2nd Appointment -11 Weeks

Today we had our second appointment and I couldn't have been more excited! The baby looks great, heart beat was 158, and waving "his" little hands in the touchdown position during the ultrasound . This is also how it was captured in the ultrasound picture. COMPLETELY AMAZING! If you look at the ultrasound below you can see "his" little hands on both sides of "his" head with a bubble floating around! TOUCHDOWN! I couldn't believe how much movement was going on. I think the baby already has a spike like daddy from the looks of it.We are so excited. Our next appointment in 2 weeks.The Doctor said everything looks great. I couldn't be more relieved. Now it is time to start spreading the news.

  

BabyC

Baby Gifts!

How fun and exciting are all the baby gifts we are getting. The Koerners sent this amazing book that gives you a day by synopsis as well as pictures, REAL pictures of what is going on. I have never seen a scary movie and I am not really into science fiction so some of the pictures have me with one eye open with my hands over my face. I have to admit that even as a Physical Education major and having a Masters in Exercise Physiology I have never dissected anything and I get weak in the knees looking at the interior of the body. I haven't even experienced the body works exhibit so maybe this will make me more mature in that part of my life. Mindy, John, Carson, and Carly sent a beautiful statue of a pregnant women and a journal to track our pregnancy with all different questions to capture the memories, I love it. It has been so long since I have kept a journal or a diary and I am so glad to have this journal to put my inner thoughts and feelings in. They are very thoughtful and beautiful gifts and we are very thankful. We head back to the Doctor on Thursday and I am thinking a hidden twin is going to be on this ultrasound. There is a bit of movement going on and I am confused of how this baby can get from one side to the other so quickly. On the other hand the nausea is getting better. Reen told me she ate mashed potatos to ease her nausea, I however learned that complaining helped to ease mine! Can't wait for the next baby picture and starting to share the news!

                                   Believe me Pooh I know how you feel!

10 WEEKS!!!

We have 30 weeks to go! So what do you think I am having? I added a poll so please let us know. We are thinking boy and have started to think of names. 10 more weeks and we are going to find out so we can start decorating and buying things. The baby is as big a prune today 1.2 in and .14 oz. I am still having some issues with nausea but I am hoping in two weeks when my first trimester is over, that will be as well. Emily and I are going to go maternity shopping next weekend, I don't know what I am supposed to be buying all I know is that I am starting to change a little bit and can only imagine what I am going to look like! I'm getting really excited for the appointment on Thursday and to hear the heartbeat. I think then it is really going to set in for me. I can't wait!

Are you pregnant?

I am wondering when that question became so popular and why it is acceptable. We are almost 10 weeks along and we are still not telling others until the end of the first trimester. Are people really that interested if someone is having a baby, to ask all the time? With complications and miscarriages and the personal experience of learning you are pregnant shouldn't there be some breathing room? I wish there was an unwritten rule, when I am ready to tell you, you will know. Are these people really so invested that is something goes wrong they will be there for that too? I feel very blessed to have the people I have in my life and the lack of this pressure, but its not to say that it isn't being felt. I feel I shared with those who I feel comfortable sharing with and at the appropriate time. I'd like to think that there are a lot of other questions and topics other than pregnancy. I'd also like to think it is personal. Dan and I waited to tell our families for weeks. We also are waiting to tell our friends for another few weeks. This is a life changing experience and I want to feel comfortable, enjoy it, and make decisions I feel are best for us. We have our next appointment on Thursday. We begin the 2011 school year on Monday. At this time they usually share things such as marriages, engagements, babies, and who is pregnant to the entire staff. I don't feel comfortable sharing that information with everyone. I would like to look forward to hearing the babies heartbeat on Thursday and for Dan and I to have a very intimate experience. This is not to say that I am so happy that we have so many people that are interested in us, it's just that this is one of the most amazing experiences I have waited  for as long as I can remember to have. There was a time I didn't think it would happen to me and I want to keep it so no one can say or do anything to take this feeling away. I have kind of isolated myself from others because it seems to be the only topic. It's funny because the people we told it wasn't. When you are in your early 30's a summer night out with teachers involves drinks. I like to drink so when I order a lemonade or water, something must be wrong. So instead I just don't go out. I feel like a 16 year old girl who has to hide her pregnancy and make excuses. When in all actuality I just need a little more time. I like security and comfort and to do things when I am ready. In a few weeks I will be ready, but until then isn't there something else to talk about????? Or maybe I should just do this...

