Please tell me this is not some crazy manifestation of psychosis...but I have been having SUPER weird dreams lately about my pregnancy. This happened while I was pregnant with Mia as well and I remember hearing similar tales of bizarre dreams other moms have had....I'm not the only one, right? I'll share with you a few of my dreams so you get a sense of the crazy that is in my brain.
Most crazy dream during my pregnancy with Mia:
Whooooo-weeeee, brace yourself. Essentially, I dreamt that I basically gave birth to a clean white baby goat. I held this goat as if it were a "real baby" and nursed it...yup, I nursed the goat. This goat would only nurse from one side and I recall being frustrated about this. In the frustration, I looked away from the goat to collect my thoughts and calm myself down. By the time I looked back down at the goat, it had switched into one of those flesh colored troll dolls with the stand up hot pink hair that you see on casino billboards. I think by that point, the craziness of the dream allowed me to wake up...thank GAWD!
Most bizarre dream I've had during my current pregnancy:
Seriously folks, I can't make this shit up. Okay, so I probably had about 5 intense and vivid dreams last night ranging from a wacko pregnancy/birth/delivery scare to me somehow slip-n-sliding down an escalator of a shopping mall with Chinese school kids, while being chased and hunted by drug dealers. Yeah. So, the pregnancy dream portion...I dreamt that I was starting to feel some intense movement (from the baby) in my belly and I can only describe it as somewhat Pac-Man style in nature where the baby was CONSTANTLY moving back and forth and back and forth up and down across my belly...AND, you could see it happening...in detail. I remember looking at my stomach actually seeing the baby scurry across my belly as if he was in some video game. Then, the baby grew larger (kind of like how Pac Man gets energy and new powers once he eats the fruit). Here is where it gets way weird...if it wasn't that way already :) This baby grew to be essentially life sized as a 3mo old...but was still in my belly...and I could still SEE him. I could basically see every single detail of this baby's facial features, fingers, belly, toes, etc as if I was looking at him through some flesh colored Saran Wrap. I rushed myself to the hospital to check this out and was admitted right away. Then, in similar form as my other dreams...this kid shifted in to being a puppy dog....still same sized, still in my belly, still able to see this puppy's features like looking through Saran Wrap. This is a bit nasty but then puppy got sick and threw up...and you could see it but not feel it because the puppy was still in my belly. This caused some concern for the doctors and I had an emergency C-section and was later presented with a beautiful healthy, fluffy cute little puppy. Then I woke up. I know, right?
The moral of this story is to NOT eat a huge bowl of Capn Crunch at 9pm on a "school night" while also watching an intense episode of Breaking Bad.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
From those days to these days..
It has become more and more of a realization for me lately that I am about to become a "new mom" again in less than 2 months. Several months ago, an old friend of mine wrote a blog about reminiscing about the "good ole days" when we didn't have a care in the world, no responsibilities and could basically do whatever we wanted with little consequences....AKA college and then living abroad :) There is something about being pregnant that seems to stir up old memories or dreams of my bachelorette-hood and life without obligations or responsibilities; this happened for me when I was pregnant with Mia as well. I don't like to read in to dreams too much but maybe some of these desires to "go back" in time are because it is more and more apparent that I have chosen (with 100% confidence and excitement) to be a parent for the rest of my life; whereas before, I thrived in the unknown, the risks, the spontaneity, the constant changes and to be honest...the selfishness.
Those days: I went to class with cash in my pocket to meet my friends at the bar for 4:00 happy hour.
These days: I immediately leave work most days at 4:00pm to pick my wonderful daughter up at day care and haven't had a good stiff drink since mid-late April.
Those days: I would pull all nighters to study for a test or get a paper done...sometimes with the assistance (distraction) of friends, music, wine or an outing to Perkins at 2am.
These days: I plan ahead, make lists, meal plan, get caught up on CEUs months before the deadline and you will almost NEVER catch me awake past 10:00pm.
Those day: I went to Madison, WI for the legendary Halloween parties dressed as a "Naughty Catholic School Girl" in a skirt that was meant to be for a 7 year old.
