RIP Stinky

He's dead...and now he's gone.

Our damn squirrel chewed his way through the dryer exhaust line and wound up right behind the motor in the dryer. Thankfully, he didn't get chopped up in the motor, so we get to keep our dryer. A HUGE shout out to Joe at ACE Appliance service who was totally cool and did the job extracting the corpse with NO complaining. He was really nice...so anytime you're in this area and need something fixed, call ACE.

Same Name, Different Creature

Yeah, I'm talking about Stinky.

Remember the story last week about Stinky the wildlife guy? Well, I called him yesterday to come move his trap because honestly, the bait he had in there (a container of applesauce) was starting to smell and wasn't doing any good any way. So, he came out, but...he confirmed that the smell was not the bait. It was our squirrel. Apparently, I WAS RIGHT!!!! Much to the dismay of the sexist animal hunter, a woman actually knew what she was talking about. I told him on FRIDAY that the squirrel was in the dryer and sure enough, we popped off the bottom cover of the dryer and the stench got worse. Problem is, the dang squirrel is actually inside the inner-workings of the dryer.

It happened just as I suspected (again...shocker there). The squirrel got into the attic when the guys fixed the hole in our gutter last week. He found his way to the dryer vent (we have second floor laundry and so it vents into the attic) and shimmied down the pipe into the base of the dryer. So, after Stinky confirmed the death, he said he couldn't/wouldn't take the dryer apart to get the carcass so we were on our own. Lurch, his assistant was about to spray some God-awful dead animal smell hiding spray and I told him that I was pregnant and didn't want that sprayed...and he actually argued with me that he thought it was safe. I am surprised he could even read the label. Really. He was that bad. Anyway, since it's our house, I won and they left.

Meanwhile, the last few days (except for our good ultrasound news) have been kinda rough with all the crap going down with the house. Soooo, Jon told me to relax and make my dinner and eat and he'd find someone to come and take the dryer apart and get the squirrel out. Well, the best we could do was Monday. MONDAY. O.k. people, my house REEKS of dead animal, and I'm supposed to live with that until Monday??!!! Luckily, Jon knew I wouldn't accept that, so he found a local guy and played the "I have a pregnant wife and the smell is turning her stomach" card and the guy is coming this morning. One catch: the guy told Jon that there is a chance that the squirrel got caught in the motor. In that case, the guy will just take $60 from us and our dryer, and we'll have to head out to Sear's for a new one. So, another day today, another stupid home repair.

YIPPEE!

Here He/She Is!

Today was the sequential screen. As I explained before, there are three components to the test. The first part is the ultrasound. This measures a line of fluid behind the baby's neck. If it's a thin line, that's a sign that Down's may not be present. If it's a thick line, Down's may be present. Our baby has a nice healthy thin line....which doesn't necessarily mean we're out of the woods, but it's a step in the right direction. The second part is a blood test. They took blood today and they will monitor the hormone levels in my blood. If they are all whacky, that is an indication of a chromosomal issue, and therefore something to worry about. Those results will be available next Tuesday. And the third part of the test is another blood test which will be administered at the end of May. So, so far, so good. As you can see from the pictures above, the ultrasound tech put the 3D wand on my belly because our little stinker wasn't behaving, so he was killing time waiting for the baby to face away from the ultrasound wand. Hmmmmm, this little one doesn't seem very camera shy....I wonder where that came from????

Dear Old Dad

Yesterday was probably the worst pregnant day I've had so far.

I'll make the fairly long story shorter by cutting to the chase and tell you that about noon yesterday I discovered that the pilot light in the hot water heater had gone out. I just wanted to wash my face and take off all of that horrible TV make-up, but I couldn't get any hot water! So, frustrated, I called Jon and immediately started to cry. He was so sweet and got me calmed down and explained to me that it's easy to re-light the pilot. He suggested I call my dad and have him talk me through it. So I did, and naturally as soon as I heard my dad's voice, I started to cry again. I...just...wanted...to....wash...my...face (with warm water)! So, my dad tried to talk me through it and then we discovered that there was more of a problem. He kept me calm and told me we'd need to call someone.