WE'RE BACK from NYC

We just returned from a long weekend to the amazing Big Apple! It was the first time Dan and I had both been there and I am kicking myself for not moving there instead of California in the late 90's. The place is exhilarating,amazing, safe, and there is something to do every where you go. We packed our days in and we walked everywhere. We stayed at Dan's Godmother's condo overlooking the Chrysler building, what an amazing view. We saw two Broadway hits, "The Addam's Family" starring Brooke Shields, and "Rock of Ages." They were both terrific!!!!! "Don't Stop Believing!!!" Each day we got ourselves into a lottery for tickets to "The Book of Mormon" which is currently sold out for 8 months, but were not one of the lucky names called but it was an experience in itself. We went to FAO Schwartz and I played on the "Big" piano. We went to the MACY's and unless you have been there, you can't describe it. We traveled to Chinatown and Little Italy. We had a great dinner in Little Italy. We took  the subway once and the bus a few blocks but mostly it was our feet that got us to our next destination. We even went to the part of town called Hell's Kitchen and ate at the specific restaurant called "Hell's Kitchen." It was a great Chic Mexican restaurant. Now let's talk prices...salads will all cost you around $15 while soup is around $10. Tacos $20. We had a ginger carrot soup that was $9, it was good and also the cheapest thing on the menu. (Watch out for soda not all places are free refills and they will get you for $3 each.) At the same restaurant that had "Ramona Singer" Pinot Grigio (from RHNY) for $43 a bottle. I should have taken a picture of that one. The cost of food was outrageous but for some reason there was no tax on the clothes we bought, I guess one balanced out the other?? We also tried Ginger beer, like a Ginger Ale and that was delicious. Not to mention the Shake Shack, one of the best burgers and peanut butter shakes I have ever had. This place was a mad house and the prices were great, 47st and 8th. The Empire State building was also in direct site from where we stayed. In New York everywhere you look there is another amazing building and place to see. Oh and Central Park, just breathtaking. We saw "Strawberry Fields" the dedication to John Lennon and even caught some innings of a baseball game. We were in the audience of Millionaire with the producer who interviewed me filling in for Meredith, OH PLEASE CALL. They gave away 2 IPAD'S for her not being there, but unfortunately we weren't lucky that day either. As for the baby, we had a few tough days after eating. I am not sure what it is with food that makes me never want to eat again. Dan was a trooper though, even when we got caught in a monsoon trying to get back to our place and were completely drenched. We definitely took a bite out of the Big Apple.

How cool is this??? Made in Chinatown for the baby to be!

bad picture quality, sorry

Hatings NOT Cravings

Dad on Father's Day with his Susan Powder wig and bug zapping racket he got as a gift.

Ugh!!!! Not so good when you don't want to eat anything. I don't have cravings, I have hatings. I hate the smell and the thought of wings. I wasn't a big wing person to begin with and I don't know where that came from but even the thought makes me want to gag. I also have started a prescription prenatal vitamin I think may add to the nausea so I have decided to take it before I go to bed with dinner to see if that helps. Other than that this week I haven't been feeling so well with an upset stomach. I guess it isn't supposed to last long and my mom read it means the baby is healthy. If that is true then this baby is really healthy! I still haven't told a lot of people our good news, I am waiting for the traditional 3 month mark but I have however shared with a few friends and I think my Mom has shared with a lot of family. It was nice when I told my Grandma she was so happy and told me that "gives me a spark to live." I though it was so kind and seemed to really add a pep in her 91 year old step. She also told me that she wouldn't be a good babysitter because she can't stand up and hold the baby....HHMMM I told her, you can't really stand on your own anyways Grams how about you sit down and hold the baby, she thought that was a great idea. I can't wait for those 2 to meet. I never had a Great Grandmother how exciting for this baby to have. On that note even to have a Grandpa, I don't remember my Mom's dad although I hear stories, but I am sure my baby will remember my Dad. We have to think of a name for Grandpa, Dan never had a Grandpa either....All the neat things we get to start experiencing. But if there is any chance the mood swings and nausea could subside that would be its own blessing! 220 days to go!

