Signing up for Classes

November just went from a nice open calendar to a very busy month! It looks like every weekend we will either have a Dr. appt (now at 2 week intervals), Baby Basics Class, Childbirth Prep Class, or Breastfeeding class. And that doesn't even include the safety classes I plan on attending at Babies R Us! Travis will be thrilled to read this post...he likes his Fall weekends scheduled around football games not classes = )

Off to spend my lunch break at the grocery store! We officially ran out of milk this morning which is an end of the world crisis for this pregnant chick = )

A Gallon of Water?!

Yes, 128 oz of water is what a pregnant woman is supposed to drink in a day according to my midwife! I didn't really have much to post today so I thought I would point out this little fact. I've been trying to get in my gallon-a-day but that is a lot of H2O= ) No wonder 'frequent urination' is a side effect of pregnancy.

Off to watch a La Cueva volleyball game this afternoon! Yay for Coach Siera!

Dr. P and Remi

My Dad and Remi in prime football viewing position. Had to share = )

Saturday, September 26th

After our Dr. Appt we headed to the lab to take my glucose test to (hopefully) rule out gestational diabetes. We're not really looking to top that 19lb baby! I had been warned about the awful sugar drink you have to endure for this test so Travis and I decided this should be captured for the blog. Maybe it was the fact that I hadn't had sugar in a while in preparation for this test, but I didn't think it was as bad as everyone made it sound. It was basically just a slightly sweeter Sunkist drink (ok, in full disclosure it definitely made me feel icky but that passed as soon as I was able to eat something salty).

You have to let the solution absorb for one hour before you get your blood work drawn so we pre-registered with the hospital and went on a tour of the L&D floor and the Women's floor to be as efficient as possible with our time. Touring Labor & Delivery was fantastic...I feel so at ease with this hospital after seeing everything we should expect. Each room is a suite equipped with baby warmer, fetal monitor, etc. so that you and your baby never have to be moved to another room (except for c-section of course). Now we just have to sign up for a few classes through the hospital and we will officially be ready for December!

Friday, September 25th

Time for a few weekend recaps! Joyce and Steve finished the white paint on Friday and it looks amazing! Above are a few shots of Joyce putting on the finishing touches! Joyce also painted an old Ikea piece we had stored in our garage with the white paint and it now resides along this wall! Definitely looking like the home of a little princess = )

Baby Belly - 27 Weeks

Still the size of an eggplant, Avery's lungs are going through some major developments these days, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means she's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling. The lack of air in my womb means every 'breath' is filled with amniotic fluid, but hey - its progress!

Avery played hide and seek at Saturday's Dr. appt! Our midwife had to trap her into a corner in order to get a good shot at Avery's heartbeat = ) It was pretty funny to watch! And another exciting milestone - Travis finally felt Avery kick!

Another Lovelace Weekend

Tonight is our last night with Joyce and Steve so we plan on getting in as much fun as possible! Tomorrow morning Travis and I are off to our last 4 week Dr appt...this one includes the always fantastic listening to Avery's heartbeat portion, but will be followed up with glucose testing for gestational diabetes. I don't know which is worse...the drink I will have to get down tomorrow at 9am or trying to make it until 9am without having any sugar = ) The last couple of days have been tough b/c I can't even have my usual servings of fruit b/c I don't want to throw off the test. Travis promised me some frozen yogurt tomorrow once we're done! Oh yeah, that was promised to me after I watched Travis, Steve, and Joyce enjoy fro-yo in front of me last night...tragic!

And then after the testing fun my Dad gets into town!! Hopefully it is a nice day so that we can get out and enjoy some ABQ fresh air = ) I'll get two weekends in a row of Patyrak time b/c next weekend we are off to San Angelo for Avery's 4D Sonogram, a fabulous baby shower, and a bday celebration for my little bro! Both trips are way too short...Dad's in ABQ for about 24 hours and Travis and I are in San Angelo for about the same, but we take what we can get = )

Nursery Progress Report

Today the stripes will be painted Bright White (as opposed to the cream color our walls were originally) and I believe our small storage unit will have a fresh coat of white paint and go along the striped wall. The swing is in this picture just for its adorableness...that is actually where our glider will go in the nursery. Remi apparently wanted in on a picture so I let him make his cameo with the swing = ) I also have AVERY wooden letters to go above the crib and we will one day be adorning the walls with more than just paint! Ooohh, and she doesn't know it but I will be commissioning Denning for Avery's first portrait. What baby doesn't need an artist in the family!

I love going to the Dentist!

Is that wrong = ) Ok, I'll admit it...I wish I could go to the dentist more than the two allotted times a year. I love getting my teeth cleaned and this time more than ever b/c pregnancy definitely takes a lot out of your teeth and gums. This was probably one of my best checkups ever b/c I am the flossing nazi - anything for our little Avery.

