Rockstar LJ

Here's one of our favorite pictures of LJ on the day he came home.

Lance Joseph

Lance Joseph (or LJ for the purpose of this blog) was born Sunday, December 26th at 12:17pm. He was six lbs, 13 oz and 20 inches long--and of course perfect in every way. He has tons of rockstar hair and my nose with daddy's cheeks--just like we predicted.

His arrival into the world was pretty dramatic: after 18 hours of labor, I had to have an emergency c-section because the cord was wrapped around his neck and his heart rate was dropping too often. It was the scariest thing JLO or I have ever been through. I was put under general anesthesia and JLO was not allowed in the OR. We both are very sad we missed the "moment" of his birth, but we said we can trade that one moment for the many ones we've had and will have in the future with our lil' buddy.

Thanks for all of your thoughts, prayers, and support over the last week.

lil' buddy update

At today's ultra sound two things were confirmed: lil' buddy has the Olstadt cheeks (the technician called them "great kissing cheeks!") and that he is pretty comfortable where he is at. So, we are moving forward with our plans for Christmas with my family and then we have an appointment on Monday to determine next steps.

The woman at the doctor's office today told me I am not nearly mad enough to be four days overdue. She accused me of being "too happy." I guess, but it's hard to get mad at my lil' buddy for being like his daddy. If you know JLO, you know how hard it is to get him out of bed in the morning (unless it's for fishing!). Plus, JLO said the other day, "why would lil' buddy want to leave? He has an all-you-can-eat 24 hour buffet!"

Happy Holidays to all!

Baby Bump--40 Weeks

So according to babycenter.com, I've had lil' buddy already.
Clearly, according to my body, I have not!
If he does not arrive on his own this week, I will be induced either Monday or Tuesday next week.

We just can't wait to meet our son!

Still Pregnant!

I've started answering my phone, "Still pregnant." Not because I'm annoyed that people are calling or texting, but because I know that is the real reason they are calling :) In reality, I am a little overwhelmed by all the love and affection we have in our lives. So many people care about JLO, lil' buddy and me. Even though we don't have any news to share yet, it's a nice reminder of how truly loved we are. Thank you so much to everyone for this love and support. We'll keep you posted of lil' buddy's arrival--any day now!

"If something goes right tonight, we'll miss you"

On Monday, my students started to ask some very interesting questions:


*Will they make an announcement if you leave school to go into labor?
* Are you standing with your legs crossed because you are afraid your water will break?
*Are you sure you won't be able to skype teach us?
* Will you send us an e-mail/picture of the lil' buddy?
*Are you afraid it's going to hurt?
* SVO, can you please not have the baby in class? My mom (an OBGYN doctor) gave me a crash course on what to do.



On Tuesday, they started putting baby predictions on my whiteboard. Ironically, I don't think one student had me having the baby before Friday.

On Wednesday, I heard a lot of "Oh, you're still here!" comments.

On Thursday, I got a lot of "come on SVO you can make it one more day!".

And every day this week, the same student has left class and said, "SVO, if something goes right tonight, we'll miss you." As I think about this week, I'm overwhelmed by how much they care about me. It's not often that teachers get reminders that students are people, too. And I know, that even though I'll be pretty busy with the lil' buddy, I'll miss them, too.

Baby Bump-39 Weeks

Originally when I found out my due date (12.20.10), I was hoping that lil' buddy would wait until after Friday 12.17.10--my last day of school before winter break--to be born. As the school year went on (and I got more tired teaching throughout the day), I threw that wish out the window--he could come whenever. However, I'm thinking I'll make it through this week after all.

Snowy Saturday!

The hospital is only three miles away, but with the snow we are getting today (up to 14 inches) it'd be quite the adventure. As of 10:15am this morning, JLO has been plowing the driveway/sidewalk for 45 minutes (and he'll have to go back out again), I've been blogging, and lil' buddy has been moving around in my belly---but staying put. Even though numerous people advised us that snowstorms put women into labor, I'm thinking we've got a few more days of anticipating lil' buddy's arrival.

Nesting

For awhile now, JLO has been waiting for me to get to the "nesting" stage of this pregnancy. I told him to not hold his breath. Since when has he ever known me to want to clean? Sorry to say, not even pregnancy hormones are gonna make that happen. However, I have been nesting in the form of baking! It might the be holiday season combined with the need to experience the holidays gluten-free for the first time, but either way I'm convinced that lil' buddy will come out of the womb craving sweets. Oops!

