Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the TV is so delightful, and since we've got work to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

For the first time in my 5 1/2 years working at the hotel and every year having so battle through the wintry storms I decided with much convincing from Toni and my mom that due to my pregnancy and the fact that it took 4 hours for me to get to work last year in these conditions, I decided to call off from work. It was really hard for me to do. I know how hectic the restaurant gets with grumpy travelers who can't catch their flights or get to their destination in Portland once they land. And of course there is no other option for food either. They can't get out and we can't get staff in. It's just terrible for 6-7 hours. A couple years ago I ended up staying in the hotel for 4 days straight working the breakfast and dinner shifts. I ended up talking to many local folks who had come home to the terrible weather conditions. One couple lived in Gresham but the roads were so bad and no one could come and get them, they were stuck in the hotel for a few unexpected nights. John was busy pulling out stranded people with his blazer that he had then and had fun running all over on the icy abandoned streets. He finally came to visit me in the hotel and we had a good time catching up over lunch. But I needed to go to bed so I would be productive during the dinner shift and he needed to pick his dad up from work at the airport. So we said our good byes and continued on with our day. The next year he took me to work and picked me up. But back then we both lived a lot closer to the hotel and wasn't a big deal. This year, John is going to still take me to work and pick me up, it just might take a little longer than before. Depending on traffic, most days it takes me 30-40 minutes, but with the weather it may take more time. But I am thinking there won't be nearly as many cars as usual.

And luckily for some citezens of Clackamas County John willingly took out his duce and was able to pull people out of ditches and such for a good part of yesterday. He didn't even charge people for it. Well one he did but he had to pull the same car out twice.

Apparently he even got rearended but didn't feel it. But did it do a number to the other man's car. He was mad and accusing John of not having break lights, so John showed him. He was driving so close to John that he couldn't see him. Talk about idiots. Who in their right mind drives up close to other cars when the roads are so slick. John got him to calm down and they went on their way. He even made a stop off at Wendy's for a bite to eat for lunch. I think, no, I'm sure that if I let him we would make that our family vehicle. Not a chance!

I had an appointment to see the doctor this morning at 10:30 but I called in and cancelled. I will be seeing the doctor on Monday anyway to follow up my UTI and don't think a few more days would make a difference. Surprisingly the office was open today. I hope the staff didn't have to stay the night in one of the hospital rooms... I wonder what they do to keep staff there. I work in a hotel so it isn't unusual for staff to stay the night in these conditions, but do they stay at the hospital??? A question that I will have to ask on Monday.

Our child birthing class went well on Sunday. My assignment is to bring a focal point for the delivery. Something larger than my fist. I'm thinking about taking one of the baby's ultrasound pictures. The one of the profile. I can't think of a better thing to concentrate on than the baby, and at that point I'm sure I'll be more motivated to push 'em out so I can hold my little Peanut. I am in the process of thinking about what I need to pack for me and the baby for the hospital. I have read several lists but have heard from women that half the stuff is provided by the hospital and not to worry about forgetting something.

Well I bought a memory card for the digital camera and took a belly shot so I could post it and show those I haven't seen since Christmas how big I am getting. But, for some reason the printer is having difficulties reading the card. And not just mine but the other cards we have, I had to check just to be sure. And yes, I am getting huge.

(Notice the hand in front of the face. This is my morning after waking up so no makeup and definate bed head, but, also notice I haven't gotten any stretch marks, knock on wood, so that is one positive about this picture)

I am due in 59 days. And that seems a bit unreal to me yet. I know it's coming but being busy with work and the reconstruction of our living room I haven't really had the time to fix up the back room. We have a lot more floor room than before and I'm almost wondering if we should use the closet for the baby at all. Not that baby's clothes will take up a lot of room but everything else that goes with baby does. John's folks and his grandma purchases a little dresser that will be perfect for the baby, not too big but big enough. I have boxes of books and stuff from who knows where that I need to go through and that will be my big project to finish after I am done working. I have just under three weeks left. I am happy and a little sad. I had a dream the other night that I was yelling at John because I was so bored being home all day long by myself... It made me realize that I may get bored but to enjoy the alone time that I have left. Reading Alyssa's blog opened my eyes and helped me remember all the times that I snuck into mom and dad's room when I had a nightmare. I would sleep on mom's side or in the middle. I even remember needing to wake mom up so she could stand by the door at night so I could go to the bathroom. I had a horrible feeling that I would either be eaten by a monster or a burglar. So the sleepless nights don't end when your child is sleeping through the night... Drats!
It's snowing outside and if I take pictures of it I will post them on here once I figure out how to get the card read. Well I need to get ready for the day. Toni invited me over for chicken enchiladas and even though it is snowing I will drive over for those, she has assured me that they taste good... I also need to get a bra with no wire in it. It's either rubbing my belly or poking me in the armpit and it's driving me nuts. But on the bright side I don't have any stretch marks and my feet haven't swollen too bad. I think the cold weather is helping in that department.

