Throwback Thursday

Well we've been pretty busy this week, so I didn't have a chance to post anything since last week.  But at least I'm keeping up with my Throwback Thursday posts!

August 12^th

Michael’s last day of work!  We decided to use our free SW flight credit to go to Houston for a long weekend.  I’m bummed we weren’t able to do a Boston trip like we originally hoped but we weren’t sure what kind of vacation Michael would be able to take with his new job.  We flew out Thursday night.  Our flight out was delayed, so we didn’t get to Houston until a little after 11:00 (rather than 9:30) but it all worked out.  We ordered room service a little after midnight because we were both hungry & our airport stores/restaurants shut down after 8:00.  We ordered a ham panini sandwich & a tomato/mozzarella salad.  Well, the panini sandwich wasn’t grilled, so I couldn’t eat it (the bread was slightly toasted but the ham was cold & no cold lunch meat for me).  BOO.  I really wanted to eat it.  But the salad was good.  I was irritated that the hotel labeled the sandwich as a panini – wouldn’t most people think it would be a hot sandwich??

August 13^th

We slept in & then decided to walk to the Houston Galleria once we realized how close we were.  We just basically had to cross the street & go down a block.  We ate at La Madeline’s in the Galleria.  It was good but I wished I had gotten the strawberry dish but the cream cheese sauce on top had alcohol in it.  I later realized that the alcohol was cooked out of it, so I could have had it.  It looked so good!  Oh well, I liked my sandwich.  Then we shopped – Michael actually held up really well.  We went to Macy’s & did some shopping for him.  We got a great deal!  He found several slim cut nice shirts & pants that are hard to find in our Macy’s.  Most everything was on sale & then we got an extra 25% off!  We were both excited.  J  Then we saw a Johnston & Murphy shoe store that was having a sale.  Michael really likes their dress shoes.  He found a pair he liked on sale for a good price & he loves them.  He was loaded up with shopping bags – people probably thought he was being a good husband by carrying my bags but little did they know the bags were all for him!  But I have almost as fun shopping for him as I do for myself, so I was happy.  I did look for shoes & found some super cute nude pumps at Nine West (plus, I had a $10 off coupon).  Hurray!  Then Michael had his fill & we went back to the hotel.  We stopped at the CVS for water & snacks.  Glenn & Mariel picked us up to take us to the Astros game.  Paul got us great tickets – club level!  We dropped their daughter off with Ruth & headed to the game.  Then we ate a lot of food!  I had a giant baked potato.  Then nachos.  Then ice cream.  I really wanted a funnel cake but I had no room.  Oh well!  The game was fun (the stadium has A/C).  They opened up the dome at the end to do fireworks.  It was a great night!  I definitely look prego now – strangers have starting asking me when I’m due, what I’m having, etc.  At least I don’t just look fat!

August 14^th

Took my monthly belly picture.  There’s definitely no denying it now!  We went over to Glenn & Mariel’s house to see it & spend some time with their daughter.  We went to lunch at a local spot & the food was good.  I got a burger but later wished I had gotten the nachos since Glenn & Mariel said they were really good.  But I had nachos at the game, so I was ok.  I also got a strawberry milkshake that was amazing.  Glenn ordered chips, salsa & queso for the table so really no complaints from me.  Their little girl is really well behaved & we all had a good time.  Then Michael & I went back to the hotel, spent a little time at the pool (the water was freezing so I just put my feet in), took naps & got ready for dinner.  We went to a seafood restaurant at the Galleria & the food was great!  The calamari was some of the best we’d ever had.  And the side dishes – mac n cheese & cheesy au gratin potatoes.  YUM!!  My shrimp & pasta was delicious & Michael liked his fish.  I really wanted a glass of wine but settled for sniffing Michael’s several times.  J  I don’t think Michael would have minded if I drank a small glass but I followed my doctor’s orders.  I agree it’s all about moderation & I think a small glass here & there would be ok.  But I don’t want to feel guilty or worry that I hurt the nugget.  I guess I’ll just wait…  I’m glad I didn’t have a glass because on the way out, I went to the bathroom.  Right by the door of the women’s bathroom (leaving) was a sign that warned that pregnant women should NOT drink, etc, etc.  It was so random.  It wasn’t a sign about the dangers of drinking (in regard to anything else) – just pregnancy.  You don’t usually see that in bathrooms.  Anyway, I guess it was a sign that I made the right choice (for me) & I’ll just have to enjoy sniffing wine like a crackhead for another four months.  Sigh…  The Cheesecake Factory was near our restaurant, so we picked up some strawberry cheesecake to take back to the hotel.  Then we lounged at the hotel, watched TV & enjoyed our dessert.  It was a great night!

