Moms Little Running Buddy Going National

I'm sure it's just people who are hitting the "Next Blog" link on top of blogspot but it is interesting to see where they are coming from. It turns out they are staying for a couple minutes which is also kind of interesting. I guess that's about how long it takes for them to become disinterested. Either way, the map is fun to look at. Don't you think or am I just a big nerd?

Finally...a Little Normalcy

I've been home all week and will be for the next two weeks. Tonight I finally felt good enough and had the time to go to the gym. It's so nice to be able to relax, go home at night and cook dinner in my new kitchen. Glorious!

I've got my second doctor's appointment this Friday. I've been told it shouldn't take any longer than 20 minutes. I'm hoping for a good report. Then another month I'll go in to find out what type of baby we're having. That should be a fun day. June 7th. After that, we'll get to work on getting that bedroom ready, looking at cribs, and moving furniture around. We still need to get a painter lined up to finish the kitchen and possibly the den. This stupid house it taking all our time and money. Did I mention we have to replace the hot water heater? Oh yeah, that's about the last thing to replace. Furnace and AC. That's about it but it is turning out so nice. I'm pretty proud of it. It might be little but it's quality. :)

Ok, I'm ready for a shower, some cuddle time and bed.

A New First Today

The work pants that I wanted to wear today just flat out wouldn't button. Luckily I had purchased the Bella Band last week so I thought I'd give it a try. It's like a leg warmer for your belly. It goes over your pants and holds them up so you don't have to button them. All I can say is that they are a LIFESAVER!! It was great, you have to wear shirts that don't tuck in but that's fine.

I ordered a couple more pieces of maternity wear today online. Thank goodness for Gap Online. Let's hope they fit. I figure this Bella Band has given me at least another couple weeks to a month in my regular pants before I truly have to break them out. The stat I read today was that I should start gaining a half pound a week for the weeks of the second trimester. Maybe we should take bets on how much I'll weigh. No never mind, bad idea.

Week 14 is Underway

Refer to Week 13 for description of size. Week 14 is starting with a miserable sinus headache. All I wanted to do today is sleep. I've been taking some over the counter meds that are safe for pregnant ladies but it's not helping. I'm even more frustrated that it's decided to kick in the week of the half marathon. If this keeps up, I won't be running. The weather is supposed to be bad too. It's still a little ways out so I'm hoping that changes.

I'm feeling more pregnant these days. Not sure why but I guess it has something to do with the fact, the baby bump is becoming more prevalent. It makes me realize we need to get the storage built out in the basement and start thinking about reconfiguring the guest bedroom to accommodate a new little one. I think I'll leave those nesting items until we find out the sex.

We've also started car shopping a little more seriously. We're looking for an SUV (mainly because I miss mine). I really want one with a third row seat, so right now our decision group includes the Volvo XC90, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, and Mercury Mountaineer. I've found a Volvo and Nissan, both used, that I really like but we're too lazy to go deal with dealers right now. I should hire a broker or my dad to go get the best deal for us. :) I HATE car dealers.

I found the cutest site for nursery decor. The prints are adorable, I only wish I knew the sex or I'd start to think more seriously about purchasing some. Children Inspire Design Pretty much everything on this site is adorable. Any other sites I should look at?

"I Can See Your Baby Bump"

Ok, so twice now in the past 24 hours, I've heard those words. I thought I was sucking it in. :) I guess it's inevitable. I can't wait to see what I'll look like after the month of May. Luckily, I'll be home all week so I"ll be able to visit the gym all week!

The "Nesting" also continues this week with delivery of a new dinning room table and some contractors to work on our bedroom. It needs to be re dry walled and I want to do it before there are three of us living in this house. I'm so sick of working on this house. We won't be leaving anytime soon. S and I've put a lot of work into it and we'll stay till we're bursting at the seams.

I Need To Go Use My Treadmill

I need to go downstairs and use the newly acquired treadmill but I'm tired and my stomach a little unstable. I will go to the gym tomorrow night, I have to. I haven't been since Saturday.

We got some fun news about a good friend of mine that's due 7 weeks before me. They have just found out they are having a little girl. It does make me excited to think about what we're having. The good thing is S and I really didn't have much problem picking out names. We've agreed to a girl's name which I'm so excited about and the boys name isn't too far behind. I just have a little lobbying to do.

I forget if I wrote about this earlier but my packing skills this week were sub par at best. I went to Indy for a couple days and forgot to pack sports bras which prevented me from working out and packed one of my size 4 pants for Tuesday. I wouldn't say I need maternity clothes yet but I definitely am growing out of my size 4s. I only pray that I'll be able to get back into them at some point. Actually, no praying needed, I will. No excuses.

