A new set

Some more recent photos of Big B. are on my Snapfish album page, so if you require the link, just comment here or e-mail me.

Ah, Pueblo

Check out the ornate design adjacent to I-25 in Pueblo. We're just now passing through; be home in a couple hours!

Ho ho ho

Merry Christmas from Taos, N.M.! :)

State line

When we cross the Colorado-New Mexico state line this afternoon, I don't think we'll be snapping B.'s photo in front of the sign. If you remember, I talked in this space about how I planned to get photos of us at state-line signs as a new tradition, but since B. is so small and we'd have to wake him to get him out of the car seat (and there's the possibility of it snowing or being rather cold today), we'll wait until his next trip to Grandma's!

Meantime, I'm back to hit the hay for a couple more hours before packing up a suitcase for B. and me, plus all the gear that goes with a 6-week-old. Wish me luck!

MOY, I am not

Well, I won't be getting the Mother of the Year award.

Yesterday while taking B. off the scale for his naked weigh-in at our lactation class, I scooped him up and banged his head on a row of cabinets above the counter. I looked at the nurse, she looked at me with weepy eyes, and for a split second, I didn't think it was bad.

Then I looked at B., he took in a deep breath and I hugged him close to me, bouncing and "ssshh-ing" him. That's when he started to cry. He was so startled by the jolt, he peed all over me, and wouldn't you know I didn't bring a clean shirt for myself. (Payback, perhaps? He said, "I'll show you, Mom!") I peeked at his noggin, and he had a tiny red welt with a little bit of scraped skin. No blood. Just a lot of heartbreak on my part as heavy tears welled up in my eyes.

I know he's going to get banged and bruised as he grows up, but his first little scratch was not fun -- and especially not fun since it was my fault. So every time I look at his tiny head, I keep replaying the event in my mind, wishing I would have taken more care in lifting him off the scale.

Luckily, he's a tough cookie and hasn't seemed to let the bump bother him. He even gave me and C. a marathon smile session last night.

Oh, and as far as his weight, he's 12 pounds even! Packing on the pounds like a champ!

Grab some popcorn

Here's a tiny snippet of B. It's not super exciting unless you're me, so dim the lights and watch one of his first movies (and don't mind the clicking from my camera; still don't know why it does that).

Bah humbug

Me with a cold sore and mastitis; B. with a little rash on his face. :(

I'm too sexy

Need I say more?

Trying

I'm trying my hardest not to make this into a baby blog, but since this space is all about me and my life, frankly that is all that is going on with me right now. It's all baby, all the time.

Rest assured I'm doing fine and getting as much rest as I can (though not as much as I'd like), shockingly I've almost lost all my baby weight (though there's another 10 pounds I'd like to lose) and I feel like I'm getting the hang of this mommy thing. It's quite fun! B.'s really adorable, which makes it easier, even when he's screaming his head off. Knocking on wood, he's really a good baby.

So since we're talking baby, I'll update his latest weight: 10 pounds, 9.5 ounces. At yesterday's weigh-in at our lactation support class, the nurses weighed B. before and after a feeding. He gained 2 ounces in one sitting. The nurses were so supportive and excited that he is putting on weight so well, and despite my struggles with nursing, it's good to know I'm doing something right. It's also nice to meet other moms and know that we're all there to support each other. Yesterday, there were 11 babies in class and next week probably will be just as busy.

And now, it's off to JC Penney for B.'s first photo shoot. I hope he stays awake for this!

Diaper debate

I think I've got it figured out. But here is how the testing process went (for anyone who gives a hoot).

Bye-bye, disposables (well, for a little while).


Hello Bum Genius. We liked these. Hook 'n' loop closures rule!


Hello Happy Heinys. This one was a runner-up.



Goodbye Little Beetle. We had baby "coin slot" and leakage. No fun.


So long, Kissaluvs. These were OK, but snaps are the devil with a squirmy baby. Plus, they're a two-parter. The under layer is not waterproof so a diaper cover is needed.

Peek-a-boo!

I thought we were a little overdue for a photo in this space.

No, I'm not crazy

Wish me luck.

Today, I plan to start using cloth diapers. I only have eight of them, so that should get us through the rest of the day. With the sampler pack I bought, the idea is that I'll find out which one suits us best and order more.

Already, I have a favorite but we'll see if it wins out! Lest you think I've lost a few marbles, I'm already doing a ton of laundry, so what's another load or two of cloth diapers and wipes? We'll save a bunch of money in the long haul, and B. will be better for it without all those harsh chemicals in disposable diapers. Plus, our landfills will thank me.

I'll keep you posted on the progress!

Snapfish

If you have the link to my Snapfish albums, there's another new album of photos of B.

If you don't have it, leave me a comment or e-mail me and I'll send it to you!

TGIF!

He's legit

B. has gotten lots of important mail recently: his social security card and his official state-issued birth certificate! Now all we need is his insurance card and we're golden!

He's also getting used to day trips. Twice this week, we've gone out for a couple hours at a time and he's done amazingly well. I even got a bit of shopping done Tuesday and today. Plus, getting out of the house makes me feel a little bit more human!

Next up: Next week ... B's first official baby photos (I'm hoping!).

This Christmas

I am so jealous of everyone displaying their holiday lights and decorations. Little by little, my neighbors yards and windows are lighting up with holiday color.

My tree and decorations still are in the big red tote in the garage, under a zillion other things in the corner. It's also the same corner from which a black widow came crawling, so that's another reason I'm reluctant to go climbing through all the "rubble."

We won't be here for Christmas, yet I still feel a little odd about not having my tree up. It makes me smile to look at all our ornaments each year, especially the ones I've made. The old ones bring back memories. The twinkling lights make me want to sip on egg nog and listen to Christmas music.

But this year, I don't know that I'll have time or energy to do it. I hope I can forgive myself if I don't.

A smile

Sometimes when I sleep (which is a lot), I flash a smile like this one.
-B.

Happy Thanksgiving

Is it me, or does it look like B. is throwing his football rattle?

Dad's choice

I shared my favorite. Now here's Daddy's favorite.

Thanks

Before I get all mushy talking about what I'm giving thanks for (first, my son; second, my husband; and third, my fantastic extended family. I love you all!), I wanted to share a terrific recipe for all of you who'll be making turkey. C. and I made Aunt Wanda's Turkey Carcass Soup about five years ago and with the frozen portions, we ate soup until spring that year!

And since I haven't gotten my rice pudding on, my brother recommended this recipe. I am going to make some now since it's a perfect day to fill the house with sweet smells and warmth from the kitchen. It began snowing last night, and I am thrilled we have Thanksgiving-style weather this year. My maternity leave couldn't have come at a better time of year.

