I found my crib/dresser/changing table

I haven't ordered it yet but in my Baby Bargains book gave it a good rating. I found it at Wal-Mart and checked it out. I can order online, get my ebates.com rebate and free shipping to the store and it's white! It will go well with the new bedding I purchased last week.

YAY!

Thank GOD for bffs

I decided this morning to get my registry ready at Target. I have already registered at Babies r Us for half of what I need so I had my Target list in hand. I called my BFF Shawn and asked if she wanted to help me since I had no clue about brands and she's been testing some for months. So with guns in hand we hit the tiny baby aisle at Target to scan away baby stuff. After 90 mins, we were complete and without her advice, I'd be completely lost. Even a gal registering by herself was listening to her advice.

Somehow, I registered for a whooping 62 items at Target. Some will get deleted when I find out the sex but my Babies R Us registry is only 29 items. Our rule was "I'll register if I really need it" and I can't believe I actually need 100 items. I didn't register for diapers, cremes, lotions and stuff like that and Brian really wants a Baby Bjorn (he thought there was going to be one wrapped up under the tree).

So I was feeling bad about all the items but my friend said "you need all of these. Don't feel bad!" So I won't allow myself to be guilty!


Moms need gifts you know! With my birthday a little over a month away, I think I found what I want:

What is it? It's a Sharper Image Microderm kit

Since I've been pregnant, my skin has been breaking out like crazy. It's the first time in my life I've had to deal with acne.

And if you go through ebates.com, you get 5% back!

Attack of the pregnancy hormones

My husband had to work today so I decided to have a me day. I first went and saw Juno which is a really cute, funny movie. Then I went to Macy's for some make-up and a bday gift for a friend. Then it was off to Goodwill to donate some of the remains of Brian's office (which took an act of congress to get him to clean up, I might add). I decided I didn't want to be cold anymore so I drove across the street to the outlet mall to buy a new coat that fits for the winter. Ya see, none of my winter coats fit except for my pea coat and it's not very warm and I would like to go snowshoeing soon. As I parked my car and got out this 60 year old hick from the sticks with his Chevy truck with six tires and a border collie in the back says to me "You're pretty fucking rude." I had no idea I had done anything rude except for take his parking spot which his big Chevy wouldn't have fit in anyways. His wife in the passenger seat gasped as I held my stomach perplexed at the whole situation. As I walked into the store, some lady said to me "pretty rude of him to yell at a pregnant woman not wearing a coat!" and I nodded and then when I got inside, I got really angry. That woman was totally right!

So I made my purchase and headed out the door steaming mad and guess what -- he was parked on the other side of my Jeep.

Me: Hey asshole, nice of you to yell at a pregnant woman NOT wearing a coat.

He looked away and didn't respond. He just mostly looked embarrassed.

Normally, I would have ignored it but these hormones -- they make you do crazy things like completely destroy your husband's office because you can't find the wedding photo cd that you had stored in the desk draw in another room.

I have 5 more months of this to go. Wish me luck!

Crib bedding ordered - CHECK

My first real baby purchase ....


Now just have to find the white crib/dresser/changing table.

Butterflies in my stomach

Today marks week 16 and today I'm feeling more "butterflies in my stomach" aka the quickening moves of my unborn child. Let's just say Lil Berger likes small lattes (yes, leaded). It's the strangest feeling but it does really feel like butterflies.

Bendites, you were not kidding when you said our Target's baby selection totally sucks. It does. I guess it's Babies R Us for registering (along with Target).

Last night I dreamt that Brian and I had an ultrasound and it was a girl. The other weird thing about the dream was a bug showed up on the leg of my unborn Lil Berger. When I completely freaked out, the ultrasound tech said "that's completely normal."

We're going to start on "the list" of things to do before the baby is born this weekend. First task, clear the clutter of my husband's office (which he doesn't use, by the way). I wish we could get rid of the desk for a smaller one but he's not having it. Things on the list include painting rooms and better arranging our storage spaces (aka closets). Fun times. Woo flippin' hoo.

