it's a...

...baby!!

Much to your chagrin, we stuck to our guns. Even though a certain future mommy had moments she wanted to cave, we kept our baby's bum hidden from our view. (Not really, but we wouldn't know what to look for anyhow.) And we did not find out what we're having.

Seeing our baby for the first time was so amazing, and my cute, little, squishy one was very cooperative for its pictures. Baby even uncurled its little fists from the side of its head at one point and stretched out its arms, long fingers waving a little hello. Baby also opened its eyes, which is very cool, but also looks semi-freaky in 2D. We tried for a 3D view, but the placenta is squarely in the way, so we got a nice 3D view of...an arm.

I think this is the most excited I've felt since the positive sign showed up. To see my small fry rolling around, stretching its limbs. I just love this little person so much already.

And good news - Baby's head is resting on my bladder. Lucky me.

love affair

So here's the issue. I can't stop eating Mac 'n' Cheese. I know that for a while you all had to endure my love affair with Chili's chips and salsa, but we broke up a long time ago - when Mac 'n' Cheese made its dashing entrance into my life. And I haven't been able to stop since. It's seriously problematic. I'd eat it for every meal if Jess would. I have the Easy Mac version at work, which by the way is a little different than the regular version - it has a slightly more cheesy taste.

I just emailed my mom to ask her if it was problematic that I was fighting every urge to go make myself another helping. Extra problematic given the fact that I already make myself a double helping to start with.

If my child comes out with KRAFT stamped across its forehead and a fist full of noodles, I give the poor thing every right to hate me for life.

we can't stop laughing

i (currently) heart

(And I say currently because things change real quick in my world...)

1. Hot breakfast. Like Cream of Wheat or oatmeal. I've never been much of a breakfast person. But I'm practically ravenous in the mornings these days. By the end of the day, I generally just have indigestion, so food really isn't that enjoyable when your esophagus is burning, but man, in the morning... And I'm loving these hot breakfasts. I don't know why - maybe because it feels like they're sticking to my guts longer. Who am I kidding. I eat like three breakfasts. The only place this food is sticking is my thighs.

2. Black shirts. The great concealer. My sweet father-in-law says that a pregnant woman is the most beautiful woman in the world. And actually, I'd probably agree when it comes to other women. But dude. Fat is fat in my world. So I'm loving the black - until I turn to the side, I look relatively normal.

3. Shade's maternity cap sleeves. So I'm actually not big enough (yet!) to be utilizing the ample fabric supplied by Shade Clothing's maternity cap sleeves, but boy are they comfy. And long. So I'm not constantly tugging at my belly hugging undershirt or attempting to let my arm flab breathe by stretching the arm bands. Special thanks to my personal shoppers who purchased these steals and sent them to me. It was like maternity Christmas getting each box.

they've got the golden ticket

So everybody knows I'm obsessed with Japan. I'd pick up and move there it was a financial feasibility. I mean, their McDonald's cheeseburgers have some sort of legal, addictive stimulant, you can order your meals out of a vending machine, they speak some of the best Engrish around, their air actually smells good, but THIS, this is just proof positive that Japan is pretty much the best place to live. Ever. I mean, where else could you find GOLD IN YOUR POOP. I'm telling you what, perhaps we should put more effort into making our waste more valuable like they do.

Then again, are you surprised? Don't forget their golden turd. I mean, the stuff's practically enshrined there.

Best. Place. Ever.

isn't it ironic

So I seem to have kicked the disease for the most part. I'm still left with a smoker's cough and voice to match, but I'll take it when compared to the death march I was doing for a few days. But having a cold while pregnant is not without its ironies. For example:

1. You know how when you get a cold, your sense of smell goes numb? That's a fun idea. As it turns out, hormonal nose smelling is stronger than cold germs. So I could still smell every reeky smell for miles around. Through the gobs of snot.

2. You know how when you get a cold, you can't sleep (unless of course, coerced by a dose or two of NyQuil)? Well, the husband reports that I am out like a log within minutes and snoring a few seconds later. Turns out that creating another person's fingernails and such is still tiring enough to overrule Mr. Mucus.

3. You know how orange juice is so great when you have a cold? Not only is it a great placebo, but it really does shoot you up with great Vitamin C. Well, sometimes when you're pregnant, the acid from said squished oranges builds up and contributes to a nice, healthy dose of indigestion on top of its other healthy benefits. Niiiiccceee.