Well yesterday was a very eventful day. I had been spotting a tiny amount of blood and it looked old and the doctor said on Wednesday that it was most likely from intercourse.... So I didn't think anything of it. I went to mom and dad's house after my appointment because I hate being home alone. I was a little crampy and my sides were achy... But I thought that it was just growing pains, I kept feeling Peanut moving around and knew that the baby was fine. After all I just came from the doctor. The achy and crampyness continued through the night and the next morning I woke up to go to the bathroom and there was bright pink blood on the tissue. I knew that something wasn't right, Dr. Drake told me to call him if anything changed. I called the office and they told me to go to the hospital's labor and delivery unit... I (secretly) started to panic ... John offerd to take me but I didn't want him to worry. The drive there was agonizing. I hadn't felt the baby move all morning so I was getting freaked out!
I got to the hospital with no problem. Finding the L&D was a whole other story. when I did find it I was placed in an exam room and asked to pee in a cup. then I was hooked up to a fetal heart monitor and contraction monitor. The doctor came in and asked me standard questions. As soon as I was strapped in Peanut started to wake up and bounce all around. It's kinda funny but peanut does that at the doctor's office when we're checking the heartbeat. It made me feel so much better seeing all the movement. I was on the monitor for a little more than an hour and had one contraction durring that time. They tested my urine and it turns out I have a Urinary Tract infection which is very comon in pregnancy. That is most likely where the blood came from and the cramping. It didn't and hasn't hurt to pee so I didn't think that was possible. But I have been put on pelvic rest until Monday and told to drink plenty of water... not my favorite beverage and to take a huge horse pill twice a day. I have a follow up appointment on Monday to make sure I'm improving. Apparently UTI's can cause kidney problems and lead to premature labor... John was thrilled that this was all that was wrong and so was I. I would rather be uncomfortable for a week (or 40) than have something wrong with the baby.
Today we are getting a new dishwasher put in and I can't wait. They just came to inspect the wall where all the water damage had been and I showed them the spot of new mildew from the upstairs neighbors pipes. They told me that our pipes were connected and they will be checking for leaks in the upstairs apartment too. I just hope all this chaos is over intime for us to "nest". we have to get rid of a love seat and make room for the computer desk. I am debating whether or not I want to have the baby in our room or just to have shim in the next room the whole time. I suppose that's something we'll have to decide when the baby gets here. Ten weeks as of today! It still seems unreal to me that I have a baby inside me. I guess it won't seem real until I'm holding our baby in my arms and try to see what parts look like me and John.

~*~Trimester Month Week Countdown~*

~FIRST TRIMESTERMonth One (1-4): COMPLETE!!

Month Two (5-8): COMPLETE!!

Month Three (9-13): COMPLETE!!

SECOND TRIMESTER

Month Four (14-17): COMPLETE!!

Month Five (18-21): COMPLETE!!

Month Six (22-26): COMPLETE!!

THIRD TRIMESTER

Month Seven (27-30):IN PROGRESS!!

Month Eight (31-35): SOON TO COME!!

Month Nine (36-40): SOON TO COME!!

I can't believe that I'm this close...12 more weeks until my due date... I just hope Peanut decides to come ontime...

YEAH!!! they are done installing our carpet... it looks so pretty now. John and Erik came over and I decided since we have a clean slate to reaarange it differently... There seems to be a bit more room now and it's more open. I would take pictures but I have no idea where our camera is. I will have John take some belly shots of me... Goodness. I have a definate belly now... there is no denying my abs of steel. only problem is that instead of a 6 pack I have a pony keg....

