34 Weeks - A New Set of Wheels

A few weeks ago, while driving to prenatal yoga, I was in a car accident - well, I was rear-ended by another pregnant gal. Seriously, what are the odds? I was so thankful that a police car just happened to be the lane next to us - because this chick didn't have car insurance. Again, what are the odds? So, instead of forking out the $500+ to replace the bumper of my 11 year old car, Dan and I decided to invest in a new ride.

For us, choosing a car musters up the same enthusiasm and choosing between cheese or veggie pizza. Does it taste good? Is it safe? Will I have leftovers? Can I drive it into the ground? How much will this cost? Granted, I've been doing some research over the last few years so when it came time to buy a car, we'd have a decent down-payment and have a realistic idea of what this would do to our budget. But, when our car salesman asked if we were excited about the new car - we looked at each other and I barked "Oh yeah, we're super-excited!" - a notch too loud - busted.

After driving this beast for a few days, I do love it. I love the fact that we have a safe and reliable car. I'm no longer huffing my huge prego self in and out of a rusty small car. We now have something normal to camp, tailgate and roll up to Costco in.

2006 Hyundai Santa Fe - cute, safe and reasonable.

My favorite feature - car seat warmers!

Baby Update: 
I did go to the emergency room following the accident - just to make sure that everything was a-ok with Lil' Red. Now, the baby is the size of a honeydew (and I believe it) - about five pounds and 18 inches. Now, the baby can recognize and react to simple songs - from his/her kicks - I think baby Atkinson loves reggae and anything with funk (James Brown, Sharon Jones).

33 Weeks - Minnesota Baby Shower

There's something comforting about "going home" - like pulling on your favorite slippers and curling up with a mug of hot cocoa for a day of nothing. Although I've never lived in Minnesota - now that my mom and my sister live there, it feels like my second home. My aunts and cousin threw me an amazing shower with really fun games (again, no weird melted mini-candy bars in sight), yummy brunch food (of course) and thoughtful gifts for Lil' Red (my sister's favorite name for baby Atkinson).

Unlike the Milwaukee shower, nearly everyone present was a mother - so the advice, questions and conversations centered around all things baby. Although I thought my head was going to explode by the end of the night, I was so thankful for the mounds of support and advice I received from all of the women in my family. Over the last few weeks I've shifted away from being scared shitless about giving birth (oh yeah, and then having to raise a person) - to gaining a false-sense of confidence that Dan and I can really do this - and we'll most likely be really great parents. 

On the way home, my girlfriend and I stopped to visit her cousin at the Mayo hospital in Rochester. She's currently overcoming her battle with Leukemia. I visited her during Thanksgiving break and was glad to see that she had her strength back and was on the path to recovery. On the way home I thought about all of the whining and bitching pregnant women groan about - present company included. We can take a nap, prop up our feet, and call it day while this girl is literally fighting for her life with minimal complaints. I had to stop and internalize the amazingness of it all - I'm literally creating a life - of course my back is going to hurt and I'm going to be hungry. My goal over the next seven weeks is to enjoy this time with the baby and Dan - to accept the swollen fingers (bye bye rings!) and feet as a part of the pregnancy process.

Why I'm a Democrat

As the nation focuses on the protests in Madison, school closings and Governor Scott Walker, I'm compelled to voice my opinion because - well, I'm a Democrat through and through and I'm so proud of my fellow Wisconsinites and of my Democratic senators - you are doing exactly what I elected you to do - to stand up for the rights of hard working families. 

I also believe that:

We didn’t become the most prosperous country in the world by rewarding greed and recklessness or by letting those with the most influence write their own rules. We got here by rewarding hard work and responsibility, by investing in people, and by growing our country from the bottom up.

I completely understand Walker's need to balance our state budget - that's why many Badger fans sent him to the capital. Asking teachers to contribute to their pensions and health care coverage may be unimaginable to many families - but it's a reasonable and logical idea. But, eliminating their collective bargaining power is not a budgetary issue, but an ideological issue against unions. It really grinds my gears that Walker is passing this off as a budgetary issue. As a state, we may be fat, but we're not stupid.

As our nation slips farther and farther behind in education and health care - I hope that our elected officials look past their next election cycle - focus on the people who sent them to office and do what's right for everyone - not every corporation.

As always, our beloved progressive ex-Senator Russ Feingold says it best.

February 17, 2011 - Madison, Wisconsin protests, image from politico.com

Name! That! Baby!

Like weddings and careers - many girls think about their "dream" baby names. After 1,245 rounds of M.A.S.H. - you settle on your favorites. I'll drive a limo, be an editor, get married in Italy and go to college in California. Then you end up living in a "shack" and wonder what went wrong with your fake-dream life. 

Naming a baby is sort of like that - you think you have a rough idea of what you'd like - then when the time comes you realize that:
#1 - You have to pair a name with a foreign last name.
#2 - This Dad-guy will most likely have an opinion.

Last weekend, we played a Match the Name to the Meaning game at my baby shower and I felt compelled to dig a little deeper to learn what's behind our current top name choices - Ingrid, Owen and Stanley.

