Merry Christmas

Grandparents

There is something magical about the love of grandparents.

Maybe it is the extra cookies, and candy they give us. Maybe it is how we can do no wrong in their eyes.

I still remember the smell of my grandmother's house...as well as the taste of her snickerdoodle cookies.

Also, I remember the time that I scared my poor grandmother by hiding in her clothes hamper and popping out while she was trying to relax while taking a bath. That was the only time I can remember that I got in trouble...

Well now my parent's have added to their grandchildren. Last year, they had Mei Li...now there is Allison, Lu Li, and Roark to join Mei Li in experience the magical love of grandparents...

Celebrities All Around

I'm not sure how I will be able to cope with our Holiday celebrations this year as I will be surrounded by celebrities.

First of all, Mei Li was featured in a calendar out in Colorado.

Secondly, my other niece was featured in the Sunny Ridge brochure. Sunny Ridge is the adoption agency my sister and brother-in-law used to adopt both Mei Li and Lu Li.
Sunny Ridge

Finally, my husband was in a video that is on the US Cellular website (scroll down until you see the videos)...Erik. As a matter of fact, Erik mentioned that he might be in another video next month.


 None of them have given me their autograph...maybe that is what I will be getting for Christmas. :)

Lessons Learned From Roark

One of the things I'm looking forward to teaching Roark is how to hang a spoon off of his nose. It is a little trick that I have taught my nieces already. I can't wait until I can get a photo of all three of them hanging spoons on their noses...my pride and joy.

There are already a few lessons this little man has taught me:

Patience...since he is still so young - 7 weeks - he is calling the shots. When I sleep, when I eat...and it is awesome I don't have to plan these things anymore.

Crying when you want something...the squeaky wheel does get the grease.

Walking around gets the gas out...I really don't need to explain this one.

Human touch...Roark has this down. He will cry and once he is in either Erik's arms for the token "Dar Dar" chair and tummy time; or in my arms he stops crying and nestles in for some quality bonding.

Amazement...now that Roark can focus on somethings...he is amazed by it all. It really has opened my eyes to be amazed by the little things in life.

I'm sure there will be more lessons, for those, I cannot wait.

Photos...

As mentioned, my wonderful cousin did a photoshoot last weekend...Grandkids

Cute

So how can something so cute and tiny produce such loud and stinky foofies?

Our peditrician warned us that babies get really bad gas pains when they are newborns but the pains tend to go away somewhere around 6-8 weeks. Today marks his 7th week and he now has figured out ways to get the gas out (oh yes, we have made up a song that can be sung to "Who Let The Dogs Out," but we obviously have changed the words to "Who Let The Gas Out.").

Anywho...early last week, Roark had a bit of a bad night because he was a little gassy. I was telling my Dad about it and he said, "Well Anastasia, it isn't his fault he's gassy, you're the one that fed him, right?" It was at that point I realized my Dad will always defend Roark...which was a wonderful feeling (fyi - I wasn't complaining about Roark -- I was just telling my Dad I felt bad for the poor little fellow).

Not sure if I posted this picture but it is of my Dad looking at Roark. You can't really see my Dad's face but it is a look I will never forget. It was a nurturing look - plus a combination of pride, admiration, and love. My Dad hasn't held Roark yet, maybe because he is afraid he might drop him - but hopefully one day soon he will hold him.

To My Cousin Therese...

Thank you so very much for taking the time to do a photoshoot for our family. I'm sorry I was a brat when we were children and I'm so grateful you didn't hold a grudge.

Thank you for the beautiful picture - I can't wait to see the rest.

Can't get enough

Truth be told, I can't get enough of this little guy. I feel guilty when I write in the blog and he is awake - or even when he is asleep because I love to hold him. One of the best feelings is Roark's head on my chest. 

He is staying up for most of the day and sleeping for the most part through the night... (I'm going to miss the mid-night feedings because it is our special John Denver time...) It is really a great feeling when he makes eye contact with me and smiles...then farts. I know he loves me.

Tomorrow he will be 7 weeks old - where does the time go? From a developmental standpoint he is making eye contact, following you around with his eyes, has great facial expressions and then his grip. He has a killer grip - just about ripped my lips off the other day - and when I do hold him on my chest and he wraps his little arm on me (I call it warm snuggies)- it is one of the best hugs after (his dad also gives AWESOME hugs - I hate to get sappy but in all honesty Erik's hugs cure everything...kinda like Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer  Chuck Norris).

This past weekend, my Aunt T.C. and cousin Therese came in to town to celebrate my aunt's birthday. Also, Therese is a professional photographer so she did a photoshoot with Roark, and my nieces. I dressed him in the outfit below...he was ready to party - then he had a mighty blowout.

I'm here to party...

On Sunday, Allie, Roark, Erik, and I all went to the Museum of Science and Industry...my favorite museum in Chicago. Granted, as a child I was not a fan of museums...As you can see from the photo below - Roark likes it too:

I love museums...just like my mom.

