27 Weeks, 2 Days

Dear Baby Girl,

Today's doctor's appointment provided some much needed relief to me. Because I love you so much, I forcefully swallowed down an entire glass of orange syrup and allowed myself to be pricked and prodded on your behalf. The verdict? I do not have gestational diabetes. I had convinced myself that with the way things were going for our little family, I would definitely have gestational diabetes.

I am telling you this because as you grow and learn, there are things about life and living that I want you to understand. I want to be a good example for you, but as a flawed human being there are times - like this one - where you can learn from my shortcomings. I want you to possess a quality that I fall short on - optimism. Now, I am not saying that I want you to live in a world where in your mind everything is butterflies, rainbows and sunshine. I wish the world would be that easy for you, but life will not always treat you that way. What I do mean is that I want you to be able to see the positive in people and situations.

Today when I heard your heartbeat for the split second the doctor popped in and out of my room, I was more thrilled than I have been in a long time. I have been very afraid for you, you see. Our lives have been turned around and upside down over the last month, and my stress level has been very high. Your precious life inside of me has been the only thing that has sustained me from falling overboard. That has been one of your many gifts to me, and I will always cherish that.

So, you are Normal. I am Normal. We will have our next visit in 4 more weeks. Then I will get to see you again.

In the past few weeks, you have really stepped up your movement. I imagine you in there, working hard at your Tai Chi poses. Your movements are fluid like that. It is the most beautiful feeling that I have ever experienced.

Love Forever.

Your Mom

Friday Find: Elephants Pillow

Elephants Pillow, CB2, $24.95

Happy Holidays

Winter Song

Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson released a beautiful duet entitled "Winter Song" a little earlier this month. The official video is fabulous, but it has embedding disabled so I cannot display it here. I did find the lovely interpretation of a fellow fan that you see below.

Friday Find: "joy" Recycled Letters Wall Art

"joy" Recycled Letters Wall Art, unCommonGoods, $25

Friday Find: Handmade Seed Paper Holiday Ornaments

Handmade Seed Paper Holiday Ornaments, The Spoon Sisters, $4

Friday Find: Pop-Out Holiday Ornaments

Pop-Out Holiday Ornaments, Elsewares, $14 (each)

Friday Find: Snowman Sugar & Creamer Set

Snowman Sugar & Creamer Set, Crate & Barrel, $12.95

Book Releases - December 2008

Releasing this month:

• Berry, Steve - The Charlemagne Pursuit. (12/9)
• Cornwell, Patricia - Scarpetta. (12/2)
• Grippando, James - Born to Run. (12/9)
• Hoag, Tami - Deeper than Dead. (12/30)
• Jance, JA - Cruel Intent. (12/2)
• Johansen, Iris - The Treasure. (12/9)

Friday Find: Winter Sky Pillow Cover

Winter Sky Pillow Cover, West Elm, $29 each

Friday Find: Berries Placemat

Berries Placemat, Crate & Barrel, $7.95

Head Over Heels...Literally

White Wedding...Literally

Under the Bridge...Literally

Take On Me...Literally

Wired Science - Amazing Animal Videos

Wired Science recently posted a collection of the Top 10 Most Amazing Animal videos. Prepare to be amazed as you witness an epic battle, polar bears playing with dogs (see photo at left) and a spectacular octupus camouflage scene.

Looking for more? Many commenters have added links for their favorites as well.

Friday Find: Perfect Memory Shakers

Perfect Memory Salt & Pepper Shakers, Anthropologie, $12

Beaker Does Habanera

Collection of Animaniacs One-Liners

Ice, Ice Baby

Here's a clip from Ingrid Michaelson's fabulous performance in NC last month.

Friday Find: Recycled Glass Tree Globes

Recycled Glass Tree Globes, unCommonGoods, $45 each

Friday Finds

After 7 months of a Find-A-Day, I have decided to make this a weekly occurance instead of daily. So now, each Friday you will find a new "Friday Find" featuring a particular item that caught my eye while perusing fabulous online retail sites. Enjoy!

9 Weeks, 3 Days

Dear Baby Girl,

Today was our recurring 4 week doctor's visit. I did not get to see you this time, but I did get to hear your tiny heartbeat swishing away. I also got to hear some pretty loud kicks. When the doctor would push the monitor into my belly, you would give it a swift kick.