Ingrid = Old Norse, Beautiful, peace, to ride, Hero's daughter
Owen = Celtic, young warrior
Stanley = Old English, Stony Meadow

People also flip at the popularity of a name. After sharing our name preferences, I'm often told that Owen is "so popular right now!" Go to the Social Security site to check your name's popularity. Overall Owen is in the top 50s but in Wisconsin, he's #8!

In 2009, Lindsay (ay!) was #524, what about you? 

On My Playlist: Atmosphere - Shhhh

Again, another great band from Minneapolis! I'll be heading up to "the cities" in a few short hours to visit my family and attend my baby shower.

Shhhh by Atmosphere just makes me smile and sums up why I love the Midwest. So often people snicker and even look down on us sweet lil' Wisconsinites as if we deserve pity for living in a frozen tundra of cheese, obesity and mullets. I would trade our long, drawn out winters for some sun right now, but - I love the food, the people - everything about the good ol' Midwest.

All Stressed Out With Nothing To Do...

What do you do when you: 

• Are going to lose your job in seven weeks?
• Are going to have a baby in seven weeks?
• Have no idea what to do about day care?
• Have no idea what to do about insurance?
• Run out of gas on the Hoan bridge (besides hunch over in embarrassment)?
• Hear some size-0-14-week-pregnant girl complain about neck pain in prenatal yoga...
• Get into a fender-bender with five month pregnant chick who doesn't have insurance (while on your way to prenatal yoga...)
• Notice your dog has a weird eye irritation? (Look, Harper's winking! Forever...)

What do you do? Why - you throw yourself a gool ol' fashion pity party!

Except when dealing with the 14-week prego. You glare with a look that says "Really, your neck hurts? Really? I'm only carrying a four-pound soccer ball in my uterus - but lets forget about me and the other five woman who are at least six months pregnant and focus on your non-existent-to-mild neck pain!"

Back to me and my pity party.

I hate throwing them. Yes, sometimes they can be therapeutic, but most of the time, they just perpetuate the "whoa is me" sob session.

This morning as I was driving over the Hoan bridge - looking at Lake Michigan (just like in the movies) - I really thought about my job "situation" as a true opportunity. I've been so stressed because I've delayed the job search and application process - no desire to purchase a maternity appropriate interview outfit and kindly explain that I'd love to start in July. I've been stuck in this weird non-action-mode and I hate(d) it.

I need to take this opportunity and be patient that I'll find the right opportunity - and possibly get to live out my dream of being a part-time barista at Starbucks (I'm not kidding).

"Patience is bitter, but the fruit is sweet." Lida Clarkson

32 Weeks - Superbowl Champs

Sure, other things will happen this week - but let's get serious. I live in Wisconsin and everyone is twirling around with excitement over the newest title in Title Town, 2011 Super Bowl Champs. My friend Lauren said it best, "Way to go Pack, what a season! You did it with dignity, hard work and made all of us in Wisconsin proud. That's why I love my Green Bay Packers! Go Pack Go!" 

Baby Atkinson's Current Stats: 
Length: 18-19 in.
Weight: 4 lb.
Size: 5-lb. bag of potatoes

Milwaukee Pride, Myth Busters & Memories from Out West

I was checking out Design Sponge yesterday and stumbled upon Graphic USA - An Alternative Guide to 25 US Cities - and good ol' Mil-town made the cut. Then as I read the list of cities, I tilted my head and gave my computer screen a pouty-sad-face.

Ziggy Hanaor's Graphic USA: An Alternative Guide to Milwaukee

In 2009, Dan and I fell head-over-heals in love during our two week road-trip adventure. I had a serious crush on The West. The beauty of the National Parks blew us away and I felt as if these people were speaking my language everything just fit. So, when we planned our wedding in August, we decided to honeymoon in Oregon. We planned to spend some time in Portland, then road-trip to some Oregon and Washington parks. Obviously, (and thankfully!) plans change. But, I haven't bumped Portland from its top spot on the "To Visit" list - as a few moms recently busted these two popular baby-myths:

Myth #1: Once you have a baby, your dog will drop from "family-member" status to "just a dog." 
Can you believe some people - and websites - actually recommend ignoring your dog prior to the baby's arrival? Thankfully, several moms debunked this myth and state that they love their dogs just the same, but obviously baby is number one.


Myth #2: Once you have a baby, you can't go anywhere or do anything. 
True, I'm assuming you can't go everywhere, but I've witnessed actual parents (with or without their children in public. And the majority of them aren't surrounded by "Kathy-comic-frantic-squiggle-lines."

I have yet to understand exactly how this little bambino will change our life - but until chickpea Atkinson is ready for the Oregon adventure, we'll happily explore our quality neighborhood, Bay View.    

Memories from Out West

Touring Jewel Cave - near the Badlands and Custer State Park in South Dakota.

Waiting for Old Faithful to do its thing at Yellowstone

Horseback riding at Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming - my favorite place ever!

Buffalo! 

Dave Matthews at The Gorge, Washington.