Yes, I dress my kid up in costumes. He will not be happy with me when he gets older...but he is so cute - I can't help by dress him up. The pets seem to be relieved as they are no longer my target to dress up...although I am thinking of dressing them up as reindeer...

Oh Christmas Tree

Give Thanks...Everyday

Why is it that we only "Give Thanks" on Thanksgiving?

Yes, I'm fully aware that Thanksgiving was several weeks ago but my time at home with Roark has allowed me to reflect on all things I am thankful for. Like the UPS driver from yesterday that helped me bring in heavy boxes into the house, and the employees at Duncan Donuts on Lawrence Ave. in Chicago, where Roark is a mascot.

It used to bother me quite a bit when my sister would give me advice...maybe it was her tone, but lately - I enjoy her life lessons. Most recently, she sent me an article about how to juggle being a mom as well as a professional. I'm so grateful to have a caring sister. Secrets of Working Mom

My Dad...the other week he called me and while we were talking he told me how proud he was of me and what a great job I'm doing as a mother. I nearly fainted. I love my Dad...he is a true inspiration to me and to have him compliment me on my most difficult job I've ever had...but yet my absolute most favorite, left me truly speechless. Then to add to it, my Mom yesterday mentioned how impressed she was with my ability to haul Roark with me on all of my errands. Truth be told my dear friend Nikki is my inspiration...

Nikki is awesome. Everyone should have a Nikki in their life. She is an excellent listener, intelligent, a wonderful new Mom, funny, and the bestest friend a person can have. Nikki had her son in June...she didn't sugarcoat pregnancy or labor - so yes, she scared the shit out of me...but she was honest (another trait I love about her). Matthew became her sidekick...just like Roark has become mine. It was with Nikki that I went shopping with Roark for the first time. I was a nervous wreck...but having Nikki with me soothed my nerves considerably.

I'm also very thankful for the additions to my family...of course there is Roark, Allison, Erik and I can't forget Archie, but there is also my new niece Lu Li and all of my in-laws. I'm so looking forward to Christmas this year. Not only do I get to spend it with my family but also, this will be my first to celebrate it with Erik's family. I'm so very fortunate to be surrounded by such great people. My heart is about to burst when I think about how lucky I am!!!

And of course...there is Santa's Little Helper...Roark. He is a wonderful baby. He will probably be really ticked off with all of these costumes I dress him in, but he's so cute in them - I can't resist.

I'm also thankful for those of you who read this blog and give me crap for not updating it more regularly...

Remember to be thankful not just one day a year, but everyday.

Holy Cow

Oh my...

Here is Roark - 12.2.11

Roark 11.2.11

Need to Laugh???

Yes, this was my outfit when I went to the store this morning.

One would think that I am colorblind...but no - I am not. I have no excuse for this outfit other than it is warm and comfortable...

This is a video I took last night of Roark with one of his toys...as you can see - he inherited my sweet dance moves.

Beautiful

I'm not sure I posted this picture yet...however it is one of my all time favorites.

Often, when I'm having my 3 o'clock quiet time with Roark and singing John Denver (yes - JD does have a positive impact of Roark's sleeping) I think of this photo - it warms my heart.

Brilliant

I don't mean to brag...but Roark is pretty awesome. I promise I will not be one of those parent's that brags about how her son is the best child ever...no I will not do it, instead I will just declare it here - on the Internet for it to be immortalized forever.

Last night, we tried a new bottle to help with Roark's little tummy trouble (insert funny joke here about how Roark inherited his tummy issues...) and he reached for and held the bottle. I kid you not! We tried to get a picture but we were so amazed we couldn't take our eyes off of the sheer brilliance.

Granted, he hasn't done it again - but it was still pretty cool.

Even Archie likes tummy time...

My Favorite Book To Read To Roark...

The past couple of days have been rather challenging, thanks to our dear Roark, and Erik and I are a bit sleep deprived.

However, we've been able to get some peace reading this book to Roark.

Please make sure there are no kids around when you listen to this link, unless they are of the age where they are not talking yet...




Must Read (in this case, listen)

The More You Know - Something To Be Thankful For--

It is my belief to pass on important tidbits of information, especially if it can save lives...Drink Up People!

Drinking coffee cuts harmful effects

Everyone Needs An Iris

Bath, bottle, bed, and Bears

Roark is awesome; there are times when it is hard for me to decipher if it is daytime or nighttime but those times are few and far between.

As a matter of fact, last night I was the one that kept waking up - expecting Roark to be up any second. He actually slept great - only woke up twice and even then he was back to sleep in 30 minutes.

