3D Sonogram

YES ! That's our Little Tomato!!!

We went to a very cool place today over in Westwood called
3D babyface Sonography.
And my parents drove up from San Diego and met us there.

It was a great experience. We all loved it. There was a giant Plasma Tv in the suite so that we could all see the little guy close up.
Our little guy is pretty much wearing my uteran wall like a hat and he is hugging the umbilical cord. It made it a little difficult at first to get a good view of him but Greg the owner who was doing the sonograph really figured it out and got some amazing images. He was a hoot to work with as well. Really funny, and personable. We laughed a lot.

I must say it was really strange to actually SEE him. The ultrasounds we have gotten in the past just don't show the detail of his features the way this does. I feel like I know him better. Jerry does too.
We have almost 50 photos and a 40 minute DVD just watching him in there resting.
Which probably isn't as interesting to anyone else but us!

We are so excited we did that.
I highly recommend it if you can find a really good place like this one. Apparently he does offers them for free to wives of active duty soliders in Iraq. I don't know for sure if he still does that but we know that he did do it at one time which makes him a pretty stellar individual if you ask me.

Anyhow - I'm off to stare at the photos of him while feeding him some salad and a chicken sandwich and maybe some raspberry sorbet - he did have an exciting day today!

xo

the Runaway Bunny

Yesterday my Aunt Donna sent us a stack of adorable little baby board books. After dinner Jerry and I sat at the table and alternated reading them to each other. I went first and read the Runaway Bunny. SO CUTE!
The other books are
"Big Red Barn"
"What's WRong, Little Pookie"
"Brown Bear Brown Bear, What do you see? "
"Chicka Chicka abc "
and
"Dear Zoo"

I loved reading them outloud and having Jerry read them to me.
It was sweetness all around last night and I am looking forward to reading these to our little fellah.

not much else to report here.
All is well, still on belly button watch.
going to a 3D ultrasound tomorrow with Jerry and my parents

It's so glorious outside - 80 degrees in january and I feel really good. Waddling - but want to be outdoors.
Heading out now.

week 33, and I cannot count.

Well hello there,
Today is the beginning of the 33rd week and I'm feeling really good.
I have more energy then I did the first 2 trimesters.
I'm figuring out how to sleep a little better - with the help of a billion pillows, eating smaller meals and not allowing any more food in past about 7:30 or 8pm. Although I did have a really bad night Saturday night that I won't even go into here unless you don't mind me talking about throwing up - yea - I didn't think you wanted me to go there....sorry.

This past weekend we had the honor of being showered by 7 wonderful women down in San Diego.
The home was magnificent, the food was SO TASTY, and the company was fun and delightful.
Jerry and I got to hear a lot of pregnancy, and parenting stories which we both really enjoyed.
And we shared the baby names with them - although it's been our policy to keep quiet.
The gifts were of course so thoughtful and ADORABLE! Some of them I want to KEEP for MYSELF. ( is that so wrong?? !! )
Ok I won't do that now that you know I want to!

This week the baby is about 4 pounds and is running out of room ( you're telling me! ? ) Good grief.
suppose to be the size of a pineapple. Seems about right




We are taking our second class in our birthing class series tonight
And I am "researching" cake and cupcakes for a baby shower that 2 of my friends are hosting in a few weeks.
( it's hard to be me )

I just got back from Sweet Lady Jane and had a slice of cake there that might be the winner!

Last week I thought I had 7 weeks to go til the March 2nd due date - but my husband pointed out I'm a week off.
So THIS week is the 7 weeks til ETA.

I can't believe that this is where we are at now!

I'm gearing up to color my hair again. After 7 months ( or is it 8 ? ) I can't count...... I'm done with having half a head of grey hair and the rest the luscious deep brown that I love. Not having two toned hair anymore. Over it.
I'm going to leave a little shock of grey in the front like a streak - but that's all folks.

