365 days

new year new blog

2011-01-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

So much has changed over the last 365 days. I did get a permanent job, which was my 2010 New Year's resolution. I think my 2011 New Year's resolution will be to keep said permanent job. I moved my family to Duluth and bought a house. Not my dream house, but I've got plans! I am abandoning this blog and will see you on the flip side at ... the chunglunds!

happy anniversary

2010-12-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

Three years ago today, Gus and I got married in the Little White Chapel in Vegas ... drive-thru style! Two days before we got married, we had gotten into a car accident in downtown Minneapolis and had to file a claim with insurance. So, it seems only fitting that no sooner has that accident come off our record that someone hits my parked car last night and smashes in the back door on the driver's side. Happy Anniversary!

disappointed

2010-12-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

I had my first postpartum sushi at Hanabi with Jenn and Baby J, and I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. It just didn't taste right. I thought perhaps all the pregnancy hormones were messing with my palate, but my disappointment was confirmed last week after I learned this little nugget of knowledge from our friend D, via Gus.

D is Chinese. D went to Hanabi and heard the employees speaking Chinese, so he began asking about their business. It turns out that Hanabi is owned by a company out of New York that goes around opening Japanese restaurants in towns of less than 100,000 people. Essentially, Hanabi is a chain restaurant. Twice a week C and D grade fish is flown into Duluth from New York and then sold at A grade prices to the unsuspecting residents of Duluth.

While I can't say that it was the worst sushi I have ever had because that statement is reserved for the place in Minneapolis that gave me food poisoning and has since closed, for what it is, it costs to much. It's a pretty slick idea on the part of this company though because people around here think it is fantastic. I'm certainly not going to boycott the place since I can't imagine that Zen House or the new Osaka has better fish (although this is purely speculation at this point since I haven't experienced either), I just wish Hanabi cost less.

rounding the bend

2010-12-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

Several moms have told me that things start to get easier at about 6-8 weeks. While my exhausted body was skeptical, I must say, I believe they were right. The first weeks of motherhood were really difficult for me. In retrospect, I think that the fact that it took my body so long to recover physically took a huge toll on me emotionally. On top of which, the sleepless nights were not allowing my body the rest it needed to heal.

But I'm now 9 weeks postpartum, and I am finally starting to feel back to normal both physically and emotionally. I am only about 4-5 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight, although I'd like to lose another 4-5 lbs after that too. I'm fitting into nearly all my pre-baby clothes - except some of my tops are tight because my boobs got HUGE! I've been able to workout at home, although I sort of took a hiatus last week because I've been tired from working and getting up every few hours to pump.

Baby J gets more adorable every day, if that is even possible. The first time the doctor handed her to me, I thought she was beautiful. As I see her filling out and losing her newborn look, I cannot believe how freakin' cute she is becoming! Her little smiles and coos make my heart melt even at 4:00 a.m., when I am exhausted and just want her to go back to sleep.

The hell that was Baby J's labor and delivery is slowly starting to fade as I see her grow and flourish. She's one healthy baby, who still at 9 weeks old, eats every two hours. Even the memory of the first few postpartum weeks that left me in tears almost everyday is fading away. And in spite of my overwhelming love for the little life that I have created, I stand by my statement that we are one and done!

may your days be merry and bright

2010-12-12T07:23:00.001-08:00

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dear santa ...

2010-12-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

This year I would like a little job security for Christmas. Every time I feel like I'm digging myself out of the hole and getting back to solid footing, we get hit with another bout of bad luck. Yesterday at work, a good portion of the staff meeting was spent discussing cuts to local government funding, budget cuts, possible downsizing of city staff, etc. and it is very worrisome for me. We JUST moved here, JUST bought a house, and JUST had a baby. I'd like to think that I won't need to be looking for another job so soon, but despite all the enumerated reasons in my favor, I really don't want to end up in the situation that I found myself in back in April 2009. At my last job, I was told not to worry and then BOOM, out of a job. I wish they would have been more up front with me about the reality of the situation and at least I could have started networking and getting out there to find a new job. At this point, if I end up losing this job, I think we just give up. I mean there is only so much a person can do. I say this, but at the same time I've been scouring the job websites for both me and Gus. So if you want to drop some job security down my chimney this Christmas, it would be much appreciated. Thanks much!

Nina

the good, the bad, and the ugly

2010-12-01T06:01:00.000-08:00

THE GOOD ...

Juliet has had two pretty good nights, since her three day crying binge. Gus may beg to differ. He said that two nights ago he was jealous of me because in the middle of the night all I have to do is get up and pump. He feeds the baby, changes her, and puts her back to sleep.
My milk supply seems to be pretty good and we haven't had to supplement with formula for well over a week now.
Juliet is adorable and I cannot believe how much I love her even though she is a TON of work and it is HARD.
Gus has bought the fixings for a Thanksgiving feast re-do. I was a bit disappointed in my Thanksgiving Day meal. Not because the food wasn't delicious, because it was amazing - more because I felt like I didn't actually eat enough. I was worried about who was holding the baby and whether she needed to be fed or changed or held by her mom.

THE BAD ...

I'm feeling really badly about poor Carl Rove. He is such a sweet, sweet dog and I know he deserves more attention than we have been able to give him. He really would like to run around A LOT more, but unfortunately for awhile he had taken to running away, which means he is more restricted in his outside time. He has been so good with the baby and so patient with the fact that I have not been able to give him the attention he deserves that I think he should get some sort of reward. I made him an appointment to get a bath next week - not sure if that is a reward though?
I've been having a hard time emotionally. Some days are awful and some days are better. Yesterday and today seem like better days. Last Tuesday through this Monday were awful. I've been feeling withdrawn and reserved, like I need to conserve whatever energy I have to taking care of the basic needs of Juliet, Carl, and myself - in that order. I just totally don't feel like myself. I have been trying to find a counselor and am going to go see the OB tomorrow. Hopefully, I can start feeling like myself again soon. You know it is bad when I've stopped even enjoying delicious food and I'm just eating whatever is available for the sustenance alone.

THE UGLY ...

The Thanksgiving trip to Chicago was pretty awful. Both mom and baby were left crying at various times throughout the trip. We left Tuesday night and spent the night in Wisconsin Dells. At which point, I was quite certain that Gus hated me because otherwise he never would have forced me to take an 8 hour road trip to Chicago with a 6 week old that necessitated me to have to pump in a McDonald's bathroom.
There is this squirrel that has been trying to get in our house through the old - not used anymore - chimney. The opening to the house had been covered but the squirrel was scratching at it. Gus caulked it, but the squirrel kept scratching through the caulk. After being gone several days of the holiday, the squirrel finally managed to get in. Last night I saw it coming up the stairs from the basement and Carl chased it back down. Gus managed to corner it in the laundry room and RIP squirrel. That's critter #2 that Gus has eliminated from our home. I feel badly that it had to die, but I really didn't want that squirrel in my house.

one month

2010-11-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

We've made it one month. Me, Baby J, Gus, and Carl Rove are one big happy sleep deprived (or exercise deprived in Carl's case) family. I feel like I'm always needing to make the statement that I really love Baby J - mostly because I feel guilty that I don't really love waking up in the middle of the night and pumping or nursing. I have a feeling that I definitely won't miss that, when and if it ever passes. Gus told me this evening that he will miss having to stay up with her all night ... which again sent me sailing towards the edge of sanity because it makes me feel guilty. Like am I bad mom because I know I won't miss those things? Gus also holds the baby all.the.time. I love to hold and cuddle with the baby, but sometimes I need to do laundry, feed myself, do the dishes, etc. Gus will just sit on the couch all.day.long. watching television and holding the baby. It gives me a chance to get some stuff around the house done, but it again makes me feel guilty that I don't want to sit still all day long holding the little one. Gus and I are just different. I'm still working on accepting that simply because I don't hold her all the time like Gus is not an indication that I'm a bad parent. I mean, she needs clean clothes too, right?

mommy's & baby's day out

2010-11-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

Baby J and I took our first solo field trip the other day. We had lunch with my good friend and co-worker Jenn at Hanabi for my first postpartum sushi. Baby J was a perfect little angel and snoozed all the way through lunch. While I was happy for sushi, I admit that I do miss Origami and Sakura. Of course, it's better than nothing!

I'm feeling more confident about taking Baby J out on my own now and can't wait to get her out on the town and show her off! Unfortunately, I'm exhausted. So exhausted that I feel like I am getting sick - super sore throat and achy. Yesterday was the first day that I didn't nurse and instead pumped exclusively. I'm pumping every three hours around the clock. We had enough milk yesterday, but we had to dip into the freezer stash, which has since been depleted because it wasn't that stocked to begin with. I guess we'll find out today whether or not my supply is actually going to keep up with Baby J. I've been trying to do some research on pumping to make sure I'm doing everything I can to keep up the supply. I have been taking fenugreek and drinking Mother's Milk tea like it is my job.

If Baby J keeps up this growth rate, she's going to be huge!

just a bit more whining

2010-10-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

I'm going to bitch just a bit more ... or maybe A LOT more. The whole nursing thing is hard for me - perhaps more difficult mentally rather than physically although I'm feeling pretty physically exhausted and dehydrated as well, which hasn't helped my cankles much.

Baby J doesn't really like to eat all at once. She's more of a grazer like her Mommy. But it results in ultra long feeding sessions. I let her eat off both sides after which she usually falls asleep so I change her and then let her eat off both sides again. After her second feed, I try to get her to go back to sleep or settle down long enough for me to pump whatever might be left so I have a bit extra stored up just in case I am napping and Gus wants to feed her a bottle. It is A LOT of work.

In addition to it being A LOT of work, I don't enjoy nursing. I don't like pulling my boobs out. I don't like having my nips sucked on. I hate the leaking and dripping. I do want Baby J to get all the health benefits of breast milk, but I don't really seem to feel the closeness with her while nursing that some mothers describe. Don't get me wrong, I love to cuddle with Baby J - just not when there is breast milk dripping in places that I would prefer it wouldn't drip. I like my bonding time to be snuggled up under a blanket with Baby J.

I've been pumping and bottle feeding more and more these days. I'm getting to the point where I'd really like to be an exclusive pumper. The only thing I worry about is how it might affect my supply to not have Baby J doing the sucking. Based on the research I've done, there can be concerns with supply, if the mother only pumps. But, I've talked with other mothers who have exclusively pumped and never had a problem with supply. I'm hoping to move towards more pumping and less actual nursing.

the first two weeks

2010-10-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

When we graduated from college, I remember one of my classmates describing her Carleton experience as one of the most challenging experiences of her life. Prior to having my daughter, I would have had to agree with her. But really? The past two weeks have been particularly challenging for me.

The first week, my body was still such a mess that I could barely take care of myself let alone a newborn. Gus did most of the work that week. He changed diapers and stayed awake all night comforting Juliet. It got to a point where not only was I feeling awful physically, but my confidence as a new mom was starting to erode. I would watch Gus with Juliet and he seemed like such a natural and I was setting him as my standard for parenting. He would hold her 24/7, sing and talk to her, play with her, etc. Pretty much all I could handle was feeding her (and I was barely handling that) and trying to get myself to and from the bathroom.

The second week the breast feeding really was sending me to the edge. We had put a chair in the baby's room, but it was so uncomfortable to sit in for hours on end, which is what our marathon feeding sessions were ending up being. I had the laptop in there with me, but our wireless connection is screwed up and would need to be reset often. So if I happened to forget to reset it before I sat down to nurse (which was often by the way), I was stuck sitting in an uncomfortable chair for an hour plus staring at a wall with an infant attached to me. It got to the point where I literally did not want to feed my child and then I felt guilty because I didn't want to feed the baby. It brought me to tears for three days in a row last week.

Fortunately, I think we finally found a plan that works for us. It involves me pumping more often and Juliet getting a bottle every other feeding. Plus we've moved the baby operation to the family room where the comfy couch is located and at least you can watch Netflix on the TV. More comfortable accommodations and less nursing has done wonders for my mental health. I've been getting more sleep because Gus is bottle feeding through the night and that has also helped a ton.

We've made it to week three and I have been feeling much better. However, I did speak with a nurse practitioner yesterday about postpartum depression. She helped me realize that I have been setting my expectations too high. I am doing a good job as a mother and I am bonding with my baby. Just because I don't want to hold my daughter 24/7 or look at her and feel like she is my entire life, does not mean that I am detached or not developing a bond with my child. I love Juliet and I fully intend to keep her safe and feed her, even when I am exhausted and would rather sleep. She helped me see that this is enough and I am developing that bond with my baby. We decided that I probably am not in need of drugs to treat depression, but the nurse practitioner did recommend that I see a counselor, which can't be a bad idea.

So while the first two weeks were really hard for me, I think I'm starting to feel much better and I am enjoying my time with my little adorable one.

she's here!

