Babies"R"Us - Baby Registry

So I'm registered! Yup! At Babies R Us! (I actually went Dec 4th) I was pretty terrified of the store, but thanks to Lil Alex I made it in and started scanning everything! It was actually a lot of fun. I learned a lot of baby-things and the "overwhelming" sense went away once the scan gun and I got to know one another!

Babies"R"Us - My Baby Registry

Oh! Happy 250th post! Yeah!

Holiday Sushi Candy

Just for fun...

Holiday Sushi Candy!

Ingredients

•Bakery pound cake

•Powdered mini donuts

•Marshmallows

•Fruit Streamers

•Fruit Roll-Ups

•Safeway Fruit Snacks

•Swedish Fish

Directions
1.Cut pound cake and mini donuts into sushi-sized pieces. Separate Streamers and make into a "roll."
2.Wrap with Fruit Roll-Ups. Top with Fruit Snacks and Swedish Fish.

Now that's the kind of sushi I can eat right now!

Starbucks 2010 Ornaments!

Found these babies at the local Starbucks near the house!

Love me some 2010 ornaments for my tree!

Quick! Run to your nearest Starbucks and pick you up a pair!

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes!

So my grandmother asked me to make some cupcakes for her karaoke group that usually meets on Mondays. So while looking through Family Circle magazine this season, I spotted this recipe and thought it would be perfect for grandma's get-together! Also great for celebrating the holiday season too!

Now the recipe below makes 6 cupcakes... yes, only 6. So I had to double, triple, quadruple up on the ingredients! You might have to too!

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2oz semi sweet bakers chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup solid vegetable shortening (NOTE: I used butter shortening thinking it would be better for taste, but the vegetable shortening would probably make the frosting white, rather than yellowish)
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons milk or water
1 1/4 cups mini marshmallows
3 candy canes

Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line indents of a standard-size 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2. Cupcakes. In medium-size bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.

3. In large bowl, with mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter and sugar until smooth and creamy, 2 minutes. Slowly mix in 2 oz melted semi sweet bakers chocolate. Beat in eggs and vanilla until fluffy, 1 minute. On low speed, beat in flour mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Fill each cupcake liner two-thirds full (about 3 tablespoons of batter per liner).

4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Remove cupcakes from pan to wire rack; let cool.

5. Topping. In medium-size bowl, with mixer on low speed, beat confectioners sugar, shortening and milk or water until smooth. Spread over cupcakes, about 2 tablespoons for each. Top each cupcake with 8 or 9 mini marshmallows. With a serrated knife, cut wrapped candy canes into 2-inch pieces. Unwrap and tuck a piece into each cupcake.

All in all the cupcakes were a hit with the singing old folks! I made 24 cupcakes, and NONE of them came back in the carriers! I got brownie (or in this case cupcake) points with grandma and I also got to try out a new recipe! Happy Holidays with these yummy bad boys!

National Cupcake Day!

Just a fun FYI :)

Happy Eatting!

I'm Gold Level too!

Back in November, Erin over at The Lime and the Coconut announced she was Starbuck's Gold Level! (& yes, I was jealous!) Being a Starbuck's fan and Rewards member myself, I was wondering when I was going to acheive my Gold Status, and just like a Christmas present in my email box, there it was:

So talk about being a member since 2008 and NOW getting the Gold Level! Geez!

Now Madalyn over at From These Lips joined her Starbucks Rewards, and for her New Year's Resolution: she's going to be Gold Level Status too! :)

Couture Over Coffee Blog

I had the opportunity to meet a lovely lady out of Laguna Hills last Sunday... who just so happens to mention that she has a BLOG!

& she blogs about FASHION!!!!

(Oh be still my heart!)

Well, like the stalker I am, I found her blog website, and took a peek.

And Yes... everything from clothing, jewerly, handbags, home fashion, and even aprons! Loved the post about everything bows!

Her name is Beth, an editor for a publishing company, and her fun-filled posts are at the Couture Over Coffee 

Note to Beth: Post more lady! :)

125 Days To Go!

Woohoo!! 22 weeks later I'm still growing and Baby Peanut is about the size of a papaya!