My world has certainly changed and my days are now filled with dirty diapers, quality tummy time, cuddling time, and feeding. Everyday, I try to get out of the house with Roark. Yesterday, my adventure included shopping with my Mom (which is always a great time) and in the afternoon, I went to this store by the house looking for old wooden letter toy blocks that Erik and I saw months ago. We thought it would be neat to get the baby's name in the blocks and hang it in the nursery. So I got the blocks and went to pay for them:

That is where I met Iris. Iris asked me to put Roark up on the table so she could see him. We started talking and she suggested to take pictures daily to mark his development. Little did she know I have been - so I shared the photos with her.

She was amazed as to how much he has grown. She then gave me the blocks as a gift.

Everyone needs an Iris in their day - to remind us that people are good, life is wonderful, and time with loved ones should be enjoyed - and not rushed.

So this Holiday season relish the time with your loved ones and be an Iris to a stranger.

Pictures of Roark

Some of you mentioned you weren't able to see the pictures taken of Roark when we were in the hospital. Here is another link to try...

Photos of Roark

Truth be told...this morning I was a little sad that I didn't have more pictures of him when he was all swaddled up...

It's A Sad Day...

The news came over the wire yesterday...I couldn't believe it - I was hopeful it was a bad dream.

But yes, it is true Ashton and Demi are getting divorced and I am devastated. I thought for sure their love was true and sacred, and that their marriage would last.

Alas, it is a sad day and a dark weekend.

In order to cope with such sadness, I found solace in these videos...Mayhem and Raccoon.

Hope these videos can make you smile.

A Special Shout Out - Jean Smith

Not a day goes by when I don't hear from my friend Jean Smith...she really has kept me sane throughout my roller coaster days of emotional up and down swings.

She is an excellent listener and a true voice of reason. Not that I'm hallucinating but I have done some crazy things...she just reminds me that my world has change and I'm operating on very little sleep while trying to maintain a clean house, shower daily, do laundry, and care for a newborn.

Thank you Jean - your friendship is priceless.

Support

Support goes a long way. The past couple of weeks have been truly amazing and it is crazy how one can function on very little sleep - it is as if I'm on autopilot...but what is helping me cope with sleep deprivation is the support of my husband, friends, and family.
Erik has been truly wonderful during this time - trying to juggle work, a baby, and Roark (get it, I'm the baby...hahaha).

My family has been totally rad (yes, I went old school on that one) too. Bringing Erik and I food - and simply checking in on me

My cousin Meghan, even when things are going a little rough for her, she manages to text me to see how things are going.

Then, I'm blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law who sent me an email stating that I'm a natural when it comes to a loving mother. HOLY COW. My mom has told me the same thing - which is so great to hear. Honestly, I was worried I wouldn't be a good mother - but instincts are astounding.

And just now my dear friend Joanne commented about how much I've grown up. Which, I guess, is a good thing, right? However, not to fret - I still laugh every time Roark breaks wind - or sprays me with the "firehose (yes this has happened several times - you would think I'd learn my lesson. But honestly, he usually gets me at the 4am feeding - which I will use as my excuse)."

So, if you think of it...lend your support to someone in the next few days. No matter how minor you think it is - it could mean the world to that individual.

Thank you everyone!!!

Time Flies

3 Weeks Old

4 Days Old

Everyone has told me to relish these moments because time passes quickly and children grow up so fast. Today, Roark is 3 weeks old and he has grown so much!

He continues to entertain me...as well as surprises me. The way he is looking around and finding things fascinating is truly amazing.

Opinion...

 

Is it me or does Mitt Romney look like Butthead?

Sunshine On My Shoulders

I found it...Roark likes John Denver. He was a little fussy this morning so I put on a little JD and he fell asleep...I'm sure many people fall asleep to John Denver. Maybe it is the hormones, but the words to Sunshine On My Shoulders are beautiful:

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a day that I could give you
I'd give to you a day just like today
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I'd sing a song to make you feel this way

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a tale that I could tell you
I'd tell a tale sure to make you smile
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I'd make a wish for sunshine all the while

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high
Sunshine almost all the time makes me high
Sunshine almost always

Sunshine

So picture this...I'm holding Roark so his head is on my shoulder...and we are "dancing" in his room and I'm "singing" (I'm not that good of a singer, just a reminder). When I get to this part: "If I had a day that I could give you; I'd give to you a day just like today," I'm crying...thank you hormones. Keep in mind that I am not sad. Oh no....it is just the best feeling in the world to feel his breath on my neck and that he is comfortable enough in my arms to fall asleep...plus the fact he doesn't mind my singing is a total bonus. I wish I could bottle this...seriously.

As mentioned in the previous blog, Roark got to meet his other grandparents. He was very well behaved...it was wonderful having them here, with Allie.

Here is a picture:

Family Lovin'

The Boys

Big Sis Allie caring for Roark

Nana, Roark, and Sippy Cup

Papou and Roark

 There is no lack of love for Roark...(yes, I know the picture with Nana was posted already, but it is worthy of another look - take note of the care she has in holding Roark and her sippy cup - that is talent).