Do I hear . . .

. . . the vacuum cleaner from downstairs?

It must be. I know C. will roll his eyes when he reads this, but I didn't even have to ask this time. Thanks, baby!

A triumph

Yesterday, I wore regular jeans and my feet are now "anorexic." I can actually see my ankles again.

Plus, I also wore my wedding ring for the first time in months!

And now here's one of my favorite photos so far. He wasn't yet a day old...

Piggies

Little B.'s big feet!

Ch-ch-ch-changes

The cats are realizing they're now moving down on the totem pole.

But it's fun to see their new behaviors. Gabby has been great, inquisitive and getting on my nerves just a little. She jumped in B.'s crib the first night and hasn't tried it again.

Booty, meanwhile, is standing guard at our bedroom door. I'm very proud she has become the guard cat.

Just now, they both walked up and smelled his head, quietly walking away as not to disturb his little nap. I hope they keep up their good behavior!

The little champ

Already working on his fist pump.

Welcome to the world

Our handsome Benjamin Michael was born at 2:22 a.m. Nov. 9 at 7 lbs., 15 oz. and 20 in. :)

In the running

Michelle.
Stephanie from Cali.
Mom.
Brooke from Pa.
Monique.

You're all still in the running for our Expectnet baby pool!

And to all who haven't heard me flapping my gums, induction is set for 6 a.m. Thursday. If I don't go into labor on my own by then, we should have a new member of the B. family on Thursday!

Seriously, people

It's a wonder I didn't beat a man senseless yesterday who said, "What do we got here? Quadruplets?"

And he was wearing scrubs. If he's in health care, shouldn't he be more sensitive?

As long as I'm here giving an update, there's no news. I've got an appointment this afternoon, and after one "false alarm" Saturday, I thought we were going to have another. But I decided instead of going back to L&D triage just to be sent home, I'd try to get some rest. Well, I slept through the night again, until I was disturbed by two alarms and one annoyingly-early phone call.

Note to anyone reading this (and I think most of you know this, anyway): Don't call me before 10 (preferably 11), especially now.

RUDE!

To the woman at the Denver Zoo who said "It looks like it!" after I answered her question of when I was due (yesterday):
POOP ON YOU!!

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Clock's ticking

Well, I don't think the kid's going to be a good little journalist and make his deadline. Only 70 minutes left in the day.

Looks like tomorrow is going to be a trip to the zoo for some marathon walking. I promise to take at least one photo.

P.S. Of all the "natural" ways to augment labor, I tried a new one tonight: red raspberry leaf tea. It was good, but I'm still here. And there's no way I'll be chugging castor oil, so don't even suggest it.

Still here

Howdy, all.

I'm not working again today, and I'm in contact with my doctor's office about some ongoing "action." Still nothing urgent enough to send me to the hospital yet, but I will definitely keep you posted.

In the meantime, I'm getting the phone list in order for C., so in addition to texting a new post to my blog, I've got the backup plan of Dad doing the "He's here!" trumpeting.

In the meantime, I think I'll reacquaint myself with Mr. Dyson and perhaps save time to get my swim on later. Boy I hope something happens soon! At least the doc has a plan in place in case the little bugger decides to miss his deadline of tomorrow. A friend of mine said maybe the journalist in him won't allow him to miss deadline. We're on the clock, and he's got one day to make it!

Woot! There goes a contraction now . . .

Just another day

Since I've spent so much time here, it's almost like I've never left.

Yup, it is just another day in "false labor" paradise.

For the second time in a week, I thought for sure the time was now. Today's the day! Contractions are close together, intense and moving right along.

Then they fizzle out. Get farther apart. More mild. Go away altogether. But wait...there's another one. They're picking up again. Stronger. Closer. Nope . . . they're farther apart. Not as strong.

What gives?!

So now, I'm going to walk. I hear this is supposed to work, but so far, it hasn't for me. Maybe today is the day.

Then again, maybe not.

And don't fret. You'll know when the little one arrives because I'll announce it right here in this space.

It's just a little snow, people

The remnants were on the road last week on my midnight drive home from work. Black chunks of ice and snow peppered the interstate heading east, a sign that trucks traveling across the Rocky Mountains had accumulated enough of the fluffy stuff. When they reach the bumpy stretch of the highway, the ice is jarred loose, leaving a little maze for all of us "dry" motorists.

Then when I awoke Sunday, I saw it here. Our grass, our patio, our flowers were dusted lightly with snow. The city's first snowfall had arrived! It continued to lunchtime, the snow so fluffy and light that even a slight breeze pushed it along sideways. It was pretty. I thought of the mountains, the aspen we had just gone to see two weeks ago, the trail we climbed probably hidden by inches of snow.

When I drove to work later that day, the roads were clear. Wet, but clear. They were still warm from the day before, when the temperature rose to almost 80. Today, I see only faint traces of snow in the long, northern shadows.

And to hear Al Michaels describe it on the Sunday Night Football broadcast from Invesco Field at Mile High, we were in full-on blizzard mode all day. More than once, he said the snow was blowing in sideways. True, but we weren't in panic mode. This certainly wasn't what hit us last Christmas. Seriously, it's just a little snow, people!

Ah, Harry

I just saw this commercial for the first time tonight during work. Any time I get to see Harry on TV is a good time, so I figured since most of my posts have been grouchy-downer-type entries, I'd share a little HCJR sunshine.

My new best friend

One word: NESTING.

Is it weird that I want "perfect vacuum cleaner lines" on my carpet? I could go over it 10 times with my trusty and awesome Dyson and it still doesn't look right. Guess this is part of the process.

I'm just laughing at myself because I usually vacuum about once a week (if I'm lucky).

Multimedia message

I'm sending a random photo and text from my phone to test. Maybe this is how I'll post baby's arrival!

False labor

Yup, I've been in false labor since Friday.

First my contractions are light and bearable. Then they get really uncomfortable. Then they're about 15-20 minutes apart for a couple of hours. When I think I'm establishing a pattern, they go away completely.

This waiting game is torturous, but I really don't have another choice. So instead, I'm waiting for a UPS delivery, then I'm going to the mall to go walking. I hear the gravity helps get things going. Either that or my feet will swell up like balloons and I'll have a backache from hell.

Cross your fingers!

Don't ask

Also, and I just realized this, but if you see me in the next couple of weeks, don't ask how I am feeling.

I know you probably mean well, but I'm so tired of answering that question. Quickly, I'll sum it up for you.

