adventures with mama green

shocker

2009-10-06T20:27:00.001-07:00

I know this post will come as a shocker to anyone who must be bored out of his/her mind to think to check this stale blog, but it makes me sad to think I abandoned this so long ago. I think that since Damon took over, it was hard to keep up since he is such a better writer and was much better about the updates (not to mention so much more thorough). But I am now back to work and I can't tell you how hard it is to leave Emmett everyday. Especially Mondays after I've had the whole weekend to spend with him. I think he is pretty aware of my leaving in the mornings too--although he does say "BYE-BYE" pretty easily and with a big grin, especially if he is already eating breakfast. I have to say that this 15-19 month time has been pretty amazing to watch. I feel like he is so much more aware and learning crazy stuff everyday. I am constantly amazed at what he remembers. Okay, Damon walked by and now the secret of my update is over...see you in ten more months.

friends

2009-01-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

Emmett likes to play with his friends.

october comes and goes

2008-10-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

Time is zooming by and it's hard to even find enough time to get a haircut or scrub the toliet, let alone post on the blog. But this post isn't going to be about the fact that I'm never able to post, no sir, it's going to be about all of the new and exciting things happening in my life.

I love my son. More than anything. He is the best thing ever.

it's been a long time, a long lonely time

2008-09-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

I am in shock that it's been a whole month and I haven't found time to post on the 'ol blog. Things are nuts! This school year is by far the busiest and most stressed I've been since I've started teaching. There are all of these new changes at the school, which is creating a busy day for me. Not to mention trying to squeeze in pumping every three hours. Actually, Damon is usually able to come by with Emmett so I can feed him, which is a billion times better than pumping. I had no idea being a working mom can be so tough. I have a new appreciation for all working moms, especially single ones (like my mother-in-law). I can't imagine.

The big news over here in the Green-Todd household are---TEETH! Last week when my mom was here caring for Emmett while Damon was in Chicago, she spotted E's first tooth. And today you can clearly see the second tooth right next to the first. Baby has been a little more cranky over the last few days since he's teething, but really, not too bad. Emmett made the mistake of biting me once while nursing. He'll never do that again. If you look very closely in this picture, you can see the begining of the first tooth (this pic was taken last week.)

busy

2008-08-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

Ugh. Things have been a little nuts on this end for the last few weeks. Our trip to Clear Lake was fun, although I think that we realized that our little guy is now very keen to his surroundings and can't just sleep anywhere anymore. We had a rough couple of days when we got there, with him waking every two hours. He settled into more of a normal routine, only to do the same waking business when we returned home. I think we are now back in a groove with one very short waking per night. I am trying to ween him off of the night feeding gradually by pulling him off the boob after shorter intervals of time. We are down to about 10 minutes, then I put him in his crib with his monkey and he falls back asleep on his own. Actually, he has been great with all sleeping and is able to put himself to sleep for naps as well. He needs to have his monkey (Blah-Blah) and all is good.

As for me, I somewhat returned to work last week. It was informal meetings and setting up the classroom and next week is the real deal--8:00-4:00, meetings all day. It was a nice transitional week, as my schedule was more flexible and I was able to run home for a feeding or to relieve Damon to run an errand. I was very emotional and cranky the first few days and I know all of this is going to take some getting used to. I am so lucky that it's Damon staying at home with Emmett and that we live so close to my work, but I am also incredibly jealous and wish we could all be at home together. I am also very excited to be returning to a job that I really love and this year is going to be even more special as Belinda is working with me in the same classroom. One added bonus of working with Belinda is that the pumping at work thing won't be as complicated as it could be if I shared the room with a stranger. Lucky Belinda, gets to see me in my double-pumping corset bra. Very sexy.

portland and new favorite toy

2008-08-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

Emmett and I just returned from a short visit up in the Pacific Northwest. We flew up to visit Angela, Scott and Tyler and had a great visit. Tyler and Emmett became fast friends and Tyler was sweet as can be, showing Emmett how to push buttons on his toys and making E giggle. Tyler even gave Emmett his new favorite toy--this beach ball. He loves it and it's pretty stinkin adorable how he uses his hands and feet to play with it. He looks like a little monkey baby. Anyhow, we had a fabulous time and the only bummer was, I forgot my camera, so hopefully Angela will pass along her pictures.

Today Emmett is five months old. I can't believe how fast time is going by. Plus, Damon's last day in the office is Friday! I am so excited for him. Next week we go on our last vacation of the summer. Good times will be had. Then it will be back to work for me--ugh.

oompa loompa

2008-07-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

happy baby pose

2008-07-18T21:09:00.001-07:00

Emmett can finally strike the "happy baby pose". I remember months ago hanging out with Christine and Theo when Theo grabbed his feet with his hands. I thought to myself, "I cannot wait until Emmett can do this adorable pose. I want to eat him up when he does it. But it does make changing diapers more difficult.

back from NYC

2008-07-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

We returned home from the Big Apple late Sunday night. We had a wonderful time and it was great to see many of our dear friends. Emmett was fabulous for the trip and plane ride. On the way out, he slept/played/ate the entire trip, not even fussing. On the way home, he was a pretty good sport, considering we sat on the tarmac for three hours before our six hour flight. He cried for a solid hour, and we were trying everything in our bag of tricks to calm him down. He wouldn't take the boob, bouncing in our seats wasn't working...it was very frustrating and I had to sit there and look back on the incident and remember all of the times I got pissed or rolled my eyes at people with screaming babies on flights...anyhow, after an hour of crying, I finally just laid him down on the pillow across our laps, and he just stopped, stared at the lights a bit, and put himself to sleep right before take off and slept the entire flight. It obviously could have been much worse.

I won't go into detail about our trip, since Damon covered most of it on his blog except to say that my conference was really great and I am so excited to change things up in my classroom in the fall. Belinda got to go to the conference too, and I am thrilled that she will be working along side me in the classroom. How crazy and how lucky we are!

So we are back home, enjoying our foggy summer days in SF. I know work is on the horizon, which I have mixed feelings about. I am thrilled that Damon will be able to at home with Emmett, but I know I am really going to miss my days with him. I wish it were possible for both of us to stay home for a year (or more), but I realize we are pretty lucky that we get to swing Damon staying home, even if it gets us more into debt.

play date with theo and catching poop

2008-07-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

Pretty exciting week over here at the Green-Todd household. Theo and his mummy Christine came over yesterday for a little play date. Theo is seriously one of the cutest babies ever to live and so sweet. That is why this picture is so funny. It looks like Theo is clocking E in the face, but really he was just grabbing his nose (nobody got hurt). Christine has been a huge support for me as a new mom, since she's a professional and has done all of this before. I feel really lucky to have her friendship.

On another note, I got Emmett to poop in the potty for the first time. I know that doesn't sound too exciting to most folk, but I sure was thrilled. Damon has really been working on catching a poop, but it seems that E usually goes while he is nursing in the middle of the day, which makes it hard for Damon to witness. So the other day, I was playing with the little one, and he started making noises down south so I thought I'd give it a try. I undressed him, put him on the pot, said "kaka" (Damon's trigger word), and gently pushed his tummy. It worked like a charm and was one less cloth diaper to clean!

