My Favorite Things

Now, for the things that I've been loving for the last nine months..

• The kindness of strangers. Unlike Blanche Dubois, I've never relied on the kindness of strangers, but now that I'm undeniably pregnant, people have been SO NICE! I get to go to the front of the line in the ladies' room, doors are held open for me with a smile, even the bagger at the grocery store wanted to make sure I had someone at home to help me unload the car.
  
• I get to eat as much as I want!!! Well, not really, there are food restrictions, but at least when I sit down to eat I don't have to worry about disapproving eyes when I reach for a second helping of mashed potatoes. Surprisingly though, I haven't used pregnancy as a pig-out excuse as I have been trying to watch my weight. Because I was overweight to begin with, my Dr. advised me not to gain more than 25 pounds, which I proudly have accomplished so far. It's just nice to have people encouraging me to eat more rather than less. And when I do feel a pig-out coming on, they just say, "Go Ahead! You're eating for two, ya know!"
• Got Milk? I don't know how it happened, but miraculously my Lactose Intolerance has gone away! I can drink milk! I can eat cheese! I can eat pizza without a pill! Unfortunately, I can't eat soft cheeses...but once this kid is out, bring on the Brie!
  
• TV. Bless You, "On Demand" for letting me watch all the HBO series that I've fallen behind on (Sopranos, Entourage, and Big Love) and discovering Curb Your Enthusiasm. My new favorite guilty pleasures: The Singing Bee and America's Got Talent (for shame!). I've also been able to watch a movie a day on average (thanks Blockbuster Online! I really prefer it now over Netflix, especially since I get to turn in my watched movies by simply waddling over to my local store and exchange them for new ones instantly!)
  
• Maternity Clothes. Oh, how I love elastic waist bands that I don't have to make excuses for! I no longer have to suck it in or struggle with zippers and buttons. I also have an excuse to wear sweats EVERY day! And for once, people think my belly is adorable!!!
  
• Being a Happy Homemaker. I don't know how long this feeling will last, but I'm really enjoying cooking for Peter. I scour the internet or our cookbook library for recipes in the morning and plan a meal so that he has a hot home-cooked meal to come home to. Last night we had Linguine with fresh chunky tomato sauce made with tomatoes picked from Mom P's garden...mmm...Today I'm going to make a Tres Leches cake. I hope it turns out OK.
  
• Getting Crafty Again. Now that I have time, I've picked up knitting again and finally finished that baby blanket that I started 2 years ago (it was supposed to be for my nephew's baby shower...sorry Bennett!).
  
• Baby Kicks and Hiccups. I'm going to miss the baby moving around in my belly. From the first little bubbly flutters to the all-out Rockettes high kicks in the ribs! They're a reminder of the miracle growing inside of me. That my body can actually MAKE A BABY is just amazing and pretty darn cool.
  
• Having a chauffeur. I no longer have a car. My sister has taken it from me as I'm no longer allowed to drive myself anywhere. If I go into labor, she is only 2 miles away and she will even drive me to the grocery store that is a 2 minute drive away from my house. At first, I argued that it made me feel useless...now I just let it flow and pick up the phone to call for a ride when I want a Jamba Juice.
  
• Rediscovering my local library. It had been so long since my last visit to the library that I was no longer in their system and had to get a new card. I've been twice in the last couple of weeks and can't wait to bring little Pizza in once he/she's old enough. Luckily, we have a nice, new library with a big children's section, a playroom, and comfy couches. It's like Barnes and Noble without the Starbucks and everything's FREE!
  
• Divine Secrets of the Mama Sisterhood. I know the feeling will become stronger once I've given birth, but I already feel like I'm becoming part of the world's biggest club...the Mommy Club. I can feel it when mom's see my belly and give me a knowing and understanding smile as if to say, "It'll be all right, girl..we've been there too..." Pregnancy is like the Rush for the Mommy sorority, except not so mean.
  
• Peter. He has been so kind, so understanding, so sweet, so amazing, that I'm so lucky to have him in my life. He has truly shown what a great dad he's going to be and I can't wait to share this new adventure with him! OK, everyone...let's hear a collective "Awwwwww....."