August 15^th – 23 weeks

We were going to go to Kemah (beach area near Houston) but decided not to due to time contraints.  Instead we ate breakfast at a nearby restaurant/dinner & did some shopping.  We found a few cool things at the Container Store – wish we had one!  Then we flew home.  Our flight was slightly delayed but not too bad.  I was still able to make it to my yoga class after we met my parents to get Sadie.  She was happy to see us this time.  J

Ahh, our "babymoon".  Our last trip...  It was a great weekend!  I didn't enjoy the food at all (ha!!)  This is about the time I really popped & definitely looked pregnant.  Check it out.

 Heading to dinner

 Michael & Glenn

 Mariel & me

 Astros gear for Alex!

Yummy calamari

 Fantastic mac n' cheese

 Delicious shrimp & pasta

Ok, now I'm really hungry.  J

Throwback Thursday

It's Thursday again, so time for another installment of my pregnancy e-journal.

August 5^th

Going to the lake this weekend, so I got a spray tan.  At least if I have to look like a beached whale, I’ll be a tan beached whale!  It was my first one to get where a person applied it (rather than doing it in a booth).  It was quick & easy.  I didn’t have to tell the lady I was pregnant – she noticed right away when I was undressed & asked when I was due.  I’m glad I look prego & not fat!  I like the way the spray tan turned out (it was super dark at first but most of that washed off – now it looks more natural) but I somehow got the tanner on my right palm.  I’ve tried to get it off but no luck.  I tried vinegar after reading about it online, but it didn’t work & now I can’t get the vinegar smell off!  Gross!  Oh well, the tanner is more noticeable to me.  It’s worth not being super white!  Maybe now I’ll feel a little more comfortable in my swim suit…

August 6^th

Took off at noon to drive to the lake with Michael.  He had to work at the law firm’s other office on the way for a few hours.  Amy picked me up & we went to Once Upon a Child, a nice consignment shop for babies/kids.  I bought Christine a bouncer for her baby, but didn’t find much for myself.  They had a lot of clothes, but I’ve been told not to buy or register for clothes since people usually like to buy as a gift.  I did buy a cute OSU outfit!  I also got the book Sippy Cups are not for Chardonney.  J  Then we went to Gordman’s & Michael picked me up there.  We grabbed some dinner at a place called Alfredo’s but it was pretty much exactly like Ted’s.  Love those sopapillas!  We drove to the lake.  Mike & Shannon weren’t too far behind us but then they got rear ended & had to deal with that.  Luckily, they weren’t hurt & their vehicle wasn’t messed up too badly.  On the drive (I was driving), Michael said there were some llamas in a field.  I only saw cows but he said, no – there were llamas by the hairy barrels.  I started laughing uncontrollably.  He called the hay bales hairy barrels!  He SAYS he said hay bales but it totally sounded like hairy barrels because it was drawn out.  I couldn’t stop laughing because that’s pretty much what hay bales look like & I thought he didn’t know what they were called.  I still crack up every time I think about it!  Eventually, everyone got to the lake house (Josh & Misty came with their two year old, too) & we stayed up talking.

August 7^th

We were worried the lake house would be super hot since it’s a mobile home & it’s been 100+ degrees every day.  But the air conditioner did a good job & Michael & I slept in until after 10:00.  Everyone else was up before then since they have kids but Michael & I are enjoying our laziness while we can.  We went down to the beach & pretty much spent most of our time in the water since it was so hot.  Mike & Shannon took the twins up to the house around 1:00 & the rest of us weren’t far behind.  We ate lunch & napped.  Then we went back out to the beach for a few hours.  I was pretty worried about the heat but it wasn’t as bad as I thought.  We cooked burgers for dinner.  The girls stayed up til about 1:00 talking, but the boys stayed up even later & really enjoyed themselves (not so much the next morning, though)!