We are preparing for our big trip to NYC this weekend. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone in NYC (Laura, Lesley, Sal, Enrique...), and it will be fun to have friends from here to play with too (Luisa, Belinda, Nick..a few other teachers from work).I hope E does well on the flight and adjusting to the time difference. Send us good thoughts!

roll over!

2008-06-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

Emmett just rolled over for the first time today. I was starting to worry that he's never do it. He would be 15 years old and call for me in the middle of the night to help him roll from his tummy to his back. Well, this morning for naked tummy time, he rolled over three times! I captured most of the third roll on film. I'm sure his future partner will get a laugh out of this one someday.

love

2008-06-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

"Emmett and Augie, sittin' in a tree..."

new equipment

2008-06-26T08:59:00.001-07:00

Okay, I thought that the bouncy chair was ugly, but this new piece of equipment takes the cake in the ugly bakery. It's bold, lights up and I think somehow makes "music" but thankfully I think the batteries are dead. It's called an exersaucer and supposedly the babies love it. I was looking for something so that Emmett can be upright since the back of his head is getting a little flat from lying on it all of the time. He's a little small for it, so I have to use blankets to prop him up. He does seem to like it and yesterday when I put him in it for the first time, he was throwing his head back laughing, which is pretty darn cute. Damon almost had a heart attack when he saw it--he's anti-plastic/polyester/fun, but hopefully he'll see how much E likes it and he'll stop judging.

Speaking of Damon, I know he's going to kill me for writing this, but he had a job interview and demo lesson yesterday for a physics teaching position. They LOVED him and offered him the job the same day. He's working out the logistics, but I'm pretty proud of him. The lesson he did was great and he is so clear and patient when explaining new concepts (even to someone as physically challenged as myself). He is going to be a great teacher. He's so smart and cute and funny (sort of), and although he's a hippie, I feel pretty lucky that he's my baby daddy.

Granny Janny visits

2008-06-19T12:03:00.001-07:00

Grandma Jan came to town for a few days and it was great to have her here to help out with Emmett. He adores her and is all smiles when she is around. Plus, he bought him this cute outfit! Emmett misses you, Granny Janny!

monkey love

2008-06-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

Emmett loves his new special monkey friend.

weekend fun

2008-06-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

We had some more "firsts" this weekend with lil' Em. Friday night, Godparents (or whatever we call them) Belinda and Nick graciously babysit so we could go out and pretend like we are normal adults. We went to dinner at Pauline's Pizza in the Mission, and we were seated right next to a little baby about Emmett's age. No escaping. Saturday we met up with friends in the park (picture of Emmett in red is from that excursion), and Sunday evening, Emmett attended his first wedding. He was very well behaved, only starting to fuss right when the ceremony was about to begin. Lucky for Damon (seriously), since he was holding Emmett in the Ergo carrier, he stepped out of the room, only to not be allowed back in for the entire wedding. So I got to sit by myself, in the very back row, not able to see or hear two people I don't know get married. Did I mention the ceremony was over an hour long? Once Emmett ate and was changed, he fell asleep on me in the carrier and was quite a sport during dinner, not stirring even once. Five hours later, we headed home. Emmett looked pretty darn cute in his new wedding outfit. Too bad no one could see it since he was in the carrier so long. The other picture of him in said outfit was taken when we got home at the end of the night. He was beginning to melt down.

mr. big boy

2008-06-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

I remember when Emmett was a little baby, all wrinkly, grumpy, and jaundiced. Now he is a big three-month old, with a big boy stroller, wearing 3-6 month old clothing, in size 2 diapers (for traveling), and smiling at everything. I also remember when Emmett slept all the time, had a quiet cry, and was so light I could carry him around all day. My, how quickly things change.

hanging with the boyz

2008-05-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Emmett and I have been having a great time together and we structure our daily routines and have fun with friends. Last week, we drove over to Marin to hang out at Anne's mom's house for fun in the sun. Emmett and his two friends, Augie and Ethan, spent some quality time avoiding each other's gaze (see pic, Emmett is on the far right). We sure supposed to take the babies swimming in the pool, but between lunch and nap time, we never made it into the water. We will be returning this weekend with husbands and now Emmett will be prepared as he is now the proud owner of his first diaper-lined speedo. I am glad that Damon will be part of Emmett's first swim.

I can't wait for all of my teacher friends to be finished with school. It is very strange to hear them talk of the end of the school year and for me not to be part of it. I must say, I am pretty darn happy not to be writing progress reports. But I do miss that end of the year excitement/anxiety of wrapping up the year. This is the first time in eleven years of teaching, not to be part of the finale, and by far the longest I have gone without working (not counting summer time) since I started working when I was 14 years old. Crazy.

Have I mentioned how much I love my baby? I feel like we have such a love affair going on right now. We can just sit for long spells of time staring and smiling at each other. I'm sure every new parent goes through this, but it is completely astounding that Damon and I somehow made this fabulous little person. Every day he becomes more animated and aware. He is already so independent, too. He often prefers laying on a blanket or in his chair to being held. He still interacts with us this way, but it seems like he just likes being able to take in everything around him. What a trip this ride is.

Auntie Laura Visits

2008-05-16T19:34:00.001-07:00

Auntie Laura is here from NYC to see Emmett, and he's pretty happy about it. Laura just finished grad school at NYU and we are spending the long weekend celebrating and spending quality time with the little one. We only wish Auntie Lesley was here too.

Have we mentioned how hot it is here in SF? Emmett cruises around town wearing only a diaper. How embarrassing.

chubby cheeks

2008-05-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

We had a nice, relaxing time in Tahoe. Emmett got to be admired by all of his grandparents and we got to enjoy time in a huge, comfy house. While Damon was at his conference, Emmett and I took walks, read books, took naps, and watched each other eat. Pretty exciting stuff. Here is a little video I shot of him while in Tahoe. It must be hard to smile with such chubby cheeks.

playdates & marches

2008-05-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

Emmett has had some fun times this week with his friends, Augie and Ethan. The three of them hung out on Tuesday for "new moms group" and then again on Thursday for lunch at Tartine then a protest march in Dolores Park for May Day. Today was a pretty tiring day as well, as Emmett and I met Anne and Augie in Dolores Park once again for 9am Baby Boot Camp. Let me tell you, it was quite a work out and I fear that tomorrow I won't be able to walk. Baby Boot Camp is pretty cool for moms. You bring your baby in a stroller to a local park and a trainer leads you through butt-kicking exercises to help you get back into shape (or in my case, into shape period). Anne and I are going to try to do this twice/week and it's a good motivator to have someone to meet, that way I'm less likely to flake out.