So, I called a plumber...not just A plumber...the BEST plumber in the Delaware Valley I'm sure! The company is called Northwest Mechanical Plumbing, Heating and Cooling and they ROCK! I explained to the guy (I later learned that he was the owner) on the phone that I was home alone, pregnant and emotional and I couldn't get the pilot to re-light. They had a full schedule, but sent a guy over within a half hour anyway. He fixed it (which I then learned was a temporary fix and he said we should replace the unit soon anyway) and got me back in business. What a great company. I called them back later to say how thankful I was for their amazing customer service and ended up talking to the wife of the owner...she totally understood how I was feeling...her daughter is pregnant and due just 4 days after me! It's rare to just find a good business in the phone book, but yesterday I did. So, a shout out to them.

And of course, my dear old dad. I wonder: when I'm a mom, will I still need my daddy? I bet I will, and I bet...no, I know...he'll be always willing and ready to be there.

Like a Ton of Bricks

In every pregnancy book/online chat room I've read, most women complain about unbelievable fatigue in the first trimester. Sure I've felt tired at times, but they all describe it as "can't even see straight tired." Some say they can't even function in their daily lives because they're so tired. So far, I've escaped this extreme fatigue...until yesterday. For some reason by late afternoon I...was...exhausted. This morning, I feel worse. I can't nap today because we have cleaning people coming this morning until about noon, then Stinky comes to move the trap, and after that it'll be too late. So, wish me luck getting through the day. Ugh.

Odd, but Well Intended Questions

They are the questions I'm asked every time I tell someone that we're expecting: "is your husband happy?" "are your parents excited?"

Now I know people are just trying to be kind and to give us good wishes...but DUH! Of course we're all over-the-moon happy and excited! In no way am I poking fun of these questions to be malicious or mean, I just think it's a cute, rather obvious question that we're being asked a whole bunch lately. People are so kind, and it's nice that they all care to even say something at all. I just thought I'd share.

We have now shared the news with pretty much everyone we know by now so the cat is really out of the bag. It was tons of fun to share the news with my wonderful friends at the gym this weekend. Lots of sweaty (ewww, I know) hugs to go around!

Ooooo, did I mention that we have a new pet? Yep...well, we didn't exactly go to the Humane Society and adopt a dog. Nope, this little bugger found us. We have a squirrel and he is currently residing in a part of our roof flashing and in our attic and partly near our dryer. Yeah...tons of fun this little rascal is. So, picture this: it's Friday evening about 7 and I was online checking my e-mail when I heard this racket coming from the dryer area (for those of you who haven't been to our house, the washer/dryer is on the 2nd floor...which by the way ROCKS). Anyway, I called Jon and he said he was on his way, but to call a wildlife dude to come out. So, I went online and found someone available right away. In about a half hour, "Stinky" the wildlife dude pulled up (naturally I spent the half hour waiting OUTSIDE). That's not his real name, but it's what Jon and I named him after he left his "scent" (quite possibly the WORST b.o. we had EVER smelled) lingering in our hallway. Blech. Anyway, so the dude sets a trap and we all hope for the best. Well, after listening to the little vagrant's activity all Saturday afternoon, we discovered that the damn thing can't get to the trap. So, Stinky needs to come back and put the trap in our attic where we're sure to catch him. Just for the record: neither Jon nor I would like to have the experience of a potentially rabid and famished squirrel attack us the minute the attic crawl hole is opened, so the "do it yourself" option is out. If Stinky gets bit, well, that's his job, and since what we're paying him will send all his little squirrels to college, we figure it'll be worth it for him.

Ok, well back to me and my growing belly. Jon and I went out for Mexican food last night and I was VERY glad to have worn very comfortable and very loose pants. I'm still not showing to most people, but judge for yourselves (oops, at the top):

The Cat is Out of the Bag

Ok, I'll say it right now...I just can't blog everyday. Well, here's the truth...I just can't come up with something compelling to blog about everyday. Sorry I missed a few, but right now, not a lot has changed with the pregnancy and I'm still feeling great.

I had my annual review with my boss yesterday. So, even though it was a few days shy of my 12 week marker, Jon and I decided that it would be the best time to break the news to her. She seemed genuinely excited and happy for us. I didn't discuss the length of my planned maternity leave with her, as truly I don't know yet, but the topic never came up. Jon will meet with his boss today and tell her as yesterday wasn't the best day due to the Pennsylvania primary election. He is very excited to tell her. She apparently loves when people in her department get pregnant and since she just loves Jon, I'm sure it will be hugs all around. Finally on Friday, I will tell my other bosses down at CBS. Then all work people will know and I can finally wear my cute little tank top to the gym on Saturday...it has the word "expect" on it in large letters right over the belly! Very cute. I couldn't resist.