August 8^th – 22 weeks

Went back home after saying goodbye to everyone.  It was a great weekend!  Went to my yoga class & enjoyed it.

August 9^th

Went to a Drillers game – got to sit in a suite, so it had A/C (thank goodness).  My pregnancy is definitely noticeable!  I’m glad I look prego & not just fat.  J  They brought by a dessert cart – had a piece of delicious strawberry pound cake.  Michael’s carrot cake was super yummy, too.

August 11^th

Last Sam’s lunch trip with Amanda while she’s on summer break.  I bought a rolling cooler for tailgating (yay) & some manchego cheese (yum).  I also bought a huge tub of pretzel sticks for work & made an impulse buy of mini s’more treats.  I’ll just blame it on the pregnancy!  But I didn’t get the Cheesecake Factory cheesecake I saw after reading the nutrion info – that has to count for something!

Hairy barrels...  I forgot about that until just now.  I'm giggling just thinking about it!  By the way, can you tell I was pregnant?  I sure mention food a lot!  I don't think I realized it at the time, but it's pretty noticeable to me now.  J

I hope everyone has a good weekend!

Surprise in the Mail

Look what arrived today for Alex from his Great Aunt Janice on behalf of his Great Grandma.

A stuffed llama!   It is SO cute.  As you may remember, Alex is a big fan of the Llama Llama books. Janice said Grandma just couldn't resist getting it for him after Janice told her about it.  I have to say, he's already smitten.  In fact, one time I propped the llama in front of him & he gave it a big grin.  Wish I'd caught that on camera!

A big THANK YOU to Great Grandma & Aunt Janice!!  Now we just need a catchy name for his new friend...  Any suggestions?

On the Move

Alex is one busy little guy.  He doesn't stay put anywhere for long.  He's got the army crawl down, so I feel like he might be crawling (for real) soon - eek!  I can tell he loves being able to get around.  He sets his sights on something & starts inching his way toward it - it's fun to watch him.  We have to be careful not to leave anything near him that's not baby friendly!

He started on a blanket.  Notice there is no blanket in this picture...

Such a happy boy!!

 Action shot - on the move again

Even though we have to be more mindful of his surroundings, it's such a joy to see him explore his world!

Throwback Thursday (on Friday)

Blogger was down yesterday, so I wasn't able to throwback on Thursday.  So, we'll just call this Flashback Friday!

July 30^th

The crib was delivered today!  The box is super heavy so we didn’t open it.  We don’t really want to put it together until the room is ready.  Have been feeling the nugget poke me about every day now.  It’s not a “fluttering” sensation – definitely a bump or poke.  I occasionally can get my hand in the right place at the right time & feel him on the outside especially when I lay down to go to sleep.  Michael isn't sure he’s felt him yet.

July 31^st

Went to dinner with Michael's former co-worker & his wife.  I decided that I’m showing enough now to flaunt the baby bump.  I wore my black Athleta skirt (has been great for pregnancy since it’s stretchy, it’s super comfortable & the waist folds down) with two layered tank tops (spiced it up with a fancy necklace).  The tanks definitely showed off my belly.  We sat at the bar before getting a table & the bartender didn’t ask me if I wanted a drink (she brought me water).  When the hostess seated us, she made a comment like – only water for you tonight, huh?  I assume it’s because I actually looked like I was pregnant & they noticed.  I haven’t really had any strangers notice (well, if they have noticed, it’s not like I knew).  Tadd ordered baked brie as an appetizer & I was super bummed I couldn’t eat any.  I love brie!  Plus, I was freaking starving & the waitress didn’t bring my salad or bread until considerably later after the brie.  I was about to eat my arm.  The salad was really good but the rest of the food was eh.  The key lime pie was good, too.

