First Trimester Screening

Today was our 1st Trimester scan and it could not have gone better. Our baby was bouncing around like crazy, kicking and waving and trying to get comfy in his/her squishy little house. We saw and heard a strong heartbeat (157bpm), saw two hands and two feet, a sinus bone(the tech said babies with Downs don't have those....), two even and well-developed lobes of the brain, a good neck measurement, a beautiful profile, a strong looking spine. The doc said at this point, it's time to stop worrying about everything and just enjoy being pregnant. Whew. The picture you see here is Bump's profile.

Today was special, though. It's not every day you can watch your husband fall absolutely in love with his child. What a day! Mommy is exhausted from all the excitement, but couldn't be happier.

Update for Pregnancy Week 12 - Feeling Better?

Nausea and food aversions are decreasing. I guess that means I should start eating more than bread and cheese. At least I can eat ice cream again. Having an aversion to ice cream got scary.

Not showing yet, although I'm wearing maternity clothes and have been since week 5. That was mostly because having my belly restricted made me sick.

Spoke too soon on the nausea thing. Puked for the first time. Up until now, there's been a lot of gagging, but no actual puke. I guess that means she's happy and doing well.

Update for Pregnancy Week 8 & 9

The nausea is back with a vengeance. I'm living off of Preggie Pop Drops ( a must-have) and saltines. I've dropped 2 lbs. Fine with me.

Books you should read if you're pregnant: Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy and The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy by Vickie Iovine. Both are funny, insightful, and above all- HONEST about everything.

Books you should avoid like the plague: What to Expect When You're Expecting. This book should be called "Everything that could go wrong with your pregnancy." If you're looking for a panic attack, or think your blood pressure just isn't high enough, give it a try. If you MUST read this- read only the description of your month- do not go anywhere near the 300 pages of complications at the back of the book.

Everything they say about wacky pregnant dreams is true. This week I had a dream that my doctor's office was outdoors, next to an ocean inlet. After my exam, I was babysitting Suri Cruise and watching a humpback whale swim around the medical plaza. Oh, and did I mention the one about being trapped in a jeep with rattlesnakes and Bindi Irwin? What is it with celebrity kids in my dreams?

I also had yet another ultrasound- the bean continues to grow and the heartbeat still looks great. Dr. G is very happy for me. This time, the baby even waved an arm nub at me. His or her very first, "Hi mom!"

Update for Pregnancy Week 7 - Panic & Joy. Ah, Parenthood.

Week started off with a panic attack. I didn't feel good and ended up staying home, but I wasn't nauseous, and my breasts weren't sore. I actually called the doctor and asked for an ultrasound because I felt too good. It went perfectly- heartbeat is still strong, the bean has doubled in size, and the doc says everything is "perfect." He also said that while he understands the panic attack, and that he's always happy to see me, if I do it again, he will have to point and laugh. My doc is so kickback. I love it. He always makes me feel so much better.

We told our families this weekend. While it's still technically "early." This time, I'm embracing it, and want everyone to share it with us. Everyone was thrilled.

I'm 5 again.....

Hubby had never seen this, so we had to find it on YouTube. I LOVE this toon.

Update for Pregnancy Week s 5 & 6 – We have a Heartbeat!

Even though I've passed the mark where the first pregnancy miscarried the first pregnancy, I'm always checking to see if my boobs are still sore, and go a little too long between meals so I'll feel nausea. Every symptom makes me feel better. Most of the time, I feel like I've just finished a marathon. Mostly I just want to sleep, but have to talk myself into eating every once in a while.



Hubby came with me to the 2nd ultrasound, and I'm so glad he did. As soon as we saw the little blob in the sac, I started to giggle, because I knew it was great news. The doc told me to hold still for just a second, and as soon as I did, the center of the blob started flashing in a nice, strong rhythm. . . a heartbeat. Once you see the heartbeat, the chance of miscarrying goes down to 5%. We both got teary eyed. It was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen.



Also this week, I had a great, very vivid dream about having a baby girl. In the dream, she was about 9 months old, with two little teeth and lots of wispy blonde hair. Pretty cute if you ask me.

First Ultrasound

IT'S THERE!!!! My precious little bean is RIGHT THERE! I can't actually see the bean, but I had a big bubble where the little bean is going to grow. :) He said it's exactly what we should see at this stage. I go back next week to hopefully see a yolk in the sac, and then the week after THAT to maybe see a heartbeat. He also said that the nurse misspoke yesterday- she meant that my numbers were low because I was so early..... We're not nearly out of the woods yet, but it looks like the little bean is here to stay.

By the way- something they don't tell you before you're pregnant. The ultrasound is not always the little device that's on your belly. OH No! When it's early, and the baby is very small….they use a probe. I've heard it fondly referred to as Dildo-Cam. How appropriate.

Oops, We did it again. . .

