger video. Plenty of other times I tried but just couldn't wait long enough. Being pregnant has made me patient.

Answers to questions I get almost daily now:

1) Yes I'm feeling fine, you asked me yesterday. And the day before. And every freaking day before that so leave me alone already!

2) Still due in June.

3) It's the clothes that make me look bigger.

4) Yes, all chairs are uncomfortable.

5) Yes, I'm on my way to the bathroom. (Why would someone ask me that? But they do when they see me coming down the hall. That should be in the same category as 'no ultrasounds online,' it's personal.)

6) No, I can wait. I'm in no hurry to be done. I'm smart enough to know this is the easy part.

After finally getting over my stupid cold, I went and got hit by allergies. Yea! I'm desperate to breath, has anyone tried a neti pot? Oh boy, doesn't that look weird? But my boss swears by it - and apparently so does Dr. Oz.

Let the Comments Begin

Wednesday, since it was so warm in the morning (only 35 degrees!) I went to work without a jacket. I had on a hoodie and that was just enough for me. I get hot easily now - something I NEVER thought would happen. As I got on the bus, the very friendly driver asked "I don't normally ask these questions, but are you pregnant?"

No. What would give you that impression? Was it the little waddle I did trying to chase you down? Or the white shirt I'm wearing that accentuates the belly to point where it's completely obvious? But I'm glad he asked instead of just assuming I'm fat.

I'm not fat!

So we started talking and he mentioned that another rider is pregnant too. So when she got on, he "hooked us up." That's what he called it. She's not as far along but had some questions. I was flattered, but since when did I become an expert? I guess anyone is happy to talk to someone who's already been through it (I know I asked my sister-in-law questions). Even though I disappointed her by saying, "I haven't had any morning sickness or any other issues."

Later, in the skyway, two dudes were walking in front of me. Really, they were just tooling around, generally being in my way. They moved to the side and happened to look back at me.

Guy 1: "Whoa, watch out!"
Me: "Um, thanks?"
Guy 2: "You look like you're about to pop!"
Me: "Nope, not yet."
Guy 2: "Soon I hope!"
Me: "Nope, got 2 months left."

My brother-in-law is an expert on when prego's are gonna pop. He's seen it 6 times. And he said I'm no where near popping. Obviously! I'm only 30 weeks! But I'm happy he basically said I wasn't as big as those tools made it sound like.



These dumb maternity shirts with their empire waste do nothing to flatter any part. At least that's what I think. Plus, the "empire" part makes me itch!



This is basically how I wake up. With my shirt over my belly. Yes, the ring is still in. The Doctor said I'd need to take it out soon*. But! My belly button hasn't even popped out yet, that's how deep it is. It's so obvious it's a ring under my shirt, people's eyes are attracted to it almost like it's a third nipple or something. And I know you just took a peak while talking to me so stop making it obvious that you looked!

I thought it'd pop out at 30 weeks, now I'm aiming for 35. Any takers on that?



Oh, Justin. Look at how cute you are with your little belly.

*I have a maternity ring - a flexible ring. I put it in a while back but it was too long and looked even sillier under shirts. I would NEVER get it re-pierced if it closed up but then, I don't want to be a 40 year old with one. So I assume at one point I should just let it close up. Oh, the life decisions to make.

WGI Recap

- Driving to Dayton from Cincinnati during rush hour will take a long time.
- Crappy bleachers are not friendly to a pregnant belly or back. Especially if they rock when people go up and down the aisle.
- Nice, cushy seats ARE friendly to a pregnant belly and back. Thank you UD Arena.
- Some guards just shouldn't go. It's a waste of my time, the judges time, and everyone's time (and money).
- Civil rights shows are over done. Let's be creative people.
- Short sleeve weather!!!
- I watched more guard than I slept.
- Loud music and screaming fans tend to wake up a certain baby in the womb. Then the baby found vengeance by kicking the crap out of me. Thanks Amachi!
- I'm not FAT! You're FAT!
- It's always sad to see a great show not make it to finals.
- It's equally sad to see a crappy show make it to finals.
- If there was a scoop, I heard it.
- Santa Clara Vanguard=Awesome
- Performers just get more talented and awesome each season.
- Inspired to start teaching again. But then I come to my senses.

Yoga

This time last year, I'd had enough with my job and found something I thought would be perfect for me. So I applied. And, guess what? I am perfect for this job. Still.

