33 Weeks at Christmas

Despite what it may look like, that is not the Christmas ham stuffed under my shirt; it is the baby continuing to grow exponentially.

Jason and I had a very Merry Christmas and enjoyed spending time with both sides of our families. We are taking some time off now to get the baby's room in order, and enjoy a little peace and quiet together before the storm hits, so to speak.

It's hard to believe that the baby will be here in just a matter of weeks, but we can't wait!! I can't wait to find out if it is a boy or a girl, first and foremost, and then learn all about its little personality.

I'll be sure to post more about setting up the nursery this week as it progresses.

Hope you all had a great holiday and enjoyed time off to celebrate the most important things in your lives.

30 weeks

Today I am 30 weeks pregnant. Where did the time go? That means that I have 10 weeks left (give or take) until we get to meet the baby. That seems ridiculously hard to believe. And the next 4 or 5 weeks are so busy that I have a feeling they are just going to fly by.

Jason and I were talking about the baby coming the other night and we started making guesses about the baby's gender, its arrival date, and it height and weight. It was fun! Wanna play along? Post a comment below and tell me what you think! (to comment you just click on comment, put in your name then type your text and hit post. You don't need to sign up for anything to comment)

Here are some facts to help you in your guess:

-Official due date (as determined by ultrasound): February 12th

-Original due date: February 4th

-At our last ultrasound appointment we were told that it looked like the baby would be ready anytime between February 2nd and February 12th, but that they were going to leave my official date as the 12th because of the fact that first time pregnancies can go late.

- Jason was 6lbs. 15 oz. when he was born (but he was a few weeks early)

- I was 7lbs 3 oz. when I was born

Jas Jokes = Dad Jokes

Jason has a great sense of humor. It's one of the things that I love the most about him. He is able to laugh at himself, and make light of almost any situation. His own jokes are very unique. Many of them are of the "pull my finger" variety. I have heard them all a million times, and while every new suspect is in a fit of laughter, I am usually rolling my eyes in the corner, smiling saying, "Oh Jas..." Still, he has a great sense of wit and he makes me laugh.

Molly and I have always classified his jokes as "Jas Jokes" as a way to define what is so uniquely something Jas would say to make you laugh. However, my friend Jane recently confessed that she and our friend Adam say that one reason they believe Jason will be a great dad, is that all of his jokes are dad jokes. I loved it!

Jane's favorite example of this is a story I shared with her from a time that Jason and I were on vacation at the beach. We were walking along, and we passed a little girl whose parents were just a few steps behind her. She was stopped on the beach looking down, and as we passed her she looked at us and proudly identified for us, "That's a jellyfish!!" I smiled at her and said, "That's right!" But Jas, ever the quick thinking witty one said to her, "If that's a jellyfish, then where is the peanut butter fish?!" She thought about it for a split second and then burst into laughter all the time looking at Jas with the most adoring eyes like he was the funniest person she'd ever met. "There's no peanut butter fish!" she giggled.

Last weekend Jason and I asked my brother, Jake, for do us a huge favor and drop our dog off at the kennel. We had to leave to be out of town before the kennel opened, so Jake dropped off his "niece" (his words) for us. To thank him, Jason bought him a 6 pack of Heineken. We left it out on the counter with Norah's leash and food to be taken to the kennel with her. I left a note for Jake that said, "Thanks again, Jakers. The beer is yours." But Jason took a much more Jas joke approach. When I walked into the kitchen I saw that Jason had left his own note for Jake. Tucked in the Heineken was a note that said only, "Nice Heiny!!" I had to crack up. Such a Jas joke.

I've said before that Jason will be a great dad. I have absolutely no doubt about this. Perhaps it is that he is a bit of a child himself some days, but most likely its just because he is so fun and loves to joke with people and make them laugh. Whatever you want to call them-Jas jokes or Dad jokes- Jason is sure to have this baby (and occasionally its mommy) giggling through its childhood.

Hot Mama!

That's right; I am one HOT MAMA! Literally.

Due to the increase in my hormone levels (at least that's what "they" say), I am literally SO hot all of the time. Like feverish. Like just played soccer in the summer, hot. Like want to wear shorts in the winter, hot. Like pretty sure I can relate to those ladies a generation ahead of me going through menopause having hot flashes, hot.

The key is dressing in layers. Although, sometimes I get so warm, and I start stripping off so many layers, that I feel like it is downright inappropriate! The other day I was stripped all the way down to my camisole at work. Granted, I wouldn't walk around the office like that, but at my desk, away from people, there I sat: half naked. Our admin walked in to deliver some mail and she said to me, "So you're a hot mama now, huh?" I apologized for my appearance, although she said not to- she has had children herself and understood. Still, I redressed and sweat it out- a little embarrassed.

It is getting colder outside, and as the temperatures drop, and the rest of the world is bundling up more, I am walking around breathing a sigh of relief! Finally, I feel cool! The long john industry is loosing out on my business this year! :) I walked into Barker and Meowsky (a pet store) the other day, and was looking for this particular harness for Norah. This nice guy was helping me. And then the flash hit. So I unzipped my coat. A minute later, I took off my coat. When my brow became wet he gave me a second look. I rolled up my sleeves; didn't work- the nape of my neck was wet and the back of my hair was starting to get wet. By the time I was checking out, I had my blazer off completely, and was standing there in my t-shirt holding the blazer and my jacket, wishing that someone would come in from outside just so the door would open and I could get a whiff of the cool air. It was 30 degrees outside, tops. The guy either thought I was looking for a date, or that I was insane.

Pregnancy is an amazing thing; that is for sure. But it also does really funny things to your body. I'm just along for the ride.

There's nothing like the smell of cigarette smoke in the morning...

... to make a pregnant woman sick!

Seriously, since I have been pregnant my sense of smell is so strong, I am like a bloodhound. I can smell what my neighbors are having for dinner; I can tell you what flowers are in bloom in the park a block away, and don't get me started on my darling dog. :) Did Jason feed Norah? Not a question I have asked for 7 months. I can tell when the container has been opened. So when the smell is right in my face, or seemingly soaking up every air particle I breathe, it turns my over sensory bloodhoundedness (new word!) into a tail spin. The worst of it: cigarette smoke.

