Dear Baby - 26 weeks

26w

Dear Baby,

You recently opened your eyes and can now see your cozy little home (for the next 3 months anyways) although I am not sure it is very bright in there. Hopefully you have a good imagination. This past week was a big one for your dad and I. It is so weird to see a crib and blue walls every time we walk past your room. I can't wait for you to see it. See?! Because you can see now! Hopefully your eyes will turn out better than your parent's eyes. If not, don't worry - there have been huge strides made in the style of glasses since your dad was little. I am still hoping that you do get your dad's beautiful blue eyes. I know I will be in major trouble if you do though. How will I ever tell you no?

I was watching a show on Discovery Health two nights ago about a woman who gave birth to her quads at 25 or 26 weeks and they were all a little bit smaller than you are right now (being multiples of course) weighing in at under 2 pounds each (you should be a solid 2 pounds by now and 14 inches long). I couldn't stop thinking that you are that size right now, inside of me. You look like a baby. Wow. This is all becoming a little too real now. I washed what clothes you have so far and put them in the dresser and I couldn't stop thinking about how small they are. I was having a little bit too much fun imagining you in them.

I am having some issues with swelling in my feet and ankles, especially on the right side. I really started to notice it last night and though it isn't severe, it is a little scary. I elevated my feet and even after only being on my feet for 20 minutes this morning, the swelling was back. I did some online research and found that it could be worse on the right side because of your positioning. I do plan on calling into the doctor today just to be safe. I have been sleeping so much better (besides when your dad elbows me in the back) and I would give my energy level a 7 on a 10 point scale right now. The weather so far has been wonderful for a pregnant women in Ohio. I am dreading when Summer does decide to come though, since it will most likely be 65 one day and 90 the next. Can't wait!

It's been a while (3 weeks actually) since we took a belly shot, but here it is! I don't feel that much bigger than I was 3 weeks ago, so I added the 23 week belly shot at the bottom for comparison.

26 weeks above, 23 weeks below.


Alright, 14 weeks to go wiggle worm!

A countdown of sorts.

25w 6d

*-1 day until I realize I have cankles.
*0 days until I feel Baby Luc's first bout of hiccups. Felt while pooping. He must have gotten a little too excited about all the extra room.
*3 days until the Sex and the City movie comes out. Huge fan right here. I WILL be wearing my t-shirt on Friday. If it fits.
*6 days until we take our Infant CPR class.
*9 days until I am officially in my third trimester. Holy getting close Batman.
*13 days until we meet the pediatrician.
*17 days until my next doctor's appointment and the ever-so-fun glucose test.
*19 days until Paul's first Father's Day.
*27 days until Paul's 29th + 2 birthday.
*39 days until my first shower. Baby shower that is, I shower-shower every day folks. Believe it or not.
*43 days until my next hair appointment and next hair cut.
*46 days until my second shower. Again, BABY shower.
*76 days until our wedding anniversary. Awwww.
*84 days until my last hair appointment that I will still be pregnant at.
*99 days until Baby Luc is due. If he is not out by now he will be served with an eviction notice.

In unrelated news, we are nearing a CODE RED. I will keep you posted.

The post in which he gets a nursery.

25w 5d

I certainly hope that everyone had a relaxing, productive, fun, whatever-you-wanted-it-to-be Memorial Day weekend. I definitely got what I wanted. Thursday night was the first night that I slept really well last week, and then again on Friday night. Needless to say, I DID NOT need multiple naps on Saturday and I was a little ball of energy. We went and picked up the furniture and my awesome sister-in-law Denise and I got to painting. I have to whore out Sherwin Williams' Duration paint. It goes on so smooth and I am spoiled because of it. I have used it on our living room and BL's room so far and I can promise you I will use it on any room I paint for the rest of my life.

