hello, little sweet pea

Like I previously mentioned, the pregnancy fatigue is seriously wearing me down. Shannon warned me that I would constantly be tired and I waved it off, saying “well I’m always tired (I really am) so I probably won’t even notice it!” Haha. Hahahaha. I was so naïve. You know that feeling you had in college when you’d be slumped down in your chair, lights off, watching some video (for argument's sake, how about my terrorism course senior year – watching a video about Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or 17 November) and you stayed up too late last night? Your eyes are crossing… burning… and your head keeps dropping every twenty seconds. It’s a struggle to keep your eyes open, much less stay awake. That's me. All day. Every single day this week. I don’t know how to stop it since I’m not supposed to be overloading on caffeine. There are some times when I just can’t get anymore sleep – Tuesday night I got home, made and ate dinner, went to basketball practice, came home just short of 10 o’clock and passed out and yet all day yesterday I fought to stay awake.

Speaking of the little bean, this week it’s the size of a sweet pea (cute nickname). Here’s what we know this week: “Growing like crazy, baby is starting to sprout eyes, ears, nose, cheeks and chin. Those little hands and feet- still webbed like paddles- might wiggle by week's end, the heart is beating (almost twice as fast as yours!) and blood is starting to circulate.” I’m updating my weeks according to when they are updated on this pregnancy site I belong to… I think they change once I hit however many weeks and four days, although I can’t quite figure out the logic behind it. I want to keep them the same so I don’t confuse myself – this entire ordeal is already confusing enough. My first real OB appointment is a few weeks away (apparently that's normal - still seems far away to me) but I've taken the liberty of educating myself on a few pregnancy rules. I've checked out the list of diet no-no's and I don't tend to eat much of that stuff anyways, so I'm fairly safe. I don't drink much caffeine aside from maybe some iced tea at a restaurant, but I'll try to keep it to a minimum. I've taken a huge step by leaving my Excedrin at home - I've moved onto extra strength Tylenol (never works for me, but it's all I can use). We also have What to Expect When You're Expecting on our nightstand. Note to self: No more flipping to the ninth month/delivery section! All the talk about episiotomies, breaking your water (what if it happens at work?!) and "push like you're pooping!" is freaking me out.

I’m nervous about Super Tuesday. Of course I have faith that things will turn out the way I’m hoping, but for some reason I keep getting a bad feeling about it. Obama’s winning the delegate numbers right now (though not by much) but there’s some big states coming up. Obviously Clinton will win New York as Obama will win Illinois. Easy enough, although she comes away with bigger numbers there. California is huge, something like 400-500 delegates. New Jersey and Massachusetts have big numbers. Unfortunately, it’s probably going to be so close throughout the month of February that we don’t see a clear nominee emerge until March (or whenever Texas goes to the polling booths). Can I vote yet? I’m anxious.

P.S. Taryn, I'm jealous that you're on a mountain today.

wow...

So, the fatigue I gratefully noted that I didn't have? Spoke too soon.

On a side note, getting a voicemail from a friend who's just calling to say 'I love you' makes my day. You're a wonderful friend, Smashley. Within the past few days I've witnessed the full spectrum of friendship (from brilliant friends to the disloyal) and have learned that, at some point, you should really let go and accept it.

boo, strikers

Actually, I completely understand the writer's strike. I get their cause, I feel for them, I know why they're doing what they're doing... I do... but a girl needs her primetime television for cryin' out loud! Steve and I have found ourselves watching a number of Iron Chef reruns (why do they always challenge Mario Batali???) and visiting the Red Box at Giant more than usual. The damn Red Box is even running out of movies that we're even remotely interested in renting... Friday night we stooped to "Good Luck Chuck" level. I hate Jessica Alba. Although it was entertaining (and she worked at a penguin exhibit at the zoo!), it just can't replace the Office or Lost. Speaking of Lost, only three more days until the two hour season premiere. Unfortunately, they'd only filmed eight episodes before the strike hit - so we're expected to get so enthralled in one of the greatest shows ever and right as it hits its peak of the season, it's over? They just can't do that to us - it's torture.

