Ahhhh, the Babymoon was perfect. We went to Pronghorn in Bend, Oregon from Saturday to Saturday. We flew straight into the Bend/Redmond airport and just disconnected like we were on a tropical vacation (doctor advised against Mexico at 29 weeks). The weather wasn't so awesome the first 48 hours, but the rest of the week was 75-80 and beautiful. I am SO glad we weren't in Chicago for the major heat wave.
We spent the week playing golf, working out, laying by the pool, eating out, shopping, doing the Bend Ale Trail (Nick only of course), and we squeezed in a hike full of waterfalls along the Deschutes River. It was perfect week of relaxation and time together. Thank you to my parents for letting us use their house for our trip!
Now, back to reality! It's getting harder and harder to focus at work these days. In addition, I am starting to lose my memory - I so hate admitting that. Oh well. I also had a doctor's appointment yesterday... baby boy is still head down, feet up in my ribs with a strong, healthy heartbeat. I, on the other hand, am showing signs of hypoglycemia. Not a huge deal, but is causing the frequent feelings of faint, shakiness, weakness and dizziness. Doc told me to graze all day and not go more than 2 hours without eating. I guess Ill be bringing my lunch sack in and out of meetings all day from now on.
9 1/2 weeks left! Super excited for everyone to get here next week for my family shower on August 6th - thank you Christa & Maggie. Maggie is the first to arrive next Tuesday, then my mom, Christa & Terri. Nick and I are just finishing up some housework this weekend getting ready for everyones arrival. Cannot wait!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Dentist's Chair
So Nick and I finally found a dentist here in Chicago. She is awesome. And her hygienist is really great as well. We did our check up's this week.
Nick's didn't go so well.... let's just say we have some money to spend there before the baby comes! My appointment went great as far as my teeth.
However, my last doctor's appointment I learned that my blood pressure is still very low. In fact, lower than it was pre-pregnancy. This means the fainting and lightheadedness might make a comeback in certain situations. And...I just learned today the dentist's chair happens to be one of those 'situtations'!
Nothing more embarrassing than having to stop the teeth cleaning with the water, sucky thing and the mirror in your mouth while you wear those super sweet shades/goggles to let the hygienist know I am about to pass out. We have made quite the 1st impression with Nick's list of dental repairs and me just about fainting mid appointment. Ha!
Nick's didn't go so well.... let's just say we have some money to spend there before the baby comes! My appointment went great as far as my teeth.
However, my last doctor's appointment I learned that my blood pressure is still very low. In fact, lower than it was pre-pregnancy. This means the fainting and lightheadedness might make a comeback in certain situations. And...I just learned today the dentist's chair happens to be one of those 'situtations'!
Nothing more embarrassing than having to stop the teeth cleaning with the water, sucky thing and the mirror in your mouth while you wear those super sweet shades/goggles to let the hygienist know I am about to pass out. We have made quite the 1st impression with Nick's list of dental repairs and me just about fainting mid appointment. Ha!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Home Stretch!
Well, it's pretty shocking that we are 3 days into the 3rd trimester already!
The first trimester just crept on by, while #2 went by in an instant. We have been insanely busy for these last few weeks with lots of trips. But, we wanted to jam it all in while we had the time then we are going to be grounded in Chicago for the rest of the year. I'm so looking forward to nesting. So for those of you contemplating a visit... we are here and ready for you! Come anytime!
Some great news to wrap up the 2nd trimester....I found out I got promoted to Account Director (finally!) just a few hours before we left for Boston! My job function and role isn't changing, as I have been functioning in the role. But personally, this feels like a really big accomplishment (although I don't want to toot my own horn). Years ago when I graduated college I made some career goals for myself to hit by the time I was 30 and words can't express the feeling now that I have achieved what I set out to do when I was 21. Feels pretty damn good! The timing honestly couldn't be better as I prepare for another major milestone in my life - motherhood.
I just had a doctor's appointment last Friday. Our baby boy's heartbeat is good and strong... and my is he ACTIVE! He is in motion much of the day and seems to have developed somewhat of a schedule already. I am so curious to see if his schedule in the womb matches his schedule when we finally meet him.
I am measuring right on track at 28 weeks and still have low blood pressure, which could bring my fainting episodes back in the coming weeks. I hope not. I also got my first RH shot (I am O- blood type).... right in the bum! Ill get another one after he is born. My glucose testing was also last appointment and I should hear the results this week. I pray that everything is OK and we are both healthy.