2010-10-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

Juliet Jean Seri arrived at 8:06 p.m. on October 9, 2010. I've been wanting to start blogging about her, but between nursing, diaper changing, keeping up with the house, and recovering from labor and delivery I've had my hands full. Here's the recap:

October 8, 2010
9:00 p.m.: My water breaks except it wasn't like the traditional gush you see in the movies. It was more like a slow leak that I didn't really realize was amniotic fluid until we did some internet research and called the nurse on call at the hospital.
11:30 p.m.: Check-in at the hospital. doctor gave me a few hours to get my labor started on its own.

October 9, 2010
4:00 a.m. (or so): Contractions weren't producing any cervical change so they started me on Pitocin, which is where the whole thing took a turn for the worse in my opinion. I was able to get a little bit of sleep as my contractions got stronger but I was mostly running on adrenaline.
8:30 a.m. (or so): My contractions were coming about 2-3 minutes apart and they were definitely painful, but manageable. Unfortunately, they were doing nothing for my cervix and so the doctor wanted to start increasing the Pitocin more aggressively.
10:20 a.m.: With the increase in Pitocin every 20 minutes, my contractions went from about a level 5-6 on the pain scale to off the charts in a matter of 10-15 minutes. They started to get so strong that I then knew what people meant when they said it was the worst pain they ever felt in their entire lives. I managed the first 4-5 contractions like this and was continuing to try to "moan" through them like my doula suggested. I was leaned over the bed with either Michaela (doula) or Gus rubbing my back as I moaned, but I eventually could feel myself losing control of the pain and starting to panic. I tried going on the bed on all fours, but it was tough to get there in time for the next contraction and I ended up having one halfway through the transition from standing to the bed. At this point, I was crying because I felt like I was never going to be able to do this and shaking from the pain. I made the decision that I was going to probably need the epidural and so they started me on the bag of fluid that was needed before the epidural could be administered. Well, it takes an entire hour to go through that bag and then you need to wait for the doctor to give you the epidural. The pain is really all a mental game and I think if someone told me that I needed to be in that much pain for a finite period of time, I might have been able to tough it out but I started to panic knowing that it could be several more hours of this.
11:40 a.m. (or so): Anesthesiologist shows up. I was not even bothering trying to relax through these contractions because I knew I was getting the pain meds. I was just tensing up trying to get through each one. I had a hospital gown hiked up to my waist and had to take it off my shoulders so the guy can get at my back. So, I'm naked sitting on a bed trying to do the things they needed me to do - move back on the bed, cross my legs, lift my butt, etc. At one point, when they asked if I could lift my butt up, I just said absolutely not. For crying out loud! Gus was standing in front of me and I had my hands on his shoulders digging my nails into him with each contractions as I struggled to sit still so they only had to poke me once in the spine. I remember the anesthesiologist asking me questions that I couldn't even be bothered to answer because I was in so much pain.
12:00 p.m.: Drugs were flowing and I was lying in bed still feeling the contractions but knowing that they were going to get less and less as the drugs continued their course.
12:15 p.m.: Feeling like a whole new woman. Doctor came into check and found that I had only progressed about 1 inch in dilation, but was totally effaced. So after 8 hours, I was at 3 cm/100%. Seriously? All that pain and I only got 1 cm? Turned out that I had a forebag, which is essentially a second water bag. Because that hadn't ruptured, my labor was not progressing. So doctor ruptured the forebag with what appeared to be a drumstick, but probably wasn't and then said that I should be on my way. He predicted a 9:30 p.m. delivery, which of seemed like hours away ... probably because it was hours away.
3:00 p.m.: The epidural was a godsend and I was able to get some sleep to conserve some energy for the pushing. Nurse checked me and I was at 9.5 cm. I went from 3-9.5 cm in only 3 hours!
4:00 p.m.: My body was ready to push. The nurse suggested I "labor down" for awhile, which essentially means I just lay on my side and let the baby start coming down on its own without pushing.
6:00 p.m.: The real pushing began. Gus holding one leg and Michaela holding the other. The pushing thing was fine in the beginning, but as the time wore on I was starting to get annoyed that it was taking so long. In spite of the epidural, I could still feel the contractions so at least I knew when to push.
7:50 (or so): Apparently, I was stretched to the max and there was quite a bit of blood coming out with every effort to push. I only know this because Gus watched the entire thing and told me later. The whole pushing thing sucked because you could feel how stretched you were and you just had to sit there like that waiting for the next contraction before you could push again. It sort of sucks to have a baby's head sticking partway out of your vagina and then just having to sit there. Anyway, it began to look like an episiotomy was going to be necessary. Gus and I had discussed this procedure at length before we went to the hospital and I had thought that it wouldn't be a good option. However, at this point I just wanted that baby out! That and I was hardly in a position to make a rational decision. Doctor made the cut and baby came out 2 pushes later!
8:06 p.m.: Baby Juliet arrived! I cried. Not sure if it was because I was so happy to see the baby or because I was so happy that pain was over. Little did I know, I had much more pain to deal with but at least that part was done!

Here's a picture of mommy, daddy, and baby ...

It was a long hard road, but we are blessed with an absolutely darling little girl. Sometimes I look at her and can't believe that I have a baby. I love her so much, but don't love the fact that she tore apart my lady parts on the way out. The next morning Gus even said he could see how hard it was for me and that I didn't have to have another baby. He was a champ throughout the whole labor and delivery though. He watched the entire thing and was definitely a participant in the birth process. Our little family is so blessed!

so close yet so far away

2010-10-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for this baby for over a week now. I realize that my due date isn't until Sunday, but for some reason I thought she was going to come early. Every day I tidy up my desk just in case I'm not there the next day. People keep calling, texting, Facebooking, etc. asking if anything has happened yet. I'm so tired of waiting for this. I want to go to Minneapolis so I can go to IKEA, Costco, and Trader Joe's because apparently you can't buy ANYTHING in Duluth. I want to move on with my life. I have been getting lots of positive feedback - doctor said everything looks favorable, doula said that once membranes are stripped that labor usually starts within 24 hours, I'm 1 cm and 80% effaced, etc. But I'm almost at 24 hours since membrane stripping and while my contractions have gotten more intense they have not gotten more consistent. It's such a roller coaster. I feel like it is so close and yet still so v. far away.

i've created a monster

2010-10-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

After trying desperately to get Gus to finish certain projects around the house, all of a sudden I can't get him to stop starting new projects. I want to have this baby NOW and I'd like for him to finish up his current projects and then get the house clean for her arrival. I've had to stop him twice today from purchasing more items from Menards to start new projects! Who knew? I think it is his adult ADHD striking again. He simply can't finish one thing before he's on to the next ...

the last weekend of us

2010-10-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

Lying in bed on Sunday, the realization hit me that it was probably that last weekend that it was just me, Husband, and Carl. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with Husband and I'm a little nervous of the changing family dynamic. We had a taste of this when we got Carl last winter and it is visibly obvious the shift in family dynamic with just having a puppy. I love to watch Gus play with Carl. Gus is the one that will wrestle with Carl and throw the stick for him for two hours at a time. I'm the one that will cuddle and snuggle with the pup and try to keep him calm. Even just with the puppy, I can see how my relationship with Gus shifted. I imagine it will be similar, but to a much greater degree, with the baby.

I run the gamut of emotions when I think of this baby and how my life is going to change. I'm excited to see what she looks like. Anxious about making sure she is healthy. Scared for labor and delivery. Hopeful that we will be able to give her everything she needs and wants. Unsure of how our life is going to change. I guess it is one of those things you can never be prepared for.

bitchin' kitchen

2010-10-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

So the kitchen is about as done as it is going to be for now. And as much as I lamented over the construction time, Gus did a beautiful job. Once he gets the counters cleared of all his nails, screws, tools, etc. I'll post some pictures. We got the kitchen table back in place last night and even went to Home Depot to look at back splash and light fixtures. Unfortunately, we didn't purchase either because we couldn't find any light fixtures we liked and I simply couldn't look at tile any longer. I gave Gus full control over the back splash situation. I just didn't see anything that I fell in love with, but I'm sure that whatever he chooses will be lovely. He's good like that.

Today he is supposed to be removing the carpet from the living room and rearranging what living room furniture we have, which isn't much. We're on the lookout for perhaps a loveseat and a couple armchairs. I think major construction projects will be over by this weekend and then I'd like to focus on maintaining a clean house and nesting a bit before baby gets here!

waiting ...

2010-09-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

As I near the end of my pregnancy, I've started working only 4 hours per day. So far it has been nice to have more time at home, but it has meant that I just need to cram all my work into 4 hours per day, which has been a bit challenging.

I had been meaning to put together some freezer meals so that we will have something to eat when the baby comes and we are too exhausted to make anything. I was putting it off because I've been waiting for the kitchen to be finished. It is now finished to the point of functional, but there are a few details that need to be attended to. But, last night I was able to assemble a lasagna and get that in the freezer. Tonight I'm hoping to make chili and enchiladas.

Also last night I just got this feeling that the baby is going to come soon. I don't know why I was feeling that way but there was just something about how my body felt that makes me think the baby is close to arrival. I even laid in bed kind of just waiting for something to happen. I'm starting to get scared of the actual labor and delivery. I had a dream last night that it was really easy, but I'm pretty sure it won't be a walk in the park.

Gus is trying to finish the floors in the other half of the kitchen today and then needs to tear out the carpeting in the living room. We'd like to get that done before the baby gets here! But, if she comes as soon as I think she is going to, then we might be out of luck!

sunday funday

2010-09-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

As we eagerly await the arrival of Baby Chunglund, my weekends have been filled with washing baby clothes, trying to clean and finish unpacking a house that is still under some state of construction/renovation, lots of knitting, and plenty of naps. I've knit three hats in the last week or so and have two scarves underway.

Yesterday, one of my favorite people, Erica, came through Duluth on her way to Eveleth and we had brunch at Pizza Luce. So far, we've had a hard time finding a good place for brunch in Duluth and even my requests for recommendations have resulted in things such as Perkins and Old Country Buffet ... REALLY? Luce was quite delicious though. I ordered the Truly French Toast, which was stuffed with brie and accompanied by pecan banana syrup and whipped cream. Erica had the Portabella and Eggs and since the 'shrooms were so spicy she gave those to me. They were also delicious - smoky, spicy, mushroom-y. I also partook in their Bloody Mary Bar (virgin, of course), which I was impressed with - lots of fixings. The only things missing were beef sticks and perhaps a shrimp. But I managed to load my drink down with lots of good things - cucumber spear, pickle, extra horseradish, cheese stick, pepperoncini, marinated mushroom, etc. Good stuff.

Later in the afternoon, since the house smelled like the disgusting adhesive that Gus used to attach the back of the cabinet, we decided to take a drive up to Gooseberry Falls to look at leaves and take a little walk. I think Carl thought that we were torturing him by letting him dip his paws in the water, but not letting him run free and splash around.

It was a nice relaxing day and even though not much progress was made on the kitchen on Sunday, I'm glad I got to spend some quality time with my husband before the baby gets here!

seven pounds seven days

2010-09-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Seven Pounds is not just a Will Smith movie (side note - I did enjoy this movie), but it is how much weight I managed to gain in the span of seven days. I'm assuming it is mostly water weight because I think I would have had to eat like 20,000 extra calories over the past week to actually gain 7 lbs. I have however used this pregnancy as somewhat of an excuse to eat things that I normally wouldn't eat. Since this started as a blog of shopping confessions, I thought I could expand that to eating confessions as well -- here's the start of the list:

1) Pop-Tarts
2) gas station cappuccino
3) Costco muffins
4) M&M cookies
5) The Tappy at Erbert's & Gerbert's
6) Starbucks pumpkin bread
7) Pumpkin spice latte

I assure you there is more, but that's all I can think of at the moment.

sibling rivalry

2010-09-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

The car seat has been installed in the car for the last couple of weeks. Carl Rove has ridden in the car twice since the installation of the car seat. The first time he was in the back of the car and when I came out from the grocery store, he had both his front paws in the car seat. The second time was just last night and he was sitting in the back seat next to the car seat with his head inside the car seat. I think Carl is ready for this baby too! I just hope he doesn't get too jealous!

busy weekend

2010-09-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

Gus got the appliances back in the kitchen at about 7:00 p.m. on Friday night just in time for us to start putting together the food for my parents' 25th anniversary party at the lake. We prepped until about 1:30 a.m. and then hit the sack for a few hours of sleep before we were on the road to Lake Vermilion. The party was a success! The weather was gorgeous and we were all able to sit outside and enjoy the last bits of sunshine and warmth. There is nothing better than an afternoon of good food and family!