Steve and I were cleaning machines this weekend. Our normally clean and organized place is now spotless, sparkling and smells like Lysol (clean linen scent). I love it. The Dyson is also the greatest machine ever invented (and the best wedding present ever - thanks, Robbie and Shannon). Sometimes I use that vacuum just for the hell of it. Our carpets don't even need it and I'll whip out the Dyson just to hear the whir and watch it work (and to chase Luke).

We went out to dinner with our parents last night to celebrate the future grandchild. Why on earth everyone is convinced it will be a girl is beyond me - I'm crossing my fingers for a baby Steve. Obviously I'll be happy no matter what and just pray for a healthy baby, but I've always imagined having a boy first. Steve prodded me to share some names that we (me, mostly) like but I really don't feel like sharing that. I don't necessary want to know how people feel about the names I like - if I like it, I'll use it... and I don't want to constantly think about how somebody thought it was odd. When our baby is born, Nicolas (our nephew) will be barely a year old and Ethan (my cousin) will be almost two-and-a-half. It would just be cute to add another boy to the mix. My mom's side of the family has almost all baby girls, so Ethan needs to be rescued. Also, through many great Nestie recommendations I think I have found my new OB (or at least the practice I'll be seeing a lot of for the next 7+ months). Score!

baby appleseed

It's been settling in a little more as the week went on that yes, I'm still pregnant. It's hard to physically believe it considering I haven't gained a pound or grown a belly overnight... so for Steve, he just keeps asking how I'm feeling. That's really the only way to measure how far along we are until we see some belly. So how am I feeling? Compared to the nausea and fatigue that I've heard others complain about, I think I'm doing fairly well. I'm sore and super sleepy, but I'm not sure if I can attribute the sleepiness to the pregnancy since I'm always sleepy during the week. It's also hard to pinpoint the stomach issues I've been having lately because I have so many stomach issues on a regular basis... but it has felt strange and heavy and really acidic all week. My acid reflux medication is doing absolutely nothing for it so perhaps it's just a symptom I'm stuck with until October. Ewww.

The little sprout is no longer a poppyseed, which is so sad. It was a cute little nickname for the few days we used it. It has moved onto an appleseed, also known as "the creature" (as Ryan likes to call it). Here's what we know: "In week five, your embryo (looking kind of like a tadpole) is starting to form major organs (heart, kidney, liver, stomach) and systems (nervous, circulatory, digestive). Baby's presence in your uterus triggers production of hCG (the hormone detected by pregnancy tests)... which triggers production of other hormones like estrogen and progesterone... which trigger all those great symptoms you've probably been noticing!"

Pretty bizarre, right? You bet it is. We're going out to dinner on Sunday with our parents to celebrate... my parents are so far beyond excited, it's hilarious. On another topic, in connection with an old post I made defending my main man, Barack... I came across this the other day and saved it: "I've been to the same church - the same Christian church - for almost 20 years," Obama said, stressing the word Christian and drawing cheers from the faithful in reply. "I was sworn in with my hand on the family Bible. Whenever I'm in the United States Senate, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. So if you get some silly e-mail ... send it back to whoever sent it and tell them this is all crazy. Educate."

Scary thought: Why am I so intrigued by John McCain? Pleasepleaseplease don't make me have to choose between Hillary and McCain.

hello, little poppy seed

We had a laundry list of plans for 2008. I was never too specific as far as exact dates or appointments… but now we definitely have something surprising to add to our calendar. On or around October 1, 2008, Steve and I will be welcoming a tiny sweet-smelling miniature version of ourselves. In other words, we’re having a baby.

Like I said… SURPRISE!!!

Literally. I stared at that test and nearly passed out. The plus sign came up so fast I was certain it was wrong… but four tests later it has become pretty clear. We are having a freaking baby. It’s strange how fast we accepted this major change in our lives… we went from complete and utter astonishment Sunday afternoon to Steve calling this morning to ask how “our poppy seed” is doing (explanation below). All the favorite baby names that we’ve talked about in the past are part of this new reality. From not really “feeling” pregnant prior to the tests, I am putting so many things together now that I know I’m pregnant. It’s absolutely unreal. So, I had a difficult time focusing at work for so many obvious reasons… but I’m trying to keep my mind off of:

• Shoot, I need to call my doctor ASAP.
• Crap, can I not take my Excedrin anymore???
• Damn, I better still be able to take Prevacid.
• Oh hell, what’s that about no deli meats?
• %$#@&! How much longer will my pants fit???!

