Things I love...

With only a few months left before Ginger arrives, I've decided to make every day off I have count, for me. Because I work a 9/80 schedule, I have every other Friday off, in addition to a bunch of extra holidays (aka Veteran's Day next Tuesday, 11/11) Although it's been crazy switching employers while I am this far along, I do have to say that I REALLY enjoy having these days off to myself. So, I try to do something special on these days, instead of sitting at home in my pj's watching tv.

Today, I had so many things that I love happen. First, I got my hair done, and every woman in the world can relate that there is always a new spark in your step when you leave with freshly colored and cut hair. Especially because I am taking my maternity photos this weekend- my roots were a disaster and now look much better! And don't worry, my stylist makes sure not to put the highlights directly on my scalp, so no product can seep through my scalp and hurt Ginger. :)

Then, I decided to head over to the mall, as the Nordstrom's half yearly sale started today. There were so many things that I loved about my day there. First, I love Nordstroms. Don't get me wrong- I am a deal shopper in all other ways, but there is nothing like the service you get there, and I got it all day long being HUGE and pregnant. I stopped by a few makeup counters and picked up a few new things, then headed over to the sunglass section, where I got an amazing new pair of Coach sunglasses for 50% off!! YIPPEE! Then, over to the shoes, where I didn't buy anything (as my feet are swollen and I'd have to buy shoes that wouldn't fit me in a few months) but it was still fun to oogle over all of the boots and heels that I don't get to wear right now.

I stopped by a few other departments and browsed around, and finally decided to treat myself to a late lunch at the Nordstrom Cafe. I absolutely love this place. I don't go enough, and every time I do, I always tell myself that I need to go more often. Again, since this was a day about ME, I decided to splurge for lunch, and had a cup of clam chowder, a side spring salad with balsamic vinegrette, and a french dip (could only eat 1/2 of it cause I was too full by then!)

From the water with fresh lemon, to the amazing servers who kept checking on me (cause I was pregnant and alone, which was FINE by me!) everything was sooooo yummy. It's pretty funny to see how many strollers were in the cafe today, there must have been 5 or 6 mommies there, and it made me smile. I'm sure that before I go back to work, I'll want to take Ginger out for a girl's lunch to Nordy's cafe. Well, we'll see!

Anyhow, I hope that I can continue to make something special out of my few remaining days off before Ginger arrives. I sure did enjoy myself today!

Victory, and defeat...

It is with grace that I write this post, as I know many of my family and friends are saddened by Obama clinching the presidency. I have been backing him for almost 2 years now, and have been inundated with questions about why, how could I, as well as some pretty nasty emails that were just plain untrue. Regardless, I feel victorious that Obama will now be leading us in a time when we need him most. He will be a uniter, so long as he is not purposefully tripped by those who want to see him fail along the way. This was one of those elections that people were looking at each other and thinking "how could I possibly be this close with this person, and yet see things so differently??" but I think that it proves that we live in the most amazing country in the world, that allows us to coexist with such radically different opinions, and still maintain peace.

Today I went and worked the polls counting paper ballots, which felt great and I'm glad I did it. I was able to see the behind the scenes process, although next time around I will probably sign up to work at a voting location so I can work more closely with people.

We were also victorious this election in freeing our caged-in animal friends, which I am so happy about as well. I have been buying cage-free eggs for years (I really do think they taste better, IMHO, in addition to knowing they were humanely treated) so this will actually be a benefit to me, as increased competition might lower the artificial price they are now, as their seen as a "premium" whereas in the future it will just be the norm.

Although we have been progressive enough to elect a black president, and offer freedom to our animal friends, it saddens me that we are still willing to strip a fundamental right away from gays wanting to marry. I am a Christian, and I understand the argument that's been presented to me on the other side. I suppose I am what you might call a progressive Christian, vs. a traditionalist, as I (as a woman) work outside the home, feel I am an equal to my husband, and don't take the Bible in such a literal sense as some others I know. I am deeply perplexed that so many people feel good about this decision- I imagine the confederates of the late 1800's feeling really good about challenging black rights, or in the 1920's and 1930's, white men feeling really good about challenging women's rights, and just have to wonder how anyone can feel good about this. But, I know minorities and women didn't gain access to social rights overnight, they were long, heartfelt battles to change social perception. And so, we fight on.

I am SOOOOO happy to be bringing Ginger into this world with Obama as president. I only hope that the progress I've seen in my lifetime so far, continues to build and provides an even better world for my children to take over, and pass along to their children.

Bedding complete, and a pic from Kymberli's shower!