This past Thursday we also had an evening of good food and family. My cousin Krista threw me and my cousin Samantha a baby shower. So on Sunday I spent the afternoon returning gifts and washing baby clothes. Last night, the whole family - Gus, me, and Carl finished putting the baby's room together. I put a blanket in there for Carl and he slept listening to lullabies even after Gus and I exited the room. Last night I really felt ready and excited for this baby. I can't wait to meet Baby Juliet and watch her sleep in her crib. I hit 37 weeks on Sunday so I'm in the home stretch! She'll be here before we know it!

this is what i learned

2010-09-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

After having moderate contractions every 4 minutes for about 3 hours on Friday, the nurse on call told us to head to the hospital. Gus finished packing "the bag" and put the car seat in the car and we headed to the birth place. I was hooked up to the monitor for several hours where my contractions were still coming every 4-5 minutes. So here's what I learned ...

1) When administering a cervical exam, technique is very very important. I've had them about three times throughout this pregnancy and while uncomfortable none of them were painful, much less left me feeling violated until the first one I had administered by a resident doctor. What the nurse practitioner and attending OB-GYN could do with two fingers took this guy TWO HANDS! WTF. I could have sworn his entire arm was in my vagina digging around there for what was probably less than a minute, but felt like forever. When he left, I actually cried thinking about how they would probably have to do that several more times before this baby is born. I mean, I literally was sobbing. I told Gus that I would need an epidural just to get through the pain of a cervical exam. Take home message - don't let the resident doctor do the cervical exam. As both my cousin Sam and I pointed out, this guy probably isn't getting a lot of action with the ladies if that is truly his "technique."

2) When you are in labor, you will not be smiling. While this is my first baby, I don't really know what labor is supposed to feel like. Apparently though, if you are truly in labor and ready to head to the hospital you will likely not be smiling nor will you be talking v. much. Good things to know. The doctors and nurses told me that while I appeared uncomfortable, I was a bit too "smiley" to be having real contractions.

3) Don't go to the hospital until you have stopped smiling or until your water breaks. Now that I know how much fun it is to have a resident doctor stick his entire arm up my vagina, I seriously do not intend to go to the hospital until I absolutely have to. I figure the longer I wait, perhaps the more my cervix dilates thus eliminating a few extra cervical checks?

4) ASK QUESTIONS! The nurse came in towards the end of my stay and told us that the attending OB-GYN had ordered this medicine for me that was supposed to stop the Braxton Hicks contractions. It was in the form of a shot. I HATE SHOTS. Like they literally scare me so I really didn't want one. So Gus and I were trying to ask questions to figure out if I really needed the drug. Turns out the drug is primarily given to alleviate any of the mother's discomfort and to put her mind at ease because the contractions have stopped. Since the contractions weren't harming the baby and the pain was manageable, I opted not to have the drugs. I did have to wait for another hour in order to have this conversation with the attending doctor, but in the end I got out of there drug and shot free.

5) I have the best husband in the world. While he can't possible understand how awful it is for a resident doctor to dig around up in your lady business, he made a point of telling the attending physician that the last internal exam I had was less than pleasant. As such the attending physician told us that it was all technique and that I could let him know if it was painful. When the experienced physician did the exam, it was obviously uncomfortable but not painful and definitely did not leave me feeling violated. Like I said ... two fingers versus two hands - you do the math. So I'm really glad that Gus spoke up for me and I think he will make an excellent birth coach when the time FINALLY comes.

hey good lookin'

2010-09-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Whatcha got cookin? Kitchen renovations are well underway. I can't believe I forgot to take before pictures of the kitchen so the new kitchen reveal won't be quite as dramatic. I'm starting to get excited though! The cabinets and counters were delivered yesterday. The counters look really nice. Gus even started putting up the drywall yesterday! I'm looking forward to dinner parties at our house and cooking and baking in my new kitchen!

it's the great pumpkin!

2010-09-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

Fall is definitely in the air here. The temps have dropped and I'm starting to think about sweaters, boots, and fall flavors - especially PUMPKIN! I love all things pumpkin - ice cream, bread, cookies, pie, cheesecake, etc. Here are a few things I'm looking forward to enjoying (or have already enjoyed) this fall.

Starbucks - Pumpkin Pie Latte. I had my first one last week! Hopefully, a few more to come. Get the 12 oz with no whipped cream and non-fat milk for only 200 calories. Get 1/2 the amount of syrup and I'm sure you'll shave some more calories off this one too!

DQ Pumpkin Pie Blizzard. I love this Blizzard.Vanilla soft serve blended with pumpkin pie pieces. What's not to love? It's ice cream and pumpkin pie! My tummy doesn't always cooperate when I eat an entire Blizzard so I'll need to indulge in moderation. Moderate indulgence. Oxymoron?

Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts. This is apparently new and limited edition to boot. I'm on the hunt already. I think I'll try Cub and then Target. I told Jenn that I'd share with her if I find them. Typically, I'm not a huge Pop Tart fan mostly because they can't really be all that good for you. But this is special, right?

I also started burning my mulled cider candle, which has made my house smell delightful and takes my mind away from the fact that all my kitchen items are in my living room, there is no drywall in the kitchen, and I have no kitchen appliances to speak of.

it's done (almost) ... finally

2010-09-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

There was a lot of complaining and a few tears on my part - just ask Jenn, but the nursery is finished (almost) and it looks amazing. I'm so happy with how it turned out. We have a couple more pictures to hang and then it will be complete. Now I just hope that the last two ultrasound techs were correct and we are having a girl - or that our little boy likes pink and likes the name Juliet ...

I think we are ready (or as close as we will ever be) ... bring on the BABY! Next up is the kitchen. 6 layers of wallpaper, 2 layers of wood paneling, and 3 layers of linoleum on the walls and floors, respectively. And Gus is also rewiring the kitchen before the new floors, cabinets, countertops, and a dishwasher! Let's hope this turns out well.

39 days and counting

2010-09-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling the wonders (*sarcasm font) of pregnancy recently. I dread going to lay down in my bed despite being exhausted because I know I will wake up one bazillion times in the middle of the night with a sore right hip and will probably be almost physically unable to waddle myself to the bathroom to pee for the umpteenth time that night. I truly think my body was not designed to handle all this weight that has settled in on my abdomen. I CANNOT WAIT for this baby to be outside my body. The discomfort, pain, and lack of sleep has brought me to tears more times than I care to count over the past two weeks. 39 days and counting ...

adventures with the chunglunds

2010-08-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to Minneapolis to say farewell to friends and attend a baby shower thrown by my two best friends. Carl Rove made the trip with us because he was going to see his puppy friends at Downtown Dog for the weekend. We were also going to return the crib that Gus's parents had given us because it had gotten damaged during shipping. Unfortunately, the Rav4 is not really that big so Carl Rove spent Friday night in a car sitting on a crib box. Every time we went around a curve or had to brake, his little puppy claws made holes in the box. On top of which, I was feeling bad for the little one anyway because he hadn't had his dinner so I decided to share my sandwich with him. BAD IDEA. A short while later, I noticed an odd smell in the car and when I turned around found that Carl Rove and barfed all over the crib box. Poor pup. Luckily, Babies R Us takes back items that have holes in the boxes and barf all over them. I say, kudos to them.

Aside from puppy barf and the minimum 1/2 hour we lost after stopping for gas due to Gus getting on the freeway going north instead of south and driving at least 15 minutes in the wrong direction, we had a pretty awesome weekend. We got to say goodbye to friends, enjoy some delicious food and drink at Bradstreet Crafthouse, watch the Twins game at the new ballpark, and be showered with gifts at a baby shower on Sunday. Oh and sleep in the wonderful-ness that is the beds at Graves 601. Add to my wish list the pillows and sheets from the hotel. They were heavenly!

wishin' and hopin'

2010-08-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

If I wasn't as large as a bus and waiting to birth a baby, these would be on my fall fashion wish list

Over the knee boots - these Via Spiga ones in particular

This sweater from J Crew. It looks comfy and cozy, like something I would put on every day after work with my sweats.

Talbots seems to have stepped up their game in my opinion. They seem to be coming more in line with Ann Taylor and J Crew and trying to cater to a younger crowd, perhaps? I thought this bag looked like a fun way to add some color to my fall wardrobe.

That is my wish list so far ... I'm sure there are other things that I will be coveting, but I should probably make sure that I can diaper my baby before I blow half a paycheck on a pair of boots, huh?

the weekend

2010-08-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was one of the two weekends this month that we were actually in town. I got my shower thank you notes written for my last shower and also got to see my long lost friend Dina (of Dina & Nina). We caught up at At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe. We actually haven't had much contact in close to 10 years so it was awesome to catch up and since we are both living in Duluth I hope that we will be able to stay in touch. She's even offered to house- and dog-sit for us when we are away.

Gus has made some progress on Baby Juliet's nursery. Friday afternoon after finally finishing the stripping of the windows, he learned that the previous owner(s) had painted over a wallpaper border near the top of the wall. He spent Saturday steaming the wallpaper off and Sunday he sanded the walls. I'm hoping that while I'm at work today he is at home taping and painting. Although given all the setbacks, I've learned not to expect too much.

Carl Rove even got some quality swimming time in. We went to Wisconsin Point, where there weren't that many people out and let him swim off leash. He was quite happy. He didn't even want to come back in when called. He looked at us for awhile then turned around and kept swimming.

Sunday we finally got to go to church again after a three week hiatus. We attended the second service and found that it was well attended by the younger crowd, which made Gus v. happy. I think that we'll become members there.

I'm currently at 32 weeks with 2 more months to go! My good friend Jenn gifted us a newborn photography session compliments of her husband Matt. What a lovely gift and I am super excited for the photos! Oh yes, and the weather has cooled off tremendously making me one happy expectant mommy!

weekend in chicago ... sort of

2010-08-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

Gus is from "Chicago" and by Chicago we mean a suburb of the city that is like an hour away from the city so when we say we are going to Chicago, we are essentially going to something along the lines of a larger version of Maple Grove, which in all honesty ranks second as my personal version of hell. My first version of hell being my un-air conditioned cube at City Hall, where I sit and swelter as I type this.

We headed to the Windy City (sort of) on Friday and rolled into town about 4:00 p.m. We had to get Gus's mom her birthday present, a laptop, and then we took her out to eat. We had Asian buffet where there was lots o' sushi and I even indulged in a couple pieces. I got so excited about sushi that I way overdid the wasabi, which cleared out my sinuses for sure.

Saturday we got up early and it was grocery shopping for the baby shower. Gus's brother, Paul, was in town. Paul is a chef at The Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, FL. Paul with Gus as sous chef did all the cooking for the party - Thai beef lettuce wraps with lemongrass and ginger oil, braised short ribs with sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour pork ... it was so delicious! It was great to see family and also my good friend from college, Kristen, who is also expecting a little girl, was able to make a guest appearance since she lives nearby. The present opening was a little chaotic because all of the cousin's small children were clamoring to help tear paper, but not necessarily open cards and remember who gave what. But we made it out alive with some good swag - car seat, changing table, crib, and mattress, among other things.

Sunday was my day for Chicago style food. Lunch at Portillo's for an Italian beef sandwich with hot peppers. Then dinner at Lou Manati's for real Chicago style pizza. The Italian beef you can get in Minnesota, but I'm skeptical whether you can get a pizza like this. The cheese is on the bottom and there are fresh tomatoes on top. We had 1.5 pieces leftover and I was super disappointed on my drive home yesterday when I realized that I had forgotten them in the refrigerator. In fact I must have said, I wish I had that piece of pizza about 10 times on the way home. Last night I even checked Old Chicago and Green Mill to see if they made something similar, but no luck. I guess I will just have to wait until next time.

It was a busy weekend and I'm still exhausted.

farmer in the dell

2010-08-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

We are slowly adjusting to our new small town life. Gus spoke with his best friend on the phone last night for the first time since probably February and his friend commented on how domestic Gus has become - moving to Duluth, having a baby, fixing up the house, coaching soccer, etc. Today I decided to check out the Duluth Farmer's Market before heading into work. I picked up some cute flowers for Jenn's birthday and 2 lbs of green beans. There are not a whole lot of vendors or selection at the market, but it is also kind of nice that it isn't as busy as the Minneapolis Farmer's Market. I do however miss those bratwursts in Minneapolis with the peppers and onions. I still haven't gotten one this summer. Those are so good!

moved ... AGAIN ... ugh

2010-08-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

Carl Rove became part of this family at Christmas last year and since then he's lived in FOUR different houses. We are finally in what I like to call our 10-year house so hopefully he will start to feel settled and can get used to it. So far he loves the running up and down the stairs chasing his tennis ball, as well as sitting in the backyard chewing on all the sticks he can find.

We closed on the house last Thursday and spent the rest of the weekend moving, unpacking what we can, and preparing to get the kitchen renovated and the baby's room painted and ready for baby. Our third bedroom has officially become my walk-in closet, complete with nearly 16 linear feet of hanging space and room for all my shoes ... I hope! I'm not sure what this means for a second child though. I have no idea where we would put him or her. Of course I'm again putting cart before the horse, since we don't even have the first kid situated yet. So for now I'm just going to enjoy my gigantic walk-in closet.

