The Little Mermaid

I'm working from home today.  Friday afternoon was nothing short of hectic at the office, so I decided to be productive in the confines of my own digs.  On my "lunch break" I took Kasia for a walk.  On our usual loop, we play in the creek and run in the field.  Kasia LOVES going on walkies, because she can put her explorer hat on and sniff any and all things.  Since its warmer outside and the creek isn't frozen, Kasia will take a dip in the water, too.  (if there were a larger body of water, I would just bring a lawn chair and watch Kasia swim the entire afternoon)  Now that we are back from our light cardio, Kasia has now posted up in her "bedroom" to dream about walkies tomorrow. 

I'm so lucky to have a non-lame dog.  I don't know what Chris and I would've done had Kasia turned out to be not fun.  With a sweet and gentle personality, Kasia literally makes me laugh everyday.  Example:  while working away on my laptop, Kasia though it would be an ideal time to bring me my Crocs (one by one, followed by every non-paired sock from the clean laundry basket).  Crops circles of clothing and shoes.  I swear, she is in MENSA.

At 2:20 today I have my 24 week check-up/glucose tolerance test.  So, to gear up, I ate a lovely slice of stuffed pizza from Nancy's about an hour ago.  I'm sure I'll be STARVING come 2:20.

Dutch Tulips

I have a guilty confession...... and let me preface this by saying I am in no way ungrateful for being able to get pregnant so easily........ I'm not all about being pregnant.  I have friends and acquaintances that were all about being preggers. 

"I didn't know who I really was until I got pregnant."
"Life didn't start until I got pregnant."
"I felt so beautiful being pregnant."

Gimme a break.  Let's recap how I have felt and currently feel while being with calf:

1.)  I feel very FAT.  On my wedding day I was the thinnest I have ever been (as an adult).  Granted, I was eating super healthy and super busy with work and wedding planning.  It is a literal slap in the face getting dressed for work in the mornings.  I have said sayonara to cute underpants, my expensive jeans (purchased from the Buckle) and 32X bras.  Embracing large cut underpants (sized in the double digits), elastic-paneled pants/jeans and 36DDD bras.  Yes.  I said 32DDD.  Holy shit my rack is huge.  (sidenote: I had thought about spending my work bonus on a breastlift and implants to "fill out" my current bosom.  This surgery would simply modify my currently large breasts, not turn them into porn boobs.  I'm no longer thinking about anything but a double mastectomy).

2.)  I can't sleep.  I went off Effexor before our wedding because I knew I wanted to try and get pregnant right away.  Armed with weekly therapy sessions and a commitment to walk my dog everyday (for fresh air, piece of mind and 30 minutes of reflection), I thought I'd be good to go.  Boy was I wrong.  Now suffering from severe anxiety, I can't sleep for shit.  Compiled with not being able to get comfortable in bed, I'm exhausted every morning.  Thankfully, Kasia joins me in bed and rubbing her softie ears helps.

3.)  My diet sucks.  If you want to call it a diet.....  my food preferences.  I have always considered myself an adventurous eater-- any and all things I'll try.  I love goat cheese, quinoa, sushi, veggies, fruit... you name it.  I could easily eat clean and in a rounded fashion before becoming pregnant.  Now, nothing tastes good.  I finish every single meal unsatisfied.  Eating out in restaurants is a joke.  After staring at a menu for 10 minutes, the only thing that sounds appealing is iced tea.  Will my taste buds grow back?

4.)  Sign my up for the loony bin.  Tag teamed with #2, my emotions are all over the board.  My poor husband.  Chris seriously must think I am certifiably crazy.  I could cry at the drop of a hat.... even if I were surrounded by golden retriever puppies and baby lambs.

In conclusion, pregnancy for me hasn't been a walk in the park.  I know there is harder times ahead (mid-July and 8 months pregnant won't be awesome), but I'm more than happy to walk that walk in order to meet our son in a happy and healthy manner.



In The D

Chris, Kasia and I ventured back to the D this past weekend (2 cars, one dog, several cabinets and some packets of sunflower seeds).  My parents commissioned Chris to build two built-in cabinets for either side of their flat screen television (compliments of Chris and I to commemorate the birthday of baby Jesus).  After two long days, Chris completed the cabinets and they look awesome!  Pictures coming soon......  A word to the wise: freshly painted semi-gloss trim work and crown molding make a room look clean, crisp and updated.  Additionally, it makes the color on the walls and ceiling "pop."