Tomorrow night is the big auction event for my school and Damon and I are really looking forward to going. The theme this year is 80's and Damon has a great costume idea (which I won't reveal--he loves his secrets), so I just need to get something to wear. Belinda and I have a date to shop downtown tomorrow, so Damon and Emmett finally get to spend some quality time together. I am a little concerned about going to this event and having my boobs leak milk all over. I'm not sure what I am going to do, as the only breast pump I have is a huge backpack that needs to be plugged in, and I'm not about to schlep that along and pump in front of all of those parents. Hopefully I'll be okay, seeing that Emmett slept for seven hours today while we ran around town, and my boobs were full, but manageable.

We are off to Tahoe for four days on Sunday. Damon has a work conference and Emmett and I are going to join him. We are renting a sweet house and my parents are even meeting us for a night. It will be great to see them and have my dad finally meet Emmett. It's all about short vacations these days.

a new record!

2008-04-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

Last night was amazing. Emmett slept for 12 hours, waking only once for 30 minutes for a quick diaper change and feed. The first shift was 7-3, which, if you count on your fingers, is EIGHT HOURS straight. It was pretty nice except for the fact it was so early in the evening that we couldn't think of hitting the hay ourselves. I thought for sure that E would be up before midnight, so around 9:30, I went to bed and was completely astonished when I heard him fussing and looked at the clock that read 3am. The only drawback to this entire situation is that Damon has spent only about 20 minutes in the last 30+ hours with an awake Emmett, which makes me very sad. I can't wait until Damo's work situation changes and we can all be spending more q.t. together.

To continue this boast of our amazing kid, I had to go to work today to watch a demo lesson and interview someone and had to bring Emmett along. I was very nervous because I didn't want him exposed to cooties at the school, but I also don't want to be that overly paranoid parent who freaks when someone touches their kid. The demo lesson was in my classroom, and the first graders have yet to meet the little one, so I thought the whole morning was going to be chaos. I decided to carry Emmett in the Ergo carrier, so I could protect him from kids sticking their dirty little hands in his face. I did bring along the stroller, but parked it in the office in case the baby started to freak out. The secretaries keep offering to watch him while I interview--so sweet. Anyhow, Emmett slept for the two and a half hours that I was there. I was able to catch up with everyone, interview two people and hire one for an assistant job, watch the demo, introduce Emmett to my class, and have a short meeting. Plus, nobody touched him (except his feet, which stick out from the carrier, but he had socks on). All in all, I must say I have an amazing 8 week old. Plus, now that he is on such a great sleep schedule (day & night), he is all smiles when he is awake. I sure love this kid.

Sleep on the Mind

2008-04-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the new mom's support group for the third time. It's helpful to be around other women who are in the same place. We usually go around, introduce ourselves and our baby, then ask a question that has been on our minds. When it comes to be my turn, I usually have to make something up or rack my brain to think of a problem we are having. Yesterday I brought up the nap/sleeping routine. Emmett has been doing good at night, swaddled in the co-sleeper. He also naps good, but usually it is either in our arms, the sling, the stroller, or his bouncy seat, never in his bed. So it turns out, we need to start putting him down to nap in his bed, at least once/day to get him used to the idea. So today, I've already put him down twice in the co-sleeper. The first time, he feel right asleep and the second, he protested a bit, but is now sleeping soundly. I am told he should nap every 1 1/2-2 hours. That kid sure does sleep a lot. Damon is fantastic in the middle of the night and I feel like our night time routine is working well. Usually, Emmett goes to sleep around 9 or 10pm, wakes around 2 or 3am, Damon changes him and brings him to me to feed in bed for about 20 or 30 minutes, then I put him back down to repeat this process again around 6:30am. As I am writing this, I am thinking that I am totally jinxing our "routine" and I'm sure the whole thing will be thrown out the window in a couple of days. The white noise machine seems to help us all get a better night's rest too. As you can see, sleep is a focus with babies (or more with tired parents), and I learned from my group that some babies wake every 1.5hours and other sleep eight hours straight (very unusual). I feel like we've had it pretty easy so far. Yesterday after group, three of us moms went to a nearby cafe for a beer! Next week we have a date that resembles life pre-baby.

Here is a sweet video of E awake and happy. Please ignore the ANNOYING noises I am making in attempt to get him to smile. Keep in mind I spend my whole day with baby...

funny looking hair

2008-04-21T16:15:00.001-07:00

Emmett is losing his hair. Only in the front. It now is more like fuzz in the front and still dark hair in the back. Don't get me wrong, he is still adorable and cute as pie, but he looks a little more like John McEnroe (as our pediatrician noted) each day.

vibrators

2008-04-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Emmett loves his vibrating chair. A lot. When Angela first gave it to us, I considered getting rid of it, due to the fluorescent jungle animals and plastic musical attachment. She insisted, however, that I keep it around, "just in case". Well, she never could have been more right. Emmett loves being held by mum and dad, but it seems when he gets overly tired, or he just wants to chill out and soak in his surroundings, he prefers the vibrating chair (with said plastic attachment unattached). I feel a little guilty putting him in it, since we are doing our best with "attachment parenting", but I must say, I am able to shower and write the occasional blog post because of this chair. I read somewhere that a child's IQ increases if they are able to stay peacefully awake and observe the world around them, and that is such the case with Emmett. I worried that he is turning a little anti-social, but he does still like to be held. I hang out with him in front of the chair and talk to him and read him the New Yorker. I guess no matter what your child does, you always question if you are doing the right thing for him/her and hope you aren't screwing them up for life.

On a different note. Emmett laughed at me for the first time yesterday. Why, you might ask, did I not capture this precious moment on film (or digital camera)? Well, the circumstances were as follows: I was changing E's diaper and he was buck naked when he started pooping some more. I was fumbling for another diaper to put under him so that poop didn't go everywhere. When he was finished, I wiped him up and that is when he started to laugh. It was pretty funny, and I had to laugh too. I guess he enjoyed seeing mom squirm and juggle everything under his behind. That little bugger! Plus, I think he just enjoys a good b.m. Like father, like son.

BFF

2008-04-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a cute picture of Belinda and Emmett along with a pic of Emmett and Augie. Augie is two days older than Emmett. They like to hang out during the week. Augie tells funny jokes.

mr. cuddles

2008-04-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

This week is spring break for us teacher folk, but seeing that I am on maternity leave, it is like any other week, except better because my friends are off! I am getting a sneak preview of summer time--long walks in the sunshine, hanging out in the park, leisurely lunches in the Mission, a glass of wine in the late afternoon (just one!) and nap time on the sofa. This is just what I did yesterday with Belinda, Allie and Sabina. When we returned to my house, we passed Emmett around for cuddle-naps. It is pretty intoxicating to have Emmett lay on your chest and sleep and I think Allie may have went straight home to make a baby of her own.

Today we are heading to the pediatrician for Emmett's check up. I can't wait to see how much he weighs and how long he is. He is already outgrowing some of his clothes.