Friday, December 22, 2006

No, I didn't fall off the face of the planet... I have just been not able to get my thoughts together... On Sunday John discovered that we had a leak in the kitchen... So Monday came and Tuesday came and finally on Wednesday the plumber came to fix our sink at 8 in the morning... And as you know, John and I are not morning people. How can you be when I don't get home till midnight from work??? Then around 11:30 the drywall guy came and patched up the hole in the wall... Thursday came and I had to be at work for a meeting and the painter was supposed to come sometime between 9-4. Well I wasn't about to wait all day for him to get here so I left early and hung out at mom and dad's house. When I got home from scrambling to find lift tickets for John to go skiing on Meadows (no luck) we had a note on our door reminding us that we needed to have all our furniture moved out of our living and dining areas so they can quickly replace our carpet.... Well It's now 11:30 and they aren't even here yet. I can't get ready for work. My uniform is in the wash and if I had a camera I would show you how accessible that is. the couches are standing up on end, my bathroom has that gigantic cross and our coffee table and misc boxes in it, Our kitchen has our pantry shelves, table and chairs and all the groceries and tins that I didn't get put away... I haven't had anything to eat since before 8 last night and I'm ravishing... I might just walk to McDonald's. I can't get to my bathroom, or the kitchen, I can take a shower in the master bath but to get ready to go anywhere is impossible. This is just getting a bit ridiculous!!!

So last night was John's 30th birthday and some friends took us out for dinner. We came home and started destroying the apartment.... Trying to squeeze as much as i could in as little space I was scooting the bookshelf closer to the bathroom and my shelf that Alyssa gave me years ago that had all my precious wedding keepsakes on it fell to the ground and broke... And this is after John accidentally laid the couch leg against the wall crushing a porcelain cross Toni bought for our wedding.... I lost it. This is the tip of the ice burg for me.... All the crap that happened last summer with the bugs and the painting and the upstairs neighbors bathtub leaking through the ceiling.... And now this, the week before Christmas. Andrea, Have you been able to make cookies yet?? NO, I haven't been able to use the kitchen for most of the week. Have you had time to get the baby's room ready. No, I haven't had time, I was too busy mopping up the gallons of water that spilled out of our sink and washing the towels to do that on a daily basis..... ARG!!!

Well the carpet installers just showed up and quoted an hour and a half. If everything turns out okay then John and Eric can move the furniture back and I might be able to eat something before I go to work!!! And then I read last night that if we are planning on installing new carpet for the nursery don't do it while I'm home because of the new carpet fumes.... well Sherlock... Where shall I go? There are carpet installers blocking our doorways with padding and old carpet and they must be glueing something, It smells like a hot glue gun.... Prisoner in my own home. Well, I am gonna stop complaining and read about how big peanut is and what miseries are in store for me this week. Getting my shoes on is a challenge, going to the bathroom is getting very interesting.... I am starving all the time and Peanut is kicking the crap out of my cervix.... And they wonder why pregnant women have mood swings so often.

Happy Birthday Andrea!!! When can we get together and celebrate your birthday?

23 week pictures (notice the pink bra and underwear???)

15 weeks
I didn't realize I was holding my boob in both pictures until they were already on here... compare it to my 15 week belly shot. I think I have a little more pigment in that picture too... But I'm sure that it's the lighting and not the fact that I lack pigment...
Well, I have 119 more days until my due date. Apparently only 5-10% of women deliver on their due dates... And labor tends to be about 3 times longer for first time moms than for moms who have deliverd before... So instead of a "short" 7 hour labor, I'm looking at somwhere between 20-24 hours!!! But as many of you have already been through this I am sure that's it will be well worth it. John is still trying to convince me that we are going to have ten kids. He is seriously delusional. Thanksgiving is coming up next week and John will be taking off a couple days next week. I just called work and I have it off so that will be great!
Last night I attemped for the third time to make Petit Fours. They turned out as expected. The Poured fondant was made from the Decorette Shops dry fondant mix, but I have read about making it yourself which might be just as easy and if not atleast more affordable. I was curious of people's oppinions on them, when you bite into them is the "covering" crunchy or is it a little softer??? I can't seem to remeber. All the times I have made them it's crunchy. But I seem to remember having one at work comercially made and it was a quite a bit softer. Kinda like the coating on a Hoho or Little Debbie snack cake. Wilton has a couple recipies for covering them and in one they use the candy melts and vegetable oil. That to me sounds like it would be creamier and a little softer. Others have suggested the melts and cream or half n half. I'm just desperate enough to try all of them. I don't really mind that they take forever. I think they are so cute that's they're worth it. I bought different colors for Christmas and with any luck we will be able to have some by Thanksgiving. I would love to bring some, only if they turn out though. I might just get so fed up with little cakes that I'll go crazy. Well the time is now 3:21 and I have to leave for work in 40 minutes. I'll see everyone at Becca's birthday tomorrow!