August 1^st – 21 weeks

So freaking hot outside.  It’s been over 100 degrees for the last week & it looks like more of the same this week.  Went to church & then met Christine & Brandon and Richard & Joni for lunch.  Richard & Joni are having a girl.  It was fun to talk about our pregnancies & compare notes.  Hagan had gotten a lot bigger since we saw him last month.  He’s a cutie.  It was a fun lunch!  Started a pre-natal yoga workshop.  The instructor is the same girl who does the Ashtanga classes I used to take, so I’m really excited.  It’s an eight week workshop.  I like the first class & am looking forward to the others!  On a non-baby note, Shark Week started tonight!!  Good stuff.  Well, I don’t know that’s it’s not baby related.  I’m sure the nugget already shares my fascination with sharks.  J

August 2^nd

Feeling a little achy today.  Maybe my hips are starting to spread more?  When I laid down to go to sleep, the nugget was bumping me & I could feel it on my hand.  I took Michael’s hand & put it on my stomach & he said he felt it that time!

August 4^th

Decided to wear a “hey I’m pregnant” outfit to work.  Wore my black skirt with a fitted pink & black short sleeved sweater top.  Most of the work clothes I’ve been wearing haven’t shown off the belly much.  They’re more loose fitting.  Now I think I definitely look pregnant, so I like wearing tighter shirts sometimes.  Maternity clothes pretty much suck as far as I can tell.  They are cute in style but just seem to make women look huge.  It’s like they’re trying to disguise the belly rather than fit the belly.  Well, it probably has a lot to do with the fact that everyone’s pregnancy is different.  Some people carry it all up front, some people get big all over, etc.  But maternity clothes just seem overall kind of sloppy to me.  When I put on a maternity top, I look so much bigger than I am.  But maybe that will change when my belly gets even bigger.  I’m sure I’ll want the extra room.  But even when I look at models wearing the clothes, I think they look huge – no waist/hip definition.  I’ve found that I love it when pregnant celebrities wear tight dresses or clothes that hug the belly.  So, I’m trying to embrace that look to a certain extent.  I don’t mean tight like you can see every little thing – just fitted so you can see you have an actual shape under the clothes – even if it includes a giant belly!  Anyway.  Went to dinner with work people & one of our brokers.  It’s always a good time when Steve comes into town.  We always go to a sushi place but I asked that we go somewhere else.  I can handle watching people drink but I just didn’t want to watch everyone eat amazing sushi while I ate something boring like noodles.  I am getting tired of the food restrictions.  No brie, no tuna, no sushi in general, no steak (unless it’s overcooked & then why bother), no uncooked egg sauces – UGH.  We went to a nice restaurant by the river & it was really good.  I sniffed Teresa & Steve’s wine to get my fix.  J  I had calamari for an appetizer, a tomato/mozzarella salad, delicious lemon shrimp pasta with mashed potatoes and some crème brulee for dessert.  YUM.  I missed the wine but at least the food was good.  Steve had his first baby almost a year ago & was excited for me.  Then we went to Louie’s & they ordered an O’Douls for me – ha!  It tasted EXACTLY like Corona Light.  Weird.  I’m not a huge fan of Corona Light but it wasn’t too bad.  It felt so weird to drink from a beer bottle!!  I felt guilty like I was doing something wrong.  I guess it has been a long time since I drank a beer!  I don’t see myself drinking many more during the pregnancy but it was fun anyway.  What can I say…  I’m a rebel.  Ha!

I forgot I mentioned Shark Week - ha.  I am a bit of a shark freak for those who don't know me that well.  In fact, a friend gave me an awesome shark costume for Alex at one of my baby showers.

Can't wait to put him in it!  It will be a few years, though, since it's a toddler sized costume.  But I know it will be worth the wait!

TGIF, everyone!

Question...

How do you get a good five month picture of an ornery little guy?

Answer: you don't...  J

Happy Mother's Day!

Well, it's officially my first Mother's Day.  Last year, Michael & I revealed to our families that I was pregnant but Michael said it wasn't my first Mother's Day because I wasn't officially a mother yet.  Well, this year I am!

I have to admit that the day doesn't really feel my celebration (at least yet).  When I hear the words "Mother's Day", I immediately think of my mom, Michael's mom & our grandmas.  I'm sure I'll feel more included as I get a few years under my belt & Alex gets older.

Thinking about the wonderful women I mentioned above, a quote from Tina Fey's book Bossypants came to mind.  The end of her "The Mother's Prayer for Its Daughter" really hit home this year.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up it's back.