Overall, however, I'm happy to be breathing through only semi-clogged nostrils and I'm seriously dying to get a little exercise in again. (Yes, the baby and I regularly do the elliptical machine still. Unless my head has been otherwise taken over by an army of throat scratching, nose clogging cold germs.)

in the cold

So having a cold while pregnant is somewhat miserable. I feel sad that my body is totally wasted, basically useless, and pray that any good energy that's left is being sent to the baby. I hope that my little person doesn't feel what I feel, in any way, at any level. I don't remember feeling so awful from a simple cold. Ever. And if my little beeb is feeling any of this, I'll just cry. I hate that I have to take medicine in order to survive. So far, I've only taken a few Tylenols in order to combat my raw gums. But now, I'm taking all the things my nurse told me to (Tylenol, Sudafed and Robitussin are approved, when taken as instructed, if anyone was wondering) and just hoping the baby doesn't have to taste much. I feel bad that I keep forgetting to eat (as I'm not hungry), but I'm reminded when I nearly faint that someone else is still hungry.

The worst part is my nurse tells me that this is a doozie, that most pregnant women they're hearing from are out for at least a week. I feel useless. I feel scared. I just want to keep my baby safe. And now the poor thing is stuck listening to my deep coughs that are surely rattling its little home.

I'm sorry Baby. :(

southern tourists

So this weekend, Jess' parents came to visit. Their primary reason for coming was to see UNC and Duke battle it out, but here are some of the other highlights:

1. They were here for 3 1/2 days, so we were determined to find things for them to do. Two things we hadn't done yet, which we'd highly recommend to those living in the area: Duke Homestead and the Bennett Place. They're historic sites that practically rest right under our nose, and they're simply lovely. Duke Homestead provides a great history of Washington Duke (the great tobacconist and eventual source of the school's name), and Bennett Place is the location where the negotiations to end the Civil War took place. As we followed our tour guide at the Duke Homestead, I said, "Hey, this is kind of like Palmyra or Nauvoo. But sinful." (The tobacco. I'm funny.) The above picture features the monument at Bennett Place and a perfect shot of my hiding belly. (BELIEVE ME. IT EXISTS.)

2. At the game, which started at 9 p.m., way past this pregnant girl's bedtime, my feet swelled up to the size of my head. It was awesome. There were so many rabid Duke students in there (they pack 'em in tight for that game), we're told it reached nearly 90 degrees. Also. I don't know if you're aware, but many pregnant noses can distinguish every sweat smell they're surrounded by. Also awesome.

3. We took them to our favorite restaurant here in Durham, Thai Cafe. They seriously make the best Panang Curry around, and even though I'd thrown up some curry in the first months of pregnancy, I decided to be a trooper and just suck it up. Sucking it up was everything I didn't do, as it turns out. There's something about the smell and consumption of Thai food that my small fetus simply doesn't approve of. I had a good visit with the Thai Cafe toilet. It was like movie style projectile. Awesome.

4. At the game, which was pretty amazing, by the way, we were able to score seats behind the bench. Like the last row in the lower bowl, behind the bench. As such, this section had a few celebrities. Any of you women who are particularly sports inclined might be able to name these gentlemen. Your husbands will likely know them. As it turns out, I don't remember who they are. Pretty sure one's an old Steeler's coach and the other a current coach, for Arizona maybe? Oklahoma? Whatever.

5. We finally made it to Waffle House, a Southern classic that Jess and I have sort of put off participating in due to the general appearance of the place. But we had two major team players who shuffled us in. And because we are tourists with a capital T, we took our picture in front of the Waffle House before entering. When we entered, the Southern truck drivers were chuckling at the bar, and the waitress let out happy-laced with sarcasm, "Welcome to the Carolinas folks!"

Were we that obvious?

the power of suggestion

So you've heard of the power of suggestion, right? Well, let's talk about its extreme power in my pregnant body. It's not normal. It's kind of like a super power, but not super. I will see something on T.V. or someone will mention a food, and a few hours later, I will need that food. And it's likely that I will need that food for days, even weeks. In the first few months, when the thought of consuming food was on the same level as lapping up a bowl of sand, Jess would purposely say, hours before he knew I needed to eat, something like, "How about Subway, does that sound okay?" And I would adamantly refuse, kicking and screaming. Then two hours later mention how Subway suddenly sounded good. And Jess would shake his head. Then go to Subway three times in one day for me. (That's love folks.)

This is the worst so far, and it's driving me crazy. I am consumed with this craving. So I was talking with a friend on the phone and mentioned that I had just picked up my current favorite: a chalupa from Taco Bell. Sick, right? BUT I LOVE THEM. (If I'm being honest, I love them when I'm not pregnant, but possess the willpower to withstand when there isn't a fetus convincing me otherwise.) So she mentioned that her pregnant friend can't get enough Sausage Egg McMuffins from McDonald's. I was like, "Oh gross, that's the worst," but in my head I was like:

"Mmmmmmm. That sounds good. Good thing they're not serving breakfast right now."