Today is another big day in little Roark's life - he is meeting his other set of Grandparents. So more pictures will be posted...

I'm sorry that I was unable to post anything yesterday but honestly, I couldn't get enough of this little guy because he is starting to focus on things - and his eyes were crossing. He was my entertainment. He also has become my new dance partner...I need to find a song that calms him down, just like Notorious B.I.G. does for this baby.

baby

He Did It!!

It is recommended that by the time the baby is two weeks old he/she should be back to his/her birth weight, because a baby tends to lose a little weight after he/she is born. Well the Nugget did it. We had our two week appointment today and he is up to 10 lbs 2 oz, and is 21 3/4 inches.  He has already outgrown his newborn clothes, and two sets of diapers. We should have called him Marmaduke.

Oct. 26, 2011                                November 10, 2011
Height: 21"                                     Height: 21 3/4 inches
Weight: 9 lbs 1oz                           Weight: 10 lbs 2 oz

*In the hospital, Roark's weight went down to 8 lbs, 2 oz, so he is gaining weight nicely. Today we are scaling back his feedings to every 4 hours as opposed to every 2 hours. We will see how the Nugget adjusts.

As mentioned earlier, my mom was here helping out while Erik knocked 'em dead at an LTE conference in Dallas. It was absolutely wonderful to have her here - she helped out a lot by holding, feeding, and changing Roark. She also gave him his first sponge bath, which he gladly thanked her by pooping all over the place once the bath was done. You see, things like poop, spit up, tinkle (I love that word - I should really expand my vocabulary) don't phase me anymore and my mom and I had a pretty good laugh.

Really, who needs sleep?

It is amazing that this little one has so much control over our sleep patterns. He is 2 weeks old today and eating us out of house and home...but that is good. Tomorrow is another doctor's appointment where I expect them to tell us that he is 20 lbs.

Spoil

We are so very blessed to have wonderful friends and family. Everyone has been so kind and helpful with us. My mom was nice enough to make us several dinners...I hope to get the recipes posted at a future date. Erik's brother (my brother-in-law), Jason and his wife Lori surprised us by ordering dinner from one of our favorite restaurants...we are spoiled.

Another person who is spoiled in our household is Roark, of course. 

Nana is staying here for a couple days...here she is with her sippy cup and Roark.  She held Roark pretty much all day, and he LOVED it!

Thank goodness for Nanas.

Day of firsts...many more to come

Yesterday was a day of firsts for us...

First of all, Roark met his first buddy Matthew, my friend Nikki's little boy; Matthew was born in June. Here is a picture of their meeting.

I can tell that they will be good friends, just like Nikki and me. How can I tell? Well, about 10 minutes later, Roark started crying, then Matthew started crying. It turned into a chorus and Erik acted as the conductor...which he did an excellent job (he might be able to turn this talent into a side job, as a conductor of baby cries). Then I was trying to get Roark to burp...but Matthew burped for him.

Then the four of us all went shopping. Which was quite the excursion, but it was a good time.

Another first was changing and feeding Roark in my car. Not while driving (as my mom joked). It was in the parking lot. What a change in my world. Never thought that I would ever change/feed a baby in my car. Luckily, it was a success and Roark happily took his pacifier and fell back to sleep.

The other first I experienced was having Roark spit up on me-where it missed my clothes entirely but went down my shirt. I really don't know how he accomplished that...needless to say - I was impressed by his aim. Again - when did this stuff become cute?

Finally, in retrospect of the day...Roark has found his voice. His cries have become louder, but are still adorable. I am so very fortunate to have a loving husband and a wonderful little boy.

P.S. The pets have all adjusted nicely to Roark. It seems that the dogs are very protective and the cats mind their own business...go figure.

When did this become cute?

First of all...I can't remember if I mentioned how we selected Roark as his name...Roark is a Gaelic name meaning champion. or famous ruler. Erik and I wanted a strong name...Plus Howard Roark is a character from one of my favorite books, The Fountainhead. Howard Roark is a fascinating character...he is an individualistic young architect who chooses to struggle in obscurity rather than compromise his artistic and personal vision. The architect tie-in is nice too, since Erik is an architect buff.

So this morning I got pooped, peed, on puked on. The trifecta of horror complete. But it was still cute...I'm really disgusting



Emotions...

So, yes, maybe before I've cried at Hallmark commercials. Big deal...now it seems that I cry simply to allow myself to release this overwhelming amount of love and happiness because I feel like I'm going to burst.

By no means am I sad. No, not at all. This is the absolute happiest I've ever been! I would love to bottle this feeling and give it away. I wouldn't sell it because the feeling is priceless and everyone should feel this way at least once in his/her lifetime.

I mean, just look at this picture...

Happy One Week Birthday Roark

I promise I will not do this to him all the time...

Yesterday's doctor's visit went very well - he is now 21 1/4 inches, and up to 8 lbs 12 oz. He should be back to his birth weight in no time!