This is serious stuff now... Because I cannot imagine myself wearing maternity clothes. The thought alone is enough to make me re-examine those tests to be double (triple) sure that they’re right. Luckily I caved to the whole empire-waisted/tunic trend last year so I have a good collection of tops already. As far as my medications and prenatal vitamins and dietary measures are concerned, I’m bugging my doctor about it this week. Our parents are way beyond thrilled, of course. Steve's mom screamed, my dad's jaw dropped and my mom jumped up and down and whipped out a list of possible names.

About the poppy seed… we found a website with a great visual description of the baby at each week. This week, it’s a poppy seed. I think that’s cute! This is what we know this week: "In week 4, now safe in your womb, the ball of cells (blastocyst) splits in two, becoming the embryo and the placenta. The amniotic sac and fluid are forming around baby, and will act as a cushion for the next eight months." How incredibly weird is that? I think I'll keep updating the blog with the fruit or veggie of the week - I'm already looking forward to the week of the blueberry. Now that is cute.

chronic- what!? -cles of narnia!

I love lazy Sundays (even better when they're reenacted by Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg - see below). We slept in, ate at Manhattan Bagel and read the paper, ran some errands in the frigid Siberian tundra outside (seriously, wtf is with the weather!?) and now we're just relaxing. I've found that the less you do on a Sunday, the more it prolongs the inevitable hell of Monday morning.

We were supposed to be going to New York next weekend but, unfortunately, I think we're going to have to cancel the trip. It was only two days, so it's not too heartbreaking, but I'm in serious need of a vacation. My mom decided to attend the Dulles Bridal Expo for our up-and-coming wedding consultant business... and I should be there with her. There's also a super important Blaze game next weekend that I felt awful missing. Thankfully, we have California to look forward to. For some reason, Steve is unbelievably excited for this Cali trip, even though we've been twice in the past two years. So, basketball season ends sometime in March - I'd like to be on the West Coast shortly after that. Oh, interesting news: the Sunday Source's road trip for this week was to Carytown! Of all places. Good old Richmond... next Friday - we'll be down there!

We saw Cloverfield on Friday night (27 Dresses had horrible reviews) and all I have to say is that it was one of the most amazing movies I've ever seen. Go see it, case closed. Make sure you stay until the very end - long after the credits roll - and listen very carefully. It's been a long time since we've seen a movie that good in theaters (although I did like I Am Legend) and Steve loved it so much he wanted to go again last night with Morgan and Peter.

A little while ago, we stepped out to walk the dogs and ran smack into our "ex"-neighbor. He was gone all week long and then we hear him... yes, hear him... this morning and see him outside. What gives?! He's gone now, but the fact that he was even here was not a good sign. I knew it was too good to be true. I'm so sleepy. Nap time.


Chris Parnell & Andy Samberg - "Lazy Sunday"


Hilarious.

hooray! pour vendredi

When I woke up this morning, I was disappointed to learn that our building was open for business. I had the pleasure of leaving work around noon yesterday and working from home, which is always relaxing. I got paid, yet I was cuddling with Luke and watching the Real World reunion while I worked. I think I was considerably more productive from my couch than I was earlier in the day on the ninth floor (snow is always distracting). Since I already had my laptop at home, I was crossing my fingers that I'd hear a snow closure bulletin when I called in this morning. How disappointing. Totally open. When I peeked outside I knew I was perfectly capable of making it to work on time as the roads were completely clear. Bummer.

Regardless of the initial disappointment at 6 o'clock this morning, my day has gotten progressively better. Since it's Friday, I leave work at noon (so how much complaining can I really get away with?). Also, all four of my bosses are out of the office today. When does that ever happen (answer: never)?? I just listened to a voicemail from the City of Richmond retracting their claim that we still owe them 2006 property taxes - in fact, they owe us $250! Awesome. Steve just texted me saying that he'll be home around 5 o'clock and, would I like to go see 27 Dresses tonight? Of course I would (best husband ever)!

The only downside to my relaxing afternoon working from home? There's ketchup underneath my down key (troublesome) and a bit of dog slobber on my screen (disgusting).