It feels good to be moved in, but a little overwhelming to see the work that needs to be done before the baby gets here. We've picked out cabinets, floor, and counter tops for the kitchen and they need to be ordered by Thursday. Gus says that he is going to do the work himself, so I'm really hoping he knows what the hell he's doing. While we wait for all the kitchen materials to come in, Gus will be busy painting the baby's room. Finally found fabric for the baby bedding and then we were able to pick paint colors. I'm excited to see how it turns out!

We've got four days in the house this week and then it's off to Chicago for our first baby shower!

showered with love

2010-07-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

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.

oh happy day

2010-07-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

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!

you hit the nail on the head

2010-07-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

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

wax on wax off

2010-07-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

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.

full house

2010-07-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

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!

the simple life

2010-07-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

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.

back to basics

2010-07-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

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.

congratulations tarcy!

2010-07-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

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.

baby brain

2010-07-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

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.

good weekend

2010-07-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

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.

total recall

2010-07-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

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.

26 weeks 2 days

2010-07-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

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!

25 weeks 4 days

2010-07-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

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.

moving forward

2010-06-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

After being an what seemed like a never ending holding pattern, it finally seems like things are moving forward. Last weekend, after two trips from Minneapolis in the 16' Budget moving truck, we got ALL our stuff to Duluth. This required stops at our Minneapolis storage unit and at Andy's house to get EVERYTHING. I feel good about that. Gus has spent the last three days in Minneapolis finishing cleaning the apartment and packing the last few boxes that will hopefully fit in his vehicle. Apartment inspection is tonight at 6:30 and then he's headed to Duluth, permanently! We are living with my cousin for the interim and are scheduled to close on a house on July 29. Then the extreme home makeover can begin ... provided we have some extra cash. At the very least, the baby's room needs to be ready!

exhausted

2010-06-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

We spent our weekend moving from Minneapolis to Duluth. Saturday we had some help, but Sunday Husband did an entire load by himself. He did an awesome job. Despite being pregnant and not having to move much, I'm still exhausted from driving back and forth from Minneapolis to Duluth and just the sheer anxiety of hoping everything goes smoothly. Carl Rove had a tough day for the Saturday move ... all day in a car and a minor incident of having his tail stuck in the car door. Sunday wasn't much better because he spent 9 hours in his puppy jail aka "crate." But he got to run out at Jenn's dog park aka "her yard" on Sunday night and burn off a little energy. So it was a busy, exhausting, not super fun weekend but it's DONE. If all goes as planned, we'll be closing on our new little house on July 29 and then the moving process will start all over again!

dear juliet

2010-06-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Juliet Jean Se Ri,

First, let me apologize for giving you so many names. I also have two middle names, but I had a choice where you do not. Hopefully, you can live with it. I'm going to be completely honest with you, I don't love being pregnant nor do I feel a real connection to you yet - even though I think I'm starting to feel connected over the past couple days. Luckily, your Uppa (Daddy) already loves you and talks to you when he sees my tummy. Don't get me wrong, I want to have a baby. Although, perhaps it would be nice to not have the baby inside my uterus squishing all my other organs and making it difficult to eat, sleep, and breathe, all activities necessary for me to live an ordinary life. But I digress ...

Just today while driving to rent a storage unit so that Uppa and I can actually live together, I had this realization that I'm excited to be a mom. I'm excited and beyond nervous. I had the best mom that any person could ask for - the absolute best. I get teary eyed just thinking about how wonderful she was and I'm sad that she won't get to meet you because she would absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE you. I want to be the kind of mom that your grandma was to me and I promise you that I will try to be the kind of mom that will make you want to tell people that you had the best mom that any person could ever ask for.

To start with, Uppa and I are really close to finding a place for you to begin your little life. It is overwhelmingly, offensively ugly and I'm sorry about that. Hopefully, by the time you develop some aesthetic taste it will have been remedied. I do promise that you will have your very own nursery. It's going to be the first room Uppa will tackle once we get into the house. See how unselfish I'm being? I'm going to live with the ugly Brady Bunch wood paneling so that you, my little one, can have a super cute nursery. I promise that it will be super cute even if it means I have to have a breakdown and cry so that Uppa will paint it to my (and your) specifications.

I think the idea of us finally having a house has really made all of this more real for me. I want you to have a safe and not offensively ugly place to grow up at least for the next ten years until I can pay of some of these damn student loans and we can afford a little more house. However, you will be happy to know that we will not be house poor - I know you don't know what that means, but trust me it sucks - and perhaps that means Daddy will let us buy more shoes or go on vacation! Your Grandma and Grandpa Berglund live in St. Lucia, which is in the Caribbean and it is warm and gorgeous. So maybe we can go visit them when you get a bit older.

Daddy's parents will be called by their Korean titles, which according to WikiAnswers is:

Grandma= Halmoni (hal-muh-nee) Grandpa= Halapoji (hal-ah-puh-jee)

Now, I do not condone getting information from WikiAnswers, especially while growing up. But as I've told your cousins, Avi and Lilly, when you are 30 and older, you can do things like this because you realize that WikiAnswers is not necessarily the best place to get information from, but it is acceptable as long as you realize that there is probably a certain margin of error in their information.

Back to your Halmoni and Halapoji, they will teach you Korean (your dad will too) and will probably only speak to you in Korean. You will have an advantage over your Umma (Mommy) because I can't speak Korean and sometimes do not know what Halmoni is saying. Halapoji doesn't talk to me much anyway, but he is a very nice man and they will both adore you. I promise. You are their first grandchild and they are very excited about you.

I am looking forward to seeing what you look like because Korean babies are so cute. I'm sure you will be adorable. When Uppa sees our reflection in the mirror, he always says that we will have adorable babies. I think he is hoping that you look like me and for the sake of my lady parts I'm hoping your head isn't as big as his. I can't wait to read to you and already have several books picked out for you, including this one and this one. Uppa said that you wouldn't be my child if you didn't like sushi! Umma still sleeps with her baby blanket so I am going to be very discriminating in picking one out for you because perhaps you will have it for 30 years or more like me.

It's OK if you end up not loving fashion and shoes as much as me. However, until you are able to exercise free will over your apparel, I'm going to make sure you look adorable and have super cute dresses and such. Uppa says we can only shop at Target for your clothes, but I'm sure we can sneak some other things into your wardrobe. When Uppa asks if it is new, you just tell him that you've had it for a long time, you just haven't worn it.

I hope you are enjoying your stay in Umma's tummy because it's only going to last a few more months and then it's ready for you to make your debut. Then you will get to meet Carl Rove. He's your brother, although Uppa doesn't like when I call him that because he is a puppy. He's the sweetest puppy and you two will be good friends I think. He likes to play fetch and cuddle. He might be too rammy for you at first, because like you, he's just a baby. Umma really loves Carl Rove so she's pretty sure she will love you too.

Anxiously awaiting you,
Umma

everything happens for a reason

2010-06-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

When I got laid off in April 2009, I was pretty devastated. The firm could not afford to pay my salary any longer and they laid off me, the most junior associate, one senior associate, and two secretaries. Shortly thereafter, L, a senior associate and friend of mine, left because she found a new job. L and I had breakfast yesterday and I learned that the firm has recently hired a new junior associate. So just a little over a year after they couldn't afford to pay me, they have replaced me. I tried to think whether I would have wanted that old job back and I can honestly say that I would not have wanted to work there again. Don't get me wrong. It was a fantastic place to work, but while my life right now is stressful with new job, moving, baby, etc., I am pretty happy with the position we are in. While not getting laid off would have prevented pools of tears and mountains of stress, I don't think we would have been entertaining the though of purchasing our first home together either. That's right! Our home inspection is tomorrow and if all goes well, we will close at the end of July. Carl Rove will have a fenced in backyard to romp in and Juliet will have a nursery waiting for her when she comes home. 2009 was a challenge for us, but suddenly I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. When they say that everything happens for a reason, I think people are right. Unfortunately, when it happens you don't realize the reason and you can't even begin to fathom that everything will turn out well. But, it does. I promise.

packing

2010-06-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

So it *looks* like there is a taker on the loft. I hate to put it out there in case it falls through, but I'm feeling pretty optimistic about it. Background check cleared and are waiting for landlord to sign a lease with new tenant. We are tentatively moving out June 26 with a final inspection on June 27.

This weekend between late night at Barbette, stroller shopping (more on that later), and birthday drinks for a friend at Bar Lurcat (water for me, yay!), I managed to pack up most of my dresser, 1/2 my closet, and 1/2 my shoes so Husband doesn't have to do those things for me during the week. I managed to try on most of my clothes to see what I can continue to wear with a growing belly and what needs to be packed away with a label such as ... "Pre-pregnancy jeans that my hips may NEVER fit into EVER again." This was an EXHAUSTING venture, but I'm glad I did it. Having less and less to wear makes it much easier to decide on an outfit every morning. However, I am feeling pretty good about the size of my maternity (or non-maternity but fits me while pregnant) wardrobe.

Getting out from under this lease is a step in the right direction except Husband will be left homeless in Minneapolis for the time being. I'm hoping that he can lean on friends or perhaps my family and live somewhere for free so that we aren't throwing more money at rent, but I know he's reluctant to ask favors of anyone. I'm the same way, so while I understand I'm hoping that our situation is tight enough that he will swallow some pride and ask for help.

overwhelmed

2010-06-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling overwhelmed lately - to the point where I can't talk to anyone even Husband. Last night I didn't even talk to him on the phone because I'm feeling so overwhelmed and stressed with everything that is happening with life that I can barely talk to anyone about anything. I really hope that this decision to relocate was a good decision. Right now, it doesn't really feel like such a good decision. We've got a baby coming in a few months, Husband doesn't have a job here (nor are we even living together), I'm making less money than I was previously, and we have nowhere to live. When it rains, it pours.

timing is everything

2010-06-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

First, let me say that we are truly blessed. While I feel like I'm drowning in the sea of circumstances that has become my life, we are much luckier than some and have opportunities that others do not or may never have. However, I've still been feeling a little stressed finding the right house for our budget so that we get the most bang for our buck. After feeling a bit disappointed about not getting as much financing as we thought we might, I have done a complete 180 and now all I want is a cheap house in a safe neighborhood that will fit our little family. Getting the best deal (on anything, really) requires loads of research and lots of patience - the latter which I possess very little of. I *think* we are making an offer on a house soon. In fact, Gus said he was calling the real estate agent today, but since I don't talk to him all day long, I guess I will have to wait until this evening to see if he really did it.

We *might* have a taker on the loft too. Someone submitted an application, which includes a $40 fee, so I assume they are serious about the place. I am not so patiently waiting to hear about the background check and whether or not they are suitable tenants. Gus has probably already heard and unfortunately, I have to wait until I talk to him. I wish he was a better communicator of news, but that's a whole other can of worms. Our next few weeks may be packing and moving to who knows where. Then Gus needs to find an interim place to live until his contract runs out at his current position. Everything is so up in the air! I was pretty stressed out about it all on Sunday morning. I feel like I'm living in the in-between.

I did do one good thing today though. I had signed up for the once a week childbirth class, which would have required Gus to drive up to Duluth once a week. Today, I canceled that class and signed up for the one-day 9 hour class. It's a lot of information to fit into one Saturday but it will save us loads of gas money and while I was looking forward to seeing my husband once a week, I decided to do the unselfish thing and save us some money and save Gus some driving time. So I feel pretty good about that because I think it will make him happy.

no pants

2010-06-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

The other day I made a proclamation that I was going to go pants-less for the rest of this pregnancy. It came about because the maternity pants are all still too big and this baby girl is more than halfway done in there! First I was having a problem holding the pants up and I solved that with a Bella band. Then the legs and butt were getting all stretched out, making me look like a bag lady. I did shell out some dough for a really nice pair of black maternity pants from Hot Mama. They came in XS and are pretty fitted. I love them, but now that it is finally nice out I'm wishing I had them in capris. Since I didn't want to spend another $60 on maternity pants, I thought I'd try Motherhood (again) and Kohl's. In both places the S was still too big! I so wish these places made XS. I did try on a pair of regular sized black capris at Kohl's and needed a size 10. I simply could not bring myself to buy a size 10 so I saved my money and went home.

Luckily, my friend Tammy came to my rescue. I stopped by her house last night and not only did she give me two garbage bags of maternity clothes, she also fed me dinner and I got to hang out with her adorable kids. She had a couple pairs of capris and several pairs of jeans. I need to get the jeans hemmed, since Tammy's has legs for days and I'm not quite so blessed. But, it looks like I might be able to wear pants again after all, which makes me happy because there are some cute maternity shirts out there. Although, I'm really trying NOT to buy anymore maternity clothes until I absolutely cannot fit into anything else I have and have to either buy new clothes or skip work because coming to work naked is likely prohibited.

one more!

2010-06-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

Here's my baby bump! Do I look pregnant, finally?

happy memorial day

2010-06-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

One day late ...