So without further ado, I give you the almost-finished product that is Baby Luc's nursery:
This photo is dedicated to a wonderful friend, avid reader, and eventual guest poster, Colleen:

I apologize for the horrid lighting in this next photo. No, Paul did not take this one. I did. And I didn't realize how bad the lighting was until I went to Photoshop with it. I was too tired to take another one by that time, but I think you get it. Nightstand, window and part of the crib with a guest appearance by the piggy bank:

Next up is the GORGEOUS crib and bedding. The furniture is all the Munire Urban collection and the bedding is from Glenna Jean's Sweet Potato Collection (Mud Puddle). No mattress yet, but I had to see how the bedding looked:

Combo unit, which will eventually double as the changing station as well. Featuring a little light that gives off the perfect glow for middle-of-the-night changes and feedings without blinding both the baby and I. The glider will eventually go in the corner. When we get one, that is.

View from corner where glider will be, looking out:


So there you have it. Yes, it was a VERY productive weekend at the Luc household. Of course the nursery will be filled with all kinds of goodies after the showers, and I still have some work to do. I have a large shelf from Ikea, canvases with his name painted on them and vinyl wall art to hang among other things. I will keep updating as things get done. I love how the paint color (Bathe Blue, by the way) shows up in each photo. In natural night, it is very bright and vibrant, and in softer light and shadows it is calming and soft. For now, Paul and I can't stop peeking in the room as we walk by.

The hills are alive...

25w 1d

I get to do things I want to do this weekend! I GET TO DO THINGS I WANT TO DO THIS WEEKEND! I do. I have so much fun stuff planned I may pee myself. I feel free. I feel like a fat cat that has escaped into the unknown world of THE DECK. Do I want to sniff this flower? SURE! I have nothing else planned! Do I want to talk to this bird? Okay, why not?

Like this morning - Paul mentions he might want to take a trip to Lowe's to pick up some deck cleaner tonight. Why golly gee, slap my knee and call me Earl, but I think I can swing that one! Holy crap, did we just decide to get crazy and go to Lowe's tonight? The same day that said trip will happen? Without any planning at all? ARE YOU KIDDING?

And tomorrow. Good old Saturday. The husband and I have rented a U-Haul and we are taking a little trip (about 20 miles) to get BL's furniture. AND, and and and, are you ready for this one? THAT'S IT! Paul is heading off for a bike ride with friends and I might just take a nap. Maybe after a nap I will pick up some paint for BL's room. Then after that, I might nap again. How do you like them apples?

I am going to go roll around in fields of daisy's now, and maybe throw petals into the air in delight.

Dear Baby - 25 Weeks

25w

Dear Baby,

13.5 inches of pure little boy. That is for sure what you are. You are so busy in there and sometimes I wonder just what it is that you are doing!? Practicing spirals? Field goals? Bicycle kicks? And you weigh around a pound and half which makes sleeping so fun for mommy. My uterus (your home) is now the size of a soccer ball. You are still working on your nervous system, but everything else is a go. You are also supposedly starting to turn from the breech position to a head down one. Somehow I don't think this is going to be a difficult feat for you. You are still putting on fat and will continue to do so. Also, your hair is recognizable in color in texture although it will probably change after birth. We are hoping to get a good look at what you look like sometime soon with a 3d/4d ultrasound at grandpa Luc's work.

We had another fun night of tossing and turning, sciatica, back pains, getting up to pee, nose bleeds, 5am cat puke and chirping birds. I almost started crying (again) in the shower but held it back. When I went downstairs to eat breakfast I noticed my phone was blinking. I checked the voicemail and guess what little man? Your furniture is in! I immediately started screaming, this was totally unexpected and I was completely prepared to wait another month for it! I have heard stories about the particular collection we ordered being late, etc. since it is so popular. I wasn't worried about waiting for it all since it is ultimately just something else for us to dust, but this MADE MY DAY. Your dad and I were already planning on starting on your room this weekend and painting and now you will have furniture! I am definitely a planner, so the fact that I can start organizing and putting things where they need to go is a plus in my book.

You are in for a fun weekend of mommy moving around a lot, which I know puts you right to sleep. Hang in there for another 14 weeks, kid.

The beast.