Nursery update pics tomorrow. Our manual labor (Steve and Joyce) painted all of the silver sage yesterday and are going to finish up with the white paint tomorrow! I can't wait to unveil Avery's beautiful nursery walls! Since we don't quite pay minimum wage we let them have the day off so that they could head up to Santa Fe for the day today = ) If anyone else is interested in helping, we pay in Starbucks beverages = )

Maternity Salad

Several ladies at the San Diego shower let me in on a little LA secret...Caioti Cafe's 'The' Salad with Caioti's Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette! This famous little salad aside from being a delicious dressing is known for its labor-inducing properties. Since my due date is so close to 2010 I definitely plan on using any tasty tricks to make sure Avery makes her debut in 2009 (sorry to use her as our little tax deduction but what can I say...every little bit helps).

http://www.maternitysalad.com/

Baby Shower #2 - San Diego

Saturday was Baby Shower Day!! Aunt Susi, Kathy Deen, Gramma (and missing from the above picture, Kyle Parker) threw Avery a fabulous party = ) We had a delicious lunch, amazing desserts, and more presents than I could even handle. Kyle orchestrated a super fun Price Is Right game, a game of Guess the TV shows Avery will watch - Old and New, and of course the always a blast Baby Gift Bingo! Thank you to everyone that participated, it was such a wonderful afternoon and Avery can't wait to get her little hands on all of her new toys, clothes, and more!

Also a special thank you to Melissa who made the trip down with me from LA and to Joyce and Steve for putting us up and making it an all around fabulous weekend in San Diego!! And we wouldn't have any pictures of the event if it wasn't for the amazing photography of Kay Bickley, thank you so much! Enjoy the pics!


http://picasaweb.google.com/BethSteele1/BabyShower?authkey=Gv1sRgCNiSzt2iqaaRGQ&feat=email#

Baby Shower #1 - Dole Sales Support

Friday my Dole coworkers surprised me with a baby shower during our Teambuilding event = ) We went down to Paradise Cove in Malibu for some delicious food and fun. I will attach a link to all of the event pictures so that you can see just how fabulous my Dole crew is. Melissa and Natasha organized a baby bottle drinking competition for which Carrie took home the gold medal. It was HILARIOUS! And a huge thank you to everyone for the Pack-n-play Playard!! Travis and I have already put it together...you can't be too prepared = )

Enjoy our Malibu pics...ps - the prom style picture was all Sham's idea...haha.

http://picasaweb.google.com/pimandshalini/SalesSupportTeamOuting20091?authkey=Gv1sRgCPuH4J3WjOuTYA&feat=email#

Baby Belly - 26 Weeks

Our little lady is soaking up all of my antibodies, getting her immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and she'll soon be practicing the blink...perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes. Can't wait to get another view of her in two weeks!!

More updates to come...lots of stories from the weekend and my first two baby showers = )

PS - we are finally out of triple digits...only 98 days to go!!

Thursday, September 17th

Today's events included Dole Nutrition Institute classes on Nutrition, Science of Nutrition, Health and Longevity, and Fitness. I certainly took quite a bit of information from the classes but I have to admit that they fell around nap time so my concentration may not have been all there. The coffee smelled phenomenal but alas, I have cut out caffeine = ( Classes were followed up by a Dole Jeopardy competition and I'm proud to say my Science of Nutrition team came out with the win!

Our dinner event with the credit department was at Adobe Cantina...delicious. One of the London reps was sitting at our table so I have to admit I didn't spend much time talking Dole or credit...mainly getting all the good stories on London football firms. After watching Green Street Hooligans I can't get enough stories on these crazy soccer fans! I guess I have to add Football Factory to my netflix list...hope its as good!

Wednesday, September 16th

Today was our first event for the Sales Meetings...think Iron Chef Dole = ) We headed out to Malibu Winery for a team cooking competition. We were assigned to teams and within our teams we were broken up into smaller groups with a specific dish to create. I definitely have to admit that I am not the most innovative chef in the group but it was incredibly interesting to learn which fruits compliment which meats and vegetables within a dish. I will definitely be bringing home my cheat sheet. After a hard fought battle (one hour of fighting over two blenders, two grills, and tables full of ingredients) my team sadly did not come out victorious. Had we known that starting the judges off with Mint Mojitos at our table could have sealed the deal we may have gone that direction = )

The competition was followed by wine tasting (don't worry, I did ot participate) and a delicious Dole healthy dinner. It was an all around fantastic Dole event.