Baby Peanut's settling into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- I've been paying attention to those kicks as they start and stop!

Real estate within my belly is getting tight, with my growing baby leaving little room for my lungs to... well... breathe! I already have been huffing and puffing, and I still have a long way to go!! With also not much room for my belly button, that will sure pop out any day too!

Thanks Peanut! haha

Word of the Day 12/7/2010

Susurrous (adjective): full of whispering sounds

Examples: The susurrous opening phrases of the first movement, with its whispering violins, gave way to a thunderous crescendo of brass.

"The Colonel raised his Dixie beer to the ladies, still chatting comfortably in the soft, susurrous Vicksburg night…." -- From a short story in Paul Kennedy Mueller's 2010 book The Pandemonium Bar & Grill (And Other Stories)

Did You Know?: "Susurrous" derives from the Latin noun "susurrus," meaning "a hum" or "a whisper," and may be a distant relative of "swarm" (think of the collective hum of a beehive). "Susurrus" also occurs as an English noun, with the meaning "a whispering or rustling sound." Of the two English words, the noun is the older (it debuted in 1826); "susurrous" came onto the scene about thirty years later. Both of these were preceded by the noun "susurration," which appeared in the 14th century and means "a whispering sound," or "murmur." Today "susurrous" is used to describe any kind of sound that resembles a whisper: a light breeze through a tree, perhaps, or the murmurs of intrigued theatergoers.

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

#12 DZP: Go to the Zoo

Sooo I haven't had time to upload the pictures off my camera (and my mom's camera) of the FABULOUS time we both had this last weekend.

Here's how it went down:
Friday - Minor set-back (blog post to come) but drove down to San Diego at night
Saturday - San Diego Wild Animal Park
Sunday - Seaworld

Both parks have changed sooo much since I last was down there... I swear they both were huge parks when I was a kid, but over time they grew to an even bigger park!!!!

I'm so glad my Mom and I had our vacation-bonding time! Pictures on the way! :)

#23 DZP: Bake an Apple Pie From Scratch

So I finally did it!!

I baked my own Apple Pie!!!

It turned out a little tart and I had too much lemon zest/juice in it, but the crust was fantastic! A little burnt crust on the one side, but for my first pie I'm pretty pleased.

I used the American Test Kitchen's Fool Proof Double Pie Crust & 2 different kinds of apples! I had cut/peeled the apples myself and actually didn't have much trouble with rolling out the crust.

I have some pictures! :)

If you would like the recipe I used, just let me know! I'll hook it up!

Word of the Day 11/30/2010

Cacophony (noun): harsh or discordant sound : dissonance; specifically : harshness in the sound of words or phrases

Examples: Feedback from the microphone produced an awful, shrieking cacophony equivalent to the sound of nails scratching on a blackboard.

"Imagine a tent full of celebrities, artists and art patrons dressed in their designer best -- Eli Broad, Frank Gehry, Jeff Koons, Gwen Stefani and more -- submitting to a cacophony of farm auctioneers calling, cattle ranchers whipping and drummers drumming." -- From an article by Booth Moore, describing a gala fundraiser, in the Los Angeles Times, November 15, 2010

Did You Know?: Words that descend from the Greek word "phōnē" are making noise in English. Why? Because "phōnē" means "sound" or "voice." "Cacophony" comes from a joining of the Greek prefix "kak-," meaning "bad," with "phōnē", so it essentially means "bad sound." "Symphony," a word that indicates harmony or agreement in sound, traces to "phōnē" and the Greek prefix "syn-," which means "together." "Polyphony" refers to a style of musical composition in which two or more independent melodies are juxtaposed in harmony, and it comes from a combination of "phōnē" and the Greek prefix "poly-," meaning "many." And "euphony," a word for a pleasing or sweet sound, combines "phōnē" with "eu-," a prefix that means "good."

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

Word of the Day 11/23/2010

Venerate (verb)

1: to regard with reverential respect or with admiring deference
2: to honor (as an icon or a relic) with a ritual act of devotion

Examples: Adoring fans venerated every item touched by the rock star's hands.