24w 6d

I have spent the better part of this morning crying. Why you ask? The world is round. Pretty much, yep that's it.

You name it, I probably thought about it and immediately cried about it this morning. I am stressed, tired, angry - all of the normal hormonal reactions that BL has given me. What a sweet boy. Why do weddings and babies make people all drama-filled? Why do I feel like every one's drama is immediately put on my shoulders?

Did you know that BL is viable now? Yup LAST WEEK he reached the point where he would have a good chance of surviving outside of the womb should he decide he needs to come - with medical intervention of course. And did I remember to include this in his Dear Baby last week? No. What's next? His birthday?

Did you know that Paul and I only have about 3 months left of just being us? Just the two of us? 3 more months of being able to get up in the middle of a DVR'd episode of Bones because we feel we need a milkshake and bowl of ice cream? Who am I kidding? We only have 3 more months of actually being able to sit down and WATCH a DVR'd episode of ANYTHING. I am struggling with turning into a wild beast (I already have the hairy body for it) and snarling/growling at people who try to take my husband away from me because we only have 3 months left! Did you know that?! On the other hand, there is so much left to be done and I would rather him do it now so when BL comes, we have time to be a family. Just the 3 of us.

In other news, happy news, Baby Luc has a name. First, middle and last. We have decided to not share it with anyone until his birth though, in case you haven't caught that fact by reading this blog. So don't bug me about it, or I will cry again.

Didya know? Boobs.

24w 5d

This is the point in my pregnancy where I grow imaginary balls. I don't know if it is because BL's testicles have been making their descent from his abdomen recently, or if it's from all of the crazy hormones running through my body, but I feel more brave than ever. Not jump-off-a-bridge brave, don't get anxious, but definitely more brave. A few of my upcoming posts will demonstrate this fact for you. There are a couple things I want you to keep in mind while reading my blog though: This is a blog. This is also MY blog, where I can write pretty much whatever I want. Therefore, the opinions expressed are solely my own. But hear this, good people of the Internets - I do not speak wildly without doing my research first. That's pretty much how I roll (as Colleen would say). I am presented with a topic, I research and form and opinion, and lately I tell people about it.

For my first demonstration, I will be playing with my Pam Anderson boobs. Not really, but let's chat about them, shall we? My new balls are allowing me to give you some insight into my head and what decisions, mostly the controversial ones, I have made regarding my pregnancy and the upbringing of my son. This is going to be so fun! I hear your popcorn popping! Lots of butter, now.

Didya know that breasts make milk? I know, crazy right?! Turns out they have been since like, forever. Odd enough, they do this for a reason and guess what? This is going to blow your mind - it is actually beneficial to encourage your young offspring to drink that milk. I guess at one point, according to my mom, I described breast-feeding as gross and stated that I would NEVER partake. I guess this was before I started researching-before-speaking.

There are so so so SO many benefits to breast-feeding and as far as I can see, no negatives. It can protect your baby from gastrointestinal problems, ear infections, respiratory problems, allergies, childhood leukemia, type I diabetes, SIDS, and has been shown to boost intelligence, and help protect from obesity later in life (by developing healthier eating patterns). It doesn't stop there. It helps the mom too by burning calories and assisting in losing the baby weight at a faster rate and also has shown to reduce some cancers and osteoporosis.

All those positives and yet you still hear people who don't even want to try because it's "icky" or "too hard". They don't even try. This blows my mind. I understand a lot of women just can't breastfeed because of various reasons, but there is help out there. Obviously I am going to give it a try. This is something that I really want to do for my child. If pregnancy has taught me anything it is that I do know how to be an unselfish person. This is for my child. This is not entirely about me and there are so many other decisions I have made for this exact reason. I find it hard to take someone seriously when they make selfish decisions while pregnant. You'll see this in black and white in my upcoming posts.

How was your popcorn? Keep a stash handy!