I just wanted to share the ulrasound pictures of "Peanut" that we had taken at our last appointment. It's hard to tell but s/he's really cute!!!

~*~Trimester Month Week Countdown~*~
FIRST TRIMESTER
Month One (1-4): COMPLETE!!
Month Two (5-8): COMPLETE!!
Month Three (9-13): COMPLETE!!
SECOND TRIMESTER
Month Four (14-17): COMPLETE!!
Month Five (18-21): COMPLETE!!
Month Six (22-26): IN PROGRESS!!
THIRD TRIMESTER
Month Seven (27-30):SOON TO COME!!
Month Eight (31-35): SOON TO COME!!
Month Nine (36-40): SOON TO COME!!

"To understand your parents' love, you must raise children yourself." ~ Chinese Proverb

Where has the time gone. It seems like I was just finding out we were pregnant and now I'm almost 2/3 done!!! John and I are going to the "Weekend to Remember" conference this weekend and I am looking forward to seeing him. You know for more than 5 minutes a day. I have to figure out a way that I can have one weekend day off. This is driving me crazy. On a happier note, I will only be working for about 3 more months, maybe less if I can get all my Paid Time Off. I have over 110 hours that I have to use before I leave or I'm afraid I'll loose them. That's almost 4 weeks in three months. Amber will be thrilled!!! NOT!

Mama Cimino's out for the count!!!

I woke up this morning just before 3 and my stomach decided to vacate my body. With out getting too graphic, I lost over 4 pounds... use your imagination if it helps.

So today was the big ultrasound... and It's a BABY!!! whoo hoooo. For a while there it felt like a tiny bucking bronco, so i wasn't sure! Glad we checked on that before Peanut was born. That would have been a supprise! It was amazing seeing Peanut moving around and kicking, the tech said that s/he is very active and kicking a lot. We saw tiny feet, and arms and hands that waved to us. Peanut was even sucking his/her thumb in a few shots. As soon as I can I will scan the pictures in and show everyone. Normally I would be on the way to mom and dad's house to update them, but seeing as I think I have now what Dad and all the babies had, I think I'll keep this "Diet" to myself. Unfortunately we were not able to video tape it like I wanted. The tech explained that it's to do with malpractce and people useing it to sue. For whatever reason.... Yadda yadda yadda.
So I might wander to Albertsons and pick up some jello and more broth, I only have the "seasoning" packets from some ramen to use as broth and it's realy not that good unless there's noodles and some sirachi in it. I will try to post more when I get better and I will get the pictures up soon.

I am so bad at this blogging thing. At first I was really excited but then I just get caught up in all the other things that I do online and this seems to be the last thing I think of. I bought an antena for our tv and we get a couple channels. Right now there isn't anything on but football. Not that that's bad, I just don't have time to sit and watch the whole game. Alyssa is finally having her Oktoberfest today and I am really ready for some good food. At work we had a german feast for our Halloween Rally, I watched someone choke on a piece of meat (at the buffet line, which she wasn't supposed to be eating, but that's what you get when you hire a temp). It was pretty scarry at the time but Lauren and I had fun of making fun of Steven who was calmly freaking out... all in good fun. And by the way our pumpkin won first place... The restaurant's that is. Even though Lauren, Dani and I were the only people who worked on it, everyone got the prize which is dinner served in the restaurant by Mr. Dodson, Ralph and cooked my the exc. chef. One problem.... How is the restaurant staff going to eat dinner durrning the dinner shift? seems like we have a problem on our hands. So anyway. I have to get John up. He was at the shop working on someone's car until after 1 this morning. I have no idea as to why he HAD to stay... but I'll ask him when he is a little more awake.

Well week 20 is here and I am finally half way through. John has been feeling sick all week long so hopefully this weekend he'll get the rest he needs to get better. I remember dad's infamous saying of "You can be just as sick at school as you can at home". John and dad are a lot alike in that respect, 'cept John will come home before his 12 hours of work are up... and that is a good thing. I finally bought some shoes for work and they should last until I leave sometime this next winter... I can't believe that it's coming up so soon. I think I will leave at the begining of February or so. Three more months!!! My dr appointment went really well, he said my uterus was measuring high but is sure that is from my short torso... there isn't anywhere for the little peanut to go but up and out. I have my ultrasound in a week and a half and am so excited for it.