I'm tired. I'm achy. I'm swollen. I can't breathe. I can't walk. I can't sit. I can't stand. I can't lie down. I have a headache. I have a backache. I have heartburn. I have an appetite but no room in my stomach. I'm dizzy. I'm queasy. I am soooooo ready.

On any day, about 14 out of the 15 listed replies are true. So there you have it! I have become grumpy pregnant lady. And how we went hiking last weekend is beyond me.

Jury duty

Yup. We got a summons in the mail. Except it was for C.

I've been a registered voter since I was 18, and I've been summoned once. Luckily for me, I was moving out of the county -- way out -- from Jefferson to Pueblo.

I'm not sure how long C.'s been registered, but he sort of got this defeated look on his face when he saw it. And he has to report four days after my due date. Luckily, I'll probably already have had the baby by then! (Here's crossing my fingers!)

Business time

Thanks H. There are no words.

Compliments rule

To the nice person in the elevator this afternoon who said I "look cute."

Thank you!

Only the shadow knows

Here's a different take on the belly photo.



C. and I drove up to the high country yesterday to take in the sights of autumn. We saw snow on our hike near Echo Lake. This next shot is from the west side of the Eisenhower Tunnel. We drove up into Silverthorne to hit the factory shops, but the altitude might have been a bit much for me.



We also saw a few aspen along the way, this photo taken from our moving car. Sadly, I think we might have missed the beautiful reds and oranges on the leaves that sometimes flutter in the breeze. Maybe next year.



The crisp air in Idaho Springs was perfect for me. A woman at the Sinclair station in town told me it was gray and blowing snow around 8 a.m. that day. But as you can tell, the sky was a deep blue by the time we arrived in the afternoon.

C. was wishing for a heavier jacket. But since I'm my own personal heater, 50 degrees was no sweat!

This is why I love tap

Yes. I watch Dancing With The Stars and I'm not afraid to admit it. It's mainly because I have a dance background, so you can't fault me there.

On Wednesday's show, Savion Glover was one of the featured guests.

I will never grow tired of seeing him move. He makes every single riff look effortless in his emerald green shoes.

To my chagrin, Glover and his troupe weaved in a tribute to the late Gregory Hines. Not everyone would know this unless they pay close attention and remember certain combinations. When a tap dancer takes a move from another dancer, it isn't considered a cheating or stealing tactic, it's considered a high form of respect, and I was quite touched seeing Glover and his troupe work in a combination Hines performed in the movie Tap. (It occurs with about 1:25 left in this clip.)

It made me want to dust off my worn taps and see what I still have left. Perhaps when I'm not almost nine months pregnant.

I hate to brag

This has never happened before, and I had to share.

I opened my Webster's New World College dictionary tonight to page 1125. The words on the right corner were posthumously and pot.

As in jackpot! The word I needed was right there on that very page! And I did this unbelievable task on deadline! I rule!

By the way, I was looking up postmortem to see if it was one word or hyphenated. (And just so you know, it's one word.)

Go ahead . . . laugh

It's been almost a week since my comedy-of-errors Saturday. I've been meaning to share this laughable day's events, but life has gotten in the way.

I woke up on my day off, eager to hit the pool at the rec center by my house. When I grabbed my bathing suit, I rolled it into a towel and hit the road. I bought a 20-pass punch card then walked into the women's locker room to change, confident my swollen ankles would soon be history. One problem.

I left half of my swim suit at home. For about 2 seconds I considered swimming in my underwear, but decided I should probably go home to get the rest of my suit. When I saw the front-desk manager on my way out, he asked me to come back in an hour since he let his lifeguard go to lunch after nobody had shown up to swim yet. Guess I'll have some time to kill.

So I went home, gathered my suit and made sure I was prepared this time. Since I didn't have an extra padlock for the lockers, I bought one at King Soopers. While I was there, I decided to get some gasoline.

Back at the rec center, I had my towel and underthings tucked under one arm, my new lock and purse in the other. I leaned over to take a sip from the drinking fountain (since I forgot my water bottle, which I take everywhere), except I felt something on my arm. I swatted at it. Probably just a stray cat hair I brought from home. Just then I felt a huge pinch!

I threw my purse and towel across the hallway, bra and underwear flying through the air. I looked at my arm. A huge red dot marked the spot where something bit me, about an inch below where I usually wear my watchband. What had it been? My thoughts were racing. Was it a spider? I had to check the towel. When I picked up a corner and shook it out, a bee buzzed up from underneath.

I couldn't remember having been stung by a bee in my adult life. Getting stung by a jellyfish hurt less. I was panicking. The arm turned red and swollen; a small diameter around the sting turned white. Should I go home to treat this? Will I have a serious reaction? Should I just stay and swim?

I picked the last option, collecting my undergarments from the hallway of the rec center. Luckily, it appeared nobody saw me flailing around and swatting at the air.

I carefully changed into my bathing suit and folded all my clothes neatly in a locker. I unwrapped the new lock, memorized the combination, checked it once and tried putting it through the hoop. Another problem. It wouldn't click. What was the deal? I checked the lock again, discovering it wasn't the lock, it was the locker. The hoop was too thick for the lock's neck to fit around. Great. I left my clothes there (who's going to steal maternity clothes?) and took my purse with me.

Now this is where I think it should get even more interesting, but it doesn't. I should just count myself as lucky that I didn't have some sort of accident or mishap while I was in the pool. Whew.

In the meantime

Here is a link to a short video on the Musicians' Village in New Orleans. (Yes, that's Harry Connick Jr.)

I've been meaning to post so many things lately but the idea inevitably slips my mind. So like the title says, in the meantime . . .

What a wussy

This commercial used to make me cry every time I saw it. That was in my first trimester.

Oddly enough, I haven't seen it much since then. It just came back into the rotation recently, and the first time I saw it again last week, I just started laughing uncontrollably at what a big sap I was, crying at the drop of a hat!

Now I just think it's cute (and wish I had a surfer bod like that)!

THE SEEN
The cat I spoke about in my most recent post was prowling the wildflowers again last night! I wonder if we shall meet again tonight.

On the prowl

Almost home last night and on auto pilot, I saw this cute little cat prowling the wildflowers along the frontage road. It was black and white and fluffy. It had a an adorable looking face, and ambled along almost as if it was a little bit clumsy, juvenile. But was it really just a cute cat, or was it perhaps on the prowl for a late-night snack?