On my way to work in the morning, I have to walk by the crowd of smokers outside the building next to mine. It literally must be like the place to been seen if you are a smoker on my block. They are out there in the dozens. And it's like, 9am people! Have you even checked your email yet? When I was in my first trimester (now a distant memory, thank goodness!) the cigarette smoke literally made me sick. After a few times of running to the near by bakery restroom, (or, sadly, closest street garbage can), I decided to chance it no more. I would cross the street before I got to that particular building, and then cross the street again to get back to my building. I have kept this routine up ever since. But recently, construction has started on the sidewalk on that particular safe haven side of the street. You can tell where this is going... back to smokers row for me. So now I hold my breath, bury my head in my jacket, and quicken my step past the clouds of filth. It's embarrassing, but necessary.

A word on perfume/cologne: I enjoy a good scent as much as the next gal, but listen, guy next to me on the el, one spritz is enough. Anything more is just uncalled for. And if I find myself wishing that there was a window to roll down when its 30 degrees outside, it's just plain overkill.

Another thing; Air fresheners, you'd think, by name, are meant to freshen the air. Not so much the case to a pregnant woman. Some of those concoctions that they come up with are just plain foul. Lavender; pleasant. Double pumpkin with honey and cinnamon with a twist of corn; not so much.

I've stopped using my regular soap, I've changed toothpastes and shampoos. All because I can not stand the smell of them. Or pork, or pita chips and hummus, all which I used to love.

Although despite all of this, I held a baby in my arms last week and I couldn't get enough of his smell. If you've ever held a new baby you know exactly what I mean. So, at least we know that once the baby is here I won't have to ask it to please go to another room. That is, until the dirty diapers begin-- and that's when I call on its daddy. ;)

26 1/2 Weeks!

26 1/2 weeks and counting..... and to think, it gets bigger?! Only 3 moths left!

C is for Cookie

The biggest change that pregnancy has brought about in the past few weeks is my appetite. It's insatiable. Although I am doing my best to keep it healthy, I am definitely eating for two.

Those of you who know me well, know that pre-pregnancy there would be days when I would "forget" to eat lunch. We'd be out shopping or something somewhere and my companion would say to me, "Ummmm... can we eat? I'm starving." Then I'd look at my watch and realize it was 2pm. Woops. Gone are those days. Now I'm counting down the minutes until I can tear into my next meal. This baby is definitely growing.

Here is an example:

For breakfast today I ate:
A bowl of Chex cereal
A glass of orange juice

I had a mid-morning snack (yes that's right, and it was totally necessary- don't judge) of:
Yogurt
Hot tea

For lunch I had:
A sandwich
An orange (with 51 seeds in it!! Is that ridiculous or what? There were so many I had to count)
Apple Sauce
Baked Lays
3 cookies (albeit small, but still 3!)

It is now 1pm and I am already wondering what and when I can eat next. That's right. I'm still hungry.

The doctor says I've gained the right amount of weight so far, so I guess I just keep eating?? Still, the non stop hunger is the craziest thing ever. Consider yourself warned: If you see me coming your way; lock up your lunches... I'm on the prowl and I can't be stopped! ;)

So loved...

I absolutely adore this picture that my friends Mika and Joey took when we were all in Sonoma together last month. It was pretty much spontaneous and I think is just so sweet.

Mika and Joey were my roommates in college. We met freshman year in the first week when we were all on the same dorm floor. They thought I was much cooler then, but let me stick around even when they learned better. We became thick as thieves and decided to move in together sophomore year and remained roommates through our senior year. We've been through a lot together. Almost what seems like a lifetimes worth of ups and downs. Mika is even the one responsible for introducing me to Jason! I owe so much to both of them.

I really feel like our friends are gifts in our lives. They teach us so much about who we are and about the kind of people we'd like to be. I feel especially lucky to have so many that I love so dearly. Mika and Joey are getting featured because they are in this darling picture that has become my new favorite; if I could write a whole post about all of my friends, you would be sick of reading it way before my emotional, pregnancy self was done. :)

I ordered my favorite new picture and a frame to put it in for the baby's nursery. This way the baby will always be reminded of how much he/she was loved by so many people, before it was even born.

"You took your pregnant wife where?!"

Jason and I love camping. It is an activity that Jason did much more as a child than I, and one that he continues to do way more hard core than I'm sure I'd ever be up to. He goes camping for a week at a time in the wild where you have to carry everything on your back, filter your water from the stream, and hang your food in the trees away from bears. My camping experience was much more limited to sleeping in my backyard with my brother and dad, and, if I'm being honest, my favorite part of the experience was "decorating" the tent. I must have drug half my bedroom out there. But every once in a while I enjoy a weekend of sleeping in the fresh air, eating smores, and laughing with friends by the campfire (showers and running water required). I really wanted to be able to do this one last time before I was too big to get myself up off the ground in the morning. :)

But when Jason told his friends and coworkers where he was going last weekend, most of them responded by saying, "You're taking your pregnant wife camping?!" Or as my mother-in-law put it to me, "Are you nuts?!" Nope folks. Not nuts. Sometimes a girl just needs to be one with the land. Ha!

So Jason and I and my best friend, Molly, and her husband, Brian, and our dogs headed to Kettle Moraine State Park in Wisconsin last weekend. The car ride is always one of the most interesting aspects of the trip. Getting two dogs anxious to play into the car with 4 adult's gear, clothes and food for 3 days is always a site to see. But, we seem to have mastered the craft in the past few years, and made it in one piece... happy dogs and all.

Saturday we hiked a great trail. The dogs were in absolute heaven. They got to run free (off leash) for much of the trail and had a blast together. Anyone that doesn't think they can tell when a dog is "smiling" doesn't know these dogs. They had a blast... and slept like a rock that night!

We laughed a lot, and ate too much. We made the staples, like smores and hot chocolate, but in addition, Molly treated us gourmet steel cut oatmeal each morning (apple on Saturday and cherry on Sunday). Jason assumed his usual camp chef duties and made portabella burgers on Friday night, and Chicken tacos on Saturday night. And Saturday night Jason coached Molly and me on the art of the perfect fry pie. It took us each two tries, but in the end they were delicious. Yum, yum. That, is the kind of camping made for a pregnant girl. The more food the better.