Seen and Heard

24w 4d

• Me getting a little too excited when talking about a local restaurant's angel food cake martinis.
• A "more mature" woman making faces (not the good kind) at a baby shower because the guest of honor "isn't big at all" and rolling eyes/giving a look of concern/scrunching nose. When are people going to realize that pregnant women do not fit into a size category and are all individuals, thus carrying each baby differently?
• A certain brother-in-law (whom I do not believe reads this blog) asking me AGAIN what the baby's name is, har har har.
  
• Me telling said brother-in-law "Homer" and then changing my mind and telling him "Steve" (after brother-in-law). This game is fun. :o)
  
• Me lasting all of 5 minutes after getting home Friday night before diving into a large box that was delivered. BEDDING! Let the nesting begin!!
• Paul canceling plans that we had this coming Saturday to give me a day to relax. Who has two thumbs and the best husband ever? This girl.
• Binx closing his eyes and turning his head away from Paul during a spat, showing us that he too knows how to ignore-when-annoyed.
• Me grumbling all morning because I have a dentist appointment tomorrow.
• A certain small someone having 4am disco parties without his mom's permission.
• Two pregnant women discussing the size and color of their nipples on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. We so crazy!
• Me getting confused after reading one of my weekly pregnancy emails. I am in my seventh month (at 25 weeks) now? I thought 27 weeks was the seventh month. Confuzzled.
• Me panicking after reading said email. Holy shit.
  

I forgot what I was going to title this post.

24w 1d

I was going to write about a completely different topic today, but I am holding off for one of those days when I feel like being a HUGE bitch. Not really, but I just haven't collected all of my research.

I am lucky if I remember to put on underwear these days among other things. I forget everything and it is just as frustrating when someone gives me shit about it as when I finally remember. Tiff, did you do this? No. Well what the heck? You are SO forgettable. Yeah thanks captain obvious. I forget the names of things, where I put things, to deposit my paycheck, switch laundry, feed the cat, call people back, etc. I could go on for days. I cannot even hold a respectable debate with anyone these days because I have no intellectual points to add to the conversation. Why do I support Obama again? Uh, um...he has a pretty smile?

What were we talking about again?

Oh, baby brain. Riiiight. So I decided that I was going to do some research and find out if this whole baby brain thing is for real, or if I am just plain crazy. Stop laughing. Turns out, I am only part-crazy and while there really isn't any hard and fast evidence of the baby brain existence, it is pretty obvious why it occurs. Sleep deprivation, being overwhelmed, and distractions are three of the main causes of baby brain. I have also found that people have to explain things to me 18 times before I properly process it. My boss gave me an assignment today and I asked the same questions over and over again to make sure I understood what she was asking. Annoying? Why yes I am.

Dear Baby - 24 Weeks

24w

Dear Baby,

On Monday, your dad went to pick up his new bike. No, he is not 10, but he will play with you just the same. While we were at the bicycle shop, a guy behind the desk asked me if I wanted to sit down. I of course accepted and he proceeded to tell me that he didn't want to deliver any babies there and when are you due? I told him the beginning of September and he immediately said, "Oh, BIG baby huh?". As much as I wanted to turn into the snarky bitch that I am, I played along. "Yep, I think he is going to be a big one, he he ha ha." Was that a compliment? I am not sure, but GOLLY GEE, how nice of him to point out the fact that I am huge. Except that I am not. So the lesson here today baby, is to think before you speak. Don't become the man behind the counter at the bike shop.

Guess what?! Your face is complete. I feel like I should be doing robot arms when I type that. Your eyes, though still closed, are now close together and your ears are in their final resting spot. According to the ALWAYS AGREEING websites I read, you weigh anywhere between 1.5-2 pounds and are about 14 inches long. The walls of your lungs are secreting surfactant - a lubricant that will help your lungs inflate when it's time. Just keep inhaling that amniotic fluid for now though and get plenty of practice to scream your little head off when you make your way out of me and into the world of oxygen.