Damon told me I need to stop saying how cute Emmett is. People don't want to hear a baby's mother talk about how precious her child is (but he is!).

long hiatus

2008-04-05T08:53:00.001-07:00

I am sure that nobody in still reading this blog, especially since Damon showed me up with his fancy, longer length, more descriptive, nicely written blog. But whateves. I know I write stuff and don't even re-read it for typos or spelling or grammatical errors. That is how I roll. But I just thought I'd give me little two cents on how life is going with little Emmett.

My days are full of Emmett. The only time when he's not on me, or at least in the same room as me, is when Damon takes him to the couch for sleep. For some reason, Emmett is able to sleep much longer periods on the couch with dad than when I'm around. I must be like an oven full of freshly baked cookies to him. Anyhow, there have been a couple of 5+ hour nights between feedings, which have been nice for me. I am not able to really nap with him during the day (which is a big surprise, as I am a seasoned napper pre-Emmett). But all in all, I'm not feeling too sleep deprived. I have my moments in the afternoons, but I'm feeling pretty good.

Yesterday, Emmett smiled at me for the first time. He smiles in his sleep all of the time, but on this one, he was wide awake. It was an especially sweet moment because we were sitting on the couch and I had just read an upsetting email and was feeling pretty blue. I started to tell Emmett about it, and he just looked up at me with a huge grin. He instantly made me feel 1000% better. What a great little guy.

Okay, that is all I have in me. Hopefully I can start to update more regularly. Let me know if you are still reading this. It might motivate me...

meet emmett!

2008-03-09T15:08:00.001-07:00

Emmett Foster Green Todd was born Wednesday, March 5 at 8:49am! We are thrilled to have him here and are enjoying every moment with him. He weighed 7lbs 13oz and was 20" long. Damon wrote a very detailed account of the labor and delivery on his new blog, cutely titled, "Papa Green": www.papagreen.blogspot.com

I am still recovering from the whole event. I will be excited to feel good again and to have my body healed. Ouch. They weren't kidding when they said it might hurt a bit.

3cm and counting

2008-02-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

I went to the doctor yesterday and she informed me that I am 3cm dilated! She thinks this baby could come sooner rather than later. I am feeling very excited about the arrival. It's weird to go about your daily business thinking something could happen at any time. Damon and I have a few more things to take care of this weekend, so we could certainly use a couple more days. But the hospital bag is now packed, the car seat installed, and it's my last day of work today. Things are happening down below--movements and little pains, so something has definitely changed....we'll keep you updated, if anyone is still even reading this blog these days.

down to business

2008-02-22T12:19:00.001-08:00

Okay, I have 20 days left until my due date, and according to Dr. Fang, this baby looks like it could come early. Our "to-do" lists are slowly getting checked off, so I'm feeling much better about that. Except I've been horribly sick for the last 12 days, and this cold has finally turned into a sinus infection. Let me tell you, 37 weeks pregnant with a sinus infection is no fun (just ask anyone who has called and I've taken the opportunity to complain to). I started taking antibiotics, so hopefully I'm on the road to recovery. I've had this week off, and I have only left the house on a few occasions. Luckily, I have the best friends in the world and Allie and Belinda have been coming by to feed, entertain, and listen to me complain. They even cleaned the kitchen. Next week is my last week of work, so I'd better be feeling better by then. I want to end on a good note, not a cranky one.

So, I guess I've started dilating, which is common. The baby has dropped a bit, making me have to pee even more. We took our child birthing class last weekend and we have two more classes next week. Damon has been so nice to me, especially while I've been sick, and we've spent the evenings on our new couch watching rented episodes of "The Wire". We are somewhat obsessed with this show now, and I am having weird baby-cop dreams because of it.

As you can see from the pictures, the baby's room is coming along quite nicely. Belinda and Luisa came over last weekend and took care of business and the only thing we are waiting on is the dresser/changing table to arrive. The room is adorable the the pictures that Belinda painted are beautiful. I feel so so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful friends and am thrilled that they are going to be helping us raise this child. Soon. In less than three weeks. Yikes!

sister jezebel

2008-02-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Sister Jezebel performing the baby's blessing. I meant to include this in the last post.

Pretty sweet, eh?

happenings

2008-02-05T17:41:00.001-08:00

Ugh! There has been a lot going on during the last several weeks since I've updated this blog. Too much, really to get into it all, so I'll just highlight the important facts. Our "pre-baby party" happened on January 19th and it was a fabulous event. Belinda planned the entire thing and the LGBT center was decorated beautifully and was full of all of the wonderful people we adore. Laura and Lesley made it out from NYC, both of our moms were present, Angela and her family made it down, along with all of our dearest SF friends. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful celebration. Allie even had the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence bless our unborn baby, and it was truly a San Francisco event unlike no other. The after-shower party at The Mint ended the evening in karaoke splendor. Many thanks to everyone for making this a very special day for us.

The day after the shower, we prepared to leave for Susanville to attend my grandmother's funeral. This winter has indeed been a time of loss in many ways, and I grandma was one of the most important people in my life. She played a huge role in raising my sister and me, and she will sorely be missed. After a long battle with Parkinson's and cancer, she passed away on January 11th. I am glad that she is no longer suffering and I take pleasure in picturing Jackson sitting on grandma's lap somewhere in my mind.

Pregnancy continues to progress smoothly, although life is getting much more difficult. I think I experienced Braxton Hicks contractions for the first time last night (all I know is that I was in pain, and a knowledgeable mother told me that must have been what it was). Sleeping is tough, as is walking and getting dressed. It's hard to believe we only have 5 more weeks to go. I had a dream over the weekend that we were having a girl. Not sure what that means...

Last week, I had a minor freak out after seeing the film The Business of Being Born It is a documentary about hospital vs. home births and it made me feel like we are making a huge mistake with going to a hospital (especially one with a high c-section rate, like CPMC). Most of my fears have subsided and it made Damon and I realize we are really going to have to advocate for what we want during this birth. I haven't thought too much about the actual act of delivery yet, but I'm looking forward to taking our birthing class next weekend. I don't feel too freaked out about things (yet) and I really want to continue to have faith in myself that I can do this.

Okay, that is all I can get out for now. I need to eat or sleep. Here's to a new regime change in Washington. Hope y'all voted!

trying on parenthood

2008-01-13T10:19:00.001-08:00

So the goods are starting to roll in. Many friends and parents at the school have been offering up their baby hand-me-downs and we are accepting. Yesterday we got a crib, backpack, high chair, and a few other random things. Damon has enjoyed trying them out with his guinea pig, Malcolm, who is quite a sport. They trotted around the house all evening with Malcolm in the backpack. We also received a super-nice fancy Bugaboo stroller from our friends. We are pretty lucky. We just need to find storage for all of these items. Damon also painted what will be the baby's room as well, and it looks good (in photo). Next weekend is the shower and I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone and having a little fun. Things have been pretty heavy around here for the last couple of weeks, and I am looking forward to focusing and preparing during these 8.5 weeks that are left until the baby arrives. I am still feeling pretty good, but heavy.

it's getting bigger all the time...