We had a great time. It was the perfect weekend of camping with great friends and happy wagging tails. Even for a pregnant lady.

For those of you keeping score....

The belly takes the lead!

22 weeks pregnant (woops, this post is a little late).

This we know for sure...

We might be torturing ourselves by not finding out the baby's gender, and we might be making you crazy by not telling you the names we have picked out. We might not know if the baby will be born with the same Illini orange and blue blood that Jason and I and the rest of our families were born with, and we may not solve the debate about whether it will be a Cubs fan (woo-hoo!!) or a Cardinals fan (boo-hoo) until the baby is old enough to tell us itself; but one thing we do know for sure... the baby is a Bears Fan! :)

Last night, Jason and I watched the Bears win a great game! The whole time, the baby was flipping around and doing what I can only imagine were cheers in there; flailing it's little arms and legs around to encourage its one clear choice of sports team to victory! In fact, the movement became so big, that even Jason could feel him/her move for the first time! I could see the stars in Jason's eyes... dreaming of one day taking his son or daughter to the game, tossing an arm around him/her and saying, "You know, the first time I ever felt you move, was during a game much like this..."

Who are we kidding, Jason's not that sentimental. Unless being a dad really brings it out in him, it will probably be more like me smothering my children, much to their embarrassment, spilling their ball park hot dog in the process, telling them between tears how their dad felt them kicking for the first time during the Bears vs. Eagles game of '08. Then they'll wiggle out from under my arm, Jason will pass me a tissue for my tears and tell me that he loves me but to watch the game, just as this little miracle growing inside me now, asks me for $10 to buy a pretzel.

But still, I'm sure I'll tell the story. And I'll love it. We're already making memories. :)
Bear Down!

19 1/2 weeks with a view!

Jason and I love the Golden Gate Bridge. We got engaged at a picnic spot overlooking the bridge 5 years ago. It is for this reason that it was so fun to be back this weekend, pregnant!

My friend Hannah got married in Sonoma last Saturday, and Jason and I took a few extra days to enjoy Sonoma, Sausalito and the bridge! On Monday, we went back to the spot where we had our picnic and snapped this belly shot for the 19 1/2 week mark. We can't wait to be back with the baby someday!

When we returned, we had another doctor's appointment. We were glad to learn that the baby and I are still growing just as we should be.

Another really exciting thing, is that I have begun to feel the baby move! It feels really strange, actually. I have been telling people that it feels just like a heart murmur, but in your stomach, but apparently not too many people have had heart murmurs, because when I say that I get a lot of blank stares. :) My sister-in-law Holly, said that it feels like a goldfish swimming around in there. That's a good way to describe it, and one that more people can visualize than a heart murmur, apparently. :) I think it's going to be a swimmer, because it is doing a lot of flutter kicking in there. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part. :)

I'm excited for the moving that Jason can feel. I think that will be the neatest part. Of course, that is also the part that they say keeps you up at night, so maybe I'll change my tune on that one near the end.

I'm 20 weeks tomorrow, so I'm officially half way there. It's hard to believe that this little flutter kicker will be here in about 4 months and a few weeks! Where is the time going? I definitely should probably already have more done! Looks like I'm in for busy winter.

More great news... the best kind

Today we had our ultrasound. I have actually had a few before due to the different scares that we have had, but it was fun to have one scheduled for a change. Luckily, they have all resulted in good news, and today was no exception.

It looks like I am actually measuring at 20 weeks along, instead of 19. But, since the first baby is often born after the due date, she still wanted to keep my due date at the 12th of February. Although, they said it looked like it could come as early as the 2nd.

The ultrasound was completely thrilling! At one point it moved its hand across the screen and I swear it looked like it was waving at us. I just couldn't believe it was moving around in there and looked so much like a baby! Gone are the days of "the blob".

We still held out and didn't find out if it was a boy or a girl. Although I will say, it was tempting knowing that there was someone standing right there who had the power to tell us! We saw the babies hands and feet and arms and legs and spine and lips and (giant) head. We saw its eye sockets and nose. We saw its beating heart and the heart's 4 chambers. We saw the blood being pumped to the heart. It was totally and completely amazing. We got six printed pictures and Jason said that he could have stared at them all day. I couldn't agree more.

I can't wait to meet the baby in person! Hard to believe that we are just about half way there now!

Parenting Practice...

I think I've had a variety of experiences to prepare me for parenthood. I have a brother who is quite a bit younger than I; I have had a lot of overnight babysitting experience- some for weeks at a time and for children with special needs; I was a nanny for two families after college for a few months before I began my permanent job; and this past weekend I stood in the pouring rain for two hours with a 4 year old.

My cousin, Nicki, was in town to run the Chicago 1/2 Marathon and much to my delight she brought her oldest daughter (my goddaughter), Skylar, with her. We had a blast. We had a "sleepover" on Saturday night complete with pizza and sleeping bag, and on Sunday we headed out to watch Skylar's mommy complete the 1/2 marathon. There was just one caveat. It was raining so hard and had been for so many days, that weather service issued a flood warning. Full streets were closed and people were literally canoeing out of their homes. And we were standing on Lake Shore Drive in head to toe rain gear yelling, "Go Mommy, Go!"

Skylar was a complete champ! We got her all geared up and loaded her with donuts for extra energy (we had to wake up at 5:30am). She started out the morning begging to dance in the rain without her hood, and wanting to play hide and seek from Jason, but ended the day on a bit of a soggier tune.

We came up with many cheers both for her mommy and for the other runners, and explained how when mommy ran by, we could only wave and cheer to show her we were proud of her, but that mommy wasn't going to be able to actually come over to us and give us hugs and kisses. (there were 16,000 people running the race.) We made it past the "yes you must wear your hood" conversation and the "it's important that we stand behind this white line" conversation. And other than the 5 total seconds when we actually saw Nicki run by we played lots of fun games including "I spy". Skylar is completely hilarious and purely entertaining and I love every word that comes out of her mouth and every second that I have the privilege of spending with her. If my child is as fun as she, I will be overjoyed.