Tuesday, September 15th

Another fantastic day in WLV! I do love the Dole Garden Cafe for breakfast...delicious soyrizo and spinach scramble burrito = ) Not to mention the mountain of fresh fruit to consume! And I do hate to just go on and on about food but the lunch crew ventured out to Lamppost Pizza today...a must for any visit back to Dole! The Sales meetings started today which means the next two days will be full of teambuilding and nutrition learning. Love it!

Also a highlight of any trip back to the old neighborhood...I visited my hair stylist Erin after work. She worked her magic and my hair has come back to life! My last touch up of the year...sad times! I might even have to find someone in ABQ to get me thru the first part of 2010 since I won't make it back to Erin until April = (

Two days in a row I have failed to snap a picture of my adventures! I'll be sure to bring my camera with me tomorrow to Malibu Winery! Cheers!

Monday, September 14th

First, we have to start off with HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOYCE! Yesterday was the Gramma-to-be's birthday and Avery and I can't wait to celebrate this weekend in San Diego!

One day in the office down and it was wonderful to see all of my coworkers again! Its very lonely in the office at 6am but at least that only lasts for about an hour. My lunch crew appeased my Alamo needs...yummm, Chipotle Chicken and Rice. And it didn't make me sick! After nap time Melissa and I went on our traditional birthday pedicure date and followed it up with a small dinner at Golden Spoon. Ok...so I was still full from our delicious lunch but my tummy was aching for a little something so what better than a little Non-fat Frozen yogurt! I do have to say it was fantastic and Golden Spoon is now at the top of my Frozen favorites list...right up there with Shave it!

Baby Belly - 25 Weeks

This 'one-size-fits all' maternity cami sure was snug! Avery just continues to grow, she is now the size of an Eggplant! That oh-so-handy sense of equilibrium is kicking in, and baby's learning to distinguish right side up from upside down!

Yesterday afternoon Melissa, Aly, and I went to Motherhood Maternity on a mission to find a cute top for Saturday's Baby Shower in San Diego. Mission accomplished...along with a few other things = ) I even got my two ladies into the strap on bellies to see just how adorable they will be when pregnant, hilarious! We would be quite the trio = )

Sunday, September 13th

What weekend visit to Westlake Village is complete without a stop at my favorite dessert spot - Shave It! Aly and I are digging into the deliciousness post 4 mile walk around Westlake Lake. Note to self...my body no longer enjoys 4 mile walks.

And as if Shave It wasn't already fantastic enough (combination of ice cream and snow cone) they now have a new technique of ice cream on the bottom, middle layer of snow cone, and then another small scoop of ice cream on top! I opted for combo cherry/raspberry flavor this time but I definitely plan on talking someone into going again this week so that I can test out a new combination...maybe something a little more daring = ) Who am I kidding...cherry raspberry was too delicious to top!

Saturday, September 12th

I arrived into LAX right on time, got my sweet rental car from Enterprise - Dodge Charger, supposedly a free upgrade but I'm not buying it, and then made it to Aly's house just in time to scarf down some strawberries and bananas. I feel like I'm always starving when I show up for the weekend = ) Aly had these two gifts waiting for Avery...I think she has successfully encompassed my love of Avery and my love of wine! Super cute, and these two onesies will definitely be worn often!

Cali Bound!

I am getting much too excited about my upcoming trip! Tomorrow I leave for my 9 day visit to Southern California! I am off to Westlake Village tomorrow to get in some quality Aly time over the weekend. Then it is a week at Dole for the September Sales Meeting! I love getting back into the office even if it is only for a week. I miss my Dole kids! On the schedule for the week we have some of my favorite lunch locations, a company trip to Malibu Winery, Paradise Cove, not to mention pedicures and hair appts...oh my!

Then it is off to San Diego for a baby extravaganza weekend = ) Gramma Hinck, Aunt Susi, and Kathy Deen are hosting a baby shower for our little Avery! Adorable cuteness to follow! I'll be sure to have the camera handy all week to capture the highlights.

Travis is missing out on all the fun, but he and Remi will be able to get in all kinds of man-time while I'm gone. They won't know what to do with themselves!

Man Vs. Food

Wednesday nights at our house are currently reserved for Man vs. Food on the Travel Channel. This is a dangerous show to watch if you are hungry...although I find all food shows dangerous to watch these days! Normally I can just sit back and enjoy Adam's crazy new challenge but last night's did me in...PANCAKES!! He went to Honolulu and took the Mac Daddy Pancake Challenge - 4 lbs of blueberry pancakes with macadamia syrup. Every time they flashed a shot of the massive pancake stack I'd ask Travis to go get me pancakes. Granted it was 8pm and he turned me down every time...but it was torture! I even called my Dad to try to persuade him to somehow get pancakes to me and he didn't answer his phone. I guess late night pancakes just weren't in the cards last night = (

And to top it off...Adam was not able to eat all 4 lbs of pancakes in 90 minutes. I would have settled for his leftovers!