All of this excitement is fun and all, but lurking in the back of our minds is the upcoming doctor visit on Tuesday. Because of my "advanced maternal age", I will be going through several tests to make sure the baby is o.k. Tuesday's test is called the sequential screen. Basically, there will be an ultrasound to measure the fold on the back of the baby's neck. There will also be a blood test. The results of the test will be told to us in a percentage. This number will be the chances of the baby having Down's syndrome. If the percentage is high, then we go onto more invasive tests with the last option being the amniocentesis. If the percentage is low, we have two options: one would be to not look a gift horse in the mouth and hope for the best, and the other option would be to continue with more invasive testing just because we want to be sure. There is a risk with more testing as the more invasive tests pose a risk to the fetus, and therefore a risk for miscarriage. This is all a normal part of pregnancy after the age of 35, so in a way...we asked for this.

At any rate, please say a prayer for our little peanut this weekend.

11 Weeks

Ok, so today I'm eleven weeks along. I can't believe my first trimester is almost over and I'm more than 1/4 of the way there. I still feel the same, but my appetite is for sure growing. My clothes are now tight, but it's odd...I've only gained two pounds according to the scale, but if you ask me, I look like I've gained more than that. Thankfully it's now warm here and it's skirt season which by the way are way more forgiving than pants.

So, here's a look at the 11 week belly.

Confession

Ok, so I know I already blogged today...but I have a confession. See, Jon is still in Vegas (he comes back tonight and I...can't...wait), and so the trash duties are mine while he is away. I really have no problem with gathering and taking out the trash...it takes two seconds. However, I decided to be extra good, and clean out the fridge while I was at it. After the fridge was done, I made the mistake of opening the freezer and finding an ALMOST empty (Jon is famous for leaving little bits of stuff in containers) carton of Breyer's French Vanilla ice cream. Well, it being trash day after all...that carton had to be thrown out. But who can put an ice cream carton in the trash with some still in it? Not me, my friends...not me. Maybe I could've done this pre-pregnancy, but...heh...yesterday, I enjoyed every last spoonful (it really only measured up to about 1/3 cup...but still...it was the full fat kind)!

Garden!

10 weeks, 6 days

Wow, the weather here has been so great this week. Yesterday, I planted creeping flox where I have my clematis on a trellis so the roots don't burn this year. It looks great. I got the deck almost ready...as I'm having two friends for a birthday lunch for one of them on Friday. I took a long (4 1/2 mile) walk and was generally just happy because the weather is just so darn nice. Today it will be sunny and 74°, so it'll be more outside time for me!

A week from today, I will tell my boss and co-workers that I am pregnant. I am so glad we're doing it soon, cuz let's just say, it'll be obvious VERY shortly. Yesterday I wore a suit that I had to have taken in last year a FULL size. Let's put it this way...after a very uncomfortable 4 hour show, I took the suit back into the basement in the hopes I can wear it next spring. No more this year for sure. The same goes for today's outfit. I have this great fitted blouse that looks great on camera. I had to add a belt for today's wearing to hide the fact that the buttons are pulling. Another item that will go into the basement closet and will have to wait until (hopefully) next spring. Ugh.

There's Somethin' Goin' On In There...

10 weeks, 4 days

This morning, I had an odd feeling in my tummy when in the shower. I guess it felt like a minor cramp. I had lifted a small terra cotta pot yesterday, so I was concerned that I lifted too much. I'm sure now that that wasn't the case. When I got into the office this morning and was checking my e-mail, I thought my cell phone in my jacket pouch pocket (which sits right over my stomach) was ringing on vibrate. Then I noticed that my phone was on my desk. The strange feeling lasted on and off for about a half an hour, and then just went away. Naturally, I looked this up online, because I know it's way too early to actually feel a kick. The baby's bone structure is just cartilage and his or her little muscles haven't even formed and the fetus is only about an inch, so it's impossible to feel movement from something that small. But, with all of that said, I know my body and I know what I felt wasn't something I'd ever felt before, so I'm chalking it up to a flutter from our little growing friend.

All Alone...

Jon is now in Vegas, so I spent yesterday all alone. I decided to get ahead on laundry and to switch out the clothes in my closet from winter to spring. It was a huge project and I was exhausted by the end of the day. Of course I made time to have a fabulous breakfast! I made buckwheat/blueberry pancakes and they were delicious! I also had a little bacon which I got at Whole Foods (the only place where I can find nitrate-free meats)! Yum!