I am up 15lbs (1/2 of all my weight gain just piled on in the last 30 days!). And I am already having contractions, but fortunately there isn't any rhythm or regularity to them at this point. I had the doctor check that I am completely closed up just in case. We are all registered at the hospital and signed up for our baby classes next month, so it feels like we are making good progress for his arrival. I am so excited to meet him!!!
I am trying to slow down a bit as I just don't have the same energy that I am used to, but I don't know this Emily very well. This Emily needs to take naps, go to bed early, sit down every once in awhile, walk a lot slower and not plan every single minute of my day. I am keeping up with my workouts at the Dailey Method (my obsession) and the cardio. I swear I am not having as much back pain since I have kept up with these, but time will tell. Dailey Method is also supposed to help me with labor, but we will see in a few weeks.
Last but certainly not least... our final trip - our Babymoon! Nick and I leave this Saturday morning for complete relaxation for 7 days and no contact with the outside world. We are so excited to get away together!
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The first trimester just crept on by, while #2 went by in an instant. We have been insanely busy for these last few weeks with lots of trips. But, we wanted to jam it all in while we had the time then we are going to be grounded in Chicago for the rest of the year. I'm so looking forward to nesting. So for those of you contemplating a visit... we are here and ready for you! Come anytime!
Some great news to wrap up the 2nd trimester....I found out I got promoted to Account Director (finally!) just a few hours before we left for Boston! My job function and role isn't changing, as I have been functioning in the role. But personally, this feels like a really big accomplishment (although I don't want to toot my own horn). Years ago when I graduated college I made some career goals for myself to hit by the time I was 30 and words can't express the feeling now that I have achieved what I set out to do when I was 21. Feels pretty damn good! The timing honestly couldn't be better as I prepare for another major milestone in my life - motherhood.
I just had a doctor's appointment last Friday. Our baby boy's heartbeat is good and strong... and my is he ACTIVE! He is in motion much of the day and seems to have developed somewhat of a schedule already. I am so curious to see if his schedule in the womb matches his schedule when we finally meet him.
I am measuring right on track at 28 weeks and still have low blood pressure, which could bring my fainting episodes back in the coming weeks. I hope not. I also got my first RH shot (I am O- blood type).... right in the bum! Ill get another one after he is born. My glucose testing was also last appointment and I should hear the results this week. I pray that everything is OK and we are both healthy.
I am up 15lbs (1/2 of all my weight gain just piled on in the last 30 days!). And I am already having contractions, but fortunately there isn't any rhythm or regularity to them at this point. I had the doctor check that I am completely closed up just in case. We are all registered at the hospital and signed up for our baby classes next month, so it feels like we are making good progress for his arrival. I am so excited to meet him!!!
I am trying to slow down a bit as I just don't have the same energy that I am used to, but I don't know this Emily very well. This Emily needs to take naps, go to bed early, sit down every once in awhile, walk a lot slower and not plan every single minute of my day. I am keeping up with my workouts at the Dailey Method (my obsession) and the cardio. I swear I am not having as much back pain since I have kept up with these, but time will tell. Dailey Method is also supposed to help me with labor, but we will see in a few weeks.
Last but certainly not least... our final trip - our Babymoon! Nick and I leave this Saturday morning for complete relaxation for 7 days and no contact with the outside world. We are so excited to get away together!
28 weeks
4th of July in Boston
After NYC, Portland and Healdsburg we were home for about 4 days before heading to Boston for the 4th of July weekend with my parents and my sister! Boston is such an INCREDIBLE city to be in for the 4th. We crammed in a lot of activity into the 4 days and lot of walking! I feel like we walked a marathon.
Friday we got to see my dad's new office right in the city prior to heading to a fresh crab and lobsta (as the locals say) lunch. Then we packed up a picnic Peressini style (which if you know my mom it was delicious but not traditional by any means: think cheese, crackers, wine and whatever else was leftover in the fridge) and drove out to Tanglewood (2 1/2 hours away from Boston) to see the Pops and James Taylor concert. It was so much fun... and a really cool venue. It's an outdoor space like the Clark County Amphitheater, but a lot more intimate with a huge lawn outside with amazing sound, projection screens and people picnicking by candlelight while enjoying the concert. It was a great show! Only downside was my dad had to drive us 2 1/2 hours home after it was over!
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Saturday we were tourists and went on an urban hike as Maggie calls it thru the city and saw my parents new digs (they just moved in on Friday!), shopped on Newbury Street and did a Duck Tour. If you ever get a chance to go to Boston... do the Duck Tour! So awesome and you learn so much about the history of the city as well as modern day facts. Saturday night we went to dinner in my parents new neighborhood at an Italian place in the South End. I think that is going to be one of there regular spots!
