Celebrate...

I am dying for the warm weather, sunshine and working in the yard...even though I am sure by the time it warms up I will barely be able to bend down.

On Thursday we had a break in the rain and I decided to go out and weed the yard. We did a pretty good job last year killing off all of the weeds so there wasnt much to do other than throughout the landscaping but it was the perfect time to weed and get my hands dirty while I can still bend over. Philip fertilized the lawn AFTER I weeded and all of our beautiful green grass is starting to pop up through the ugly straw like grass we have now.

We had lots to celebrate this weekend....

Friday was my 28th birthday and Philip and I took the day off to be together and also celebrate our 3 year wedding anniversary which is April 1st. We woke up bright and early and hit the gym. Wow... I had so much energy working out in the morning compared to the afternoons...too bad I can't do that every day! We then enjoyed brunch together at City Tavern and headed to Voci Spa for our massages. I indulged in a prenatal deep massage that was amazing and Philip had a deep tissue massage as well. It was POURING all day but we really didnt care because the day was about spending time together. We were suppoesd to go the Discovery Place (museum) but we were running late and we didnt want to cheat oursevles on the experience. Philip had other plans in mind and didnt tell me till we pulled up outside of David's Ltd (family jeweler) to show me what he had picked out for my birthday, anniversary gift. I've been eyeing several things lately since this is a big year and he doesnt typically buy jewelery ... but figured none of it would materialize since again this a big year that is costing us a fortune. yeah yeah... babies aren't cheap. we know.

Philip had secretly gone into the store a few days before and made a list of what he liked and wanted to show me. We definitely had different things in mind but with every marriage comes compromise and I was just thrilled he actually put so much thought into it all.

So what was the compromise? I really wanted diamond studs (nothing big) or a David Yurman ring with a small thin tiny band of diamonds...(did I need either of these...NO, of course not). Philip had something else in mind.

A watch... a very special watch after I heard the scoop on it (see below).....and of course the watch has very small diamonds on the face. Just enough to make it memorable and not too bling! I have to admit. Im not a watch person. Have never worn one...but this watch is a beauty. This is the exact watch I walked out of the store with. I also have a quilted band and will get a rubber one for when I am bathing Asher. The bands are interchangeable. Did I ever think I was going to be getting a watch? No....but, Philip is so excited that he picked it out and purchased it for me... and that makes it the most special birthday/anniversary/everything gift possible.

PLUS...check out all of the amazing benefits and features....

PHILIP STEIN FREQUENCY-BASED TIMEPIECES. Philip Stein has become a leader in mind-body wellness by integrating frequency-based technologies into luxury timepieces. The watches help balance the body’s energy flow, sometimes referred to as "Chi." Philip Stein wearers report better sleep, less stress, and an overall sense of well-being as some of the benefits they feel. Oprah has it on her favorite things list...not that it really matters but I thought that was cool.

We ran home to greet my sis, future bro in-law and best friend Andrea who had spent the day driving in from D.C. We all freshened up and headed to my favorite sushi restaurant Yama for dinner. Let's just say we ate a TON of sushi....Here is a photo of the sushi boat before we realized there was roe on it (which I can't eat) and we had to send it back. The dinner was delicious and we all had a blast!

I was pretty exhausted by this point but made one final special outing to 131 Main on East to see Jason who was in town visiting form Michigan (he just moved there a few months ago for a new job). It was great to see him for a short quick visit before we headed home to crash!

I woke up bright and early on Saturday so we could drive to Raleigh for my final and 3rd baby shower. Anne (who was in New Zealand), Eliza, Courtney, Andrea and Cassie could not have made the baby shower more special. It was located at this precious French restuarant, Coquette in North Hills. It stopped raining long enough for them to open the door/windows along side the restuarant. The interior of the restaurant was gorgeous and the food was rich and delicious. They served a beet salad or seasonal salad, crepes or two different fluffy quiches (vegetable and ham and cheese) Everything as perfect. This shower was so special to me because I got to see so many people I rarely see now that I live in Charlotte. Andrea was in from D.C., Liz came in from Chicago and several friends I havent seen in months to years came to celebrate It was such a memorable afternoon and we were blessed with so many wonderful gifts...and some more homemade things :)

The entire drive home it poured. I was ready to crawl into bed when we got home, but my mind had other ideas...like nesting. Philip had picked up the drapes earlier in the day and I was determined we were going to hang them, go through all of the gifts, make return piles, organize ourselves, figure out what else we needed now that the showers were over, start washing clothes, burp cloth's, sheets, sheet savers.....and the list goes on. I was dead tired and aching, but my mind was swirling... Finally we crashed way past our bed times..... Photos will follow....

