Thursday, August 28, 2008

Jeans

I am hereby retiring maternity jeans. Will at least I will try. They have become so uncomfortable and unflattering. I have had enough! First off, no matter if you spend $10 or $170 bucks on a pair, they all suck. "Why?" you might ask or others might say "Duh".

Maternity jeans are just not built right. I have one pair that is comfy but always stretches out in 3 seconds in which it looks like I am carrying a load around in my pants. Then I have one pair which are fancy with rhinestones on the pockets and expensive that I think are the worst. The elastic band around the top is horrible. The crotch is always sliding down to my knees and I am always pulling them up. I even wear my bella band around the waist band for extra hold, but it barely helps. Then there is a pair from GAP which basically are already too small. They fit me when I was about 4-5 months pregnant and that was it. Plus they are a size larger than my other GAP pants which fit way better. Don't get GAP sizing. Last but not least, I have a cute pair from GAP with little back flap pockets (my favorite style for gals with nonexistent booties like myself). They are the closest to fitting fine except they also seem to fall down.

I love jeans. I can wear jeans pretty much every day at work if I really wanted to (dressed up of course with heels and a cute top) since our office is somewhat casual. Am I just finding the dud pairs of jeans or are they really built weird? I have almost a month left before I go on maternity leave and once I do I can wear sweats and my comfy clothes. Until then I will be battling my jeans, thinking of creative ways to keep their asses on my ass.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

My Brain is Mush

Today I had a day long meeting where we conducted "organic brainstorming" for one of our wine brands. An outside agency came in to help us get our asses together in the thought process, but let me just say I was not doing much thinking. Pastries were brought in with coffee in the a.m. I willfully refused to indulge in the chocolate filled one I was eyeing and pretended to pay attention to other people's ideas. Secretly congratulating myself for eating my oatmeal and banana instead of that buttery goodness.

Then trays of sandwiches, Kettle Chips, cookies and brownies and salad were brought in about an hour prior to lunch time. I sat for an hour thinking about how everyone needed to cut the crap and "let's eat!" while I kept stealing glances at the buffet of food. It was like they had no regard for the pregnant woman in the room. Lunch was not as tasty as it was supposed to be so when it came time to savor my cookie, I was disappointed. I picked an oatmeal raisin (thinking it was a more healthy choice than the delicious looking brownies with gooey frosting). The fricking cookie was littered with walnuts. I like nuts, just not in my baked goods, especially cookies. I wasted my daily sweet treat on a walnut cookie. Boo.

When it came time to leave I couldn't get out of there quick enough. I ran off to eat my peach and apple because I was famished. It is so hard being good when pregnant! All I want to do is eat crap, but my sensible side always kicks into gear and thinks about all of the nutrients I need to be eating, not sugar, butter, and chocolate. Doesn't chocolate have calcium?

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Sore Suzie

Yesterday evening I tried out a new Pregnancy work out DVD. In this case, I really should of judged a book by its cover. The front of the DVD case showed a super burly pregnant woman flexing like Hulk Hogan. I got over that and popped it in. It was set up much differently than my pilates videos which I am used to. There was a narrator (with a thick foreign accent....odd) telling you what to do while that ripped looking body builder lady did the moves. I noticed the film quality was slightly amateurish in which I began doubting the legitimacy of it. I had to make sure I did in fact order it from Amazon and not download it from YouTube. Once I got over the burly lady, the weird narrator, and low quality, I decided to focus on the work out. The work out kicked my ass. Kicked it with a soccer cleat on. I was sweating and wore out. I feel I am rather in shape for a 7 1/2 months pregnant chick, but after that DVD I thought otherwise. Today I woke up sore. Very sore. Might have to take tonight off before I do it again.

Monday, August 25, 2008

The Three Pregmigos!

Photos from Friday, here I am 1 day shy of 30 weeks. This is of my co worker Sharon, who is due Sept. 16 (35 weeks), my sister in law Lisa who is due Oct. 19th (31 weeks) and me who is due two weeks later! We all work together so we had to get a preggo picture of the three of us since it was Sharon's last day before maternity leave. Oh yeah, our office is super casual on Fridays.