Ok, I Might Be Obsessed...

with finding some cute, affordable maternity clothes even though I'm in denial about needing them soon. Today I saw something that freaked me out, my t-shirt doesn't hang anymore. It touches my belly. That's scary. How many weeks do I have left in normal clothes? I was hoping like another month. For all my everyday clothes that might be the case but for work clothes, I'm going to need to get a little more serious about finding at least one or two pair of work pants. Argh!

My girlfriend sent me a link to a European site but they have mostly casual clothes. Asos but by the time you pay for shipping, you might as well find someplace a little more high end here. I guess I'll keep looking.

13 Weeks is Officially Here

First trimester is almost over. One more week. I don't know what that means really for me other than the chances of miscarriage are lower which might be a comforting to know.

I tried to go to Target tonight to look for a pair of maternity pants just to have available for when it becomes no longer comfortable to wear regular pants but they didn't have any worth buying our Target doesn't have anything. I'll order a pair online today from Pea in a Pod. Those look pretty decent for maternity clothes. I'll keep looking.

In the meantime, I'm loving having my kitchen back. I cooked for 7 and the kitchen performed well. Tomorrow the guy is coming back to put the finishing touches on and grouting the other side of the kitchen. Today was also a big day because we got a treadmill. I can't tell you how excited I am about the new addition to the overly crowded basement. That is going to be huge. I can't wait to use it. I'll also be ordering our new dining room table this week. I can't wait to have something that allows seating for 6. And finally, as if there wasn't enough excitement, we replaced the last original light in the house. We've officially replaced 100% of the lights and redone the two most expensive rooms. Yes, so much going on.

Interesting Observations

So a couple things happened today related to pregnancy that caught my attention. I cheated a little early and went and got my first "prenatal" massage. It was weird and the woman who did it was FULL of advice I didn't ask for or want. I'm not sure how more direct I could be but nothing seemed to help. She was going to give me all her antidotes about how she dealt with everything from soar nipples (yep, I really didn't want to hear that) to screaming babies. What was supposed to be a relaxing experience turned into something much different. Strike 1.

Strike 2 came when I went to the mall to return some things and happened across the maternity store which I hadn't been in until today. I don't need them yet but some of my jeans have been retired until October so I went in to see what my options were. More unsolicited "remarks" from the lady working at the store. She thought I was "glowing". What does that mean? I had no make up on and just came from a less than relaxing massage. What makes her say that? I'm betting it's part of their training. So I looked around only to be slightly horrified at the thought of having to buy these types of clothes. I just can't imagine getting that size. In my mind, the weight I've been gaining is from eating less than desirably without a kitchen and traveling. I guess I haven't come to grips with this situation yet. Maybe I'll buy them online to try to keep from freaking out so much.

I can't wait till perfect strangers start touching my belly. That WON'T go over well. I wonder if there are any articles about how to interact with a pregnant woman. Let's google that...I found another blog that communicates some of the things that people should keep in mind.

The Blue Wire: Things that are (almost) always okay to say to a pregnant woman
5. How are you feeling?
4. You have such a cute pregnant belly.
3. You are so tiny!
2. I can’t believe you are already 8 months pregnant! (This only applies when she is actually 8 months pregnant, of course.)
1. You look great/terrific/fabulous!

The Orange Wire: Things that are sometimes okay to say to a pregnant woman (proceed with caution!):
5. Look at you! You’re showing!
4. You have that pregnant glow.
3. The due date will be here before you know it.
2. You look like you’re ready to pop! or, Any day now, huh? (Only say this if you know she is within a week of the due date or overdue. Otherwise, just don’t go there.)
1. You look ready. (Again, only say this to your friend if you know she is full-term and really ready to have the baby.)

The Red Wire: Things you should never, ever say to a pregnant woman:
5. Do you mean that, or is that just the pregnancy hormones talking?
4. Seriously, what are you going to name the baby?
3. You’re so HUGE!
2. I can’t believe you’re only 8 months pregnant!
1. Are you sure you’re not having twins??
(And don't even get me started on perfect strangers asking "was that planned???")

13 Weeks is Almost Here

Do you know what that means? It means I can get a massage safely! I'm so excited. All this travel and kitchen stress has made me pretty tight. I am so looking forward to this.

I'm also looking forward to my second up coming doctor's visit. It just happens to be the day before the Champaign Half Marathon which is good because I'll feel better about going to run knowing everything was just checked out.

The kitchen is also about 90% complete. It is soo nice to be able to function in there. I love cooking and am excited to do some baking. I'm dying to get out and play more with my stand mixer.

Tired...So Tired

So today was a long day with travel, meetings and a business dinner so I wasn't able to workout. I'll be home tomorrow and am looking forward to some sleep and downtime. Today is the first day I feel totally fatigued. I'm assuming it's nothing a good sleep won't cure.

Going to bed.