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Sunday we got up and walked the Freedom Trail - a trail that takes you to all the major historic spots thru the city, ending at Bunker Hill. My dad of course did the speed version (a little hard to keep up almost 7 months pregnant), but it was still pretty cool nonetheless! After we were 'free' from the 6 mile walk for our freedom, we stopped in the Cheers Bar for a bite to eat. Yep, the real bar where they filmed Cheers! That night, exhausted, we went out for another delicious Italian meal! I thought Chicago had great Italian... Boston really knows how it's done.
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Monday... the 4th of July! Monday we celebrated the 4th with America's favorite pastime... a Red Sox game! It was a gorgeous day in the city and so much fun! That evening we grabbed dinner by Faneuil Hall and then walked over to the waterfront to see one of the most amazing fireworks displays ever! I think this might be our new tradition... although next year we wont be in my parents little apartment, but we can be on their rooftop deck with our baby boy asleep in bed while we enjoy the show!
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Friday we got to see my dad's new office right in the city prior to heading to a fresh crab and lobsta (as the locals say) lunch. Then we packed up a picnic Peressini style (which if you know my mom it was delicious but not traditional by any means: think cheese, crackers, wine and whatever else was leftover in the fridge) and drove out to Tanglewood (2 1/2 hours away from Boston) to see the Pops and James Taylor concert. It was so much fun... and a really cool venue. It's an outdoor space like the Clark County Amphitheater, but a lot more intimate with a huge lawn outside with amazing sound, projection screens and people picnicking by candlelight while enjoying the concert. It was a great show! Only downside was my dad had to drive us 2 1/2 hours home after it was over!
Saturday we were tourists and went on an urban hike as Maggie calls it thru the city and saw my parents new digs (they just moved in on Friday!), shopped on Newbury Street and did a Duck Tour. If you ever get a chance to go to Boston... do the Duck Tour! So awesome and you learn so much about the history of the city as well as modern day facts. Saturday night we went to dinner in my parents new neighborhood at an Italian place in the South End. I think that is going to be one of there regular spots!
27 weeks
Outside of one of the oldest cemeteries where Paul Revere is buried on the start of the Freedom Trail
At the top of Bunker Hill
Pretty birds
Monday... the 4th of July! Monday we celebrated the 4th with America's favorite pastime... a Red Sox game! It was a gorgeous day in the city and so much fun! That evening we grabbed dinner by Faneuil Hall and then walked over to the waterfront to see one of the most amazing fireworks displays ever! I think this might be our new tradition... although next year we wont be in my parents little apartment, but we can be on their rooftop deck with our baby boy asleep in bed while we enjoy the show!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Kelly & Alex Get Hitched
We had an amazing time at Kelly & Alex's wedding weekend! We got to Healdsburg, California on Thursday night just in time for the rehearsal dinner. Gorgeous setting - right in the vineyards at a local winery. It was so fun, we got kicked out of the place that night!
Pregnancy brain moment: after a series of mishaps that day (delayed flight, then cancelled flight, 1+ hour wait for a car rental and stop and go traffic from the SFO airport to Healdsburg), we go to check in at the hotel and being the moron I am, I booked a room - but for only 1 night. I'd love to say it was computer error, but when I checked the confirmation email, sure enough I didn't bother booking our stay thru Sunday. All hotels within a 20 mile radius had no vacancy for Saturday night, Friday they had space for us. There was 1 cancellation (only 1) and they were nice enough to give it to us, but we didn't find out until Saturday morning that we had a room. A little stressful and super stupid. I can't believe I didn't notice it for over 4 months.... I shouldn't be in charge of this stuff while pregnant. :)
Ok, on to Friday. Nick and I got up and drove out to a private tasting I set up for him at Ledson Winery in Sonoma (about 30 minutes from Healdsburg). We joined the Ledson wine club when I was out there last with Kelly for Sarah Foster's bachelorette party... what an amazing place. Of course, its even more incredible when you are on the veranda overlooking the vineyards actually tasting the wine, but I had so much fun just being there together. The grounds are amazing and it was Nick's first time in California wine country! We ordered a bunch of wine to be shipped home that we will enjoy together after the baby is born on our date nights in.