2008-01-07T21:11:00.001-08:00

30 weeks and 4 days....

goodbye jackson

2008-01-03T09:22:00.001-08:00

The best kitty in the whole world died on Friday, December 28th. Jackson was at least 13 years old and this day was the saddest, most heartbreaking day I have ever experienced. I will miss him incredibly. He was loving and devoted and we had a very special connection. I felt he really understood me and he used to lick the tears off of my face when I was sad. Goodbye, J.J. You will forever live in my heart.

new pictures

2007-12-22T07:35:00.001-08:00

I went back to Perinatal this week for another ultrasound. I wasn't supposed to have one, but when I mentioned how much fun they are the my doctor, she said she would "recommend" another one for me, if I wanted to go back. I thought it would be fun to have Belinda come with me this time to check it out. It was pretty crazy. This baby really looks like a baby. I think the whole thing really became real for Belinda too. You could see him/her move and stretch and it was a trip to feel the movements while seeing them.

The last few weeks have been pretty nuts. I am thrilled I am now on break. Two whole weeks! Plus, it feels great that we don't have a whole lot of plans. I am going with the girls to Calistoga for one night tomorrow, and then we are renting a house with friends in Shasta for a week. I just want to relax, read and eat and enjoy this time before our whole life completely changes. Once I go back to work in January, I will only have about six weeks of work left before I am out on maternity. It's all starting to whizz by.

tummy wummy

2007-12-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

As you can see, my tummy is getting pretty damn huge. Just this last week, I've started feeling some of the negative effects of pregnancy. Nothing too bad, but my back is starting to ache a bit and I get winded walking up any sort of hill. It's really not that bad, but it makes me realize that if I am starting to feel this at week 26, week 36 is not going to be easy.

The kids in my class are starting to become more interested in the bump. The have taken to calling the baby "Tummy Wummy" and say things like, "How is Tummy Wummy doing today?" While teaching reading to a small group today, one girl exclaimed, "Wow! I think I just saw Tummy Wummy move!" And she did. This little one is moving like crazy now, with whole new types of movement happening. I can see what might be a head or butt roll across my midsection. It is all so crazy. I had no idea the movement would be so constant and distracting. I keep comparing it to someone tapping your shoulder while you try to concentrate on your work.

I also think that nesting part of me might be kicking in a bit. I'm beginning to feel a little anxiety about what we are going to do with our work situations, what we are going to need and where are we going to put it. We haven't done much as far as preparation yet, and I'm starting to think that we should get to it, while I am still not feeling bad. At the same time, I realize we don't need a bunch of crap and that one can never fully be prepared. Yikes. What are we doing!!?

i love my husband

2007-12-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

As far as husbands go, Damon Todd is as good as it gets. I was just sitting here, doing a little online shopping thinking about how lucky I am to have such a man. I mean, smart, cute, funny, kind, creative, helpful, caring...all in one person? I hope he never wises up and realizes he's too good for me. Take this morning, for example. He got up early, letting me sleep in. Rode out to the farmer's market to get yummy honey and my favorite fruit, satsumas. He came back home with fresh flowers for me and then agreed to go to brunch with a bunch of people from my work, even though the conversation often revolves around teaching. Now he's in the kitchen baking me cookies. Once in a while he comes in to give me a smooch (not to mention the little dance he just did to the Tribe Called Quest song that is playing). I love this man and I know he's going to be the best father in the world. My only worry is that he is going to be so amazing and fun and that our child is going to love him so much more than s/he loves me. I know there is enough love in our hearts to go around and I just feel plain lucky to have tricked this guy into marrying me.

babies, babies, everywhere!

2007-11-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

I've had a fabulous couple of weeks. New York was great and the conference was oh, so informative. The best part was spending time with the girls all over New York. Allie, Luisa, Sabina and I stayed at Hotel Mela together in Times Square and I got to catch up with Laura and Lesley, as well as Sal and Enrique. I had one of the best meals of my life at Babbo and we even got to meet chef Mario Batali. I feel so lucky that I got to take this trip while I am still feeling good (even though I am huge) and it really made me appreciate these friends that much more. Everyone was so easy going and fun to travel with. I love these ladies!

After New York, I headed home to SF for one day and spent 4 hours at work before Damon and I drove the Susanville to spend Thanksgiving with the family. While home, I learned that Kathryn was checked in CPMC and delivered her precious little one, Juliana on November 20th. She is so beautiful! It sounds like their experience didn't go according to plan, but I am sure that that is the way most births must go. I must remember to keep an open mind once we start thinking about the whole birthing process. I can't even think about it yet because I know I will start tripping out. Anyhow, Juliana is amongst us now, and I, again, feel so fortunate that we will be raising our little one alongside Jeremy and Kathryn. What wonderful parents they will be (I guess I should say, are), and I look forward to sharing poopie stories and watching them grow together. I can't wait to meet her.

We drove to Reno on Tuesday night and hung out with Missy for a short spell. Wednesday morning we headed to Susanville and had some quality time with the family. We had a delicious meal, prepared by my mom, for Thanksgiving, and spent lots of time watching baby Tyler and football. Tyler is about the sweetest thing I've ever seen. He spends most of his time laughing and checking out everything around him. I love him so much and hope that my little baby is as wonderful as he is.

some thoughts

2007-11-12T17:13:00.000-08:00

This weekend I had the good fortune to spend lots of quality time with friends. Damon and I met up for dinner with my new friend Anne and her husband. It’s pretty marvelous that Anne and I met and have the same due days and we can run things by each other and truly empathize what the other is currently going through. I spent the day on Saturday inside reading, since it was a depressing, rainy day. I read Anne Lamott’s book, Operating Instructions, which is a great book about the first year of her son’s life. She is a great writer, and although she is pretty religious, she is also very politically liberal and a feminist and I love how real and honest she is as a writer. One minute she’s writing about the beauty and joy of being a mother and the next she is stating that her son is scum. It seems very refreshing and genuine to have someone tell it like it I imagine it is. There is one quote from her book, which I’m sure I’ll screw up, but it’s something like how becoming a mother opens and blossoms this whole part of your heart that you don’t even know you have. I think that is what I am looking forward to the most—loving and putting someone else before myself, always. Becoming a parent is truly a selfish and completely selfless thing, all at the same time.

I also met up with a bunch of other pregnant ladies for brunch on Sunday. It was great to hear perspectives and thoughts and it really made me realize what a shift is going to happen in our lives socially. It also made me realize that I have some amazing friends already. It’s a little strange, because Damon and I are the first ones in our close circle of friends to have a baby. Ever since we found out the pregnancy news, I have been very worried about things changing and friendships shifting and possibly ending. But man, I have some awesome friends. Although most of them (dare I say nearly all) are not in the same places in their lives as Damon and me (many don’t want kids; many are single; many aren’t ready), they are sincerely happy and excited for us, and go out of their way to show it. They aren’t feeling (or at least voicing to me) much anxiety about the change and I appreciate that they can look outside how this birth might personally affect them and see what it will be bringing us. They can see our joy and excitement around this birth and they support us completely. I feel so fortunate to have such a loving “village” of friends and family that is going to help us raise this child.