Things we were doing before we found out....

Dan and I got tickets from Tara to the U2 concert at Soldier  Field the night of and it was AWESOME!

  River, Reilly, and I were cheering on the USA women's soccer team in the semi-final. Can you believe 11 years ago I was at the World Cup Championship in Pasadena, CA 22nd row when they beat China in Penalty Kicks for the GOLD!!!!!! I can still remember every minute of it! What a thrill!

I bought a pineapple slicer and my Mom said this could be in a magazine :)

YES, what else makes the summer complete but going to different bars and trying to win team trivia. Go Tonerangers!

We Celebrated our one year anniversary with a complimentary night at Esplande Lakes.

LISLE and NAPERVILLE for the fest always a great time! Especially when you find $1 bottles and watch THE WEDDING BANNED.

WELL YES, THIS LOOKS ABOUT RIGHT! SCHOOL IS OUT FOR SUMMER, well after summer school that is!

1st Doctor's Appointment

On July 31 we went to our first Doctor's appointment at 10:00am in Schaumburg. It would be my first time in a brand new network of Doctors. Dan and I only knew what to expect from what the books we were reading were telling us. I am not really sure Dan knew what to expect at all, even with the knowledge I had given him. This became apparent in the room when he asked "are those stirrups?" I had to laugh. The first thing we did after paperwork was the ultrasound, the best part. I was so convinced there were twins from the cramping I was having, but there was only one, our very first baby. The baby's heartbeat was 122 and Dan got emotional. It was really amazing but I think I am still a little in disbelief. I got an exam, gave blood, got a TB test, and the Doctor gave us information on what I should be doing and not doing. I guess hitting up the clubs and raves in New York is out of the question, LOL! When leaving the office besides our first baby picture,we even got some free stuff, which is always a plus, and got set up for our next appointment August 25. Time is ticking...

That same day Dan decided he wanted to tell his Mom who was on a family vacation so we knew she wouldn't have gotten the frame when we told my parents. He also didn't want to share with everyone on the trip but we had to tell her. When he called he told her I hadn't been feeling well so we went to the Doctor. He said the Doctor diagnosed me with an Appleseed in my belly, that is when she asked, "Dan is there something you want to tell me?" This Gramsy was too sharp for his little joke. It's funny Mindy had texted just a few weeks before asking, "Is there a bun in the oven, LOL" I couldn't lie to her so I just didn't respond. YES Auntie Min there is a bun cooking in the oven! We told John and Mindy right after Gramsy and there reaction was so awesome. I couldn't be happier that this baby is going to be so loved and have an amazing extended family. Cheers!

Anniversary Rosebud

On July 27 it was my parent's official wedding anniversary of 36 years. We decided to have dinner at Rosebud Naperville. I called George to set up reservations for the 6 of us. We met at 7:00 that Wednesday. Dan and I decided that would be the day we gave them the frames and told them about their very first Grandchild. We had kept the secret for nearly 2 weeks and we couldn't hold it in any longer. I had made little due date cards and put them in the frames that we originally wanted to put the ultrasound in, but our Doctor's appointment wasn't until Saturday. ( by the way that hasn't stopped us from buying baby clothes wherever we go, we are pretty convinced the baby is a boy) When we arrived they were seated at the bar, may dad asked if I wanted a Miller lite, to which I asked do we want to get seated? I wanted to give them their gifts before Eric arrived because I had something to give him as well. We went to the table but it seemed like forever until my Dad was able to close out from Chris at the bar. When he arrived at the table I asked them if they could open their anniversary gifts before Eric and his girlfriend arrived. My mom opened the card that I wrote "We hope we help make this the best anniversary yet." If you don't recall Dan asked both my parents at their anniversary dinner 2 years ago for their permission to marry me. Eric told them where they were at dinner and he surprised them. They didn't really understand what was going on and my Dad kept asking where Eric and I were, but that is a different story. So once again we were making their anniversary memorable, very memorable. I gave my Mom the frame that read "Now showing" and my Dad the one about "Grandkids make the world a better place." My Mom just kind of the stared at it like she didn't get it, my Dad however he caught on. It was then that my Mom started to cry and so did Dad and then so did I and I am sure Dan was caught up in the emotion too, but I didn't turn my head away from my Mom to look. She said she was trying to do the math in months to figure out if this could be true. Then her logic brain became emotional brain and it was such an exciting memory, one of the best I could ever imagine. It was also the first time I kept a secret, I am already practicing to become Mrs. Claus and the tooth fairy! I loved my Dad's reaction, is was priceless. It once again exemplified when my mom said she married my Dad because he would be a great father that was the proof in the pudding. As our excitement was being shared Eric walked in and I kept it going by giving him a present too. He observed the gift in the wrapping paper coming to the conclusion it was a frame with a picture of River and Reilly Boots for his new place. Little to his surprise it was a frame with Godchild on it. This obviously kept the excitement going and lit up his face as it lit up all of ours. In making the reservations with George not only did we have a phenomenal table but he bought us all of our drinks ( which for me meant water on the rocks) and sent out a dessert tray filled with Italian ice, tiramasu, ice cream cake and other phenomenal treats. It was such a kind gesture and made our amazing night even sweeter.