List of foods I love right now:

goat cheese
eggs
tangy fruit like raspberries
oranges
blueberries
mango
tomato
red peppers
yellow peppers
turkey burgers - without the bun
salad with lemon and olive oil
choc. chip ice cream on a sugar cone from buster's coffee shop in South Pasadena.
chicken with tomatos, kalamatas, and capers. ( thanks to amy and sean )
milk
water
OJ
tea

and
sleep.
more sleep.
and more sunny days like today please.
86 degrees and sunny. What the heck - middle of Jan.
I'll take it.
doors are wide open - tv is broken so that's not on - and I'm enjoying the afterglow of cake research and feeling like it's time for a nap. Ahhhh - the quiet time before baby comes. I love this.

photo of the day

My dearest belly - you are so beautiful, round, smooth, and a perfect container for our baby.
Thank you.
Thank you for holding on to him while he grows.
Thank you for growing in all the right places so he can have more room.
Thank you for letting us feel him move around and kick in there by just laying a hand on you and waiting.
Thank you for stretching yourself out and molding yourself to suit the needs of the little guy without any fussing or fighting back.
Thank you for fitting into the clothing you fit into and still somehow helping me look cute with your roundness out in front of me. ( we all know how important looking cute is ! especially when I feel like a whale. )
Thank you dearest belly for helping me hold this baby.
I'm grateful to you and all you do.



this photo was taken today on my iphone by my husband right after a glorious lunch date with my friend Kirsten.
Turkey, avocado, bacon, cheese sandwich and cup of tomato and red pepper soup with dollup of pesto. Orange slices, water from heriloom Bakery. ( they are starting to recognize me now I think I am there once or twice a week now )
and then topped off with a chocolate chip ice cream cone from Buster's. beautiful glowing hot sunny day. Proud to show off the belly underneath a pretty top I had in my closet before I got pregnant and it still fits me somehow. Black wide leg lounge pants, and my merrill walking shoes.
Hiding my grey hair under a hat, and dreaming of the day that I color it back to the rich deep chocolate color that I love......

Waiting for the belly button to pop out. Any day now. It's closing in on itself.....

momversation

holy cow - momversation listed my blog post as being an interesting read! I'm flattered and blushing over here! Thank you! I'm a big fan of Momversation. Have you checked them out? You must....

here is the link if you want to read what they said.
http://www.momversation.com/blog/link-roundup-jan0809

Feels like a good reason to go out and get myself a piece of cake - don't you?

a list at 55 days and counting

Just a little list of things I didn't think I would get so acquainted with while pregnant:

1. Extra Strength Rolaids - Tropical Berry flavor. One big bottle is by the bed., and another has to be in my purse at all times.
2. Trader Joes Lip Balm - gotta have it - or my lips shrivel. One by the bed, one in my purse, one in the bathroom cabinet, one in the car! One in my bag for the hospital!
3. Thin Pads - for a tiny amount of leakage. Need I say more? augh.
4. Pillows - I need 4-5 of them to prop me up to sleep on at night ( to avoid acid reflux if I can ) and one in between my legs like a body pillow. I have a body pillow but it wasn't very comfy because it's made of some poly blend and makes me sweat like crazy...not good for pregnant gals.
5. Nightmares - then waking up to Jerry giving me a kiss and telling me he loves me. This happens all the time. It's not fun and then - it's fun! Last nights dream was a dooozy. Then I got a nice hug and a kiss and a whisper that he loves me.
6. Toilet Paper - how many times can a gal get up to pee at night.....good grief!
7. slip on shoes - I never thought I'd buy these -but they are necessary!
8. tv( food channel, E!, bravo, Movie channels, Comedy channel etc.! ), tivo, internet, facebook, blogging, e-mail, txting, iphone and phone.
9. the inside of our house - especially the couch.
10. what it's like to drop things on the floor and just leave them until Jerry gets home since it hurts to bend over. So I am acquainted with walking around the things I drop.
11. Annie's gluten free Macaroni and Cheese, Microwaved for 4 minutes - then stirred - then another 3 minutes. Why do I know this by heart?!
12. worrying. I guess with pregnancy comes the jewish mother instinct of worrying about everything. Oy. ie: did that piece of lettuce get washed enough? Am I drinking enough water? What if the bath water was too hot? If I use this deoderant will it hurt the baby? I haven't felt him move much in there is he ok? What if I didn't eat enough veggies (ie: I didn't eat any is that a problem? ) What salad dressing can I actually eat that doesn't have raw egg in it? When can I have that Cesar Salad again???
13. being tired
14. letting Jerry take care of Everything with a capital E.
15. Missing my friends and being alone a lot during the day.
16. Being amazed that I am pregnant!
17. That feeling a kick or movement in my belly would make me feel so connected to the baby but also so far away because I can't tell what the heck is going on in there and he can't send me a memo.
( he just kicked me after I wrote that !!!! )
18. Red Meat.
19. Milk
20. Sugar and wheat! What the heck?
21. baking - who knew that "nesting" for me meant breaking out the standing mixer and throwing around the cupcake trays!
22. What sunrise looks like
23. What it looks like at 3am in the living room with no lights on.
24. What it feels like on the front porch at 5am
25. Falling more in love with my husband. How is that possible?!