"In just two terms, he has become an important voice in the House, an institution that normally venerates seniority." -- From an editorial in The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), October 15, 2010

Did You Know?: "Venerate," "revere," "reverence," "worship," and "adore" all mean to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully. "Venerate" implies a holding as holy or sacrosanct because of character, association, or age. "Revere" stresses deference and tenderness of feeling ("a professor revered by students"). "Reverence" presupposes an intrinsic merit and inviolability in the one honored and a similar depth of feeling in the one honoring ("she reverenced the academy's code of honor"). "Worship" implies homage usually expressed in words or ceremony ("he worships their memory"). "Adore" implies love and stresses the notion of an individual and personal attachment ("we adored our doctor"). "Venerate," incidentally, traces back to the Latin verb "venerari," from "vener-," meaning "love" or "charm."

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

Half Way Done with DZP #82!!! 50 More Words to Go!

Working on #23 DZP

#23. Bake an apple pie from scratch

The plans are to make the pie crust tonight, and then bake the apple pie on Thanksgiving morning!

If I actually completely bake this pie from scratch I shall share the recipe... my Mom sent over a copy of the "Foolproof Pie Dough" (we'll see about that!) and I have a recipe for the apple filling too!

Let's hope for success people!

If I get this right, then there's no limit to the pies!!!!!

Word of the Day 11/22/2010

Chrestomathy (noun)

1: a selection of passages used to help learn a language
2: a volume of selected passages or stories of an author

Examples: The chrestomathy contains all of the author's short stories, along with a selection of essays on a wealth of subjects.

"Wearing his best poker face (and no doubt having just put down a George Orwell chrestomathy), Mr. Rendell accused the Republican Party of sabotaging President Obama's efforts to revive the American economy and for purely political reasons." -- From an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, August 17, 2010

Did You Know?: "Provided that nothing like useful knowledge could be gained from them, provided they were all story and no reflection, she had never any objection to books at all." Jane Austen’s Catherine in Northanger Abbey, whose aversion to learning is pretty well summed up in the preceding sentence, would likely object to a chrestomathy that turned out to be a compilation of excerpts from ancient philosophical writings. She would probably be oblivious of, and indifferent to, the fact that the Greeks had the usefulness of knowledge in mind when they created "chrestomathy" from their adjective "chrēstos," which means "useful," and the verb "manthanein," which means "to learn."

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

Word of the Day 11/17/2010

Banausic (adjective): relating to or concerned with earning a living -- used pejoratively; also : utilitarian, practical

Examples: The heiress dismissively declared that she would never have to worry about such banausic concerns as holding down a job.

"At the far end was a wooden board on which were hung saws, chisels, knives and other banausic instruments of the trade." -- From Sebastian Faulk's 2005 novel Human Traces

Did You Know?: The ancient Greeks held intellectual pursuits in the highest esteem, and they considered ideal a leisurely life of contemplation. A large population of slaves enabled many Greek citizens to adopt that preferred lifestyle. Those who had others to do the heavy lifting for them tended to regard professional labor with contempt. Their prejudice against the need to toil to earn a living is reflected in the Greek adjective "banausikos" (the root of “banausic”), which not only means “of an artisan” (from the word for artisan, "banausos") but “nonintellectual” as well.

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

150 To Go!



150 more days to go! and almost half way there!

woohoo!

*Peanut Update*

Sooo Alex and I went to the doctors yesterday for my monthly checkup and ultrasound. It was the first time Alex got to SEE the little one, besides just hearing the heartbeat. Pretty sure he didn't know what he was looking at, but I'm sure that's a guy thing! (haha)

So everything with the Little Peanut is normal: 9 ounces, heartbeat normal, growing normally, 2 arms, 2 legs, little fists for hands and little feet... just normal! (phew!) He still looks like a little alien baby, but he is much bigger.

Everything with Baby was cool, but with Mommy Happa... not so much.

Now get this: after my 15th week came, I felt 100% better with everything! I could eat more things without feeling sick, I had more energy, etc. Well I must have over-did it. I was feeling some pain under my growing belly, and I was concerned it was something with Baby Peanut. The verdict: I gained 8 pounds (F'in 8 pounds!!!!) ... in 4 weeks! So because of my weight gain, that was NOT going to the baby, I put a lot of stress on my ligaments and my belly as a whole. So to help with the pain (since I can't starve myself or go on a strict pill-poppin' diet) I had to buy a Maternity Support Belt... a nice way of saying a big belly belt...