36th Surprise Anniversary Party

On July 23rd Dan and I threw a surprise anniversary party for my parents. We also had a deck built in 2 days and redecorated our house, had 3 rooms painted, all on the hottest days of the summer. It was also at this time we were keeping the biggest secret in the world. I just kept thinking of the right time to tell them and that we weren't far enough along to tell the rest of our family. When I set up my first appointment they told me it would be when I was 7 weeks and that would be July 31, this was a week before. Therefore this made us keep the secret. We decided to get frames, one that said "Now Showing" to put the ultrasound in and one that said "Grandchildren make the world a better place" with our due date in the picture part and were going to give them as gifts after we got the sonogram the following week. We also found out that our due date is March 17, 2012..St. Patrick's Day, also known as Dan's parent's wedding day. The week his Dad passed as well as the week my Uncle Tony passed...quite a memorable week, and not such good memories to say the least so this really made that week special to us.
We had so much excitement it was insane and continued to keep the secret. The party was great and the usual questions about kids came up but my mom didn't suspect. My friend Emily however said she knew when she walked in the house I was pregnant and even asked me in the kitchen, to which I had to lie. We had kept this secret from my parents and how did she know? I haven't seen Emily since February, I was just out with my parents the Friday before and wasn't drinking and they still didn't know! I had to share the news with Emily the next morning because I felt so guilty lieing. She said she knew and even told her Mom, who said maybe she doesn't know yet. I knew that's for sure, and how I was still keeping it from my parents is something I have never done. I made it through the party with everyone my parent's "love" being there, family and friends from all over the place, and we had a really nice time. With the slip of my Grandma giving away the party to my MOM it turned out fabulous, Dan and I threw them a great 36th anniversary party to remember, with the biggest surprise on it's way!