Tonight was the RF Girls 9th Annual Cookie Party. It's one of my very favorite traditions with some of my very favorite people. And I think we'd all agree our baking skills have surely improved since the first one back at 117 W Charlotte. We still might forget a few ingredients here or there, but we certainly are never lacking in laughter and conversation!

Baby Bump-38 Weeks

My 38 week appointment indicated that the lil' buddy likes it in my belly and will probably stay for awhile. Thankfully, I'm still feeling really good!

We are ready . . .

As soon as the calendar flipped to December, I started to get the "any day now" comment from people. Yes, it's true we are in a safe zone for his arrival. Yes, it's true that it will happen this month. Yes, it's true that at any point I could start labor. And so I respond to these people with "we are ready!"

I have everything ready for my long-term sub and have all but one set of papers graded for my students. The HR paper work is filled out, the desk is cleaned, and the plan of who to contact when it is time is in place (a text to AB who then calls CP who then tells BR). When it comes to work-- I'm ready.

At home we think we have everything we need for the lil' buddy and our bags are packed. The car is full of gas and JLO and I have our "signal" figured out if I go into labor and he's at work: one call. Leave a message. Call back again. And then text and/or e-mail.

JLO and I have done most of ourChristmas shopping and made arrangements for the holiday season. We even stocked up on meat and have simple (although we rarely make "simple") meals planned out.

So, we're ready! And most importantly, we're emotionally and mentally ready to be parents. But as so many other parents have told us, this is the first lesson in parenthood: the lil' buddy is in charge from now on and he'll come when he is ready!

Baby Bump-37 Weeks

Clearly, my stomach is more than a bump right now!

Official due date: December 20th
JLO's prediction: December 17th at 11:32pm
SVO's prediction: December 11th or December 27th

Thanksgiving Thanks in 2010

Similar to other people, I have a lot to be thankful for this year. And it goes without saying that I'm especially grateful for my husband, family, friends, health, work, etc. so I thought I'd express my gratitude today towards the little things that go unappreciated from time to time.

*Gluten-free Udi's Bread.
*Calculators.
*JLO's passion for teaching me to cook (even though I'm not a very good student most of the time).
*That my dad got a job. And it's in MN.
*I can't go a day without thinking of Dr. O--my cousin-- who diagnosed me with Celiac.
*A garage attached to the house.
*The MG girls' ability to be so different, but get along so well.
*My sister-in-law MTV's laugh. And really good hugs.
*Knowing that I can call my mom anytime, but usually after school, and she'll answer and listen...and talk :)
*Tennis shoes.
*That my mom wants to watch the lil' buddy and my nieces/nephew so MTV and I can maintain our careers.
*My sister-in-law AD for being so caring towards other people-- even though her life has been flipped inside out this year.
*Saturday and Sunday morning breakfasts with JLO.
*How Fizzle runs to give me a hug when I walk in the door.
*Chai Tea Lattes (and my supplier of them--thanks AV)
*G-mail.
*Students who ask me how I am doing.
*JLO's respect for my job (and patience to listen to me at dinner each night).
*The fact that JLO and I have dinner together almost every night.
*My co-workers who challenge me (in a good way) to be a better teacher.
*The fact that I inherited my dad's passion for learning and teaching.
*When Buster says, "Oh, Mo!" and "Is she here?"
*Pizza Luce Gluten-Free Mashed Potato Pizza.
*OPI nail polish that stays on a really long time.
*Yoga pants.
*Cancer-free reports for important people in my life.
*The ability to carry a baby and experience parenthood (even though he isn't even born yet!)
*JLO's nicknames for me.

Baby Bump-36 Weeks

As you can clearly see, lil' buddy is getting bigger and bigger each week. This will be the last time I take a baby bump photo in this shirt!

Maternity Photo Shoot

(http://meneghinphotography.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html).

Baby Class

For the last five Tuesday nights, JLO and I have attended baby class at the MG Hospital.

*After the first session I told JLO, "it's a good thing I'm already pregnant, but cause after tonight I'm not sure I would've chosen to get pregnant."