I finished knitting a scarf late Wednesday night. I was determined to finish it. John came home just before 7pm that day, he took a shower and we ate dinner, watched about an hour of "The Matrix Reloaded" and he passed out on the couch. So we both got up and headed for bed. It was 8:30. I was no where near being tired enough to fall asleep, so with the bathroom light on I sat in bed next to John and finished knitting my scarf. It's really warm and John likes it too. Maybe I'll make him one for work. It's getting so cold out and being in the shop all day with no heat is so miserable. I'm sure that helped him get sick.

Yesterday I spent the whole day with Toni. We haven't had a day off together for months so it was nice to catch up a little bit. We went to Chang's Mongolian Grill and had lunch, we spent an hour and a half there just talking, then we went to mom and dad's house and they had a bunch of "treasures" for us to take home. Then we drove to the German Bakery on Sandy Blvd and looked all around. I hadn't been in there since they remodeled and expanded. They now have a deli and all sorts of treats. We each bought some Pffefenuse and a pastry, Toni had an eclair and I bought a Marzipan Torte. It was delicious, Almond and Apricot. From there we went to K-mart so she could look at a computer desk and from there we went to Babies r Us and I showed her all the things that I have registerd for. She doesn't like the crib but I love it. Then to Baby Depot and we looked there for a bit too. After that I drove to Wal-mart so she could pick up the computer that they had on layaway. The clerk at the checkout lane was on crack or something. She told him atleast 4 times that I heard that the computer was paid for and she was just getting the desk. Well he tried to ring it in anyway. It even had a large pink sticker with all the layaway info on it. While she was checking out I went to my car to make room for all her big boxes. That was a challenge. She came out just as I was calling John to see when he would be home. Someone from the store helped load everything in and we were off to Toni's house. Toni wouldn't let me lift anything. But I carried in her printer... She scooted the desk all the way to the door and pushed it on the carpet to the spot that they were going to set it up. Then we left again, Chuckie met us at the Taco Bell near Winco so I could grocery shop. I ran into Adam Pinkston there (Taco Bell) and we chatted for a bit. He was on his way to an elders meeting. Toni and Chuckie left and I went shopping. By the time I was done I was so sleepy, I had another 25 minutes before I would be home. Then as everyone knows who's lived in an apartment loading everything to your kitchen is a chore. I had to make 4 trips back and forth to the parking lot. I bought a mop and bathtub cleaner and other cleaning supplies and I suddenly got a surge of energy, I started yet another load of laundry and began with the toilets. They have rust or something that just won't come off... Then I scrubbed the bath tub... Imagine if you will: months of grease and goo from the shop in layers on my bathtub and shower walls. It took about 20 min of hard scrubbing to get that off. Man, My arms were about to fall off by the time I was done. I should have done before and after pictures to show you. John was very pleased to have a clean tub to shower in... He was in such a good mood when he got home. Must have been all the fumes :-)

In Honnor of the cancelled Oktoberfest we had Brawts and kraut. Well I had kraut. We watched the first half of "Pearl Harbor" and called it a night, Well half of the first half. I don't think we have finished watching a whole movie in months. Pear Harbor was a good date movie for us. We would watch it in John's room at his folks house before we got married. He had a dvd player hooked up to a projector and we would watch it on the wall. "Big screen". Even then we fell asleep before it was over... Well the afternoon is upon me and I have to get ready for work. Another day another dollar, Right???

I love "Saturdays". It's a chance to see how much cleaning and house work that needs to be done and then I roll over and fall back asleep. Partially true though. I have been doing laundry for what seems like forever and the dishes never seem to end... The junk mail to sort through... We tend to get a lot of mail for John's dad seeing as they have the same same save their middle name. but how offen do you get mail addressed to your full name unless it's a bill and other unwanted mail??? and it's usually just your initial anyway.