I think he is just getting home now from work and from picking up our dinner - yes - you guessed it -
a well done cheeseburger, a side salad, and a side of fries and a piece of cake of his choice.
We are splitting it all. We've taken up splitting our meals when we eat out and it seems to help my tummy with the acid reflux - plus I just don't have the room anymore, and it saves us money, and if he is still hungry - he can microwave - MAC AND CHEESE!

week 32! beginning of 8th month I think? 7 weeks left...

well after trying to sleep for the past 4 hours I decided it was time to get out of bed and make some tea and see if moving around might help. Having some new pains make their appearance this evening up in my rib cage and around to my back right in a nice circle of discomfort. Also - the tar like heartburn I had way back in the beginning is back tonight for the first time in a long time. I had forgotten just how tasty that is. ACK. I usually have acid reflux and that burns but this is actual goop that likes to show itself and has a really strong burn and taste to it as well. Nothing helps that go away that I have found. Marty gave me some heartburn tea for the holidays this year ( THANKS MARTY ) and I am trying it out right now. It's soothing and maybe that is all that matters right now.

Jerry goes back to work today after a 4 day holiday weekend. We took down the tree and put away all the ornaments. Worked on our wedding album ( finally ) and watched a movie, worked on the baby room, started putting dimmer switches on in the rooms where baby will be, worked on clearing more room in the garage, called pediatricians, bought new phones so we have more of them and moved our current one out of the baby room, etc etc. Lots of small adjustments. I was more like a list maker then an actual helper bee on some of these assignments but it's nice to work as a team to get this stuff done.

Jerry is starting a time change for office hours so that when baby comes he won't be at the office until 7:30pm anymore. ( and 7:30 is EARLY compared to what it was like when we first met - he was getting home around 9 or 10pm most nights back then so it's slowly been improving ).
he is getting himself and the troops that work with him used to a 9-6 schedule instead of 10-7:30 schedule. When he gets off work at 7:30 I usually see him at home by around 8pm or 8:30 depending on traffic.
It's going to mean that he has to drive in a much more dense traffic situation both ways - but that he will be home sooner to hopefully get some baby time before the little dude goes to sleep. It may also help me to get out a little more at night once in a while to see friends and go to my meetings. Not that this is going to happen right away but a meeting at night once in a while after I get used to the new dude in the house might be a nice thing to break up my own schedule as well. I will do a baby hand off and head out.

Here is a photo of what he looks like according to babycenter.com


Apparently he is the weight of a large Jicama but my back thinks it's more like the weight of 5 large jicamas. Good lordy.
My back has had enough and is really tight down in the lower areas which makes me shuffle around a lot these days. Going to get another massage soon. Like probably next weekend!
( thank you for the holiday money mom and pop! my back thanks you! )

Jerry and I decided to not have a Briss or a Baptism since it wouldn't really be fair to put this on the little guy since we aren't religious and we don't want to start creating situations that don't work for both of us as a team effort. Maybe we will create our own little ritual and ceremony for him when he gets home. A sage burning, tea drinking, prayer flag hanging event of some sort. oh that sounds soothing doesn't it?

