What a day!

I don't usually post twice in a day but today was such a great day I had to. Today, P and N welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. She's adorable and precious. I'm so proud of them and can't wait to watch her grow up.


After going to visit the proud parents and baby girl, life got back to normal. With the weather being so beautiful, I decided to go for a run before heading to the gym. Actually I decided to run to the gym but took the long way. A normal run to the gym would take about 25 minutes, today I took about double the time just to enjoy the great weather and also do some thinking. So my list of random running thoughts is back for a repeat visit. This was a great day for a thought provoking run.

1. Started at home. Walk for 2-3 minutes to warm up. Look around the neighborhood to as I leave. There's a house up the street that still needs to rake leaves. I hate the way that looks.
2. Start of run, heart rate is at 110 bpm. Ok, heart rate good, let's go!
3. Oh I forget it's rush hour, better stay on the sidewalks today. I never realized how many people talk on their phones while driving. I think I just passed 5 consecutive drivers talking on the phone. Yep, definitely staying on the sidewalks.
4. Nice! 10 weeks pregnant and still getting honked at! That's right boys, eat it up, it won't look like this for long. :)
5. Heart rate, already up to 150 bpm and I'm barely ten minutes in. I guess if it breaks 165, I'll walk and let it get back down a little bit.
6. You know what? The optimal heart rate for burning fat is around 150, maybe this be a good thing. And since I'm forced to watch my heart rate, my endurance could also benefit. Let's see how this run feels.
7. Dang, I forgot how hilly Laclede Station Road was. I better walk this hill.
8. God I love running, especially on days like this. It doesn't always feel good, sometimes it's downright painful but it can be relaxing at the same time. I think I enjoy the personal time. I guess that's why I don't run with others well.
9. Wow, wasn't Madeline beautiful today? I have to give P props for giving birth without drugs. I don't think I'll be as strong; actually I know I won't be. Bring on the epidural.
10. I wish P had been able to wear something cute in the hospital rather than those ugly gowns. I would love to find something that is cute and functional.
11. Mental image of hospital gown design comes to mind. I wonder if I can make this? It looks really good in my head. I wish I could sketch. Maybe I'll have to get the sewing machine out and try it.
12. I'm surprised by how many runners I'm passing. It's nice to see. Time to walk a little bit again. This stupid heart rate. I wish it would cooperate.
13. Webster University. Good Lord these college kids look young. Did I look that young in college? I wonder how they are like going to Webster. It is such a small school, too small for me but I guess it's good for them.
14. Almost to the gym, I wonder what muscle group I'll lift today. I guess I should do upper body since I'm just finishing about a 5.5 mile run, better give my legs a rest.
15. I need to remember this route. It was a perfect length.
16. This will probably the last workout I get for a couple days with all that's going on, it could be tough to get in tomorrow or Friday. I wish I was a morning person.
17. Walk, I see the gym. That felt great. I'm ready to stretch and work out. Then figure out what's for dinner. I can't wait to have a counter top.

I think I'm Trippin

I need to do some more research. Lately I've noticed that I've been having some extremely weird dreams. Here are just a couple examples:
1. Our new child was born with a full on permed dark head of hair. I wish I could draw, you'd see how crazy it looked.
2. We had a pet gorilla that would refuse to sit anywhere else but in the chair in the front room.
3. For J's Wedding, I weighed about 200 lbs. YIKES! That was more of a nightmare.

So I need to see if this is normal because I can't ever recall having so many dreams that were just random or that I could remember. So researching Babyzone.com indicates the following:

1. Animals: Animals in dreams remind us to trust our instincts
2. Babies: Expectant parents and parents of young children often dream of babies. These dreams take many forms, from babies who are born deformed or become lost, to dreams of abandonment and death. These dreams are not premonitions; rather they are simply a parent's way of dealing with the anxiety and responsibility inherent in parenting.
3. Nothing on extreme weight gain. I guess that's pretty self explanatory.

Did I mention I'm an Aunt for the second time? Congrats, P & N!