About half way through the race my other cousin (and Nicki's sister), Amy, came with her husband, Ryan, and their two children, Avery and Anthony. We laughed a lot and took pictures of who would actually do this with a 5 year old, 4 year old, and 2 year old. Although we were completely soaked head to toe, we had a good time and were very proud of our runners, Nicki, and my friend Molly also ran the race for charity. And, we were very proud of the littlest cheerleaders. They were all so great!

At one point at about the 1 3/4 hour mark Skylar said to me, "Johanna, I just can't take it one more second. I need to be dry!" My sentiments exactly, Skylar. Luckily Skylar had an extra change of dry warm clothes in the car so we were able to get her changed while we waited for Nicki to meet us after the race. And, after warm showers we all enjoyed a barbecue back and Jason and my place. It was a great day, and a ton of fun. And definitely one for the practice books. :)

17 1/2 Weeks!

Baby is growing and so am I! Here is a recent picture from 17 1/2 weeks. I'm looking more and more pregnant now, and it is pretty strange, but fun. As I get bigger it becomes more and more "real" that the baby is coming, and my bond with the little guy (or girl) becomes deeper.

I am feeling so much better! Don't ever underestimate your energy. :) I think Jason secretly misses lazy Johanna, but she's for the birds! She was so terribly boring! I get sick very infrequently now, and when I do, I'm so used to it that I just do it and move on. Bizarre, yes. Uncommon, probably not.

I've been swimming a lot and riding my bike. I guess I'm not really supposed to ride my bike, but I feel totally comfortable on it still, and my doctor didn't tell me I couldn't, so I'm going with it. Soon, I probably won't be able to ride at all since I'm only going to get bigger! Swimming I can do until literally the day I deliver, since it is low impact (although I better get a bigger suit!). I am going to sign up for Prenatal yoga soon. Deep cleansing breath in.....

I'm still craving fruits and vegetables by the fist full. And hot wings, of all strange things. I have never been a wing girl, so this must be Jason's influence on the baby. ;) I had a tuna melt the other day and it tasted so good you would have thought I was eating a lobster that I caught with my own hands 2 hours ago. It seemed like the best sandwich I ever had! I know what you're saying; A tuna melt? Yep. That's all it was. And I probably can count on half of a hand the number of times I've ordered that before in my whole life.

What can I say? Pregnancy is definitely a strange thing, but with (hopefully) a wonderful outcome! I'm just taking it all in.

Day Made!

My friend Erica just sent me great news that I had to share! There was an article in Forbes recently that named Evanston Northwestern Hospital (where my doctor is and where I'll deliver) as one of America's safest hospitals! In fact, it was the only Chicago hospital listed in the top 10!

That just made my day.

Made for TV....

This is the stuff they should put on TV so teenagers don't want to get pregnant:

You're up at 1:00 am to go to the bathroom (for the third time) and you can't fall back asleep because you have terrible heartburn, and because the medicine that you were on for nausea (and from which you are trying to currently ween yourself) was part sleeping pills, so now you can't seem to sleep without them. As you lay tossing and turning, so frustrated because you can't sleep yet again your otherwise darling husband turns over and says to you, "What is the deal? Are you trying to keep me up too? Count to 100 or something." You inform him that you have already counted to 4 trillion, and finally decide to get out of bed. It's now 2:00am. Why is he so sweet when he's awake and so cranky when he's asleep? You hear yourself think this. You remember you acted similarly to him a week ago. You feel guilty for thinking he was anything but perfect. You check a little work email; only get more frustrated. You turn that off. You walk out to your balcony. It's a nice night. You wonder what 8 people are doing at the sub shop across the street at 2am on a Tuesday (Wednesday?). As you turn to go back inside, the darkened now guest room, soon nursery catches your eye and you realize this is only the beginning of your sleepless nights. Then you get mad at yourself for not being able to sleep when you are supposed to be taking advantage of the availability of sleep. You listen to the person upstairs walking around. What are they doing up? Are they always up at this time? It's now 2:30am. Do they always walk so loudly? Perhaps I should go say hi? What am I thinking about? I don't even know their name. You look around. House is pretty clean. I wonder if anything is on tv? Will that just keep me awake more? Maybe I'll paint my toenails. Nah, knowing me I'd finally fall asleep right before they were totally dry and ruin them and my couch. You wonder what your mom would say to do? She would say to say some Hail Mary's until you fell asleep. You've tired that but the "hour of our death" part always gives you nightmares. I'll probably get tired right at 6am when it's time to get up.

What now?

Yes friends, this is my pathetic life.

Quick Update....

Just a fly by post today....

We had a doctor's appointment yesterday and everything looks great! I gained weight this time, which was good because I had lost the last time. I got the okay to go back to a little more activity, and immediately went swimming last night! I'm feeling better, eating a little more, and growing. All good things.

We heard the baby's heartbeat again. It is one of my favorite sounds in the whole world. It was strong and steady and it didn't take my doctor anytime to find it this time. The heartbeat sounds a little like galloping horses. I know that I am getting a little tummy, and we have the crib and we're researching day cares, and all of this is really happening, but to actually hear the heartbeat makes it seem more "real" than anything! It is so crazy that something is living in there!!!

I'm 4 months on Thursday, so I'll try to remember to post another belly shot. There is definitely a belly there now. Although it probably isn't clear to a stranger if I just have a gut or if there is a baby in there. :)

I can't believe time is going so quickly already!

My new favorite hobby....

Baby Shopping. Especially for clothes. The only caveat is that it really is more "looking" at the baby clothes. Since we aren't finding out if it is a boy or a girl, the majority is really just oohhing and ahhhing over the tiny little dresses and outfits. Everything is cute when it is itsy bitsy.

Yesterday I was in Janie and Jack, and I spotted this little number. I mean, how cute is that? I practically want the baby to be a girl, just so she can wear that to my brother's wedding in June!

I am also in love with the towels with the hoods. I am an especially big sucker for the ones where the hood is an animal. Can you just picture a little guy all bundled up in these cute towels?