I will always recommend white finish work over wood; wood tends to make any space look aged, "country" and creates shadows.  Plus, if you have awesome wood floors, wood trim takes away the drama from the floors.



While home, I was able to reconnect with an old friend, Miss Marianne Patricia Guidone.  I think we've know each other, literally, for 20 years.  She was a year older than me in school, dated my older brother and also holds swimming records at the Surf Club.  In my book, said information makes a person a superstar.  The mother of 12-year-old twins, Marianne (a.k.a. "Guido") looks exactly the same; same bubbly personality, same everything.  What a breath of fresh air.  Did I mention she has a dog named Clover with very soft, crimpy paws.  Kasia tried to play with Clover, but Clover gave her the universal dog sign of "fuck off."

Last night, Chris and I were able to pay a visit to the newly hatched Emma Elizabeth Reavis.  Born 7 days ago today, Emma Peanut Stink is all sorts of cute, smooshy and small.  Her favorite hobbies are making puppy noises, sleeping, farting, peeing in her underpants and being held by her momma.  Chris and I had the opportunity to hold her become drunk with newborn.  (drunk with newborn= suddenly being catapulted into a time continuum of sleepiness, ultimate relaxation, Air Supply and baby lambs). Emma's parentals (April and Billy) are adjusting to parenthood in an awesome way.  Lots of rubs, pats, hugs, kisses and smelling her baby awesomeness = good parents.

RV coverings

I have officially purchased a 5-pack of Hanes Her Way Microfiber Bikini underpants to facilitate my rapidly growing posterior.

Long gone are the days of cute "t-backs" with stripes, hearts, days of the week, flowers or polka dots.  Not hussy underpants, just cute ones.  Side note-- I (pre-prego) wear t-backs because of the non-threat of wedgies; the wedgie is already taking place.  Mission accomplished.

With my new collection of skivvies, I don't experience hurting red marks on my legs or Chris telling me to quit picking my "creepers."





On another note, I'm hoping my luck will start to change.  As the birth of our son is kinda far away, but yet only a handful of months, my priorities have (obviously) changed.  I'm thinking constantly about childcare and my career.  While I love working and making money, I'm really reconsidering this whole travelling gig.  The thought of being on the road with a newborn at home breaks my heart.  I don't want to leave Chris with overnight responsibility single-handedly (while having to wake in the morning to go to work).  I wish Kasia was like Nana from Peter Pan; a canine caretaker for humans.



A Change of Mind

There is a new wind in my sail today.  A shitty wind.  A fart wind, if you will.  I typically start my day in a good mood, aside from having to get out of my awesomely comfortable bed (complete with fully spooning soft-earred dog beside me).  Upon getting to the office, my mood continues to be stable....... but then (sometimes) the shit hits the fan. 

Found in any office is a handful of ignorant douchebags.  No grouping of cubicles would be complete w/o "chonches," a.k.a idiots.  I've developed a sort-of-thick skin when associating with said blowhards.  I don't however, play nice with blowhards that make rude comments.  Zero tolerance.  I have blogged about this in week's past (Shake Your Bon Bon 1/27/2012)-- read it and you'll understand.

What is really chapping my ass is the weight comments while being pregnant.  I don't really care if my friends talk to me straight about what I look like however, when people I'm not friends with make cracks..... well, that's a different story........ Especially when those people aren't exactly P90Xing it every night.

I am fully aware that my body doesn't look how it did back in November.  I get it.  I can't do anything about a mammal growing in my loins.  He gets hungry and I have to nourish him. 

If I talk about my weight post-baby, then I sound vain.  I'm not vain, I'm just hyper-aware of the changes to my frame.  Trust me..... the underpants I'm wearing are like boat tarps.



Spring is a time for babies

It's an exciting time!  Amy and Aaron Burkhart are now the proud parents to Miss Lily Frances (born on Easter Sunday) and SOON...... today...... April and Bill Reavis will be holding their daughter (name unofficially Emma Elizabeth).  Who doesn't love a newborn?  They have magical weaves, soft skin and porky feet.  Plus, babies make cute noises.  Additionally, babies are small which is awesome.