Earlier tonight Jerry and I were watching the comedy channel and the comedian that was up last was talking about his 5 year old son who decided to color his entire penis green with a permanent sharpie marker and then add two eyeballs on his little balls with a black marker and then everytime the parents had friend over the son couldn't wait to drop his pants and show them his green penis with eyeballs. His penis was green for 2 weeks.

Hope this post leaves you with a little chuckle of what may be in store in our future. Green penis with eyeballs and a son who is proud of his artwork.

Grandma Oldenburg turns 99 today

Dear little dude,

Your great grandma Beatrice Oldenburg turned 99 years old today!!!
Our Aunt Cathy and Uncle Ralph, Uncle Joe and Aunt Carol took her out to her favorite place to eat today ARBY'S!
That just cracks me up.
Thought I'd post these photos that were sent to us today so you can take a look at them later in your life and see what she looked like in 2009!

Your papa's got some crazy stories about Grandma O. She was a wild one back in her youth. Especially during the prohibition years!

love
mama

baby doctor update

We had another monthly routine baby doctor visit today.

here are the stats:

my current weight: 154 ( um oh my god )
I've gained 37 pounds so far....don't call me fatty or I'll punch your lights out.

Blood pressure: 112 over 68
normal

a little protein in my urine - just like the last few visits - nothing to concern ourselves about.

Sugar level is normal.

Baby's heartbeat 136 - normal.

His head is facing down, right on top of my bladder thank you very much...

I started having cramps that feel like I'm going to start my period - and that my friends is called Braxton Hicks Contractions.
If they continue and get to be really regular that means baby is coming so we are hoping that it just stays like it is. a little at night and a little in the afternoon. I'll keep you posted. p.s. I have them right now. Doesn't feel good. Just so you know. But not terrible.

Talked to him about C-Section and Vaginal birth.
I'm keeping my thoughts / choice about the birth to myself since so many people out there enjoy giving unsolicited advice.
I'm not open to that right now. Never have been actually.

Now we have our next appointment in 3 weeks, then the next in 2 weeks, then 1 week after that, then 1 week, then it's "show time".

oh my.

People say that the baby can be anywhere up to 2 weeks late and that first time babies usually are late. However our doctor won't go beyond one week past the due date so that's good I think.

Today we bought new phones and Monday the phone people are coming to install more phone jacks so we can get the phone out of the baby's room and there will be 3 new phones in the house in much closer proximity to me. I have a very hard time hearing the phone if it's not next to me because of my hearing loss, so that will be super nice for baby and me!
We made sure the phone has a "ringer off" mode and a place to plug in a headset since I hear so much better with one and then I'm hands free which is essential with baby!

We also got an air purifier and will probably get another one in a few months. This one we are going to have in the front room for now and then it might move to our room. It will help clean up the cat dander, cat in general, dust, and any other funk in the air.

I bought a pair of sweats at old navy today to put in the overnight bag for the hospital.
And we called a Pediatrician to make an appointment to meet her and get a tour of the place and learn more about her see if we like her. We are going to meet a few more while we have a few more weeks. ( knock on wood )

sorry it's so clinical and not really interesting today.
But that's the scoop.

Enjoying having Jerry home for the next 3 days. We had a great time at the annual new years day waffle party.

