Baby Watch 2007

Still nothing. Just lots of pelvic pain and other ickiness generally associated with late-term pregnancy.

But instead of bitching about it (or anything else for that matter), tonight I'll be over at MamaPop Talk for a live chat-in on Dancing with the Stars.

And for the record, Cliff is going home this week. I feel it.

SCIATICA!

I swore the first time that this was the worse pain ever. And aside from shingles--which no human being should EVER have to endure--I was right. The Sciatica? Yep, it's back. With a vengeance. I can't walk. I can't move. I can't even breathe without subjecting myself to such intense pelvic pain.

And goody for me! According to the midwife, this has absolutely nothing to do with the onset of labor. Meaning, that I could, theoretically, go through this for ANOTHER THREE WEEKS.

Um, I. don't. think. so.

NOT a good idea

So, I hadn't felt the baby move in a while and since she's a very active bugger, I got a bit worried. So I poked her. And apparently woke her up. And she's not happy. At all. She's already knocked the wind out of me once and is now moving like crazy. I believe I hear some faint cussing as well.

Note to self: don't poke baby.

No baby.

That's all I want to say.

Shut. Me. Off.

Please. Shut me off from reality TV. I shouldn't be allowed to watch the all day VH1/MTV reality show marathons. It's such a bad idea. And considering that I'll watch, well, ANYTHING, that tells you how addicted I am. Don't believe me? Here's what I watched this weekend:

• A Who Will Be the Next Doll (as in Pussycat) marathon. Yes, I watched the ENTIRE thing.
• One epsiode of My Sweet Sixteen (lucky for me, the shine is off this car. I can only watch a few of these brats before I sicken myself)
• Four episodes of Gene Simmons' Family Jewels
• One episode of Shear Genius. Think Project Runway with hair. This is actually pretty interesting--between Jacklyn Smith and her, "this was your final cut" line and the really unhappy hair models, I might have to watch more.

So how much reality is that? Let's see: 6+1+4+1 = WAAAAAY to much reality TV for me.

It's a good thing Heroes is back on tonight. But wait? Won't that interfere with Dancing? Oh no!

And the countdown begins...

Note: this child has officially stayed in my womb longer than Petra did. As I write this, we're going on eight hours longer...which is a good thing...sort of.

So I'll update this blog as I progress...if I do. Because according to Petra, I won't have this baby until next year.
__________
Today's Update:
Excruciating inner thigh pain and excessive peeing.
Some movement but nothing as dramatic as in past days.
Lots of gas (TMI, I know).
Not much to eat. I really haven't been too hungry today.
__________
So we'll see what tomorrow brings. I have to go back to the doctor's office at 10am for a non-stress test because, you know, I'm of AMA (advanced maternal age). I'm hoping they'll tell me I'm in labor.

It's been a while...

...since I've blogged, but I have a good reason: I'M EIGHT AND A HALF FRIGGEN MONTHS PREGNANT.

There, I got that off my chest.

And just in case you were keeping track, I am 36 weeks and two days...the EXACT day my water broke with my first pregnancy (which produced the love of my life). And fortunately (or unfortunately, I can't decide), it doesn't look like it's going to happen again. I will *officially* make it longer in this pregnancy than in the first.

And I suppose that's a very good thing. Right? So, the question of the century is, when is this baby going to come???

I really hate to admit it...

But I've been watching (gulp) Tori & Dean: Inn Love. Don't ask me why becuase it's not very good. It's probably because she's pregnant and I love watching her pregnant. She looks fantastic - big, but fantastic. (And yes, I realize that she gave birth several weeks ago, but she's still pregnant on the show).

They *heavily* edit the show and that process-editing- is not as well done as some of the other reality shows I've watched...but then again, it's 1/2 hour. I also think they play to the camera a leeetle too much.

But again, I watch. And I tivo. And I look forward to upcoming episodes. I just can't help it.

But before I go on...

I want to be very clear that while I'm completely into the shiny and spangly stylings of my favorite dancers, it's only because I've been alternately horrified and depressed by today's tragic news: A young man went on a shooting rampage on the Virginia Tech campus killing at least 32 people and wounding another two dozen.