Our baby now officially has a place to sleep. After lots of looking and looking and deciding, we bought a crib. I love it. Jas loves that it was on sale. I also love that it is one more thing off my list that it is one more thing off my list of things to do. God Bless Pottery Barn Kids.

I better start saving my pennies for a baby clothes budget once the baby is born. There are just darling things out there. And all so little and precious! Until then.... hopefully he/she looks good in yellow and green. :)

Turning a corner?

I was all excited to report that I had gone 4 1/2 days without getting sick and that, just as the books promised, I was turning a corner in the 14th week.

Until this morning.

However, I am hopeful. I am getting back my energy little by little, despite staying up late with Phelps Phever! (Side Note: That kid is a machine. I am totally and completely infatuated with him and the way he swims. It is so inspiring!! Jason asked me the other night who I loved more; him or Michael Phelps. I had to admit- that's a closer race than Phelps has ever seen. :))

I am starting to feel more like my old self. It's happening slowly, but surely. And I'll take it! My appetite is coming back a little bit more now, and in the last few days I am able to keep down most things. A meal is so much more satisfying when it is still there two hours later. :)

Other milestones of late include: completing an entire shower without a break to sit down, stomaching a nasty smell and still holding down lunch and the actual desire to straighten up. This weekends plans: laundry and organizing the growing mail pile. Good times.

On my walk to the train the other day I caught my reflection in a shop window and thought, "That girl looks just like me except she is clearly pregnant." Then I realized I might have to come out of denial and wear my maternity clothes soon. That girl was me. My mom and I went shopping for maternity clothes recently, and they are actually very comfy! Everything is so soft, and actually I'll admit, cute.

We don't have our next doctor's appointment until the end of August. Hopefully the second trimester will continue to be better than the first. Stay tuned. And Go Phelps!

So many friends for baby already!

It seems like there are so many babies on the way!!! That just means lots of friends for the baby already! There are two of the babies friends that should be born just weeks apart from Baby Patterson's arrival.

My sister-in-law, Holly, is expecting her second just a few weeks before I am due! When we called to tell she and Brandon our news, they shared their exciting news too! So much fun and excitement on the Patterson side! Two babies means double the fun (or double the trouble, depending on how you look at it) :) Here is Holly with Brady, our nephew, at a little birthday party for Brady held by our in-laws in July. Isn't he adorable?! That was the night that they told everyone else about baby number two! The holidays will be so fun!

This past weekend we found out that our friends Meg and Rob are expecting baby number two! Here they are with their one year old, Madeline. Madeline and their dog, Maple made the big announcement. We were all so excited!! Meg is due just a few weeks after I am due. Another friend for Baby Patterson!

It is so fun for me to share my pregnancy and find out about the little ones that will inevitably grow up with our baby. We can't wait to meet all of these little people!!!

12 1/2 Week Belly

Well, time is flying by. Tomorrow is the start of my 13th week and I guess that means the end of my first trimester. Bring on the energy. Bring on the settled stomach. Please. Everyone says that should come by the end of the 14th week. Hallelujah!

Although I am not gaining weight very quickly due to the extent of my "morning" sickness, the baby is growing well. I will have to make up for those pounds in the second trimester, and with the return of my appetite and the addition of cravings, I'm not anticipating that being a problem. :) Here is a belly pic taken at about 12 1/2 weeks.

The biggest news for the baby at 12 1/2 weeks was that it survived it's first tornado! We had a crazy storm here a few nights ago that left 200,000 people without power ,(luckily we were not one of them), and sent us seeking shelter after the sirens went off and the emergency broadcast system warned that the tornado would be in our neighborhood in 10 minutes! Since we live in a condo, and don't have a basement, we go to the bathroom where there are inside walls and no windows. Our neighbors were over and we had to laugh at ourselves-the bathroom is not exactly the most conventional place to congregate with your neighbors. But, we brought in some grapes, and beers, (iced tea for me), and we had a tornado party! 4 adults and 1 dog in the master bath- sounds like a party to me! I quickly grabbed a stack of some reading materials, including my "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book. Although, what to expect when you're expecting in a tornado?- it's not in the book! :)

One thing is for sure, pregnancy is a journey!

Baby Patterson FAQ...

There are a lot of questions when you have a baby. We are asked a lot of questions, and we have a lot of questions. There seems to be a few questions that I am asked consistently, so I decided to do a Baby Patterson FAQ!

1. Q: When are you due?
A: February 12th

2. Q: Are you going to find out whether you are having a boy or a girl?
A: No. Although I am a complete control freak and a total planner, I love a great surprise! And we decided that this is one of the last true surprises in life. We'll do a neutral nursery, and I promise it will still be cute. :) And I'll just have to wait to splurge on pink or blue until after the baby's arrival! This is very unlike me, and it's going to be hard, but it is one thing that I can't control... and that's kind of nice for a change.

3. Q: Are the future grandparents so excited?
A: Everyone is beyond excited. It is the first grandchild for my parents and my mom literally started shopping the day after we told them the news.

4. Q: How are you feeling?
A: If you're reading this blog, my guess is that you already know the answer to that one. :)

5. Q: Where will you deliver?
A: My doctor is at Evanston Northwestern Hospital, so I will deliver there. It is a fantastic hospital, and I completely trust my doctor, so I'm not worried in the least. It is about 20 minutes north of our house.

6. Q: Have you begun thinking about names?
A: Of course! When I was 15! :) Now that it is "for real", as they say, Jason and I are running through the names we like together. We each veto the names we absolutely cannot stand, and make a mental list of the names that we kinda sorta agree on. As we get closer we will choose our favorites and after the baby is born we will decide together for sure. And then we'll let you all know. So no, we won't tell you ahead of time. Not even you, mom. Sorry. :) Just think how much better that will make the surprise! :)

7. Q: Do you think you will try to deliver naturally or have an epidural?
A: I have a pretty low pain tolerance. Bring on the drugs, baby! My friend, Dana, is a
Nurse Anesthetists, and she did research in her program at Northwestern (in which she graduated #1 in her class!) that you can have an epidural at only 1 centimeter dilated. I probably won't be there then, but as soon as I am, you better believe I am asking for those drugs. Can you just see me now?.... "My friend Dana said...." I'm sure they'll love me. :)

8. Q: Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?
A: I honestly don't care one bit. Most of all, I want the baby to be healthy! And I'll take whatever it is that God wants me to have!