Evolution of Baby Mac

So as I was getting hungry for the millionth time last night, I started to chuckle at the comparisons that the books are making when helping to illustrate the size of baby. I thought it would interesting to visually represent their comparisons. I know I'm only in the 12th week but this illustration goes through next week too. I know the tadpole isn't a piece of fruit but the illustration I found was so cute. Oh well.

Are you hungry yet?

Never Ending Marathon

So I keep thinking this kitchen remodel is just like a marathon; you're excited at first, then you hit the proverbial "wall" and it feels like it's never going to end. Once it's done though, you get a feeling like none other. I feel like I've hit the "wall". We've gotten so much of it done yet we still don't have a functional sink and we still need a back splash and paint. So close, yet so far. At some point in the near future, we'll finish it and I'm still grateful we've done this prior to BabyMac entering our lives. I can't even begin to imagine what that would've been like. Yikes!

As for the pregnancy, everything is still going well. I'm in my 12th week and am happy to be home for the majority of the week. I have more days where I do feel pregnant than a couple weeks ago and some of my pants are starting to feel a little tight. I'm still trying very hard to continue to work out as I was because that does seem to make me feel good. I'm a little frustrated that my running has slowed down so much but I'm learning to accept it and appreciate the fact that I'm still doing what I love.

I did have a good conversation with my boss today about the arrival and have started to look at what I need to do to make sure my transition to and out of maternity leave are as smooth as can be. Work has this program where they will pair you with a New Parent Coach, if you chose, to assist you with handling the situations. I've decided to give it a try. What could it hurt? I meet with my coach tomorrow by phone. This should be interesting.

Tomorrow I get to work from home. I have to let the carpenter in again and the air conditioner repairman. This nesting stuff is tiring.

Checking In

So it's been a few days since I've checked in so I thought I would. Thursday I came home and found a sick husband. That's as bad as finding a sick baby or dog. It's funny how I felt like this was "practicing" being a mom. Luckily he's feeling better which I'm thankful for.

During my workshops in Orlando, a coworker somehow managed to knit the cutest pair of Mary Jane's for me (hope this is a girl). If not, I'll let M were them.

I've been having more crazy dreams. Last night I dreamt that I ran my weekly long run from St. Louis to Herrin. In my dream, my plan was to run to Herrin and stop at mom's school where she would be getting out of school and would give me a ride to their house. Except, when I did make it to her school, she had forgotten and left already and asked if I would just run home. :) There are so many issues with this dream that I won't go into but if you can't tell, I ran my long run yesterday. I'm always a little delirious after those.

I hate to say this but I'm not going to take any more pictures of my belly until it's obvious that I'm pregnant because all those pictures do is make me look fat (and it might be the case but I don't want to be reminded).

Luckily, Tuesday this week I should have my kitchen restored to working order, countertops installed, dishwasher and refridgerator functional. Then we can cook again. I also don't have to travel this week until Thursday (only gone one night) which means, I'll get to spend more time in the gym. I just need to clean up my eating habits.

So as week 12 starts and the first trimester ends, it's exciting to think that on June 7th, we'll find out if this little renter is a boy or girl. Mom noticed that from time to time, it changes sex in my discussions. So I guess that means that I don't really have a "hunch". As long as it's healthy, I can't say I have a preference. Ok, off to bed. Yep, it's only 8:50 but I'm done.

A Little Better Today

I don't know why but today I feel pregnant. Not sick or tired but just pregnant. I think part of this feeling is due to the lack of a normal schedule. I haven't been able to get a good week of working out in and that's probably adding to my frustrations. I'm ready to be home for a few days. I'm ready to have my kitchen back. I'm ready to just be.

I did have a little shining moment today. In our workshop filled with 14 finance people including 2 VPs, I was able to successfully steer the team through completing the analysis of 65 process flows and that's not an easy task. One of the VPs made a special point to communicate to our Program Director how impressed he was with my abilities to facilitate such a complicated subject matter. Thank you!

Ok, going to bed, this time tomorrow night I'll be in my bed. Yeah!

The Darker Side of Pregnancy

I'd be lying of I said that I am just nothing but excited about being pregnant. So, I hate to say this but this post might not be the up beat, glowing talk of pregnancy that you'd expect so if you don't want to read some very real thoughts, stop reading and I'll see you tomorrow.

I've been blog surfing and found so many feel good blogs from mothers to be who are just beside themselves with excitement over becoming a mom. I have those days for sure but for every one of those I have, I have one that isn't so happy.

I went on a run today after a long day of facilitating the first day of a three day finance workshop, which by itself was draining. During my run outside, around my hotel in Orlando my thoughts turned to fear, doubt and frustration. I feel terrible for thinking about it this way but life has changed. It's no longer about me and I'm afraid of that. For 30 years I've done what I want, when I want and while I don't see myself as a world traveler and adventurer I do enjoy occasional trips, or just taking off for the weekend to spend on the lake.