Week 10, I think

So I'm pretty sure I'm somewhere around 10 weeks which means that: "Your baby (now the size of a prune) has small indentations on his legs (soon to be knees and ankles!), and his tiny arms even have elbows that bend (how is that for magical?). Inside that little mouth, tiny buds of baby teeth are forming under the gums. His stomach and kidneys are kicking into gear, producing digestive juices and urine, and if it's a boy, his testes are making testosterone (how manly!)."

It still doesn't feel real. I don't feel pregnant with the exception of a minor increase in size (2 lbs) and a little sleepiness. I forgot to take the picture tonight. It might not happen this week. Sorry.

I don't know how I ended up looking at these today but did you know they made designer hospital gowns? There's websites devoted to them.

Now I can understand wanting to look and feel as comfortable as possible during your time in the hospital, escpecially since so many pictures are taken over the course of a couple days so maybe they aren't that bad of an idea. What is a bad idea is that you could pay upwards of around $95 each. It is the latest celebrity craze.

I'm Done

So the weekend has finally caught up to me. My back is shot and I'm exhausted. The only regret I have is that I didn't get a single run in but I'm pretty sure I logged a few miles on the stairs to my basement and back. I did get a lot accomplished, everything from spending quality time with good friends to cleaning the house. I think S and I cleaned every floor surface in this house more about a dozen times and there' still dust everywhere. I'm guessing it will be like that for a while.

This week is going to be big. We should be meeting two new family members. Seeing one and hearing (the heartbeat) the other. Oh and we should be getting our couch and fridge.

Progress and Play Dates

Today was a busy day. I was able to empty out, vacuum and deep clean the carpet in the Den, which I'm glad I did prior to the couch coming on Tuesday. I also managed to get most of the kitchen moved in to the new cabinets. It is so nice, I love the fact that I won't have to go downstairs every time we run out of pasta sauce. I got a call today saying that the new fridge was coming with the couch, that puts us that much closer to having a fully functional kitchen.

We had a nice surprise when P and N came by to visit. I can't wait to have a new Niece or Nephew. Should be here in the next week or so. We had a great time talking with them.

We also attended another 1st birthday party. Can you tell all my friends have kids now? It was a very sweet little get together. We had a good time.

Tomorrow we're going to see the NCAA tourney, Michigan State vs. Tennessee. They have been great games so I'm looking forward to going. Then off to Home Depot to pick up the Hot Water Dispenser and new light for the front room which we've added to the "To Do" list today when two of the five lights went out. It will be one of the last original things in the house to come down. Oh well.

A little struggle

Yesterday was a little rough. I was so tired when I got to work that I had half a cup of coffee and it didn't settle well. That was the first emergency trip to the restroom. I guess I've learned my lesson. Caffine doesn't sit well. I also got home from work yesterday exhausted but after a little rest, I was able to go for a very refreshing 5 mile run. I enjoyed it. I love that on Grant's Trail you can see deer, a couple fox and Clydesdales. It's great.

I was thinking about some of the things I can't wait to do for baby Mac today. One of the things I'm really looking forward to is reading to him. Which leads me to think about all the great books our mom read to us as kids (i.e. Pokey Little Puppy, Corduroy, Where the Wild Things Are, etc). I want all those books. I can't wait to read those to my little one. That should be a lot of fun.

The kitchen is coming along nicely. We have cabinets, some appliances, flooring and some hardware. Granite gets templated tomorrow morning and the new fridge (the one we got is too big) comes in a bout a week or so. Here's a few new looks.

Planning, Planning, Planning

So it feels like all we're doing right now is planning. Planning our weekend, the next couple months or the seven months. Yesterday I started planning post baby arrival activities, specifically day care options. I've been told that finding the day care option that's right for you can be tough so I've started early. I got three good leads yesterday that I'm hoping will result in an identified nanny. My parish and the parishes around me provide list of possible candidates in the immediate area that I've reached out to. I made contact with a few, a couple didn't have any capacity to accept additional children next January but others do. We've setup sometime to talk to them in the coming months. Getting this accomplished will be another huge thing to not have to deal with. It helps that we have such supportive grand parents who are willing to help out.