Ain't that some shit!

Gawd isn't it awful! I threatened Alex that I'd make him wear one for his belly because he was laughing at me!

So needless to say, I walked out of that office feeling like a fat-ass. It was an eye opener for sure, but I must have loved the mentality of "well I can eat damn there anything without worrying about a diet!" Oh well. I'm just happy Peanut is doing great!

OH! It's official too...

Word of the Day 11/16/2010

Crapulous (adjective)

1: marked by intemperance especially in eating or drinking
2: sick from excessive indulgence in liquor

Examples: Most of the guests were still crapulous from the previous night's bacchic revelry.

"They were crapulous and carrying blue cans of beer, one of them with a can in each hand." -- From Paul Theroux's 2008 book Ghost Train to the Eastern Star

Did You Know?: "Crapulous" may sound like a word that you shouldn't use in polite company, but it actually has a long and perfectly respectable history (although it's not a particularly kind way to describe someone). It is derived from the Late Latin adjective "crapulosus," which in turn traces back to the Latin word "crapula," meaning "intoxication." "Crapula" itself comes from a much older Greek word for the headache one gets from drinking. "Crapulous" first appeared in print in 1536. Approximately 200 years later, its close cousin "crapulence" arrived on the scene as a word for sickness caused by drinking. "Crapulence" later acquired the meaning "great intemperance especially in drinking," but it is not an especially common word.

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

Living Social Daily Deals

Hey ya'll, have you checked out LivingSocial's daily deals?

I'm already in and this is your invitation to join -- it's free, all you do is click on the link. You get 5 Deal Bucks when you sign up and I'll get 5 Deal Bucks when you buy your first deal. Win/Win right!?

They're in several cities around the US, and even in Europe! You can even get deals from select colleges too!

These types of 50% off deals..
Spas, Bars, Classes, Restaurants, Sporting Events, Health Clubs, Concerts, Museums, Salons, etc!
Check them out! I'm addicted to the everyday deals!
- the Happa




Start Deals Here!

Word of the Day 11-11-10

Armistice (noun): temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement between the opponents : truce

Examples: The Korean War ended with an armistice signed in July of 1953, though a permanent peace accord was never reached.

"Most of us learned in school that WWI ended either with the 1918 armistice agreement or the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. But the Telegraph points out that, technically, the war will not come to a formal conclusion until this Sunday, when Germany makes its final reparation payment." -- From an article by Max Fisher on The Atlantic Wire, September 29, 2010

Did You Know?: "Armistice" descends from Latin "sistere," meaning "to come to a stand" or "to cause to stand or stop," combined with "arma," meaning "weapons." An armistice, therefore, is literally a cessation of arms. Armistice Day is the name that was given to the holiday celebrated in the United States on November 11 before it was renamed Veterans Day by Congress in 1954. The original name refers to the agreement between the Allied Powers and Germany to end hostilities that constituted the first World War, designated to take effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Other armistices, involving Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Austria-Hungary, were effected on other dates before and after November 11.

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

Happy Veteran's Day!

"Life Goes On..."

-The Beatles

Photographer - Anna J

How to Handle Life Ladies...

Word of the Day 11/9/2010

Sylvan (adjective)

1a : living or located in the woods or forest b : of, relating to, or characteristic of the woods or forest
2a : made, shaped, or formed of woods or trees b : abounding in woods, groves, or trees : wooded

Examples: We walked along a sylvan path for several miles and then emerged into a clearing.