I imagine my little cat Gabby would do well on her own should she ever break loose, she seems to have such good instincts, but could she hunt for her own meals? Was that what this cat was doing? Maybe it spotted a rabbit, a mouse, a tiny prairie dog. Maybe it was having a whimsically fun time batting around the big, yellow blooms or chasing an insect. Was it a wild cat, or was it someone's cuddly lap partner?

If it's the latter, I hope that little bugger made it back home safely.

Hiccup!

After a minor freakout, I realized everything is just fine.

I was just lying in bed talking to C. before he fell asleep, and we were talking about the baby. I told him how much I love feeling him move, walking around with him all day, spending time with him whenever I want. This is the one thing I'll miss about being pregnant.

After C. dozed off, I thought to myself that I didn't remember the little guy moving since about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Just then, I started pushing on my stomach, feeling a little heel, or perhaps a shoulder down low. Nothing. I laid still. Nothing. I took a giant swig of cold water. Nothing.

Then, a move! I checked my watch. 12:37 a.m. Let the kick count begin.

But this wasn't kicking. It was a dose of hiccups. And he had them for eight minutes! Just then I giggled to myself. While I'm on the outside smiling, thanking him for the little cue that everything is OK, I imagined him having a lazy day inside, waking up long enough just to have mom give him the hiccups!

P.S. And as I write this, he's doing his own variation on the crocodile death roll, giving me a cramp or two in the process. He's probably just getting me back for waking him.

Catching up

Greetings! After a rather busy weekend and another couple of days filled with baby-related tasks, I figured it was OK for me to play with my blog at last.



This was the mound of presents from the baby shower Saturday. I have finished my thank-you cards and have unpacked everything. I even assembled the stroller last night (it was easy and I didn't do any lifting, but thanks for asking *blush*). But when I entered the nursery Monday, this is what I saw. So now, an equally messy view greets me when I open the door, but there is some method to my madness. For now, I have all the clothes sorted into piles by size, that way I can determine what we have too much/not enough of. We got quite a wide variety of great things. This is certain to be one well-dressed baby!

On the "me" front, I've been swimming a couple of times since last week, and I'm really enjoying the workout. In fact, I would have gone this morning, but the bod is moving a little bit slower this morning. Plus, I was counting on a little cat nap before I head to work.

I'm really enjoying the fall-ish weather, but it's going to be a sort of hot one today. By next week though, there will be no question as to what season we'll be in. This is great for me, since it has been one hot summer. My flowers are looking great (inside and out)!

Since there's no rhyme or reason to this entry, I'll end with this:

THE SEEN

A cow, yes, a cow, standing on the front lawn of a house on York Street. It was just a lawn ornament but a rather large one at that. It looked a bit smaller than a real cow, not that I've seen lots of real cows up close in my lifetime. I think it might have been from a promotional deal going on this summer when celebs painted cows, and then they were auctioned off. I can't quite remember what it was for, but I actually have a cow lapel pin from the same thing. Perhaps this homeowner was a lucky winner!

Thank you!

Thanks, everyone, for thinking of me during restriction week. After many offers of help, I realize I'm surrounded by many, many terrific friends.

Thanks to G., my wonderful friend who sent me this beautiful arrangement. The lilies C. got for me are still going strong, just moved into a smaller vase. You're the best!


And here's some pics of what I was doing on the couch Monday. I knit two dish cloths in the front and since have completed the other dish cloth in the background. Love buying kitchen cotton in cones! It's a steal.


I also felted the other handbag I made. Here is a before and after photo. (The purple/green bag was felted, the yellow/green was not.) After felting, they now are the same size.

I'm free!

No bed rest for me! While part of me wanted a big reason for all this commotion (not to mention a little time off), I'm really glad I'm not restricted in any way.

Doc said resume activity as usual and that she thinks I'll go full term. Whew.

Useless

That is exactly how I felt today on my first day of complete bed rest. For the time being, I can only get up to use the bathroom, eat or shower.

No exercise. No lifting. Limited walking. Limited stair-climbing. Nothing.

And while C. buzzed around doing everything I needed, I felt guilty. Yes, I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing, the nurse in the labor and delivery triage at St. Joseph's hospital told me so. So after a couple hours spent in the hospital Sunday night just to find out everything is fine and dandy (except for my frequency of contractions), I get the status report from Dr. B. tomorrow.

But tonight as I walked up the stairs to get ready for bed, I thanked C. for everything he did today -- grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning -- and said I was sorry I couldn't help at all, he said all I needed to hear . . .

"You're busy growing a baby."

Yessir, and I'd like to keep doing that for at least another 2-3 weeks.

Waiting game

Little black arrows dotted the printout. Lots of them. Above that, a squiggly line ran the length of the paper.

On the bottom, another calm, steady line showed a small rise in the middle, not enough to cause alarm.

After being hooked up to a contraction monitor Friday afternoon when I had absolutely no contractions (well, except for the one immediately after I stood upright), I went to work. Nurse T. said that's the baby's way of telling me to take it easy. Honestly, I don't know how much easier I can take it!

What I had underwent was a contraction stress test, when a fetal heart rate monitor and uterine contraction monitor are strapped around the belly, and you wait, in my case, for 30 minutes. I also had to push a button each time I felt baby move. Each click of the game-show-like "buzzer" resulted in an arrow below the heart-rate line. He was a wiggle worm, as usual.

Since about a week ago, I've had several contractions daily, and when I called the doctor's office for something else Friday, they were stunned another call I made Monday wasn't followed up. So I went in to get checked out.

I've been on modified bed rest since. After a day of lying around -- mostly on my left side -- I am bored, tired (what?) and still having several contractions. Oop, there goes one right now, 10 minutes after the previous one. What I do know is I definitely want this baby to stay inside for at least another 3+ weeks, even though he'd have a really good chance of surviving if he was born this premature.

So here I sit, another day. I still can't lift a thing, so Mom's coming to the rescue.

I also promise to keep you all posted!

32 weeks

Did I swallow a beach ball?



And if you didn't think it could get any bigger, here's a close up. I had just slathered all that skin with shea butter. (It could be a full-time job!)

[PHOTO REMOVED]

C. being silly. He's actually lost weight this summer. Couldn't be the umpteen rounds of golf he has played and all the running around he does at the opera house. I'm lucky if I can get up and down the stairs without using the hand rail.



CONTRACTION UPDATE
I've consistently had between 20 and 30 a day since about Saturday. Luckily, I'm set for a routine prenatal checkup Tuesday. I'll ask Dr. B. then. After this appointment, I'm on a two-week schedule, then I think I go to a weekly schedule for 36 weeks and beyond. Time's a wastin'!