As for the pregnancy, my friend and trainer pulled me aside at spin class yesterday and told me she was noticing a little bump. I've got to keep it under wraps for just under two more weeks and then finally I can stop wearing the long-sleeved t-shirt tied around my waste! I can't wait!

Spring Isn't the Only Thing Blooming

Here it is...the 10 week bump. So, yeah, it shows a little. Some of my pants and skirts are getting snug. It's fun. Jon took this shot this morning after I got home from kickboxing class. One of my friends at the gym, whom I normally run with before kickboxing, finally asked if I was o.k. today because I was only speed walking and not running. So, I told her. She won't say anything and plus, it was fun.

Also in bloom, besides my belly...spring flowers. Last fall, for the first time, I actually planted bulbs. The result is above because I can't seem to post the pictures where I want them. I'm starting to get frustrated, so I'm going to leave it at this and move on.

Warm and Toasty

It was a beautiful day in Philadelphia yesterday....sunny and mid 70s! Too bad I slept half of it away. I can't seem to get back to sleep after a trip to the bathroom during the night, so I'm usually functioning on the show with only about 3 to 4 hours of sleep. So, naturally, when I come home for the day, I've been passing the heck out. I was, however, able to get outside for a bit during the afternoon and the weather was amazing.

I visited my spring clothes in the basement closet yesterday. I'll take some of them upstairs this weekend, but honestly, most of them won't fit within a few weeks anyway, so why bother? It's ok...the fatness is for a good cause!

I heard from the jolly Brits again yesterday...I don't think my mom realizes what a MINIMAL overseas cellular plan means...but oh well. They were at Stonehenge which they said was truly an amazing sight. I can't wait to see the pictures!

Speaking of pictures, I'm going to publicly call my sister out here: allegedly, my oldest niece Erin got braces on her teeth on Monday. I begged, pleaded and whined to have a picture e-mailed to me a.s.a.p....still nothing...NOTHING! So Stacey if you're reading this, SEND THE DAMN PICTURE!!!!! Sheesh!

Ode to Giada

Ok, let's just make it known now that I LOVE Giada DiLaurentiis. The woman is amazing. As most of you know, I'm a total foodie. It took me a while to embrace the Food Network, but for some reason, I really get sucked into some of the shows. About a year ago, and then again for Christmas this year, I've received now two of Giada's cookbooks...and I'm not kidding you, EVERY recipe I've made has been amazing.

Yesterday, I took a meal to a friend who just had a baby. This was her first week home and so I brought dinner. Since she is breast-feeding, she can't have garlic, onions or any gassy vegetables (which 99.99% of all of the stuff I like to cook has at least two of the above). So I turned to Giada. In her book Everyday Italian, there is a recipe for Lemon Spaghetti and it...was...amazing. Just fresh lemon, olive oil, fresh basil and parmesan. Simple, clean, fresh and awesome tasting (of COURSE I sampled it). The new parents loved it, and so I suggest that if you're ever bringing a meal to a new mommy, this is a huge hit. I had a bit of it with a piece of grilled salmon on top. Yum!

On another food note, my night sweats are continuing. So, I read on-line that edamame (soy beans) could help. So, I picked up some at Whole Foods yesterday, and I'll give them a try and see if I don't wake up soaked tomorrow. Heck, I'd just like to sleep...if anyone can think of a cure for bathroom trips during the night, I'll fix you a big plate of that lemon spaghetti in exchange. I told Jon this morning, that I was going to invest in a catheter. Only 5 1/2 hours until I can go back to bed. Yee Ha!

Ewwwwwww

Ok, so now that I'm 9 1/2 weeks along, my hormones have officially started raging. As I said in a previous post, my poor husband has had to endure the brunt of the bitchiness, but the other symptoms of raging hormones...all me. I've now broken out just a little (trust me...it looks GREAT on t.v.), and the last two nights I've awakened just soaked in sweat. I know...ewwwwww, but hey, you knew reading this blog about pregnancy you'd read a few gross things. It really is a nasty feeling and makes the morning shower a true necessity. I tried to look this up in my many pregnancy books, but there was nothing on the subject. So, I guess I'll just add it to my list of questions I take to the doctor each month. I have a feeling he's going to dread each time I whip out that little red notebook each month.