Early Morning Feedings

First of all, Happy Halloween - a day late. Sorry I didn't post these yesterday. I was enjoying the fact I got another good night of sleep.

My Mom made the Supeman costume...

I love the early morning feedings. If you were to drive by the house you would see me standing in front of the window, holding Roark either singing, or dancing around with him as he takes his bottle. I'm not a good singer, but he doesn't know this yet - neither does Erik which is why I do it when he is asleep. It is one of the most invigorating feelings to hold your child and belt out Mandy by Barry Manilow, which quite honestly out of the songs this morning was the only one he was fussy about. He did, however, like John Denver.

We are taking him to his first doctor's appointment and I pray that he is continuing to gain weight. I can honestly say - my arms are getting a workout - I can't wait for summer so I can show off my pipes...just kidding.

Getting the Hang Of It

Ever have one of those nights where you wake up and you have no clue where you are? I haven't had one of those nights in months...last night was different. It is amazing what a good night sleep can do for a person...

Yes, Roark slept just as long and as hard as I did...waking up for his four feedings. He had lost weight In the first couple of days which caused some concern for us (the trigger is 10 percent of the birth weight which he hit). Well with a little change to his feedings he is now up to 8 lbs 6oz.

I'm fully aware I need to relish these nights...but quite honestly I'm relishing everything this little bar of gold is teaching me.

What Happiness is to Me These Days

Roark continues to steal the heart of the nurses on the floor, even when he is crying...which he likes to show off.

Happiness is, when he grabs and holds my finger...
Happiness is when he eats...which he did quite a bit yesterday
Happiness is When he falls asleep on my chest
Happiness is a "dirty" diaper...yes I know gross. But seriously it is nice to know all systems are working
Happiness is watching the various faces he makes throughout the day
Happiness is when he stops crying when I hold him
Happiness is watching him as he tries to adjust to his new world
Happiness is when he cries...he isn't afraid of letting me know he needs something
Happiness is when he sleeps
Happiness is holding him

Pictures

To view photos...

www.bellababyphotography.com

Click on "view my photos"

Enter password in password box: kree1026neitzel

Who Needs Sleep

Last night was interesting...very little sleep, a lot of crying (surprisingly not me crying), but in the end a very cute, very full, little boy.

Roark got to use his lungs last night...personally I'm so grateful for the lack of sleep because I am learning Roark's cries. And they are beautiful.

He did have a big first day, yesterday, between various shots, and tests, but the highlight was meeting his big sister Allie. Allie is going to be a wonderful big sister...she did a great job holding him.

Sorry I haven't been able to post any pictures...I'm trying, just haven't figured it out yet.

Getting to Know Roark

Yesterday was amazing. Not just the fact that we finally got to hold the Nugget. Granted, as my mom said, he is not a nugget....he's a whole bar of gold! But just that everything went so well.

Anyway, when we got to the hospital yesterday morning, the security guard sang Happy Birthday to us. Immediately, my nerves were put at ease and I was able to be my goofy self.

Everything went great during the surgery. One of the funniest things that was said came from our doctor and it was something like, "oh look at the big head."

Roark is a Big baby...9lbs 1oz, 21 inches long. He is absolutely adorable...especially when he is all wrapped up in his swaddle. He's all cheeks!!

Erik is wonderful...he is the master diaper changer. It is so awesome to see this nugget on Erik's chest. I'm completely speechless.

Roark slept through the night, surprisingly I got some sleep, too.

Roark, let's us know what he wants...and what he needs, which has been manageable.

He LOVES being held and he feels wonderful. It really is hard not to always hold him.



We are so very lucky.

Today is the Day

This is an ode to my sister.

She said something to me yesterday that made this whole pregnancy experience worth it...she told me that I will love being a mother and to essentially relish every moment.

As mentioned before in previous blogs, the amount of advice you receive can be overwhelming. Some pieces of advice are golden...and having her support and guidance means the world.

Thank you Mary.

Prediction

Okay here it is...

Erik thinks we are having a boy...weighing in 10 lbs 1 oz.

I think we are having a girl...weighing in 8 lbs 9 oz.

What Will I Be Doing On The Last Day?

Many thanks goes out to all of you for reading the blog. A special thank you goes out to Jill for sending me the attached video.

As a result, the birth plan has one more addition...I plan on learning these sweet dance moves and performing it for the doctors as my way of thanking them for a wonderful experience. This video has special significance because Christopher Walken is in it...one of my favorites and well as one of my mom's favorite actors.

Dance Birth Plan

Yes - tomorrow morning is the day that the Nugget will make it's appearance. Truth be told - I'm so very excited...it is like Christmas and I am pretty sure I will not sleep tonight. Guess I will be watching Blazing Saddles.