* After the second night (in which we witnessed a birth without any drugs), I couldn't sleep.

*The third night was the best: the tour of the hospital. After seeing where all the action happens, I thought okay....I can do this.

*During the fourth night, while the teacher was discussing how the dads can support the moms, I turned to JLO and said, "Please don't tell me 'you can do this' during labor. Instead you need to tell me 'you will do this.'"

*This past week (session five) we simulated pain by holding ice. Clearly, this is not possibly comparable to what labor feels like, but what it did teach me is that I will need JLO to make me laugh during labor. I know this because this happened during the simualation. The room was quiet, full of focused moms and very serious dads, and I bust out laughing as JLO is holding my belly. Partly because the whole scene is really funny, but also because JLO whisphered into my ear "is your iPod on? And playing music? Coming from your purse?" Oops. I was laughing so hard that the teacher came over and gave me a hug. The good news? I made it through the ice pain with flying colors.

Showers

I am so fortunate to have so many friends in my life who care and love me, JLO and the lil' buddy. This past week two different groups of friends threw me a shower. The latest one was a total surprise. To the point of when I got there and they all yelled "Surprise!", I asked for what!

Besides some really cute outfits and practical items for the lil' buddy, my good friend JD made this adorable gluten-free cake. I know, because I've witness her other work, that it takes a lot of time and I'm so appreciative of her thoughtfulness. Especially since she is a full-time teacher and just moved into a new house. Not only was it adorable, it was delicious! Thank you to all my friends for your love and support. I can't wait for lil' buddy to meet all of his aunties!

Pregnancy Moment

I'm not sure this really counts as a "pregnancy moment" because I probably would've done this even if I wasn't pregnant, but we'll go with it.

For Halloween, JLO and I carved our first pumpkin together and decorated our front living room to pass out candy. Without much thought, I put a candle in a ceramic pumpkin in our windowsill below our WOOD blinds.

Four hours and 68+ Trick-o-Treaters later, I discovered that the candle burned a hole through five of our wood blinds. Oops. Funny part is? I've never liked the blinds. And now I like them even less.

Maternity Photo Shoot and Pizza Luce

Last Monday, through the midst of rain and wind, JLO and I met up with Jen of Meneghin Photography for a maternity shoot. Jen is really talented and fun to hang out with. I highly recommend you check her out for your future photography needs.

Afterward, JLO and I picked up take-out from Pizza Luce. Yes, they have a gluten-free pizza. And yes, it's as delicious as the regular pizza. Finally. We got home, bellied up to our center island, and ate the Load Baked Potato and Maximus pizzas in utter silence. It could've been that we were starving, or they are just that good. Either way, we had very few leftovers the next day.

Planning for No Plans

In my six years of teaching, this past week has to go down as the most unpredictable and "whacked" (as my students would call it) collection of days ever. From power outages and low barometric pressure (this seriously impacts students' state of mind) to whole classes being gone for testing, nothing happened liked I planned. Nothing. When talking to the students about it yesterday, they told me it was just preparing me for parenthood because nothing will really go as I plan. They are so wise!

As the lil' buddy's birthdate is getting closer and closer I've been thinking a lot about being a parent. I'm struck by the fact that our son will be born with many advantages in our society: he'll be male, white, educated, and surrounded by love. Although he will be born with these advantages, it is our job as parents to teach him about all the other people--all the people at a disadvantage--and make sure that he fights for those people, too. At times it seems like an overwhelming task while coupled with all of the other things he'll need from us. But I know that we are so thankful for the opportunity to be parents and ready to have "no plans."

Baby Bump-32 Weeks

Here is some proof as to why bending over to put on my shoes is getting a tad bit more difficult....


Update from 32 week doctor appointment: All is going well. Lil' buddy is head down (not that he'll stay that way, though), heart rate is a strong 150 and I'm feeling great (just a tad bit uncomfortable as I get bigger). We are in the home stretch now. JLO is hoping I'll start nesting as we get closer to our due date, but I don't really think that'll happen.

10.20.07

JLO and I celebrated our third anniversary in true JLO & SVO style: home- cooked dinner, a moonlight walk through our neighborhood, and an episode of Glee.

We thought we loved each other as much as we could on that beautiful sunny October day in 2007. Now we realize that wasn't the case. We love each other more and more each day.

