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September 29, 2003
September 29, 2003
Happy Birthday to ME!
Tomorrow is my 29th birthday. I'm not feeling old, nor am I feeling reflective. Next year I'm sure I will be. However, I do just want to say that I surprise myself. Several years ago if you'd asked me when I planned to have children, I would have said from ages 33 to 36, give or take. Well, people change, and I think the person I was a few years back would be shocked to learn that I'd be where I am at this age. Did that make any sense whatsoever??
Anyway, we are going out for dinner to celebrate, and I know Chris got me the corduroy pea coat I've been coveting from LL Bean. It's wide-wale corduroy, camel-coloured, and lined so it's cosy and warm. I hope it fits me for a few months!
What a weekend...
This weekend, starting with Friday, was quite a blur. First of all, the timing was right (both in terms of where I am in the pregnancy, and our work schedule) for me to finally break the news here at work. Obviously it is smart to tell one's boss before spreading the news far and wide. Well, one work friend already knew (see my last entry), and I had confided in another friend in hopes of soliciting her advice, since she's gone through this twice before. You see, without getting specific, my boss is a very intimidating person. So I was a nervous wreck all Friday morning. I finally got up the nerve and asked her if I could talk to her for a minute. I shut the door behind me and said I had to tell her something. Then I just blurted out, "I'm pregnant," and waited for the response. She said all the usual things (congrats, have you been sick, etc) but without any emotion (normal for her). It was painfully awkward and I'm sure I was just making things worse by babbling on and on. Anyway, to make a long story short, she now knows, and when I got back to my office I was so relieved to have spilled my beans. I was quick to tell my two other close workmates that I hadn't told yet, and they were both so excited, happy and supportive, so that made me feel better. Next thing I know, another coworker walks in with this silly grin on her face, and it was obvious that someone had just alerted her already! She came in with hugs and congrats, and then two more happened to walk in during this exchange. So the news travelled quickly! There are still quite a few people that haven't heard yet, but I'll just let the news spread on its own now. It's a small company, full of women, and I'm sure it won't take long! That and the fact that my belly will be announcing my news for me soon...
Which leads me to maternity shopping and my growing belly:
We were supposed to have our yard sale on Saturday, but it was pouring rain when we woke up, with no sign letting up. The forecast called for rain all day, so by 9:30 we decided we'd forget the sale and try again the next day. So instead we went shopping! We set our sights on a suburban mall, since it had one of only two Old Navys in the city with a maternity section. (For those in Toronto, Square One in Mississauga and Promenade in Thornhill are the only ones.) So off we went in the pouring rain. The mall is huge and I'd never been there before, so we just parked wherever and walked in. Well, the first store I saw was Thyme Maternity (a big chain here in Canada). I went in and looked around a bit, but figured I'd be hitting the jackpot with Old Navy so I didn't get serious about trying anything on. We kept walking and stumbled on Motherhood Maternity, which was exciting because I didn't think we had that here in Canada, and it had been recommended to me. In I went, and wanted to start trying things on. But I put it all back and decided to still try Old Navy first. We finally made it there (I hate huge malls!!!) and the maternity section was a bit of a letdown. It was rather small, with only a few things I really liked. I didn't see any of the cool things I'd seen on their website, and I was so disappointed that I didn't even try anything on. So back we went to Motherhood, where I proceeded to buy two pairs of cords (one black, one beige) with a wide, four-inch elastic panel all the way around the waist. Apparently this panel/style is for the 3 to 6 month period, saving the giant front panel for later on. I also bought a white button-down shirt with thin black stripes, and a black cotton top with three-quarter sleeves and a crossover front. Both tops are a bit roomy yet, so I likely won't wear them for a few more weeks. But the pants!! They are sooo comfy! I've heard other women say this and thought they were just kidding, but now I whole-heartedly agree: All pants should be made this way! I love them. And the funny thing is, as soon as I put them on, there was no doubt about it - I had a belly. Before the pants, I thought I just looked chubby, like I had a pot belly. But the pants make it obvious that I am indeed pregnant, especially when paired with a more fitted top. I think I just need a pair of jeans and a few more tops or sweaters and I'll be all set. Thankfully my workplace is very casual so I don't need dressy clothes. Oh, and while we were at the store, we also bought "Oh Baby, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss. Chris read it to my belly that night. Fun!
We went to a matinee that afternoon (Under the Tuscan Sun) and I really liked it. I love Europe, old houses, wine, food, romance, everything that this movie covered. I cried, I laughed, and I want to see it again! Now I wish I'd read the book first, but in a way I'm glad I didn't since I'm sure the book is better and I wouldn't have enjoyed the movie as much.
The Yard Sale
The next day dawned bright and sunny, and we woke up to the sound of voices on the street outside our house. For a frantic moment, we thought we had some early birds - you know, those people who come to garage sales at the crack of dawn, hoping to score the best deals. But when we hauled ourselves out of bed, we were happy to see that the voices were our neighbours across the street, who were also setting up for a sale - bonus! This was sure to bring more traffic to ours. So we immediately started putting stuff out, and before we were even done setting up, we had a few people. A trickle at first, but then around 9 or 10 it got really busy. We sold almost everything, and by 2 we started packing up. All that was left was crap, so we put it at the curb with a sign saying "FREE STUFF" and when we got home a few hours later, it was all gone. It's such a great feeling to be rid of all that stuff. I didn't want to have to bring any of it back in again. We met lots of nice people too, including some neighbours we'd never talked to before. We had fun, and made money -- what more could I ask for?? We've already spent the money on a new stereo - not the most practical purchase at this point, but we sold our big old one and this new one is so tiny and compact - perfect for our wee house.
I love Fall!
That afternoon, after the yard sale, we went out to the country to a farmers' market. I bought a peck of apples, a pumpkin, some gourds, some potted mums, and a pumpkin pie. I created a little fall vignette on our front steps with three pumpkins and the mums in a terracotta pot and it looks so cheery. I love fall! This is my favourite time of year. I can't wait for Thanksgiving in two more weeks - long walks down country roads flanked by multicoloured leaves, fresh crisp air and mornings chilled by frost on the ground, a fire in the fireplace, leaves scattered all over the grass, warm sweaters, the smell of woodsmoke in the air, not to mention the food... turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, turnip, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, mmmmmmmm. I can't wait. We always have a big family gathering at my aunt and uncles place (the family cottage) and I love the drive there with all the leaves in their full autumn glory. Ok, I'm starting to sound like a Hallmark card so I'll stop. But one more reason to look forward to Thanksgiving - we haven't even told most of my extended family our news, because we wanted to do so in person. Well, time flies and I haven't seen them yet, but I'll be seeing them that weekend. I have a feeling I won't even need to say anything - my belly will tell all!
Alright, I think that's all the news I've got now. Next entry should cover my birthday, Thanksgiving, and the spreading news. I also really, really hope to feel some sort of movement by then. OH! And I have my ultrasound next Monday (Oct. 6)! I might have REALLY big news to share in my next entry -- the sex of this baby!
Thanks for reading!
Jen H.
******* TALK TO ME ********
How did your workmates/boss react to news of your pregnancy?
What are your favourite fall activities?
Is the maternity selection in your nearby Old Navy store disappointing? Is all the good stuff online only??
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