The search for the list with simple things

I've made it my mission this week to make a list of what to register for at Target/Babies R Us. After searching and searching online, I found this list on Babyfit.com. My goal was to find a list that was simple and didn't have all the frivolous items that would be a waste of money because that's the last thing I need is for people to get me items that I don't need. I'm been searching craigslist like a mad women for dressers, changing tables, gliders too. I also have my IKEA list. I'm not going to buy an IKEA crib either probably just a few closet organizers. I'm a sucker for hand me downs too as friends keep saying "check out my spare bedroom -- I'll gladly hand over my breast pump, swing, etc. I'm a lucky girl. Having a baby doesn't have to break the bank.

My friend Heather is due a week before me and she found out she's having a boy. Though she lives in Nebraska, I'm happy we're pregnant together (though this is her 3rd child) and it's nice to check in and see how she is doing.

Tomorrow is 16 weeks. I can hardly believe it! I have to go in and get some blood drawn for some screening tests at my OB's office. Fun times! I hate getting blood drawn. Ick!

I'm noticing that around 5 p.m., I'm getting tired each night. I have to resist taking naps because if I do, I wake up 10 times (no joke) a night). Last night I only woke up once. To keep myself awake, I put Christmas stuff away. Maybe tonight I'll organize my husband's office (I destroyed it in a hormonal rampage in which I will discuss another time).

Been looking into digital scrapbooking sites too. I made a scrapbook of our wedding FINALLY using Shutterfly.com's online book making helper. I can't wait to see the finished product when it arrives next week. They have a variety of baby books. I just can't wait to get started on it!

Prepping for baby

I keep forgetting I'm pregnant. My friends tell me this is all normal and in fact, while one friend was pregnant last year she often said this and I thought she was completely nuts but now I understand the whole concept of forgetting. I usually remember right about when I'm getting dressed and nothing fits. My belly isn't as big as my co-workers who's belly is 5 days behind me (this is her 3rd child) and of all the books I read this is normal.

I've been feeling flutters. Sometimes it feels like bubbles in my belly or something swimming around. One day it felt like something ran it's finger against my insides. I just can't wait till the little sucker jabs be in the ribs! Bring it on!

This week I've started researching furniture and what we really need. So far the list includes: crib, glider, changing table/dresser and some sort of closet storage. We were planning a trip to IKEA in Portland but we may just get the closet storage as I've found Wal-Mart and Target are a goldmine for the other items. I've also set up an rss feed for "baby" on Bend's Craigslist. I don't mind hand me downs. I would like all white since the woodwork is white but we'll see.

I scored the Cadillac of breast pumps from my friend and I'm so excited!!!! That's $300 I won't have to spend. Lil Berger got his/her first gift -- a rattle from my friend Katie.

I still can't believe Friday will be 16 weeks.

First stab at digital scrapbooking

First stab at digital scrapbooking
Originally uploaded by Shanlee

Today I took my first step towards committing to digital scrapbooking. I have an unfair advantage because well, I know how to use Photoshop and InDesign pretty well (wish I could say the same for Illustrator). Most digital scrapbookers use Photoshop but since InDesign is way easier to manipulate, I created it there and imported the pdf to Photoshop to make a jpg. I'm pretty satisfied with my "tree hunt" page. I think my next step will be making a wedding album book using Shutterfly. I'm so adventurous. It only took me two years!

This is all in preparation to the arrival of Lil Berger, of course. Because who wants to look at pages with Charlie or our vacations!

In 28 days ...

... we may know the sex of the baby. The countdown to Jan 17 is on!

Gaining weight

I've been buried in my Baby Bargains book the past few nights. Last night was a chapter on baby clothes and suggests I tell people NOT to give my baby newborn clothes because they are a waste of money. OK, how does one ask their family and friends not to send clothes? Yea, I can't do that.

The book is worrying me with making sure I have the firmest mattress on God's green earth so my baby doesn't suffocate. I would have never thought of that. Now I know why people say "DON'T READ THE BOOKS." I tossed and turned all night thinking about it. What if my baby is too hot because it will be summer (we don't have A/C)? OMG, We need a ceiling fan in the baby room! See what I mean?

