News!!!

A and I went for a nuchal translucency ultrasound this morning where they do a blood test and ultrasound to check for downs and other genetic disorders and problems. My doctor insists all her patients have this procedure because if there is a problem there is so much now that they can do in vitro and also your delivery can be different. So I stressed all night and morning about the test but the second our little cutie popped up on the screen I knew everything was going to be okay no matter what. He/she is so precious it took my breath away and I just kept laughing because I was so excited. He/she looks so much more like a little baby now!

The doc came in and said that our chances are superb!!!! He said that before the test based on my age they were 1 in 825 and after the screen and blood results they are 1 in 10,000!!!!! He said it was pretty much the best score you could get. 'Of course there are no guarantees, but I feel a tremendous amount of relief. Yeah for baby U!

This ultrasound was the most fun one yet! We have two arms and the most precious two little legs! Our lil' lime (babycenter says it's the size of a lime this week), was moving all around. He/she flipped over, had the hiccups, was moving his/her arms and legs all over the place...quite an active morning. Everything looks normal and the doc said we are good to go and we could tell the world (we kinda got a head start on that one)! I'm measuring 4 days before my due date, but they said that changes back and forth a lot. The heartbeat was normal at 154. It was a big relief to be done with this test and hopefully the rest of the pregnancy will be smooth sailing. If we can find a scanner I post some pics if you are interested. Just wanted to share our fabulous news. It was such a wonderful morning and I feel so blessed right now.

Poor monkey, did not have a good day--check out the "Monkey Me, Monkey You" blog for his story. It has been an eventful couple of days.

But, my oldest best friend S had a wonderful weekend--she got engaged!! I'm so excited for S&D. They are planning on getting married sometime in March in Atlanta so I'm hoping baby U behaves and comes on time so I can be there. I can't imagine not being there for her special day. I think I would cry. In a crazy twist to her engagement night, S's little sister (3 years younger) got engaged a couple hours after her! I'm very excited for both of them, but what would you do if that happen to you? Their poor parents--TWO weddings in the upcoming year!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!

NYC Preppy Blogger Meet up

If you haven't heard we are having a NYC blogger meet up in a few weeks.

Adventures in Argyle
Essential Luxuries
Hello Darling
Jewish Girl in Wasp's Clothing
The Lunch Belle
The Preppy Vegan
Sunshine in the City
and me!!

If you live in the NYC area and want to join us for dinner and drinks, email our fabulous organizer TAG at jgiwc.tag@gmail.com.

Survey Meme

I'm way behind on my Meme tags. I promise, I'll get there. Here is one for today.

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now?
I don't have a car in the city.

2. When was the last time you threw up?
I think it has been two weeks now!! Yeah for zofran!! However, that does not count hanging my head over the toilet 3 times yesterday--the nausea still isn't quite gone.

3. What's your favorite curse word?
I shouldn't have a fav, but I tend to use them all--many New Yorkers deserve for me to use them all on them. So un-lady like!

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today?
A, my doorman, and a coworker

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
Trying to get my butt in the shower and feeling kinda pukey

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Reading blogs and playing on facebook (if you correspond with me a lot, send me an email and I'll add you as my friend)

7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now?
Leaving work at 5pm exactly!!

8. Have you ever been to a strip club?
We went to a male strip club (my mistake) when we went to the Keys for Spring Break our sophomore year of college! It was called Numbers and my KD pledge sisters and I still laugh about that crazy night!!

9. What is the last thing you said aloud?
Yeah

10. What is the best ice cream flavor?
Peanut Butter and Chocolate from Baskin Robbins and original Pinkberry with kiwi and strawberries

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Diet Coke (I'm only allowed one per day)

13. What was the last thing you ate? .
A fruit Popsicle--the only thing I can eat in the morning these days

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
Yes, my first maternity purchase from old navy/gap!!

