Here's Your Sign...

When I became pregnant, I fully expected to become engrossed in all those baby and birthing shows plastered on cable. You know the ones... A Baby Story, Birth Day, NICU... the list goes on and on.

But I've come to find out that I don't want to see anyone else's horror show. At this point in my pregnancy (5 1/2 months or 22 weeks), the prospect of labor still scares the crap out of me (which, coincidentally I've heard happens during labor). I will totally admit I am creeped out by the site of babies when they are first born. They're coated in blood and white goop, often have purple and wrinkly skin, and scream to high heaven (I guess I would too, if I were plucked from a warm, cozy womb and thrust into cold, sterile birthing environments).

But there is one show that bugs, annoys and appalls me every time I see a clip of it on 'The Soup.' You can probably guess where I'm going with this if you've ever stumbled on to Discovery Health.

It's called 'I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant.'

Now, I'm not trying to pass judgment on the women featured in this fine piece of television, nor am I meaning to sound crass, but the junior-high phrase 'dropping the kids off at the pool' takes on a whole new meaning when you watch this show. Seriously - does every episode have to end with a woman taking a dump and whoops! - out comes a baby??!!

There have been so many signs that I am clearly, most definitely, preggers that it is hard to believe other women could have missed their signs. So... in the vein of Jeff Foxworthy... here's your sign that you're knocked up:

Do you gag, dry heave and occasionally puke when you brush your teeth? Guess what, you're pregnant.

Have your feet 'suddenly' grown outside the soles of your shoes? Just a heads up, you're knocked up.

Do your farts smell so bad you could clear out an entire concert hall - even those folks in the nosebleeds? Yep, you've got a bun in the oven.

When you spit water out of your mouth in the shower, does it hit your stomach instead of heading straight for the drain like it did before? You'll be a mum in 9 months.

Does your tummy flip and flop as soon as you lay down at night? You don't have gas, you have a womb.

Can you eat an entire bag of Bertolli meals-for-two by yourself? You're not fat, you're pregnant.

Are your rings the casing around your sausage fingers - especially in the morning? You'll be changing diapers soon.

Have your arms suddenly started playing Bingo by themselves? Blame the baby.

Is your underwear taking up residence in your butt crack? Guess what, your hips don't lie, you'll soon have a munchkin by your side.

Do you find yourself mixing up words, misplacing your keys or forgetting items on the grocery list? You're not losing your mind, you're getting a nugget.

Do you look like you should buy stock in Proactive? Don't do it - you can't use it anyway - you're preggo.

At the end of the day, are your ankles the size of your thighs? It's not bloat, it's a baby.

Does your normally rolly, polly (or at least soft and girly) stomach feel like there is something from the movie 'Aliens' inside it? You got it - there is.

Do you have at least one hot flash a day? It's not menopause, it's gestation!

Does an episode of Drop Dead Diva where a man is fighting to retain custody of his chimpanzee from his ex-wife bring you to a sobbing, snotty mess of tears? You are SOOOOOO pregnant.

Obviously, I'm writing these examples from my own experiences of growing Butterball inside me - and honestly, I wouldn't change a minute of it. I love being pregnant.

But I'd love to hear your signs Lady Foxworthy's!!

Just don't tell me you pooped and out came your kid.

Today is the Day!!!

We find out the sex of our baby/nugget/Butterball today and needless to say, it is ALL WE CAN THINK ABOUT!!!!

The most recent poll of what Butterball is, is more even than the initial tally. Early on, people were thinking 80% girl, 20% boy. But now it's nearly 50-50!!!! So who knows what we'll be having!!!

It's so flippin' exciting!!! Although, I admit I am still trying to wake up after we spent a fabulous night out with friends yesterday. Who knew going to bed after midnight would be a problem - I used to do that all the time!!! Welcome to my new life, I guess!

Well, we even made a video during last night's excursion and posted it on My First Baby!! Hope you'll check it out - and remember to 'like' it if you do.

Once again, thank you so much for being a part of our journey!!! It's so much better to share it with friends!!

Nugget or Nuggette?

I can't believe the moment we've been waiting 5 (long) months for is finally almost here! In less than a week, SuperFutureDad and I will know who we'll be welcoming to our family. It's just the most exciting thing to happen in like, forever!!! Ok, besides our wedding day. And when we got engaged. Well, it's one of the most exciting things that will happen in our lifetimes. I get to be a part of the Mommyhood!

So, I'm conducting a little informal poll - what do you think we're having? A Nugget or a Nuggette??
Cast your votes here!

Meantime, some other exciting things have been developing with baby. About a week ago I was lying in the dark just before bed and all of a sudden, BLURP!, in my belly. Did I feel something, I wondered? So I waited... and waited... then BLURP! That had to be it, right? That had to be our baby!!!!

But then... nothing. For the next couple of days it was like it was all dream. I tried to figure out a way to describe it to SuperFutureDad. I've heard it called 'the flutter,' 'bubbles,' 'swishes,' things like that. Here's what I came up with: You know when you're swimming in water when there is fish present? You'll be floating along, and then out of nowhere, a fish comes and skims your leg? It's like you definitely feel something brush against you, but it's diluted because of the water. To me, that's how Butterball feels. I know - what a weird description, right?? After those first couple of days of dormancy, BB has, for the most part, been jazzercising like crazy.