"My mother did this for me once," she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby's neck.  "My mother did this for me."  And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me.  And she will forget.  But I'll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

So true!  During the last five months, I've had that thought a lot - "My mother did this for me."  My appreciation for her has skyrocketed since I had Alex.  Not just for the things she did to raise me, but for the things she does now to help me adapt to motherhood.  Staying with us after Alex was born, babysitting so Michael & I can have date night, listening to my trials & tribulations, listening to my proud moments.

So while I'm very thankful this year to be a mother, I really want to give a big shout out to my mom.  I love you!!  And Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there - we deserve it!

Throwback Thursday y Feliz Cinco de Mayo

It's that time again...  Another look back at my pregnancy.

July 26^th – 20 weeks

Started feeling movement in my belly recently.  Feels like something poking me from inside & I swear if my hand was in the right place at the right time, I’d feel it from the outside too.  It’s like a thumping feeling.  But when I put my hand down there, it stops or I don’t feel anything.  Ordered the crib online today!  One decision down, only about a million more to go…

July 27^th

Michael got offered a contract job today!  Before going out to celebrate, we talked about our financial plan to save money in case he doesn’t get hired on at the end of the contract or decides he doesn’t like it.  We were in the office & Michael was crunching numbers & talking to himself while I was sitting on the futon.  Then I felt the thumping feeling & put my hand on my stomach.  Then I felt the thump on my hand!  I told Michael I thought I felt the nugget & he put his hand on my stomach.  I told him to keep talking about numbers because apparently the nugget is really into that.  J  Michael said he felt something too.  He described it like feeling a heart beat but it obviously wasn’t my heart beat because it wasn’t consistent.  So, I’ve come to the conclusion that the little guy loves hearing his daddy talk – especially about numbers or finances.  Ha!  Then we went to eat at Charleston’s to celebrate.  I devoured the spinach & artichoke dip & ate too much.  

July 29^th
Had my 20 week ultrasound at the imaging center.  My doctor told me they wouldn’t tell me anything but the gender but they’d be checking for abnormalities, etc & they’d send the results to her & she would call if something was off.  The imaging center told me to arrive 30 minutes early & to drink 34 ounces of water an hour before so I would have a full bladder.  Michael wasn’t planning on going because he had a lunch meeting with a vendor but he emailed me mid-morning to say he changed his mind & would pick me up on his way.  We got to the second waiting room around 11:30 (my appointment time) & were told it would be about 10-15 minutes.  30 minutes later we were still sitting there (and I was about to pee my freaking pants).  They finally called my name & apologized for the wait because apparently the lady who has to clean the room does it then (or something).  Ok, so why did you schedule my appointment during that time??  She started the ultrasound & told us she was going to do some boring stuff first like measure my cervix, uterus, etc.  She confirmed it was a boy (a turtle not a hamburger like my boss says) & pointed out stuff like the kidneys, stomach, brain matter & 4 chamber heart.  It was crazy to see the heart – you could actually see the 4 chambers moving.  Then she tried to get a good picture of his face/profile but he wasn’t cooperating.  She let me go to the bathroom (thank goodness) & then she was able to get good pictures.  He even opened his mouth while we were watching!  Maybe a yawn?  Hopefully he’s not practicing crying already!  It was so crazy but cool.  She got a good picture of his legs (I swear he has runner legs like his daddy) & his foot including the toes.  I kept asking Michael if he thought the foot resembled mine or his.  He just rolled his eyes – he thinks I’m goofy.  Michael got a little nervous during the ultrasound because he didn’t see any arms for awhile.  He didn’t fully relax until she found both of them.  Ha!  The technician kept laughing because the nugget wasn’t moving much at first but then he woke up & was flipping around & being crazy.  She printed off our pictures & Michael & I went to lunch.  It was fun seeing the more detailed ultrasound (but still weird that there’s a living creature inside me!)

"Turtle"

 Doesn't he look like a runner already?

Cutest little face ever!

So crazy to watch him open his mouth on the ultrasound

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, here are some festive pictures of Alex.  I had the bright idea of getting a sombrero for him to wear but I thought of it at approximately 5:30 pm & couldn't find one at Wal-Mart.  So, I improvised with a black poncho & a margarita glass...  (Not that I condone babies drinking margaritas).  The pictures make me laugh, though!

Giggle Fest

I don't feel like I need to type much for this post - the video pretty much speaks for itself.

Love that little guy!!