Speaking of leaving me, as much as I love having you inside of me where you are safe and warm and free of David Archuletta's horrible attempts at singing, it is becoming more apparent to me that you WILL have to come out at some point. I have prided myself so far on the fact that I am not scared at all for labor but I will admit that as it gets closer, it is a little freaky. You have to COME OUT OF ME. There are two options here and I hope that you chose the easier one (more about that tomorrow) but I promise, though I would be disappointed, I will still love you if you choose the other option. So far, I think you are confused. Belly button - not an option. Side of abdomen - try again. You have plenty of time to learn though and at the rate you are going I don't think you will have trouble.

You have 16 more weeks of poking, kicking and squirming to figure out that down is the best way out.

Birds and Cheese

23w 6d

Damn birds. Every morning. The chirping and the singing, "la la la chirp chirp chirp, it's Spring! Wake up assholes!" Okay, they don't say that, but I could have sworn I heard one of them yell that this morning at 5 a.m. Don't they have some worms to eat? Anything better to do? I am tired. I am so, so, tired. I just want one day where I can lay on the couch (because it's the only place I am comfortable) and SLEEP. No cooking, no cleaning, no entertaining. Our weeknights, weekends, LIVES are so insanely busy right now. I know that it is not going to get better, EVER, but I feel like if I just had one day to sleep I would feel ten thousand times better. I guess I should be thankful that we are in such high demand and so loved, but honestly people.

And the cheese. Stay with me here. I am slightly obsessed with stinky cheese. Blue, goat, brie, if it stinks, I want it. Of course a lot of the cheeses I want to eat are big no-no's when pregnant. I am especially obsessed with goat cheese right now. I'm talking looking-up-menu's obsessed. There is this wonderful pizza place in Cincinnati called Dewey's and they have an equally wonderful salad consisting of field greens, dried cranberries, toasted pine nuts and GOAT CHEESE all smothered in a balsamic vinaigrette. Are you salivating yet? I am. I actually dreamt about goat cheese last night.

The issue here is whether or not the cheese was made using pasteurized milk. Of course it is pretty difficult in the US to find a cheese that is not, but they are out there. In my grocery store there is a section of artisan cheeses if you will. Most of them are made using unpasteurized milk and therefor strictly prohibited by the pregnancy food police for risk of listeria. But you can pretty much bet the house that I will be asking my doctor about goat cheese on Friday.

Can you see now why I am so tired? All I do is think about goat cheese all day and night while the birds sing to me and the phone rings for get-togethers. Constant struggles.

Our Weekend Part II

23w 5d

On to Sunday, Mother's Day. We had a wonderful breakfast at the hotel with Paul's family. Like I mentioned before, Paul didn't say anything to me all morning while we were packing to leave, or at breakfast. As we were walking towards the car, he confessed that he forgot it was Mother's Day. Silly boy. I hope he realizes that I have a good memory. And that I hold grudges. WHAT? You want to know what my mother-in-law gave me? Sure.

I can't wait to read it. From what I have heard, this lady is bad ass.
Next we drove North to my hometown to see my family. I wasn't expecting anything from anyone honestly. A nice, "Happy Mother's Day!" is all, if ANYTHING I was expecting. I mean, some people wouldn't even classify me as a mother yet, although I beg to differ. Back to the task at hand, I received these wonderful gifts:

Isn't he the cutest?! Thanks again Aunt Michelle and Meme!

This book is so cool. It is full of quotes about children and being a parent. So cool that I might start incorporating it into this blog. Thanks again Quartz fam!

My mom, always the thinker, got BL this TOTALLY AWESOME bib (figure out what city we live close to yet?) and onesie. BL is going to be stylin' for football season and the end (and most important part if you ask Paul) of baseball season.

My mom also got me this Willow figurine. I love the simplicity of Willow Tree people and it looks wonderful on my dresser. I actually completely forgot about this and I was so happy when I opened it! You're the best mom!

I can imagine how my evening posting has totally been messing with your universe, so I promise that I will return to my regularly scheduled posting tomorrow morning. You can thank me later by sending large, expensive, shiny gifts.