It's back to work, but we had a fantastic weekend. We played lots of Scrabble and cribbage and Carl ate lots of sticks, went swimming, and ran around the island. I think he had the best vacation out of any of us. It's so fun to see him exploring. I was surprised when he went to swimming just to swim and not to chase a stick or a ball. I was even more surprised when he just kept swimming farther and farther from shore. Had to call him back or he might have swam clear across the lake!

Haven't had a picture for awhile, so here you go.

Shoes: Steve Madden wedges. These are a sensible height. I wore those Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges a couple weeks ago and had a mishap in the parking lot. Not sensible or practical shoes. After some alcohol wipes, hydrogen peroxide, and lots of screaming, my wound was cleaned and now it's all healed up! But those shoes are kind of messed up.
Dress: J Crew. This is one of my absolute favorite dresses. It's navy (because I know you can't tell from this picture) and it is so comfortable. Plus it still fits my growing belly!
Cardigan: Gap
Necklace: Target. I've been wearing this necklace a lot lately because I didn't bring that many necklaces to Duluth and I haven't been back to Minnie for a couple weeks now. I asked Gus to bring me 19 pairs of shoes this past weekend and figured it was too much to ask him to dig through my necklaces too.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

what i want ...

2010-05-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

So usually what I want is a cute new pair of shoes or a dress, but today's list is of the things I want but can't have because I'm pregnant ... and perhaps Gus will bring me some of them in the hospital after Baby is born.

1) Sushi - Spicy tuna rolls, negihama rolls, salmon and tuna nigiri. Both Gus and I love sushi and would eat it at least once a week, if we could afford to. Too bad we don't live in NYC. You could always get cheap sushi, cheap pedicures, and cheap flowers. Cooked and veggie sushi just doesn't do it for me. I need raw fish. I like the texture the taste - everything about it.

2) Champagne - Veuve in particular. I love champagne and sparkling wine. I hope there is a split of Veuve waiting for me after I deliver this kid!

3) Bloody Marys - I love bloody marys! I like it when it has lots of "stuff" in it, shrimp, celery, pickle, olives, onions, and especially the beef sticks. I love a bloody mary bar so much that some weekends I would set my own up.

4) NY Strip cooked medium rare - I know I can have steak cooked well done, but again that is like eating cooked "sushi." We went to Las Vegas shortly after I found out I was pregnant. The last time we were in Vegas, which is when we got married, we had THE MOST DELICIOUS steak dinner. Of course I ordered the filet but Gus ordered the NY Strip and since it was more delicious than mine he gave me the rest of his. He always gives me the best stuff ... ALWAYS. I'm not kidding either. He gives me the last bite or drink of delicious things, when he picks out two flavors of something he always lets me pick first, and he's v. good at sharing (which I am not good at doing).

5) Seafood tower - At the same delicious steak dinner mentioned above, we had a seafood tower. Oysters on the half shell, lobster, shrimp, etc. So yummy! I love oysters and since raw is out, I have not had any of them either. Plus I have been limiting my fish intake and so haven't had much delicious seafood either. I'm hoping that P.B. (post-baby) we can go to Sea Change at the Guthrie and try the raw bar there.

6) Diet Coke - P.B. I am going to drink Diet Coke with reckless abandon! I have really been limiting my Diet Coke intake, which is AMAZING for me since Gus really thought I was addicted, which clearly I am not. I dropped it cold turkey in the weeks right after finding out I was pregnant and have only had one here and there ever since.

7) Not food related, but I will be v. happy when I can sleep on my back again and not feel guilty about limiting the blood supply to my brain and to the baby.

That is all.

all quiet on the home front

2010-05-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

It's been quiet on this blog because it has really not been all quiet on the home front. There are no pictures of me because 1) I'm not really cute and pregnant and 2) the bathroom continues to skeeve me out.

Having a baby, saving for a house, student loans, etc. has made me into one giant whine fest and I hate to put it all out there since it probably makes for not.fun.reading.at.all. But, some good things have happened and I'm starting to at least get things in order so that my life can proceed in the best most efficient way possible.

1) We are saving aggressively for a house that we would like to live in, but still haven't found. I did find one that I really liked so hopefully we can get it for the right price! We're just waiting to see how things shake out since it just went on the market.

2) Carl Rove busted through a door at my cousin's house and it was looking like it would cost nearly $200 to replace it, but Husband has stepped up and now has confidence that he can stain and hang a door on his own. I'm rather proud of him since I was feeling like perhaps I married someone that wasn't very handy. I'm not handy at all, so I can't imagine I would have chosen someone who also was not handy. Disastrous!

3) Since Carl Rove broke the door he has been relegated to a kennel during the day while I'm at work. I felt really badly about it yesterday, but this morning he went in there rather willingly, making me feel much better about locking my dog away for 9 hours. He did get to go for a half hour walk with me this a.m., which helps to alleviate puppy mom guilt.

4) We are having a GIRL! I'm so excited! I can't wait to start buying things - except see #1. I will not be buying anything until we save enough for the down payment and move into the house.

5) I *think* if I can get my doctor to prescribe me a breast pump, I can get it covered by insurance as "durable medical equipment." Super excited about that because who wants to spend $400 on a breast pump? I can think of an infinite number of things I would rather spend my money on. Trust me.

6) I had been feeling really disappointed about Duluth's lack of dog parks. Last night I took Carl Rove to Keane Creek because I really didn't have anywhere else to take him. Jenn had said it wasn't very nice so I was skeptical. While it isn't fabulous, it was certainly better than nothing. The dogs (and people for that matter) there kind of sucked, but Carl and I just played fetch and at least he got to run off some energy. It is actually bigger and nicer than the park in the Warehouse District in Minneapolis where everyone in that 'hood takes their pups. So, I'm feeling better about Duluth hating on dogs.

7) We decided last night to file our taxes separately this coming year so that I can get on an income-based repayment plan for my student loans. I did the math and when I started repaying my loans I had almost $125,000 in student loan debt. This is more than we expect to offer on a house at this point (mostly due to student loan debt). Thanks to the College Cost Reduction and Access Act and my new employer, I'm hoping to get these loans paid off in 10 years. This feels amazing since I have been living with the idea that I would be paying $1,000/month for the next 30 years.

8) And one more thing! Husband has agreed to let a broker market the loft and see if he can get it rented. Thank goodness! They charge 1 month rent, which would mean our security deposit could go towards that. I don't think Husband has been doing a diligent job of advertising the place so am hoping that the broker can do a better job. He better do a better job if I'm paying him!

So after a 44 minute telephone conversation with Husband about money (one of my least favorite topics), I feel good that we have a plan, or at least we appear to. Enough of a plan to give me some peace of mind and help me enjoy the time I have with my puppy this week. Carl Rove is looking forward to going to Jenn's on Wednesday!

craptastic.

2010-05-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

I feel like I've had a pretty craptastic week so far.

I'm freezing
I have a cold and feel miserable. Not taking cold medicine for the kid's sake is really killing me.
I miss my husband and puppy
I hate all houses in this city so far. Hate is a strong word, but I definitely don't LOVE any of them
There are no good puppy daycares or off-leash parks for Carl Rove. Does this city hate dogs? Perhaps.

Gus drove halfway last night and we exchanged the dog and tried to rush several days worth of happenings into a 30 minute conversation for a piece of cherry pie. This is the first week so far that I've had doubts about whether this was the right move for us right now. Financially, it makes sense - or at least it will if we can sublet our uber expensive loft. I didn't realize how expensive it was, but Gus pointed out that we are very particular and have always been willing to pay a little more for certain amenities. But at this point, emotionally, I'm having a tough time. So I'm venting. It's Thursday though and that means I can go home on Friday and I'm looking forward to the weekend - more shopping and hanging with the puppy.

lesson learned

2010-05-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend I did some much needed maternity clothes shopping. I finally picked up a pair of black pants and I am super happy with them. I got them at Hot Mama, where the saleswoman hollered at Gus for telling me I was not a mother yet and should not expect a Mother's Day card. In his defense he did buy me a box of Godiva the week before Mother's Day, but when he tried to tell the saleswoman this she simply responded that "it was a good start," basically implying that he should get me something else. She even told me that she was going to buy me a gift for Mother's Day. I recommend these pants though, seriously. I got them in the petite length which makes them perfect for wearing with a small heel or wedge.

They were $68, but very versatile and super nice material.

Throughout the rest of my day shopping, here is what I learned. There comes a point in your pregnancy where you will be able to fit into regular clothes, but they will just make you look and/or feel really fat. I think I have reached that point and am trying to now only wear clothes that show off the bump as opposed to hiding it. I tried on a dress at Martin + Osa this weekend because the whole store was 50% off. I tried a size larger than I typically wear and while it fit, I simply do not have the waist anymore to pull it off. I looked fat. Lesson learned.

So today, while my outfit is nothing to write home about, I am happy to report I am wearing the above mentioned maternity pants and loving them. The best part of my outfit is the shoe - everything else is black.

Shoes: Target

2010-05-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Charise gave me some maternity clothing and I purchased a few items at a used clothing store, but here's what I've purchased new so far ...

Some stuff from Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic because they just ran A BUNCH of promotions recently.

Old Navy Maternity Low Rise Skinny Jeans

$36.50 plus 20% off

Gap Ruched Tank Dress

$49.50 plus 20% off

Banana Republic Mazzy simple straps thong

$39.50 plus 30% off

I know they aren't "maternity," but they have memory foam! MEMORY FOAM PEOPLE! And they are v. comfy. I'm keeping them. My baby wants mommy's feet to be comfy.

Norma Kamali for Walmart Tie Waist Jersey Dress

$18.00

I keep thinking I'll return this one and just keep the Gap dress, but it is only $18.00.

Wal-Mart roll cuff cargo pants

$18.00

I might return these Wal-Mart items especially the dress if I keep the Gap dress. But black dresses are soooo versatile! I usually try to stay away from Wal-Mart, but they actually had some reasonably price and cute maternity clothes online. Since I'm only going to be having a couple kids I figure I can shop there like twice in my lifetime?

Motherhood black capris

$19.98

I thought I'd be able to wear these throughout except now there is going to be snow and I'm starting to think I need to purchase some regular maternity pants for work.

Black capri leggings

$19.98

They are regular length on my short stubby legs.

I ordered it all online and of course I used my EBATES! I think I'm doing pretty well. I did purchase a couple new shirts from the Gilt Groupe when they had the maternity sale, but I can't find pictures any longer. They were tops from Maternal America, which I found was kind of pricey so it was nice to get them at a sample sale. They are super comfy and I love them.

Looks like it is going to be neutral colors from here on out for this mama. Guess I'll have to spice it up with shoes and accessories!

my lovely baby bump

2010-05-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Jenn told me that my bump was starting to look cute today. Yay! Today is the first day I'm wearing actual REAL maternity clothes to work. I did run to Target and picked up this dress for only $7.80 on the clearance rack. I don't necessarily love the print, but for less than $8.00, I couldn't go wrong. I did pick up a couple of other unnecessary items at Target too and in the interest of honesty and accountability, I will post them as well.

Here's my outfit!

Boots: Old Navy
Dress:Target

That's it folks!

But, here are my other Target purchases from yesterday ...

This Liberty of London top for $12. I refrained from purchasing any LOL items, even though there were several cute things and many items have caused a frenzy on the fashion boards. Seeing this on the clearance rack though, something came over me ... so obviously this was an impulse purchase. All the tags are still attached so I *guess* I could return it. But I think it would look super cute with my new True Religion jeans and my pink heels. We'll see whether the good or bad angel on my shoulder wins out.

I caved and bought these Cynthia Vincent wedges at full price $29.99. They are SUPER cute. I had read some reviews and one person said that the ankle strap wasn't adjustable and they were too big on her, so I was thinking that I wouldn't even need to try them since I have pretty small ankles. But I was browsing the shoe aisles and I saw these AGAIN. I tried them on and LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. They are so cute on my feet!! I even thought about putting them back and waiting for a sale, but then I realized that this was the LAST PAIR in my size! Curses.

Next up, a post of some of the maternity clothes I've purchased in the last few weeks. I can't wait to wear it all!

#2 of the day

2010-05-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

For your birthday Kate, here is post #2. I think this is the last time I will be wearing this outfit until PB (post-baby). It's feeling kind of tight. Although our administrative assistant told me it looked fine and she couldn't even tell that I'm almost halfway through this pregnancy.

Shoes: BCBG.
Tights: Kohls. They are purply pink. I like them.
Dress: Ann Taylor.
Jacket: Old Navy Kids
Nametag: My lovely employer.

slacker

2010-05-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

Last night Kate told me that my blog has been slacking. Part of the problem is that I hate taking pictures in the new work bathroom. It kind of grosses me out. Today I realized that this is probably the last time I'm going to get to wear some of my cute clothes until after I push this baby out. I bought a pair of black maternity capris thinking that I could wear them throughout this pregnancy, but unfortunately it is entirely too cold where I am living now to wear capris and I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy some black work pants. A friend gave me some work pants, but she is shorter than me and so I need to find some cute flats to wear with them.