9. Q: Do you have a feeling about the gender one way or the other?
A: None what so ever.

10. Q: Are you nervous?
A: Very. I feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility to raise a kind, appreciative, well mannered, well adjusted member of our family and of society in general. I want to be the kind of mother that makes herself available to listen to her children so they fell like they can come to me with whatever it is they need. And I want to have a little fun, too. Jason has that part of fatherhood in the bag. He has all the one liners and the energy to get down on the floor and rough house. I am already telling him that he'll be the fun parent, and I'll be the one that the children grow to resent. :) Hopefully that's only half true.

5 plus children???

I have come to suspect something. Women with a lot of children (5 plus, for example) must not have ever experienced morning sickness. It is just that simple.

I know that the minute that I hold our little bitty baby for the first time, I will want dozens of children. I just know it. That is just my nature. I don't do much conservative thinking. :) I am not saying I will really have dozens (or even 5 for that matter) not only because my darling hubby is quite conservative ("How do you expect us to put a dozen children through college?!") but also because of the morning sickness. I have a feeling that little devil will stick in the back of my head for a while.

I have always wanted 3 children (Jason wants 2). Right now, I'm working on being okay with one. One blessing. One miracle. That is still a lot to be thankful for! There are some mornings when I think, "Get ready to love this baby, people, because it is about to be an only child!"

But again, we'll see what I think in February. Something tells me the morning sickness devil may win out, and someday I'll be begging Jason for just one more. :)

10 weeks down; 30 to go!

Today I hit the 10 week mark. Only 30 left to go until we get to meet the baby. (And hopefully only 2 more weeks until the morning sickness (read: hell) is over!)

Wondering what that means? 10 weeks pregnant? What's going on in there? I sure am. The folks at babycenter.com to the rescue! (cue trumpet)

Here is what they say: "How your baby's growing:Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches."

Interesting, isn't it?! I wonder if the hair that is growing is Jason's signature toe head hair? I wonder if it will have finger toes like me (please God, no!) or if it will long fingers and want to play the piano?! 30 weeks is too long to wait baby, but we are being patient and loving you to pieces already!

Gonna get by with a little help from my family....

If you know me, you know that there are about two things that you can always count of from me: 1. To be anal and orderly; 2. To be anal and orderly. Oh, did I already say that? Well I'm anal enough to say it twice.

Pregnant Jo, however.... not so much. Jason loves to tell the story about the night that after dinner I said to him, "Just leave those dishes, honey; they'll be there tomorrow." He about passed out. Jason loves pregnant more laid back Jo.

I, however, am not such a fan. I cannot STAND clutter. But I also do not have the energy to devote to the elimination of it that I once did. I am sure all of you already mommies are laughing at me right now thinking, "Welcome to the rest of your life, kiddo." I maintain that after I am feeling better I will find time. Maybe not as often, but I will have to find some time in there somewhere. Otherwise, I might go insane. :)

The other night I had a breakdown to my mom. I had to admit to her that I hadn't put a single shoe away since I had found out that I was pregnant. They were literally just piled on top of each other in my closet. The same when for my jewelry. Just left in a heap. Then my birthday came, and I didn't have the energy to put away my gifts so I just piled them in my closet on top of the shoe pile and closed the door. The junk mail/ magazine pile was out of control on our counter. Jason was great help with the dishes and the cooking and the groceries and the laundry, but it was all done in a very boy way. I mean no disrespect, he was an incredible help, but you should see the way that boy folds clothing. It's just not right.

I just don't have the energy for these things. I literally cannot do it. I have been so sick, and so tired all of the time. I'm ready for the second trimester. Monday night, my mom and dad came to my rescue! They showed up at our house in the late afternoon. When I got home from work that day, my mom already had the laundry sorted in piles and going in the washing machine. She'd pulled everything out of the closet, sorted it in piles, and paired all of the shoes. My dad watered our plants, changed the sheets in the guest room (from a recent guest), and Jason made us all a feast on the grill. It was such a great treat! My parents were there working for 5 1/2 hours. I wasn't kidding when I said it was a mess. Thank you Mom and Dad!!!!!

It all looks so much better now, and I feel so much better now. Everything is nice and organized again, and I have a fresh start now, so I just have to do a few things at a time each day. Somehow to me, if I have to throw up left and right all over the city, at least I can come home to an organized closet and drawers full of clean clothes. Ahhhhh. Sweet relief. :) At first site of our closet floor again, Jason said, "Whoa. The floor!"

My mother-in-law has also offered to take the train in to help me. My neighbor is constantly saying "Remember I'm just across the hall!" This pregnancy may not be a pretty ride, but I sure do feel loved.

A fun video...

My dear friend, Molly sent this to me today. I just loved it. It reminded me of when we were at the ER the other day and Jason discovered that there is free parking at the hospital on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. Jason jokingly said, "Sweet- February 12th is President's Day! Free Parking for Everyone!"

I thought this would be fun to share! I don't use citibank, but maybe we should switch?! :)

A scare (with a happy ending!)

Never underestimate the power of family! My parents took us all to Green Lake, Wisconsin for an extended weekend get away together. We stayed right on the water in a gorgeous home belonging to very generous friends of theirs. We had a great time, as we always do when we are all together. Sometimes I think I revert to a kid again at these occasions- seeing who can make the biggest cannonball splash, can I dunk Jake and still have him think it's funny, "Dad, will you please get in with us!".... the whole nine yards. We play card and board games until we say, "Oh my gosh, it's __ o'clock already?!" It's a good time, and Martin Moments (as we affectionately call them) always prevail.

This past Saturday between a family picture organized by me (and my handy tripod) accompanied by the usual light hearted groans and the "are we done yets" of my family, and a spirited game of boys vs. girls catch phrase, I started bleeding. If you know me, I don't do anything calmly, so naturally I freaked out.... but my family was there for me in every way they could be. Never underestimate the power of family.