It's the worst shooting in American history and evokes memories of Columbine (1999) and the UT Massacre (1962).

It makes me want to cry. And, never let Petra out of my sight.

The week of the Samba and the Rumba, Part Deux

And now for the second half of the show.

• John. "They like me. They really like me!" No, not really, but John did give his best performance of the season and the judges seemed pleased....well, at least pleased enough to give straight 6's across the board. It was definitely a fun performance though.
• Laila. They pulled the rumba. I'm. not. sure. about. this. one. She just doesn't look comfortable. (And can I just say, she looks a lot bigger than her partner). She might do well. Ok, I was wrong before. The judges are calling this her best performance ever. Um, her fiance is luscious. (9-10-9...not bad at all)

(In the midst of all of this, Petra and her daddy are dancing the tango. It's hysterical.)

• Apolo. Rocked It. It was one of the best performances I've seen on this show EVER. His samba was fan-friggen-tastic. I gotta give it to his partner, Julianne, because she choregraphed a phenomenal dance. HE DIT IT - 10-10-10!!!!!!! I am so thrilled for him. Of course, all Petra could say during the performance was, "Mommy, that's the song from Madagascar! That's the 'Move It' song from the movie!"
• Achy Breaky. He's wearing lavender...let's just start with that. And, um, she is the only one dancing; he's just sorta standing there. Oh, this is just painful to watch. Painful. As Natche just said, "that's not good." Apparently the judges agreed. And the scores are....6-6-5.

I really love this show.

The week of the Samba and the Rumba

As I write this, Jonathan (Heather's partner) is getting his chest waxed. There is nothing more painful than that. Nothing.

But back to the beginning of this week's Dancing:

• Ian. He did a good job and I think the judges were a bit harsh to be honest. He looked better than he had all season but they were pretty critical. That said, his scores were decent - 8's across the board.
• Clyde. Was bad. And his scores reflected his poor dancing (4-5-4). I still love his smile and hope he doesn't go home this week.
• Heather. I didn't like her dance this week; I really didn't. First of all, the samba is a Brazilian dance and the music was as far from Latin as you can get (points off in my opinion). And there was too many theatrics before you actually got to the dancing; I really thought the judges would take off points for that. But they remain awed by her performances....her scores momentarily....7's across the board. And I agree with the women over at MamaPop.com: the costume designers CAN'T STAND Heather. Seriously, they saddle her with the ugliest outfits I've ever seen.
• The Fat One. Oh how I love the Fat One. He is the best dancer in this competition. Ok. Len is calling Joey's performance feminine. That is hysterical because, well, it kinda was. He did this turn on one leg that looked a little girly. BUT, and a big butt, it was a good performance. And oh my goodness, did Samantha just call him a peak-too-soon????

And while we're at commercial, did you know that Samantha is pregnant? Apparently there were quite a few rumors surfacing about her newly-enlargened bosom and she had to come out and say, "No dopes! I didn't augment, I got knocked up!"

One more for the Trifecta!

I forgot to blog earlier about the two Lost episodes I watched this morning. 3-15 and 3-16 (Kate-centric and Juliet-centric respectively).

The first was okay...not wonderful, but certainly better than some of the more recent episodes. The second was really, really good. And I think I enjoyed it because this is the first episode (IMO) that's starting to answer some of the questions this insane series has raised from the beginning.

And I really like learning about the Others. To be frank, they're far more interesting than the "islanders". I'll bet William Mapother is shocked at how much work he's getting for being in so many flashbacks!

And the cross-overs are pretty cool. Everything and everyone is related. I can't wait for Jack to find out that Claire's his sister. Or for Kate to find out that Sawyer is Cassidy's con man. I imagine one big island blowout....and I'm sure there are more "relationships" that are bound to be discovered in the upcoming weeks, even if it's only by us viewers.

Finally, you gotta love the mind games. The fact that episode 3-16 ended with Ben and Juliet scheming in a recent flashback reminded the viewer that NOTHING on this island is what it seems.

