Friday, August 29, 2008

Babymoon

Tomorrow we're traveling to the most romantic city in the world. Any guesses? That's right, we're going to Cincinnati.

We're driving out to Cincy early tomorrow morning to go to the Reds-Giants game. Fredo has been a San Francisco Giants fan for a long time so for our first anniversary, his paper gift was tickets to the game. We'll be staying near the ballpark tomorrow night and will make our way back to Chicago Sunday. It's a whirlwind baseball adventure.

I'm really excited for the trip, despite the 10 hours or so we will spend in the car over the next 2 days. We'll be leaving early tomorrow morning and stopping at Sonic in Lafayette, IN. Chicago has many things but fast food is not one of them. It's quite a treat for us to be able to go to Sonic. A fast food joint with tater tots on the menu (and you can even get them in a breakfast burrito)? Count me in.

We will be stopping at Sonic for breakfast and then having lunch somewhere in Cincinnati followed by the ball game and hot dogs at the ballpark. Sunday, we'll stop somewhere for brunch and then head home. We are debating stopping in Indianapolis for dinner since neither of us have been there but we'll see what time we hit the road Sunday morning.

It's probably not the smartest thing for me to be traveling at 36 weeks pregnant but I didn't really think that through so well when I bought the tickets and booked the hotel back in May. I'm not really worried about but let's hope this baby doesn't make an appearance this weekend in Cincinnati... or worse, a town between Cincinnati and Chicago.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

The "To Tell or Not To Tell" Post

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine at work today about blogging. He basically said he wishes he were popular enough to blog. I responded that if you wanted a lot of people to read your blog, being popular helps but if you don't care about that, it's not a requirement. I did not mention in this conversation that I blog.

I've read many posts on other blogs on whether people know about their blogs or not. I have not told anyone, besides my husband, that I do it. I know there are some people who do read my blog (from the comments, I don't have any of this fancy visitor tracking stuff) but I didn't start my blog to be read.

In a nutshell, I started my blog because I'm pregnant.

As I've mentioned in a previous post, my friends don't have kids. Some of my husband's friends do but they don't live in Chicago. Hell, none of my friends are even married and the one couple that is close is no where near having kids. I know that soon (very, very soon) I will be at home all day with a new baby and a husband who is trying to get some work done to support this growing family of ours. And I know that I will need to vent some feelings somehow or just talk to someone who is not a newborn. If someone talks back, great but I wanted a place I could just get it all out and not have to worry about the response.

I've never been the type to keep a journal so the fact that I've taken to this blog thing kind of surprised me. I think it's the accountability of being online that keeps me writing most days of the week. For now, I try to write every weekday and take the weekends off but the frequency will most likely change with the new addition.

I still haven't decided if I will tell anyone or not. I suppose when people soon want baby updates I can point them here. For the meantime, it's just my place to write about the mundane details of my life as I gear up for this baby.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

We are Having a Baby... Really Freakin' Soon!!

I think it's finally hit me...hard. We are having us a baby and we are having her soon! Obviously, the end result of this was always (hopefully) going to be baby, but now that we are less than a month away from my due date, it's that much more real.

I had a baby doctor appointment yesterday. The doctor told me it seems like the baby has dropped. Fredo had commented over the weekend that my belly looked lower, but it was confirmed by the doctor. So, the baby dropping.. that's a sign that the baby is coming sometime in the near future, right?

Side note: The doctor also said tall women have easier deliveries. That's probably a crock but I'm hoping that is true. (I'm 5' 9").

The appointment went fine, as usual, and I was home early. I didn't do a whole lot last night, as usual, and went to bed early.

I can't sleep through the night anymore anyway. I'm up at least at 1 am and then again around 3 or 4 am to use the bathroom. Last night was no different. I was up at 11 pm, 1 am and then again at 4 am. At 4 am, I began to freak out (silently). Holy crap! We are having a baby and we are actually going to be bringing her home and WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO THEN?!