I have been putting off buying new shoes for work. I have needed them for months now but I loath shoe shopping. I don't like spending money on things that are just for work. but they are a tax write off. I am loving the jeans that alyssa lent to me.... and the stretchy pants from tami. i have noticed while putting on my shoes a minute ago that there is a lot of pressure when i bend over... I have been feeling peanut move a lot lately and it has been a comfort to have that. My next doctor appointment is on Monday and then in two weeks from that is our big ultrasound. I don't know why it's refered as that.... maybe because it's when you can find out the sex of the baby... Which John and I are not. Shirley brought some baby outfits over to the shop along with some diapers... They are too cute, one for a girl and one for a boy. Now just to narrow that down from all the other cute outfits that I have and will be getting.

Well I have to get off the computer, if I don't know then I never will...

Oh, This is what John does while I'm at work

~*~Trimester Month Week Countdown~*~

FIRST TRIMESTER

Month One (1-4): COMPLETE!!

Month Two (5-8): COMPLETE!!

Month Three (9-13): COMPLETE!!

SECOND TRIMESTER

Month Four (14-17): IN PROGRESS!!

Month Five (18-21): SOON TO COME!!

Month Six (22-26): SOON TO COME!!

THIRD TRIMESTER

Month Seven (27-30):SOON TO COME!!

Month Eight (31-35): SOON TO COME!!

Month Nine (36-40): SOON TO COME!!

At work last night I was informed that I am not allowed to have a stool to sit on durring my shift... Being very hormonal and upset I called my boss an asshole (not to their face), not Amber the rest. manager but the GM for the hotel. Last time I read anything about standing for long periods of time while pregnant can cause serious complications. Low birth weight, early delivery, and vericose veins just to get started. I'm not talking about standing for two or three hours, my shift is 7 hours on my feet. 6.75 if i get a break and for the 2 times I need to use the restroom... Why is it the peole who 1) have a chair in their office that they're in most of the day think it "unprofessional" to be sitting down durring your shift. And 2) have never been pregnant and don't understand what it's like.... Give me a break. If a man ever had to go through the process of carrying a child and work a full time job things would be so different. I'm thinking about having my dr. fax a note advising him to allow me the stool. It's not like I'm up there slouching or reading a magazine. I should also copy off all the resources that I have to back up my claim.

I have also been given tips by uninformed MALES about my weight. One co-worker said to me
"be careful not to gain too much weight" Really, I thought I was supposed to eat everything in sight and gain 100 pounds. Good Lord. What plannet are these apes from. What women enjoys gaining weight??? I have yet to find one. I know he was trying to be helpful cause he looked akward when he said it as to be sure not to offend. I told him the next day that my uterus is the size of a cantalope or larger.... Where would he hide one if there was one in him....

Then last night another guy asked if the baby was due soon. Folks, I can still bend over and touch my toes, I can see my feet and shave my legs in the shower standing on one leg. I don't know too many non pregnant women who can do that.

I AM NOT THAT BIG!!!

I wonder what they are thinking. Have none of these people been around a woman who was pregnant and to term... we'll talk about huge then. I can't wait until Christmas time and early next year in the third trimester.... I love all the unwanted advice I have been getting.... And I know it's only going to get worse. Women who have had children or are in fact pregnant at that moment can comment.... but guys (unless a certified ob-gyn), honnestly, be quiet because you have no idea what you are talking about

Nough said

I was searching on MSN to get some more information on the newest "don't eat the vegetables cause it can kill you" news and I came across the trailer for a movie coming out on dad's birthday Dec. 1st.

It's called the Nativity Story and from what I can tell it will be well worth the money to go and see it. The web page is http://www.thenativitystory.com and I have included a trailer of the movie incase you want to see it now.

It is very dramatic and I don't know if it's the hormones or not but I couldn't help but sob. I think this is why I enjoy Christmas so much. It reminds us that Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby, and even though he deserved a palace he was born in a humble stable. He deserved to eat at banquet every night but grew up eating what a poor carpenter could afford. Please take a minute to truly appreciate what this season really is about and thank the Lord for it.

At work we have been having a group of mostly ladies staying at out hotel. They are with Art and Soul and have been invading our restaurant since last Tuesday night. Again we find our water glasses with residue from their paints and glitter, glue on the tables and notes written on our menus to write an essay. I think that the majority of them will be gone today and that's good. I haven't gotten off work on time for the whole week coming home at midnight is a stretch. And I just realized that I have 20 minutes to get ready for work....