Booty's debut

Since I don't think I've ever had a photo of my oldest cat on here, I figured I'd share a couple. I probably haven't posted any pictures because she looks so unenthused in most of them. Anyway, happy birthday month, Booty. You're 10 years old now!



Chillin' on top of my yarn chest.



Seeking out her second nap location for the day.

And here's a close up of the stargazer lilies C. bought for me Sunday. The last time he got me stargazer lilies, they were part of a giant arrangement delivered in a limo outside the Las Vegas airport. I was there for a visit in summer 2004 (yes, Vegas in the summer, and on purpose). This time, I pulled off the tiny orange pollen bits from the flowers so they wouldn't stain my shirt.

Should I be worried?

At last count, I've had 29 contractions since waking up late this morning.

I did make a phone call to my insurance call center last night to see if I should have been worried about the six I had in a 3-hour span last night. The on-call nurse just gave me some tips on calming/slowing/stopping the contractions and a list of other things to look for that would require emergent care.

So far tonight, I've just been having practice contractions, no other signs of distress.

So I guess I just wait.

Still here

I'm still here. After a long holiday weekend, followed by a rest day, I'm back at work and easing into my normal routine again. Play time is over.

I'm sad to report I took very few photos over the weekend, and I know I owe another belly shot. Well, since I hit 32 weeks Thursday (that's eight months!), maybe I'll muster up the courage to share another photo.

I hope everyone's Labor Day weekend was grand, and I promise to be better about updates in the coming weeks. And with all these "practice" contractions, we might get to Junior's birthday sooner than we think!

Note to self: Must finish crib setup.

Screech!

That's what my body finally did last night after a full day on the town (Cherry Creek mall, 16th Street Mall, The Taste of Colorado, etc.)...it came to a screeching halt and I couldn't do anything about it.

Lest you worry, I heeded the message and rested, drank water and went to sleep. I have many ideas for posts, but I've been going non-stop since last weekend. For now, here is one small tidbit.

THE SEEN

Driving back to work last week, I slowed to a stop at 13th and Lincoln. Just then, I was distracted by a person standing a little too close to the curb. Then I couldn't take my eyes off him. He literally was the man in black.

Black, shiny cowboy boots, black slacks, black shirt and tie, black shades and, just like the real Man In Black, he was puffing on a cigarette, looking a little too cool as he exhaled a stream of smoke into the air alongside the ribbon of white smoke trailing upward from his Marlboro. All that was separating us was my car window, him standing about 3 feet away from my vehicle. I took another head-to-toe glance, and then I was startled back to reality by the person driving behind me.

HONK HONK!! The light had turned green.

I got them!

Yes, the amazing sunglass fiasco seems to be over.

Late last week, I received a shiny new pair of Bolle Recoils (mine are red, not tortoise).

Heaven!

Update

I passed my glucose screening! So I don't have to give up ice cream and juice after all!

The seen
During said glucose screening -- where I finished a crochet handbag for a shower hostess and a crochet pot holder for someone else and listened to two podcasts of NPR's Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me! -- I saw lots of colorful people.

The most touching moment by far was an elderly couple who checked in at the lab's desk at Kaiser then sat in two chairs across from me, waiting for their name to be called. After the woman went back to have blood drawn, she came back out, her husband steadying her back into her chair in the waiting room.

They waited about five minutes, him asking how she was doing. After the dizziness or unsteadiness passed, he stood up, helped her up and as they walked arm in arm out the door, I saw her raise her wrinkled had to rub tiny circles on his back. An endearing "Thank you" to the man she has loved for so long. Sniffle!

Dreading Monday

Guess I haven't had a whole lot to say this week, but that doesn't mean things have been mellow around here.

For starters, I failed my blood glucose screen Tuesday. This is not a big deal. The only downer about it is I have to repeat the test tomorrow. And it's a three-hour test! I know I'll be taking a fully-charged iPod, lots of yarn and my crochet hook to keep me company while I sit in the lab from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The other big downer is it's a fasting test. I can't eat after getting home tonight, and I won't be able to eat anything until the test is complete. Asking a pregnant woman not to eat for over 12 hours is a bit ridiculous in my book. Why can't they come up with a more reliable first test? So many women I know have failed the first test to find out they're A-OK after the torturous three-hour screen.

But wait. The cherry on top of the whole day tomorrow is after I probably knock over some poor soul and steal their lunch after leaving the lab (or equally worse, drive through McDonald's), I have to go to the dentist for a cleaning.

Can it get any better? Actually, yes. C. is off tomorrow, also, and we've got plans to start working on the nursery. I'm sure we will hit the bulk of it Tuesday, but I think I've hit the nesting period and I want that crib set up, like, last week. We also have two new Netflix rentals, lots of popcorn and an entire evening to relax. Can't wait.

No she di'int

No longer than 30 seconds after I had inspected C.'s new hybrid golf club - he says it probably will replace his 3- or 4-iron - and he set it back down, our cat Gabby did this.



I was sitting in this very space in our loft, at the computer, and the camera happened to be nearby. She was pawing at the shaft, trying to touch the grip and sniffing the club cover. Just as I wanted to snap one of these cute little curious poses, she chomped down on the graphite shaft. *Click* I couldn't have timed it better. For all you guys out there, I didn't *let* her gnaw on it, I screamed at her and she ran away, and then I ran in the other room to show C. Lest you worry, there are two or three tiny teeth marks (nicks) on the shaft, but nothing to be alarmed about.

But does anyone notice the squeaky, orange chicken toy sitting nearby? She doesn't play with that!

A first

As promised, here's my first state-line photo. I have a feeling a new tradition has been born!



Enough of that. I have a prenatal massage to get to. ;o)

I'm still laughing

I poached this from a friend of a friend's blog. Filipino inmates getting their groove on. Thanks G. and C.!

Don't fence me in

I went to a coworker's ranch in Cheyenne, Wyo., yesterday for a sports department gettogether. It was beautiful! They have so much space, and four beautiful horses to go with a fantastic house and arena. Here I am with Cinnamon Sky, if I recall correctly.



The other three were named Alpo, B.O.B. (Big Ol' Boy) and Sunny, who did this amazing gum flapping trick to try to get more carrots. He even smiled at us, baring all his front teeth. What a ham for the camera!

I also took my first photograph in front of a state-line marker. In all these years of crossing between New Mexico and Colorado, we never stopped to get a snapshot. But my friend M. wanted to get her daughter's first picture in another state. I figured I had my camera, so what the heck? That one will be coming soon, so stand by.

Little ol' me

I had a friend ask about me tonight. Not the baby. Not the weather. Not work.

Me.