I've started thinking about so many things that you realize have to be done. I guess they call this "Nesting" but all the deep cleaning that we want to do prior: Air Duct Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, etc. All of that will get scheduled and completed in the coming months.

I have to say that I always feel better when there are no surprises and I have time to plan. I guess that's why I've chosen Project Management as a profession.

It's not just S and I are that are in planning mode, P and N are planning for their new arrival, J and N are planning their upcoming nuptuals, A is planning her summer and Mom and Dad are planning out how to make it through this year. You could say it's a pretty big year for the family.

Tonight I'm planning on coming home and seeing more kitchen progress. Yesterday the floor got finished, and upper cabinets. We also hit our first real glitch, the fridge is too big. Oops. It's already taken care of, American is going to swap it out for a slightly smaller unit of the same make and model. They have been awesome to work wtih. I give them huge props!

Food Magazines are EVIL

I had a random thought last night as I was going to bed. It's probably not a good idea for a pregnant woman without a kitchen to look at food magazines. I'm pretty sure that's adding to the frustration I have about not being able to satisfy whatever craving it is that I feel that I have.

Green Olive, HUH?

So I'm guessing I'm somewhere around 9 weeks along. I've consulted my "What to Expect When Expecting" Book and it says that right now Your baby, now the size of a green olive, has grown about an inch since last week. Tiny muscles are beginning to form, so while he might not be ready to pump iron, he's gearing up to move his arms and legs. A Green Olive? Really? Why not black or brown? Maybe I'm not enough of an olive eater to appreciate the reference. All I think about is a martini, which I can't have right now. Here's the picture for this week. I don't think it looks very different but the scale tells a slightly different story. This is truly going to be a challenge in learning to accept things that are out of my control. The type A in me wants to identify a more pleasing way to get through it. Oh well.



I am lucky that I'm not struggling with any of the symptoms of the 9th week. "Chances are you've never felt so tired in your life and for good reason: Your body is working overtime preparing for motherhood as it develops the placenta, your baby's lifeline. At the same time, your metabolism and hormone levels are surging, which triggers a decrease in blood sugar and blood pressure. The result of all this: pregnancy fatigue. Relief is around the corner as your energy level increases (and morning sickness decreases) over the next few weeks."

Ok, it's 3:30 in the afternoon and I'm pretty sure I just got hit by a Mac Truck. Maybe I need to walk outside, get some air or something. Damn, I guess I have to retract my above statement. Maybe this is the dreaded "Pregnancy Fatigue". Who knows?! All I know is that I'm exhausted. Oh and get this, I can't even get a massage until I'm in my second trimester! SERIOUSLY!? This is going to be a long few weeks.

On a lighter note, we are starting to see true progress in the kitchen. We have tile and almost all the grout. Walls have been mud and taped. Tomorrow should be interesting. Maybe he'll get some cabinets put up soon.

Pickles, Hot Wings and Muffies

Those are the things today that I HAD to have. I can't explain it but I'm amazed how obsessed I am about making sure I get them all. I've had two of the three. Scott and I are going to venture out to find hot wings once the blues hit the second intermission. My first attempt at boneless hot wings was a complete bust. Never buy them from the grocery store deli counter! Terrible! Luckily Cecil whitakers had some that met expectations. I'm satisfied!

I made a pretty good observation today at the gym and it explains why I hate treadmills so much. The lack of stimulation leads to mindless running with nothing to really help pass the time. They have tv's but even that's not as good as running outside. I spend the time trying to justify wanting to get off. I can't even do intervals for fear of getting my heart rate up to high. Thank god most of my pregnancy will allow for outside running and an occasional bike ride. I just bought a new saddle and had a tune up so I will be riding it at least a few times. I know that has nothing to do with babies but it WAS frustrating.

Adventures at a 1st Birthday Party

We had a friends little girl's birthday party. Another event that I look at differently than before pregnancy (b.p.). All of a sudden I'm paying more attention to what goes down at a First Birthday. I think I have some pretty good ideas now.