Anyway, back to the subject at hand .. it's officially trimester two and today was my OB appointment where I learn that I'm not gaining enough weight. I haven't been hungry at all. I have no desire to eat food. I'm not craving anything. I try to eat my cereal and it tastes gross. I try to choke down green veggies -- yuck. Doc says to keep taking the vitamins because my diet is poor. On the plus side, I can start taking pre-natal exercise classes and I will start in January with water classes! Yay! And, I heard the heartbeat -- 155 beats per min. More proof there is a baby in my belly.

My husband didn't come to the appoint. Some were shocked by this. Does my husband need to go every time? He's pretty bored at them and he's a busy man. I figure he'll go to the appoints with pomp and circumstance -- like the ultrasound I'm scheduling for three weeks from tomorrow. WOO HOO. But really, does he need to go?

Off to the store to find things to eat to fatten me up. Wish me luck!

Thank god for friends

In the past year, I've had a lot of friends have babies that live in Bend. I've seen their many styles and have said on occasion, "I want to be like that mom" or "I don't want to be like that mom." I can say that all I want but I know I will be the mom I'm supposed to be.

My friend Alissa gave me some good advice today -- stop freaking out. She's right! I shouldn't be worried about baby gear right now! Although I got some fabulous advice about my registry, I don't like stuff and clutter so I'm going to keep it simple -- get what I need along the way and start checking out craigslist.

And if I want a $150 Jeep Stoller, damn it, I'm going to register for it. Because mark my worss, Charlie (my dog), the baby and I will be walking up Pilot Butte during maternity leave and we need that stroller.

Bring on the second trimester!

Registering part 2

I revised my Amazon.com registry and took some things off. I will look at Target for those items because I really don't want to register for a car seat without looking at it and such. I have a list started just for Target.

I was really worried about registering for big ticket items (to me that's items over $50) but a few of my friends said they are going in on the bigger items because they know their won't be much support from some family (long story, I won't get into on my blog) and not to worry about it. I also forgot that two friends have gear for me so I'm going to go check it out and cross those off my list. Anyone have a jogging stroller? That's one of the items I would LOVE to have.

I want to thank everyone for the advice on this list. At first it was overwhelming but after I made a few notes, I was grateful for the advice.

And now onto week 13 baby bump ...

I registered

Since the majority of people who will buy for me live out of town, I went with Amazon.com for my registry for a couple of reasons ... 1. you can buy online. The only person who will have a problem is my grandma and I have a feeling she's making a baby blanket. 2. They make a thank you gift list for you. 3. They had lists to help me with what I actually need.

You can check it out here online at Amazon.com.

I was worried I was registering for things that were too expensive (like that breast pump that everyone tells me I need to have which is $230) but this is my baby we're talking about. I didn't register for a crib or changing table/dresser. I think those are items we'll buy at IKEA.

If you have suggestions on items I should register for, pop me a comment. I need the help.

I'm freaking out

I am freaking out about a bunch of stuff lately. Here is the following list:

* money
* my house is too small
* there is some much to do how are we going to get it all done
* I'm not going to know what to do with a baby
* being a working mom
* getting skinny after having a baby
* I have no idea what to register for

That is just some of them. I have money in the bank. Some would say that with the amount I have, I shouldn't worry but then I start to think about paying quarterly taxes, property taxes and then being off for three months, I freak out. I need to start thinking positively about this but it's stressing me out. Things always work out. I have PTO, short term disability.

My house isn't too small. We just need to utilize space better. Like my husband really needs to organize his office. I think when he's gone to Eugene, I'm going to purge and organize it because I've nagged him for weeks about it.

Anyway, I think the keep is to sit down and make a list of things we need to get done and just start tackling it now. Maybe I will do it and post for my motivation and for public flogging.

Week 13

I can't belive it but I'm at week 13. Week 14 marks the start of the 2nd trimester and I couldn't be more excited for next Friday. Overnight something happened -- my belly popped out. I'm still looking fat, not pregnant but you'll have to wait until Sunday to see it. Lil Berger is the size of a medium shrimp.

I'm still mostly tired and sometimes when I eat, I feel sick. I am having aversions to meat too. I'm always hungry. It's mostly annoying more than anything. My sleeping is great but sometimes interrupted by bathroom trips. I can't wait to sleep in tomorrow.