Oh middle of the night paranoia.. gotta love it.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Random Monday

This morning, while waiting for the elevator to go to work, I was stopped by a woman who felt compelled to tell me that she could tell I was pregnant from behind. Apparently, I walk pregnant.

I ordered nursing nightgowns today. I started looking at them this weekend and damn are they expensive. I ordered 3 from Target and am not happy spending that much money on pajamas. I still need to do the whole nursing bra thing and I am not excited.

I am trying to convince myself that this week will go by quickly. I have multiple doctor's appointments and we start our birthing class this week. If this morning is any indication, this will be the slowest week in the history of weeks.

My due date is exactly one month from today. That's incredibly soon, but still far away. There's a lot to do in the next month and one of those things to pay $35 to meet the prospective pediatrician. I hope she's nice and not psycho because a) she's right around the corner from our apartment and b) I don't want to be dropping 35 bones all over the city just to meet doctors. Anyway, that is in a few weeks. Until then I only have to pay money to see my doctors.

Sorry so random today. There's not a ton going on with me other than the baby stuff.

Friday, August 22, 2008

It's (Almost) the Weekend!

We don't really have any plans this weekend and I could not be more thrilled.

I plan on cleaning the apartment, running some errands, watching some TV. Nothing too taxing. My father was visiting last weekend so we spent a lot of time with him.

Our street is having a block party this weekend that could be fun. It's certainly seems to be a well organized block party with a pet parade, kids events and 2 bands playing. Last year, there was a block party in our old neighborhood which consisted of the fire department coming and opening up the hydrant for an hour or so, the adults sitting on their porches drinking beer and me getting yelled at by the kids in the neighborhood because I forgot how to play hopscotch.

We'll see how this block party shakes out tomorrow, but it seems like it'd be fun to go to for a bit. There seem to be a lot of families with young children on our street so it'd be nice to make some friends.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Seemingly Innocent Questions that are Really Starting to Piss Me Off

**DISCLAIMER** There is nothing wrong with these questions usually. What pisses me off is generally the person asking or the number of times per day I am asked the same question.

"How are you?" - It is generally polite to ask how someone is, however, this question is now asked of me at least 10 times a day, by people I never spoke to before I started showing and is usually asked while staring at my belly.

"How much longer do you have?" - Again, nothing wrong with this question, per se. It's just that I'm now asked this repeatedly through out the day. Variations on this include "not too much longer, huh?" and "Going to pop soon?".

"Do you have names picked out?"- Yes, we do. If I try to leave it at that, the next question is what the name is. I feel obligated to answer but at this same time, I feel a little weird about it. It's seems to be too late in the game to say "We're not telling anyone". Our baby to be's name is not a secret but I feel like they don't need to know. My family and close friends? I don't mind telling them the name. In fact, they've known what it is for awhile. The girl in the bathroom (or guy in the elevator) that I never talk to? I'm not sure that it's any of your business.

"Are you excited?"- What if I said no? Maybe I should start saying no to see what the reaction would be. Now that I think of it, that could be kind of funny.

I generally get hit with these questions in the ladies room. Ladies, it is fine to say nothing and to ignore the pregnant woman. Lately, I would prefer it if you did ignore me. Now, if I see that the person who entered the bathroom right before me is one of these chatty types, I will hide in the stall until they are gone. I know it's bitchy but I'm over it. I would just like to go to the bathroom and wash my hands in peace and then go back to my desk and continue counting down the days until I no longer have to answer these questions.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

It's Official

I have finally turned in the required paperwork and my manager has approved my maternity leave. My last day in the office will be Sept. 12 (16 business days to go!). I think I'll be taking a half day on the 12th anyway. There won't be much for me to do so it seems kind of pointless to stay at the office all day, reading blogs when I could be home, reading blogs.

I tried to get the approval to work from home the last couple of weeks before my leave began but it was denied. I'm not sure why as my "replacement" has already started and is in the process of being trained but whatever. The end is in sight and with everything going on over the next few weeks, it should go quickly.