A few weeks ago, I began to grow tired of the constant pregnancy questions. People greet me with "How are you feeling?" And it's a sympathetic question. "How is the baby?" That one is all excitement. I realize these are all great questions, but when I field many of the same questions every day, it wears on me a bit. At one point, I wondered if anyone could think about anything but this pregnancy.

G. is planning a wedding and told me it's the same with her. People ask about the plans. The dress. The details. Then I realized I am so guilty of this, too.

In an effort to talk about what's new and current, I inevitably fall back on that. I did it with another friend today who also is planning a wedding.

But what I remembered is my friends and I are not just interested in each other's lives. We're not just consumed with what's happening now. We genuinely care about each other. And how we are feeling. How we are doing. How we are living.

Sure, I'm pregnant. Sure, she's planning a wedding. But a year from now, I won't be pregnant and she won't be planning a wedding. I'm positive we'll have plenty to talk about then.

P.S. And if you worry that I'm the least bit thrilled with my pregnancy and my baby, don't. I am doing cartwheels (in my head)! Every time I feel movement, I smile to myself. This is something I have wanted for as long as I can remember, and I simply cannot wait to be a parent!!

I'm not a buddha

I had my very first inappropriate belly pat yesterday, after a company meeting.

The offender was a coworker, and as I saw his unwelcome hand drift toward my stomach, I retracted. He patted it twice, anyway. Just then, I reached out to touch his belly, and he did the same thing...pulled back. He gave me this sheepish grin and said, "For good luck."

When did my baby make me a lucky buddha?

Now, I've had lots of people (and all women) ask if they can touch. That is fine. If I'm not up to it, I'll say so. But I haven't said no yet. It's just amazing how some people's manners go right out the window when it comes to pregnant women.

------------------------------------

P.S. During said meeting and for about five minutes, I heard (and I wasn't the only one) the distinct sound of someone clipping their fingernails. I know sometimes our newsroom meetings are boring, but I didn't think it was time to give oneself a manicure! All I could picture afterward were little sprinklings of someone's fingernails all over the carpet at work. Ew. It still doesn't compare to the skin left behind after a since-retired coworker was picking at her bedsores throughout a different meeting, unknowingly leaving a pile of her dead, scaly skin on the floor. Double ew.

The dreams are back

This one made me sad. It made me mad. When I finally thought more about it, it made me laugh.

I was living in my old house with my parents, towel wrapped around my long, wet hair like a turban. I was waiting for C. to call me. When he did, I was waiting for him to say something. He never did. So I prompted him. Apparently, it was my birthday and he had forgotten. Well, it wasn't so much that he had forgotten, it was that he chose to ignore it. Then he started talking about someone. When I asked who he was talking about (a female), he said a woman's name. When I questioned him some more, he said I couldn't get mad if he wanted to talk to me (his wife) about his girlfriend. Just then, I started shaking my head, and the towel and phone dropped to the floor in such dramatic fashion. It was like a scene in a movie, shot in slow motion, my scream of "NOOOOO!!" slowed down so much it sounded like some muffled warrior cry.

And that was it. Isn't that a riot?

Cafe preggers

I read this in a Baby Talk magazine last year when I was pregnant, but it's all starting to make sense to me now. And for those of you thinking it's a bit exaggerated, let me assure you it's not. (I'm slowly realizing there's not enough room in there for dessert all the time!)

Cafe Preggers
First Trimester Menu
Appetizer
Tums compote
Entree
Fresh saltines on a bed of saltines, lightly seasoned with saltines
Beverage
Ginger ale (IV drip available upon request)
Dessert
10 minutes in a dim room with an ice bag on your head

Second Trimester Menu
Appetizer
Half a roast chicken, extra crispy
Entree*
A succulent leg of lamb smothered in pork chops, served with BBQ ribs and garnished with cheeseburgers (all burnt beyond recognition for your safety)
Beverage
Toll House pie smoothie, prepared with 1/2 pint heavy cream
Dessert
9-by-16-inch pan of double-fudge brownies

Third Trimester Menu
(Each course followed by 15-minute neck massage and/or bathroom break)
Appetizer
Three bites of tossed salad
Entree
Two bites of lasagna
Beverage
None, so you'll have room for dessert
Dessert
A Tic Tac

* Double portions available if you're expecting twins

Little mermaids

I went with my mom last night to see The Little Mermaid pre-Broadway show at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and after everyone had spilled out of the theater, we saw many little girls dressed in their mermaid outfits.

They were adorable, holding hands with a mom or a dad, some of them carrying tiny purses, some carrying a bag of Disney merchandise. Since I thought the show was so amazing, I wonder what they thought of their fancy night at the opera house, watching a play, perhaps for the first time. And as Ariel, Flounder and the rest of the underwater characters glided around on Heelies across the stage, I'm sure memories were made that will last a lifetime.

Now he's sick

Yup. I passed on my cooties to the ol' hubby.

We sat this morning, drinking Celestial Seasonings' Throat Soothers tea and generally feeling sorry for ourselves. I thought I was all better, but I feel like I've hit the wall again. Guess it's time to buy stock in Kleenex (thank goodness we have about a dozen boxes in the garage, thanks to Sam's Club's bulk packaging)!

In the meantime, enjoy this 27-week photo of my growing waistline. It's no wonder I have heartburn. The baby has settled in where my stomach used to be. I think my stomach now is somewhere near my lungs (which are also being compressed), at least that is what it sounds like when it starts growling at me.

Still sick

Since I have been neglecting my e-mail and blogging duties this weekend, it's a safe bet to think I'm still sick. I didn't go to work yesterday, and that's a good thing. Since Saturday morning, I've been camping out on my couch, trying to knit, but my brain just doesn't want to work with that, and trying to read, but that requires too much concentration for my zapped head right now. Sadly, I got sucked into a Bridezilla marathon and proceeded to just get pissed that there actually are people out there like that. My "favorite" episode was of an alcoholic bride from Wisconsin. Then there was the 18-year-old spoiled brat from Cali. And the "me-me-me-do-it-my-way-but-feel-sorry-for-me-because-nobody-knows-how-stressful-this-is" woman. Can't remember where she was from. Those poor hubbies. They're in for a ride.

Anyway, speaking of poor hubbies, C. has been working at the opera house this week as a manager, and he also did all the house chores yesterday (trash, dishes, ironing, cat box cleaning and feeding) while I napped. He tried to convince me to take a little walk for some fresh air, sun, get my blood flowing, but I looked at him like he had three heads. And though I didn't think I got enough rest yesterday, I made up for that by sleeping for 12 hours last night.