Thursday, August 21, 2008

Wind Down

Well folks, summer is starting to wind down in these parts of the North Bay. Although the weather is still in the 80's, the nights are turning cooler (except for last night), the fog is taking longer to burn off, the Maple leaves are changing colors and the grapes in the vinyards are almost ready to get picked.

I love the end of summer because I know that fall is just around the corner. Fall is mild in this area and we only get a little bit of rain before the wet winter starts. I love Halloween and the smell in the air of smoke from fireplaces. In no time at all I will be preparing pot roasts in the slow cooker, hot cider and cinnabon rolls while decorating my house with Halloween/Thanksgiving stuff. Sundays will be filled with football watching and being lazy.

In other news, I woke up last night from the most horrific leg cramp. I have not gotten any in the last couple of weeks. I had to jump out of bed to straighten it out while yelling as many swear words possible. The hubbs woke up thinking something more serious was going on. I woke up this a.m. with a sore leg.

Also, yesterday in the shower I noticed a VARICOSE vein right above my knee on the left. I had been warned by women and pregnancy books that this happens when preggers, but I always doubted it would happen to me. So much for that thought.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

A Few of My Favorite Things

Took this idea from Jen. At 29 weeks pregnant, here are a few of my favorite things. Watch out Oprah, these could be freaking published.




MAC Lipglass in Viva Glam VI: Just enough color for my fair face. This stuff takes forever to wear off and I don't need a mirror to apply it. Have a couple other colors, but this one is a staple.

Frizz Ease Mousse: Takes the frizz away while also giving my hair more of a "done" look.

Carl's Jr. Western Bacon Cheeseburger: When asked what my favorite cheeseburger is, this is it. It is so delicious, but I can not remember the last time I had one. Maybe when I was wild and crazy at 21?


Love Actually: Every time I watch this movie, I fall in love with it all over again. The ultimate "feel good movie". I usually throw it on before Christmas and drink cocoa.


Pearl Necklace: Hubbs gave it to me for our 1st Anniversary. I love it. I have not worn it lately as my maternity clothes are not as preppy as my normal clothes. Anyhoo, it is a wardrobe staple and every woman needs to have one.

Dale and Thomas Popcorn: I love popcorn. It is my snack of choice. One trip to New York City, I stumbled upon the Dale and Thomas Popcorn shop in the middle of Times Square. We took bags of it home and it was the best and most fresh popcorn I have ever eaten. Although it sounds a bit crazy, I think I might need to order me some, Kettle Corn flavor.

Caramel Apples: These things are so good. Since fall is just around the corner, my mouth starts watering for a crisp granny smith dipped in buttery caramel.

That's it for now. I have not had lunch yet, hence the reason for three food mentions in my favorite things. Must make lunch now as Carl's Jr. is dangerously close to my office.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Happy Birthday Hubbs!


Happy Birthday to My Hubbs! It is your day!

To My Birthday Boy,
You deserve the best day ever. You have been working so hard lately, with work, the house, and taking care of my pregnant self, you truly deserve a great time. I am so lucky you are my man. You stand by me 100%, make me feel better when I am feeling down, scratch my back when I am itchy, make me peanut butter and banana sandwiches with WAY too much pb whenever I want one, always say my cooking is great, take the dog out in the middle of the night when she has to barf, do loads of laundry without complaining, wait on me hand and foot when I am sick, send me pretty flowers, treat me like a lady and always am protecting me from anything.

You are going to be the best daddy ever to our little girl. I already see your natural way with kids and know that will shine through when she is born in just over two months. You are an inspiration and I will always be your girl.

XXXOOO,
Mrs. Pickles

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Large Marge

I have officially worked in the pregnancy waddle into my strut. I did not think it would occur at 28 weeks, more like 35. I think it started early due to my sore tail bone and sciatica, which has reappeared. I resemble a penguin that sat on something sharp.