I called the Doctor on call, and she was very patient with me, asked a lot of questions, calmed my fears, encouraged me to rest and not do anything strenuous, and to go to the emergency room in the morning. I am forever grateful to her; it was late on Saturday night.

After a small walk with my ever calm Dad, where he said all the right things, just as he does in every crisis situation, and lot of good prayers and hugs with my mom who is ridiculously nurturing, I did fall asleep, wondering if I'd ever be as good a parent as they are.

Jason is very good in these situations, and almost exactly opposite from me. He never over reacts (I inevitably ALWAYS do), he never jumps to conclusions (I prepare for the worst) and most of all, he knows what I need to hear to be assured that no matter what happens, we have each other, and that everything will be okay. As my dad said on Saturday night, I am lucky to have him. No one could love me more than he.

Poor Jake and I fell from the same bush, so to speak. He was just as upset as I. Jason and Katy are cool, collected cucumbers; Jake and I are emotional, babbling fools. Still, in a scare, sometimes it's good to know that there is one of your kind out there. Thinking just as you are.

We went to the emergency room on Sunday, and after five hours of exams, ultasounds and blood tests, being wheeled here and there on the gurney ( a first for me), and waiting for all sorts of results... we are just fine! I am okay and the baby is okay. We feel so blessed.

It turns out that Jason isn't the most patient person in the emergency room. I think I'll have to add "activities for Jason during delivery" to my list of things to plan in the next 6 1/2 months. One sight at a 24 hour labor, and that kid will be toast. Bless his heart.

It also turns out that being in the emergency room for five hours on a Sunday is a little bit like being on the set of Grey's Anatomy (returning in September- yay!) There was a drunk guy next to me that got into a fight and lost 4 teeth (Emergency room nurse: "How did this happen?" Drunk guy: "I'll tell you what happened, I was talkin' $hit and some guy punched me out. I usually the dude that do the punchin', but I couldn't swing at him this time." Emergency room nurse: "Did they give you anything for the pain?" Drunk guy: "They didn't give me nothin'! Says I still have too much alcohol in my system or somethin'. (then to his infant grandson: "Don't you go off to grow up and be like your granddad!')") There was also a baby crying (poor thing) and then Jason had to chime in with his impersonation of a baby crying (strangely similar sound), there was some guy handcuffed in the bed, and a policeman was guarding his door, and there was some sort of announcement "ER ALL ALERT. CODE 888!" No clue what that means, but glad that it didn't apply to me.

All in all, not a good way to spend a Sunday, but with a happy ending. I haven't even met the baby yet, and already I am worrying like crazy. How will I ever survive it's teenage years?

A letter to my dear Oyster....

Dear Oyster Crackers,

Look, you're a great cracker. You're crunchy, you settle my stomach, you're just the right amount of salt, and best of all, I can throw 100 of you in a plastic baggie, head out the door and much on you all day long.

That's what makes this so hard. It's not you, it's me.

We've been through a lot together. Remember that time we drove back in that bumpy car ride from Jason's parent's house? Or how about the time on the dreaded morning El ride? You were really there for me those times, and I appreciate that. I won't ever forget that. You've been good to me.

Unfortunately, I think that is where it ends for us, Oyster. The fact of the matter is, I'm sick to death of you. It's hard for me, because for a while there I really thought it was the start of something long term and beautiful for us both. But recently, I'm not excited to pull you out of your place of honor in my pantry, and the thought of the taste of you one. more. day. about makes me dizzy with boredom.

I want you to be free and happy with other pregnant women. I would still definitely recommend you to other women in the future. I just cannot personally go on consuming you at the moment. Your benefits are beginning to reverse themselves on me. That is just not something that I can afford right now.

I hope to see you again some day, Oyster. Perhaps in a soup bowl sometime in my third and sturdy trimester. But until then, I am going to have to let you go.

I wish you well.

We have a heartbeat! (and a new due date)

Last Wednesday was our appointment to hear the baby's heartbeat. At first, the doctor was unable to hear the heartbeat with the little machine that they put up against your stomach. (Clearly, I am not in the medical field- pretty sure that's not the technical term, but it works well enough) Natch, I began to get nervous, but the doctor assured us not to worry, that it was like trying to find a tadpole. When the first machine didn't work, he went to get another machine. When that machine didn't work, I started to panic a little bit. I kept looking over at Jas like "What is going on!" and he just kept smiling back at me and winking, trying to assure me that everything was going to be okay.

Our doctor recommended that I have an internal ultrasound to see what was going on. The ultrasound tech assured us that she was going to be very honest with us, so that if she said it was good news, it really was good news. Sure enough, it was good news. I have never been so relieved in my whole life. We heard the baby's little heart beating loud and clearly, and very fast. It. was. amazing! We even got to see a picture of the blood running through its tiny little heart. Always the joker, Jason asked the technician if we could tell what its favorite food was from the machine too. Not just yet. :)

In the ultrasound they were able to measure the little sack, and apparently we aren't as far along as we thought we were. So we weren't able to hear the heartbeat from the machine up to your stomach thingy because it was too early. BUT- the good news is that the heartbeat was there, and strong and at the point in the pregnancy where we are, that means less than a 2% chance for a miscarriage. Music to our ears. Our new due date is February 12th. It set us back a few weeks on the morning sickness tracker. Just when I thought it was almost over. Ugh. But, I'm taking it one day at a time

The darling ultrasound tech gave us a big hug and our baby's first pictures. Upon receiving them our doctor jokingly said, "Congratulations, here's your blob." It really does look like a blob right now, but to see everything going on on the screen was fabulous none the less.

Our First Doctor's Appointment

At this point it is probably mostly bloat, and whatever I was able to hold down from dinner, but it is our starting point none the less. Meet Baby Patterson. :)

Last Friday we had our very first doctor's appointment. We were thrilled that everything is growing as it should and is just the right size. We learned all of the rules and the drills and our doctor, Dr. Miller, shared in our excitement. It's amazing to me how much love you can have for something that is only the size of a kidney bean. I'll never eat chili the same way again. :)

On Wednesday, July 2nd, we go back to the doctor to hear the heartbeat for the very first time. We can't wait for that milestone!