When my niece piece was born, Miss Greta had magic hairs on her head and sported cool purple sunglasses.  She also made cute puppy noises and her underpants were small.

Greta Fat Pants had a "bad day at the office" the day she was hatched, hence her magic sunglasses and sweet Michael Jackson glove (a.k.a. IV bandage).  Nonetheless, GFP had the best care at the hospital and the support from the first Original Gangsta/friend, Miss Cleo.

Miss Cleo has a pink dappie/cape to scare away the mean people.  She also plays music (mostly Parliament Funkadelic and Steve Winwood).

Clearly, GFP was "down from Day One" -- Dr. Dre.  Rocking bubble paper and a bandana (her gang colors are pink and purple sparkles), Greta is ready for any shit that may happen.  Bring it.













Long Weekends

I love long weekends.  It's bittersweet-- no work Friday, Saturday or Sunday...... then back to the grind on Monday.  The clincher?  When the weather is as gorgeous as it was this past weekend.  High 60s and sunshine everyday.  Literally, you couldn't ask for anything better.  The downer?  Having to take Kasia to the vet on Saturday.  That shit is NEVER fun...... even when puppies are there.  Period.  End of story.

This just in:  Adrienne (my bestie from high school and surrogate sista) and Aaron are expecting a BOY!  Due just 2 weeks after our son, the Willis and Petersen dynasty will forge on.  Below are some photos of what I envision for our sons future:

I hope that the Petersen boy will be bestest friends with the Willis boy.  They can make potato launchers together, erect tree forts and play capture the flag.  Additionally, they can have sleepovers and make a telephone out of cans and string.



Forgiveness

The theme of today's entry is forgiveness.  Yes.  Forgiving and all the things that go along with it.  I will be covering other topics as well however, I wanted to lead off with the most important one.  Question-- Can one really FORGIVE?

The saying goes "forgive but never forget."  Is that really possible?  Can they go hand in hand?  I'm currently torn due to a situation involving forgiveness.  I'm probably one of the most forgiving people; I can't stay mad at people and I'm always game for second, third and fourth chances.  My husband says I'm too nice and too optimistic that all people are good.  (whatever that means)

Part of me believes in the ol' clean slate.  Forgive, let's not bring it up again and move on with our lives.  the other side of me (the Libra deep within) can absolutely forgive, but NEVER forget.  Am I the only conflicted by this?  I guess when you get down to brass tax, depending on the hurt the other person inflicted on you is what really weighs in the decision to forgive.

For the record, I don't believe in grudges.  My mother says that my dad's side of the family is awesome at grudge-holding.  The only grudges I hold are against certain family members that have chosen to not be example-setting parents and ditch their kids in pursuit of other things.  I'm not sure if I can ever overlook such a situation.

The other piece of laundry I'd like to air is the thickness of politics these days.  I realize the election is months away however, people are super pumped to listen to all the candidate's riggamaroll.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion-- Freedom in every sense of the word.  My patience is running real low listening to people bitch about Obama.  Below is a statement that I should coin into a bumper sticker:

To every American that voted in the most recent presidential election--  Obama didn't cause the economy to tank.  The bottom fell out after years (and a few presidents) of bad decision making from many people.  It would be IMPOSSIBLE for Obama to be the one source of a shitty economy, corrupt politics, the national public education structure in cahoots, increased gas prices and a myriad of other concerns.  It will take many years to get the US out of this mess.  Be patient and remember-- ROME was NOT built in 4 years.  Now, lay off the Kool-Aid.

One last thing, Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck aren't in office and hopefully, never will be.

Non-Alcohol Induced Hangover

This is the 18th nausea-evoking headache I've had since becoming "with calf."  I woke up this morning feeling fine..... getting ready to shower for work.  Then BOOM.  A big fat freakin' headache right across my eyebrows.  It's always in the same spot and NOTHING makes it go away. 

I tried laying down, taking several deep breaths, eating breakfast, having a small amount of caffeine, going outside for fresh air..... nothing.  I even rubbed Kasia's left ear over my eyes...... ziltch.  No results.  Tylenol isn't really an aid either; with the injuries I've sustained in my life, Tylenol is now like candy.

Will this get better?  My sister says its from the added pressure and blood going through my body, thanks to baby boy Willis.  What am I suppose to tell my boss -- "Sorry Jay but, my head hurts from being pregnant."  I'm sure that'll go over well.