Weekend Part I

23w 4d

This is going to be a "two-parter" since we were so busy this weekend! First up is Saturday. A friend of Paul's from high school got married and we were more than happy to attend. They had such a gorgeous day and everything was perfect. Paul's family also attended so we used the opportunity to get some fun photos:


The second is of my sister-in-law Denise and I. Busy summer for this family! Shortly after those photos were taken, there was a pretty bad car accident right by the church and dangerously close to the limo containing the newly weds. Thankfully, everyone was okay.

I managed to capture some of my favorite moments from the day. Nancy was a beautiful bride (Adam looked handsome as well):



I spent a lot of the morning and afternoon by myself while Paul attended to his groomsman duties. So I did a little shopping and got a pedicure. It was wonderful! The baby and I had lunch and I watched him try to escape once again through my belly button. Not an exit, buddy. Speaking of Paul's groomsman duties, look how handsome he looked:

I took the advice of a reader and made sure to get a full-length shot, but oops! I had a black dress on and the reception was in a dimly lit converted church. Must.try.again.
Lastly, jumping ahead and skipping Sunday for now, Paul wants you to check out his new bike:

Stay tuned for Part II sometime soon!

Escape Artist

23w 4d

Lots of stories and pictures from the weekend coming tonight.

I hope all moms and mothers-to-be had a wonderful Mother's Day! I know I did (even though Paul admitted after the breakfast for his mom yesterday that, "He knew we were going to breakfast for something, but couldn't remember what....Oh yeah and Happy Mothers Day! - I am a horrible husband."). Paul, you are NOT a horrible husband, you have plenty of Mother's Days to make it up to me. *wink wink*

In other exciting news, Baby Luc now kicks (or tries to escape) so hard that it can be seen from the outside. Truly amazing if I do say so myself. Check back this evening!

Fruit Smuggler

23w

Cantaloupe? Watermelon? You decide.

Dear Baby - 23 Weeks

23w

Dear Baby,

I think I say this every week, but I can't believe how strong you are getting. Just yesterday I could have sworn that you were again trying to escape alien-style through my skin. You kept migrating to the right side of my stomach and making my belly all lopsided then pushing as hard as you could. It was quite comical. Last night after some wonderful ice cream, you decided to have your very own disco while your dad and I were laying on the couch. I have to admit that I am a little apprehensive when it comes to poking around at you, but yesterday my bravery kicked in and I pushed back at you. I think you liked this. You pushed right back at me. When you weren't pushing, I was and I felt something. Could have been an arm, might have been a leg. Either way it was FREAKY. You are in there! I did the same thing last night and there you were again. I promise I won't become on of those crazy pokers now or when you are "out here". I also won't be one of those moms that uses her own spit to wipe the chocolate off of your mouth. We had a little chat last night about how it wasn't time for your escape yet and to hang on for at least 15 more weeks. I know you heard me.

Your measurements this week are coming in at just over a pound and around a foot long. Comparable to a baby doll. I haven't felt any hiccups from your drinking of amniotic fluid yet, but THEY tell me I will soon. I have also read that since you have been chillin' in a bath for the past 23 weeks, you resemble a wrinkled little raisin. Your skin is hanging off of you waiting to be filled with fat - kind of like Nicole Richie circa 2006. I know that you have no clue what that means, just go with it.

Another adventure for us this weekend when you will be attending your first wedding. I promise not to dance too much and to eat as much as they will let me. Bottled waters all around! Oh and don't worry, Jason the stoner got kicked off of Idol last night, I know your little ears will be happy. Now if we could only get rid of that Archuletta kid.

Get comfy, you still have 17 weeks of baking to do! New belly pic tonight or tomorrow.

The most beautiful smile in the world.

22w 6d

This is a post. A post about someone who is my best friend.
This is a post about someone who has ALWAYS been there for me with her entire heart. Never judging, never breaking me down, always building me up and teaching me to be the best person I can be. A post about someone who taught me right from wrong, but let me find out for myself sometimes because it was the only way she knew I would learn. A post about someone who is most unselfish person you can imagine. She taught me how to be independent, but also when it is good to rely on others for support. She generously used herself as an example to make me a better person. Like I said, the most unselfish person you can imagine.