Update for Pregnancy Week 4- We find out

Ever since we got married, the #1 question Hubby and I have been asked is, "So, when are you going to have a baby?" Today, we are thrilled to finally have an answer. "Bump" is scheduled to make his or her appearance on October 17, 2007. Only 1 month after my miscarriage, I am pregnant again. The test came back loud and clear last night, and again this morning. Other than sore boobs, no symptoms, no awful cramping, no feeling of being sick.... I'm hoping that means this one is healthy.

Had HCG (the pregnancy hormone) testing on Wednesday and Friday. The numbers should double to indicate a healthy pregnancy. They did, but the nurse said the numbers were low. Because I needed something to freak out about. It went from 150 to 363 a few days before 5 weeks.

In other news, we sold the condo. We are officially in escrow. On to the new adventure…

Cuter than cupcakes.....

Ted is keeping warm.....

Harry Potter Proper, and Harry Potter Hotness?

So, Yay, it's going to be a Potterful summer. The OTP movie is coming out on July 13, and JK Rowling just announced that the 7th book will be released on July 21. While I'm not looking forward to the end of the series, I am anxiously awaiting this book. Looks like we'll be moving just in time for me to do a Harry Potter-a-thon to be ready for the 7 th book.

In other Potter news… Dan Radcliffe (who plays Harry in the movies) is causing a bit of a stir with his West End stage debut in Equus. First of all, it's a dark play about a boy that attacks horses. Second, the play involves full nudity. But the big hubbub is being caused by the promotional photos for the play… in which Dan is nude. The pics are tastefully done, but a lot of parents aren't pleased. I say more power to him. This is a great way to expand his range and not be typecast the rest of his life. I hope he can pull off the role. If he can, he's got a great future ahead of him…. But I'm frightened. I saw the pics. And d-d-damn. Harry Potter went and got hot. I am so disturbed that I think that. Especially since he's 17. Was it legal to even look at these photos?

Get a Grip and Save Your Money People...

The following is excerpted from an AP Article:

WASHINGTON - People once again spent everything they made and then some last year, pushing the personal savings rate to the lowest level since the Great Depression more than seven decades ago.

The Commerce Department reported that the savings rate for 2006 was a negative -1%, meaning that not only did people spend all the money they earned but they also dipped into savings or increased borrowing to finance purchases. The 2006 figure was lower than a - 0.4% in 2005 and was the poorest showing since a -1.5% rate in 1933 during the Great Depression.

The savings rate has been negative for an entire year only four times in history — in 2005 and 2006 and in 1933 and 1932. However, the reasons for the decline in the savings rate were vastly different during the two periods.

During the Great Depression when one-fourth of the labor force was without a job, people dipped into savings in an effort to meet the basic necessities of shelter and clothing.

Economists have put forward various reasons to explain the current lack of savings. These range from a feeling on the part of some people that they do not need to save because of the run-up in their investments such as homes and stock portfolios to an effort by many middle-class wage earners to maintain their current lifestyles even though their wage gains have been depressed by the effects of global competition.

Whatever the reason for the low savings, economists warn that it the phenomenon exists at a particularly bad time with 78 million baby boomers approaching retirement age. Instead of building up savings to use during retirement, baby boomers are continuing to spend all their earnings.

Geeez. And I though I was bad.

Space is cool.

Friday night, Hubby showed me this thru the telescope. My favorite so far. Yay Saturn.

Best Celeb Sighting of 07

Okay, so it's my first celeb sighting of a celeb in 07, but seeing as how we're probably moving out of state..... it might be my only. And that's okay.

So, I was having lunch on Friday with some new friends and their new babies, and doing some much needed girl time to get over some serious no-fun that started the year, when in walks Pete Sampras and his superhottie wife (just as pretty in person btw). They enjoy a good bento box lunch, and weren't celeb-y at all. Yahoo. I was tempted to say hello, but they were so low-key, I didn't want to disturb their lunch. I was, however, on the receiving end of a gorgeous Pete smile. Yahoo for me.

Golden Globes

Those of you who know me, know that one of my greatest joys in life is bashing on the fashions at Hollywood’s big events. Here is my take on last night’s Golden Globes:

