Compliments and Cool Stuff...

When you're this far along in pregnancy most of us have the potential for feeling heavier and crappier than ever before; so there's nothing like a huge compliment and a surprise of goodies in the mail to make you feel better about life. Which is why this blog is dedicated to two groups of folks who put a smile on my face this past week.

Shout out #1 goes to Trader Joe's whom when my husband, CJ, and I don't get everything we need from the local Farmer's Market here in SoCal we patronize constantly. Among other things, I love them for carrying gluten free mac 'n cheese, pasta and ginger snaps . But I am completely in love with them for hiring Jason who when CJ and I were checking out the other day carded me because my husband had put a bottle of beer in the basket. I was like, "Oh, that's nice- at least you still think I'm under 40." Then Jason replied, "Actually no, we have to card anyone who looks like they could be under 30." I wanted to make out with him right there I was so ecstatic. 

Shout out #2 goes out to PopSugar who essentially made my entire week with their goodie bag i.e. the POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BAG. I was an honored recipient because of my blogging connection with Circle of Moms- (thanks again to all of you who voted for me as a Top 25 Blogger both in NYC and SoCal.) Because of my COM connection, PopSugar who has this really cool subscription thing where once a month you get a box full of the hottest trendiest items ranging from snacks to beauty products to helpful household items sent me their monthly box. So when I came home the other day to mail other than bills I was thrilled to find a box filled with SO many things that I like and can use. The edible stuff didn't last long. The Pretzel Crisps pretzels and Bear Naked Granola were like the movie- "gone in 60 seconds." Y'all know how green I am. I started using the Baggu bag immediately for all my trips to Trader Joe's, but it's so cute and fashionable I can use it to carry essentially anything. I happened to get it in my favorite color- fuscia, but they have many more at www.baggubag.com

With my TV appearance coming up in just a week I was beyond thrilled to receive Tatcha Blotting Papers - this pregnancy has my "T-zone" going on full force. The other goodies for my face included the ALL-NATURAL Sprout Exfoliator and Cleanser- from my other home of NYC- well, Brooklyn actually- btw they have a GREAT story.

Although I'm not indulging in the wine just yet, I have exactly what I need to celebrate Baby Bean's arrival in style outside by the pool. Because I also received the coolest stemless, and more importantly shatter proof  Govino Wine Glasses.

After a week with gems like these how could a Momma-to-be NOT be happy?!

I'm Not Fat, I'm Pregnant....

that's the sign I want to wear around my neck although it would probably be best displayed on my ass. I apparently am one of those "lucky" women who fall into the category of pregnant, but-not-really-looking-like-it. 

This has been confirmed by several sources including CJ, my darling husband, who told me the other day, "You really don't look pregnant just chubby- like you've gained some weight"...quickly followed with, "You're still beautiful...to me." I know he meant well so I didn't get upset. Pick your battles right married people?

The fact of the matter is I do look like I've started up a love affair again with all things carb. But that's only partly true- I still eat my veggies and am making sure to get more protein, but I don't have that cute little bump that I am so envious of in others who are as far along as me. Maybe it's because this is my first and although I haven't been an athlete for years my core and stomach muscles are hanging on for dear life and trying to hold down the fort as long as they can.

I just feel worse when other people acknowledge it. For example the new doctor I went to the other day for my asthma- after she finished listening to my lungs she looked at my chart and said, "It says here that you're pregnant." I nodded yes, to which she replied, "Wow, you don't really look like it." Great so you just think I'm a chunker!

The thing is I'm not sure if this is a compliment or not. I mean I have gained some weight, about 20lbs, but it's spread out evenly and not in my face- and aside from my jeans and few pairs of slacks I still fit into my clothes and they look good. I guess, what I'm saying is that while in NYC I'd fall into the category of "pleasantly plump." In LA "I'm a beached whale." But in the mid-west I'd still be considered anorexic. 

When CJ and I went to tour the local hospital the other night I was totally eyeing all of the other expectant mommies many of whom were further along than me. They were bigger than me of course. But there were a few who were only a couple weeks apart. I was the smallest by far.

I think I wouldn't be having such an issue, but my friends and family are asking for pics of my growing baby bump and all I've got to show right now is baby plump. Sigh! :-( 

Taken 2 weeks ago when I performed at the House of Blues- San Diego,CA

***So fyi I'm in a contest for the 25 Top Mom Blogs of NY- I would SO appreciate your vote ONLY a 10 days left. You don't have to give any personal info just click the button: http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/Top-25-New-York-Moms-2012?trk=t25_Top-25-New-York-Moms-2012