I think the only thing that will cure me is a teacup pig.  I want one and it's name will be Glen or Judith.

21 Weeks

I've been restraining pregnancy banter on my blog-- there really isn't much to write about..... until now.

My best friend Adrienne is 19 weeks pregnant.  During yesterday's shopping trip to Oakbrook Terrace, we concluded the day with a visit to Macy's Maternity Department (which carries Pea and the Pod and Motherhood Maternity brands).  "A" hasn't bought any maternity gear.  She can still fit into her pre-prego jeans (I have a SERIOUS issue with this, obviously).  Determining that baby Petersen will start to stick out of her abdomen in a more severe manner, new pants are in store.  Welcome elastic waistbands, this is my friend Adrienne.

I have concluded that maternity clothing isn't cute.  I don't care if you're Hilary Duff or Adriana Lima.  Shit isn't cute.  Yes, shit is comfy..... but not cute.  No one is cute when they're clearly over their ideal weight (according to body type) and wearing a boat tarp for a top.  I find myself struggling every morning to find a "cute" outfit to wear-- Kasia looks at me with this "You're not wearing that are you?"  What does she know?  She wears fur every day.

Additionally, below are the items that I crave on a daily basis (at random hours of the day):
Corndogs
Slurpees
Salami sandwiches
Nutter Butters
McDonald's cheeseburgers
Doritos
Pizza (any and all kinds)
Chewy Sweet tarts (the big kind)
Sushi (which I won't eat because RAW fish is not good when carrying a mammal)

One would pin for me for a whitetrash, backwoods hoodlum.  Pass the Kool-Aid and the bucket of fried chicken.  I'd like to point out that BEFORE being pregnant, I was practically a vegetarian.  Now, I buy bologne.  Clearly, I've lost it.

Kasia's Hangover

It's Monday.  Goshdarnnit.  Does anyone like this day?  In fact, there isn't even anything good on tv tonight.  Shit.  Just thinking about it..... I didn't protest getting out of bed this morning, even though Kasia was in the PERFECT snuggle/spoon position with me (thus allowing maximum ear rubbing and belly scratches). .... she was also making "snuggle noises."

This weekend was hectic to say the least.  I had planned a Polish Fiesta for Chris' 33rd birthday, so there was a mess of things to get done before Saturday night @ 6 PM.  With my EQUAL helper on the golf course all day Saturday, I was left ALONE to get all of the cooking and cleaning done.  I have chosen to not be upset about this anymore because it will do me no good...... moving on....... 

I crock-potted pork carnitas (recipe below) which were freakin' awesome and grilled carne asade to feed our guests.

RECIPE:
1 - 5 lb. pork butt (whatever fits in your crockpot)
1 orange, halved
1 lime, halved
1 whole jalapeno
4 whole cloves of garlic
1 - 12oz. beer (preferably lager)

Cook on low for 9-12 hours.  Take out of juices and shred.  Serve with tortillas (flour or corn) and all the fixings.

Alongside the meat, we had Mexican rice, homemade guacamole, chips/salsa, refried beans and red velvet cuppiecakes for dessert.  Delish.

All of our faves came out for the fiesta.  Too bad I couldn't booze it up with them; things would've been more fun.  Thankfully, pregger pals April and Cassie made the sobriety non-boring.  Nothing was damaged, no one got hurt and thus, it was a successful party. 

Kasia is nursing a 2-day hangover also.  Between all the people food and late night booty call to Sadie Munch (her bestest friend in the whole wide world), furbaby slept ALL DAY Sunday.  Not to mention, her stomach was making some funky noises.

Sunday was spent at Oakbrook Terrace.  Adrienne, Lisa and I went engagement ring shopping (for Lisa).  A word to the wise-- Tiffany's is not the place to fall in love with a particular ring.  The one Lisa loved had a price tag of $150,000.  Yes.  A nice bungalow = 1 Tiffany engagement ring. 



We hit up a few baby stores, too.  I also fell in love....... I fell in love with what's below:

I think Chris and I are going to do baby's room in plaid and stripes.  This way, baby can grow with his room and we won't have to re-do things at 1-year-old.  Although, I will have a sweet big boy bed for him when the time comes.