Make a Difference

Please take a moment today, or sometime in the near future and watch the attached video. It is a wonderful story about making a difference, paying attention, and fully understanding that if you want something to happen you can make it happen.

Maybe it is the hormones but this story really made an impact on me. It aired yesterday on CBS Sunday Morning and for the past 24 hours, my thoughts keep drifting back to Luma Mufleh and how literally one day she made a wrong turn, but in the end it set her on an incredible journey.

Ask yourself, what one thing can you do today, that can make an impact on one persons life. No matter how insignificant you might think it is, that simple selfless act can mean the world to someone else.

Inspiration

The Plan - Redux

Erik is off the hook...

Originally the birth plan was somewhat simple...Erik was to make sure that I was fully drugged and entertained. The entertainment was:

Birth Plan Entertainment Choices

1. Dance Party CD (I will be compiling a cd that has some of my favorite songs to "dance" to)
2. One-man reenactment of Blazing Saddles - one of my all time favorite movies
3. Either Curb Your Enthusiasm or Arrested Development on a continuous loop

Now that we are having a C-section, the only thing I am requesting is the music - and that I'm drugged. Yesterday, I loaded a variety of songs on my iPod yesterday... 3.5 hours of sweet tunes.

We are all set.

Here are a few selections:
Mandy
Boots
Double Dutch Bus
Relax

Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

First of all, allow me to congratulate you on surviving the Rapture.

Currently we are on a 3-day wait list for a C-section. What this means is that we are second in line to be called in on Tuesday, October 25, first in line on Wednesday, October 26, and First in line on Thursday October 27 (but only in the morning because my doctor will not be in the office in the afternoon).

I'm really not sure what all of that means...I just know we need to show up when they tell us. Granted - the Nugget can still make an appearance on it's own but we are guaranteed to go any of those three days.

The doctor also confirmed that the weight was pretty much dead on at 9lbs. 6 oz. She laughed when she mentioned we'll see how much it grows in the next week...typically you can expect 1/2 a pound growth.

Great.

All along, all I ever said was that I wanted a healthy baby. I didn't care if the Nugget was a girl or a boy, just healthy. My wish seems to have come true. Thank goodness.

So...for your astrology/history buffs...here are some tidbits on the potential delivery dates:

October 25
Scorpio Information for October 25

You should embrace: Poignant memories, artistic expression, peace

You should avoid: Sadness, regret, addiction

The past is never far from Scorpios born on October 25. They compare each new experience to what they have known. With their sensitive and imaginative nature, dreams and illusions are as concrete as reality. There is an ageless quality about them. In youth they may seem older, while aging seems to refine their unique qualities.

My friend Dottie's wedding anniversary
On this day in 1870, Postcards were first used in the U.S.

October 26
Scorpio Information for October 26

You should embrace: Cooperation, commitment to excellence, kindness

You should avoid: Sadness, regret, addiction
 

October 26 Scorpios are easy to love yet hard to know. They value power and know how to use it to help others rather than glorify themselves. They are self-disciplined. Personal honor means a great deal to them, and they are fanatics about keeping their word.

On this day in 1881, the Gunfight at OK Corral, In Tombstone, AZ happened


October 27
Scorpio Information for October 27

You should embrace: Intellect, balance, friendships

You should avoid: Depression, insecurity, making demands

October 27 Scorpios are complicated individuals who like to walk on the wild side. Their quiet personality seems to hide something dangerous and volcanic. They can make others notice them because they're magnetic. While some might use this power to manipulate, they rarely attempt that.

My Uncle Nick's birthday...He was a very special man who lived a very full and rather colorful life.
On this day in 1775, the U.S. Navy forms...that one is for you Erik.

Mother of the Year

For awhile there I was worried about being a good parent...but then just reading various news articles I realized, I will be okay...mainly the latest one brought to us by my cousin Meghan. In a mother's quest at being named Mother of the Year...

Mother of the Year Nomination

Rapture

Back in May 2011 you might recall a California ministry calling for the end of days. Needless to say we all woke up on May 22nd ready to tackle another day. Harold Camping, the 90-year-old leader of the "Rapture," miscalculated...so today is the supposed last day and 200 million Christians will be taken to heaven. Evidently, Harold had a stroke after the May prediction, so maybe he was predicting his own demise and didn't need to scare the weak. Ouch, yes, that is mean and cruel- I know. But if you are going to spout irrational messages to people who are willing to believe in anything, you will have to take the criticism that goes along with it...

Okay...the irony of the situation is today is the estimated due date of the Nugget. I'm doing my best not to make any off-colored religious jokes and comments, so I'll just say second coming.

Needless to say, it looks like both, the Rapture and the Nugget will not be arriving. As a matter of fact, I had a rather comical conversation with my doctor yesterday talking about the girth of the baby - anywhere between 8.5 - 10.5 lbs. I'm still amazed. We will be scheduling a C-section. So probably in a week the Nugget will be here, and I can't wait. Truth be told it is a bit overwhelming knowing that life as we know it is going to change...so maybe Harold was right after all...and we are just experiencing a much better version of Rapture.