15. When was the last time you ran?
Ha, Ha--last night when I had to tee-tee for the 3rd time in a row in the middle of the night

16. What's the last sporting event you watched?
Went to a Yankees game a few weeks ago

18. Who is the last person you emailed? .
My pledge sister L wanted my new address for her wedding invitations

19. Ever go camping?
Yes, would love to go again soon.

20. Do you have a tan?
Not really. There isn't too much sun in the city that I get to experience.

21. Do you drink your soda from a straw?
No, but it drives my coworker crazy so she always makes me drink it with a straw if she's around

22. What did your last IM say?
I don't remember.

23. Are you someone's best friend?
Yes

24. What are you doing tomorrow?
Working and organizing the apt for the big move

25. Where is your mom right now?
At home recovering from my 13 year old cousin's visit

26. Look to your left, what do you see?
A brochure rack with our 2008 brochures for our meeting and the fax machine

27. What color is your watch?
It's silver/gold but I don't wear it

28. What do you think of when you think of Australia ?
I want to go. Right now.

29. Would you consider plastic surgery?
Depends on the circumstances.

30. What is your birthstone?
Peridot

31. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
No drive thru's in the city---and we don't really live by any fast food places so I don't go anymore. But, I used to drive thru except when I'm with A--he has to sit down.

32.How many kids do you want?
Let's get me through this first one and we'll discuss. I thought I wanted 3, but I'm going to need some time.

33. Do you have a dog?
I have a golden retriever, Daisy who got told by the vet yesterday that she needed light dog food b/c she's gained about 10 lbs since moving to the city. Oops. =)

34. Last person you talked to on the phone?
My sister. She called to tell me she got punched in the eye last night at a bar. Two frat guys at Alabama got in a bar fight and one swung as she was walking by! She got free shots for the rest of the night and now has a small black eye. Oh college days!

35. Have you met anyone famous?
Yes. Most recently--Carson Daly was in line behind me at the Yankee's game.

36. Any plans today?
Work and then work on packing.

37. How many states have you lived in?
5-Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Colorado, New York

38. Ever go to college?
Yes, and I wish I could go back for a weekend.

39. Where are you right now?
At my desk at the hospital in NYC

40. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
Not feeling well

41. Last song listened to?
One of The Boss' at his concert on Sunday night

42. Are you allergic to anything?
yes--wheat sensitivity and the dye used for a CT Scan

43. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
Rainbows and Tory Burch flats

44. Are you jealous of anyone?
anyone who isn't working today and is at the beach

45. Is anyone jealous of you?
?

46. What time is it?
2:16pm

47. Do any of your friends have children?
Yes--lots and lots more on the way!

48. Do you eat healthy?
I really try to--but it is hard right now

49. What do you usually do during the day?
Work, walk Daisy, talk with my mom and other friends and these days I take an after work nap. =)

50. Do you hate anyone right now?
no

51. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
yes

52. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
I'll be 28--not too much longer--my bday is Aug 15th!

53. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Yes, I love rollar coasters!

54. How did you get one of your scars?
My Mom slammed my finger in the car door by accident when I was 5

Feel free to do this one if you haven't already!

The Ugly Chairs--Help

I have got to do something with these two ugly chairs. This beauty below is my husband's favorite chair. Any ideas on what kind of fabric I should cover it with. I wanted to put it back on the street where it belongs after we got our new chair, but my husband just couldn't do it. I don't want to spend a ton recovering it, but want it to blend with the sofa and other chair. Any suggestions?

This is the other chair I do not like. I love wing back chairs, but navy blue leather really isn't my thing? Any suggestions to make everything blend?

Here is the trim on the pillows of our khaki linen sofa.

The Palm Gifts Cosmetic Bag Winner(s)!!

Y'all are so lucky. Rebecca from The Palm Gifts is so generous that she picked not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, but SEVEN winners!!

The following lucky ladies will be contacted by Rebecca in the upcoming days so they can tell her their favorite combo for their very own cosmetic bags. Congrats ladies! Thanks to everyone that entered and thanks to The Palm Gifts for sponsoring this great giveaway. Drum roll please....

