April 07, 2006 - Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

That's the title of the Act II opener of one of my favorite musicals currently running on Broadway, "Spamalot".  I never saw the movie on which the show is based, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," but if the movie is anything like the show, I'll be in for one heck of a laugh trip.  Spamalot had me crying from laughing so much.  It's a show I would eventually love to do, if only to work with the wonderfully talented people who are part of it.

I've always been one to try and see the positive side of things.  It keeps me sane, it keeps me peaceful.  I see no point in swimming in a sea of negativity, and try to keep my distance from those who block out the sun.  There are people that do suck the life out of a room, be it on purpose or not, people who make my vision go black when I'm around them.  It isn't always easy to keep the atmosphere pleasant in the presence of such individuals, and when I sense that the fresh air is about to go stale, I bolt.

These people are not to be confused with those who have honest-to-goodness angst to grind.  I speak only of those who seem to derive pleasure by putting others down, making others look weak in an attempt to make themselves look good.  What's the point in that?  I mean, really?

Especially now that I'm about to give birth, I make it a point to surround myself with energy that is light, positive and generally happy.  My friends are wonderful people that are able to rise above the occasional sadness of life and emerge even stronger.  It's great to be around them.  It's a positive influence on me, and hopefully I'm able to be a positive influence as well, to bring even a small amount of light into their world.

My daughter is going to be the light of my life... while she's baking, mommy will be around her favorite shiny, happy people.  I want my little one to smile a lot, and to have many reasons to.

Entry for April 06, 2006

It's official.  I am now 140 lbs.  Shit.

My lower body is now bearing the brutish brunt of the girth.  My feet's arches are falling even flatter, which is making walking a bit more uncomfortable.  I'm thankful though that I still am able to get around, albeit somewhat more slowly than I'm used to.  A friend of mine advised me to hit the mall and walk around; the exercise is supposed to make my delivery an easier one.  So yesterday I went window shopping, book browsing, shoe trying (this one was the most frustrating).  I now avoid the clothing stores (pointless) as well as fast food outlets and just walk.  Hopefully the effort helps.

Today though I was just so tired... my entire body was exhausted.  I had a good night's sleep, but needed a 3 hour nap in the middle of the day anyway.  I had intended to do a few things today here at home, but that all had to wait.  The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.  I couldn't believe that I was knocked out for that long. 

I have a feeling my body is going to be like this for the next few weeks until I give birth, but oh yeah, I'll be out and about.  My flesh needs to move in preparation for what's to come. 

April 05, 2006 - Pregnancy Blog

I had a wonderful day. 

It started out with a hearty breakfast of spam, a fried egg and garlic rice.  Oh man, that kind of comfort meal makes me very happy, and gets my day going on a high note.  I then printed out a speech that I had to deliver earlier tonight for the Entrepreneurs Organization, and head out to do a few errands.  I was in the Rockwell area for much of my day, and took care of a few things: sent out a "thank you" box of goodies, headed to Baby & Co. to check my registry and see what else I could take home (there were a few things I did buy), and just walked around to get my walking in (it was welcome physical activity).  Later on I met up with a couple of friends who were at the mall (I got hungry after browsing through healthy cookbooks at Fully Booked), and then went to the salon to get ready for my speaking engagement.  All in all, it was a great day and a great night.

It's now past midnight, time to get some sleep.  I am one tired woman.

April 02, 2006 - Pregnancy Blog 2

Yup, the waddling has officially begun.

Rob and I did our grocery shopping today, and my arches were falling flat in my flip-flops.  I shuffled through the store instead of walked, and used the cart the way a toddler would negotiate a walker.  Ay caramba!  My feet felt totally fine when I walked in the store, but were totalled by the time we left.  I try to see the good side of all this, that I got myself some exercise and did my weekend errands.  Thank goodness it wasn't that hot a day.  Man, I need a foot massage... I want one... right now...

It does bring a smile to my face when my belly starts to move, and I realize that this effort is worthwhile.  I also realize that there are moms out there who have it worse off than I do, so I shouldn't complain.  Life is, on the whole, very very good, and I for one am not going to begrudge this gift.

