Thursday, July 29, 2010

showered with love

I'm feeling pretty fabulous today. I love my outfit. I should probably take a picture of it. I actually feel cute today instead of feeling like Shamu's twin sister. Lately, I've been feeling extra large and have needed quite a bit of reassurance from Gus that I don't look like an elephant ... and I have to say he's not entirely good at white lies.

I'm starting to freak out about having this baby. I can't believe she is going to be here in like 2.5 months. I can't decide if it is going to go by fast or slow. We are closing on the house today and our first priorities are nursery and kitchen. Then we'll have to see how finances go until we can get to remodeling the basement. As of right now, we have none of the baby necessities - no car seat, no stroller, no crib. I feel a bit unprepared and despite everyone telling me that with 2.5 months to go I have PLENTY of time, I'm still feeling rushed.

I'm getting excited about upcoming baby showers though. Our first one is next weekend already in Chicago with Gus's family. The registry stalking has begun! I feel a little bit more prepared every time I see something added to the "purchased list." Then my two best girlfriends are hosting a shower for me in Minneapolis, which I'm so excited about too. In our hurry to leave the city, we didn't get a chance to say goodbye to many of our friends. We've got a whole weekend planned in Minneapolis - complete with using up our 2-night stay at the Graves hotel. BTW those beds are heavenly. In the past, I've only spent one night at a time there so I'm looking forward to a 2-night stay! Maybe Gus will even let me get some room service. Did I ever tell you that room service is seriously one of my FAVORITE things? Love it.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

oh happy day

I've got three upcoming baby showers! Super excited! Unfortunately, my maternity wardrobe is limited and I didn't think I had enough dresses to wear. Last weekend when we were in Minneapolis, I tried on just about every dress at the Motherhood Maternity outlet at Albertville and then on Monday I tried on every dress at the Motherhood store in Duluth. It was pretty disheartening, especially when your husband looks at you like a beached whale in EVERYTHING you walk out in.

Luckily, Erica was in town today for lunch. After a delicious lunch at Mexico Lindo, we stopped to check out the sale at the Benetton store. I found two dresses that are not maternity, but look super cute over the bump. SCORE! Plus, I was able to buy both in size small, which means hopefully I can wear them PB. I do need to get some undergarments to wear under them while sporting my baby bump, but I'm super excited that I found something to wear. Cheers!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

you hit the nail on the head

I'm loving the nailhead detail of clogs ... here are some of my favorites. Unfortunately, I think these might be dangerous in my current condition. Perhaps I will pick up a pair for PB (post-baby).

1) Thaddea PT Clog at Target $19.99

2) Mossimo Pembroke Pump Target $29.99

3) Gugliuzza Aldo $90 - I really like that these have a heel strap

4) Steve Madden Grifin $169.95 - These also come in black. I can't decide which I like better

Monday, July 26, 2010

wax on wax off

I had another little adventure in Duluth on Friday. I am absolutely in love with the Refinery Day Spa in Dinkytown for waxing. Seriously. Amy is the absolute best and I've also seen Autumn, who did a great job too. Plus their prices CANNOT be beat ... $35 for a Brazilian is practically unheard of, as can be demonstrated by the fact that the cheapest place I could find in Duluth for a Brazilian is $50+. You, like myself, might wonder what the "+" means. In order to clarify, I placed a call to the salon that went something like this:

Me: What does $50+ mean? What would cost more than $50?

Salon: Well, like if you want more hair taken off ...

Me: But a Brazilian is getting all the hair taken off, what more could I want?

Salon: Let me check.

Me: *waiting patiently*

Salon: It would be $50.

Me: OK, I will make an appointment.