So I am sitting here on the computer all morning reading about what to expect in my 17th week of pregnancy and "peanut" decided to start tapping at my tummy. It's such a great feeling. Last night during dinner I was leaning over, elbows on my knees and it felt like a fish squirming around in there... The first trimester your afraid because miscarriage is more common, second trimester most of your pregnancy symptoms have gone away 'cept for not being able to fit into your pants. And you start to feel the baby tap and move a little, and when you don't feel anything you're paranoid that the baby died and is just in there. But then the tapping and squishy fishy movements start again and I find myself overjoyed and sit here crying in my happiness. I have been one of the lucky ones and have been recognizing movements and tapping for a couple weeks now, which is considered really early, I guess I can tell the difference between baby and gas. Some women don't feel anything until the 20th week. That would drive me crazy. To be huge with baby and know it's there and growing but to not feel it move. It does at times make me just amazed at the human body. I have another human being inside. A little person that God decided to give to us. I really do feel fortunate. John is under the impression that we are going to be "popping" them out one after the other. 6 under 6. I don't think so. Unless there's like a set of twins or two. He thinks ten is a good number. That has to be a joke.

If any of you have been to Fred Meyer, target, Michael's or anywhere to shop you have noticed that the Christmas decoration frenzy has begun. I can't help but be excited, I have always loved this time of year. Maybe it's because my birthday is right around the corner, the early hopes for snow and hoping to get what I asked for. I remember looking through the JC Penny catalog and circling all the toys I wanted, still haven't gotten that electric keyboard, but that's okay. I remember getting matching everything with Toni. Either a doll that was the same but with different hair color or clothes and pj's that matched. Indeed. I remember spending all the birthday money that I received as presents from my grandparents and using that to buy my family their Christmas presents. I would usually need to "borrow" some money from mom to help pay for things. And it seems to me that we were always one of the shoppers who would be out the day before franticly trying to find something for someone. I have always been a planner, a list person. But I am also lazy and a procrastinator. What type personality is that? I love to plan things and think about how I want them but I truly lack motivation. Like this blog, I have a hard time sitting down doing the same thing until it's finished. Maybe that's why I have a half finished quilt, unraveled yarn and books half read. I get bored and move onto something else.

Well, speaking of needing to move onto something else, I think it's just about time.

Lunch today folks is turkey chili and rice with a bowl of grapes... Mmmmm. Anyone want to come over and share? What's for dinner... Alyssa apparently isn't making homemade Macaroni and Cheese... I'll just suffer at work and have some fruit and Salmon chowder. Which isn't usually bad. Especially when I'm hungry. Last night I went shopping with Toni at Wal-mart and got some fall leaves cookie cutters. I saw an idea from a magazine to use clay and the cutters to make napkin rings and some fall decorations. Then I went to Michael's for half an hour and just walked around feeling yarn and imagining us in a house by Christmas and how I want to decorate it. I didn't buy a single thing.

I came home and instantly remembered that I needed to get 9 volt batteries. Our smoke alarm has been beeping all week and I never remember to get them until I'm home and hear it remind me. So I had John pick some up on the way home. He brought me a bouquet of flowers!!! So sweet. He hopped in the shower and I attempted to replace the battery. Being barely 5'3 makes things hard even with a chair so he had to come to my rescue and finish the job. I didn't help that the alarm only had one screw when there should be 4 and all the fasteners but one were broken off... But we finally got to sleep in a house with no beeping. We have three alarms and they are all within 5 feet of each other. Not one if them is in the kitchen where it should be. We have yet to get our ceiling painted since our leak back in the spring. Not so much on top of things are they... Shannon and I get to have lunch together and that will be great! I haven't seen her for months. Next weekend is the Greek festival and I am really excited to go. Even though we had Gyros again for dinner. I was too tired to be creative and we already had most of the ingredients. I just hope the weather holds out, the last couple of years it has been great! I don't even know if Tom knows I'm pregnant. not that you can really tell unless I'm wearing a maternity shirt. What a supprise. Now we just have to figure out where we put those tokens from last year!

Apparently these are the celebrities that I look most like.... What do you think? I did a picture of John and he apparently looks most like Vince Vaughn, not so much to me, more like Ben Afleck or something... Anyhooo. The site is pretty cool, you can look up your geneology and make family trees and the like.