This is a post about someone whom I once kicked in a department store, someone whom I have fought with, yelled at and said some pretty mean things to. All because she was just trying to love me. I guess sometimes it takes a while to figure that out. This is a post about someone who has sacrificed so much for others, not even considering how it would affect her. A post about someone who makes me so proud, whom I look up to with such admiration. Someone who probably just read that line and said to herself, "Why would you want to admire me, Tiff?" because that's how she thinks. Someone who my friends always thought was way cooler than me. Someone who I once wrote about for a contest at a local grocery store saying, "She is the best because she buys me things." What a shallow little second grader I was. I admire this person because she has set the most wonderful example of what I want to accomplish with my son.

This is a post about a person that has the best smile and laugh in the world. A smile that was once made into an impression that I proudly tell people about because my impression sits next to it in the hall of fame case at our orthodontist - because they were both so similar, in their crookedness. A person that now has beautiful teeth, and knew that I too could have the same beautiful teeth, after braces of course. Someone who was the best Girl Scout leader ever. She is legendary. A post about someone who taught me what good music is but would still listen to "Regulators" on repeat because I liked it so much.

This person is my mom and I can't think of a better person to look to when raising my little boy. I could go on all day about her sharing stories and I am sure if you know her, you could too. If you don't know her, you should get in your car and find her and get to know her. I love you mom, sorry for the crazy amount of stalkers you are about to receive! Oh and thanks for fixing my smile. I love when people tell me it looks just like yours.

By the way, this is a post that is being written a few days early of Mothers Day since we will be out of town all weekend, but it was too important to me to pass up.

Happy Mothers Day, mom!

What I Love Now

22w 5d

Confusion has set in and it takes me like 12 minutes just to get the post title and correct week and day measurement up on this thing. I guess now that the BIG Ultrasound is over, I am having trouble remembering what week I am in. "Is it 22 or 21 weeks?" I cannot believe I am approaching 23 weeks officially, going into my 24th week! Crazy how time flies. Now onto the post for today...

What I am loving right now!

Strawberries. Can they smell any yummier right now? Whenever I am even close to the grocery store I have to scoop up 2 containers of these puppies (Buy one, get one free!). I have been buzzing through them (with Paul's help) like mad. I love them!

Sun Chips. Same thing. I don't think I ate more than a Subway-sized bag of Sun Chips between high school and now, but for some reason I cannot pass up these things!

Baby Legs. Visit them here. They are like mini leg warmers for babies. There are TONS of patterns to choose from and they are oh-so-cute! I am definitely going to purchase some of these for the little one to wear on the days where he can do with a onesie, but may need some warmth on his legs. And how perfect are these for when he starts crawling?

The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD. I know I have blogged about this book before, but I decided to buy the DVD on Amazon when I heard how helpful it was. And that isn't a lie. The book is wonderful, and I probably would have been fine, but I like a little visual help sometimes. Paul also was thrilled about this since he really doesn't have the time to read a non work-related book at the moment. Plus it's NBA playoff time.

Also in that Amazon shipment was my Shiva Rea Prenatal Yoga DVD. I really wanted to do yoga in this pregnancy and after calling virtually every yoga studio in the area, only to find out all classes are during the week at 10am, I turned to a DVD. This programs kicks meditative ass. There are 3 women to represent each trimester. It is fun, easy and relaxing. Which brings me to my last love: Sleep.

I was doing just fine in the energy department until recently. I think it's because I have been so busy. The yoga did me in last night. I was snoozing on the couch by 9:30 and this morning it took me an extra 10 minutes to get out of bed. I still feel like a zombie. Hopefully with some regular yoga practice I will be able to find some extra energy. Just in time to never sleep again.

Our trip to Pittsburgh

22w 4d

First stop: lunch at Church Brew Works.

Yes, a brewery in an old church.







One of the inclines.

A train at Station Square and one of the many bridges in the background.

The skyline. Taken from the river. Yes, I was IN the river. In a Ducky Tour boat/vehicle.