What a weekend! The shower madness is over and I now have a little under 10 weeks to relax and enjoy my pregnancy without running around with my head cut off.

I am going to skip the belly survey this week. We have our first two week check up this Friday. Lots of growth going on and I finally felt body parts inside of me this week. My little guy is non stop all of the time and I couldnt love it more...

A guy's weekend

As I was off in Charleston for the majority of the weekend Philip was home and busy holding down the fort....or something like that.

Philip had a blast. It was more or less his babymoon with the guys.

Friday night he went bowling with Josh and Josh's buddy Ryan. This was the second time this month he went bowling and even texted a photo of the score board to prove he had bowled 4 strikes in a row... According to Philip he whooped them in 2 of the games and had a blast with the guys!

Saturday was a big day for Philip. He was asked to give the D'var Torah at Temple for Saturday Morning services (sermon). He had been working on it for the past 2 months with the Rabbi and if you know about Philip and his writing this was something he put his whole heart into. The morning started off with a 9 AM Debate and Discussion on " Is there such a thing as Half Jewish?" which was sponsored by our Young Adult group: NextDOR (that I chair). Rabbi Micah challenged the common perception and written law that Jewish heritage is passed through the mothers bloodline. The newer Reform 'claim to Jewish fame' supposes that your are a Jew if you act like one. Just like actions speak louder than words, so do your Jewish acts speak for themselves. Brunch followed at 10:15 and the service began at 11 AM. A special thank you to all of our friends who came out to support him since the rest of his family couldnt be there. Supposedly his D'var Torah was amazing... he even got choked up because he was so passionate about the words of this weeks portion. He was very excited to share his thoughts with anyone who was willing to listen.

Notes from Philip: The purpose of his D'var Torah was to examine and challenge the congregation to read in between the lines of the portion V'ayakel Pkudei. What he didn't anticipate was that those words which he edited while also pouring his heart into it hit pretty near and dear. His portion questioned 'Why does G-d need a house?' consisting of the building of the Tabernacle, G-d's mobile home with the wandering Jews in the desert. He concluded that G-d needed a house not for G-d, but for people (and specifically in the text the Israelites) to be given the opportunity to actualize G-d through their actions. Particularly by giving their wealth and talents to the building of the Tabernacle. Translation: G-d commanded the Israelites to give to the building effort. Similar to that of our 10 million dollar capital campaign to expand our existing Temple (which will take place starting in May!)

After temple he met up with his dad for an afternoon of golf. It was a little chilly but they really enjoyed spending time together and doing something active. Philip played a great game as well!

On Sunday morning he got up bright and early and hit the golf course at Ballantyne Resort with Jason, Zach and their cousin for a round of golf. They were playing in front of Bob Johnson the owner of the Bobcats! After his man weekend we met up at my baby shower so he could help us pack up the car from the baby shower and of coures to snack on the good food.

Talk about a MAN weekend...bowling and golf x2...

No rain, but lots of showers!

This weekend was filled with baby showers....

We kicked off the weekend with a drive to Charleston for Philip's cousins baby shower. They are due one week before us so it was exciting to compare bellies and stories. The shower was on

Saturday and we drove back late Saturday afternoon/evening so that we could get a good night's rest for my baby shower with my Charlotte Girls!

The Shower Location

Our good friend Jonthan Howard's beautiful home!

The 5 hostesses

Sarah K, Pamela R and Jill D

and Jen S and Naomi M

The girls did an amazing job! I felt so honored and so many of my favorite girls were able to attend and celebrate with us. The food was to die for...I kept going back!

Swooz (a woman who has known Philip and I since we first met in high school) catered. I stuffed my face: chicken salad with cranberries, walnuts and grapes, tomato and mozzarela, vegetable quiche, fresh fruit, mimosa's (well I didnt partake!), lots of yummy desserts including Jen's homemade Lintzer Tart and a special cake designed to match Asher's nursery from Edible Art!

Gotta love the details...yum, tomato and mozz!

Me and my mommy (she was rubbing my belly...which I love!)

We were blessed with so many wonderful gifts. I even received one gift for me post pregnancy! A few special gifts I wanted to note from the shower...