Just a few questions: are Nikki and Paulo gone for good? Is it true that eye-patch man, Mikael, survived his encounter with the gate? And could they PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring back Eko for a flashback or two? Seriously, I'm not asking for the man to remain under long-term contract; I just want him back as eye candy for a couple of epis. Too much to ask?

Who Knew?

Who knew grapefruit juice--or grapefruits for that matter--could be dangerous? Apparently though, they block the body's ability to absorb certain drugs allowing them to more freely enter the bloodstream...or something like that. And as a result, grapefruit can make these drugs TOXIC.

Did you know that? Because I didn't. And apparently the two pulls I take regularly (when I'm not pregnant) are affected by the tangy juice.

That sucks.

It scared me.

I just watched the scariest show on television: Engaged & Underage. Have you seen this thing? And more importantly, where do they find these people? I just watched a couple get married and they are young...really young...she's 18 and he's 22. And here's the kicker: THEY HAVE TWO CHILDREN.

I don't want to stereotype (from Kentucky; live in a trailer) but her greatest ambition is to be Miss America (um, can't do that now!). And since she is out of the running, she's signing up her two children to carry on her dream.

I can't EVEN fathom and I'm not sure I've ever seen such a trainwreck.

Thank you so much to my parents for giving me a faaaaarrrr better life.

But I don't want to raise the devil's spawn!

Apparently though, I have no choice. Petra, the love of my life, has turned into someone even Satan would cast out of hell. I just called school and for the second day in a row I had to hear how out-of-control my child has been acting lately.

So I hightailed it down to school, had a good cry in the director's office and learned from her that this is the way three-year olds deal with change: They internalize their fears and anxiety and then act out. They mouth off, they regress and they turn aggressive.

Of course, this is all my fault, isn't it? I'm the one who asked, hey Petra, want a baby sister? Want someone to come into your life and steal the spotlight? Want to have to vie for your parents' attention? Seriously, how friggen' difficult is that to comprehend? I don't think I could manage it at 37, much less three.

My poor pumpkin. Someone...anyone...please tell me that this is entirely normal and that she'll go back to being the Petra we know and love very, very soon.

It feels like a lifetime...

But really, it's only been eight months. Exactly. If all goes according to plan, I have five weeks and two days left in this pregnancy. But we all know how well my plans go....

...and I should add that it's not even 9am and I'm already having a craptastic day. Between my child throwing her Leapster at my head because she couldn't see it and the woman in the white Dodge Caravan who cut me off and then had the audacity to flip me off after I beeped at her--I can tell it's time for me to just go back home, get under the covers and watch lots of daytime television.

Who knew?

Who knew you could live "jewishly" in New Hampshire. Certainly, not I.

http://www.jewishnh.org/iculture.asp

A true conversation...

Me: (ring, ring to Petra's school): Hi, Colleen! I'm just calling to check on Petra today. She woke up with a croupy cough on Saturday so I just want to make sure she's feeling better today.

Col: Hi! As far as the cough goes, Petra's fine. As far as the *hitting* goes, not so good.

Me: Um, she hit someone today?

Col: She hit three people today. It started with Natalie. Then she hit James and Gabrielle. And she's been very defiant.

Me: Um. Do you want me to come and get her?

Col: No, she considers that a reward. We'll handle.

Me: Ok. I'll speak with her tonight. I'm so very sorry.

Col: It happens. She probably realizes the baby is coming soon.

Me: Ok. (thinking yes, because then she can start taking out her frustration on the baby!)

Not a good color

So I woke up this morning just as the alarm was going off, Petra by my side )of course). I sat up, took in the Channel 7 weather and gave Petra a nice long squeeze. I forced myself out of bed, went into P's room and came back with her clothes so Natche could get her ready.

And that's when I saw it. The BRIGHT RED blood on the bed. Right where it wasn't supposed to be. Now understand, it wasn't just a little dab; this blood appeared to be some significant spotting.