See, Angela, I can write some emotional stuff.

kicker

2007-11-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

Damon was giving me a hard time about not posting more often, so here it is. Not much has been going on in the pregnancy front, just getting bigger and bigger and feeling more and more movement. It's pretty constant these days, but I can especially feels the tummy-a-movin when I am still. Damon has felt the baby moving a few times as well and yesterday he felt several of the movements at once. It's hard not to make people feel my belly when it's moving, as it is so distracting, but I figure people will ask if they want to feel it. I think this baby is taking after it's mama since it gets very excited during and after I'm eating. Now that the baby is hearing, Damon is reading us The Golden Compass, but he is mad because the last time he tried to read to us, I was messing around, and now he's threatening not to read anymore. I do hope he continues, because I enjoy this time with the whole family. Usually, both cats join us as well.

I am excited to be going to New York next week for a conference. Many teacher friends are going as well, and we'll get to see the lezzie aunties and uncle Sal. Good times! Then off to Susanville for Tofurkey Day.

20 weeks, 3 days

2007-10-28T13:36:00.001-07:00

half-baked

2007-10-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

So we are officially half there. The bun is half baked! 20 weeks to go...

I have had a bad cold this week. It's no fun being sick and not being able to take ANYTHING. But I stayed home today, so that was pleasant.

My tummy is getting big. I will post another tummy pic too, as soon as I can get Damo to take one.

p.s.

2007-10-18T11:50:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling the baby move like crazy now. It feels like popcorn is popping in my belly.

week 19

2007-10-18T11:45:00.001-07:00

Here s/he is! Tuesday was our big 45 minute ultrasound. It was very interesting and pretty crazy to see. The babe was moving a lot and even gave us a thumbs-up at one point. The doctor that we had to deal with (not our usual Dr. Fang) was not the most warm and fuzzy person. It was disappointing that the video clips they made for us didn't turn out either. But it was still cool and they said everything looks great! That should be the last ultrasound.

Damon is convinced he saw a peter....but it still remains a mystery!

what's new this week

2007-10-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

1) Baby Gets Glasses
Damo got glasses today. If you ask me, he looks pretty cute in them, although he pretends that he's that much smarter

2) Sweet Middle School Student Makes Onesie
A couple of weeks ago, I was chatting with Ms. Hersh in her classroom and she introduced me to one of her 7th graders, Allie (no relation to Ms. Hersh). It just so happens that Allie is a very talented young artist who creates adorable mini ugly doll-type things. It is my opinion she is going to make it big one day. Anyhow, she came by my classroom yesterday and delivered a one-of-a-kind onesie, on which she had sewn one of her creations. I love it and was extremely touched by this gesture (keep in mind, most middle school students won't even say hello to a first grade teacher in the hallway). What a delightful and talented young person. It brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait to put baby Large Sweet Potato in it.

a look into the future

2007-10-06T12:34:00.001-07:00

So this is what I will look like when I'm a mom. Look at how happy and easy going I am. I'm sure this is what it will look like everyday.

This baby was borrowed from my sister and Scott. He is a sweetie pie as he laughs and smiles at almost everything. He sometimes growls at you when he's not happy, but I'm sure that's just the devil child that he used to be in utero coming out. I almost took him home with me when I visited.

another belly pic

2007-10-01T18:21:00.001-07:00

My belly is just getting bigger and bigger. This week, the baby is the size of an avocado and from what I've read, in the next few weeks, it will double in weight and add inches to her/his length. Thankfully, Christine gave me tons of cool maternity clothes, so I don't need to buy a lot. Christine and Willett had their baby, Theo, two weeks ago and Damo and I got to visit over the weekend--so sweet and so cute. It was pretty trippy to see a very small one and think that it's a matter of time...

I've been feeling good, other than my sciatic nerve, which has been killing me. It feels like jolts of electrocution blasting through my left buttock at random intervals. Not fun. And not much I can do other than complain.

gas or kicks?

2007-09-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I was lying in bed in the middle of the night trying to reposition myself for comfort, when I felt what might have been baby Almost-Avocado moving. It felt like little bubbles across my lower abdomen and it was dispersed across the width of my tummy. From what I've read, everyone who is really feeling movement thinks she's feeling gas, so that sort of convinces me it was the real thing. But who knows...I'm going to mediate on the tummy to see if I feel more.

bump

2007-09-18T20:43:00.001-07:00

15 weeks on Thursday!

heartbeat

2007-09-15T15:58:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we paid our monthly visit to Dr. Fang. Everything is looking good and we got to hear Lemon's heartbeat for the first time. It was fast, but steady and easy to find. In a few weeks, we head back to get ultrasound #2, which will be exciting. My belly has really popped out this last 1.5 weeks and I think I'm looking pregnant. I need to get Damo to take some pictures.

I had my "date" with Anne, my new preggo friend I met in yoga. It totally felt like a first date, but it was great to chat with someone who can relate to the mixed emotions I can going through. It turns out we have the same due date too.

I've been feeling a little more tired and cranky than usual in the last couple of days...strange. I'm supposed to be feeling better in trimester 2. I guess there is really no telling when it comes to wacky hormones.

On the bright side, I finally finished Harry Potter 6 so we can move on to the last one...

pants

2007-09-05T07:13:00.001-07:00

The time has come folks. The 'ol pants are a little snug in the waistline and I had to do the rubber band trick for the first time yesterday. I used a dignified hair band to match the color of my pants. It is pretty embarrassing, but surprisingly comfortable and efficient. My pants stayed up and I was able to breath. Hooray! I want to put off maternity clothes for as long as possible.

Today was the first time someone looked at me and asked if I am pregnant. It was a parent at school, and I have to say, it took a lot of nerve. I mean, I do have a little bump and one could sort of see it through the dress that I wore today. But, sheesh, isn't it a rule that you have to be pretty certain if you are going to risk asking a person if she is preggo? I didn't know what to say and seeing that the word is not out with parents, I was speechless (rare, I know). I just hemmed and hawed a bit then she said "You ARE aren't you!?!?" I asked her not to tell people since it has not been announced to parents yet (last week it was announced to faculty). She did offer to throw me a baby shower with SFDS parents, so that was sweet.