I cannot feel your kicks very much, yet. They still feel like tiny flutters. For the last few weeks it has been difficult to differentiate your kicking from my stomach rumbling!

We have reached a milestone - we are at the halfway point. The doctor says that everything looks good. I am so proud of you for that. I have been really worried since I came down with a pretty rough cold. I prayed hard that you would not be affected by it. I feel sure all my coughing makes you uncomfortable. Luckily, my coughing is beginning to subside now.

Today was the first day that we met this particular doctor - Dr. O. Since you have been doing so well, Dr. F put me on doctor rotation. They do this since any one of the doctors may be in the delivery room. They want to be sure I have met all of them and feel comfortable with all of them.

Dr. O noticed how much of a rash I have gotten around my belly. The itchiness keeps me up at night, but you are worth it. She told me I have to take Benadryl at night, so we will see how that goes. I have tried to avoid any medication that I can so that you will not be affected.

I have been working hard to figure out what I want your room to look like. It is so important that we design something that will make you feel peaceful, yet stimulated. So far, nothing has spoken to me. I always thought I would want you to have an ocean theme or something like that. Now that you are a reality, I cannot decide!

Love Always,

Your Mom

Vote

Book Releases - November 2008

Releasing this month:

• Baldacci, David - Divine Justice. (11/14)
• Cussler, Clive - Artic Drift. (11/25)
• Deaver, Jeffry - The Bodies Left Behind. (11/11)
• Harris, Robert - Conspirata. (11/4)
• James, PD - The Private Patient. (11/18)
• King, Stephen - Just After Sunset. (11/11) - Short Stories Collection
• Koontz, Dean - Your Heart Belongs to Me. (11/25)
• Lamb, Wally - The Hour I First Believed. (11/11)
• Patterson, James - Cross Country. (11/17)
• Robb, JD (Nora Roberts) - Salvation in Death. (11/4)

Trembling Toads

Trembling Toads, Hallmark, $14.95 (with purchase of 3 cards)
Toads tremble and sing

Black Crow Coir Mat

Black Crow Coir Mat, unCommonGoods, $24

Glass Pumpkin

Glass Pumpkin, unCommonGoods, $45

Halloween Dishtowels

Halloween Dishtowels, The Spoon Sisters, $10 each

Spider Web Lantern Candle

Spider Web Lantern Candle, Crate & Barrel, $9.95

Julie - Thanks for letting me know about the ghost candleholders!

Acacia Pumpkin Trivet

Acacia Pumpkin Trivet, Crate & Barrel, $9.95

Feather Wreath

Feather Wreath, Pottery Barn, $49

Candy Bowl with Hand

Candy Bowl With Hand, Target, $12.99
Hand moves down, and sound plays phrases such as "Would you like some candy?"

Mini Gourd Candles

Mini Gourd Candles, unCommonGoods, $15 (set of 9)

Lime Bud Bowl

Lime Bud Bowl, Anthropologie, $48

It's a Girl!

We found out from today's ultrasound that we are having a baby girl!

17 weeks, 2 days

Dear Baby Girl,

That's right! We found out today that you are a girl! Your Dad & I did not really have a preference, but we are so excited to learn as much as we can about you! We were not sure that we would be able to find out today. The technician slowly went over all the measurements of your little organs. She saved that moment until last. She told us, "I know what it is, I am just trying to get a better picture!" Of course, as with all the times that I have gotten to see you - I cried.

We got lots of pictures of you today. The one above is my favorite, because it has a clear view of your form. Your little legs were curled up and moving around most of the time. This particular photo shows your hands in prayer position. Your Grandma will be so proud!

After the appointment was over your Dad & I had to go back to work. I called your Papa- you will love him - and he was so, so excited. I tried and tried to get your Nana, and finally left her a voice mail. I finally reached her around lunchtime, and she was bursting with excitement as well. She was already talking about dolls that she had seen earlier that day.

During all of that time, your Dad was having much better luck reaching all your family. When I called your aunt, I found that he had already reached her! She answered the phone with "I am having a niece!"