We just had a wellness course on yoga in the boardroom. My yoga instructor for WII fit says I've got great posture and balance. Even though I seem to be gaining weight, and they like people to lose weight. "What factors in your life could contribute to your weight gain?" Pregnancy wasn't an option.

So I asked the yoga instructor in the wellness course some questions that, really, my WII fit instructor can't answer.

It's nice to have a two-way conversation with someone sometimes.

Insert Hacking Cough Here...and There

I cannot shake this cough. I was doing well. Made it through the winter months with not even a sniffle. Until Justin got it from hanging out with our nieces and nephews a few weeks back. Of course, once I thought he we done and I wasn't going to get sick, well, we know how that goes. So I went home from work yesterday after being here for 20 minutes. Dumb I know, but I had to get something done and I just don't trust anyone to do it yet.

The countdown is on to train people for my job. It's not a hard job (well some days are), you just need creativity and a desire to get things done. And lots of organizing. And the ability to watch really boring shows. (Thankfully, not all of them are, but try watching something right after eating lunch and let me know if you stay awake.)

The plan is to get as much done before I'm out. Once I'm back, I'll be ahead. And with the help from my two back-ups, things shouldn't slow down much.

Next week, I fly out to Dayton, Ohio. Talk about a hot vacation destination! Actually, I'm going to meet Tony for WGI. I haven't been in about 5 or 6 years and normally I see Tony a few times during the season. But since I've moved, I haven't seen him in probably a year. So, I'm really out of the loop. I haven't seen any shows or heard to expect anything awesome from...?

So, if you're in Dayton too, let me know and we can meet up! I'll be the pregnant chick sitting alone because Tony will be at judges training. But I'll have his empty seat available for a guest/friend or for my big purse I'm bringing to sneak in treats or anything else I'll need that they'll probably overcharge me for.

(My co-worker used the phrase "meta-bomb" in a meeting. I think we all had the same "WTH" expression after he said it. I just searched for a description and can't find anything on it. Does someone know what this fool meant? Did he get it confused with "google bomb?")

Oh Boy

We celebrated Justin's Birthday on Friday even though it was on Sunday. He's happy being 32. And he's happy with the new Guitar Hero game I got him. You know, the one with the cymbals on the drum set. Now he can be the drummer he's always wanted to be.

And I can be the knocked up wife back home while he's on tour. Good thing the tour is only in our living room.

Oh.this.crazy.house! Every little project we start on leaves us scratching our heads as to why it was done like that in the first place. All the outlets in the house are super old and dingy looking. So we're going room to room to replace them with nice white ones. We started in the kitchen. Apparently, a few of the outlets weren't even grounded! Oooookay.

We replaced the light bulb over the sink with the right size and just used the bulb in the main kitchen light (until we replace that whole unit). It's like a faint purple color! What the heck?! So we've got 2 white lights and this one tinted one. Who buys a purple tinted bulb for their kitchen?

Last night we installed a new disposal unit (the sink didn't have one at all and I think it's a must). But we needed to access the power source for the dishwasher which is behind the dishwasher. First off, the dishwasher sticks out from under the counter like 1/2 an inch. Weird. Justin unscrewed it, pulled it out and there was so much GARBAGE underneath it I just about died. And when I swept it, it was stuck to the floor. I was amazed. It was like their kids had swept and just brushed it under the dishwasher.

So I cleaned that up, got the disposal installed and plugged in, and the dishwasher pushed further under the counter. Now it looks like it belongs there.

We just laugh each time we find something that doesn't make sense or that wasn't done correctly. But we are getting things done in the house. Good thing too because I'm hitting the 3rd trimester soon (like, tomorrow. THAT soon). No, I'm not as big as people expect. No, I haven't gained the typical amount of weight all the books say I should (talk to me at 40 weeks). No, my Doctor isn't concerned about this at all because the baby is measuring fine.

3rd trimester people. This is like Senior year of High School or College. I've been told now is the time to have fun because apparently real life isn't fun for a while and neither is the newborn stage. Justin and I have been having fun for 8 years. I see people with kids having fun. So what's the point of comments like that?

So I'll just keep plugging along with my house to-do list which DOES include get the baby's room done - hopefully BEFORE the baby shows up. I just needed that disposal first. And those shiny new outlets. And the new kitchen faucet that we're installing tonight.