I hit another milestone yesterday. I had an appointment with the baby doctor yesterday afternoon and he said he should probably start seeing me every week now. That means leaving work early one day a week for the next 3. I have to see a different doctor next week, as mine won't be in the office, and the latest appointment I could get is 2 so I will be leaving really early next Tuesday.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Dare I Say It?

I think we're ready for this baby to come.

My shower was last week so this weekend we headed to Target and Babies R' Us to get the things we didn't get as gifts that we'll probably need sooner rather than later. A boatload of money later, I think we're set.

We received some hand me down clothes and some other clothing my mother bought us last weekend. I washed everything and have it all put away. This kid has so many clothes now, I need to buy more hangers and I ran out of space in the dresser.

We start our baby classes next week and then I'll have two other classes in Sept.

I'm feeling pretty good about it. I actually think we're (just about) ready. Now to just enjoy the time we have left as just Fredo and I.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Hate To Admit It

But the Crazy Bus Man was right.

I had been having some stomach issues this week and felt extremely nauseous all day yesterday (what's worse than actually throwing up? Being so nauseous and not being able to throw up). I left work early and called my OB on my way home since it was the third day this week I had been sick. I stopped at CVS, got the universal sick food of saltines and ginger ale and went home to lay on my couch.

The triage nurse called awhile later and I explained what I had been feeling. She recommended I go to the OB Triage at the hospital to see if I was dehydrated. I got Fredo and off we went.

A little while later, I found myself hooked up to an IV and having some contractions. The contractions weren't that bad and it would have been a lot scarier if I wasn't already at the hospital. After 1 1/2 IV bags, I was released and was sent home.

I'm trying to drink a lot more water than usual today and from now on. I don't want to make a repeat appearance at the hospital again anytime soon.

But Crazy Bus Man was right. After all, he was only trying to help.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Ask and You Shall Receive

Yesterday I blogged about having nothing to blog about. Well that changed yesterday afternoon.

I was at the bus stop after work and sat down on the bench in the bus shelter next to a man who was already there. As this man was wearing headphones I figured he wouldn't bother me or want to strike up a conversation or anything. I was wrong.

First, he looks over at me and says, "I wanna smoke wit' chu".
Me (confused):What?
Crazy bus man: I wanna smoke wit' chu
Me: I don't smoke but if you want to smoke I'll move. (Side note: smoking at bus shelters and el stops in Chicago isn't legal so I shouldn't have had to move but if you sense someone is crazy, just get out of the way)
Crazy Bus Man (now referred to as CBM): No, I want to smoke with you.
Me, pointing at stomach: Well seeing as how I'm carrying a child, I will not be smoking but if you are going to smoke I will move.

I got up and walked outside of the bus shelter. Luckily, I soon saw a friend from work and began talking to her until the bus came. CBM came up to us and asked for a favor. We both said no.

We see CBM pull out the tools to roll his own cigarettes, so I'm assuming the favor had something to do with helping him roll his smoke. We go back to talking and CBM, obviously feeling like we're not paying him enough attention, comes back to talk to us, points at my feet and says, "Your ankles are swollen".

I ignore him and proceed to talk to my friend. CBM, who's obviously tenacious and not ready to give up proceeds to point out again that my ankles are swollen. I ignore him, which he doesn't seem to like.

CBM: You need to drink more water. My wife had 3 kids so I know. Your ankles are really swollen. You're not getting enough water.

And then I snapped.
Me: Alright, my ankles are swollen. Thank you. I get it. I need water.

CBM: Well, I'm just trying to help.

Thank you, crazy bus man, for pointing out my swollen ankles. Just what every pregnant woman wants to hear from strangers.

Today, I will try to drink 4 bottles of water, instead of my usual 3 since Crazy Bus Man said so. And thank you, CBM, for giving me something to write about.