These days: I leave a lame bowl of candy on our porch, take my daughter out in her cupcake costume for a bit and tuck her in between 7-8pm.
Those days: When living abroad, I would "pop on over" to Paris, Spain, Ireland, etc. for a fun weekend away on a moments notice.
These days: I schedule and book trips at least 7-10 months in advance to ensure appropriate day care, funding and time off from work.
Those days: I felt sexy going out in leopard print tight pants, black boots and a skanky tight black top the required no bra.
These days: I'm feeling pretty hot if I actually shower, shave, put on make up and wear dangle earrings.
Those days: I was pleased when I made a "home cooked meal" for myself at least once a week.
These days: I am pleased when I go out to eat once a week.
Those days: I flirted with and kissed lots of guys because it was fun and "what you did" in college and in your 20s.
These days: Me flirting with my husband consists of me getting a baby sitter to watch our daughter for the night.
Those days: I loved playing poker, drinking games and dancing with my friends at the bar.
These days: I love playing with Mia, watching her learn new skills and dancing with her to her favorite songs in the living room.
Those days: I wore sexy undies and cute clothes for when I knew I was meeting up with a guy
These days: I can't even see the underwear I have on because my pregnant belly is so huge.
Those days: I spent my money on traveling, clothes, gas money to visit friends and "going out".
These days: I spend my money on groceries, day care, bills, a mortgage and meeting every one's basic needs.
Those days: I got excited about eventually growing up, getting a job, marrying the man of my dreams and having kids some day.
These days: I have my health, a job I love and think I am good at, have been happily married for over 5 years to my high school sweetheart, and have one of the best kids I can imagine with another one to arrive late next month.
Reminiscing about old boyfriends, trips, parties, etc is always fun for me and brings a smile to my face. But those smiles don't come close to the belly laughter and tears of joy I have experiences these past few years becoming a wife and mother. I certainly have had the best of "both worlds" and am grateful for that.
Those days: I went to class with cash in my pocket to meet my friends at the bar for 4:00 happy hour.
These days: I immediately leave work most days at 4:00pm to pick my wonderful daughter up at day care and haven't had a good stiff drink since mid-late April.
Those days: I would pull all nighters to study for a test or get a paper done...sometimes with the assistance (distraction) of friends, music, wine or an outing to Perkins at 2am.
These days: I plan ahead, make lists, meal plan, get caught up on CEUs months before the deadline and you will almost NEVER catch me awake past 10:00pm.
Those day: I went to Madison, WI for the legendary Halloween parties dressed as a "Naughty Catholic School Girl" in a skirt that was meant to be for a 7 year old.
These days: I leave a lame bowl of candy on our porch, take my daughter out in her cupcake costume for a bit and tuck her in between 7-8pm.
Those days: When living abroad, I would "pop on over" to Paris, Spain, Ireland, etc. for a fun weekend away on a moments notice.
These days: I schedule and book trips at least 7-10 months in advance to ensure appropriate day care, funding and time off from work.
Those days: I felt sexy going out in leopard print tight pants, black boots and a skanky tight black top the required no bra.
These days: I'm feeling pretty hot if I actually shower, shave, put on make up and wear dangle earrings.
Those days: I was pleased when I made a "home cooked meal" for myself at least once a week.
These days: I am pleased when I go out to eat once a week.
Those days: I flirted with and kissed lots of guys because it was fun and "what you did" in college and in your 20s.
These days: Me flirting with my husband consists of me getting a baby sitter to watch our daughter for the night.
Those days: I loved playing poker, drinking games and dancing with my friends at the bar.
These days: I love playing with Mia, watching her learn new skills and dancing with her to her favorite songs in the living room.
Those days: I wore sexy undies and cute clothes for when I knew I was meeting up with a guy
These days: I can't even see the underwear I have on because my pregnant belly is so huge.
Those days: I spent my money on traveling, clothes, gas money to visit friends and "going out".
These days: I spend my money on groceries, day care, bills, a mortgage and meeting every one's basic needs.
Those days: I got excited about eventually growing up, getting a job, marrying the man of my dreams and having kids some day.