1. Carol P.
2. Melia F.
3. Kristin S.
4.Gina F.
5. Amelia H.
6. Su L.
7. Katy Y.

Monkey Arrives in the Big Apple!

Monkey's here! Check out my post on his first day over at the Monkey Me, Monkey You blog:

http://monkeymemonkeyyou.blogspot.com/2008/07/monkey-arrives-in-big-apple.html

My Maternity Ebay Finds

Here are my maternity ebay finds. I've been trying to win a bella band, but haven't had much luck yet. I also just made my 1st Gap/Old Navy Maternity purchase (I'll share in another post). I'm trying to buy mostly fall/winter clothes since that is when I'll need my maternity clothes the most, but I think I've done pretty well so far.

On another note, The Palm Gifts giveaway has been extended through Monday until Rebecca gets back from vacation. So keep those entries coming! There may be multiple prizes so make sure you send her an email.

A Pea in the Pod sweater for $13.25.

Pink Maternity Trench--$9.50!

Gap Matnerity Sweater Set--$8.09

Old Navy Black Turtleneck Sweater for $7.94

Still Need:

Maternity Puffy Coat--any ideas?
Blank Pants
Fabulous Maternity Jeans
More Sweaters!! I'm going to be fat and cold come this winter! =)

My Pregnancy Books

I wanted to share with you some of the great books we have collected (some we bought, some we received as gifts). Are there any others that we MUST get?

Also, on another note---blame it on pregnancy brain---I was so eager to post all of these posts that I have been working on that I did not take the time yesterday to say thank you for all the congratulatory wishes. Y'all are so sweet and I've read the comments over and over again! Each one means so much to me. It is such a blessing for me to be able to share my latest journey with each of you. So, thank you sweet friends!!


Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy


Our insurance company sent us this book after a VERY long and personal survey! (But, we love it!)


What To Expect When You Are Expecting

Hubby brought this classic home after we got our good news.

What To Expect When You Are Expecting Journal


My Mom sent us this fun book!

The Pregnancy Journal

My friend K sent me this one the day I told her I was pregnant! I love it b/c it tells you each day what the baby is doing and has space to journal.


The Real Deal Guide To Pregnancy


I scored this cute book from Ebay for $1.00!

Preppy Preggo Club

There seem to be so many preps expecting babies. Kelly made a list on her blog of her blogger buddies that are expecting and I'm going to steal the idea and do the same. I know there are quite a few of you, but leave me your name and due date and I'll post them on the sidebar. You don't have to have a blog to leave me your name and due date.

Making it through Morning (and Afternoon and Evening) Sickness

Ok, the next few posts are going to catch you up on what I've been writing but not posting the past few months! I promise I won't overload you with baby talk all the time now--but it will certainly be a major topic for the next 200 days!

I am one of the 75% of women who experiences morning sickness. Given my weak stomach, I knew I probably would have problems and sure enough around week six/seven it hit me like a tractor trailer. I've searched high and low for cures because it makes being at work in the mornings very tough.

Here is what I've been told by my OBGYN:

1/2 tab of Unisom twice a day (after getting sick 3-8 times a day for a week I was moved up to Zofran--a drug used for chemo patients!)

changed prenatal vitamin to one that includes more vitamin B6

B-Natal lollipops and drops

Cut a lemon in half and take a whiff (well it smells good but I'm still nauseous)

Here is what I've read that should work and didn't:

Crystallized Ginger (it's so freaking nasty)

Lemon Drops (they are not to be found in NYC--my husband did come back with three packs (from three different stores near our apartment) of lemonheads really just taste good)

Here is what I've tried that "kinda" works:

Ginger cookies & Ginger snaps (wheat free)

Ginger ale (full sugar)

Ritz Crackers

Lemon/Ginger Tea (kinda not so good)

Mint Tea (very yummy)



I have not tried (but it has been suggested):

Seabands

Biobands

Ginger candies

Preggie Pops

Editors Note: Wrote this post back in June when I was really dying. I am starting to feel MUCH better as I near my 12th week and I'm hoping I will just continue to improve. Please don't leave a comment that you felt great during your 1st trimester. I might not like you anymore. =) J/K

Enough Teasing...