Bibs:

Mini Mensch, Future Shofar Blower and Shabbat Shalom. I love that these are not only personalized but Judaic! Thank you Sara B, Jen and Naomi...

Anything homemade warms my heart.

Softa (aka as my mother in law...this will be the name Asher calls her) knitted this precious multi colored hat and my girlfriend Pam M. knitted the cute blue and brown hat with a matching blanket!

We love this gift.... Personalized stickers for all of Asher's books. They say: My First Books, Asher Davis Schreibman. THEY ARE PRECIOUS and we will definitely be ordering more and using this idea in the future for friends. Thanks Jena C!

We are sucker's for wooden toys and Philip really wanted this alligator that makes a clicking noise when you pull it. Thank you Sarah K....Philip loves it and Asher will too!

Thank you for beautiful weather, wonderful friends and such generous gifts!

and the rest of the photos if you care to see more...

Twenty Nine weeks of Growth!

29 weeks.

I can't believe it. It felt like just yesterday I was 23 weeks and looking like this...

But here I am now....and LOVING IT!

Just a little belly growth action, right?

How far along? 29 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: I gained 1 lb at my appointment last week over the course of 3 weeks. I am up to 13.6 lbs total gain.
Maternity clothes? Yes and No. I got the cutest dress at Luna for my baby shower that is NOT maternity.... which makes me smile.
Stretch marks? Nopers
Sleep: I slept pretty solid this week only getting up 1-2 times a night. Probably because I am exhausted
Best moment this week: 1/2 day Friday, trip to Charleston for our cousin's baby shower, seeing Erin T in Charleston and my baby shower with my Charlotte girls...oh and sunshine!
Worst moment this week: This week didnt warrant a worst moment...other than exhaustion. Movement: Hard punches and rolling. Several people got to feel him move this week!
Food cravings: milk, dark chocolate dove eggs (1 a day), chocolate dipped banannas, string cheese and fruit....oh and sushi
Gender prediction now changing to Working out?: Still same ole gym routine. I am thinking I will have to cut out running in the next few weeks and only do 45 minutes of cardio vs 40-60 minutes. Working out keeps me loose. My hips and back tend to stiffen up due to my back issues if I don't stay mobile. I also realized that I am drained if I dont work out.
Labor Signs: Thankfully No... I have a friend who went into early labor at 32 weeks this weekend... stay in there little man!
Weekly Wisdom: I am so thankful for my happy marriage, healthy pregnancy, employment and all of the love in my life from friends and family... what else more could I ask for?
Milestones: Only 11 weeks left!? Some of my maternity shirts don't cover my belly ha!
Looking forward to next week: My 28th birthday this FRIDAY!, Our 3 year Anniversary next Wednesday and my last baby shower in Raleigh this weekend!

Baby shower details to follow......AMAZING
.... we are so blessed with such wonderful friends & family.

Back to the sweets...

I had my glucose test today.
I am not afraid to admit that I actually liked the drink and would've downed it in one gulp if I didn't have a "drip" from my weekend cold.

I am pretty sure I passed. I feel like I am in high school again... pass or fail... then re-test.

While we were in the lobby waiting we met this woman who was very attractice and very pregnant. She initiated conversation asking, "How far along are you?"... I reciprocated with the same generic question ...
5 minutes into the conversation....THIS WOMAN IS BIRTHING HER 13th BABY!
She has 13 kids from 22-3 yrs old and is due in 3 weeks. Oh mi!
That was the last thing she said to us as my name was called and I headed back to the scale for my appointment.

The scale was my friend. Despite what I thought (5+lbs in 3 weeks).... I actually only gained 1 lb in 3 weeks. So much for my intuition.

Almost 29 weeks and up 13 1/2 lbs total.
Philip wasnt pleased. He is convinced Asher is going to be a runt. Im pretty confident he is going to be a big baby. I was huge, a chunker in fact, a very cute chunker. Our OB was hysterical listening to the two of us go back and forth. She says, "You are doing great, keep it up!" ... I like her....sorry honey.

So back to my sweets I go.... I heart you Dove Dark Chocolate eggs.
My new favorite is Dark Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas from Trader Joe's.
Go run and buy you a box. 4 for under $2. Under 150 calories. Delicious.

Time is FLYING....

I can not believe I am 28 weeks pregnant!?
Man I need a tan! Bring on the sun and the heat!