The Boys

I've been getting a kick out of the questions my male students are asking me about being pregnant. I get way more questions from the boys in my classes than the girls. Maybe the girls don't want to know all the details just yet. Or maybe the boys don't quite have a "Is-This-Appropriate" filter that the girls have developed already. Whatever it is, I'm usually pretty honest in answering their questions. Below are some examples (with my responses) from this past week.

Student: SVO, do you know your shoes aren't zipped?
SVO: Yes. (Side note: these are the ugly shoes purchased at Wal-mart)
Student: Why not?
SVO: Because if I zipped them they'd be too tight.
Student: So?
SVO: Well, I'm pregnant and my feet are different now.
Student: Really? That's weird.

Student: SVO, how much weight have you gained while being pregnant?
SVO: 18 lbs
Student: So how much did you weigh before?
SVO: 18 lbs less than now.
Student: So how much do you weight now?
SVO: 18 lbs more. Are you looking for an exact number? Don't ask women that!

Student: Can you sleep on your stomach?
SVO: Auh, no.

Student: Is it weird to think that you have a human being in your body right now?
SVO: Yes, sometimes.

Student: I realized I will always have to respect women because I can not give birth.
SVO: Yes, you are right. And that attitude will get you far in life.

Student (female): SVO, we were talking about you in fashion class today.
SVO: Oh, why?
Student: We were saying how you can't wear cute clothes now that your pregnant.
SVO: Auh, thanks. Maybe you could design me some? Maternity clothes aren't that flattering.

Thank You

To celebrate my 30th birthday, JLO organized a dinner at The Ginger Hop (in NE Minneapolis) for me and a few of my friends. When I say a "few", I mean 18 people. I was so touched that so many people came out to help me celebrate (even though I sat down most of the time and was one of the first ones to go home!). I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband, and family and friends to fill my heart. So thanks to everyone who made it and to all for the many birthday wishes.

The Big 3-0

Thirty years ago today, my loving mother was in labor with me.
Today, I'm at home on a mini vacation with the lil' buddy (who is also turning 30 this weekend--30 weeks).

Earlier this week I had a lot of cramping, so I figured I should check in with the doctor. Good thing I did. The lil' buddy is really low and since the cramping wouldn't stop, the doctor took a Fetal Fibronectin test (result is negative--thankfully) and told me to go directly home (this in the middle of the school day, with my stuff all over my desk and more classes to teach), take Friday off, and keep it low-key this weekend. With the potential of a longer bed rest period than just the next four days, I gladly obliged (well, I did go back to school to figure things out...sshh don't tell the doctor).

And so I sit at home on this beautiful day, reflecting on my very fun 20's and preparing for a different kind of fun in my 30's. JLO told the lil' buddy to stop "cramping mamma's style" and I said, " I think this is one of many indications that he's in charge of our style now." And we're happy about that.

The good news is I'm already feeling better (the cramping has subsided) and my loving, wonderful, every positive adjective there is to describe my husband, gave me my birthday present (an iPod touch) early since he knew I'd want a little distraction today while I was home.

Family Time

Between some medical concerns, job opportunities and a potential move to another state, it's been an emotional couple of weeks for my side of the family. But in the end, it appears that things have settled down and worked out for the best--the best being family first. So to celebrate, Grandpa V took JLO and me to the Twins Game at Target Field Friday night. We had awesome seats in the Legends Club and enjoyed the game while being entertained by the fans. And then to end the weekend, we all randomly ended up at my parent's house for take-out Chinese and a drive-way basketball game. As I sat with my sister-in-law (also pregnant) to watch the basketball game, I was reminded, yet again, how important family is and how lucky lil' buddy is to have so many people who love him already!

Baby Bump-28 Weeks

In thinking about what the lil' buddy will look like, we've
been predicting that he will have JLO's family cheeks and my "button/pig nose." We're pretty confident that today's ultra sound confirmed it. We have the most adorable face picture of our son that shows these distinctive features. Grandma Deb came with today to meet the lil' buddy and he put on a good show. He was kicking, punching, moving his mouth, and hiccuping. All looks well as the placenta has moved and he is head down. We're officially in the third trimester and can't wait to meet our little guy at the end of the year.