In Denver visiting the Parkers

Dust off your Apron: Curried Couscous Salad

Peanut butter and Nutella - no brainier. Other food combos make you scratch your head and wonder - culinary masterpiece or face-scrunching disaster? While watching the Paint at Party episode of Giada at Home, I was wondering if G was onto something - or if she was on something. Did she just throw ingredients that began with "c" in a bowl and hope for the best? Couscous, cauliflower, curry, cucumber, crasins and cashews? Really? After fellow Giada-lover Andrea confirmed that recipe was worth the effort and I decided to give it a try - and after creating my own curry (in a panic) - I too am a believer!

Food photography quality aside, these couscous and spicy chicken tenders are worth trying!

31 Weeks - Milwaukee Baby Shower

Produce update! Baby Atkinson is now the size of a squash - weighing in around three pound! All five senses are in working order now - and his/her brain is going through some major development. 


Life update!
Last weekend, my girlfriends threw an amazing fancy-schmancy shower for me at Swig in the Third Ward. It was a perfect afternoon - great food, good drinks (virgin for me!) and very few baby games (no melted mini-candy bars in site). As I was ohhing and ahhing over the handmade baby blankets and newborn onesies, I thought about how truly fortunate we are to have such a strong network of support here in Milwaukee. Although the "baby stuff" is needed and appreciated - these friendships have been invaluable to me throughout the years. Thanks to everyone for your support, advise and new-to-gently-used baby gear! I didn't think to take pictures during the shower - but I'll post more later!

Welcome sign at Swig

Such a useful favor - plants - let's hope this lavender grows!

On My Playlist: Dawes - When My Time Comes

Can't stop listening to this catchy track. Doesn't the video make you yearn for sunlight and spring? 

The Real Housewives of Milwaukee

Confession, I love Bethenny Frankel. Yes, that girl from The Real Housewives of New York. I have her book, cookbook and yoga DVD and lost 25 pounds after reading her book. Last year she got engaged, pregnant and married within a few months and I unintentionally did the same. I love her quick wit, her dirty mouth and her outlook on life. I was thrilled that she came to Milwaukee last week for a lecture/conversation and that my best friend Andrea was by my side as drunk teachers stumbled to the mic to ask her questions.

Bethenny was great, she explained her food philosophy, dished about the other housewives and previewed her new book. The real drama of the night started when the lights came up and drunk Milwaukeeians approached the mic. You know when everyone at a concert seems is giving off positive vibes? Where you can feed off of everyone's good energy? This wasn't one of those events. For some reason, everyone was glaring at one another in judgment. Ladies, you're not chatting with Andy Cohen for a Real Housewives of Milwaukee casting... Ok, I was judging all of the women who had their husbands in tow.

We were sitting on the first row of the balcony and I was inches away from one of the four mics (sign read: Normal voice, 1 inch away) and had to suffer through a dozen ladies as they stumbled up with their Skinnygirl Margaritas and asked embarrassing questions about soup and shoe size. As Bethenny gazed in my direction, I tried my best to turn my pregnant body away from the mic and non-verbally communicate "I'm not with these crazies." I'm glad we went to this "conversation" but was glad to drive away from the bitchy crowd. And now, I can't wait for her new show to air later this month, and for her book to be released (already pre-ordered on Amazon - painful!)

How is she drinking that boiling hot margarita? It was under the stage lights for at least two hours.

31 Weeks - January 27, 2010

Snow Day

KK Ave, a mile or so from home in Bay View- JSonline/John Klein

Lake Michigan- JSonline/Kristyna Wentz-Graff

Assessing the damage

Harper is in heaven!

What is the stuff? I love it!

We're all (all of Milwaukee) at home enjoying a snow day today. Dan and I will be making cinnamon muffins, knitting, assembling high chairs (or chair...) - basically taking it easy in slippers.

On My Playlist - Mason Jennings

Some men never leave my playlist - Dave Matthews, Paul Simon and Mason Jennings.

In 2008, Dan and I went to Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN - three days of music, hippies and garlic grilled cheeses - and caught both of Mason's beautiful sets. Ignore the "Never Compromise" hat and enjoy Mason's soul-touching lyrics and sweet voice. Can't wait to see him at Turner Hall this weekend!

30 Weeks - Destination Kohler

The term "babymoon" is widely accepted and used on various pregnancy/baby sites. It's a good word to define "a vacation you should probably take before a seven-pound creature changes your life forever" - but, it's incredibly cheesy. Anyways, Dan and I went on a babymoon late-honeymoon last week. We headed up to Kohler, Wisconsin for a quick, and much needed, getaway. We started with a couples massage where I was able to lay on my back - and stomach (ah-mazing!), did a little window shopping and ate some unforgettable meals. It was so nice to actually sit across the table from one another and have a meaningful discussion - beyond babies, budget, house stuff and jobs. It was a great weekend-long date! Although it was our first vacation together without a tent - I can't wait to take little Atkinson camping with us this summer.

Fancy-schmancy spa pool. 

The American Club

Dinner at Cucina (randomly, two other pregos were dining here!)