end of year letter to the little dude

hello there little fellah,

It's the last day of 2008 and we are so excited about how this year turned out for your papa and I.
First off - it's our first year of marriage. And that alone is so exciting for us to be together but then.....drum roll please......
We got a HUGE gift in May when we found out the universe was supplying us with YOU!
Talk about icing on the cake of our lives. SHEESH. It was so surprising because I thought I might be too old to get pregnant - but looking down at my huge belly I apparently was wrong!
We've had a nice time together you and I so far. I love sharing my food with you, and being a vessel for you to grow in. What a total trip. I love feeling you move and you kick so hard now that it makes me laugh. People can see my belly moving from across the room now and no one feels nervous about asking me when I'm due - lots of strangers are curious about you.
I gave us a pregnancy massage followed by a milk bath with jets in the bath and I ate oranges and bananas and wondered what you thought about the swirling water jiggling you around in the tub? I think you probably loved it. I'll be going again next month for SURE and I'm taking you with me!!
Tonight is New years Eve and we are staying home to lay low and be mellow. Your parents aren't so into being in large crowds of drunk people. Those days are over for us. Been there - done that. You'll probably go through that as well at some point, but for now we will be pampering you with power lounging.
Your papa is working today and creating a space at work so he can leave for the 1st 6 weeks of your life. I'm so excited about that. Who knew he could get Paternity leave??
We are excited to meet you next year - and learn more about who you are and what you need.
Your papa and I love you and are so excited to show you the world. Thank God Obama is in office, we live in the very warm and sunny climate, We can offer you a cozy home and place to rest, I have the luxury right now of being home to care for you, and papa is the best human on the planet as I tend to mention from time to time so you are going to love love love being with him I'm certain. We plan to surround you with other loving humans, fun little beings your size, animals, laughter, love, light, fun, joy, music, dancing, giggling, and all the other emotions that we enjoy having. Yes - little dude you are allowed to share your feelings and emotions here.
p.s. I'm watching your grandfathers favorite movie right now " Ferris Buellers Day off " and wondering if you will be anything like the main character in this movie. Or like your grandfather who likes the wackiest movies, like Animal House, Knocked Up, and Pretty Woman.
too funny!

love you little bean, tomato, bagel, dude!

Happy new year!!

mama


Dear little dude,

We're about to start the year you will be born - 2009. I think it's a nice year to be born. If you're on time you still have a couple of months before B-Day. Take your time. No hurries. Life happens on its own schedule. As much as we try to control it, we're often just along for the ride. So for now kick back, relax and enjoy it. We all look forward to meeting you.

Love,

Your Dad

8 weeks?

um, I was just looking at a calendar and it looks like if the baby is born on March 2nd or during that week that we only have 8 weeks left.

Eight

E-I-G-H-T.

e.i.g.h.t.

**

so to distract myself I'm getting my first pregnancy massage and milk bath at Burke Williams Day Spa in Pasadena tomorrow.
All paid for by glorious friends and family. THANK YOU !!!

What a nice way to end 2008 and move into this last trimester - or as I am now calling it " Birth watch 2009 "

Will he be early? Will he be late?
Any guesses out there????

My friend Amy told me that the baby could be born as late as March 16th! Which is fine by me if he needs more time in the belly. The grandparents are starting to make requests for visits - not sure if the little dude will accomodate everyone's schedule's but we will see!

Today I bought him his first 5 years Baby Book,
what to expect the first year
the vaccines book ( which jerry will read and give me the cliff notes on )
and a book recommended by the hospital that covers all things baby.

On the 2nd of Jan we will start our search for our Pediatrician.

Looking into the 3D ultrasound - might do that in the next few weeks.

Little Dude's papa just got home from work - it's 9pm and he needs to have his dinner and have his power lounge time on the couch so I'm going to go and kiss him now.

week 31 update

ok I tried to upload a photo from baby center of how the baby looks this week but it just wouldn't do it so Here is a photo of the so called size and weight - 4 navel oranges.
Feels more like a bag of oranges in there - like say 10 of em.
All rolling around - keeping me from getting a full breath of air.

Week 31 starts today.
Today was a good day.
So sunny and hot it felt like the first day of Spring or Summer. Something about the light made me smile almost the entire day.
I headed to an old favorite place and had their granola with berries on top. Oh was it tasty.
Then - I got one of there salads to go and had that for lunch with a ( drum roll please ) turkey burger that I made here
just like the days before my pregnancy. Salad and turkey burger. That's all I ever ate for lunch. I had an aversion to veggies for the past 6.5 months and anything I ever ate before I got pregnant was not an option. Made me just feel cold inside.
So today was momentous with the food. ( other then the 2 choc. chip cookies and 1 hard boiled egg I had when I woke up ! - um wow )

Last night we went to see the movie MILK and I had a hard time breathing. The seats were stadium seats and for some reason it was just the perfect angle for me to have even LESS air then I already have. And my feet went cold and I was dizzy and lightheaded. So after an hour we had to leave. I never saw the end of the movie. Once I got up and walked around I was much better. But sitting is becoming a breathing hazard.
Luckily at home I don't experience it so much on the couch as I do in chairs. So guess where I am most of the time!