After feeling pretty "good" upon getting out of bed at 11 a.m., I decided to run some errands (well, two to be exact). After completing my second task of the afternoon, I started to feel queasy, hot and sticky. And dizzy. Maybe I'm not all better just yet. And I guess you know it's bad when your mom won't even come see you because she doesn't want to get sick, too.

I guess it's back to the couch. :-(

A song to cheer me up

I was driving to work today after an emotionally and physically draining morning (and I was only awake for a few hours), but after dealing with moronic drivers on the highway, I turned the station to Jack FM and just as I did, I heard Lowrider begin.

So I turned it up. Loud.

(This was the least cheesy of all the videos.)

Almost as an extra pick-me-up, the Weather Girls' It's Raining Men followed. Bonus.

Sunglasses update
Since some of you have asked, I'd like to report I mailed back my Bolle sunglasses, asking for the third style featured in my previous post. The fifth style was a decoy; I only wanted polarized lenses to help protect my eyes after having LASIK four years ago.

Sick in the summer?!

Nope, that "scratch" in my throat last night wasn't put there by a sharp piece of food from dinner.

It's there because I'm getting a little summer cold. Ack!

Being pregnant and all, I called my nurse to see if there's anything I should be concerned about. (Otherwise, I'd stick it out and complain every bit of the way...) I still plan to complain every bit of the way, but at least I can look forward to a throat culture Monday if this little "bug" doesn't leave over the weekend.

Until then, lots of fluids, juice, Tylenol if necessary and rest. And salt water gargles in the morning and at night.

Meme

I got "tagged" by a high school buddy, so here we go!

Two Names You Go By:
1. Doe
2. Josephine

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. Big maternity jeans (oxymoron?!)
2. A digital watch

Two Things You Want In A Relationship:
1. Love
2. Respect

Two of Your Favorite Things To Do:
1. Yoga
2. Knit

Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:
1. To not be at work
2. To not have sciatic pain

Two Pets You Had/Have:
1. Booty, longhair white calico
2. Gabby, grey and black tiger striped cat

Two People Who Will Fill This Out First:
1. I always leave...
2. ...these ones blank

Two Things You Did Last Night:
1. Watched part of an Oprah rerun
2. Ate a Reese's brownie (it wasn't that great)

Two People That Live In Your House:
1. Me
2. My hubby

Two Things You Ate/Drank Today:
1. Cranberry juice
2. A popsicle

Two People You Talked To Last:
1. My mom
2. My hubby

Two Things You're Doing Tomorrow:
1. Sleeping in
2. Working

Two Longest Car Rides:
1. Denver to Minneapolis
2. Pueblo to Billings, Mont.

Two Favorite Holidays:
1. Thanksgiving
2. Christmas

Two Favorite Beverages:
1. Iced tea
2. Orange juice

This is getting amusing

This morning, I dreamed about having plans to move to the mountains, but C. said he couldn't go, because people who work downtown don't live in the mountains. I said, "I work downtown." His reply? "Not anymore." But he made me guacamole dip before leaving, saying it was for my going away party. And then he said he wasn't coming back, but to have fun.

Evidently I went hiking after that (or this is just one of those bizarre, no-logic turns in a dream) with my friend R., whom I haven't seen since my birthday party in February, and while scaling the face of a cliff with a wicked dropoff, I found myself climbing a rickety old ladder and tree, and a bat decided my hand looked good enough to take a bite out of. After flailing around and shaking the dang thing off my hand, and with R. sitting nearby watching but doing nothing, I guess I woke up or drifted away from such nonsense.

OK. Back to sleep for a couple of hours.

EDIT: Look at that! My ticker says only 100 days of pregnancy to go!! In a little more than three months, the little munchkin will be here!

Dreams

I just had a dream involving floating on wind currents, breaking and entering, UFOs, a funeral, police surveillance, a fitness club, amusement park rides, text messaging, and, yes, Justin Timberlake. Don't ask me how this all tied together, because I'm still trying to figure it out.

Next time, cheap sunglasses

If you know most of what is going on with me, you'll know I've been "fighting" with Bolle about these sunglasses I bought three years ago. They are the Morph, and they were pricey, but I like them. However, I've sent them back for factory repairs twice. And twice Bolle has replaced them with a brand-spanking new pair. Well, I got the latest pair back about three weeks ago, and ... wait for it ... they're broken. The left lens keeps popping out. So after calling customer service yet again, I found out I have to send them back a third time, but the rep suggested I ask for a different style this time.

EDIT: Now this is where you come in. Help me pick a new pair of Bolle sunglasses! Post your choice in the comments section, if you please.

Pictures

Here are the latest, but in the meantime, enjoy this sleepyhead goof I made.

I went to bed sometime after 2 last night, and I forgot to take off my earrings, remembering this fact after I jumped in bed. I took one off, put it on the night stand, and then ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...

This morning, I saw that one earring was on my night stand, so I started searching frantically on the floor, in the sheets, under the bed. The cat knocked it off. I knocked it off. It's lost. (Mind you, it's not like they were my diamond earrings, but they were still purple and adorable.) After searching for a good couple of minutes, I had an itch on my left ear lobe. My second earring was just where I had left it yesterday. Still attached!

This one is from last week: 24 weeks.



This one is from this morning, 25 weeks, with sleep marks on my tummy and all. And how its possible I look paler is anyone's guess. Has to be the lighting. But the good thing is I got complimented yesterday three times on how I looked like I had gotten some sun. (These people don't know I've been sequestered in air-conditioned environments every chance I get, far away from the hot sun.) Light eggplant, yesterday's sun dress shade, must be my color.

Welcome

Dominic Orlando was born at 9:09 p.m. Monday to proud parents M. and D. in Albuquerque.

He was 6 pounds, 10 ounces and 20.5 inches long. Awww.

The 4-1-1

We went to the doctor's office yesterday for my 24-week checkup. I'm doing great so far. BP (110/60), weight (ha! like I'd really tell you that), urinalysis, fundal height and fetal heartbeat all check out perfect.

Except for one thing. My uterus is measuring "big," as Dr. B put it. Just then C. started laughing. Need I remind you he was an almost-11-pound baby when he was born? When Dr. B and I both gave him daggers out of our eyes, he told her why he was laughing. My OB said my fundus measurement was 3-4 centimeters bigger (and that seems awfully big!), but it wasn't alarming enough to change my due date to any time sooner. She also said the baby's weight goes more by what Mom was when she was born (that'd be me at 6 pounds and a half-ounce), but of course Dad has something to do with it, too. Pooh.