• Who sent out the memo about everyone wearing white, Grecian toga gowns?
• What exactly possessed Vanessa Williams- Medusa Hair, weird dress, AND fur? Her show is a success, she doesn’t need a PETA protest to get her name back in the tabloids.
• Was it just me, or was Julia Louis Dryfus a little frenetic on the Red Carpet? Drunk maybe?
• WTF, E! The channel just aired a commercial proclaiming Dreamgirls the winner of 3 Golden Globes! The awards haven’t even started on the West Coast. You stink.
• Penny Cruz- The hair’s a little big, but she looks pretty.
• Eva Longoria- nice, safe, but I’m not crazy about the Hey-Look-at-my-Tits detailing around the bodice.
• Kate Walsh- She rocks. Sooooooo classy.
• Ellen Pompeo- Hair and makeup is great, but I’m not a fan of the dress. In a way, it reminds me of the Celine Dion backwards-white-tux disaster. Plus, that girl could REALLY use a cheeseburger.
• JLo- Didn’t we do this same dress two years ago in green. And by the way, the audience doesn’t give a rats ass about your bet with Brad.
• Chandra Wilson- SO HOT! Funny, talented, and a long way from playing Gary Coleman on Broadway. She’s my favorite thing about TV right now.
• Ben and Jen- such a cute set. You got so lucky, dude. And I think you know it.
• Felicity- gorgeous as usual.
• Cate and Renee- safe but very good. Cate could use a hairbrush.
• I’m not sure what I think about being able to see everyone’s calves. . . I’ll get over that.
• Angie Jolie, you look gorgeous, babe, but do you have to be a total bitch on the Red Carpet. I’m not fond of Seacrest either, but DAMN.
• Reese- SMOKIN. If the best revenge is looking good and living well, Ryan might as well roll over and die right now.
• Beyonce- Down, Diva. You’re not that great. Humility is not a bad thing.
• Kate Winslet- Not her best effort, but she simply rocks so much that I don’t care.
• Jennifer Hudson- Great for her freshman effort, and so poised for someone who knows she’s a little out of her league. Beyonce- pay attention.
• I’m sorry, did Prince just win a Golden Globe? (He was in traffic, apparently waiting for his ugly orange suit.)
• Naomi Watts- Way to go. Different enough to stand out, but simple and elegant. LOVE IT.
• WTF is Trump doing there? Haven’t we seen enough of this ass lately?
• Hugh Laurie- Funniest acceptance speech E-V-A.
• Meryl- a little too flesh-toney for my taste, but always beautiful and appropriate.

My two faves of the night are America Fererra and Reese Witherspoon. Yowza. America's figure does wonders for a dress (again, yay for a figure), and Reese is just unbelievable.

I have to say, though, that the highlight of this year for me was the number of beautiful, accomplished women present, women that can really serve as role models for young women- America Fererra, Chandra Wilson, Shonda Rimes, Kate Walsh, Felicity Huffman (yes, I do have an affinity for ABC programs), Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, etc. Hurrah for real women on the Red Carpet!

P.S. Jack Bauer is back too. So far, not my favorite season. But I believe that they'll work it out. Jack needs his hoodie and man-bag back. They're the source of his power.

Happy Christmas!

I'm still dreaming of a White Christmas..... just like the one two years ago....

Well, folks, there may be no snow, but today was a pretty fantastic Christmas. Hubby and I were spoiled rotten by the in-laws, then the BIL, SIL and two ever-talkative nieces came by for yummy turkeybird dinner, lots of desserts. One in particular will be added to my repertoire- a dessert ball. It looks like a nut covered cheeseball, but the filling is made with cream cheese, lots of sugar, chocolate chips... OY. Happy belly. Happy belly. I'll take pics the first time I make it. Now we're settling in to watch MORE sports (thank God I have a supply of books (old and new) at the ready.

Giftwise, it was a great year. I did well with all of hubby's gifts, and like two years ago (when we were engaged), he surprised me with jewelry. My wedding band has been upgraded to something bigger and more sparkly. It was far more than I had hoped for, and I love it. I love him. A lot. And not just because of sparkly gifts.

Being here for the holidays really makes me realize how lucky I am. I have a wonderful husband, the best set of In-Laws anyone could ever hope for, and everything and more that I could possibly need in live. Yay Christmastime.

Green Christmas

So, Buffalo got plenty of snow in October, when Hubby and I were nowhere to be found, and NOW, on CHRISTMAS EVE- not a flake. It's a bit of a bummer, I have to say. We do, however, have a yummy dinner on the way, a fire in the fireplace, and presents under the tree, so I think we'll make it. We've been here for 5 days and have 5 more to go, then it's on to househunting and a NYE party in Beantown. Maybe there will be some snow there.

Okay Okay, I haven't posted in like, a month... and for that I suck. I promise to catch up soon. For tonight, however, it must be said that El D is the funniest person I know. See below:

Karma

I have committed some crime against the universe and I am being punished. In the last month, I've been stressed, sick, zitty, and been unresponsive to my spouse. Together, hubby and I have lost 2 pairs of expensive glasses, damaged both of our own cars and a rental car, AND managed to become victims of identity theft for the 3rd time in 5 months.

I'm going to the farmer's market tomorrow. I will purchase sage to burn in our home. I may go to St. Max's and sprinkle holy water on myself. I'm sure as hell mailing the black sand I took back to Hawaii (it's the only thing I can think of that I've done wrong!!!). If any of you have other suggestions as to how I can make peace with the universe and get things back on a more positive track, please let me know.

Mea culpa.

Karma is a bitch.

Greatest Film of the Last 5 Years.

Tonight, Netflix brought us Supersize Me. This film was amazing. Morgan Spurlock is a genius. I recommend it to anyone. Talk about motivation to try to be a generally healthier person. Wow. And it has a catchy theme song too.

R.I.P Virgil Fish

It's a sad day at Casa de T. Goodbye, buddy.