Thinking about the baby room....and which decals to get.
I'm thinking this tree is in our future....

along with some others I'll post later

hang on little tomato

I was looking around for Pink Martini's song and video of "hang on little tomato" and found this.
It got me all teary - so I figured I should post it even though I have no idea who that baby is.
But this is the band - singing the song that prompted the blog title and baby nickname and they are one of my all time favorite bands. Saw them at the Hollywood Bowl with Jerry and it was magical.

enjoy!

7 months of belly photos

Click on the image above to make it larger so you can really see the belly!


ENJOY?

I'm so glad Jerry took these photos for us.
It gives me something to look back on and remember what my body used to look like, what happened, and what it's like now!
No wonder it's hard for me to walk these days!
Sheeeeeeeeeeesh. ( p.s. I'm bigger now then the last photo there that was just taken 2 weeks ago....I've lost my chin...oh yes....it's gone. )

I'm glad I haven't really been bothered by gaining the weight this far - I figure it's a waste of time since - um - I'm growing a human inside of me. But just recently I've noticed that I'm getting a bit more sensitive about it. So if you see me...don't call me fatty or I'll slug you. Don't say " wow you're HUGE " or a fist might make it to your chin. What is WITH PEOPLE!?!?!

Well it's 5:36am and I've managed to utilize this time by creating this photo comparison, now I'm off to slice up an apple, make some tea, and watch as the sun rises. I may pull out a pregnancy book - but I've learned the hard way that reading about pregnancy and birth is over rated and just causes more stress. No thank you. My mind is enough for me thank you!

xoxox

enjoy your Sunday.

it's the last day of hanukkah

it's the last day of Hanuakkah and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even -
wait a minute
I'm STIRRING!

I'm up at 3am again.

Someone's car alarm went off at 3am and I never got back to sleep.
So here I am on the couch at 4:22am with my cat sitting next to me while I post a blog entry and try to bore myself back to sleep.

The photo was taken a few days back with my iphone. The menorah is on the coffee table where I spend a lot of time sitting on the couch and looking at the tree lit up and out those windows at the bright sunlight.

Jerry and I are really glad we started to have our own holiday at home this year. This year we stayed home because of the pregnancy. And we welcomed the opportunity to buy our first tree, light candles of the menorah each night, start a dinner tradition on the first night of Hanukkah, and on Christmas eve, and to relax and take our time.
Maybe today on the last day of Hanukkah we will come up with another tradition to end the holiday with.
Like - going to see a movie!
Do you know how long it's been since we've gone to one?
The pregnancy - mixed with the fact that it gets dark so early right now - makes it very hard for me to get out of the house after a certain time.

So today - we were thinking of seeing a matinee, then head back home to continue to work on our baby room, in between more rest and relaxing.

These quiet days are numbered and I am SO aware of that.

Today it's going to be about 68 degrees and sunny. Tomorrow 73 and Tuesday 74. I'm hoping to take a walk with Jerry later this morning when Jerry gets up. If not - then maybe Monday.

Gratitude list:
1. Jerry and I are having a baby!
2. We live in a warm comfortable and cozy home together on a quiet ( except for that car alarm this morning ) street with nice neighbors.
3. We live close to the rose bowl, the aquatic center, huntington gardens, and beautiful neighborhoods where I can take the little bagel on adventures.
4. I'm 7 months along now - tomorrow will be week 31, and all is well.
5. It's very quiet right now in my life - no stress at all.
6. my photography business is on radical sabbatical and I'm transitioning the business into something that feels better to me.
7. my cat likes to lay on my belly and purr - she's helping.
8. I joined mom's club and met some really great mamas already.
9. we have medical insurance ( miracle )
10. Jerry and I have a hoot of a time together

I'll stop there even though I know I could go on and on.

Life is good.
Wish I could sleep, but it certainly isn't the worst thing to deal with.

Happy Last Day of Hanukkah to the little bagel.
Looking forward to sharing these traditions with him. We want to start a family tradition of volunteering our time to help those in need as well. This year we may donate some food to a shelter - because I wasn't feeling well enough to go help out this year.