How far along? 28 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: My glucose test is Thursday and I will be jumping on the scale! My prediction is I have gained 4-5 lbs in 3 weeks. My hope is I have gained 2 or 3. Let's see which one wins. I only weigh at the OB's office.

Maternity clothes? I actually found a ton of dresses at Old Navy this past week (non maternity) that will work through my entire spring pregnancy and after. I can't wait!

Stretch marks? Not YET....Purtty tummy.

Sleep: Hasnt been so hot since I have been sick. More tossing and turning and some back problems. The heating pad and I were good friends last week, but things are looking up. I am regaining control of my nights sleep.

Best moment this week: We got our new car and lots of celebrations (Amy's 25th Surprise and Marissa's Bridal Shower!)

Worst moment this week: Getting sick, my back problems, the drapes came and I was not happy with them.... back to the seamstress they go.

Movement: All day long. Lots more rolling and visible movement. I have a feeling a foot print or handprint is coming soon! I need to video this. Time to learn how to use video and post.

Food cravings: milk (which Im avoiding at the present moment bc of my sore throat), cottage cheese (protein!), matzo ball soup, hot tea, sushi.

Gender prediction: This won't change. For sure a BOY :)

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but its apperance seems to change daily!

Wedding rings on or off? Still on...

Weekly Wisdom: wash hands constantly! make sure you know where a bathroom is at all times (I went 15+ times on Sunday) and..."having a pregnant wife has its perks" - philip (we have received some exceptional service as a result of me being pregnant ha!)

Milestones: I no longer can run outside (only on a treadmill). I am running to the bathroom constantly and feel like my bladder is ALWAYS full :)

Looking forward to next week: My cousins baby shower in Charleston and my baby shower with my Charlotte GIRLS!!!!!

Nursery Update:

As I mentioned....The drapes came in but they were not what I ordered so they are going back. I am picky, I admit. But I want them the way I paid/ordered them. I love the big plaid and the brown pom poms but photos will have to wait at least another 2-3 weeks. We are also waiting to hang things on the walls till we hang the drapes because we want to see how it all looks.

Matzo Ball Soup, Cough Drops and Cars

It all started off with a sore throat....

Then it moved to a hacking wheezing cough...which always happens to me because I had whopping cough years ago....

Then it kept me up all night - sitting straight up....(fun times when your 7+ months pregnant!)

Now I'd like to call this "semi sick". Really its not all that bad. But for someone that despises being sick and has avoided getting sick like the plague during my pregnancy this blows. I am anti medicine to top it off. Class A, Class C, Class X. I don't care. UNLESS I get desperate. I am not there yet.

So I am typing and sucking on Vitamin C and Sugar Free Lemon-Mint Oral Pain Reliever Throat Drops (Since I have my Glucose test this week). I'm drinking decaf hot tea like its my job and downing bowls of matzo ball soup (that I MADE!). I think I am right at the end. My body is draining (sounds pleasant doesnt it?). I am still working out because I am convinced that is how I am going to sweat all of the toxins out and I think its working. I'm going to beat this cold in under 4 days from beginning to end.

*******

Aside from getting sick we got a NEW CAR THIS WEEKEND!!!!! We have been talking about getting this car for over a year. We always lease one car and own another. My lease was going to be up in 30 days so it was time to make the move. Perfect timing with the down turn of the car industry/economy. The car gods were on our side.

We negotiated ourselves out of our last month of my beloved 2006 Honda Accord (which honestly I LOVED) and into a brand spanking new 2009 Honda Pilot. It was quite a deal especially since we looked 9 months ago and then again 3 months ago and the price wouldve been much more, even on an 08. My payment barely went up but the size of our car GREW! Here she is in all her glory. Someone in our family locally FINALLY owns an SUV - and it's US! No more mooching off our friends to pick things up at Home Depot or Lowe's- HALLELUYAH!

Our Pilot is this exact color with Tan interior :)

All things baby!

Oh baby baby....

This weekend was our first baby shower. It is real. I can't believe it. In less than 13 weeks I will not only be a mommy but I will be holding my baby in my own very arms. The morning of the baby shower Philip surprised me with a balloon and corsage (so thoughtful of him). Both of our mom's, Eliza, Grandma Pearl, Aunt Diane and Aunt Janice threw us a beautiful baby shower. All of our family and family friends were invited and it was quite a party. Unfortunately, Grandma and Janice came down with the flu and were not able to make it however there love was there in spirit.