Restaurant Outing: CraVe

I've actually been going out to eat a lot this month. Between a couple of dinner clubs (The Red Stagg Club is so yummy!) and celebrations I was worried JLO and I wouldn't be able to fit in our monthly "new restaurant" night. But alas, after working for 12 days straight (and about to start another string of 12 days), we got out of the house for dinner at CraVe at the MOA. We could've gone to the one at West End, significantly closer, but we had a hankering to play in the Apple Store and I desperately thought I could find something cute to wear now with my birthday gift card from Express (I was wrong).

So as we walked out empty handed (which was so hard to do after playing with the iPod touch and iPad), we agreed that we enjoyed our dinner at CraVe. JLO started with a sushi tuna roll while I had some yummy Tomato Pesto Soup. For entrees, JLO had a steak while I had chicken. The ironic thing is that chicken has been sounding and tasting pretty repulsive to me while being pregnant, but it was the whipped mash potatoes (a huge craving of mine lately) and tomato/basil salad that sold the dish. Most of the chicken is in the fridge for JLO to eat today. We agreed we'd go back and was saddened that we forgot to snap a photo.

What We've Been Up to Lately...

Today I had to do two things I hope I never have to do again: I bought ugly shoes. From Walmart. But alas, they are comfortable, and cheap, and the best solution when you've been teaching for seven (going on 12) days straight.

JLO put together lil' buddy's crib and changing table. 'Lil buddy and I supervised.

Lil' buddy has been sleeping and kicking on a regular schedule. He must really enjoy class discussions as he is constantly moving around while students are talking. He's also responding to music and people's voices directed at my tummy. Like recently when his cousin asked him, "are you going to pay well when I babysit? " His response? A nice kick to her hand. She took that as a yes!

And lastly, we've all been watching the Packers win!

Students' Reactions to lil' Buddy

I've had numerous inquiries as to how my students are reacting to the news (and sight) of me being pregnant. When I left for summer vacation, I wasn't showing and I had only told a few of my co-workers. Now that we're back at school I've heard or experienced the following from former and new students:

-Numerous suggestions for names (of course, all of their own).
-A couple offers for babysitting, "once it comes out."
-Only one student has touched my belly.
-A couple of really odd glances towards my belly and even some pointing (as if I didn't know what was going on!).
-One student asked, "Who is your baby's daddy?" (when I responded with Husband Joe, the student said, "who's that?". I said, "auh, my husband.")
-A couple of, "what happened to you?" (auh, pretty sure you know what happened to me--do I really need to explain?)
-Many, many students were really upset by the fact that I didn't tell them I was pregnant last year. One student even said, "we would've been nicer to you if we would've known."
-One student shared with me his experience of becoming a father (twice) and informed me how much labor is going to hurt.
-A couple of comments like "oh, so that's why you had to eat that crazy gluten-free diet" (auh, no that's called Celiac and I'm still eating that crazy diet).
-A few kids have sworn and then apologized for "swearing in front of your baby".
-A couple of comments like, "I thought you weren't going to have kids!"

Overall, the students have been really respectful and excited about lil' buddy being with us at school everyday. At least they were nice to me for this first week. We'll see how long that lasts!

The First Day of School

Today marked my 25th First Day of School. It was year one for the 'lil buddy. As I introduced myself to my classes today, I informed my students that I had a 'lil buddy with me and that while I was teaching them this year, they would be teaching him. I explained how he can hear everything and I would really like a baby that isn't speaking profanity right out of the womb--so careful about language around the baby. Some laughed. Others offered up their names as suggestions. Yet most just stared at me like the crazy teacher I am. But I'm okay with that :)

A Wonderful Wedding Weekend

JLO, 'lil buddy and I spent the weekend Up North for two of our favorite friends' wedding. We had the honor and pleasure of being a part of their big day and couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more. The location was beautiful (Grandview Lodge), the weather was enjoyable (for the most part), and the activities were well planned out and fun (you should see my newly found golf skills!). But what really made this weekend so special were all the people there. Most of us went to college together. Those that didn't, have fit in to our Mafia Group (as JLO likes to call it) just perfectly. It's no secret that we know how to have a good time. So while not drinking was difficult, and not dancing even more difficult than not drinking, I know that I appreciated the opportunity to sit back and watch all the love and friendship in that room.