Today was my first day of school. I am beat. My new class is sweet, but pretty squirmy. Those little boys sure do have a lot of energy! I keep reminding myself it is the same each new school year and the kids are just excited and getting used to the routines, but it is completely tiring. I am on all day long, and all smiles to boot. I can't believe this is my 11th year teaching. Crazy.

fattie

2007-09-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

I can't wait until I start showing more. Then it won't look like I just have a fat stomach.

getting my zen on

2007-08-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

Yoga Tree is having a summer special, so I bought a monthly pass. I'm hoping that not only will yoga be good exercise, it will help me create a positive and nurturing space within for my angel child to grow (ha!). But really, I thought it might help me feel more connected to this baby and bring out my inner hippy. I went to my first prenatal class tonight, and let me tell you, there was a lot of preggos there. It's pretty crazy to see so many pregnant woman in different stages in one place. There was one woman who was there who is due on Friday! The instructor was good, and I met a woman who is due the same week I am. She gave me her card so hopefully we'll connect. It would be good to have someone to relate to, since I can't talk any of my friends into getting knocked up right now.

Damon just sent me an email telling me that his talk went really, really well. I am so happy for him. He has been stressing over this talk and apparently, some jerk wanted to fight him because he is arguing against what Damon is arguing for (can you tell I have no freakin idea what Damon really does?). Anyhow, this dude gave a talk the day before and people were in an uproar, so basically, there was all of this pressure from Damo's boss to retaliate with his talk. It sounds like it went well, and for Damon to say that it must gave been excellent. I am so proud of him!

Well, tomorrow is the first day of meetings and I have to be at work at--UGH--8:30. I'd better hit the hay.

Fig's first concert

2007-08-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

Last night, baby Fig enjoyed his/her first concert. Who knows if Fig even has ears yet, but I'm sure s/he had fun swimming around listening to Wilco at the Greek Theater. A bunch of us met up before the show and took pleasure in a picnic dinner, staring yummy Cheeseboard pizza. Damon and I have seen Wilco and Jeff Tweedy quite a few times, so I wasn't too excited about this show before we went. But we had a great time! The are such talented musicians and I love seeing shows at the Greek. It's comfortable because you can sit, and every seat is a good one where even short peeps like me can see the stage. Good times.

Papa Damo just left for Korea. I dropped him off at the airport this morning. We are all going to miss him on this end--me, the kitties and even baby Fig. Fig enjoys her/his nightly one-sided conversation with pops. I have no idea what Damon is telling her/him, but it had better be nice stuff about ma. I almost went to Korea with Damon, before we found out the big news. The only reason I wanted to go was to soak in the tubs and relish in Korean massages. Good thing I didn't buy the ticket, since I'm not allowed to do either of those things while knocked up.

I don't like writing his/her, s/he, etc. every time I refer to the fetus. I don't know what to refer to it as, and I suppose I've settled on Fig for this week. But I'm not sure if I can call the kid "jumbo shrimp" which is what s/he becomes in a couple of weeks. Any ideas anyone?

shopping from a to zzzzzzzzzzz

2007-08-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Belinda and I spent an exhausting day shopping for back to school clothes. It's not easy trying to buy clothes knowing that I'm going to be getting fatter and fatter in the upcoming months. Luckily, the fashion of trapeze shirts just happens to be in, so I was able to pick up a few tops that I will be able to wear for a while. I'm not really showing yet, my tummy just looks like it's constantly filled with a burrito. I was so tired when I returned home from downtown, I dropped all of my stuff at the door and fell onto the couch for an hour nap.

This morning Christine came by and we took a little walk and caught up a bit since they spent the last year in Italy. She is about ready to pop with baby #2 and she looks great. I'm so glad to have a good friend who has been through all of this before to ask questions. She is delivering at CPMC too and is due on the 17th of September! I will go visit her in the hospital. Hopefully we'll spend more time together and our kids will be BFF.

I told my boss the big news on Monday, and of course she was happy and supportive. It's great to work in such a positive place. She seems very flexible with my options about when/how to return to work. The word is spreading fast--two random people from work approached me over the weekend, saying they "heard the exciting news!". It's crazy that people already know, but it's nice everyone is so enthusiastic. It's going to be a fun-filled, quick 6 more months. Tomorrow it's a fig!

*Here is said plastic baby

2007-08-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

It's alive!

2007-08-17T13:57:00.001-07:00

We just got back from our first appointment with Dr. Jane Fang. All went well, and we were both surprised by how surprised we were when we saw the ultrasound. I mean, I've been around people who show me their blurry ultrasound pictures and ask if I can "see" the baby. I never can really tell what is going on in those pictures, so I figured the doc would have to point out every little blur and note "That is the head....that is the butt..." But not so with our little one. This kid is a dancer, a krumper, if you will, and was moving all over the place. We could clearly see it's arms, legs, and head. It didn't even look as alien as I thought it would. It resembled this plastic baby that Belinda gave me the day we shared our good news with them.* Damon told me afterwards that he even had tears in his eyes during the ultrasound. Our doc said things are moving along nicely and most danger of miscarriage is over. I guess we are free to share the news with the world. I will be in and out of work next week, so I might spill the beans with my boss. I also need to figure out what I get in terms of leave from work. I just went over my employee manual, and was not happy with what I read. I will chat with H.R. next week too. Well, my afternoon headache is starting to set in, so I will so take my afternoon nap. What am I going to do when school starts!?!?!

In the bad photo above, my finger is pointing to the baby's head, in case it's not clear.

travelin' (wo)man

2007-08-13T12:58:00.001-07:00

Well, I am finally home after my travels. I had a great time in NYC with Lesley, Laura, Sal, Enrique, and other friends. It was nice to spend a good chunk of time there, not rushed. It was hot as hell, but the evening times were best, once the sun went down behind the tall buildings. Laura left for Rio after three days, so Lesley and Sal were left to entertain me for the rest of the time, when they weren't working. Lesley and I spent lots of quality time in cheap clothing stores and eating yummy food. We tried to see CSS in Brooklyn, but once we made it two blocks in a long line, we were turned away because they were sold out. Then, while walking back to the subway, we were caught in a CRAZY downpour and were soaked to the bone. But we found a cool little pub and ducked in to dry off and enjoy some drinks (ginger ale for me!).

After NYC, I had a horrible day at LaGuardia trying to get to Indiana. I got there by 3am, only to find myself in a pubic hair-infested motel room. But Damon arrived at 7am and Tom and Jacqui picked us up around 10:30am. We had a very relaxing time in Bloomington, but I must say, they were less than enthused by our news. It was somewhat disappointing and I spent the weekend trying not to talk too much about being knocked up. It was nice to be back in Bloomington, but it made me realize, I am really happy in SF with Damon. I hope we are able to stay here for a while. I felt out of place there for some reason. I thought I would be incredibly nostalgic for B-ton, but once there, I realize the one thing I miss is the time Damon and I had together. That and Chocolate Moose and yellow curry from Little Tibet.

The picture is Lesley and I posing at La Esquina after eating corn.

eatin for two

2007-08-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

Frozen yogurt is so yummy. I've always thought it was yummy, but it's especially yummy when it's 90+ degrees outside. I've had it everyday since I've been here in NYC. I think so far, Pinkberry is my favorite. It's just plain vanilla with fresh strawberries. mmmm...I want some NOW!

Happy Raspberry!