You will be entering a family full of boys, so I know that everyone will go the extra mile to spoil you!

Since you are a girl, we know your name. If you had been a boy, it would have been much, much harder to figure out.

Our next big task for you is picking out a theme for your room, and all the "stuff" that I am so excited to buy for you.

I am beginning to feel you flutter inside my belly. Each little movement you make thrills me to so end. I am so proud of you - from the moment of your conception and always!

Love Always,

Your Mom

Tovolo Egg Spatula

Tovolo Egg Spatula, Sur La Table, $8.00

Large Comma Plate

Large Comma Plate, CB2, $1.95

Soy Pot

Soy Pot, Crate & Barrel, $2.95

The Cellar Black & Grey Rectangular Platter

The Cellar Black & Grey Rectangular Platter, Macy's, $25

Two Tone Bamboo Round Basket

Two Tone Bamboo Round Basket, World Market, $29.99

French Envelope Tray

French Envelope Tray, Jayson Home & Garden, $16

Beaded Glass Coasters

Beaded Glass Coasters, Sur La Table, $11.50 (set of 4)

Black & White Bowls

Black & White Bowls, Crate & Barrel, $3.95 each

Recycled Windshield Glass Multi-Purpose Bowl

Recycled Windshield Glass Multi-Purpose Bowl, unCommonGoods, $55

Rhinestone Beaded Frame

Rhinestone Beaded Frame (free trade), Gaiam, $24

Artisanal Glass Vases

Artisanal Glass Vases, West Elm, $69 (set of 3)

Opulence Vase

Opulence Vase in Brown/Blue, Target, $24.99

Recycled Glass Night Lights

Recycled Glass Night Lights, unCommonGoods, $38

Blue & Brown Swirl Vases

Blue & Brown Swirl Vases, Pier 1, $25 for smaller; $32 for larger

Pink Hibiscus Candle

Pink Hibiscus Candle, Susan G. Komen Foundation, $10.99
39% of the purchase price supports the mission to save lives and end breast cancer.

Pink Ribbon Fleece Blanket

Pink Ribbon Fleece Blanket, Target, $24.99
5% of proceeds on this item are donated to aid the fight against breast cancer.

Riedel Pink O Glasses

Riedel Pink O Glasses, Bed Bath & Beyond, $26.99 (set of 2)
Riedel will donate 15% of all proceeds from the sale of this "O" glass to the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Foundation.

Celebrating the Promise Cookbook

Better Homes & Gardens Celebrating the Promise 2008 Cookbook, Susan G. Komen Foundation, $19.99
52% of the purchase price supports the mission to save lives and end breast cancer.

Emile Henry Pink 10-Inch Pie Dish

Emile Henry Pink 10-Inch Pie Dish, Bed Bath & Beyond, $39.99
10% of all Emile Henry Pink Pie Dish purchases is donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

KitchenAid Artisan 5 Quart Stand Mixer in Pink

KitchenAid Artisan 5 Quart Stand Mixer in Pink, Target, $299.99
KitchenAid will donate $40 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® as part of its Cook for the Cure® initiative. During its 2008 program, KitchenAid will donate a minimum of $1,000,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® through its select pink products. To generate a donation, consumers must register each purchased pink product at CookfortheCure.com.

Book Releases - October 2008

Releasing this month:

• Connelly, Michael - The Brass Verdict. (10/14)
• DeMille, Nelson - The Gate House. (10/28)
• Flynn, Vince - Extreme Measures. (10/28)
• Johansen, Iris - Dark Summer. (10/28)
• Kellerman, Jonathan - Bones. (10/21)
• Neville, Katherine - The Fire. (10/14)
• Parker, Robert B. - Rough Weather. (10/21)

Floral Sculpted Nesting Bowls

Floral Sculpted Nesting Bowls, $32 (set of 4)
The manufacturer donates 5% of the suggested retail price to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Spoonsisters.com donates 10% of the retail sale of this product to breast cancer charities.

Bubble Optic Tumblers

Bubble Optic Tumblers in Purple, Pier 1, $4.50 for smaller; $5 for larger

Banana Leaf Woven Stool

Banana Leaf Woven Stool, Target, $49.99