As for my poor, jet lagged parents...they made it. My awesome dad sent a text message as soon as the plane touched down, and then they called when they were just about to arrive at the little cottage in the Cotswalds where they are staying. They sounded exhausted, but glad to be there. I had to laugh when I thought about my mother as a passenger in the car with my dad figuring out how to drive on the wrong side of the road for the first time...oh, and on no sleep. That would NOT have been a fun ride, I'm sure!

Staring at the Clock Doesn't Help

I learned last night that staring at the clock when you can't get back to sleep really doesn't help. Neither does watching tv. So, I've now been up since 10 last night. Ugh. I think my mind was racing because I was so excited for my parents and their very first trip overseas. I sat in bed thinking "ooooh, it's 10 p.m....they are now climbing to cruising altitude." Then at midnight, I thought to myself "they only have about five more hours." Well, when I got to work and tracked the progress of their flight online, I learned they were delayed leaving about 3 hours due to...get this...unscheduled maintenance. Can you imagine taking your very first flight overseas to learn that the plane needs some work first. All I can say is that I hope that my dad had enough sense to find my mom a martini somewhere in the airport. Poor things.

Learning as We Go Along

Ok, so Jon and I just figured it out. PMS doesn't stop when you're pregnant. Apparently, I was a tad moody this weekend. Nothing seemed right. Poor Jon, being the wonderfully supportive and loving husband that he is repeatedly asked me what was wrong. The thing is, I wasn't aware that I was acting as if something was wrong. So naturally, I bit his head off. Poor guy. It was a tough weekend for him until late yesterday I read him a passage from one of my many pregnancy books and we both understood what was going on much better. Ooops...I kinda feel bad. He, of course was very understanding and wonderful and all is well now.

He's going to Vegas on Saturday for work. Notice I didn't say "he gets to go to Vegas..." Honestly, he'd rather work at the office instead of attending this annual conference. I think he's slightly crazy...I mean...heck, he gets put up at the Venetian, gets wined and dined at very fancy places each night and oh yeah, it's WARM THERE. He just sees it as a giant pain because of all of the work he'll need to catch up on when he gets back. I guess I can't blame him too much.

From tomorrow on, some of these posts may seem a bit boring to most of you. I may include a lot of unnecessary details. Here's why: my parents are taking their first trip EVER to Europe. They leave tonight and really, reading this blog will be the only way they can keep up with what's going on with us for two and a half weeks. And...since I talk to my mom at LEAST twice a day, it's going to be tough. So I told them I'd blog a lot. I know they're going to have a great time. I am SO excited that they are finally doing this.

Alright....well happy Monday and I'll post again soon.

Nine Weeks Today

Today, I'm officially nine weeks along. Still feeling great...in fact, I had a great run this morning. The only thing I'm changing with my exercise is the running. My heart rate can't get up too high, so I've slowed my pace down and shortened my mileage and I'm able to do a bit of running. I power-walk at a really fast pace to get in the rest of my mileage. I love my Saturdays at the gym. It's the only day that I am not coming off of either a whole day at work, or a late night out (Sunday mornings). Usually, I take an amazing kickboxing class with my trainer after my Saturday run, but it was cancelled today, so I had time to come home and blog.

If you're wondering when the pictures of my belly are coming...soon. I think it's appropriate to start documenting it at about 10 weeks. I really don't have much to show now, so next week you'll get to see my bump that's really hard to see.

As for food (my favorite thing to talk and think about), Jon and I are going to our FAVORITE Mexican restaurant in Philadelphia tonight. We had to make reservations two weeks ago. Their margaritas are amazing, but since I can't have one of those bad boys, I'm going to indulge in their table side guacamole. I. can't. wait. The place is called El Vez and it's awesome. The next time anyone is here in Philly, I'll buy you a margarita there. After dinner, we're going to a 30th birthday party of one of Jon's co-workers. I'll know quite a few people there who will be puzzled by the fact that I'm not drinking. They are all TV people so they can't know quite yet. Jon and I were thinking of beverages I could order that would look like a mixed drink and we decided that a cranberry juice with soda water with a twist of lime would throw them off enough. Ugh, three more weeks to hide this....

Good News/Bad News

Ok...bad news first. I can't get the dang scanner to work. I mean...I went into the bowels of the basement and actually found the installation software and attempted to re-install it...THREE TIMES, but no luck. It just won't work. To me, there's not a lot that is more frustrating than something not working on the computer. It just makes you want to throw it through the window. But, I'm not supposed to get that stressed now, so I just said "whatever" and so the bad news is...no ultrasound pictures until either my parents, my in-laws or my sister scan it and e-mail it to me so I can add it. Hint, hint you guys.

