misspriss.org

Recently, I’ve had fun entering online contests for stuff. I don’t do it that often, but it’s nice for a distraction from everything else that’s going on. And I’ve gotten lucky. TWICE!

Yesterday, I received a signed copy of Body, Soul, and Baby by Tracy W. Gaudet, M.D., courtesy of Parent Bloggers Network. They have giveaways fairly regularly, so stop on by and see what strikes your fancy. Who knows? You may get lucky!

And today, I came home to find I’m a Mom! Now What? by Susan Laurent, M.D. This was courtesy of Shannon at Bloggy Giveaways and DK Publishing. She also has her regular blog, Rocks in My Dryer (I love that name). Shannon recently started doing more giveaways, so get thee hence!

Thank you both for the wonderful prizes. I’m excited to read them as soon as I can!

Once I’ve had a chance to read these two books, I’ll post a review. Both are perfect for me, as I look forward to meeting our son sometime in the next three months. Now, if I could only win a crib, stroller, car seat, a bunch of clothes, and lots of diapers, we’ll be all set.

Seriously, these people work hard to promote their giveaways, so go over and check them out. It’s free, and totally worth your time.

Note: I was not asked to blog about these, or link to their sites. I’m doing that so you can go try to win something, too!

giveaways free stuff

Have you ever used emetrol? It really is a pregnant woman’s best friend. I was almost giddy when I saw it on the approved meds list from my doctor’s office. (Not on the list: Motrin – I cried.)

Emetrol is an anti-nausea medicine. It’s really just glucose. One or two doses can drastically reduce nausea. And a few weeks ago, I’m pretty sure it saved my life. (Okay, well, it felt that way at the time.)

I was sitting at my desk when I started feeling a little queasy and light-headed. I put my head down for a moment when my boss’ boss just happened to peek into my office. She asked if I was okay. I told her I was feeling a little queasy, and the look on her face told me I didn’t look too hot either. The light-headedness increased to where I though I was going to pass out. I couldn’t put my head between my knees, so I tried getting on my hands and knees in the floor.

Do you know how embarrassing it is to be crawling around on the floor, moaning, in front of your director?

more…

For those of you that still have younger children, and are teaching them social skills and etiquette, please do me a favor. Teach them that no matter how popular IM and text messages are, they are NOT the appropriate way to break up with someone.

And later, someone’s teenage daughter (or son) will thank you.

Have I mentioned lately that parenting is hard?

I was trying to take a baby belly pic in the bathroom mirror when I smelled something like rubber burning. I thought maybe the fan’s belt was stuck and burning, so I went into the bedroom. Nope, it was running and looked fine. I turned it off, to see if the smell was coming in the window. No, but it was getting stronger by the minute.

I turned around and saw a puff of smoke coming from our halogen lamp. I immediately turned it off. There was a cat toy ball up there.

Did you know that rubber cat toys make the worst smell in the world when they melt onto a halogen lamp? Yeah, me neither. But I do now. And an hour later, I’m still trying to get rid of the smell.

*dry heaves*

Pssst – need some baby or kids clothes at a cheap price? Go to Kohl’s Clearance Sale. Great prices. $75 or more gets you free shipping, and you can always return stuff at the store, if needed. And if you want a coupon for 10% off, go see Mir’s Want Not site.

I haven’t bought baby clothes yet, but I’m tempted to get some of the bigger stuff (think 12 months or more) for later. I mean, who can resist a $2 shirt?

I had a long conversation with my mom last night. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been calling as much as I should. My mom and I have always been close, and I wonder sometimes if she’s sad that we’re not able to share as much of my pregnancy because I’m so far away. I do wish she could see my belly grow and feel the baby move right along with me.

At least I do get to share some things with her. She asked if we decided on the boy’s name. And I do think we have (almost from the moment we knew we’re having a boy). So I told her that the first grandson is going to be named after her father. She was quiet for a moment, and then she said he would have been proud to know that. I think he would have been, too. And I was happy to get to share that news with my mom.

I am looking forward to the time when she gets to meet her father’s namesake. I think Grandpa will be watching with pride, somewhere.

Sometimes I feel bad when I’m not eating the most healthy things during my pregnancy. I have a sweet tooth right now, one that I’ve never had before. I’m not much of a sweet foods person. But recently? I want cookies, brownies, ice cream… all kinds of junk. And then I worry about not eating enough salad, getting the right amount of veggies each day. And while I don’t drink coffee any longer (occasionally I’ll have some decaf), I do still have tea and pop (soda).

While I try not to berate myself, I also wonder if I’m doing things correctly. And if something does go wrong later, will I blame myself for it? I’ve been a (step) mom for a long time now. But this is the first child I’ve carried myself. Will I continually second-guess myself, or will I eventually just decide all I can do is my best?

I have to admit that I’ve been lucky so far in my pregnancy. Only one person has rubbed my belly without asking. Most people have just left me alone or asked for permission (and if I know the person, I have no problems letting them touch me). No one has given me unsolicited advice, telling me I shouldn’t drink coffee (it’s always decaf) or soda (which yes, I do, in moderation). And no one has chastised me for my food choices (even when I have dessert).

However, I’m just now entering my 6th month and looking obviously pregnant. I still have 3 1/2 months of the gauntlet to run. We’ll see how it goes from here.

So, what’s the most annoying thing, along these lines, that has happened to you when you were pregnant? Any unsolicited advice you wish you could walk away from, or better yet, punch someone in the mouth for? Go ahead, I won’t tell. 

I’m going back to my various live-blogging sessions and updating with links. Feel free to check them out. There are some great resources, and links to some fabulous blogs. If I left you out, or misspelled your name or blog, please let me know in the comments for that session. I’m happy to correct any mistakes. The discussions were so fast & furious that I’m sure I missed a few people.