I have to remember to have Scott take this week's picture tomorrow. I hope there isn't much difference. The scale at the gym says I've only gained two pounds (at the most, that was at the end of the day after about 1 gallon of water or at least that's what I'm telling myself). I know people say "You're eating for two now" but I didn't realize how much that annoys me. Everything I've read says you really only need to consume about 300 more calories a day. That doesn't constitute another person's caloric intake. I guess I'll just eat another stick or two of string cheese. That sounds good. I think I'll have to go get one.

Nina showed me something pretty cool yesterday. I think it is something Scott and I definitely need to get. It's a timer that lets you keep track of the time between all the necessary baby activities (Baby Care Timer). I love finding all the gadgets. I guess it's like my fascination with kitchen gadgets.


Tomorrow is a 6 miler. I hope it feels good. It's going to take forever since I'm watching my heart rate so closely. I think I've realized I'm going to have to run just every other day to give my back some much needed rest to ensure I don't really mess it up during this pregnancy. I wish I would've taken better care of it in college.

On a different note, we got our appliances in today with the exception of the microwave. The fridge had maybe a .1 of an inch of spare space making it through the door way. That's with taking the doors off. That fridge isn't going anywhere once it's set.

It Is Amazing...

how all of a sudden, I can't just pick out a couch. I have to have one that will be safe enough for kids, no sharp edges or too high, etc. It goes on and on. Finally we settled on a slip covered sturdy casual couch for the den. I figure that will be will baby mac spends a lot of time playing so I want to be comfortable when I 'm sitting there watching him. It gets delivered in a couple weeks. I can't wait, hopefully by then, most of the kitchen will be done and we'll just be waiting on the countertops.

So on my run today, I saw another BOB. These things must be pretty good. They look pretty awesome. I wonder if you have to rotate the tires on those things after so many miles?

So more research on strollers, this is the BOB. It's the one that I find most recommended by runners everywhere. I may have to start saving, retailing for $400 it's no cheap but this is one thing that I can't wait to get.

The other option is the Summit. It holds 5 more pounds than the BOB and has the same features. Oh and same price. I've got time to look but I'll keep looking. The 1/2 marathon will be a good opportunity to see if moms are pushing strollers (which I have seen before, pretty extreme) what they're pushing.




While I'm just beginning this journey, Peg is getting ready to finish it. My first Nephew (or Niece but I think it's a boy) is due now 03/30. If she hasn't had him by then, they are going to induce her on either 04/01 or 04/02. What an April Fools huh? If it's 04/02, we'll have to go racing over there after my first doc appointment. It could be a busy week.

Ever wonder...

what goes through a runner's head during the hour or so (depending on how far you're running) that they spend hitting the pavement everyday? Well, I thought I would try to shed some light on that question, even if you didn't ask it. It's definitely changed a little since i found out I was pregnant. It can change so quickly that it's hard to remember everything but here's a sample:

• Minute 1-2 Warmup - "How long am I running today?", Well the park is 1.2 miles around so maybe 3, maybe 4 laps. We'll see how I feel.
• Min 2-? - Ok, now we're running. Check my heartrate. My other pregnant runners say it's important to try to keep it around 150 bpm. This could be tough. It seems like everytime I run, it gets up to 170 or so and stays there. Geez!
• Next thought - "How is that little dog keepin up with that runner?, that's got to be some form of animal cruelty or not. It seems pretty happy. "
• Next - Ok, one lap done. That was easy. I'm definitely going to push for 5 laps today. That will feel so good.
• Next - Am I going to be able to workout tomorrow and Friday? Since we're staying with the McFarlands, should I come home, go to the gym or run then head up there? It will be 9:30 before I make it there. That's probably too late. Maybe I'll pack and head straight there after work, run and eat with them but I want to go home and see the progress. Oh, what to do. I'll think about it later.
• Next - Look at those boot camp participants. They look like they are killing themselves. I wonder who's burning more calories? I guess it depends on how long they are working and what they're doing. Oh well, I'm heading to the gym after this to lift, it should be comparable. Oh, wait, check the heartrate. Damn! 165- slow down. :(
• Next - Insert really personal thought here. Sorry, you can't read everything, nor would you want to.
• Next - I can't wait to cook again. I'm dying for some chicken pesto, oh and maybe a filet, baked potato, etc. I'm hungry.
• Next - Working on lap 3. This is still not too bad. Check the heart rate, oh geez. I'm never going to keep it that low.
• Next - I didn't get to watch biggest looser last night. Guess what I'm watching tonight!
• Next - Ok that lady is hard core, she just passed me pushing a stroller up hill. That's going to be me! I swear. I really need to make sure I get an awesome running stroller. Maybe I'll go online and look for people's recommendations. I wish you could test drive them.
• Next - Lap 3 done, ok. I think that's enough. It's getting dark and I still want to go to the gym. I've scheduled a long run this weekend. That will be where I spend a lot of time. Hopefully the weather holds up.
• Stretch and head to the gym.