These days: I have my health, a job I love and think I am good at, have been happily married for over 5 years to my high school sweetheart, and have one of the best kids I can imagine with another one to arrive late next month.
Reminiscing about old boyfriends, trips, parties, etc is always fun for me and brings a smile to my face. But those smiles don't come close to the belly laughter and tears of joy I have experiences these past few years becoming a wife and mother. I certainly have had the best of "both worlds" and am grateful for that.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A Time for Thanks
I had mild contractions on a continual basis for three days prior to Thanksgiving. I was hyper-altert and sensitive to this because a family member of ours had JUST been put on modified bed rest a couple days before and we are only 2 weeks apart. I was getting a bit worried and ended up calling the after hours midwife hotline and requested a last minute appointment at my local clinic. I was hooked up to the monitor for about 40 min, tests we done and results were given....everything was just fine. Whew! The recommendations were to lay low, take it easy and try to relax and hydrate as much as possible over the holiday weekend. This was welcomed advice and I took it to heart.
A few of the late fall and Thanksgiving "lay low" events have included a leisurely gathering of friends and family at my parent's house for turkey day, the making of Mia's first ginger bread house, decorating our home and mini fake Xmas tree and a casual morning trip to the Children's Museum. Here are some highlights and a couple videos for your viewing pleasure :)
A few of the late fall and Thanksgiving "lay low" events have included a leisurely gathering of friends and family at my parent's house for turkey day, the making of Mia's first ginger bread house, decorating our home and mini fake Xmas tree and a casual morning trip to the Children's Museum. Here are some highlights and a couple videos for your viewing pleasure :)
Mia kissing her pseudo (not blood related) cousin, Cole at Thanksgiving...
he's an older man who just turned 3
He's SOOOO playing the shy hard to get card...it's working
alright Mia, we get it...enough already
helping me decorate the tree, this did not last long and she got bored right away...maybe next year
getting her apron/smock on before making her 1st ginger bread house
such focus...for those 10 seconds at least
This is Frosty...ANY snowman is Frosty, and he is her favorite part of her house.
She still stops and talks to him on occasion.
This is a very brief video from our recent Sunday morning at the Children's Museum with our "cat", Mia
I have so incredibly much to be thankful for, it's not even funny. Although I believe everyone is entitled to a bitch and moan session once in a while, I truly have very little in my life to legitimately complain about. Here is a small sample list of some things I am thankful for this year: having Mondays off from work, a new appreciation for Caribou, Starbucks and neighborhood coffee shops, donuts and pastries, meal planning, a 2-3 car garage, a split level 3 bedroom home, an emotionally and financially supportive husband, a funny and full of character daughter, date nights, multiple family and friends willing to watch Mia on any given day or weekend, the desire to travel and the determination to make it happen, this MacBook Air, ice cold water, butter finger blizzards, sweets, carbs, prenatal yoga classes, heated seats in one of our cars, a job that challenges me and makes me laugh, my hand held scotch-brite scrubber so I dont ever have to actually touch the nasty wet food that collects on various dishes, chap stick, white noise, DVR, monthly girl's night dinner, massages, neighbors/friends/family, and most importantly...my own continued health and the health of my family.
(The husband is working on updating Mia's ginger bread making video....I'll add that later when it's ready)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Babymoon to Montreal
Months ago, when Nate and I learned that we had a healthy growing baby on the way, we decided we better take this opportunity to plan and enjoy what could be the last "couple trip" in a long time :) I wanted to plan a location that wouldn't be heavily focused on wineries, breweries or anything related to drinking and I also wanted to choose a time of the year when I wouldn't be "too pregnant" and uncomfortable. With that, we narrowed it down to Montreal in late Sept/early October considering neither one of us had never been to Canada before! We have always been so blessed to have multiple local family members always eagerly waiting for opportunities to babysit Mia and this was no exception. Mia was able to have 4 fun-filled days with her grandparents and had an absolute blast while Mommy and Daddy did the same...