2007-07-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Well, it's week seven, almost week eight, and the bun is the size of a raspberry. Laura suggested that I make sure to eat lots of food that corresponds to the size of the baby. So raspberry pie this week, and lots of kidney beans next. That is pretty creepy. I think I'll just stick to my normal diet (which certainly isn't much of a diet at all).

I am happy to report that I am still feeling great. My boobs are a little tender, but that is about it. I'm not feeling sick at all yet (knock on wood), and everything that I read says most people are feeling pretty bad about now, so hopefully I will get to miss out on morning sickness. That works out well since I have so many trips/vacations planned. We just got back from Guerneville--a week in a beautiful rental house with good friends. It was fabulous--relaxing, eating, reading, playing games, catching up with peeps. I think this needs to be an annual event, but I guess next year will be a little different with the babes and all. It was quite a challenge at first, not being able to partake in the wine consumption and hot tub soaking, but I tried to be a good sport about it (although I'm sure I complained too much).

I am now packing my bags for NYC, going to visit Laura, Lesley and Sal. I am excited to be back in warm (hot) weather, walking around town shopping and eating. I wish Damon were coming to New York, but then we head to Bloomington, IN to see Tom and Jacqui. We have yet to share our news with them and we are a little nervous since they are anti-baby. I'm sure they'll still love us--how can they not?

I decided to give California Pacific Medical Center a try. After chatting with some mom-friends, this place came highly recommended, as did Dr. Fang. Our appointment is on Aug. 17.

Well, keep your fingers crossed that I'm not puking bagels and pizza in the Big Apple!

happy five years!

2007-07-18T10:22:00.001-07:00

Friday, July 13th was our five year anniversary. But Damon and I didn't even think about it until breakfast. We drove up and down Main St. in Bishop, CA. looking for a place to eat a big breakfast before we left on our hike. We ended up settling on Denny's. While waiting for our scrambled eggs to appear, I noticed the plastic coated advertisement on the table: "Denny's is a perfect place for special occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations..." I turned to Damon, in complete seriousness, "Who the hell would come to Denny's to celebrate their anniversary?" After a few beats, I realized the irony of my comment. We would.

ma and pa head up to the hills

2007-07-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

We left Thursday evening to Big Pine, CA. for our backpacking adventure with Luisa and Jeff near King's Canyon. Before heading out, I sort of panicked because everyone started giving me contradictory advice about doctors/midwives, so I went ahead and made another appointment with a different recommended doctor. The advice doc gave me before our trip: "Don't do vigorous exercising at high altitudes and drink lots of water". Not too helpful less than an hour before we leave for our backpacking trip at 10,000+ feet. But Damo came to the rescue again, taking much of the heavy load and making me drink (and thus, pee) every ten minutes. It was a fabulous five days of nature, quiet, and pooping in a hole in the ground. It was nice to sit with our new news, laying in the tent at 8:30 waiting for sleep and having our first conversations about how to rearrange the house, baby names (which we aren't discussing with others), doctors, jobs, worries, and now, much excitement. I still feel great (knock on wood) and while in the mountains, I started worrying that it was all a dream and maybe I'm not really preggo. But then, I still haven't started the 'ol period, so that kept me going. It was nice to not be thinking of the pregnancy every five minutes, and now it's starting to feel like the real thing.

holy moley!

2007-07-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Wowza. Monday afternoon, after being a few days late with my always on time period, I decided, really quick before heading to Ikea, to take this pregnancy test that I had sitting around the house. To say I was shocked with the result would be an understatement. I walked around the house for a good 20 minutes, with the test in hand and my jaw on the floor. I picked up the phone to call Damon, but realized that telling him such news over the phone would be silly. Plus, he would never believe me without proof. So Luisa picked me up to head to Ikea, and I kept the news to myself. I couldn't deal with the children's section there and all of the mommies with their little ones. I bought Damon a couple of plants for his office, and finally, errands were over and I headed home. I put the plants in two separate old x-mas gift bags and the positive test in another. When he finally returned home...."Ho, ho, ho. sure looks like Santa came a little early this year." Needless to say, he looked less than excited, since he doesn't really like me buying him stuff. So he opened both of the plants, and I believe he was pleasantly surprised. Finally, the third bag came around. He opened it. "What is this...oh, very funny, Andrea". He thought it was just a pregnancy test...then..."Wait, this already says 'pregnant'....what the...?" He didn't believe me. For a good five minutes, he said "NO WAY!" over and over, finally accusing me of getting our prego friend Kathryn to pee on the stick for the positive reading. When I finally suggested walking down the street and buying another test, he finally came around. We walked to Hanabi for dinner and sat there staring at each other, eating our gyoza and veggie rolls. When we got home, my sister, new mama to Tyler, just happened to call, so I shared the news with her. Tears. She was pretty excited and it did make me a little more excited. You see, this isn't really a surprise, but it sure as hell is a shock. I felt like the rug was pulled out from under me. Damon and I went to bed eventually, but for the first time in my life, I was unable to sleep. I woke at 3am, went to the couch and read about 100 pages of my book, not really being able to concentrate. The next morning, Damon came with me to see my nurse acquaintance at UCSF to make sure. Suzanna gave us two more tests, one clearly saying positive, the other being a little faint-lined. Suzanna offered lots of great advice, seeing that she's had two children in the city. I drove Damon to work, then ran more errands, one of which is buying the book, "What to Expect When Your Expecting". This book isn't great, but at least it gave me something to put my mind around. When I got home, I took another prego test to confirm, so indeed, I am knocked up. The Internet is going to be the end of me. But thankfully, it's easy to find a pregnancy calculator. It looks like s/he will be arriving somewhere in mid-March. So come Tuesday, we have to break the news to Belinda and Nick. We basically pulled the same present trick that I used on Damo, telling them we had something to give them. they were certainly as shocked as we were, but excited. Damo and Nick drank vodka. We had to decide how and when we are going to break the news to people. I always have had a hard time keeping my own secrets, so I knew this would be tough. But we think that, even though it's so early, we will tell people who we would tell, god forbid, if a miscarriage were to happen, since now is the danger zone. Also, I decided to tell friends the news only face-to-face, unless they lived very far away. So..here is who we have told so far: Angela, Belinda/Nick, both moms, both grannys, Luisa, Missy, Joe, Brian, Jeremy/Kathryn, and Allie. It's funny how people react and it's very indicative of my personality: nobody believes me. I guess I joke too much. It's fun telling people who are really excited for us. A little hard telling people who think we are going to drop from the face of the earth once he/she is born. There are many more people I am excited to tell, but since I made the face-to-face deal, it's a little tough. -sigh- Yesterday, I went to lunch with Belinda and she made me go into one of those hip baby shops in Hayes Valley. I thought I was gonna freak, but it was sort of fun (sort of), and I was feeling much calmer being around her and I think the excitement is starting to seep in. The shock is still there, but not as overwhelming. We are going back packing with Luisa and Jeff, leaving this afternoon, so it will be good to be way, without phones, email, lunch dates. We can have this to ourselves for several days. Crazy.