On an unrelated topic, there's a man who works in my office who is a dead ringer for Kip, the older brother from Napoleon Dynamite. I have only heard rumors of him, but never saw him until today.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Holding Pattern

I feel like nothing's really going on with me right now, other than waiting. I wish I had more exciting things to blog about but all I've really been doing lately is counting down the days until this baby comes. I also wish I had things to talk about besides this baby, but I don't. Everything going on with me right now is baby-centric.

My thoughts lately are consumed with what we still need to get, need to do and how much longer I have until maternity leave or my due date. My days are preoccupied with the alien feelings in my stomach. I'm a little behind on some things at work and I'm trying to get those wrapped up soon, just in case, but I'm so easily distracted.

Sorry for the cop-out blog post today. Maybe something crazy will happen on the bus this evening so I have something to blog about tomorrow. Until then, I'll keep obsessing over baby kicks and counting days (21 business days until maternity leave and about 6 weeks until my due date).

Monday, August 11, 2008

Go Go White Sox!

Tonight Fredo and I are going to the White Sox game. We are both huge White Sox fans in a city (and neighborhood) where the Cubs reign supreme. We haven't been to a game yet this season so I'm very excited. It's supposed to be a nice evening weather wise. I am looking forward to a hot dog at the ballpark and (hopefully) a White Sox winner. The only thing missing for me will be the beer.

We have high hopes for Peanut to be a big White Sox fan too. The first book we bought her? A White Sox board book. One of the first outfits? A White Sox outfit.

My shower was yesterday and Peanut was gifted with another White Sox outfit. We are so getting this kid on the Jumbotron next season.

The shower was very nice. Nothing too fancy, just a group of close friends at my mother's house and some great food. My mother is a fantastic cook. Sadly I did not inherit her skills in the kitchen. We got the bedding, some clothes, and a crib soother among other things.

It was fun to get all everything home and into the baby's room. I made up the crib, even though everything needs to be washed still. It was great because we are finally able to get a better idea of what we still need to get. I think we'll be good with one more trip to Babies R Us, which we'll probably do this upcoming weekend.

I think I feel good about our level of preparedness. This feeling changes everyday but I think if the baby were to come now (which, knock on wood that doesn't happen), the list I would send Fredo to Babies R Us will would be pretty manageable.

I'll enjoy this feeling right now because of course tomorrow this could all change when I become convinced we need a ________ and we need it now!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Ice Cream Will Make it Better

I'm in a bad mood today.

The work day did not start well. I am in an industry that you do not have to be intelligent to work in (I'm sure there are plenty of people who are very intelligent who work in the same industry, I just did not deal with any of them today). Typically I end up talking to a few stupid people through out the course of the day, however, today I hit my stupid people quota within a half hour of sitting at my desk.

As I've mentioned before, I work with a lot of guys. You're not going to get very far in my office if you can't make fun of yourself and can't take a joke when people give you a hard time. That said, today my manager said, in response to an email I wrote to a customer yesterday, that I need to more polite in emails. WTF? I (still) don't understand how what I wrote would be considered impolite. Yes, it was direct and fairly concise (economy of words and all that) but nothing I wrote was rude. I didn't say "be less stupid", which is what I would have preferred to write. I reread the email several times to figure out where I could have been more polite. I even sent the email to a friend, who agreed with me. His response? "Maybe you should add ten smiley faces to every email to make everyone feel better".

For some reason, this email thing has been bothering me all day. Maybe it's hormones. Maybe I'm just over this place and can't wait until maternity leave. Maybe it's a combination of the two.

At least we're going to Dairy Queen tonight. If you buy a blizzard today, a donation is made for the Children's Miracle Network. Ice cream will make me feel better. And really, I'm doing it for the kids.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Sandwich Contest

Today, at work, we had a sandwich contest. I eat with the same group of people everyday, "The Lunch Bunch" and it was decided yesterday that today was sandwich contest day. The contest was not a sandwich eating contest but rather a sandwich making contest. The sad thing was, I was looking forward to it all morning.