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Pregnancy brain moment: after a series of mishaps that day (delayed flight, then cancelled flight, 1+ hour wait for a car rental and stop and go traffic from the SFO airport to Healdsburg), we go to check in at the hotel and being the moron I am, I booked a room - but for only 1 night. I'd love to say it was computer error, but when I checked the confirmation email, sure enough I didn't bother booking our stay thru Sunday. All hotels within a 20 mile radius had no vacancy for Saturday night, Friday they had space for us. There was 1 cancellation (only 1) and they were nice enough to give it to us, but we didn't find out until Saturday morning that we had a room. A little stressful and super stupid. I can't believe I didn't notice it for over 4 months.... I shouldn't be in charge of this stuff while pregnant. :)
Ok, on to Friday. Nick and I got up and drove out to a private tasting I set up for him at Ledson Winery in Sonoma (about 30 minutes from Healdsburg). We joined the Ledson wine club when I was out there last with Kelly for Sarah Foster's bachelorette party... what an amazing place. Of course, its even more incredible when you are on the veranda overlooking the vineyards actually tasting the wine, but I had so much fun just being there together. The grounds are amazing and it was Nick's first time in California wine country! We ordered a bunch of wine to be shipped home that we will enjoy together after the baby is born on our date nights in.
26 weeks belly shot
Friday afternoon Kelly organized of girls meet up at Bella Winery to just hang out in the sun. Later that evening, a big group of us got together for a backyard BBQ prior to heading to the local bar in town to meet up with Kelly & Alex and all the friends and family in town for the wedding.
Saturday - wedding day! We decided to go wine tasting while we were there prior to the ceremony. Sara & Ryan Cotton joined us while I drove us to a couple wineries that were close by. It was so fun... and super relaxing in the Healdsburg tasting rooms. Although the looks you get just for walking into a tasting room while pregnant are interesting! Don't worry people...I am just DD enjoying the scenery and my water! Saturday afternoon/evening we were at the wedding at Trentadue Winery. I think it's the most amazing wedding setting I have ever seen. Best wedding ever and I couldn't be happier to see Alex and Kelly married. They are made for each other. The best surprise was Puddles the UO Duck making an appearance (courtesy of Bob & Bonnie Craft!). What a blast! Congrats Mr & Mrs Hautau!
This is the picture Nick says we are hanging above our son's bed as the '3 most important things in his life': Mom, Dad & the Oregon Ducks. Ha!
Before & After
As I mentioned in an earlier post, we decided to stay put in our rental in Bucktown/Wicker Park. One of the things that really drove me crazy was the AWFUL paint colors (red & green) on the walls on the main floor.
With permission from our landlord, we painted! I have a couple of before and after photos here. It looks amazing. So happy with the way it's starting to come together now. (You'll have to excuse the 'before' shots as Nick did them when I was travelling last month. ;) He didn't really capture the full effect before but, you will get the idea!)
We haven't included the baby's nursery yet as its still a work in progress! But we will have his room done in mid-August! I also will add some pictures of the main entry level, our patio (we planted actual plants and have managed to keep them alive!) as well as our guest room up on the 4th floor.
Here we go... Kitchen Before (sorry the only shot)
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Dining/Family Room Before (wall color)
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Master Before (notice the lovely 1989 mounted TV above our bed from the owner)
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Master After
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There is a little taste for ya of our home in Chicago. Again, more coming! I have been completely slammed at work, so still catching up on my fun stuff. Hope you enjoy as much as I do. We love coming home now... amazing how much different just a little paint can make.
With permission from our landlord, we painted! I have a couple of before and after photos here. It looks amazing. So happy with the way it's starting to come together now. (You'll have to excuse the 'before' shots as Nick did them when I was travelling last month. ;) He didn't really capture the full effect before but, you will get the idea!)
We haven't included the baby's nursery yet as its still a work in progress! But we will have his room done in mid-August! I also will add some pictures of the main entry level, our patio (we planted actual plants and have managed to keep them alive!) as well as our guest room up on the 4th floor.
Here we go... Kitchen Before (sorry the only shot)
Kitchen After
Dining/Family After
Friday, July 8, 2011
Waaay Behind....
Lots of updates coming this weekend! A sneak peak of what we have been up to for the last month:
- Complete Before & After Pictures of the New Paint in Our House
- Healdsburg, California & the Hautau Wedding Fun
- Boston for the 4th of July
- Goodbye to the 2nd Trimester... Hello Home Stretch!
- Complete Before & After Pictures of the New Paint in Our House
- Healdsburg, California & the Hautau Wedding Fun
- Boston for the 4th of July
- Goodbye to the 2nd Trimester... Hello Home Stretch!
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