So the two things I need are 1) black work pants and 2) flats. Since looking at black pants can't be nearly as exciting as looking at shoes, here are flats from Target that I wouldn't mind adding to my collection

These remind of Chanel quilted flats. I really like the cream and black color, but they do come in other colors as well. Only $36.99

I really like the color of these. Fun way to add a punch of color to an outfit, especially since it looks like it is going to be the summer of black for me. I mean it seems most appropriate and versatile to buy black maternity pants and dresses, so I should at last have some fun shoes, no? Plus these are only $16.99!

I love the cognac color of these and the studs add just a little bit of edge with out being over the top. I'm not sure how often I would wear this color though. They also come in black - hmmm. $17.99

And last but not least ... at some point here I'm hoping that it will warm up enough to wear sandals at least once this summer. I'm so sick of being cold. Love the little wedge heel on these sandals. $26.99

Perhaps a run to Target is in order at lunchtime today? Hmmm ...

lovely weekend

2010-05-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely weekend. Our loft is clean because we are trying to sublet it. I did yoga in the park with friends on Saturday and watched my niece play in a soccer tournament. Sunday was brunch at Moose & Sadie's with N. I highly recommend the Huevos Racheros, but the menu changes weekly. Took Carl Rove swimming at the dog park and then got a bun mi for dinner before I headed back to the northland.

I thought I was going to be cold this morning, but there was not much wind to speak of making my walk from the parking lot to the office bearable.

Here's what I'm wearing -

Shoes: Nine West. They are pink. I like them.
Skirt: Banana Republic. Can you see my little baby bump? It's a baby in there. I promise you.
Sweater: Old Navy
Necklace: Forever 21

TGIF!

2010-04-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! I'm headed home to see my yummy puppy, Carleton (and Husband too)! Also found out my friend/coworker is pregnant so I'm super excited about that. We'll have babies that are the same age. So fun! Sportin' the Bella Band today. Feels lovely. I think I should wear this when I'm not pregnant too.

Shoes: Steve Madden. They were part of my, "I'm pregnant and probably should start wearing flats at some point" campaign. Don't worry though, I still rock the heels too - at least until I'm too unbalanced to totter around on the them. They are purple patent, BTW.
Jeans: Gap Always Skinny. Love these jeans. For awhile I thought I should have bought a smaller size, but now that I'm pregnant I'm glad that they fit over my growing belly. I can still button them, but it feels much less comfortable than wearing the Bella Band. It feels a bit like giving up, not buttoning your jeans, but I'm getting used to it.
Sweater: Gap. This is a new item. $12.99 plus another 40% off since it was on clearance, so $7.79. I don't feel that badly about spending $7.79 on a sweater, quite frankly. I love the color and it's comfy, and some weeks I spend more than that on Starbucks. So there. It's orange BTW.
Cuff: Arden B. One of my favorite pieces although I don't wear it that often.
Nametag: Work. Apparently, if you aren't wearing it during work hours they will fine you a quarter. Most of the time they don't even know when I'm in the office since my current office space is a cube in the corner, but I'm trying to be a good sport about it. The other day though it was really making my sweater hang funny and I was not a fan of it.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I'll be doing yoga at the park and then off to see my niece play soccer!

just smurfy

2010-04-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

I am wearing my blue tights which make me feel a little like a Smurf. I still have an itch to buy maternity clothes and I have ordered a few items to see if I like them. If not, I guess they are going back. I did all my shopping online and took advantage of Ebates, which gives you cash back for TONS of online stores. If you don't use Ebates, you really should. Seriously.

It's still a little chilly for me here in my new locale, but I'm starting to acclimate, or to just realize that I need to wear tights and long sleeves for a few more months.

Shoes: BCBG. I wear these all.the.time. Especially, while living in one place for 5 days of the week and needing to pack EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND. It's just easier to pack one pair of black shoes, even if they aren't the perfect style for all outfits.
Tights: They are blue. Trust me.
Skirt: Forever 21. It's charcoal. Again, trust me. I could have benefited from some Static Guard or a slip today.
Top: Forever 21.
Necklace: Forever 21. I should start calling it Forever 32.
Cardigan: Express

And a special picture ... last week Kate said I didn't have a baby bump, but it is sort of coming along. I *may* be sticking it out a bit just for emphasis. I am thankful for everyday that I can still fit into my clothes and I imagine lumbering around with a huge belly will not be that comfortable, but I'm kind of looking forward to LOOKING like I'm pregnant!

case of the mondays

2010-04-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday I tried to wear a pair of maternity jeans thinking that maybe this bump has gotten big enough. I was wrong. The waist was still a little big and the butt and thigh areas were still pretty huge. Ugh. Back to my regular jeans with a Bella Band I guess. Gus even took me to a maternity consignment store, one that I had heard other Minneapolis mommies to be raving about. Unfortunately, I found it pretty heinous and the only cute things were dresses that they "rent" for special occasions and I guess they weren't going to sell me the XS. I am still on the hunt for some cute maternity jeans and maybe some more dresses when I can finally fit into them!

Here's me simply looking fat today ...

Boots: Old Navy
Dress: BCBG. Thrifted this. $20!
Jacket: Forever 21

This new "studio" is extremely unflattering. Perhaps I can get a full length mirror at home soon.

thank you!

2010-04-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

After b!tching about how all maternity clothes are gross, my good friend Kate took it upon herself to find some cute stuff. Unfortunately, it is more than I would even spend on regular clothes and hopefully I would be able to wear for a long time. However, some of it is adorable and maybe I will be able to find it in regular sizing and just size up a couple sizes for when I'm huge? This can be my new goal! I do still want to hit the consignment shop, but in MN most of the maternity consignment has come from one of four places, JCPenny, Old Navy, Motherhood Maternity, or Gap. Not exactly high fashion. I figure if I have to be huge, I might as well look super cute!

I hope to live in dresses this summer and I've been wanting a dress just like this one ... and it OBVIOUSLY doesn't hurt that it has also been seen on Brangelina and Heidi!

And for when it gets colder, which I assume it will do in like late August in this frozen tundra of the north that I've decided to call home. This is super cute and I wish it wasn't $209 or that someone would sell it at the consignment shop.

One of my biggest problems has been finding acceptable tops, but here is one that is not only acceptable, but also cute! Holla!

So thanks Kate. Unfortunately, I CANNOT spend that much $$ on maternity clothes or there will probably be a threat of divorce and I'll be a single mama. But I always manage to find a look for less and let's hope I haven't lost my magic touch!

oh baby!

2010-04-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

So as the days go by, my clothes get tighter and tighter. I'm wearing my grey M+O shift dress that I honestly thought would fit me for much of this pregnancy since it is empire waist and a modest length. Even the waist part feels tighter than usual. Ugh. I have a feeling this won't fit me much longer either. Since I've only spending weekdays here, I had to pick out all my clothes for the week on Sunday. I hope the dress I picked for tomorrow still fits!

And let's talk about maternity clothes ... AGAIN.

- Kate says that there are so many cute maternity clothes. WHERE? Seriously. I've seen some hideous dresses with bows and polka dots, as well as some awful looking tent shirts. I mean when your stomach is huge, you do not need to put a bow on it. IT IS NOT A PRESENT.

- Jenn pointed out that I had really not made any new rules for myself besides just making an exception for buying stuff. I guess my rule is that I'm going to try to find as much as I can at the consignment store and I'm going to keep going to stores until I find some shit that makes me look cute and not fat. Honestly? I don't think I'm going to have a problem because as far as I can tell, maternity clothing is not that attractive and trust me, I look online, in stores, EVERYWHERE.

Bottom line, I would like to look as cute and non-tent like as possible THANK YOU. I'm also running into the simple problem that maternity clothes, even small or extra small are still too damn big. I would just like to stop feeling fat and start feeling pregnant.

Oh and just another baby-related thought ... I don't need to "practice" by holding your baby, nor do I probably want to hold your baby or change its diaper. End rant.

70 degrees and sunny

2010-04-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

So I'm dressed like it is still sprinter out, but people here CLAIM that it will be like 70 degrees today. I'll believe it when I feel it. Regardless I'd rather be toasty warm and since being with child, I've noticed that I'm COLD all.the.time. I thought I was supposed to be hot all the time, but of course I'm the opposite. Just a testament to my contrary nature, I guess. I'm going to Wal-Mart today to buy a body pillow. Yes, I said it. WAL-MART. Yes, I watched that documentary about how Wal-Mart kills small town America and local businesses. But since learning that I need to sleep on my side and suffering through a few nights of barely sleeping due to laying on my side, I'm getting a body pillow, which is rumored to retail at Wal-Mart for $10. Boppy sells these ridiculous pregnancy pillows that cost upwards of $40. Pretty sure Gus would FREAK out if I bought one of those. So Wal-Mart it is.

Just another quick thought before my outfit for today - Gus also told me that I am not allowed to purchase the baby clothing at places such as Gymboree, Children's Place, or Hanna Anderson. I get the Hanna Anderson one, a tank top there was $22. Seriously? I don't even pay $22 for a tank top for myself. He has conceded to have our baby garbed in Target clothing. Funny how he is already laying down shopping rules for me. He knows me so well.

And here is what you've been waiting for ...

I'm really hoping it is my computer screen that is making me look like this picture was taken in a fun house mirror.

Boots: Old Navy
Skirt: J Crew. V. v. old, but I still like it and it still fits over my growing baby bump
Sweater: Also J Crew
Vest: Old Navy

finally.

2010-04-19T09:12:00.001-07:00

Finally feeling better. Thank goodness. Mama and baby were not getting much food for a few days last week. Plus it is awful to be sick on your first week of work and wonder if you are going to get fired. So good news is that I am not fired and I'm back for week 2 at new job. Plus I have accepted that it is still winter here and have now brought appropriate apparel. No bare legs for at least another month, maybe two. I've got sweaters, hats, tall boots, and tights. I'm set. Oh yes, and I've remembered to bring my space heater to work.

Jenn, my fabulous coworker, told me that I needed to take a picture of this outfit. Here I am in all my glory of my new photo studio aka the bathroom. Oh yes and someone else even asked me for the link to my blog so Hi Pakou, if you are reading!

Here's what I'm wearing on this lovely sprinter (spring/winter) day.

Shoes: Can't see them, but don't worry. They aren't new. I hear your feet change sizes when you are pregnant. Can you guess how much I look forward to that? NOT.AT.ALL. Anyway, they are the BCBG patent platform pumps. Love them. So comfy. Or as comfy as 4" heels can be.
Pants: That I barely fit into ... Limited.
Turtleneck: Express
Cape: Express. I love this cape. I love it so much that I bought it when it wasn't even on sale. Do you know how many times I've worn it. About 4. Sad. It's a hard piece to wear in MN. It has to be just the right temperature. You can't wear this with a coat over it because it becomes awkward to try to get your arms out of the cape and into your coat.
Hat: See? I brought a hat this week! And I wore it! Handmade by ... ME! So crafty I am.

Enjoy your Monday!

the rules: modified

2010-04-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

I started new job this past week and it was great for the 2.5 days I worked and then it was awful for the other 2.5 days when I laid in bed with the flu, 150 miles from Gus and the puppy so I couldn't even get a hug. I have a nice large mirror in the bathroom at new job so hopefully I can start taking pictures again regularly. Unfortunately I didn't realize that it was 100 degrees colder in new location. I froze by butt off last week. All winter clothes are coming with me this week. Sweaters, pants, boots, you name it sister, I've got it ready to go.

Back in Minneapolis for the weekend. Carl Rove got a little fixin' at the vet on Friday so he can't make any babies. Now he's got a cone and some of my underwear on. He looks pretty embarrassed. Poor little guy! He hates the cone.

And now for the rules modification ... I will not be able to make this a total spend free 365 days because ... I'M PREGNANT! I've been waiting to announce until I was able to announce at new job. But Jenn jumped the gun on that one by offering to take me to sushi for my first lunch. Jenn knows me so well that had I not eaten sushi, she would have gotten suspicious. So first day right out of the gates, telling new boss that I'm with child.

So now let's talk shopping ... MATERNITY CLOTHES! I've already started a collection from a friend who gave me a bunch from her last two pregnancies. Not totally my style but will work for casual wear. I haven't popped yet so I can still wear my regular clothes with help from a Bella Band every once in awhile. Here's what I've purchased so far:

2 Bella Bands ($26/each)
black jersey dress (on sale at LOFT, but I don't remember the price)
2 maxi dresses from Forever 21 ($24 total)
maternity leggings from Motherhood Maternity ($19.99)
maternity capris from Motherhood Maternity ($19.99)
True Religion jeans from Shopbop because I needed some fat jeans. I can't disclose the price because I'm kind of embarrassed. Let's just say that they weren't on sale and for those of you who know designer denim you know about how much I paid. BUT I DID GET FREE SHIPPING! And they came the v. next day. So there.