Family Nap Time

Travis had to leave pre-4am this morning for a hearing which is no fun, but on the positive side - it means I get my hubs home early today! Looks like 3pm will be family nap time = ) Now Travis can see just how productive I am from 3pm - 5pm every day! I thought I would have so much energy back by now but alas, I still require a solid afternoon nap every day.



I did have an incredibly productive lunch break today. I finished cleaning all of our base boards and booked our carpet cleaner to come rejuvenate our carpets. Not the most exciting lunch break but we can finally mark another major task off our list! I'll be out of town the next two weekends so I have to be super productive up until I go.

One Exhausted Dog

This is as much activity as I expect to see from Remi today. Remi spent the entire Labor Day weekend playing with one of his best friends - Charlie. It doesn't matter that Charlie is a German Shepherd and therefore 3 times bigger than Remi...he plays like its an even playing field. Remi is sore, exhausted, and couldn't be bothered to open his eyes for a picture this morning. He snores on the daybed in my office while I work...that doesn't seem fair!

Baby Belly - 24 Weeks

This week Avery's skin is becoming more opaque as the fat starts to pack on. And, thanks to the formation of small capillaries, her newly thick skin is taking on a fresh pink glow.

We've had a fantastic long weekend of dinner and a movie dates, hiking up in High Desert, and relaxing in general after a long week. I have never in my life craved pancakes until now. The good news is that I am undertaking an intense study of ABQ restaurants to find the best pancakes in town. So far I have narrowed it down to two restaurants - Perennials (delicious and thin pancakes) and The Grove Cafe and Market (crepe style with fresh fruit and yogurt). Both fantastic if you're in the mood for some pancakes! I have a feeling I won't eat pancakes for a long time once Avery is born...

Ready for Labor Day Weekend!

I plan on starting this long weekend off right! I get off work 2 hours early today so I am going to meet up with my friend Eileen for a nice little lunch = ) I rarely leave my house for lunch anymore so this is seriously exciting! Also on the agenda for the weekend - hiking with the boys, movie dates with Travis (yep, I'm trying to work in 2 movie dates this weekend since I'm going to be out of town the next two), Scrapbooking party on Sunday to check out my friend Sada's new business, and less exciting but always on the agenda these days....serious house cleaning. I'm sure some Avery errands will be run this weekend also...hopefully we'll get out to purchase her crib mattress!

Remi has an exciting weekend planned also. His friend Charlie is staying with us until Monday so that is one fantastic play date for the Remster. We will have two exhausted dogs on our hands in no time = )

Restoration Hardware

The paint arrived yesterday! Now we just need to get our professional painters into town for the dirty work (Joyce and Steve). I absolutely cannot wait to watch the transformation!

Operation Reflux Management

One day down and it looks like the new game plan definitely worked without having to take any medicine! Hopefully I just ate something that triggered it a couple days ago and now I'm good to go. I'll still stick with gum post-meal for a while and I'll probably start a new ginger-ale addiction since its something other than water to drink, but after two days of acid reflux I am definitely excited to have made it a day without!

We had a blast at the Isotopes game this past weekend and sadly it looks like the season is coming to an end. Hopefully we'll make it to some playoff games but just putting it out there now that next year everyone needs to come visit Avery and make it to at least one Isotopes game = )

I am off to support our local high school volleyball team this afternoon! My friend Siera coaches volleyball at La Cueva so I finally have an excuse to watch! Go Bears = )

Avery says...

welcome to the wonderful world of acid reflux! I am definitely thankful that I made it 28 years without knowing the joys of acid reflux but apparently our little Avery has taken over all available space and squeezed out some of the room for my stomach. For the last two days I had no idea what this new pregnancy symptom was (yes, now that Bri diagnosed me it is obvious but I had never experienced reflux before). So my new game plan is reflux management = )

- Chewing gum after every meal
- Eating smaller more frequent meals
- Drinking a little ginger-ale throughout the day (hopefully there is a little ginger in there)
- Sleeping with my head elevated
- And of course if these don't work...medicine

I have always loved pillows but this is getting ridiculous. Travis bought me the massive Comfort-U pillow for my birthday b/c I am a back sleeper which is not recommended during pregnancy. So I have this fabulous U shaped pillow - one end propped between my knees, a small portion tucked under my belly, top part under my head, and the back portion propping up my back so that I won't roll over. And now I have an extra pillow under my head to elevate...there is officially a mountain separating my side of the bed from Trav's.