At one point, I was struck by all the affection that already exists for our 'lil buddy. They are just as excited as we are to welcome a new member to our group and can't wait to teach him a few things (as scary as that might be!). It was, again, just one more reminder to how very lucky we are to have such great friends. Thank you and congrats to the Johnsons for a wonderful wedding weekend.

Baby Bump Progression -14, 17, 20, 24 Weeks

Project Nursery: Phase Two

As summer draws to an end, Grandma Deb and I (okay, really just Grandma Deb) finished phase two of Project Nursery. The rectangle wall turned out quite impressive. Although the 'lil buddy may not appreciate it for awhile, I know that each time I look at it I'll be reminded of how much Grandma Deb already loves him (and me). Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

I'm Proud of You

This past weekend, JLO and I were able to spend some quality time with his family in Wisconsin. We saw many of his family members, including meeting our newest little nephew, and especially enjoyed seeing his Grandma. She is a beautiful, well-respected, and caring woman. I've only known her for seven years, but like the rest of the family I've come to really adore her. As we gave out hugs and said our good-byes on Sunday, she said to both of us, "I'm so proud of you for having a baby." At first, I thought it was a funny remark to say. Maybe she meant "happy" or "excited"? But the more I think about it, I know she meant proud. Because as someone who has three children, nine grandchildren, and soon-to-be ten great-grandchildren, she knows that becoming a parent is a major life change and decision. She knows that life as parents will bring us challenges and rewards, lowlights and highlights, failures and successes.

So when the excitement and happiness turn into challenges and failures, I will fondly remember her very wise words, "I'm so proud of you." Words that mean so much coming from such a wonderful person.

Project Nursery: Phase One

Today Grandma Deb and I started to transform the office into 'lil buddy's room. As with most of the decorating in our house, I have the big picture idea and my very talented, very detailed-orientated mom carries it out.

First Outfits

At least we're giving the 'lil buddy options:
Hockey or Baseball or Football.
MN or WI or IL.
Muskies or Bass.

Don't worry, Grandma, we'll start getting the necessities soon.

Our Little Jalapeno Popper

Saturday night JLO and I were craving good food and a night in. So while he whipped up some Jalapeno Poppers and Juicy Lucys on the grill, I relaxed in a lawn chair and caught up on old magazines. Not only was the weather perfect and the food delicious, but the company was even better. A night just for the two...I mean three...of us. After eating (probably too many) Jalapeno Poppers our 'lil buddy starting doing some acrobats in my tummy. The best part? JLO was able to feel him for the first time! I was so thankful to share the experience with him and enjoyed listening to him giggle in only the way that JLO can.

I See a Trend

I'm starting to see a trend on this blog. Some of you might have noticed it, too: Baby O updates and food posts. Now the purpose of this blog is to share life with JLO, SVO and Baby O. Not just what we eat. But the problem is, what we eat is so much about our life....now. Yes, JLO has always been a "foodie" and I guess me, too. But now, now that I have Celiac disease and have to eat a gluten-free diet, we are obsessed with food.

Many of you know that I struggled for over five years with many, many health issues. I was finally given a diagnosis this February (thanks mostly in part to my amazing doctor cousin!) and our lives completely changed. Being gluten-free is so much more than, "just don't eat bread." Gluten can be in just about anything it seems. Soy Sauce. Lipstick. Toothpaste. Vitamins. Fruit Cups. So on a regular basis I have to watch every single thing that goes in my mouth. Everything. And while I have pretty amazing friends and family who are so gracious about trying to cook for me and thinking about me when we do things, it's still hard. A normal four hour trip to visit JLO's family can't include a stop at a fast-food place. Attending a friend's wedding requires extra work on the part of the bride if I want to eat that night. Happy Hour with friends (obviously when I'm not pregnant) is limited to gluten-free beer, if they have it.

But....I am healthy. Within two weeks of going gluten-free almost every symptom I had for the last five years (and some of you know how weird they were) went away. Gone. And as far as we know now, I have a healthy little baby boy in my belly. So even though the gluten-free life is challenging, for me it's worth it. And that is why Hollywood thinking it's the latest, new diet scares me a little. Yes, bring some attention to it, but don't ruin it for those of us that have to eat gluten-free to maintain a healthy and happy life.