And on my little spending spree, I picked up a few items that I had been wanting that don't exactly qualify as maternity wear ...

Striped top New York & Co ($15) - it was 50% off!
Striped top H&M ($10) - and it had CUTE puffy sleeves
Black t-shirt dress H&M ($10) - honestly, I think it will look cute with leggings and my little baby bump, if I ever get one!

But now I will tell you how I was good. I went to a consignment shop that has maternity clothing, as well as regular clothing. I sold a bunch of clothes there and got $44 and then turned around and spent that plus another $18 and got all this ...

BCBG wrap dress - not maternity but I think it will look cute while pregnant
1 pair of maternity shorts - green cargo shorts not jorts thank you v. much
3 or 4 tops - I can't remember how many but all will work for maternity wear

I looked at the same pair of capris that I purchased new and this store was trying to sell them for $14.00. I thought HELL, I will pay the extra $6 for new ones for the peace of mind that no one else has worn them.

So readers, that is wear (where) I'm at. There is another consignment maternity store in Richfield and I'm going to try to get Gus to go with me this afternoon since we will be in S. Mpls anyway for a book release. I hear it is supposed to be good. Plus since I've been gone all week Gus feels like he should spend time with me now. Good husband.

4 legs bad 2 legs good

2010-04-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

It's my last day on the farm ... the cube farm that is. I'm living corporate America for a job in public service. Destined for no bonuses, no fancy schmancy retreats, no more taking clients out for drinks, no more expensing dinners with friends and calling it marketing. I'm trading it for steady hours, good benefits, government holidays, and peace of mind that I am really making a difference in the world.

So here's my last day outfit. I have to say I think it looks cuter IRL than in this picture. I also think I should have belted the shirt, but since I'm wearing a belt to hold my pants up I thought it seemed weird to wear two belts.

Shoes: Nine West. Patent Mary Janes.

Denim: True Religion

Shirt: H&M

Necklace: Forever 21. It's a cheapie. And it's cherries. And I love it!

Cuff: Forever 21

This outfit makes me look fat. Ugh. But really IRL I don't think it makes me look as fat as this lovely picture. Happy Last Day to me!

shear genius

2010-04-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

I've actually been watching this show. Tonight is the finale! And also tonight ... TOP CHEF MASTERS! I love Top Chef and this spinoff. Last year after Rick Bayless won, I wanted to go to Frontera so badly. Unfortunately, when we were in Chicago there were no reservations ... FOR THE NEXT MONTH AND A HALF. We tried to walk in and eat at the bar, but it was jam packed. I did actually get a delicious dinner that evening in downtown Chicago, but it wasn't Rick Bayless mole. *tear*

Since I will be leaving the metro area, I am also getting my hair cut tonight by my all time favorite stylist. I've been seeing Justin at Denny Kemp for several years. I'm not sure what I will do when I'm living a few hundred miles away. Perhaps I will just have to make a road trip for a good hairsnip.

And here's what I'm wearing -

Shoes: Kohls. These were all the rage on Makeup Alley maybe a year ago? I really like them. Good color. Fairly comfy, and v. affordable.
Pants: Forever 21. I bought a similar pair at Macy's for about 3 times the price and then when I found these the Macy's pants went back to the store.
Tank: Old Navy
Jacket: BCBG. I picked this up at the outlet. I love the BCBG outlet. I wish it lived closer to me. And now with the move, it is conceivable that I may never set foot in it again. There is a BCBG outlet in the Chicago are near my inlaws though, but Illinois has sales tax on clothing ... DRAT. So I try to only buy things there that I absolutely CANNOT get in Minnesota. Because really? Do I need to pay sales tax on purchases from Old Navy ... I THINK NOT.

the countdown is on.

2010-04-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

I've got 4 days left on the cube farm. Since my new job will require me to dress a modicum more professionally, I am trying to get all my creative casual outfits worn this week. I'm liking this outfit. I couldn't decide between my faux fur vest and my denim jacket. Here's what I picked ...

Shoes: Puma. These were not on sale and kind of expensive for me when I bought them. If I walk too long in them, I get blisters. Of course I still like them. Fashion over function, always.

My white pasty legs: Courtesy of the lovely MN winter. Ugh. Gross. I know.

Dress: H&M. Organic cotton dress. Love it. So comfy. Only $10!

Denim Jacket: Dolce & Gabbana. I thrifted this at one of my favorite consignment stores. The store typically only has high end items and sometimes is still rather expensive. It's really hit or miss, but I feel like I scored with this jacket.

Necklace: Forever 21.

second to last friday

2010-04-02T06:22:00.000-07:00

Next Friday is my last day on the cube farm that it is called the place I work. I have a list of to-dos that needs to happen before I leave. They aren't work related, they are simply life related. The biggest thing we need to do is find someone to sublet the loft. We've got 9 months left on the lease and it would be super financially helpful to NOT have to continue to pay rent there.

Here's my casual outfit today ... TGIF folks!

Shoes: Old Navy. I don't wear these often. I think it is the color.

Jeans: Gap Always Skinny. Comfy, but they stretch out ALOT.

Top: Target. Picked this up on super sale last summer. I kind of wish I had bought other colors too.

Cardigan: Target.

i caved

2010-04-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

So I caved. I really really wanted that striped dress from Old Navy and I finally gave in when it was on clearance. I also had a $10 reward so total it ended up being only $2.99. I've had some other slip-ups. I had SERIOUS spring fever. I really do love this dress though.

Shoes: Jessica Simpson. They are my favorites, but the soles are starting to get really worn. I wear them ALOT. Perhaps it is time to find a replacement?

Dress: Old Navy. I love it.

Belt: Old Navy

Scarf: Limited

It was so liberating to not have to wear tights this morning! Bring on the warm weather. Please.

spring has sprung

2010-03-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Sort of. Yesterday a.m. on my commute to work it was 37 degrees. NOT OK. But, it's Easter this weekend. Heading up to see my aunts and uncles. I really want to get Carl Rove some bunny ears because he would be so ADORABLE with bunny ears on. Gus sort of forbid me to get him ears, but I think I might do it anyway. Because how mad can he be when he sees how adorable a puppy with bunny ears looks? Seriously.

So at my new job I think I'm only going to be wearing jeans on Fridays so I'm trying to get all my denim wearing in before I start.

Shoes: Steve Madden. Peeptoe snakeskin. Loe them.

Jeans: 7FAMK

Beater: Calvin Klein. It's actually Gus's. I don't know if it still fits him, but he claims it does. I'm glad he doesn't read this blog.

Jacket: Nordstrom.

Necklace: JCPenney. I think.

food glorious food

2010-03-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

My other love, besides fashion and shopping, EATING! I love food. Delicious delicious food. Last night I had the opportuity to go to 112 Eatery for a friend's birthday last night. It is one of my favorite places to eat, but oh so difficult to get a table and they only take reservations for parties of 6 or more. While the food is always delicious, it is the dessert that had me swooning last night. We ordered just about one of everything. While everything was amazing, the crowd favorite was Nancy Silverton's Awesome Butterscotch Budino. I had no idea what a budino even was, but as my friend Tarcy put it, "it is a jar full of deliciousness." I did a little Googling this morning and found the recipe here. It is heavenly and we decided that Nancy Silverton is really a saint. The little bit of sea salt sprinkled on top is really the icing on the cake and makes this whole dessert come together in a symphony of deliciousness.

tuesday temptation

2010-03-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

The warmer weather has made this challenge exceptionally difficult. I desperately want some cute spring dresses. DESPERATELY. I have a feeling I may breakdown soon, especially as the weather continues to get warmer and the sun gets shinier. Here are some of my favorite dresses for spring ... of course there are stripes involved.

Little Sparkler Dress - Lulus

$34.00 (here)

Tier Drop Dress - Lulus

$56.00 (here)

Licorice Dress - Modcloth

$64.99 (currently out of stock)

Fun piece of trivia? Looks v. similar to the dress Kara wore on the season finale of the Real Housewives of Orange County.

Strolling Strapless Dress - Forever 21

$24.80 (here)

I want to wear this with a cardigan or a cute jacket.

Plaid Patchwork Dress - Old Navy

$29.50 (here)

This would be adorable with a cardi and some cute flip flops. It is sort of J Crew-esque without the price tag.

wild puppy

2010-03-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

Carl Rove has been feeling a little stir crazy lately. Last night he chewed on the leg of one of the TV trays. This is really only the second time in the three months we've had him that he has chewed on something in appropriate, so really how mad can you be? He's still a baby and learning and he hasn't been getting enough attention between work, job hunting, travel, interviewing, moving, freaking out, unpacking, packing, etc. So today he's at Pampered Pooch living the high life. Hopefully, that will help him get some energy out.

Here's what I'm wearing:

Shoes: Elie Tahari. Loving that I can wear peeptoes and not freeze my piggies.

Pants: Victoria Secret. I love these pants. So comfy.

Tank: Old Navy

Jacket: BCBG. I also love this jacket. I wear it kind of ALOT.

Necklace: JC Penney, I think?

times they are a changing

2010-03-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

I think when I started this blog, I mentioned that I was going to make 2010 my bitch and find a permanent job. And guess what? I DID IT! I'm excited, nervous, terrified, thrilled ... the whole gamut of emotions. The new position requires a relocation and I will be moving without Husband for the first few months. We haven't been apart for more than two weeks in the three plus years that we've been together, so it will be interesting. I'm hoping that he will be able to follow me ASAP. So I'm leaving my not yet unpacked loft and trading it for my cousin's basement ... and another move in the near future. Crazy!

Here's what I'm wearing today. It's not fabulous, but at least it isn't Uggs and a sweatshirt.

Boots: Nine West. I think boot season is almost over ... keeping fingers crossed.

Dress: Target. This was a pretty good purchase. It's versatile.

Cardi: Gap. Not really orange. More of a red/poppy color.

Necklace: Forever 21. It's the knock off of an Anthropologie necklace.

I was watching High Society on CW. The show with Tinsley Mortimer where she swear up and down he will never wear flats and then I see her walking around in sneakers. Just an observation ...

ass whoopin'

2010-03-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm getting my ass kicked by this cold. I'm dressed all in black because I had no energy to figure out what to wear. So I will spare you the funeral attire and give you my favorite shoe pics for spring. All very affordable, of course!

Mary Jane Wedge from Payless

On sale for $24.99 - here

Gladiator Sandals from Target

$22. 99 - here

Peeptoe Flats from Target

$19.99 - here

Peeptoe Cutout Wedge Sandal from CharlotteRusse

$34.99 - here

I haven't been shopping in a looong time so I bet there are some other super cute shoes out there, but I'm abstaining. Abstinence is the best form of prevention. You heard it here.

happy st. patrick's day!

2010-03-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not Irish. Nor am I wearing green. I don't even really observe St. Patrick's Day. Except last year when my entire firm went to the bar at 11:00, I kind of felt obligated to go. It was there that I talked to a partner about whether or not I should be looking for another job since the office had SLOWED down signifcantly. She said I didn't have to worry about it. CLEARLY, she was misinformed.

But perhaps my luck is changing. We have some big changes on the horizon. Hopefully, I can talk about them soon. It is an exciting and terrifying time and I will be happy when things are settled, although I'm pretty sure that won't be for several months. So I'm just plugging away. Unfortunately, I haven't been sleeping very well. Here's what I managed to pull together this a.m. though, at 3:00 a.m. Don't ask.

Boots: Steve Madden Intyce
Denim: Forever 21. These were $10. Did I already tell you that. I LOVE THEM! So comfy.
Top: Gap. It is a lovely poppy color, but it looks super orange in the bathroom picture.
Faux Fur Vest: Old Navy

rain rain go away

2010-03-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's not ACTUALLY raining, but it's grey and sunless so it might as well be. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous out. I was on my way to take Carl Rove to puppy playgroup when I decided that we should walk around Lake of the Isles instead. Carl is not so great at walking on a leash, but he had fun splashing in puddles, sniffing dog booties, and I even got him to try out the lake! He just kept walking until he splashed in the lake, at which point he backed up FAST!

And now I'm back at work and poor Carl is at home entertaining himself. Here's what I'm wearing.

Pants: Old Navy

Cardigan: Limited

Tee: Banana Republic

Necklace: Forever 21

Shoes: Chinese Laundry

Here's the full length shot. You still can't see the shoes.

what i'm REALLY wearing

2010-03-10T03:28:00.000-08:00

You heard it here! This is what I am really wearing today. I actually managed to formulate an outfit before going to bed last night. However, given the lack of full length mirrors in our home, I got to work only to realize that this skirt seems a bit short for this outfit ... so pardon if it looks a little hoochie. You can simply focus on the red/teal color combo because I really like that.

Top Half

I should really crop out the sink.