Indulging in two of my most favorite things during this pregnancy: People magazine and a "coffee treat"
Our first stop in Montreal for lunch, a cute little cafe with the most amazing food
a ham and cheese crepe, salad, veggie soup and fresh baked bread, mmmmmm
Unfortunately, Day 1 was the ONLY day with sun and minimal clouds
but our stroll around town was beautiful
but our stroll around town was beautiful
the obligatory baby bump shot on our babymoon
an artist in "old town"
pedestrian cobble stoned streets in old town+walking distance from our hotel=AMAZING
pics of Montreal's Notre Dame Cathedral
We took a visit to Montreal's Biodome which was a multi-acre multi-ecosystem indoor "zoo"...very cool and full of fun animals to see...
If you dont know already, I grew up dancing and acting and used to be active in multiple dance and theater classes roughly between 3-19 yrs old. Growing up with me and eventually marrying me, Nate has become very appreciative of dance and theater and actually enjoys going to shows with me. I took it upon myself to book us some tickets to a show and we were pleasantly surprised not only with the show itself, but the venue.
In spite of it being a rainy day, we knew we had to make the best of our last day in Montreal. We had "leftover" passes to the Montreal Insectarium and surrounding Olympic sites from our already purchased package deal when we went to the Biodome. So that's what we did...looked at bugs and then walked through some funny yet beautiful Chinese and botanical gardens.
After a chilly morning walking around outside, we needed to re-fuel and found this amazing cafe with the most amazing food including hot apple cider, bloody marys, crepes galore, etc. Here is a pic of my absolutely wonderful french onion soup and the apple/maple syrup/brie cheese crepe we shared..OMG, heaven.
Our last night out, we decided to really go all out and make reservations at a fancy shmancy steak place. Here we were all dressed up and wanting someone to take our pic, so we asked a lady in our hotel lobby to take our picture for us. At the time, we weren't really aware that she had been drinking a bit and did not know how to use a camera...oh no. Sure enough, she got some blurry shots of us and then proceeded to drop our DSLR on the marble floor of our hotel. Yup, that happened. It bounced twice and Nate dove to catch it...but it was too late. The lens had been broken and we were essentially unable to use any sort of auto-focus. Thank GAWD for insurance and the fact that it was our last night out. Oh well, worse things could happen.
Even though 85% of our time in Montreal was cold and rainy while it is was warm and sunny in MN, we had a blast and would definitely return in the future. It is amazing to have something so close to the "European feel" just a couple of flight hours away. I now can proudly say that I have been to Canada and have the stamp in my passport to prove it. This was a great babymoon location and I'd for sure recommend it to others looking for that one last trip before their own babies come :)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Overdue Updates (Part 3)
September and October have been very busy months in our household and with our family and friends. As I've mentioned before, it is very important for me to savor these last few months with Mia before baby boy arrives. We have embarked on a lot of fun adventures including the Canterbury Race tracks, Severs Corn Maze, cabin trips, Mia's 2nd birthday, transitioning in to her new "big girl" room and bed, starting a new 5 day a week day care, quitting her Nuk 100% cold turkey with almost NO issues at all, Afton Apple Orchard, brunch with friends, potty training in full force and of course this past weekend with a bunch of Halloween festivities. Mia has grown up so much and become such an individual with such a unique and funny personality. She is the perfect combo pack of both Nate and I both in physical traits as well as her character. Here are some highlights from the past 2 months of fun filled outings and activities with family and friends.
she loves seeing her great grandma Peggy :)
Ahhh, snuggles with Papa
4 generations
Our friends kept asking us what we were doing for Halloween this year...dropping hints that we should have people over in their costumes like we did last year. After a week or two of getting the hints, we decided to gather the troops again and have a pot luck the day before Halloween (yesterday). It was a nice deal in the end: we provided the house, drinks and clean up while everyone else brought the food and treats....not too bad :)
Mia, MJ and Milo taunting our cat who snuck downstairs through his cat door
7 friends in costume ages between 3 months and 2 years 1 month old
this lasted maybe 10 seconds :)
baby bumble-bee Ellen and I back by the fire
That just about brings us up to speed for the happenings of the past few months, whew! I only have one more thing/update/adventure to add in Part 4...our recent "Babymoon" to Montreal, Canada...stay tuned.