The shower was hosted at the Brookhaven Club House (which is amazing!). Eliza's fiance Rich played the piano for the first half and hour as everyone arrived and socialized. It was such a special touch and I can not thank him enough! Chef Lori from the Temple catered the brunch and the food was delicious (as always). The weather was so gorgeous we were able to leave the front doors to the club house open the entire shower....so lovely.

We were so blessed. We got so many wonderful wonderful things for our little man.
Some noteable things are:
· 4 bumbo seats and 4 bumbo trays (all at one shower thanks to the lovely and crappy registry systems at both Babies R' Us and Target)

· My horse rocker from almost 30 years ago that my mom had refinished and a new mane and tail replaced to match the nursery. It also came with a horse riding hand knitted blanket. I almost died.... this gift is so special to me.

· Philip's mezzuzah, baby rattle, tooth brush and comb

· A hand knitted blanket from Susan Coen to match our nursery and boo boo bunnies

· The Medela Breast pump and Svan High Chair that I am obsessed with

· TONS OF BOOKS (which we LOVE!)

· My all time favorite outfit from my sister....but I am waiting to post a photo of Asher in it!
...just to name a few!

Thank you to everyone for an absolutely wonderful shower. We are so thankful to have you in our lives. Please enjoy the slideshow from the shower

Belly update: 27 weeks... 3rd trimester. Thanks to my newly positioned (anterior) placenta I have really popped out. You are pretty much staring at my placenta and not necessarily my baby. But it does make me stick out a lot more and I am indeed POINTY looking. I love my growing belly. Strangely enough I love when people touch it. I love when people ask about my pregnancy. I love spreading the word that pregnancy CAN be pleasant and that you can LOVE IT.

I was so excited when the weather warmed up so that I no longer had to bundle up and hide it! I even laid out in the backyard for some much needed Vitamin D.

For the remainder of the pregnancy I am going to complete this Survey as my belly update to keep you updated on all things belly, baby and pregnancy:

How far along? 27 weeks 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: last time we checked 12.6 lbs...but I can promise you its at least 2 more lbs since then because that was 2 weeks ago!
Maternity clothes? Yes... or long tops. I mostly spend my time in yoga pants these days but am looking forward to spring dresses and skirts. I got a taste of that this weekend.
Stretch marks? Nope and rubbing Palmer's daily! Purtty tummy.
Sleep: Like a Brick. I get up to go to the bathroom 1-2 times a night....and the frequency is picking up as I am further along. I always need a sip of water after I use the restroom.
Best moment this week: My first baby shower and seeing our little man on the 3d/4d
Worst moment this week: Getting upset/stressed about some things I have no control over. Thanks to my wonderful husband he was able to quickly turn my outlook around and cheer me up. (Which he has been exceptionally great at lately!)
Movement: All day long. Rolling, kicking, punching, turning. He does not wake me up though...which I am thankful for.
Food cravings: milk, dove chocolate (1 piece), chicken divan and sushi.
Gender prediction: This won't change. For sure a BOY :)
Labor Signs: thank goodness no :) Stay in there for at lesat another 12 weeks little man!
Belly Button in or out? Still in. I am really unsure what is going to happen with my belly button. It looks like it could go. It definitely is sore and he pushes on it constantly!
Wedding rings on or off? Still on...I lost enough weight pre-pregnancy that they were quite large so I think I will be ok wearing them the entire time.
Weekly Wisdom: Let go of the things I have no control over. Be Thankful for all of life's blessings.
Milestones: 3d/4d ultrasound, constant movement inside and out and plans for matenrity pictures during week 31 with Nicole!
Looking forward to next week: Possibly getting a new car... my mommy SUV, Honda Pilot!

Nursery Updates:

Philip ran to Ikea this weekend while we had Eliza's SUV to pick up the bookcase just in time for all of the books to arrive. All we are missing is our light fixture (that black lamp has got to go) and drapes which should be ready this weekend!

Frames I made for the Nursery

Moquito Mobile

Homemade Lamps and Frame, Ikea stand

After the weekend was over we sat back to take it all in. What a whirlwind! Philip looked at me and said, "I'm done with baby stuff for the weekend." Oh boy.... is in he for a surprise in 12 weeks. ALL BABY BABY haha. But in all seriousness. Philip has been PHENOMENAL. He has been going OUT of his way to do things for me without thinking twice. I know I have not been easy to deal with but he has been wonderful despite my moodiness!