Hey, I tried. Hopefully next ultrasound I'll ask if they can either e-mail the image to me or put it on a CD rom. I hardly see the point in buying a new scanner for the use of it once or twice.

Oh, and since you're reading this, I'll let you in on my newest food obsession....Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle patties. Oh...my...gosh...they are AWESOME. Try this...cook one, put a little bit of a good cheddar on top when it's hot so it melts, top with ketchup and wrap in a whole wheat tortilla with a handful of spinach. Sounds kinda odd, but it ROCKS.

Have a good weekend.

First Picture on this Blog

This is our niece, Emily...most of you know that. But, it's one of the only pictures I have here in my computer at work and I wanted to practice posting pictures, so here' she is.

Temporary Delay

Well, ok, so the ultrasound was yesterday and all is perfect! We are so lucky. Our little peanut is about 3/4" long and has a strong heartbeat. We can't hear it yet, but we sure saw it. Unfortunately, our scanner at home doesn't work, so there will be a temporary delay in my posting of the ultrasound picture.

More to come...

Big Day

Ok, so today's the big day...our first ultra-sound. We'll finally be able to see the form of the little peanut that is growing inside of me. I'm very excited/anxious to see this. Up until now, besides not drinking and having no caffeine and some other minor symptoms, I haven't really felt all that pregnant. I'm sure Jon feels the same way too. I mean, it's real...yes, but seeing the image of that little bugger for the first time will really drive home the point for sure. Heck, Jon was skeptical when the home test read positive. He really wouldn't buy that I was pregnant 100% until I went to the doctor. That's why I love him. He's a very sane and practical man.

Naturally, I woke up at 10:30 last night to go to the bathroom and never got back to sleep because my mind was racing about today. So, I watched a few episodes of "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" on TLC. If you've never seen it before, it's a reality show with a couple who had a set of twins, and then tried through IVF for just one more and got six more. So, they have two six year olds and six two year olds. After watching that, I no longer want twins. I guess we'll find out today :-)

Whoops...I forgot the lingo already

So, my last post earlier this morning I titled it "second month." Ok ok, I guess I should just get used to the lingo of all of the other pregnant mommies out there and go by weeks. So, officially I'm 8 weeks along. Two months...same difference, but don't tell that to the doctor. I am so confused as to how they calculate how far along you are. Let's just put it this way...I'm pretty sure I know the exact date of conception. So when I went to the doctor two and a half weeks later, he told me I was almost five weeks along. Huh? It seems that they measure back from your last period date and not the date of conception, because let's face it...who is anal enough to know the exact date? I'll tell you...people who work in TV news and who RARELY see each other...catch my drift? Anyway, I still don't get it, so by the doctors measure, I'm 8 weeks along. Whatever.

AND, technically, you're pregnant for 40 weeks. Yeah, that's 10 months, not 9...I want my money back. For the record, I'll never understand that one either.

There will be many things over the next 32 weeks I simply won't get, but that's ok. I'll learn as I go along.

First post...second month

OK...so this is the first post in what I hope is a long list of many. The plan is to keep my friends and family up-to-date with my ever-changing mind and body. Jon and I are thrilled to be expecting our first baby in November and as you read in this blog, you'll see how clueless we are in this new world we're about to enter....parenthood.

I may post daily, sometimes a few times a day...whenever the mood strikes. Or, if I have to take yet another nap, I may not post. For example last night, I had the unique pleasure of waking up not once but TWICE during the night to pee. Ugh. The doctor told me to get used to it. Doesn't my bladder know that I get up at 1:15 each morning for work? So, my guess is that I'll blow off the gym yet again to sleep.

So far I have been very lucky in this pregnancy. I've had just a small amount of fatigue and absolutely zero nausea. In fact, my appetite has been quite large (hopefully my butt won't be as large). I have cut out caffeine completely (which I deserve an award for, considering my work schedule) and of course not a drop of alcohol. Jon is THRILLED to have a DD every time we go out (usually I put that burden on him, so I guess it's payback time). I'm trying to follow the guidelines set forth by the book What to Expect When You're Expecting as far as diet is concerned, but that means a whole list of no nos....including sushi, oysters and even lunchmeat. But, at least I get to eat peanut butter again.

Ok, so this will be it for this post. I will be adding to the format of the blog as I learn how, and I'll be adding pictures real soon. In fact, the first ultrasound is tomorrow, so stay tuned for that!