So I did as any pregnant lady would and I *RAN* to the bathroom, thinking the entire time, "What do I do? What do I do?" and, "This REALLY isn't good," and finally, "Oh shit". I mean, I'm eight months pregnant. That kind of blood is a really, really bad sign, right?

And that's when I saw it. The big blood stain on my right pajama pant. Which, when removed revealed a massive cut on my leg. Nothing more. It didn't hurt and I had no IDEA I was bleeding as heavily as I was. But that's what it was. A nasty cut. And because I sat up in bed with my legs folded underneath me....well, now you know why the blood was where it was.

People! I. almost. had. a. heart. attack. This pregnancy is just too difficult. Can I really still have five weeks left?

Thank you Easter Bunny, bock bock!

Easter was lovely. Petra and I actually accompanied her father to Mass, but stopped short of participating. She wanted to know why we sat while everyone else kneeled/took communion and I told her it is because we are "different". Well, her father didn't like that too much.

"She's not different," he proclaimed.

"Different is not bad," I said. "Different is different, nothing more."

"Well, don't give her a complex. We don't want to upset her!"

"Ok. Petra, honey? You are the same as everyone else. Just the same. Nothing more. No different. Are you happy now, Natche?"

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

...Because everyone should wear a tutu with her Spongebob pajamas.

Uh oh.

Judge Puts Halt on New Vonage Customers
A federal judge on Friday ordered Vonage not to accept any new customers while it continues to infringe on Verizon Communications patents covering some aspects of Internet phone calls.

To read on, click here.

Unforgiven

I'm trying to figure out who needs to be forgiven for this mess: Is it the couple who wants to name their child Metallica or the Swedish National Tax Board, which has refused to register the name?

I have to say, it's deadlocked for me.


Couple Fights to Name Baby 'Metallica'

Caillou!

"Mommy, mommy! I want to watch Caillou! Morning, noon and night! Caillou isn't really that obnoxious Charlie Brown lookalike you think he is. No really, he doesn't whine, complain or act act like an overly-entitled 4-year old the way you think he does. Really, mommy, won't you sit down and watch a Caillou marathon with me??? Please????

"Pet, thanks for the offer, but I'd much rather stick hot needles in my eyes or give birth without an epidural...that's how much I *love* Caillou."

Die Hard 4

You don't have to be a Bruce fan to appreciate this trailer. Look how much stuff gets blown up!

Cube News 1

Ok. This woman is hysterical. And apparently she posts Cube News updates regularly. We might have to visit with Kim more.

Predictable

I have a feeling that this season's Dancing with the Stars is going to be a bit more predictable than the previous season's. I knew Paulina would go early and I predicted that Miss America was next. AND, I expect that Leeza isn't long for this world especially given that she was in the bottom two last night.

Let's face it: this show is a popularity contest, much like American Idol. Sure the judges' votes count for half, but the American public has the ability to take a mid-packer and place him in the top four (a la Jerry Rice) or get rid of him immediately. So mark my words: we're going to have to put up with Achy Breaky and his horrible dancing for quite a while...he's got too strong a fan base and they are voters.

And even though I'm complaining, I do love the show. The routines border on amusing (um, Star Wars, oh Fat One?), but there have been quite a few pleasant surprises (Heather!) and some really good dancing.

So yes, I will continue to watch. And predict. And enjoy!

Vonage is down. I repeat, Vonage is down.

The Web site. The network. All gone. Instead, when I pick up my phone, I hear a nice male voice saying, "This telephone line cannot register to the Vonage network." And when I go to the Web site, I get a lovely message that reads, "Account information is not available at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience."

But then again, it might be simply user error. After all, I am just a young woman (can we emphasize the *young*) who doesn't know what she's talking about. ;-)

Test.

I'm not sure about the new Blogger functionality, nor am I sure I like how my template looks right now.

So, we'll just call this a "test". I am, however, very fond of my new baby ticker (see sidebar); it's rather funky.

Peeps for Passover

Gotta hand it to this woman for some major creativity and style points as she presents the Peeps reinacting the plagues that befell the Egyptians during their persecution of the Jews.

Peeps for Passover