At any rate, my next appointment is in four weeks (Aug. 14). That is when the fun begins. I have to do my glucose blood test to check for gestational diabetes. (So far, no sugar or protein in my urine.) I've been hearing from other ladies this sugary drink they make you choke down is absolutely no fun. Then you have to sit and let it do it's magic for an hour before your blood is drawn.

All of this brings back a memory from when I was 8 years old, in the hospital for an appendix-related malady (but I didn't have an appendectomy), and I had to drink this "grape juice", as the nurses tried to sell it to me. First off, it was this nasty purple dye crap that tasted worse than moldy liquid cardboard/carpet. As soon as it hit my esophagus, I started spitting it all back at those clever nurses, a la Linda Blair in The Exorcist. I can't remember how they actually got me to drink that poison (I probably blocked out that memory for good reason).

Tids and bits

This photo gave me a giggle. Don't ask how I found it.

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I also forgot I could blush so easily. I got a compliment (well, more than one), on some fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants design I did tonight at work, and the kudos made me turn red.

But inside I was jumping up and down for creating something that people will be talking about (at least in the office).

Baby knits

Here is a bib I made last night. I got the pattern from the Mason Dixon Knitting book, which I recommend for anyone. I've already tested out at least five patterns from the book and have my eyes set on many others.



If you're wondering about the funky colors, I used ball of a variegated yarn that was almost nil, and thought I'd experiment with another bright color in between and on the strap ends. And this cotton yarn washes up like a dream. So easy!

Geometry

I walk past this scene almost every day on my way to work, and if I am on the right side of the street, the tip of the Denver Art Museum "touches" the top of the Denver Public Library. It just doesn't work from the opposite side of the street.

Today, I snapped a pic with my cell phone and e-mailed it to myself. I thought I'd share a sunny, blue sky from Denver today.

He's joining in the fun, too

C. had his first baby dream last night.

He was changing the baby, which was a girl by the way, and he said her diaper was dry. Just as he picked her up from the changing table, she started peeing on the floor. There was a puddle on the floor, and somehow she ended up peeing on a lady standing in line across the street (?). He said, "Just tell her it's water."

After the peeing episode finished, he put his hand under her butt to put her back on the changing table, and of course, she started pooping in his hand. Just then, he said he started yelling, "HONEY! I NEED AN EXTRA HAND HERE!!"

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Yesterday's "seen"

A bike "bumper sticker" that read: "My other bike is a bike."

Really?!

Not even the cops

This sign is posted next to the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building downtown, catty-corner to the Rocky's building. Pedestrian traffic is "urged" to flow adjacent to the Webb building, not along the nearby sidewalk next to Colfax Avenue. Where Colfax takes a jog around Civic Center Park, that sidewalk is for wheels only. (So the opposite of the sign above. No peds. Bikes and blades, OK.)

Mind you, nobody pays attention to these signs; as you can see from my vantage point in the photo, they're not at eye level.

And today, just as I crossed Colfax Avenue and Bannock Street, two cops on mountain bikes ignored the sign, riding straight into the pedestrian flow! As if!

In a front-loader, to boot!

I'm kicking myself for not taking any before pictures, but here is my new felted tote bag!



For those of you not familiar with felting, it's basically the same thing that happens if you've ever machine-washed a wool sweater. Oops! It comes out looking like it will fit a teddy bear. Items are knit or crochet much larger than the desired size and out of 100 percent wool. Before felting, I hung the straps on my shoulder, and the bag nearly dropped to the floor (about 8 inches above). And here's the finished product on the back of a dining-room chair.

The problem with front-loading machines is once the door is locked and the wash cycle begins, the item cannot be checked several times during the various wash cycles, like a top-loading machine. Using a front-loader is like "blind" felting (though I did a few practice swatches beforehand). I'd have to say I'll likely be felting blindly more often!

Lazy Tuesday

I was thinking of completing one giant task today but decided against it when it required a shower, change of clothes and driving. (More on that later.)

Today, I ate a bagel and fruit for breakfast, a dang quesadilla for lunch and now I'm thinking I just might make those enchiladas for dinner (that, too, involves driving, though).

But the best part is just about to come.

Trash TV. OK, I know it's not Jerry Springer, but my lineup includes Dr. Phil, followed by Oprah. I've already watched part of The Young and The Restless, one Baby Story, two Bringing Home Baby episodes and one and a half Take Home Chef shows on TLC (I only watched one half of a show since it made me hungry).

But since I'm actually finishing a smaller task at home, I can feel guiltless about watching the boob tube. I began making a felted bag months ago, and now all I have left to do is assemble the bag and knit the two straps, attach and felt! I'm still experimenting with my front-loading washer's felting capability, so wish me luck. I'll be sure to post a photo of the finished product.

And it was much easier for me to stay home today since I had a near accident last night on my way home from a friend's house. All said, I'm OK, but it really scared the poop out of me and I'm a little afraid to drive on the interstate. I think I'll be sending C. to get the Nissan those new tires we promised to get after our trip to Taos.

Gotta run. Can't keep Dr. Phil waiting much longer!

Blog junkie

I'm back and borrowing this idea from MomOf3.

64%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Weekend update

Another weekend at a wedding, another weekend of belly rubs and pats.

Good news, though: I have yet to have a belly-rubber offend me. The word out there is if that comes to pass, I should reach right out and rub the belly of the offender. See if they like it (sadly, they probably would)!

In other news, I wasn't feeling well to end the week. I had lots of cramping, more contractions and decided to take a day off sick Thursday. I couldn't stand up for longer than 20 minutes at a time without feeling the pain, so I stayed home on the couch, knitting another blanket for Junior (this one is a log-cabin throw made of cotton) and watching TV, mostly tennis.

I had to strategically plan my 20-minute bursts with meaningful tasks: bathroom breaks, beverage refills, snack preparation, a little e-mail and sometimes a chore or two (but nothing too serious). I had C. do all the heavy lifting (laundry baskets, ironing board, even watering the flowers and running an errand to REI for los novios), and all without protest (as it should be!).

Luckily, I made it through, rested and ready for my busy weekend.

A cruel way to think of dessert

Never before had a vanity license plate made me hungry until last night.

We were driving back from Estes Park, where we had been for a wedding and reception at the Stanley Hotel (yes, it's where The Shining was filmed!).

About 25 minutes from home, I spotted a white Nissan Altima, shiny and clean, and the Nevada license plate read

BAKLAVA

Mmmm. Flaky layers oozing with flavor, melting in your mouth, making your fingers sticky. Sweet. Crunchy. Flaky. Soft. I really want some!

Happy