My favorite moment so far came last night. I was lying on the couch after another long day at work and stuffing my face with kettle corn. I love me some kettle corn!!!! SFD and I were talking about our days when WHAM!, Butterball goes karate on my bladder. I mean straight down karate chop! I kinda laughed and told SFD baby is either angry or as majorly in love with kettle corn as I am. A few seconds later, WHAM! karate chop to the bladder. I just pictured BB taking an elbow straight down - like breaking a board - except it's my bladder! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!

Needless to say I got up to pee and that was it for BB. He/She stayed quiet the rest of the night.

Nugget vs Nuggette

SuperFutureDad and I are gearing up for our 20 week (5 month) appointment. I can't believe it's gone by so fast! I know it really hasn't when I think back to all that we have done and all that has changed in our lives and all that is different with my body.

This baby has traveled to Las Vegas and Belize, SFD and I have signed up for parenting classes, and in the last two weeks I suddenly have a BELLY!!!!

But at the same time all these changes were going on our daily lives had to continue - and what a blur that's been!!!

As it stands, we're still fairly unprepared nursery- and product-wise for Butterball. Although I have started a couple of registries, the big ticket items still elude me. There is so much changing technology and standards I feel have to be checked out that I can't seem to bring myself to decide on a high chair, car seat, stroller, etc. When push comes to shove, we'll have to decide, but right now I'm holding off pending consultations with friends.

We have picked out a crib, but haven't ordered it.

We have paint picked out if BB is a girl, but if it's a boy, we're at a stalemate.

We're signed up for parenting classes, but haven't agreed on a boy's middle FutureNuggetName.

All in good time, I'm sure, but since time seems to be flying, I feel increasing pressure to get things done - NOW!!!

ARGH!!!

First things first though - what are we having??? I have a feeling once we've figured out if we're having a Nugget or a Nuggette, other things will start to fall into place. I think knowing our baby's sex will motivate us to accomplish more... or, that's what I'm hoping.

So - What do YOU think we're having?? I'm hosting an informal poll and will post the results soon. I totally have a guess... but don't want to bias anyone.

Can't wait to hear what you think!!!

Don't Burn Down Your House

Hola my fabulous Friends and Family...


If you have kids, pets, or are prone to leaving burning candles on in your house - please continue reading. If you don't fit any of these categories, you're perfect. Can I have lessons?


I am having a weeklong Scentsy Wickless Candle BOOK party. No need to come to a party... you can view and order items at your convenience! Isn't that great?

If you are new to the Scentsy products, here is a quick introduction. They are the latest thing in scented candles-their warmers warm the wax, instead of burn it so their products are leadless, wickless, flameless and smokeless. 

Scentsy has 80 scents to chose from and close to 100 plugin, medium and full size warmers...you'll find something that will fit your decor. 

Plus just for the month of July...Scentsy is bringing back 20 scents that have been discontiued in the past 6 years. JULY ONLY!

The warmers are electric and heat the wax using a 15 watt, 20 watt or 25 watt lightbulb depending on the warmer. Each scentsy bar can expect to last anywhere from 60 to 80 hours. Scentsy also carries hanging freshners, room sprays and travel tins.

I have books and the scents on hand if you would like to come and check them out...or you can check out the Scentsy products at www.scentsy.com/amygriego and go to my name listed on open parties.

Shipping will be charged on all online orders....otherwise it will be free.

Also, if you would like to hold a party (book or an at home party) the consultant is giving away a free plug in warmer when you close your party ( if held in the month July). I will then in return receive a 1/2 price item at your party.

If you have any questions let me know or you can also contact the consultant at 218-329-2335...Amy Griego, Independent Scentsy Consultant.

If you do order something, please make the check out to me and then I'll submit a bulk payment to make the process easier.

The consultant also has a Facebook page so be sure to check that out as well.

I will be closing on the 15th of July and items should arrive 2-3 weeks after that. 

Thanks so much for considering!

Beiber Fever!!

There is new phenomenon spreading across the pop music and tween world. Beiber Fever! It's in 'honor' of Justin Beiber, some 16(?)-year-old Canadian singing sensation. His songs and dance moves are apparently taking the world by storm.

But there is another fever spreading across the F-M area where I live. BABY FEVER!!! Everywhere I go, I am meeting someone who is preggers or hearing about another couple who is knocked up. It's awesome!!! It's so nice to know that there are other ladies like me who are going through the same thing. And for the women who have been through it before and are on their second or third or fourth babies, the advice is invaluable!!!

For me, I'm still figuring it out as I go - and, of course, posting it here on the blogosphere and on My First Baby for all the world to read and see!! My second video is up and running! Thanks to Neaner for making a guest appearance... look for another episode with the two of us soon.

This week, I am officially 19 weeks (almost 5 MONTHS!!!!) preggers. I still don't understand where the time is going. I am feeling great (except for the occasional hormonal headaches which bring me to my knees) and loving the transformation my body is going through. I realize not all women enjoy seeing their body expand, but I was never a thin girl to start with, so seeing my belly grow with Butterball inside it has been a pleasure so far. Ask me again in a couple of months and maybe I'll have changed my tune - but I hope not!

SuperFutureDad and I have a TON to do, though. That's the only part that's really intimidating about this whole process so far. We have nothing picked out. Can't decide on nursery colors. Still don't have the house in order. Need to have a garage sale. The list goes on and on. We make a great team so I'm sure it will all work out, but thinking about all the STUFF that needs to happen before Butterball arrives is stressful!

Anyway, here's what BabyCenter says about Butterball's development in week 19:

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.