It was hilarious. I had my usual peanut butter and jelly (made with white bread bought from the farmer's market, natural peanut butter and strawberry preserves, not Jif and Smuckers Grape Jelly so at least it was kind of fancier) but my friends went all out for this. One even made certificates. We were all winners in the sandwich contest. We all deserved to be recognized for our outstanding achievement in the field of sandwiches.

It was great. Whatever gets you through the day right? I will miss them when I'm on leave. Lunch is the best part of my day. The hour always flies by and we always have a great time. We'll have to have at least one more sandwich contest before I go.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Class

Tonight we have our first baby class. The birthing classes start at the end of the month but tonight is "Baby Safety and CPR". I thought it would be a good class to take and I am kind of looking forward to it. It's just a one night class but I thought we might meet some other expecting couples. And it allows me to leave work an hour early tonight. Can't hate that.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Crib Saga

The crib saga continues (and finally ends). We got our crib delivered Friday night. This was the crib we decided to order when the other one we initially wanted wasn't in stock for months and months. We received the crib Friday and the box was in terrible condition--so bad I looked at it and thought, "This can not be good". I started unpacking the box and sure enough, part of the headboard was broken. Even though the crib was broken, I used one of the rails to get an idea of the length of the crib and proceeded to rearrange the furniture in the baby's room at least 5 times Friday night. Fredo kept telling me to wait until we got the crib was set up but I was having none of that. My response? "I'm nesting damn it!"

Saturday we loaded up the car and drove out to the suburbs and exchanged the crib at Babies R Us and got some bookshelves for Fredo's office at Ikea.


We got the crib home, along with the bookshelves. First we put the crib together, which was not hard to do at all. In fact, it did not require any tools. Once the crib was together, I rearranged the furniture another 3 or 4 times. And then I took a nap.

With all the putting stuff together that occurred this weekend, both Fredo and I have a case of Kerry Wood-itis (hand blisters). Mine is not so bad but I think Fredo's going on the 15 day DL.

I think the baby's room is just about done. I still need to get the bedding and diaper pail and stuff but my shower is this weekend so hopefully we'll get that then. I found a small-ish woven plastic basket at a street festival yesterday and I think that will make a good hamper. We need more stuff for the walls but we plan on getting a very bad ass poster made once the baby arrives (check it out here).

It's all coming together.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Lollapaloser

This weekend is Lollapalooza weekend in Chicago and I will be a Lollapaloser, meaning that for the first time in awhile, I will not be in attendance. I didn't think it would be a good idea to drag my 32 weeks pregnant self around Grant Park in the hot sun for an entire weekend.

Fredo and I have gone to 3 Lollapaloozas together and have always had a great time. The past 2 years we have gone to the weekend long festival downtown. It's so cool that they hold it in the park and you can listen to some great bands in the middle of downtown Chicago.

I'm a little sad about missing it this year. I realized when tickets went on sale that there was no way I could go this summer. I think it cements for me how much things are changing. Sure we could go next year, but then we'd have to arrange for someone to watch our daughter, not to mention packing up all the things she would need and dropping her off/picking her up. This is not an impossible task as my mother lives in the city and I'm sure would be happy to spend loads of time with her granddaughter but really this summer is the last time we could just pick up and go someplace at a moments notice, and I hardly ever feel like doing anything lately. In fact, right now, all I want to do is take a nap. In a few months going anywhere will require quite a bit of planning, a diaper bag, a stroller, a car seat and oh yeah, a kid.

Don't get me wrong. I am so excited to meet our daughter and to become a mom. I'm ready for all of that. I want our daughter to become part of the life we already enjoy but I realize that we're going to have to change some things to accommodate her needs. I'm not so inflexible or delusional to think that things are going to blend seamlessly.

I just hope that in a few years we can bring Peanut to Lollapalooza with us. What? They have a kid's stage.