So I apologize if On the Cusp of the O is a lot about gluten-free food, in addition to Baby O, but know that being able to write about it and celebrate my health really helps me when I'm staring down a glutenous pizza or pass a pretzel shop in the mall.

Finally!

JLO and I finally discovered a homemade gluten-free pizza that actually tastes like pizza and not cardboard, dessert cookies, or just plain disgusting. Thank you Bob's Red Mill and JLO for satisfying my pizza craving of late!

The Windy City

I spent this past weekend in the Windy City of Chicago for a dear friend's bachlorette party. In addition to a fabulous time with some great friends, I found plenty of gluten-free food to eat. Including a delicious gluten-free, somewhat Chicago-style pizza from Gino's East of Chicago. The full rack of ribs from Tavern on Rush was naturally gluten-free and delicious. Although, I did comment to my friends, JLO's are better. And the lattes at Iguana Cafe were yum, yum, yummy!

Oh Boy!

Two ultra sounds confirm it: Baby Olstadt is a boy! The first technician said, "see that at the end of my finger? Those are boy parts". Today's technician had to move the baby (ie. me and my belly) around a bit before we could see "down there", but eventually he moved and we very clearly saw boy parts.

We had two ultra sounds this week because the first one identified a small calcification on the babe's heart. Sometimes it is nothing and sometimes it's a soft marker for Downs Syndrome. As you can imagine, our minds and hearts went wild with worry for the last 48 hours. However, today's very in-depth scan actually showed it getting smaller (usually it just goes away) and normal anatomy. The doctor has no concerns. We took some deep breathes, thanked friends/family for their love, support and prayers and now will start to think about the nursery.

One last note about today's ultra sound. Our lil buddy was lying exactly how JLO sleeps at night: face/stomach down, one hand on head, one knee bent, and one leg stretched out. So cute!

Baby Bump-20 Weeks

Wonder when I'll need a new shirt for these photos. . .

Restaurant Outing: The Oceanaire

It's Restaurant Week in Minneapolis and we took full advantage of it last night. Our monthly restaurant outing brought us to The Oceanaire where we were able to have a three-course meal for $30 each. Immediately I was impressed because they matched my napkin to the color of my pants (black). Classy. And then, again impressed, when everyone we encountered knew I needed to eat gluten-free. They even talked about it during their pre-shift meeting!

JLO enjoyed the New England Clam Chowder as a starter while I ate the Caesar Salad. For entrees, JLO ate the Cornmeal Crusted Canadian Walleye while I relished in the Jumbo Shrimp with micro greens and a jalapeno/fruit salad. And what would be a three-course meal without dessert? JLO worked on a giant ice cream sandwich, while I delighted in the Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with blueberries. We highly recommend!

What's in a Name?

While pregnant I have found there is a certain line of questioning people ask me. It goes something like this:

Q: Congrats! When are you due?
A: December 19th.

Q: So how far along are you? (I think they ask this question to judge if my belly is "big" or not)
A: 5 months

Q: How are you feeling?
A: Great! I had a few weeks of all-day morning sickness early on, but wonderful now. Probably helps that I don't work all summer. So far, knock on wood, being pregnant is easier than having Celiac and not knowing it.

Q: Do you know if it's a boy or girl? Are you going to find out?
A: We don't know yet and yes we are going to find out.

Q: Oh fun! Do you have names picked out and are you sharing?
A: DOH. This question always trips me up. Not because we haven't thought of names, or that we don't want to share, but it's such an important question.

Being a teacher I come across a lot of names. A lot of names. In just my five years of teaching I have taught approx 900 students. There have been really pretty names, unique names, names that make me wonder what the heck the parents were thinking, names that didn't fit the kid at all, names that were spelled so differently that I mispronounced it for the better half of the year, and just names. Of course, I have names that I associate with certain students and for better or worse cannot name my child that. And there are names that would not go with our last name. It would be just cruel.

On top of all of this, there are nicknames to think about. For anyone who has spent a lot of time with JLO and his family, you know how quickly nicknames can develop. I realized this within a few months of being a part of the family. I went my whole life with one nickname (Stac) and now have at least two or three. JLO alone has three or four. Even Baby O has some (Meatroast, Secret Admirer, LJ (Little Joe, Linda Janet), Apple Delight).