My due date is May 19... let's see if she comes out early or right on time.

April 02, 2006 - Pregnancy Blog

I thought this was just too funny... I guess she got tired of being photographed. 

It does make me wonder what kind of child she's going to turn out to be: outgoing, shy, bossy, playful, serious, thoughtful, pushy, independent, emotional, sensitive... who knows?

All I want for her is to carve her own path in this world.  The most I can do is prepare her for what's out there, and let her go, all the while letting her know that she can always come back home for a little rest and hot chocolate before heading back out there.  I know she'll make us proud, whatever she does.

My beautiful, beautiful baby... we can't wait to meet you.

April 01, 2006 - Pregnancy Blog 2

Everyone... meet Nicole.  You'll meet her in person soon enough. 

April 01, 2006 - Pregnancy Blog

My doctor just called... I still need to up my iron intake, as my hemoglobin levels aren't where she'd like them to be (mine are at 11.5, she wants at least 12).  She's putting me on another pill (oh, it had better not be another hard-to-swallow one) to raise my levels.  Yeah, I'm slightly anemic, even after an iron supplement and eating beef like no one's business. 

Anyway...

Yesterday I was swimming in a sea of pink.  I decided to take an inventory of all the things we have for the baby thus far.  Oh boy... as far as clothes are concerned, this little one has onesies, pants, shorts, shirts, and outfits to spare.  It's confirmed, she's going to be a princess.  Mommy and Daddy are going to have to exercise control.  I pray she doesn't outgrow everything too quickly, but that's okay.  There's always another family member that's going to need it, if a baby girl's also on the way.

So... here's what she has (not including toys and books):

CLOTHES (0-3 months)

1. Side-tie shirts (sleeveless) - 8
2. Side-tie shirts (short sleeved) - 8
3. Side-tie shirts (long sleeved) - 3
4. Newborn gowns - 7
5. Onesies (short) - 12
6. Onesies (long) - 3
7. Onesies (long with feet) - 4
8. Baptismal gowns - 2 (one of them is the one used by me, Gerard and Shiela)
9. Bonnets - 4
10. Shorts - 6
11. Pants - 5 (note: pants and shorts can be used until the baby's 6 months old)
12. Socks - 14 pairs
13. Booties - 4 pairs
14. Mittens - 7 pairs

CLOTHES (3-6 months)

1. Onesies - 21
2. T-shirts - 8
3. Outfits - 8
4. Hats - 2
5. Shoes - 4
6. Boot slippers - 1

OTHER ITEMS

1. Washcloths - 42
2. Terry robes - 2
3. Quilt - 1
4. Receiving blankets - 7
5. Burp cloths - 15
6. Square cotton cloths - 3
7. Rattles - 3
8. Pacifiers - 4
9. Teething ring - 1
10. Towels - 7
11. Bibs - 22
12. Disposable diapers - 39
13. Cloth diapers - 24
14. Changing pad cover - 2
15. Nursery organizer - 1
16. Crib sheet - 1
17. Baby Bjorn carrier - 1
18. Change n Go - 1
19. Swaddler - 1
20. Diaper bag - 1
21. Breast milk containers - 5
22. Bottles (125 ml) - 3
23. Bottles (260 ml) - 3
24. Bottle sterilizer - 1 (good for 6 bottles)
25. Medela double breast pump - 1
26. Bathtub - 1
27. Nursing pillow - 2
28. Nursing bib - 2
29. Sippy cups - 2
30. Formula container - 1 stack of 4
31. Crib and mattress - 1
32. Playpen - 1
33. Stroller (on its way) - 1
34. Car carrier - 1

BEDDING

1. Fitted sheets - 4
2. Flat sheet - 1
3. Crib bumper - 2
4. Bolsters - 2
5. Pillows - 2
6. Pillowcase - 1
7. Bolster cases - 2
8. Head 'n' back pillow - 1
9. Comforters - 2
10. Blankets (cotton) - 4
11. Blankets (flannel) - 5

So there you have it!

TO THE PARENTS WHO ARE HERE!!!  Kindly check my list and let me know if there's anything I should add or have enough of.  Either leave a comment or email me directly.  Thanks for your help!