Yesterday I had an ultrasound, I am almost 29 weeks, but the ultrasound machine was measuring me closer to 30 weeks. Baby looks great and was just kicking and kicking the entire time. I loved every minute of it. My mom came a long with us and could not get over the technology. It was cute.

Since it is Friday and like a cherry on top of a sundae (I forgot what sundaes taste like, damn no sugar) here are some pics of me, 28 weeks and counting!




F in Etiquette

Today I received my invitation to my baby shower in September. It is the cutest and most chic invite I have ever seen. I love it. I noticed right away that my registries were not listed on the invite. I immediately went into panic mode picturing myself with 465 cute outfits but no bottles, diapers, bouncer, bedding, diaper genie, breast pump, etc , you know, the registry necessities. I always assumed for things like this that the registries are always listed at the bottom to help guests figure out what the guest of honor needed. Apparently, that is not the way to do it and that according to proper etiquette it is rude to include registries. I learned this after I made a stink like a selfish brat. Don't get me wrong, I do not think that the only thing about showers are the gifts. Showers are about celebrating the miracle of life. That is number 1. It just so happens that people show up with gifts which is why people started registries, so you would not get 465 outfits, although I think you still wind up with 243. I felt really bad for freaking out (which I did just to my mom who is not the one throwing it, I was just worried that I was not going to be well equipped when the baby arrives). Trying to be a prepared mom!

Anyhoo, I learned my lesson- not to get all hormonal and wig about that people would not see where the heck I am registered. They will find it out the proper way when they R.S.V.P. I'm such a jack ass.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

So Tired

I am officially over the fact that the Olympics coverage is horrible. Why do they show gymnastics and swimming at 11 p.m.? Then you TiVo it thinking you are going to watch it the next day but unfortunately the morning news station tells you who won before you get to watch it! Ugh! I can not stand staying up late anymore, especially since it has been hot.

Last night I could not get to sleep after getting up to go relieve my bladder in the middle of the night. I laid in bed tossing and turning onto each of my sides, thinking about everything under the moon! I was tempted to get up and just start the day.

Since I am so grouchy I think it is time I get some sleepy time. Maybe my next post will be a bit more coherent.

Monday, August 11, 2008

A Weekend of Motivation

The Olympics are here! Our t.v. has been tuned in all weekend. I focus primarily on swimming, diving and gymnastics while the hubb's focuses on any and all, whether it is fencing, weight lifting or rhythmic gymnastics, you will find him on the coach glued to the t.v. Pre-season football could not even get him to change the channel. After all of sports watching I was motivated to bust out my own athletic skills in the kitchen. I started making pudding, banana bread and some stuffed bell peppers. I had to peel myself away from making a fudgy batch of brownies and willed that I pace myself and save the brownies for next weekend.

While I still am not eating sugar, I allowed myself some pudding, to get my Calcium and all, you know. Today at my OB's office, I got on the scale to find out that in 5 weeks I have not gained a pound! Constipation and everything! I guess eliminating sugar really does work!!!! I now start going to see her every two weeks.

I have been trying to figure out which stroller to get for a long time now. While it may be easy to many, I don't want to get the wrong thing, especially considering how much you use it. I originally thought the Chicco Cortina system, then the Graco Quattro Tour system while also getting a jogging stroller for getting my ass back in shape. I even eyed up the Peg Perego but they just seemed over priced for what you get. Then my sister-in-law suggested I just get a BOB stroller and use it for everything since it is compatible with Graco infant car seats. I am starting to like that idea. I don't know. This decision making is hard!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Nice People

I've noticed lately that people are just nicer to those who are pregnant. Whether it is the sales clerk at Longs, gas station attendant, co-workers, waitresses, random patrons on the street, they all greet me with a warm smile and follow it up with a nice comment about my belly. This is nice, especially when you are at Macy's checking out Coach purses and the sales lady randomly says she will take off $25 bucks... I did not realize that Macy's was a bartering kind of retailer. Now I know. Maybe the next time I start sweating over the price tag of those new jeans, I should try some haggling first. See how far they come down. Maybe I can even get them to throw in a new pair of shoes!