Click here:

http://www.americangreetings.com/ecards/view.pd?i=470093579&m=6268&rr=y&source=ag999

Thanks for playing along! A and I are excited to announce that yes, we are expecting our first baby on February 8, 2009! We wanted to be cautious and wait until the 1st trimester was over before we spread the news, but I just couldn't wait another day to share my exciting news with y'all. We are so thankful and thrilled about our blessing.

So that explains---the canceled anniversary trip to the Dominican Republic (who wants to go to an all inclusive and not drink), the move to the slightly bigger apartment and the general lack of posts about life.

I know you want to ask:

1) Were we trying? Yes, but it happen very quickly for us so we are very lucky.

2) How far along are you? I'm 11 weeks and 2 days. =)

3) How are you feeling? Oh girls--it has been a TOUGH 11 weeks. Let's just say I'm on Zofran 2-3 times a day right now and I spent our anniversary vacation hanging my head over the porcelain god at our beach house. I've never been this tired in my entire life. But, I'm coming around and it is all for a VERY good cause and I know it is worth it.

4) Are you showing? A little. I tried on two skirts today that were too tight. According to BabyCenter the baby is the size of a fig this week. My sweet lil' fig!

5) Have you told your job? No, not yet. I'm going to do that in the next two weeks before I start popping out of my shirts! I'm NOT looking forward to the conversation. I do plan to stay at my current job until the baby comes and then we'll go from there.

6) Have you had an ultrasound? Yes, I've had two and they were AMAZING! Everything looks great so far. A got to go to the 2nd one and it was one of the best moments in my life to watch our little bean moving around on the screen together. I get chills just thinking about it. I'll post pics soon. I have another one on July 31st.

7) Are you going to find out what it is? Yes, we are going to find out. How else would I monogram everything?? I have an appt scheduled for Sept 3rd and I'll be almost 18 weeks then so I'm hoping that will be when we find out.

8) Do you want a girl or a boy? I just want a healthy baby. I want one or two more kids after this baby so I'm good with either one. Hubby REALLY wants a boy (of course, he too, just wants a healthy baby)

9) Do you have names picked out? We have several family names that we both like, but we'll wait and narrow down the options when we know what it is.

10) So you are going to have a Yankee baby? I KNOW, I KNOW. Who would have ever thought my 1st child would have an NYC birth certificate--but both A and I really wanted kids and we figured that now was as good a time as any to start trying. It should be quite an adventure to have a city baby and I'm glad to have you gals around to give me tips on being a new mommy.

So excited to finally share our news with y'all!!

My Current Five Favorite Things

Friday Ramblings

~Yesterday I met reader "A" after work for a Pinkberry treat. "A" is a long-time reader and she was in town from Dallas, so she emailed me so we could meet in person. We had a great time getting to know each other and I also got to meet her sweet boyfriend. Thanks "A"! It was so much fun and I can't wait to get together again. Enjoy the rest of your trip! And--when you start your own blog I'll be sure to pass it along to everyone because I know it will be great!

~I bought this dress on Jcrew final sale. It is oh so wonderful and comfy! Buy one today, I'm serious. I got the strawberry color and I really might go back and buy the other two.

~I've made a few ebay purchases--I'll share soon.

~Hubby is on a major, major, major project at work. He got called in on Sunday and worked until 2:30am, then 2:30am again on Monday, 1:30am on Tuesday, 4:00(freaking)am on Wednesday, and they let him off "early" last night at 11:30pm. I'm thinking he'll have to work all weekend until this deal is over. CRAZY!!

