Twilight Zone

So, I've been reading the Twilight series and I have to say I'm just not as in love with it as everyone else seems to be.  At first, I couldn't figure it out, but after finishing the second book "New Moon,"  I think I've put my finger on it.  Bella is the ultimate girl who doesn't realize her worth and value.  She sees Edward as being so much above her that it is somewhat sickening.  She sees herself as this homely, pathetic excuse for a human being when it's clearly indicated by the interest that others take to her and the chemistry that draws Edward to her in the first place that she is quite an engaging young woman.  Is it meant to be the plight of adolescent girls to put themselves down?  Now, to be fair, I'm not done the series and I do fully plan to complete it and be fair in my judgement, but at this point my dissection of the series would be that Stephanie Meyers is creating a heroine that girls should not look up to, a girl who also puts herself in a purposefully dangerous spot for...love...at the age of 17 - again, what kind of message does this send?  She is thrown into a downward spiral depressive funk over the absence of her Edward.  Really?  Can't we have a high school girl who asserts her independence?  Is that too much to ask?

Week 24

Week 24 - Baby is still the size of a papaya!

Our Little Rockette

Baby's started noticeably kicking. While my "flutters" were debatable (I still felt what I felt), these kicks, or bumps, are able to be felt by others. Our first kick was on Saturday night. While I thought perhaps we just had a good sleeper, I can feel kicks now throughout the day, but more noticeably at night when settled in for sleep. I'll keep you posted as to whether we've got a soccer player or a kickboxer coming our way.

The Freshman 15

Last weekend I went to a college campus...and ate in their cafeteria...as if I were a freshman who saw this food for the first time. In other words, I ate like an idiot. And put on the weight to prove it. Don't worry, I'm getting back on track, but if baby looks extra big...she had some help. Thanks, Bucknell!

Week 23 - Down on the Farm

This Saturday, I went to Pennypack Farm for Share Volunteer Duty. I got to work in the greenhouse watering the plants and weeding. I learned about a new tool: a shuffle hoe. This summer, baby will get to come with mommy to pick fresh fruits and veggies (yum).
PS - I don't think these overalls are going to last nearly as long as I had anticipated they might. A bit of a stretch, even today. Baby is getting big!

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!

Curtains

Check out my MIL's talent!! Thank you!

Week 22

Baby is the size of a papaya this week!

Mommy Ellen spent the weekend at Bucknell University for the PIAA State Swimming and Diving meet. Daddy and Nana painted the baby's room a beautiful green.

Painting the Town

Or the room...Jeff and Nana are painting baby's room this weekend while I'm away at States. I can't wait to see the finished product. I know it's going to be great! We're excited to make a cozy home for baby. Baby's home right now is pretty warm and fuzzy.

Play Gym Switch-eroo

Over the weekend, I switched the play gym on our registry not because there was anything wrong with the one that was on previously (Fisher Price Rainforest) - but I just love this one (Infantino Monkey) so much more. Compare for yourself.

The Nose Knows

So far, so good - that's what I keep saying when people ask how I've been feeling because it's true. So far, I feel so good. And I count my blessings that I do. And I know that as soon as I write this and click "Publish Post" it will all change just because, but I'll take the chance. Over a year ago, a friend introduced me to the Neti Pot and I've been using it religiously ever since and I credit it with my clean bill of health when it comes to my nose. When I was first told about a Neti Pot, I thought it was just crazy - why on earth would I pour water through my nose? Then, after my second or third major stuffy nosed cold of that year, decided "What could it hurt?". After that was the Neti Pot craze - Oprah even had a demonstration and sure, it looks weird, but I swear by it. And remember, don't just use it when you feel something coming on, because then it's too late. I use my Neti Pot as a preventative measure. Each and every day, I clean out the shnozz, and if you've never tried it, I suggest you do. Check it out.

From Top to Bottom

Well, now I'm really covered - from top to bottom. In addition to an awesome 11 pairs of pants, I now have as many if not more tops to create some matching outfits. Did I mention that I love Wendy...and I don't even know her!

Babee Tenda

I didn't realize there were timeshare presentations for baby stuff...but there are!