Top: Limited. From a really really REALLY long time ago. Really.

Cardi: Express

Necklace: Forever 21

Full Length

Shoes: BCBG. I wear these all.the.time. I know. But I like them and they are comfortable.

Skirt: Forever 21. Once I put this in the rotation, I've gotten quite a bit of wear out of it.

tuesday temptation

2010-03-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

I spent yesterday napping on the couch with my favorite puppy. Now I'm wearing jeans, Will Steger mukluks, and a black sweatshirt. It's hot. H-O-T, I tell you. I'll spare you the image. Here's a few picks from Forever 21, my go to for cheap trendy pieces.

I'm obssessed with stripes this season, along with everyone else. This one is only $10.80. So inexpensive! It comes in several other colors. I'm partial to the grey. It would look so cute with the red wedges hiding in my closet. The ones that are adorable but hurt like H-E double hockey sticks when worn? Yes, those ones.

I'm also obssessed with ruffles. I could wear this top now with a cardigan and of course it would look super chic this summer with cropped pants. My husband hates cropped pants. He just can't understand why "girls want to wear short pants." I even got rid of some of mine in honor of him, but I sneak them back in every once in awhile.

Also a fan of this plaid jacket. I think it's the one Chloe ala The Chloe Conspiracy has posted on her blog in some of her outfits of the day. She is adorable. You should check her out. Or don't because you will realize that her blog is 8 bazillion times better than mine and will never read 365 days again!

I'll admit that I haven't had the best luck with shoes from Forever 21, but I still like the look of these. I mean I wear uncomfortable shoes all.the.time. These are a knock-off of a pair of L.A.M.B. shoes. I love the color. I would wear them with a pencil skirt to add a bit of edge to an office look.

Maybe tomorrow I can muster enough energy to actually dress myself? Stay tuned.

here you go.

2010-03-05T04:31:00.000-08:00

So I mentioned in an earlier post that I was going to break out my sequin cami. TA DA! Here it is!

Shoes: Payless! They are blue patent and I love them.

Denim: Joe's Jeans

Cami: Wet Seal. I bought it in large because I really really wanted it and it was the only size they had. I really could have done with a medium. This is probably why I don't wear it v. often.

Cardi: Limited

Necklace: Target

I came to work with the cardi belted but it was making my tummy uncomfortable and since I typically spend the majority of the day behind a desk in a cubicle in a corner, I took it off. Wahoo! But here's the pic, just in case you want to see it.

what i'm not wearing

2010-03-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

I'm not wearing this today. I slept in. And by sleep in, I mean I woke up at 7:02 a.m. instead of 5:00 a.m. DOES THAT EVEN COUNT? I don't think so. I try to head to work super early because it means that Carl is home for less time by his lonesome and I don't have to hike 1+ miles from my car to the building. While I love some of the perks of working at a big company ... in house dry-cleaning, post office, sushi for lunch, Redbox, etc. I HATE THE PARKING LOT. ALOT. They have shuttle buses to take you to and from, if you don't want to walk. Unfortunately, I can't really figure out which bus I'm supposed to be on and figure it is easier to just hike it than to get on the wrong one and go for a joyride around the campus.

So anyway, my sleeping in has resulted in me wearing jeans, chuck taylors, and a random l/s shirt ... but here's something prettier that you all can pretend I'm wearing!

Shoes: BCBG

Dress: Forever 21. It is the k/o of the Black Halo dress. I don't think I even own this dress anymore. Seeing this picture makes me sort of wish I hadn't given it away though. Sad.

Cardi: Banana Republic. This cardigan was a great purchase. I wear it quite a bit.

You can tell that I'm not wearing this today because the picture was taken in our old condo. We don't even live there anymore!

tuesday temptation on wednesday

2010-03-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

I missed the Tuesday temptation. Here's what is tempting me today. The AE sequin cami - here. It seems like the perfect piece to dress up or down. Unfortunately, I have two sequin camis wallowing away in my closet that need to be worn. They are similar to the AE one, but just not quite the same ... le SIGH. But this would be a seriously unjustified purchase - so I better put my thinking cap on and figure a way to wear those sequin camis waiting for me in the closet.

AE sequin cami $39.50

Excuse me while I covet in silence ...

happy hump day!

2010-03-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad today is Wednesday and I am on my way to the weekend. We have some weekend plans here in town, but I'm looking forward to being home and not on the road. I need some R&R.

Here's what I'm wearing ...

Boots: Old Navy

Denim: Forever 21, stretch denim is my favorite, and they were only $9.95.

Cami: Arden B

Sweater: Express

Necklace: random

exhausted.

2010-03-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

February was the busiest month we've had in a loooong time. Moving, skiing, Las Vegas ... so exhausting. We got back from a wedding weekend in Las Vegas early Monday morning and I'm still trying to recover.

Excuse the weird pose. I feel like I'm sticking my boobs out.

Shoes: Paolo

Pants: They are navy and have cute little sailor buttons that unfortunately are not captured in the fluorescent lght that is the work bathroom. H&M.

Tee: Von Maur

Cardi: Gap

Necklace: Forever 21

Oh and can I tell you about my library adventures or misadventures, as it were? I've been trying to use my local library in an effort to not spend money on books. The day we left for Vegas I was running around doing errands including dropping off my library materials that were due. I pulled into the parking ramp, which ended up being full. Not really sure why they wouldn't let me just pull through and return the books in the book drop ... I didn't even need a parking space. When I hit the call button for assistance, I was told that "it will be awhile before someone can come help me." Really? WTF? So I backed up the ramp and tried to get back on the street without causing an accident ... and if you know me, you know how much I LOVE driving backwards. Then I couldn't find a meter to park at so I improvised thinking that I was just going to run in and out and no one would be the wiser ... particularly the Minneapolis meter maid. Well, some older gentleman starting yelling at me because I had apparently boxed him in (which I had not, perhaps he just doesn't like driving backwards either) so I ran back to the car and waited for him to pull out. FINALLY, I have a parking space. Now the Minneapolis library doesn't just let you put your books in the book drop. You have to SCAN your books in and if it doesn't ACCEPT them then you have to stand in line and WAIT AND WAIT. Seriously? How can it be so damn hard to return library books? Does the library not want them back? So what should have been a 3 minute process turned into 15 minutes, lots of swearing, and being late to pick Gus up from work. END RANT.

Moral of the story? Stick to the libraries in the suburbs with free parking and large parking lots.

one more day 'til vegas

2010-02-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

My college roommate is getting married in Vegas on Friday. I'm a lovely bridesmaid. I haven't tried on the dress since it has been altered. Hmmm ... maybe I should do that. Not that it matters. I suppose I just have to squeeze myself into it no matter what. At least I'm not the one that has to look good! So this is my last day of work before a long weekend and perhaps some above freezing temperatures. Hallelujah!

Shoes: BCBG

Skirt: Express. I love high waisted skirts.

Cami: Limited. These are the best seamless camis, in my opinion. They cost a bit more than some of the less expensive stores, but they hold up really well and you can often times get them on sale.

Cardi: Also Express

Necklace: Target

tuesday temptation

2010-02-23T06:01:00.000-08:00

Today's temptation is actually one that I fnally gave into. If you've been keeping up, you know that I really really want these. Like REALLY REALLY REALLY want them. I have put them in my Macy's shopping cart twice and even gone so far as to click the checkout link, but with shipping they were ending up being more than $100, and I just couldn't get myself to pull the trigger.

Yesterday, I made a quick stop at TJ Maxx to see if I could find a crossbody bag that I liked for Vegas. I was holding one that I thought would work and it was only $24, when I decided just to peruse the shoe section. Big mistake! Or big score ... depending on how you look at it. I found these ...

For under $50. I just HAD to have them. HAD TO. I thought that I really wanted the gold ones, but I think I will in all honesty get more use out of this black patent pair. So let me add these babies to the list of indiscretion on the right. *Hangs head in shame, but secretly smiles because they are so pretty*

And PS I didn't purchase the crossbody bag.

what i'm wearing

2010-02-23T05:51:00.000-08:00

I know you just LOOOOVE the originality of the post title, yes? Be honest. My brain just doesn't work anymore. It's unfortunate. I feel like I have nothing interesting to say. Whilst trekking across the sea of asphalt this morning, I decided it was because I haven't had a warm vacation this winter. The cold is really wearing me down. Headed to Las Vegas on Thursday for a wedding. Maybe it will be the break I need? I think my inability to come up with something interesting to post about has further been illustrated in my outfit.

This picture is awfully dark ... boo iPhone and work bathroom.

Booties: Steve Madden. Gus picked these out several years ago. I love them.
Tights: They are purple ... just use your imagination
Skirt: Forever 21. I've owned this for months and months and now I've worn it twice in the last two months. Go me!
Sweater: H&M. I wish it were longer. Long enough to wear with leggings. GAWD, I love leggings.
Necklaces: Target

monday ... AGAIN

2010-02-22T04:42:00.000-08:00

We've been in the new place since the beginning of this month and are STILL trying to find places to put EVERYTHING. We have so much sh*t!! Two trips to IKEA and we are still unable to actually purchase anything because I just CANNOT bring myself to pay $400 for a kitchen island that Gus insists he can build for $100. I let him build a wardrobe because again I just couldn't spend $200 for one at IKEA. Materials cost about $75, but he built this gigantic contraption that requires us to rearrange the bedroom yet AGAIN. Why do I feel like my life is so hard? Like how do people deal? Why can't we just unpack our sh*t and be done with it? I just don't understand. OK sorry. RANT OVER. And here's what I'm wearing ...

Boots: Nine West. Purchased last year and I still love them!

Tights: JCPenney. I usually don't remember where I purchase tights from, but today I had to open up a brand spankin' new pair.

Dress: Forever21. This has had to be mended once already, but for less than $20, what does one expect?

Necklace: Sarah Jessica Parker Bitten. Too bad there is no more Steve & Barry's in MN. Boo.

Good news though. I finally got another bite on my craigslist ad where I've been trying to sell the snowboard that I'm too uncoordinated to use. Let's hope I can sell it. A couple hundred extra bucks would sure be nice!

i heart casual friday

2010-02-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

My workplace is v. casual everyday, but I try to only make it a once a week thing. Plus I had to hike through the skyways this morning for an appointment. I'm excited to be wearing this jacket because it has been in storage since June! I almost forgot I had it.

Shoes: Target

Jeans: 7FAMK. I've had these for several years and just saw this morning that the inside seam is starting to rip. Damn my fat thighs. I turned 30 and my hips, ass, and thighs blew up. I'm sort of worried that it is going to split while a work, which I'm pretty certain would be embarrassing.

Tanks: Old Navy and Target

Jacket: Old Navy. From the kids section! For a while I could wear kids pants, but again my 30th birthday hit and it was all over.

Necklace: Target

Have a good weekend!

shine on

2010-02-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

I know you are sick of the "I'm still unpacking and my closet is a disaster" excuse. Too bad. There are still boxes and boxes of unpacked clothes in the bedroom and some clothes are unpacked and just in piles because there is NOWHERE to put them!

Anywho, I'm still not quite sure I have the hang of the sequins in the daytime trend, but I thought I would try it.

Shoes: Target. You can still get them here.

Pants: J Crew toothpick cords

Tank: Express. I have owned this for several years and have only worn it twice. It's honestly not that comfortable. The stitching on the inside from all the sequins is kind of itchy. In case you were wondering ...

Jacket: Forever 21. I noticed that military/safari-ish jackets are coming back. I saw a couple on the Old Navy and Gap websites. I'm thinking this piece will suffice for that trend. Voila!

Earrings: Arden B

I am in desperate need of something that will house all my jewelry .... necklaces, bracelets, earrings. Any ideas? I wanted to put up a peg board and hang all my necklaces on hooks. Gus nayed it. Boo Gus. So I'm still tying to figure it out.

hump day

2010-02-17T04:55:00.000-08:00

The whole unpacking thing is really a drag. We need to buy/steal/purchase/build a wardrobe for Gus's clothes. Right now I've given him one clothing rod in my closet, which means I still have clothes in boxes and boot boxes under the dresser. But thou shall not complain ... RIGHT? I'm such a complainer, but I think it is my coping mechanism, so that's OK ... I think - at least I'm saying it is OK. And here's what I'm wearing ...

Shoes: Jessica Simpson (don't judge), they are the Louboutin knock-offs, but I really really like them. I wear them ALOT and they probably need to be re-soled if that is possible on cheapie shoes
Pants: Wal-Mart of all places! I typically stay away from the store given the shady business practices, but I did just read in Oprah's magazine that Wal-Mart is one of the 100 things in this world that are actually getting better - so maybe they are giving their employees affordable healthcare and paying them overtime. Anyway, these cords are comfy, stretchy, skinny, and cost much much less than J Crew cords. I think I paid like $11 for these.
Shirt: Banana Republic
Necklaces: Random
Bracelet: Arden B