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cousin Mal and maternity clothes

My cousin Mallory from Sacramento is visiting us for a few days. We haven't done anything truly exciting, but it is nice to hang out, watch movies, and play games together.

Since I'm starting to pop out of some of my regular clothes, we all took a trip to the mall and bought some (gasp) maternity clothes. I got some pants and tops; everything is so expensive. I was mostly looking for nice stuff I can wear to work, but regular clothes too. I forsee more of a challenge finding workout clothes. I plan to exercise as much as I can, I should at least be able swimming the whole time. I found a few things online, but I am not about to pay $50 for workout shorts and swimsuits from $70-100 - no way! Maybe I'll just head back to target and look in the plus size area.

Ob apt

Gary and I went to see the Obstetrician on Monday. We got to ask some questions about childbirth classes and prenatal tests. We also got another ultrasound exam. Apparently regular ultrasounds are a nice perk of Kaiser prenatal care. And yes Mom - at every appointment we get to see the baby on ultrasound. We have four different sets of ultrasound photos so far. These are informal, quick scans to see the baby moving and heart beat. They couldn't tell for example if the baby has a stomach or the sex. I couldn't figure out how to scan in the photos we've got so far, but I've found and artist's rendering of what it looks like.

I reassured my parents that there is no compelling medical evidence that ultrasound during pregnancy poses a significant risk to the fetus. Of couse my father was very helpful and then later showed me an article in Science News about how multiple and long ultrasounds on pregnant mice cause neurological damage to the baby mice. Great... thanks Dad.

Pregnancy ticker

I found some pregnancy tickers online and they are all way too cutsy for me.

For my state of mind, I need something more ... nerve wracking.

How about one for weight gain?

Or how many months until we have to start paying for childcare?

Or how long until we're able to get a full night's sleep again?, or how long until the kid is potty trained?, or how long until we have to take the kid to the emergency room? or how long until my boobs feel normal, or how long do we have to "baby proof" everything? or how long until our child can dress, wash, feed, entertain, and support itself? Unfortunately there are no tickers for these.

poker Aug 06

Saturday Gary and I hosted a well attended poker party. This is the third and largest poker group we had, with 18 tournament players. The pace went pretty well too since we weren't up past midnight. And like the other games, I was one of the first players to loose. However, Gary did well; he placed 3rd and actually won some money. Even though I didn't win, I had a great time and it was fun to have so many friends over for a party. I'm sure we'll have another one shortly.

dream kitten-baby

I had a dream that I gave birth to a black kitten with human face. Not really that wierd considering the kittens in my house.

Figured out

A coworker today, who did not know I was pregnant, looked at me this morning, cocked her head and asked "Are you going to have a baby?"

Frankly I was taken aback. I mean, I am just 13 weeks / 3 months along. Do I really look different already? I have gained a few pounds, but I still fit in all my regular clothes. Also, it seemed a bit forward, even rude of her. What if I'd just eaten too many doughnuts that morning?

At first I teased her and told her that it wasn't very polite to enquire why I was looking fatter, but then I confessed, yes, I am expecting.

Honestly, I don't want to think I'm showing already. If so, what does that predict for how I'll look at eight or nine months? Am I eating too much? I suppose I shouldn't worry about gaining too much weight or looking fat, whatever happens will happen, and I know I'm in good shape. Maybe I can just blame Gary and his share of genes for having a larger than expected belly.

Pregnant

Big news. Gary and I are expecting a baby! It seems strange to me because I feel mostly normal. I kinda don't believe it even though we've already had a couple ultrasounds. The due date is middle of February (it has changed a bit with each ultrasound). I'm glad I haven't been throwing up, but it hasn't really sunk in yet. It is also a bit strange that, never having been pregnancy before, I know way too much about pregnancy, and what can go really wrong, than almost anyone. Not that I am particularly worried, but it is just a different point of view. Gary is totally excited and sentimental. You can read more at his site.

Scabies

Okay, this is a slightly gross and personal entry - so readers beware. I just found out today that I have scabies - YUCK!

I have been itching for about three weeks now, and sometimes it gets so bad at night I can't sleep. I went to a doctor last week who said it was an alergy or maybe heat rash, and that I should try some over-the-counter anti-itch stuff. It didn't work, so I asked to see a dermatologist who figured it out today.

I blame Gary, who has had the same syptoms but starting a week before I got them. Thankfully there is treatment to kill the little blood suckers. Although it may take a few more weeks to get back to normal, it was more torture before - not knowing what was wrong and thinking the itch would never end.

Chantalle's visit

Last week Chantalle, my friend from France, came to visit. I stayed with her and her family in Lyon France when I was doing a study abroad program through UCI. She has hosted over 30 students and decided it was time for her to do a tour of the states and visit and many of her old roomers as she could. I was very impressed to hear from her, especially since she was travelling alone and does not speak any English.

I took three days off work and we went to the beach, the Getty museum, and UCI. We also had a reunion of all her So Cal students at my house that was alot of fun. During her visit, she kept expressing suprise at how large American restaurant portion sizes are and was totally blown away by the "all you can eat" approach at souplantation. She also marvelled at the size of the average car here. It was really nice to see her and I got to practice speaking French alot.