Yep, random I know.

We've moved....from WordPress to Blogger

Nina has been nice enough to help me spruce up my blog a little with an awesome header and so much more.  THANKS NINA!

It will be nice to be able to go back and read this blog once this little guy is here.  Memories.  Last night I had dinner with some girlfriends.  It's a monthly ritual that I enjoy so much.  Last time we met up though I was drinking a wonderful Cabernet.  I had seen this alcohol free wine that I used to laugh but now it's not such a bad idea so I tried it last night.  Glorified grape juice.  It's only been 8 weeks and I'm already missing it.  I miss tannins.    

Scott and I continue to discuss how/if we are going to fit another little body in this house.  Once this kitchen is done I'm not going to want to leave for a little while.  I want to enjoy our long awaited kitchen.  

I have to admit while I stress about things I shouldn't right now (i.e. setting up a college fund, picking out furniture, trading Scott's car in,etc) I do enjoy looking at PotteryBarn Kids and looking for the perfect diaper bag.  I love that stuff.

I had a really good workout today.  The weather was so nice, I got to run outside.  I went to Francis Park and watched these moms push their awesome strollers and I am starting to really believe that I'll be able to keep doing what I love and make time for the baby.  It's a question that comes 

up everyday in my head.  

Tomorrow and Friday night we'll be staying with Charlene and Terry while tile goes down.  I'm sure they are pretty sick of watching Zoey.  She can be a pretty big diva in an already full house.

Here's a picture of what we're dealing with in the kitchen.  Just for fun.

March 16, 2010
Another Day and No Morning Sickness
I know I’m jinxing myself but I’m grateful for not having to deal with it just yet. I know I’m not out of the words yet but I’m doing what I can to try to prevent it.
Baby Mac and I had a good night at the gym. Spinning class is always a good way to start the week.

March 15, 2010
Well, Well, Well
So I’ve been reading about what I should be expecting now and over the next coming weeks and all I can say is that the only thing that is truly bothering me is the frequency of the trips to the restroom. Seriously, two nights in a row I’ve had to get up to go. I’ve never had to do that. Thanks baby MC (mac)! Oh yeah, that’s what I’m calling him, Baby Mac.
As a matter of fact, I ran in the St Patty’s Day 5 mile run and did great. I had a wonderful run. Hard to believe I made it that whole time without stopping at the porta-potty. I’m still planning on doing the 1/2 in Champaign but I’m going to postpone Tri’s till next year.
Let me see if I can upload an picture. Scott took our first one tonight. We’ll try to keep doing it. As long as I can stand looking at it.

I'm not sure what that little protrusion is. Maybe I need to do more crunches.

I’ve got to go. I need to see if I can get Scott to rub my back. We’ve been working on prepping the kitchen for demo tomorrow.

March 12, 2010
Seriously?! How many times can a girl go in a day
Ok, so I read what to expect during the 6/7th week and they couldn’t be more right about one thing: “Your baby’s face is taking shape, which is something sweet to think about as you race to the toilet to pee yet again.” This baby already seems to know my weakness. If I spend anymore time in the bathroom, I wouldn’t get ANYTHING done.
Regardless, I’m feeling good. Just wishing I could stay on the treadmill for 10 minutes and not have to push the “Emergency” stop button.
Oh well. Thank God it’s the kitchen getting remodeled not the bathroom.