I'm feeling pretty icky. It's not exactly a pretty journey to this point, but it sure is worth it. The baby must like fruit, because I can't seem to get enough. Green apples especially. Every time I see a green apple I can picture my teeth digging into it and practically taste the juice on my tongue. Mmmmm.

Jason has been so darling by helping out with pretty much everything around the house because I am dog tired and ready for bed WAY early. Because I normally have such a high energy level he jokes with me that now I am "normal". Come on, we all know that I'll never be quite normal. :)

Oyster Crackers are my Friend

Morning sickness is in full swing. Getting up and going to work on the bumpy El seems next to impossible every morning. Not to even mention the smells I encounter on the way. The smell or even thought of eggs makes my stomach clench. Raisin Bran? Forget it. Peanut Butter? Don't even think about it! In fact, it seems completely impossible to eat anything before noon, except water and oyster crackers.

Yes, oyster crackers are my friend. In fact, considering the rate at which I consume them, and the rearranging I plan to do in my pantry to make room for a 9 month supply, perhaps I should buy some stock. I have to be effecting the supply chain somehow. Now if they only made them in whole wheat!

Either way, I have a feeling that after February, I won't even be able to look at those things anymore, because I will have completely depleted my lifetime's allowance of oyster crackers.

In the meantime though... bring them on!

Telling our families....

Far and the away the most exciting thing about the pregnancy so far was telling our families this past weekend, on Father's Day. They were all so surprised and very excited. It was so much fun, and has made Jason and I even more excited now that they know.

On Saturday we traveled to Jason's parent's house. Jason told his parents and Lindsay while we were all relaxing in the shade on the deck. Lindsay had her suspicions, but Bill and Debbie were both shocked! Later that night Derek joined us and we told him, and we called Brandon and Holly the next day. We're excited for Brady to have a cousin! The reactions were so sweet. Bill said that it was the best day of his year so far and that he was just as excited as he was when he found out that his own children were on their way. The proof is in the pictures. I love the looks on their faces right when they found out.

On Sunday we went to my parent's house. After all of the gifts were opened, I handed my dad a card and said, "This is just one last thing from Jason and I." We asked him to read it aloud. He read the front that listed desirable characteristics and when he opened the card he said, "Oh my gosh!" and started to cry. My mom and brother and Katy were all wondering what it could be! Then my dad read the rest of the card aloud. On the inside it said, "It's sure handy having a guy like that as your Grandpa." Then we wrote "Congratulations, you're going to be a Grandpa sometime around February 4th, 2009!" They were all very shocked and very excited. Here are the reaction pictures I love so much.


We feel like our child will be so lucky to be surrounded by so much love and such great Grandparents, Aunties and Uncles. Thanks for being so sweet and excited.

Baby Patterson can't wait to meet you!

Public transportation is not a good place for the onset of nausea

In the past few days I have been feeling the symptoms of pregnancy more and more. I have been completely and totally exhausted. Like I was forced to stay up all night standing on my tippy toes, exhausted. Like I need tools to pry my eyes open, exhausted. Beyond any exhaustion I have ever felt before. You all know how I like to be the very last person to leave a party? I had to leave my brother's birthday party just after midnight! What? Who am I? But it was the very best I could do. My hair is also falling out. Like in hand fulls. What is the deal with that? It also turns out that when you take an already emotional girl, and add the emotions caused by pregnancy hormones, you get a complete mess. Me. And then today, I was reading my book on the El on the way to work, and then... BAM. Nausea. Luckily, after a few deep breaths I was fine.
Still, something tells me this is about to get interesting....

These things I promise you...

My blog promises to you:

1. I promise that it is honestly okay if my mom is the only one who reads (sorry mom, you're stuck).

2. I promise to never use the word "trying" in the context of the pregnancy. That's just wrong.

3. I promise to only write about the things I think you will care about. Well, okay, maybe you don't care about any of it. So how about I promise to try to write about things that some of you might care about. Hmm. I can tell this is going to be hard already.

4. I promise to post pictures and videos.

5. I promise to update often

6. I promise not to act like my child is the cutest and smartest child to ever meet the planet (at least not on purpose).

Clearblue Easy

So it turns out that it doesn't take everyone 6 months to a year.....

While we are thrilled to be expecting, we were a bit shocked that it happened so quickly! When all signs pointed to possibly pregnant, we took a Clearblue Easy home pregnancy test. I think Jason was attracted to the word "blue" in the title ("If the box and the name are "blue" does it guarantee a boy?"), but I was attracted to the "easy".

Easy means that there aren't any lines to match up or pluses and minuses to distinguish between. The test just tells you "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant". Even though all of the signs were there, I was stilled very shocked when "Pregnant" displayed in the window. On two separate tests. On two separate days.

What isn't easy though, is keeping the secret. I want to literally break out to the roof of our building, and shout down Lincoln Avenue for everyone to hear, "I'm pregnant!!" I want to tell the crossing guard at our corner, Abner in our coffee shop (decaf, please!), the person next to me waiting for the train... and definitely our parents and our friends! As I write this, it is still a giant secret. We plan to tell our parents on Father's day, and then the rest of our friends gradually, after our first doctor's appointment on the 20th. I am already having to find crafty ways to avoid situations in which it seems completely obvious that I am pregnant. I have never been one to pass up a glass of wine at dinner with girlfriends.

It also hasn't been easy giving up wine, coffee and blue cheese all at once. Mmmm. Not to mention deli meat, sashimi, and a whole slew of other yummy things. And I'm sure there will be many more obstacles down the road that won't be easy. But, I know that come early February next year, it will all be worth it. It already is.

That's right.... THREE!!!

Despite Jason's freaky talent (??) to stick his stomach out to look like a pregnant man (yikes!), he is not pregnant.

BUT I AM!!!! We are so excited!!!!

In an effort to keep our family and friends updated on all things baby, we have decided to start this blog. Feel free to stop by as little or as much as you'd like. We won't pretend that our lives are so exciting that you want to read every day, but hopefully the pictures will at least be entertaining.

Happy reading as you join us on this adventure!

Jason, Johanna, and baby makes three (Plus our pooch, Norah... we couldn't leave our first "baby" out)