And it's a seriously good thing that there isn't a McDonald's on my way to work. Because I'm sure I would've consumed that NEED by now. Every day. Just sitting here I'm about to die. At least my brain thinks I'm going to die, because I haven't yet consumed an Sausage Egg McMuffin.

But the double chin that I swear is making an appearance has some excellent arguments in convincing my brain otherwise.

Come on double chin. Hold out.

licking the bowl clean

If sunsets were ice cream, I'd have licked this this bowl clean. (But then again, I'd lick most any bowl clean these days.)

It wasn't so much that the sunset was particularly amazing so much as it was the fact that I was able to enjoy the sunset at the edge of our favorite Jordan Lake without any of my digits voluntarily amputating themselves due to the freeze. It seems that we're getting a little taste of spring this weekend, and I couldn't be happier about the windows being open, the perfect breeze clearing out the musty winter air of our apartment.

Yum. The weather is so good, you can practically taste it.

because spring is just around the corner (i'm convinced of it)

Alright ladies. I know that some of you are similarly inflicted with an ever growing parasite in your belly. (That sounds so mean! I don't mean it little one.) Now I'm determined to make it through this pregnancy maintaining some shred of my wardrobe dignity. And I'll tell you what, I don't think it's going to be easy. I have the whole long legs problem. And then there's the whole, ah-hem, perma growth of the, shall we say, upper shirt area. (Seriously?)

Like I've said before, I'm pretty sure skirts are the way to go. And for any of you in the market, I just thought I'd announce that you can pick up the above number (I did, plus a few) from OldNavy.com. And they're on sale. In fact, a bunch of things are on sale. I just went with skirts as I don't trust my shirt size guessing skills anymore, but there are some super cute options. Plus, get free shipping on orders over $50. (Jess had to convince me that spending $50 just to get the free shipping did not make it a good deal. Bummer.) Just use the code BABYMAT when you check out.

Because being cute and ginormo is a possibility. :)

P.S. For those of you located in the SLC area, Shade Clothing's warehouse sale is this weekend (today and tomorrow) as well. They blow out thousands of items for as cheap as $3. It's possible I have my very own personal shopper stopping by for me today to check out the maternity options. ;)

seriously?

I was just minding my own business, enjoying my customary after work meal, scarfing me some chips and salsa, when Jess decided it was time to intervene.

Jess: "You're going to ruin your appetite."
Me: "Seriously? My appetite? I always have one."
Jess: "You can have chips for ten more seconds. And then I'm taking it away."
Me: "Dude. In what world is it okay to take food from a pregnant lady? It's not even allowed."
Jess: "Three, Two, One." (Closes the salsa.)

Jess suffers a punch to the bicep. I reclaim my salsa.

And continue stuffing my face.

good news from cravings land

For those of you who are pregnant or otherwise afflicted with a bodily need for Chili's chips and salsa, I have good news. No longer will your bum load of leftover chips (from Chili's to-go window) go to waste. Because you yourself can (closely) duplicate the salsa.

Possibly the best day ever for pregnant women everywhere.

Chili's Salsa

1 14.5 oz. can Ro-Tel (I used mild)
1 14.5 oz. can whole, peeled tomatoes, plus the juice
1 tsp. jalapenos (canned, diced, not pickled)
1/4 cup diced onion (I used white, I'd recommend yellow)
1 tsp. garlic salt (to taste)
1 1/2 - 2 tsp cumin (to taste)
1 tsp. sugar (to taste)

Place jalapenos and onions in processor; process for just a few seconds. Add both cans of tomatoes, salt, sugar and cumin. Process all ingredients until well blended, but do not puree. Place in covered container and chill. A couple of hours of chilling will help the flavors to develop. Serve with your favorite thin corn tortilla chips (Chili's are my favorite).

Listen, it isn't perfect, but who is, really. I think next time, I'll use a little more jalapeno. And I'm pretty sure a yellow onion would make the taste closer to right on. I also played with the spices until my superdog pregnant nose said it was just right.

Pregnant women, you're welcome. Rest of the world, you're welcome. For making the pregnant women in your life content for at least fifteen minutes while they inhale their fix of chips and salsa.

It's the least I could do, really. :)

nice shadow

Alright folks. It's possible that I mentally willed my pants to snap around my growing waistline this morning. The problem is, my work wardrobe is hard to replace. Long legs and large belly make for a strange size pant. I dare say that this may be the last week that the snap meets the buckle.

Which wouldn't be such a problem if spring would just arrive already and allow me to wear skirts. Skirts are so friendly to the pregnant belly. I'm relatively sure I will live in them come summer time. But for those of you who aren't in the know, Mr. Punxsatawney Phil has declared us another six weeks of this frigid wasteland. If he wasn't so cute, I'd probably be way more bugged. But come on - a groundhog that fat can't be anything but loveable.