My left leg has been achy lately. When I sit down at the computer it's worse. But I can't seem to pull myself away from it. I spent most of the morning researching baby stuff to register for. I have been having a hard time sleeping, I don't see how I will be able to sleep on my left side all night long. Thinking about investing in one of those pregnancy body pillows. $40 is cheap if it'll allow me to sleep through the night. I already wake up parched and needing to pee at minimum three times a night. I hope John is used to it, I know it took me a long time to sleep through when he would get up in the night. I didn't think he did until I would find cereal bowls in the living room or empty ice cream containers.... Not in the garbage. But that's a seperate issue all together. He has been doing really well at the shop and is proud to tell me how much we have been making. He is upset as I am about the raise in our rent. Probably to pay for all the "upgrades" they did this summer. Rip off. So we either deal with the rent hike or find another place to live and move with in two months. Wish us luck. Good Greif.

I read in a book somewhere that I should be going to the bathroom less now in my second trimester than before... The book is lying. Monday I thought I was going to have another ultrasound but that didn't happen. After waiting half an hour in the waiting room with mom I was finally called in, the nurse said I had gained 4 pounds since my last appointment and that it was a good amount. Alyssa, I feel your pain. But I have been overweight my whole life so gaining weight for the baby is the only good reason I have had so far. Then we waited in the exam room for about another 20 minutes. Dr Drake found the heartbeat in about 10 seconds and it was so great to hear. I have heard the sound before but never with me. It all still seems like a movie to me. Or it's an elaborate joke someone is playing on me. I think I have felt the baby move. Pretty sure, but nothing will compare to when John and I will feel it kick and somersault in my belly. We scheduled my next appointment and my "Big Ultrasound" two weeks after that. 8:30 in the morning. I don't know how I am going to do it.
I have been waking up early lately and not been able to get back to sleep. I usually hop on the computer or read some more about my pregnancy or what's the best baby gear to get. And after about an hour I get sleepy again and get back in to the warm bed with John. Hopefully not to wake him up before he goes in the shower for 20 minutes. Not leaving me with any hot water. So a shower before 10am is not usual. Well Monday it had to be and it was the coldest shower I have ever had to take. I just washed my hair. I couldn't bare the cold any more.
We just got a notice from our manangement about our lease running out. We have 2 more months. IF we renew a 6 month lease will be $750 a month (35 more than we're paying now) 12 month lease is $720 and month to month is $775!!! Ridiculous. I hope this motivates John more to look for a house. Apparently the prices are only for the valued members of the community! Don't I feel special now!!!
I was thinking about getting one of these t-shirts to wear when I'm out in public... But I'll probably make my own, $23 for a t-shirt ? No thanks! And then embellish it with other answers to popular questions like breastfeeding and what diapers we are using and so on. What fun! Well I just got the mail and want to look at the cool catalogues I just got.

15 weeks

My sad attempt to take a belly shot. The real difference between this and before I was pregnant is now my tummy is hard... Or getting there. I think its the baby pushing up all my organs that used to be down there. Everything is more condensed and compact. Still squishy in some spots. But I am in no way huge yet.... I am very anxious for my next appointment. According to "Your pregnancy week to week" I am supposed to start sleeping on my side. Not for medical reasons now but just so I'll be used to it by the time I'll need to. Laying in bed last night I always spoon being John, but I got a little paranoid... Was his body heat and mine raising the baby's temperature??? I didn't feel like I was overheating but I couldn't help but get worried. I got up to turn on the fan and slept on my other side. The book also said that "Peanut" is about 4 1/2 inches and about 1.75 oz. The size of a softball.... Hmmm Funny, I had ovarian cysts that big once... Not as comfortable as I am now. But in the end it's apparently the same kind of pain. Yippee!!!

My weekend is over and that makes me sad. I have however been asked by two friends of mine separately to have lunch with them later on this week. Michelle just got married in August and we are meeting at Olive Garden after my ultrasound and Shannon, whom I work with but haven't seen in two months cause of schedules, and I are going out next Saturday... Don't know where too though, I went to Gustav's last sat with John and nearly ate myself sick their food is so good!!! And Olive Garden with Toni and now Michelle. Maybe we'll hit the Old Spagg and have spumoni (sp?) Ice cream... Speaking of restaurants in Clackamas I hear they are building a macaroni Grille. I have only been to one once and I thought the food was really good, I had lasagna and I can't remember what John had, something with noodles though. Duh!!!

Well my lovely family and friends, I must find something to eat before work. Goodness knows when I'll be able to eat again... Especially with my co-workers.

P.S. Shannon, Indir is the Neanderthal that told me to watch what I ate. You know he dips everything he puts in his mouth in remoulade right. Fat bastard....