September and October have been very busy months in our household and with our family and friends. As I've mentioned before, it is very important for me to savor these last few months with Mia before baby boy arrives. We have embarked on a lot of fun adventures including the Canterbury Race tracks, Severs Corn Maze, cabin trips, Mia's 2nd birthday, transitioning in to her new "big girl" room and bed, starting a new 5 day a week day care, quitting her Nuk 100% cold turkey with almost NO issues at all, Afton Apple Orchard, brunch with friends, potty training in full force and of course this past weekend with a bunch of Halloween festivities. Mia has grown up so much and become such an individual with such a unique and funny personality. She is the perfect combo pack of both Nate and I both in physical traits as well as her character. Here are some highlights from the past 2 months of fun filled outings and activities with family and friends.
Airborne on this massive bouncy thing at Severs Corn Maze
the point when I realized I probably should NOT have been on this while being 5 months pregnant...whoops...don't worry, baby boy is fine :)
getting acquainted to the HUGE corn pool
helping me bury dad in the corn
it's like quicksand...this corn pool was so amazing
this is what it looked like when Mia was "jumping" in to the corn pool..always such a cautious girl :)
finding her way in the kiddie maze
Mia says she does not like riding horses...but LOVES riding ponies :)
Mia turned 2 years old on Sept 24th, 2011. Here are a few pics from her birthday party, the day right after the corn maze adventure....what a busy (but fun) weekend.
I've been told she looks JUST LIKE NATE in some of these pics
taking time to read the cards before diving in to her gifts...so thoughtful
showing off her favorite gift....fruity smelling Hello Kitty lotion form Anne/Aaron and baby Alice
Her older "cousin" Brenden showing her how to safely cut up fruit and veggies
Mia showing MJ her new "big girl" room and bed
death stare...don't even THINK about taking away my cookies and ice cream
Here are some cheerful pictures of the beginning of MN fall. The temps have been surprisingly warm and we took advantage of trying to spend a lot of time outside in the beautiful weather....because we all know that won't last too much longer :(
Her arrival at Afton Apple Orchard....Suri Cruise has nothing on Mia,
Eat your heart out paparazzi!
Eat your heart out paparazzi!
enjoying yummy apple and pumpkin donuts
loves feeding any kind of animal she sees
thanks to Erin for taking this awesome pic
"here Annie, let me fix your hair before we take this picture"
awwwwwww
Pot Luck Brunch at our place...complete with 11 kids under the age of 3.5!
Hold it...hold it all of us parents try to capture this pic...
Aaaaaannnnnnnnd they're done.
Mia was a cupcake for Halloween this year (50% off, yesss!) For the second year in a row, we visited my grandmother's nursing home for their annual Halloween Parade. The "old folks" line up in the hallways and the kiddos walk up and down going trick-or-treat. Mia was pretty overwhelmed with all of the people and costumes. She eventually warmed up to the idea, used her nice manners by saying thank you and actually spent a lot of time handing OUT candy to the older kids...what a trooper.
Mia was a cupcake for Halloween this year (50% off, yesss!) For the second year in a row, we visited my grandmother's nursing home for their annual Halloween Parade. The "old folks" line up in the hallways and the kiddos walk up and down going trick-or-treat. Mia was pretty overwhelmed with all of the people and costumes. She eventually warmed up to the idea, used her nice manners by saying thank you and actually spent a lot of time handing OUT candy to the older kids...what a trooper.
Our friends kept asking us what we were doing for Halloween this year...dropping hints that we should have people over in their costumes like we did last year. After a week or two of getting the hints, we decided to gather the troops again and have a pot luck the day before Halloween (yesterday). It was a nice deal in the end: we provided the house, drinks and clean up while everyone else brought the food and treats....not too bad :)
That just about brings us up to speed for the happenings of the past few months, whew! I only have one more thing/update/adventure to add in Part 4...our recent "Babymoon" to Montreal, Canada...stay tuned.
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