I got a postcard in the mail for a "Getting Ready for Baby Show." Now, I'll be honest - I had a feeling this was not going to be a great investment of an afternoon, but I thought why not - free gift, could be interesting. Even better! I get fascinated by these types of things, in that people actually believe this stuff and think they're getting a good value. The presentation started off with discussion of the infant car seat and the inherent dangers of the seat becoming a projectile and flying out of the base. These are issues that were addressed and corrected early on in the inception of this idea, and are no longer (to my knowledge) accurate. But there were many more soon to be parents in that "seminar" with little to no background knowledge on the products being presented. As if soon to be parents don't have enough anxiety about the arrival of their baby, this gentleman decided that extraordinary scare tactics were the way to go. Then, he introduced the Cosco Scenera as the far superior product. So, I made a mental note - Ok, this is a Cosco products demonstration. Not exactly, but I'll explain the car seat comparison later. Then there was discussion about cribs and the recalls involving cribs and the slats that break, and the sliding rails, and the releases, etc. Then, we were introduced to the Babee Tenda crib. Babee Tenda...what's babee tenda? So I looked through my binder and other paperwork and found information about the Babee Tenda feeding table. Ah-ha! Babee Tenda it is...the product behind these people. But why have I NEVER heard of this stuff at all? Because this is the only place to find this stuff. Worse than an infomercial - these items are not available in stores. So, after demonstrating the incredible convertible nature of the crib/bed (5 in 1), the presenter moved on to demonstrate the inherent dangers of high chairs. One man calls out, "But what's the alternative?" It's as if these people were actually paid in to say this stuff. "Well, let me tell you about the alternative..." I actually leaned over to let him know that the "alternative" was in his binder if he'd like to check it out. A feeding table - that converts to all different sizes, becomes a table (with a white board on one side and a chalkboard on the other), and a bath tub. There was also a bib that covered the baby's front and the entire table. Ridiculous!

There were a few things this gentleman said that I agreed with:
* He advocated for a Sleep Sack Swaddler
* He discussed bumpers and comforters being soft bedding that you aren't really supposed to use. (I've since un-registered for the "bedding package" that included these items since it really would just be "for show.")

With that in mind - next came the pricing. He had everyone in this room convinced they were going to easily spend $1000 on items that would be comparable to the two items that he was selling. I know my own budget and know for a fact that you don't need to spend that amount to get quality items.

So, the prices he quoted for:
* Feeding Table $499
* Crib $899

But, for today only at the group rates:
* Feeding Table $299
* Crib $599
And...thrown in for free...the Cosco Scenera Convertible Car Seat (and that's why he pitched that first!)

He assured the crowd that you could not contact the company to get these products for less in the future. You much act now to get these "amazing" discounts.

And the free gift at the end...coupons - for JC Penney Portraits, and 4 "Vacation Getaway" coupon certificates that I'm certain are worthless (grocery coupons, restaurant coupons, gas coupons, and a "Vacation in Paradise.")

So, if you get a postcard in the mail for "Getting Ready for Baby Show," I suggest only going if you're as amused by this kind of stuff as I am...but if you ever find yourself in a situation where you're easily persuaded to drop $800+ dollars on products from a company you've never heard of, stay far, far away.

Another blogger's Babee Tenda reflection...

Week 21

Baby is the size of a banana this week - she got pretty skinny, huh?

I, however, am not the size of a banana! This week was an exciting one. We found out that baby Z is a girl! We're preparing for her arrival too. We got some paint yesterday and next weekend while I'm at States, daddy and Nana will paint the room. I can't wait to see the room with a fresh coat of paint. The crib is also ready to be picked up, but we'll wait until the room is ready for it and then put it all together. Pictures will, of course, be forthcoming.

The Verdict's In

Baby Zschunke (with 99.99% accuracy) is a girl! Thank you to everyone who participated in the fun of the poll. We'll have another ultrasound in April to super-confirm baby's gender. Look for yourself - our daughter is sitting like a little lady already. In the top ultrasound photo, she's mid flip and sharing with the world.

Our Little Dinosaur

This is a shot from the ultrasound of baby's profile and baby is either giving a great big yawn or talking away already. With a father like Jeff, I'd bet baby's chattering endlessly. I think this particular shot makes baby look like a pteradactyl. What do you think?

Seussle

Oh, how do I love Google's artistic header for Read Across America, Dr. Seuss's birthday - let me count the ways...

The Ultimate Baby Towel Pouch

Ah-ha! After its discontinuation from Babies R Us, I found it - The Ultimate Baby Towel Pouch from the Parents of Invention website. Now the tricky part would seem to be that the people over at "Parents of Invention" seem to think this product is still being carried at Babies R Us, but it is not - I assure you. And they haven't extended this product to any other retailers. Hmm, if there's anyone with more luck out there finding this, let me know. It would appear that I've fallen under the spell that I really really want what it seems I can't have.

5 Napkin Burger - My eyes were pretty big...

Prior to embarking on our New York trip, I had made reservations via Open Table at a restaurant called 5 Napkin Burger. Somehow, I thought that after a very filling veggie burger and fries that it would be a "good" (read very, very bad) idea to get dessert consisting of cheesecake and a s'mores milkshake. I felt horrible. I seemed to think, in the moment, that it would be ok since I'm pregnant, but really I think there's less room in there being that a baby's growing and all. Either way, I still think the s'mores milkshake is a fabulous idea, just not in addition to everything else that was eaten today. Look - it has a burned marshmallow top. For the most part, I've still been eating normal portions, but when the opportunity arises, I will use my "excuse" to indulge myself. However, lesson learned today.

Week 20

Baby is the size of a cantaloupe this week!

This picture is from New York's Grand Central Station since we were in New York for the day. Keep in mind that this picture is after consuming a veggie burger, fries, a slice of cheesecake, and a s'mores milkshake (See above). This Tuesday is our 20 week ultrasound, so more baby pictures will be coming soon.