Heinz Field. Blah.

What we think Binx did all weekend...

We also visited the Bodies Exhibit. Amazing. Highly recommend it if the collection comes to a town near you. I also took Paul to the Pittsburgh IKEA and can safely say that it blows in comparison to the one in Cinci. That's right, I am now an IKEA rater.

Once upon a time

22w 1d

Gather 'round chitlins. I've got a story to tell. You see, once upon a time I was not pregnant. I wasn't even married! But one Spring, I met this wonderful man. He had the most gorgeous blue eyes I had ever seen and I frequently thought to myself, "Self, aren't those the most gorgeous blue eyes you have ever seen? We must marry this man. We must get our grubby little hands on those blue eye genes!". He was also hot. And smart. And funny. And he asked me to go to Dave and Busters one night! SCORE!

If you don't know what Dave and Busters is, imagine this: A big place, with children who look like adults running around playing games. Pacman. Skee-ball. Pop-a-shot. You name it. They also have a restaurant with pretty good food. Oh and beer. Yeah they let you play all those games with a beer in your hand.

So one night this handsome, blue-eyed man and I (plus two friends) went to Dave and Busters. I had only been dating said blue-eyed man for a short while at that point and was already looking forward to at least the next date (most likely the next 100 years of dates). After some food, drinks and a couple games, we saw it. The Gene Machine.

Me: Why not.
Him: Sure.
Me: I mean, it can be funny. You know, to see what our potential, future, maybe children would look like.
Him: Yeah. Could be.

So he puts some money in it. First the machine scans his face. Then mine. Then we wait. What is it doing? What is taking so long? Did we break it?! Oh no. Then it happens. The Gene Machine spits out a little picture. We both kind of looked at each other reluctantly and one of us (I can't remember who) picked it up to have a look. Nothing could have prepared us for what we saw:

We were laughing so hard. In the midst of our breakdown, I believe it was Paul who said, "Tiff I don't think this is going to work. It's been nice knowing you." I agreed. You can't see it online, but in the original picture it appears that the "CHILD" has drool going down his chin. And what about those ears?! And the Donald Trump comb-over? You know what though? The "CHILD" appears to be a boy. So far it has one thing right. And that scares me!

Where are the blue eyes? Oh NO! Not the blue eyes! I guess we will just have to wait and see just how accurate the Gene Machine really is.

Dear Baby - 22 Weeks

22w


Dear Baby,

I like the picture above. Only mine would say something like, "I am due September 4th, It's a Boy, try to keep yourself from examining the belly button, give me Teddy Grahams.". Baby, whose name shall remain a mystery, you are so predictable. I already have you all figured out! See, this isn't so hard. Where's my medal? You like BBQ hamburgers, pasta, Teddy Grahams, salt water taffy and American Idol. You also have taken a liken to ACTUAL music lately, especially your blue elephant and anything with good bass. Luckily for you, there is a speaker under my desk at work, so you can jam out all day long. You also hate it when the elastic band on my maternity jeans rolls down, most likely cramping you space. You always give me a "Thanks Mom!" kick after I pull it up. You also hate when I don't empty my bladder soon enough or when I first turn on my hair dryer in the morning. Sorry about that.

I love that you can hear me and your dad now. Although, throw daddy-o a bone sometime and give him some harder kicks when he talks to you. I know that his deep voice (swoon) can be completely relaxing, but his a very impatient person and you need to kick immediately when he talks to you. I am talking 30 seconds tops before he gives up and returns to his computer. You have given him some pretty good kicks, but it has been a while. This shouldn't be hard for you since you are around a foot long now and weigh a little over a pound. I am not quite sure where you are hiding though, because I feel like I am not getting any bigger.

Pretty sure you are still sitting upright inside of me since the majority of your kicks are down really low or right to my bladder. The top of my uterus is supposedly now 2 cm above my belly button, but I have not felt you kick high at all. Move while you can little man!

18 weeks until the NFL Season begins and hopefully until you are here. Your dad is really looking forward to watching the games with you.