Well, fast forward to my appointment where, as it turns out, "+" does not refer to the amount of hair you are having removed, it is a reference to the skill, expertise, and experience of the person removing the hair. Apparently, the woman who did my service is so skilled and experienced that she charges $60. Nice. While she wasn't horrible, she did take kind of a long time and I definitely don't think the service was worth $60 regardless of her skill and experience. The hunt continues to find a reasonably priced salon that will wax my lady parts.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

full house


I literally feel like I'm living in this early 90s sitcom. My cousin Alex moved in on Monday. So now it's Krista, who owns a house, her daughter, Gianna, myself, Gus, and Alex. Oh yes and two pups, Carl Rove and Lulu. We are quite the little family. Last night I came home to everyone sitting around the kitchen table eating Gus's delicious fried rice. He's got dinner ready when I get home, just like a good stay at home husband. Love it! Then it was off to watch Gianna's last regular softball game of the season. We've become regular softball fans at these games. Plus my aunt and uncle, Gianna's grandparents, are always there and Uncle Chuck loves to talk to Gus. Next week we'll be moving out of the full house, but I'm so happy that we are living closer to family!

Monday, July 19, 2010

the simple life

Despite still living in my cousin's basement, Gus and I are adjusting quite well to a bit quieter life in Duluth. Our weekends have been relaxed with errands to run, groceries to buy, etc., but no crowds at Costco to fight and no trying to decide where we want to eat because there really aren't as many delicious restaurant options here.

We've found a church and met some of our fellow churchgoers. We are a bit like senior citizens I think because we prefer the traditional church service over the contemporary outdoor church service, but are assured by the older generation, who have been very friendly and welcoming, that there are some young people at this church. So our past two Sundays have been church, grocery shopping, napping, and then maybe a walk in the early evening. Last night after our nap and some overall lazing around, we headed to Jay Cook State Park to check it out. It was kind of late so we didn't hike around much, but stopped at the visitor center and looked at what the park had to offer. I think we'll get our annual permit next time we head out there. Then we took Carl Rove to the dog park where he met a Newfoundland puppy, Hugo. That puppy was L-A-Z-Y! It was cute to just seem him lumber around. At 6 months his owner said he was 100 lbs and ate 9 cups of food each day. Carl Rove has 1/4 Newfie in him, but luckily he only eats 4 cups/day and he is a bit more energetic.

We are taking advantage of our low-key weekends because next up is a whirlwind of activity. Closing on the house, moving, heading to Chicago, nesting, renovating, etc. But overall, I think we are going to be happy here together. I am blessed to have the husband that I do. I really enjoy just being with him and it makes me happy and hopeful that we are starting this new life adventure together. 

Friday, July 16, 2010

back to basics

Let's bring this blog back to where it started originally ... FASHION and SHOPPING! Being nearly 20 lbs larger than I regularly am along with scrimping and saving for a house for baby, shopping really hasn't been my focus lately.  Unfortunately, the number of things I have to wear has been quickly dwindling as I come sailing into the third trimester. I've picked up a few new maternity shirts from Motherhood, but I find that store to be waaaay overpriced. I did get a couple maxi dresses from Old Navy that I'm hoping will still be wearable PP (post-pregnancy). But, I was excited to find out today that Forever 21 is doing is selling maternity wear. It's only in few select stores, but can also be purchased online. They don't have a ton of stuff, but it's all much more affordable than Motherhood. And in my opinion, maternity clothes are like trendy clothes, buy 'em cheap because they don't have to last long! Here are some of my favorites ...

Seamless Maternity Tank $12.80 - the perfect basic

 Striped Jersey Maternity Top $10.80

Striped Faux Wrap Top $17.80

 Maternity leggings $12.80 - 
I love leggings. So comfy. And yes, I wear them as pants. Deal with it.




Thursday, July 15, 2010

congratulations tarcy!

Moments ago, I got word from my good friend Tarcy that she landed a job with the Department of Homeland Security. She has had a tough time finding work after getting her J.D. and her M.B.A. I am so so so happy for her right now. We struggled together at the cube farm and I'm so happy she is finally getting out. Plus she gets to move to D.C., which I'm kind of jealous about. It is going to be so good for her to have a new adventure. So congratulations Tarcy! It's been a long time coming and I couldn't think of anyone who deserves this more than you!