I wonder how I'll be able to give so much of myself to another human being when it can be so challenging to meet the needs of those around me as it stands now. I know people will tell me that it happens and you will just do it but right now it's scary.

Sometimes I think that my running and continuous working out is my method of coping with negativity. Pushing myself to the limits redirects my focus. Whatever the case may be, I feel like I need to deal with these feelings head on in order to fully get past them. So I'm dealing and hoping that this is all just one big giant nasty mood swing.

The New Face of Travel in the 11th week

So another week of travel and I do find it funny that I go to Orlando. If I ever wanted to just get away and not think about being pregnant for even a minute, I'm in the wrong town. S and I were just talking about traveling with a child and he was a little nervous that it is going to be so hard but as I watched the numerous families travel, I realized that the best thing you can do is keep a level head and go with the flow. That is something S is going to have to work on. I'm also paying more attention to the way they are traveling with kids, what types of strollers work best, what other "supplies" are they taking, and most importantly how are they handling the pressure changes on the plane. The first big thing I've noticed is to try to feed them during the ascent and descent to help promote the equalization. I'll have to remember that. It does seem like Southwest is the most family friendly too. They were great with these kids on the plane tonight.

I do worry a little bit about how much travel will be required this time next year. I know we're finishing our big project in October so I'm hoping that when I come back to work, I'll be able to still support the specialty pharmacy without all the travel. I don't think it will ever be nonexistent but a more controlled schedule would be great.

Also, it's the 11th week and I've realized that the 2-3 lbs that I've put on isn't from the baby but rather from the travel and lack of kitchen. I'm so frustrated with the fact that I can't cook but I digress.

11th week - "Your baby (now about two inches long) has been pretty busy this week, growing hair follicles, fingernails, and ovaries (if she's a girl). She has distinct human characteristics by now, with hands and feet in front of the body, ears nearly in their final shape, open nasal passages on the tip of her tiny nose, a tongue and palate in the mouth, and visible nipples. Hooray!" All I can say is I can't wait to get out of the First Trimester so that I can get a massage. Two weeks to go!

Making Progress

This weekend was great. I was able to successfully run my long run on Saturday, it took a little longer than I would've liked but I'm not complaining since the doctor gave me the go ahead with the official restriction of heart rate monitoring. I'm hoping that as I continue to run, it will be easier to control it and possibly speed up a little.

I also got to go see my beautiful new neice. She's precious and it's amazing how P has turned into the perfect little mommy. There is a look in her eyes that wasn't there before. It's special. I love watching them together. I hope to have that kind of bond with Baby Mac.

Today was a beautiful day for Easter. S and I went to church this morning and sat behind a couple with their hands full, a set of twin boys that couldn't be older than 2 and an older brother. It makes me appreciate that we only saw one heartbeat.

We spent the afternoon taking a nap, which was needed since S isn't feeling good and I think I expended more energy than I had running yesterday. Then off to his parents for dinner. We have a beautiful nephew on his side and he's crawling now which is awesome. What's even funnier to watch is him crawl underneath a standing Rottweiler and neither one of them thinks a thing about it. Zoey is great with him too. She likes to inspect his crawling mechanics and when she approves, she gives him a single lick on the head and lets him go on his way. It's the funniest thing to see.

We couldn't make it to the gym today before they closed so I pulled out one of my old yoga DVD's which turned out to be exactly what I needed since I was sore from yesterday's run. I'm feeling very refreshed and ready for bed. That is if I could just shake this desire to pop a bag of popcorn. I've had one of the evenings where I can't figure out what I'm hungry for. I've tried Ramen Noodles, a chocolate egg and I'm still wanting popcorn. I hate eating this much.

I'll be in Orlando this week and hope that when I come home on Thursday, I'll have a countertop and new fridge. Then I can cook again, which will help me keep the calories under control.

Until tomorrow...

Well Look What We Have Here

So, I met two new people today. One being our Doctor, Dr. Scott Biest, who is great. Luckily he's a runner and knows how to and what to restrict so I don't go crazy. He's given me to the go ahead to walk/run the half in Champaign on May 1st, so that's still part of my plan.

I also met the little guy (we don't know, I'm just calling it a boy) who is calling my stomach home right now. I was pretty close with my estimate. I'm about 10 3/4 week along. My official due date is 0ct 26, 2010. It is so surreal seeing that little guy and probably true to form, he wouldn't stop moving. Dr. Biest had a hard time taking the picture of him



I know it's hard to see but I promise there's a baby in there.

Tomorrow's the big day

Well, it's been an entire month since I found out I was pregnant and have been waiting to get in to the doctor to see just how pregnant I am. Again, I'm thinking I'm somewhere around 10 weeks. I guess we'll see how far off I am. I'm also finding it odd to think there is something in me with a beating heart. Hearing that could be the weirdest thing yet. Ok, signing off. Hopefully I can sleep tonight.