~The good news is we sign the lease on our apartment next week! The bad news is that our friends ,whose apt we are moving into, are moving back to the South today with their 3 week old baby. Such mixed emotions for me!

~I'm going to have to miss two reunions. Next weekend is my KD pledge class reunion at the beach. There were only 18 or so of us (we went to a very small private college in the South). Currently we're all quite busy! There are 2 of us engaged to be married in the next six months, 3 that just had babies, and 3 more that are pregnant...and probably a few more that will be pregnant soon! So much fun! It is also my high school 10 year reunion the next weekend after that at the beach and I'm not going to be able to make it. We just have too much going on right now and the tickets to go "home" are around $450-$500 a trip! We are going to try to make my husband's 10 year reunion in August. It will also be a good chance to go see his parents and so many of our close friends live there too.

~My bday is in less than a month (not that I'm counting).

~My Mom's 60th bday is in less than a month and I NEED to come up with a fabulous gift. She said she wanted to start a monogrammed Tervis Tumblers collection for our beach house. Anyone know where I can order them for "cheaper."

~I need a haircut. I wish you could do more fun and exciting haircuts with curly hair, but if you go to short you end up looking like you have an Afro and if you go too long it just gets gross.

~No big plans for the weekend. I'm going to work on cleaning the apt and starting to sort through things. It's amazing how much junk we've accumulated in just one short year.

~I'm super bored at work today so if you write a comment you are welcome to ask me a question and I'll respond until 5pm EST. That should keep me occupied.

~Don't forget to sign up for The Palm Gifts giveaway. See below!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing weekend! Stay cool! TGIF!

GIVEAWAY--Create Your Own Cosmetic Bag From The Palm Gifts

Hi friends! Let's start this Thursday off right with a fun giveaway from The Palm Gifts. One lucky MMM reader will win a waffle weave monogrammed cosmetic bag in their choice of colors.

Here's what you have to do to win:

1) Go to http://www.thepalmgifts.com/view.php?id=1131

2) Dream about the color of your bag (purple, lime green, white, brown, fuchsia) and check out all the fun ribbon options (too many fun choices to list here) and think about your thread and font options. Will you put your whole name or your monogram?

3) Now, email Rebecca atinfo@thepalmgifts.com. Put COSMETIC BAG CONTEST in the subject line and let her know your favorite summer cosmetic.

We will draw a winner one week from today on Thursday, July 24th and we will announce the winner on Friday, July 25th. You don't have to leave a comment here, but who knows--you may get bonus points. =)

Thanks The Palm Gifts for a fun summer giveaway! Good luck readers!

What I Packed for Greece

Virtual Vacation Notice

I'm off this week on a virtual vacation with fellow bloggers. It was all One Fabulous Mom's idea and I am so excited. You can check our progress out on her blog. According to the agenda, we leave from JFK at 3:55pm for Athens!

LA Plates

Have y'all seen these cute melamine plates from LA Plates? They have all kinds of options and you can create your own by picking a design/color and a fun monogram. Check them out! To create your own special plate, click here. Owner, Lara Hazelett Shelton is offering MMM readers a 10% discount with the code laplates10. Happy shopping!

Moving Annoucements

We will find out this week when the new lease on our new apartment starts so I'm already shopping for moving announcements. I'm leaning towards the cityscape themed announcements. I wish I could afford the ones from Paper Buzz, but I think they are out of my price range. I really love the ones from Sunshine Paperie and Doodle Bugs. What do y'all think?


100 from The Paper Cafe for $150.00

OR

120 for $108.00 from Doodle Bugs (both designs--click on link for more cute ones)

100 for $125.00 from Tiny Prints

100 for $119.00 from Tiny Prints

100 for $130 from Sunshine Paperie

100 for $210.00 from Paper Buzz

100 for $280.00 from Paper Buzz

100 for $63.90 from The Paper Cafe

Juleps

I'm so behind with sharing pictures! Here are some of the mint juleps we made for the Derby! Yum, Yum!