And here's a quick baby bump picture ... 27 weeks and 4 days and counting.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

baby brain

I take great pride in my fantastic memory. No, really. I have a really good memory. My dad used to tell me what was on his list when we went to the store because he knew that I would remember it. He used to say I had a mind like a steel trap. So, this baby frying my brain leaves me a bit frustrated - especially since Gus likes to use it as the reason his recollection MUST be correct. I do admit that I have had my pregnancy brain moments. I locked my keys in the car at Cupcake a couple weeks ago and my friend Laura had to drive me home to get my spare set. Most recently, I was reviewing some mortgage documents and they just seemed so complicated that I gave up and made Gus review them last night. To my credit, even he said it was complicated. I'm sort of looking forward to having my brain and my body to myself again, but I'm only 27 weeks so I guess I will be waiting a bit longer.

Monday, July 12, 2010

good weekend

Our first full weekend in Duluth together was lovely. We babysat for my cousin's nine year-old on Friday night and took her to Park Point for some swimming. Saturday we hit up the Taste of Greece at the Marshall High School. Kind of expensive, just OK food, but for a good cause so I don't feel too ripped off. Then we proceeded to attempt to finish registering online and in-store. We ended up starting a Babies R Us registry for Gus's family in Chicago. His mom decided she wanted to have a shower for us while we are there in August. I'm hoping my friend Kristen, who lives out in the 'burbs of Chicago and is also expecting will be able to join us. Saturday night we took Carl Rove for a walk on the lake walk. He went down by the water and was a sad little puppy when he couldn't go all the way in and swim. Really sad puppy. But he'll be out at Jenn's house next weekend so he can swim in their river to his heart's content. Sunday we tried out a new church, made some homemade eggrolls, and then had lunch at Va Bene with some friends from Minneapolis. Of course I got the P.L.P., which even Gus said was more delicious than his sandwich. 

Overall, a good busy weekend. Since neither of us knows that many people here, it is kind of an adventure to explore and find little things to do with Husband. For some reason, I am extra tired today though.

Friday, July 9, 2010

total recall

I am still getting used to seeing my stomach move when the baby moves around in there. I spent several minutes last night just watching my bump. It reminds me of this scene from Total Recall.



This was the conversation a few nights ago:

Me: Why does the baby have to be inside of me? It's kind of weird

Husband: What do you want to do? Lay an egg?

Me: Yes, I would like to lay an egg.

Husband: Your mom did it, Carl's mom did it ...

Me: Yes, but then Carl's mom got a super cute puppy out of it.


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

26 weeks 2 days

And here is the 26 week 2 day belly ... starting to feel huge, but am assured that I can only get bigger. LOVELY.

happy 4th of july

We had a wonderful 4th of July. Time spent with family and friends, good food, lots of swimming, some cribbage, and a few boat rides all meant for a great weekend. It was pretty hot at the lake so sleeping was a bit on the miserable side, but it is always nice to spend some time with family and friends. Carl Rove learned how to leap off the dock to fetch sticks ...

And he spent a TON of time swimming with the kids. That dog LOVES to swim. He would just swim circles around the kids while they were splashing in the lake and jump off the dock after them. I think he may have thought he was "saving" them. Even my big pregnant self donned a bikini and hit the water to cool off a couple of times. So after a long weekend of playing, Carl Rove was tired out.

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

25 weeks 4 days

I've managed to keep a baby alive inside my uterus for a total of 25 weeks and 4 days now. This morning Gus woke up while I was getting ready for work and said "look how pregnant you look." He also said that in case he hadn't told me before that I was doing a really good job growing this baby - which was actually a cute thing to say - but it is really true. I feel pretty huge and I imagine it's just getting bigger. When I was first trying on maternity clothes with one of the fake bellies, my friend Suzanne insisted that there was no way that I was ever going to get that big. She now feels the need to amend that statement.