I like these people being friendly. It puts me in a better mood, especially at work. It makes me feel special. Being pregnant really is a big deal and people should recognize it. Of course, there are those people who see my belly and automatically look for my ring finger to make sure I have a man. They typically are women in their 40's and 50's at the grocery store who maybe think that I look young for carrying around a baby in my belly. When this occurs I will flash my bling, put another box of Raisin Bran into my cart, and stalk them through the store so they can see that I am using reusable shopping bags. The final surprise for them is when I get into my family friendly Volvo sedan. Okay, I don't really stalk them but I definitely throw off the ring finger to quiet their judgements. I don't like being judged.

What I do love is being pregnant. It is fun. I love feeling the baby move. She has the most impressive kicks. It is amazing to see my belly pop up and down. This is such a fun time for the hubb's and I. I love it.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

A Week of Loafing

Here are some pics of our vacation in Oregon last week. My belly looks like a basketball is shoved under my shirt.

This is my sister-in-law and me. She is two weeks ahead.

We went to a wildlife park. Me chillin' in front of the white tiger exhibit.


I love this picture of this huge lion. Not every day that you see one of these guys.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Loaner Cars Suck and Paula Deen's Buns

Yesterday I took my car in because the brakes were making a funny noise. Since I literally just got it serviced only a couple of weeks ago, I don't know what they were doing when I took it in last time. The loaner car I got today was an '08 Volvo C30. Last time I drove the '08 XC90 SUV. Much different. Today's car sucked. It is a two door hatch back and is incredibly hard to get in and out of for a preggers gal like me. Every time I get in I huff and puff just to squish in the seat. When I get out I always hit car door next to me. The door is too long or something. I love all of the other loaners I have driven, but not this model. Nope. Plus the skirt I was wearing was a tight denim thing that was not forgiving.

Paula Deen was baking homemade cinnamon buns yesterday evening. They look fabulous. I will take one Paula, actually make that two! Just minus one of those sticks of butter and I am good to go! And throw in a cupcake for dessert.

Hubbs is out of town this week again for work. Looks like it is going to be a week of cereal for dinner! Or maybe Cinnabon?
Just got word from the dealership that the brake pads are gonna cost $245 bucks!!!! That is the same price of the new Coach purse I have been lusting after. I guess safety is more important that material items....

Panic at the.... Hospital

On Friday night we had quite a scare. I started having Braxton Hicks contractions randomly (which I have been having but very sporadically). Then noticed they were picking up frequency. By the time I was ready for bed I called the on-call doctor to tell them how frequent they were (at least 4 an hour). My doctor said that if I got another 2-3 within the next 30 minutes to come in to the hospital, where she was at on call. Not even 10 minutes later and I had had 3.

Hubbs and I rushed to the hospital (while I was guzzling water, my teeth were chattering due to nerves), got whisked up to labor and delivery where they strapped monitors on to my belly. The doctors did not like my pattern of contractions (in which I instantly started to ultra-freak out) and told me they would give me a shot to stop the contractions and then run a test to see if I was going into PRE TERM LABOR. I am at 27 weeks. They ran the test, my cervix was nice and closed and the test was negative. After monitoring me for at least another hour my contractions stopped. They have no idea why that happened. But it scared the CRAP out of me and hubbs. I continued getting Braxton Hicks contractions throughout the weekend, but nothing like Friday night. I am so paranoid now. I have called my doctor's office twice since then.

Friday, August 1, 2008

The Family Vacation

We're back from a week full of overeating, swearing too much, sleeping in, frizzy hair, DQ ice cream cones, bickering, overeating, loafing, beach walking and well just down right being lazy. Our beach house was exactly what it was supposed to be, a Beach House. We were situated literally on the beach of Oregon where we watched the tides come in and out daily, thick fog lingering until 2 p.m. with the sound of the waves crashing amongst the gigantic rocks. It was definitely a Griswold vacation, without Uncle Eddie (although my dad comes pretty close) or a ugly wood paneled family truckster. We had fun, but we are glad to be home. More stories and pics to come.