So how is it that we are going to decide? Well, first we'll find out if it's a boy or girl. Then wait until I get my class rosters for this school year. And then meet him/her. I hope he/she won't hold it against us if for a few days after he/she is born we still say Baby O. It's a pretty important decision I don't think he/she wants us messing up.

Boy or Girl? It could be either.

Long before I was pregnant with Baby O, JLO and I decided we'd want to find out the sex of the baby before he/she was born. Like good friends of ours, also pregnant, we figure there will be plenty of surprises along the way for us to enjoy. And I'm quite positive that not knowing the sex isn't going to make me push any harder when it comes to delivering the baby.

So for the past 19 weeks we (family, friends, strangers) have been speculating on Baby O's sex. My sister-in-law conducted a few of the ole wives tales tests. One said girl. Another girl and boy (yikes! Twins). Then of course there are predictions based on how I'm carrying the baby: "Oh, it's on the low side--it's a boy!". Then there is the heart rate: 140--right in the middle of the theory (boys low, girls high). I've been asked what I think it is--what am I feeling? Instantly, I felt girl. Lately boy.

Last week I was at P.F. Changs (which has a wonderful gluten-free menu, by the way) with some of my favorite former students. I couldn't eat the traditional end-of-the-meal fortune cookie, but the recipient of my cookie insisted it was still my fortune. So it said, "You are about to embark on a most delightful journey!". Well, yes of course I am--this works for me. Then I flipped it over and saw there was a Chinese word for me to learn. My fellow dinner mates received words like strawberry and fish; mine said Girl.

But my favorite prediction was from our four-year old niece, "Aunt Stacy it's a boy. Or it could be a girl. You know--it could be either."

And so the predictions, tests, and speculation stopped there. Yes, she's right--it could be either. And like all parents-to-be, we just hope and pray that he or she is a very healthy, happy and huggable little baby.

Restaurant Outing: 112 Eatery

JLO and I love food. JLO loves to cook food; I love to eat food. I love to go out to eat; JLO likes to experiment at home. To accommodate both of our desires we compromise: one night per month out to eat at a place we've never been before and the rest of the month cooking at home. We waited until I was gluten-free and pregnant to start this new adventure, but it just adds to the challenge: can we find a restaurant where we like the food as much as, if not better, than JLO's cooking?

Tonight we went to 112 Eatery in downtown Minneapolis. It gets a lot of rave reviews from the local foodies and from acquaintances of ours, so we thought we'd give it a try. It didn't disappoint. They were super gluten-free friendly and I loved that they accept reservations. Plus the table had a sweet view of their sign and downtown. For eats, we had the sea scallops appetizer, zucchini w/chorizo as a side, the 112 burger for JLO and the halibut for me. Our favorite was the zucchini w/chorizo. Yum! Would we go back? Yes. Do we recommend to friends/family? Yes.

Oh, one more thing. Not sure what it says about us, but we skipped the dessert menu and passed through the DQ drive through on the way home. That also was delicious. And yes, we've been there before.

Baby Bump-17 Weeks

According to all the baby books and websites,
Baby O is suppose to be growing a lot this month. According to my stomach, they don't lie.

Fireworks

Tonight I felt Baby O for the first time! It was like my own private fireworks show as I lay in bed. Really, though, it felt more like popcorn popping in my tummy (or how I'd imagine popcorn feeling like if it was ever popping in my tummy).

The timing couldn't have been better. I had just returned from driving late at night where I almost hit a deer. Thankfully, I saw it in time and slammed on my breaks as it ran away. But instantly, fear rushed over me--is the baby okay? JLO assured me that doctors wouldn't allow pregnant woman to drive if slamming on the breaks would hurt the baby, but still I worried. Until I was laying in bed and felt the baby move.

Thanks Baby O for signaling to your mommy that you were okay.

Baby Bump-14 Weeks

As many of you know, we're not exactly the traditional type of people. We tend to do things just a little bit different than what is expected or the norm. But I'm finding while pregnant there are a few things, a few "everyone must do" traditional things, I'm okay with. Like the Baby Bump photo. Here's the first one--me at 14 weeks.

Two Lines!

So the first photograph on this blog is of a stick in which I have peed on. I see how that could be gross to some. However, it's really a beautiful thing. It's the $9.99 instrument that informed JLO and me that we're about to embark on an amazing adventure--
We. Are. Going. To. Be. Parents.