Any Day Now

So, just a minor correction - the estimated weight is 9lbs. 6oz. Either way we are talking about a 10cm/12cm head. Yes, I'm fully aware that the head is soft but this size is still a shock. Mainly because I thought for sure the little one was going to be somewhere around 6lbs. 9oz. - just a little bit more than the 5lb. bag of flour I carried around for my Home Ec. class in high school.

Luckily, I was able to sleep last night, but had really strange dreams - like something out of Gulliver's Travels. Also, I was reminded of a cartoon I used to watch as a kid called The Littles.

So, as we wait to hear what the doctor has in store for the Nugget, I will provide you with an another example of expert parenting...

Have a great day!

As Promised...

Well, well, well....the doctor's appointment was a success. A success in giving us some crazy crazy news. I still don't believe it...all I know is that I need to do some serious weight-lifting because they estimate the Nugget to be 9.6 lbs. SERIOUSLY?

I will have to get a second job just to feed the bambino.

9.6 lbs.

So needless to say I don't know when the Nugget will arrive...at 9.6 lbs, if the estimate is correct. Granted there is 15% wiggle room but the kid still sounds like a bruiser.

3 Days...

Today's blog will be updated after our doctor's appointment today...thank you.  Until then, here is a parenting tip...don't let your child be your designated driver...Proud Dad, no matter how proud you are of him or her.

4 Days...Oh My...Bringing Comedy to The White House

So yesterday the big joke in the Republican race was Herman Cain's comment on the 9 foot electrified fence at the boarder.

Yes, I can see how that could bring comedic relief to the White House.

Really. Sinbad's movie, First Kid was funnier...

Here is something that I found amusing, hopefully you all will as well. Yesterday, my dear friend Nikki called to inform me that she thought "Today is the day you are going into labor." So...as the wise person I am I realized there are still some things I need to get at the store...so I gathered the dogs together and off we went.

As I'm driving to the store it occurred to me, why did I bring the dogs? My immediate reaction - "so they can help with the delivery." Seriously...This baby brain, irrational thinking that the hormones are causing...Maybe it was the emotional support they would provide...the licking of my face. Or perhaps distracting me from the pain - only to focus on petting them. Come to think of it, these dogs would be great Doulas.

I SWEAR I haven't had a drink.

5 Days Left, However

More than likely, the Nugget will be fashionably late. Which is a good thing because the extra time is allowing me to wash the clothes again, clean the apartment again, remember things like baby wipes that we don't have but probably should get, again.

But really, I'm not worried.

I've resigned myself to the fact that we will not be ready when the Nugget arrives. Because, really, are you ever truly prepared for what is about to turn your world upside down in the most exciting way possible???

So again...I sit here and wait. Luckily, I get to work from home these days until the Nugget arrives. I never thought that I would get so jazzed as to have projects to work on...to keep my mind off of the fact that I only have 3 bottles. How many do you really need?

Maybe we should just wing-it.

6 Days, I Live in a Zoo

I'm okay with it, too.

Right now, I have Archie at my feet... Baxter on my left side, straddling the arm of the chair...Tory is behind me in the window sill, and Lady Diana is on my right.

I dare not move. Lady will attack. Which will then set off patrol dog Archie, causing Tory to run in to the mix followed by Baxter to wake up to see what he missed.

It truly is entertaining to see these four interact. Yesterday was a prime example...Lady was in the chair, asleep. Tory jumped up...watched her for a second then smacked Lady awake. Lady hissed, which was the exact reaction Tory wanted because she jumped on Lady and Archie came to the rescue. Baxter remained under the table - in hopes that some food would fall...even though we had finished eating an hour earlier.

How will the Nugget fit into the mix? Time will tell...

7 Crazy Things That Happened While Pregnant

Today my cousin Bridget is running the Baltimore Marathon...she is sending out updates as to what mile marker she's at...so it is almost as if we are running with her (but we aren't all sweaty and icky).

Last week was the Chicago Marathon...there was a woman who ran who was, I believe, 37 weeks pregnant. Right after completing the marathon, she gave birth. I give her credit for inducing her labor - I'm 7 days away and running a marathon to get the Nugget to make it's grand entrance is not on my to do list.

Luckily, my pregnancy has been pretty good (knock on wood). I'm still able to bend over and tie my shoes, AND I can still see my toes. I've done some pretty crazy things while pregnant and maintained some sanity but to run a marathon 37 weeks pregnant? I ran the Shamrock Shuffle (an 8k) when I was about 13 weeks...but I took it easy.