Paul and I stopped by Babies'R'Us tonight and you can officially call me "Betsy the Cow", as I am the proud owner of a dual automatic Medela breast pump. We went to dinner afterwards, and made jokes all night about the whole breastfeeding experience- I'm sure it will be tender when my baby is here, but until then, it's just kind of funny and reminds us that we are all mammals at heart :)

While we were at Babies'R'Us, I was able to pick up the folding hamper I've needed to complete our crib bedding. I had my lady make a custom hamper bag and I was able to attch it all tonight. Here are some pics of how everything turned out- I think she did a phenomenal job!

I added a pic of my friend Kymberli and I from her baby shower today. What a great experience to be going through all of this with her, we've been able to share stories and compare notes, and her shower today was really fun. We both are already "over" how ginormous we are, so please just bear with my double (or triple) chin that seems to be a permenant feature these days.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh Daddy!!

Isn't he the cutest ever? I wanted to make sure to post these so they get into Ginger's book once I create it. What a hot pirate!!

YAHOO!

I love computerized medical records. I had my 3 hour diabetes glucose test today, and although it was a lot of pricks, and a lot of driving back and forth, it wasn't too bad. In fact, they had a flu vaccine clinic today at Kaiser, and I decided to get one more prick, seeing as though I was already stuck multiple times. So, that's been taken care of too now (and it was free, which is always awesome!)

Anyhow, within an hour of leaving Kasier, I received an email telling me my diabetes test results were in, and we are ALL GOOD. In fact, my levels are pretty darn impressive, compared to what I thought it would be. I do have a sweet tooth, and have attempted to make good food choices 80% of the time, but I have allowed myself that 20% so that I wouldn't go crazy. The occasional Big Mac, or peppermint mocha (decaf of course) have been treats for me, and I don't worry about it too much.

SO, no gestational diabetes for me. Yahoo! Thanks for the support!

Just for fun...

Well, I'm at home for 40 minute intervals while I get my 4x glucose test done today, so I have to fill my time...Here's another example of how Ginger might turn out, I swear this website cracks me up!

Ginger cast her first presidential ballot!

Well, not technically, but she was along for the ride! Today I had to go out for my pollworker training class at the County registrar of voters office, and I happened to arrive about 20 minutes early. I noticed they were offering early voting there, so we participated and I am so relieved! There seems to be rumors of panic about election day, with the elevated interest and whatnot, so I decided to go ahead and cast my ballot early in order to miss the lines.

The great part about this was there were at least 20 electronic voting machines set up, everything was amazingly organized, lots of people to help, and I literally cast my ballot within 5 minutes. Now, granted, I knew how I was voting on all of the propositions, presidential and senatorial races, etc. but even so it went really fast! Plus these electronic voting machines had a built in paper printout that I was able to see and verify before casting my ballot. So just in case something malfunctions, our vote will still be counted.

Once I was done, I put on my "I Voted" sticker, and I almost felt that Ginger was looking up at me and smiling. She's proud her mommy is a good citizen :)

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat.....

So, I failed the diabetes initial screen, and have to go in for the 3 hour test on Thursday. The cutoff is 140, and I "scored" a 145, which is just above the level they like to see. The nurse told me over the phone that many people who actually end up with diabetes score upwards of 160-170, so they are just being precautionary, but I'm still bummed at the thought of having to be poked multiple times in 3 hours. I really, really hope that it comes back negative, for both selfless and selfish reasons! I don't want Ginger to have to deal with blood sugar fluxes right after delivery. I also can't imagine abstaining from sweets just as we turn the corner to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Silly me- I'll be fine, but you can be sure I'll be looking for sugar-free and lowcarb alternatives!!

OK, these things are just scary....

I was reading another pregnancy blog tonight, and the pregnant girl was laughing about how scary her "child" came out on this website when she matched herself and her husband, so I had to try it. Yep, pretty scary- the head proportion is as large as her face, it just seems a bit 'children of the corn'...but it gave me a good laugh. Here's to hoping Ginger's forehead is a little more proportional to her face!

Baby Shower #1

I am still collecting pics from the "friends and family" baby shower, but I thought I would post a few tonight as a preview. This was my main baby shower(although my mom's church lady friends will throw me a smaller second shower right after the baby is born) The party was fantastic, thanks to Shanna, my sister, my mom (and Shanna's mom!) and all of the other help that went on behind the scenes. We had about 40 people attend the halloween themed event, and between the onesie decorating station (was a hit with guests!), yummy food and cupcakes, and a beautiful (albeit WARM!) day, I have to say that it was just perfect. Thanks to everyone who came, Ginger is looking forward to meeting you!!!

Here's a pic of how Ginger's room is coming along- it is almost complete, we're just waiting on a backordered dresser!



Present time!



Game time!



Check out the yummy cupcakes my friend Wendy brought- she has a friend who is a baker and these were SOOO good!



Ginger is growing, as am I...