March 10, 2010
Another day

Traveled to Orlando this morning for work. I’ve noticed that I have to use the bathroom about twice as much as I did before and if you know me you, you know that I’ve visited every bathroom between home and Florida and more. I know I’m intentionally drinking more water but good lord!
I also had a little break through today. To be honest, this wasn’t exactly planned and I’ve had to adjust my way of thinking: it’s not all about me now. Everyday that becomes a little clearer and I come to grips with the fact that we’re going to be parents. Today was the first day where I was a little excited. I was eating dinner with my coworkers and they were talking about their kids and some of the stories really made me want to have similar experiences. I want to introduce this little guy (I don’t know why but I think it’s a boy) to everything that Scott and I love and more. It was a good moment.

March 9, 2010
Doctors and Strollers

So I finally made my first doctor’s appointment. April 2nd. I’ve picked Jackie’s doctor because he knows her and her desires to continue with her athletic endeavors long into and as soon after pregnancy. I’m hoping that he’ll be able to help me stay in the groove as long as possible. Which leads me to my next random pregnancy thought today. Running Strollers. If there’s one thing that I REALLY want is a good running stroller. I’ve run with some friends and some are definitely better than others. I do wish I could take them all for a test drive. You can do that with running shoes, why not strollers? I guess I’ll keep researching but that’s at the top of the list.
I was happy to be able to go to spinning class tonight. I’m hoping that’s one of the things that I’ll be able to do long into the next 40 weeks. It’s a great hour of stress relief.
I’m heading to Orlando for work again this week. I’m looking forward to next week when I’ll be home all week. Too bad our kitchen will be under construction for the entire week plus some. I can’t wait till the remodel is done. One less thing to worry about.

March 7, 2010
Another Day Down

Last night we had to go to a dinner party for a good friend. It was a great night filled with good friends, good ambiance and what looked like great drinks. I stuck to my cranberry and soda water. We haven’t told friends yet. We have to get to the doctor first. I need to know approximately how far along I am. I’m guessing somewhere between 5 and 6 weeks. Tonight Scott is going to take the necessary 1st side profile photo. We will try to remember to do that every week from here on out. Photo Coming Soon.

March 6, 2010
Does that say what I think it says?!

One week ago Scott and I went to Deweys for dinner knowing that a trip to Walgreens was inevitable. Just driving there was surreal. I couldn’t believe we were about to buy the little box that was going to change our lives. So after taking 3 tests I have to tell you that Scott and I will be bringing a baby into the world. Yep that’s right we’re pregnant. I can’t believe I said it. So I immediately started thinking about all the logistics, is our house going to be big enough, do we need to think about moving, etc. After a couple days it started to sink in and I started to get excited about it. What I wasn’t excited about is giving up caffine, diet soda and alcohol.

This blog is devoted to documenting the next 40 weeks. It’s a shame I’m not a journalist but I’ll try to keep it entertaining.

Lately my biggest questions have been: What foods should I be staying away from and Will I be able to compete the half marathon I’ve already registered in. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I won’t be competing in the triathlon at the end of May or any others this summer. I am glad I only registered for the one before I found out. Registration isn’t cheap.

Scott asked if I’ve noticed any changes in myself. Among other things, I have noticed that at the end of the day, I’m a little more tired but I hear that gets better after your first trimester. Telling family and friends will be fun. My parents will be getting their first two grand children today when my sister has her baby soon and our little bundle of joy will arrive in November sometime (my estimation). I am still looking for a doctor. It turns out my doctor doesn’t deliver babies. So I’ll probably ask my girlfriend Jackie whose doctor is familiar with her desire to continue to run and workout as long into the pregnancy as possible. Now we only have to tell them.

Over the coming weeks I’ll try to be diligent at keeping the blog updated with what’s going on. It will be a big next couple weeks with more business travel and the our before baby planned kitchen remodel. I will be so glad when that’s done.