I've been seeking advice from new mothers on breastfeeding. I'm really leaning toward not breastfeeding since I'll be a working mom but I also want to bond with my baby as well as have Brian bond. Maybe I will and pump so he can be involved.

The best advice I've received this week is to stop reading baby books because they'll just scared you most people say. I have to agree with that theory.

You touchy, I bitey...

I was invited by a colleague to a focus group for pregnant women tonight. As tired as I was from working all day, I couldn't let my colleague down and attended. The focus was on funny t-shirts for expectant mothers and if you'd buy them and if you did, what style would you buy. The shirts are pretty freaking hilarious but if you know me, I've been trying to find some sassy knocked-up shirt for months and I think I found the perfect place for that snarkiness... jestations.

Jestations is owned by two Bend women -- Lisa and Kathy. Their bio on their website reads:

After trimesters of rude comments, unsolicited advice and belly-rubs that would annoy even Buddha, we had it up to here with hearing how we’re out to there. Fueled by a dangerous cocktail of hormones and prenatal vitamins, we embarked on a journey to fulfill every pregnant woman’s dream (outside of a nine-month epidural or an endless supply of ice cream, that is): T-shirts that pre-empt—or at least answer—irritating pregnancy comments and advances. We employed our expertise in graphic design and copywriting, natural propensity for snarkiness and affection for great quality clothing and, lo, a business was born. We’re pleased that our bouncing baby business is thriving. Almost as pleased as knowing we’ve helped fend off at least a few pregnancy annoyances.

this is my favorite shirt of all.


The cool thing about the focus group was that I got to hear advice from women about their other experiences and I made notes of biodegradable diapers, books about making baby food and got reassurance that it's ok to eat meat that's cooked medium (because you all know a former Nebraskan isn't going to eat a WELL DONE STEAK). We all bonded too. I can't wait for all the classes I have to take so I can talk to other women. Of course, I can bend the ear of my friends who are mothers but it's fun to talk to first time pregnant mothers as well.

But alas, I'm tired and it's 9:22 p.m. -- way past my bedtime. Time to hit the pillow for some much needed shut eye

Oh what a relief

Today I just couldn't take it anymore. I needed to do something about my bra which was digging into my skin so I had to go buy extenders. Oh, what a relief. No more digging into my skin. AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. I feel so much better.

Taming the temper

The hormones are making me have a temper. Along with that, I'm a little more impatient than usual and the stupiest things set me off. And drama that doesn't even involve me, I worry about. Thanks a lot, hormones.

I'm constantly hungry too. This is getting really annoying because I bring food to work and it's not enough. Right now I'm craving fried chicken and jalapeño poppers. Neither of which are in my possession and would require me to get in the car and head to Fred Meyer. I'm in comfy clothes wearing my beaver fur slippers with the heat jacked up (until I get the $200 bill).

Don't get me started on the horrible gas. (yea, TMI) Good thing the doctor wrote a note saying that I'll be frequently visiting the bathroom.

I'm totally complaining, aren't I?

I'm so happy that I'm pregnant and seeing that little baby will make it all worth it. I just have to keep telling myself that when my bladder's about to explode from all the water I'm supposed to be drinking.

12 week belly shot

Well, with week 12 starts a new weekly tradition -- the belly shot. It's sticking out but mostly I look fat.

Holiday traditions

Is it secure?
Originally uploaded by Shanlee

We spent a good part of the day hunting for the perfect Christmas tree west of Sunriver. We found an awesome spot a few years ago and just by luck, found it this year again. As fun as finding your own tree is, it can be a complete pain in the ass. It wasn't so much a pain because we had friends with us and then went and warmed up at the Owl's Nest at Sunriver Resort.

We came home and decorated our tree for the holiday. After hacking and trimming away at it, our tree was perfect. I also purged some of my holiday decor. I wish someone would have told me that spending all that money on Winne the Pooh ornaments would be a waste someday. I don't even want to hang them up. I'm so over Pooh.

Click here to see the rest of the photos from the day.