Some other things I did during this pregnancy include:

1. Studying for the CFP (I've taken 5 of 6 classes and have averaged a B+)
2. Started a new job
3. Moved my stuff out of the apartment so Erik could move in
4. Got engaged
5. Planned a wedding
6. Got married
7. Eventually had a baby

Now, after looking back at these activities I can understand why the Nugget doesn't want to come out...it's too crazy and there is a lot of stuff going on. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to "relaxing" once the Nugget is in my arms, safe and sound.

8 Drinks to Knock Back Once Nugget is Out

Not that I'm a lush...but with my super sonic sense of smell, booze smells like chocolate to me these days.

It seems that when I am around alcohol, I'm like a bloodhound. Poor Erik...whenever he has a glass of red wine I find myself standing way too close to him just to inhale the beautiful aroma. It has somewhat turned into an uncontrollable, almost embarrassing behavior.

To make matters worse, the soap at my doctor's office smells like Pina Coloda's. Now that is torture...immediately when I smell the soap I'm taken back to the last time I was in Las Vegas drinking Pina Coloda's by the pool.

So today's blog is dedicated to the 8 drinks I can't wait to have once I've been given clearance to drink:

1. Red wine - any kind...I've never been a big fan of red wine until I got pregnant. What's up with that?
2. Pinot Grigio
3. Margarita, with salt
4. Pina Coloda
5. Jack and coke
6. Amstel Light
7. Vanilla vodka and ginger ale
8. Vodka slurpee...why not relive college?

9 days...tick tock...

So there are only 9 days left until the estimated due date.  I do plan on continuing to update the blog once the Nugget arrives.

Granted, I'm not sure how frequently I will be updating the blog but the plan is the blog will be my outside contact with humans - especially because winter is coming.

So brace yourself people...I might be updating the blog with silly animal videos/pictures or photos of the Nugget...

I plan on creating videos similar to this either of the ones below. I have to be honest, these videos ALWAYS crack me up...

Enjoy. Be careful - there are some naughty words in the first video...

Cat Video
Sweet Ride
Monkey

10 Reasons To Be Happy Today

Today is my birthday. Every year on this day I take a look at all things to be thankful for...this year there are so many that I had to share.

1. Erik...that is a given. Making someone laugh is an art and he has perfected many ways of making me laugh.
2. Allie...what a wonderful girl. She is so much fun to have, she will make an AWESOME big sister.
3. Mei Li and Lu Li - my beautiful nieces. I am so looking forward to spoiling them this Holiday season.
4. My family: Mom, Dad, Chip and Mary- please refer to the previous blogs...
5. My In-Laws. Boy howdy did I win the lotto with loving in-laws. From the moment we met, they were so warm and welcoming - I felt that I knew them for ages!!!
6. My Sisters-in-Laws...Again, both Lori and Kristen have really helped me out tremendously throughout this pregnancy. They have really been sort of an inspiration to me and I don't know if they are aware of it...
7. My Brothers-in-Laws...You guessed it...these guys are truly wonderful. I've never had the good fortune of having a brother as a sibling and now I have 3 on Erik's side. From the moment I met Erik's brothers I felt that same welcoming feeling that I did with his parents.
8. My friends...they have been a tremendous amount of support throughout this year. I would be truly lost without them.
9. My co-workers. All the ones from Claymore who continue to support me, but also my new boss, John, my partners-in-crime, Michelle, and Kelly. In particular Kelly and Michelle have really made this transition from Claymore to Guggenheim easy...by educating me on the ways of a new area of the financial industry that I was rather unfamiliar with...
10. The Nugget...I've never been happier...

Honorable Mentions:

• Our wedding
• The Golden Nugget - and their grilled sandwich
• My pets - and the happiness they bring
• My doctor
• Dunkin' Donuts
• My sweet ass pillow
• The strangers who helped me along the way - offering me their seat on the train or helping me load the groceries into the car
• My mid-wife, Luke

11 Quotes of Pregnancy

***Warning***

Some of these quotes are disgusting, and I apologize beforehand.

Some of these quotes occurred in the doctor's office, at work, or in the comforts of our home...

1. If going to the bathroom was an Olympic event, I would be a gold medal winner.
2. Do you want to die naturally, or at the hands of your wife? (I never said this to Erik, I swear)
3. Pregnancy is the best job I've ever had.  
4. I growled at someone today.
5. Take that!
6. You have to be the happiest 8.5 month pregnant woman I've ever seen. 
7. Erik gets 9 months of me being a designated driver...I get 18 years. That is our arrangement.
8. How many pregnant wives go out to McDonald’s to pick up food for their husbands at 1 in the morning?
9. I've given up. I'm at the whim of my body - I know not what my body is doing these days.
10. Can I call the doctor to find out what you all are having?
11. Scratch your butt for good luck.

Honorary mentions:

• I just farted the 1812 overture down the hall.
• I’m doing everything in my power to make the delivery easy, everything but installing a slip and slide up my ho-ha.
• Every hole has been violated.
• I am not your hobby.
• Hiccups echoing thru my ho-ha, that is how I know the baby has descended.