Millionaire

The day after I took the pregnancy test and found out we were having a baby we were going to try out for Who Wants to be a Millionaire at Arlington Race Track. Dan and I both won front of the line passes on WGN to by pass any lines of people trying to audition on an on-line contest he saw while watching the 5:00 news. Dan went to the morning session and was going to be the guinea pig of what exactly goes on. He did not pass the test so came home a couple hours later. My mom and I went to the afternoon session actually around 3. We went to the front of the line and proceeded into the million room. At that point we received a scantron, pencil, and an envelope and were seated like sardines in a packed room. Instructions were then given by a girl who might as well been auditioning her stand up routine. Oh and the questions asked by some people, did they really expect if they didn't understand how to fill out a scantron they would be able to answer these questions....really? With that said the test was 30 questions in which we had 10 minutes to answer. We open our enveloped which each gave us our own ID number, in that case equivalent to our name and we took the test. When they said stop we were to pass in the scantrons and put our test back into the envelope and listen for our number from the envelope. If your number was called you had passed their criteria for the test which is unknown. I listened carefully for my Mom and my number, my number was 149, my mom 58.....THEY CALLED MY NUMBER! I was so excited I jumped up and went over to the window where they told us to stand still listening for Sue's number. It wasn't called and I couldn't see my mom filtering out to give her a smile. But I also couldn't believe she didn't pass since the real person I wanted on the show was her.
Those of us who passed then filled out questionnaires that asked about personal experiences. First question involved martial status and kids, of course I had to write coming soon because my mom was no longer around and I didn't know anyone else. We waited for our names to be called when I heard Sue Ilich....I responded that is my Mom but you didn't call her number, she is actually seated right down there watching the races. I had spotted my Mom, Dad, and Dan from the million room which is an all glass wall looking at the track. I called her and in disbelief she came back up. (We all had to wave to her to make her believe me.) I was then called and interviewed with the first girl. I had to make sure she didn't blow the baby cover to my Mom and that was exciting I actually got to tell someone and felt some relief.
 I noticed that a lot of the time after the people spoke to the preliminary casters they were told they would receive a postcard in a few weeks if they had made the contestant pool and left. I was asked to sit down back in the room after I was questioned by the first girl. It was then the same guy who asked me when we first arrived how I got the front of the line passes was now interviewing my outside on a flip cam and was a producer on the show. He then asked me to go into another room where I was actually on camera, miked up, and they put powder on my to eliminate the oil and Hollywood me as I like to say. I was not expecting all of this and boy did I want a drink after, but don't forget the baby and I had a secret! After this amazing experience I too was told I would receive a postcard in a few weeks. A week later I did and it read, CONGRATULATIONS you have been selected as a member of our contestant pool. All I have to do know is wait for a phone call and I am on the show. I also have to wait 7 more months for this little baby, I have a lot of waiting to do.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire? This girl!!!! Who wants to be a Mom? I CAN'T WAIT!!

YEAH! WE ARE HAVING A BABY!

I was finishing an in-district course during the middle of July. I was frequently checking my period tracker app and knew that not only did I have cramps but my boobs were painful so I highly doubted this was the month. The night before we went out to a nice dinner in Long Grove and I wanted to play trivia but it was at the wrong place, so therefore we ended up heading to Durty Nellies for trivia to which Dan did not want to go and it caused an argument. We also were not very successful at trivia and when we were finished I wanted to go out somewhere else, instead we went home. When we got home I had another beer, a Spaten, and sat outside. We continued to argue because I was irrational and should have realized the night was over, but hey it was a beautiful night in the summer and I didn't have to teach summer school the next day. We went to bed mad at each other and he got up for work (I forgot to mention Dan had to work though). I realized that when I tracked my period I was really a day late on my 32 day cycle. I went to class and could just feel the cramping. On my way home I decided to stop at Walgreens and get a magazine(US weekly) and a pregnancy test. I has taken a test before and been disappointed and promised myself the next time it would be positive. I got home, walked passed Dan and proceeded to the bathroom. With that said I was kind of reluctant to take the test because if history repeats I would be getting my monthly visitor at the same time. I took the test anyway and set it down on the ground of the shower. I was sure I got my friend and wasted yet again $14. It was then I looked at the ground and noticed 2 very distinct lines. I checked the box, checked the test, and realized 2 lines means PREGNANT. I had thought many times of how I would tell Dan with some kind of elaborate surprise but instead I went out with the test 9not exactly sanitary in the family room, shaking and saying "Oh my God read this!!!!!is this what this means???" He saw it, read the box and was as shocked as I was.. but remember he was still mad at me, he still holds grudges. Needless to say as exciting as it was, it was a shock even though we were trying...and a good shock it came to be. We went out to dinner at Francesca's that night, our fight was immediately resolved, where I was asked what kind of wine I would like and would begin my 9 months or more of sobriety, instead I ordered a cranberry and pineapple juice. I remember a very pregnant girl when we first walked in and already wished I was that far along. We then went to Peggy Kinnane's to play trivia where again, what are you having and when I wanted to try a non-alcoholic beer the first thing out of the bartender's mouth,"Are you pregnant." This secret we had was very much obvious to everyone else... I should have realized the signs...I hated beer!!!! Just hated the taste of Miller lite..I was switching to Bloody Mary's, Miller Lite with a lime, I was just not interested. I also was getting headaches, I never have headaches... and the cramps and chest pain I had were a little different than the usual but not enough to set me off. But indeed there was a little seed starting to grow and this was our secret to keep for at least a few weeks. Goodbye Spaten, Hello baby!