"Although the redwoods and natural light help a great deal with the ambiance, Steve Coleman's painted set conjures a lovely sylvan setting, with mossy-trunked cutout trees, a quaint little cottage in the foreground and a fairytale castle in the distance." -- From a review in the Marin Independent Journal (California), September 1, 2010

Did You Know?: In Latin, "sylva" means "wood" or "forest," and the related "Sylvanus" names the Roman god of the woods and fields -- a god sometimes identified with the Greek god Pan. These words gave rise to English "sylvan" in the 16th century. The English word was first used as a noun meaning "a mythological deity of the woods," eventually taking on the broader meaning "one who frequents the woods." The adjective "sylvan" followed soon after the noun and is now the more common word. Some other offspring of "sylva" (which can also be spelled "silva") include "silviculture" ("a branch of forestry dealing with the development and care of forests"), "sylvatic" (a synonym of "sylvan" that can also mean "occurring in or affecting wild animals"), and the first name "Sylvia."

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

Happy 17 Weeks!

Guess who I can hear now??!?

Love to be Here Right Now

Sounds about right. I'm ready to roll in the leaves!

Baby Ticker!

Dreams By The Sea Etsy Shop

I saw this etsy shop because of the adorable starfish barrettes & hair clips! There's Starfish barrettes, starfish bobby pins, starfish headbands. Bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings.

When I was little, my favorite childhood movie was The Little Mermaid. It was my first movie I saw in the theaters, and it was instant love! My Auntie Debbie even had a custom made Little Mermaid book published for me, with me as Aerial! And oh would I make my parents suffer through my singing of "Part of Your World"!!

So I decided that when (or more like IF) I get married, I would have a beach wedding or a cruise wedding like Aerial did in her happy ending. And I always wanted a hair accessory to of course match my "Sea theme" wedding. And these barrettes would go beautifully with a white dress!

I also love the delicate jewelry they have too! 

Old New Again Etsy Shop

I am loving these wood signs!

"In our shabby chic shop, you will find a large selection of wood letters, wood words, wood shelves as well as home organization & cottage decor from key hooks to wall vases to blackboards. I hope you enjoy our unique cottage style home decor. We add more country, primitive, retro style items often, so check back regularly." - Liz & Rick

I found this shop through someone posting a picture on Tumblr.

They have several wood shelves, wood signs, key hooks, vase holders... well if you read above you already know what they got! They have several colors to choose from, including chocolate brown, poppy orange, vintage white, avocado green, and ballet slipper pink too! 

I've never been a shabby chic lover, but these signs and hook designs are turning it around. I would love to have one of these pieces in my humble abode!

 Even 20 (of the 50) states!

You gotta check them out!

Pumpkin Time!

Pumpkin Time!

(you have to say it like the Jersey Shore Boy's say "TShirt Time!"... ok maybe that's not the same, my bad)

I'm so excited to do a little craving at Madalyn's this Sunday!

I haven't carved a pumpkin in years!

So I'm looking up people's craving ideas, spooky & goofy faces.

I've found this time consuming one...

For the fasionistas...

And in case there's a little geek in us... 

Of course I had to find the Hello Kitty one...

I don't know what my pumkin will look like but all I care about is that I'm letting my inner-child have fun again!

Halloween is 10 days away!

Word of the Day 10/21/2010

Renovate (verb)
1: to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding)
2: to restore to life, vigor, or activity : revive

Examples: Mom renovated the kitchen three years ago, and is now planning to buy all new furniture for the living room.

"Last year, the city approved a $2.8 million plan to renovate the theater portion of the building and reopen it as a public venue under the control of the parks department." -- From an article by Elizabeth Donald in the Belleville News-Democrat (Illinois), September 15, 2010

Did You Know?: "Renovate," "renew," "restore," "refresh," and "rejuvenate" all mean to make like new. "Renovate" suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. "Renew" implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new ("efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle"). "Restore" suggests a return to an original state after depletion or loss ("restored a piece of furniture"). "Refresh" implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power ("a refreshing drink"). "Rejuvenate" suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance ("she was rejuvenated by her new job"). "Renovate" has "newness" in its origins: it ultimately derives from the Latin verb "novare," meaning "to make new," itself a descendant of "novus," meaning "new."

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

I Heart Harry Potter

Yes it's true, I'm more a Harry Potter fan than a Twitard (Twilight Fan). And the first of the 2 part finale starts November 19th! Less than a month away! CAN'T WAIT!

I was on Warner Brother's YouTube and there are 8 trailers for this movie! EIGHT!

But these two are my favorite... so far...

This first one has Harry in a bra *giggle*

This second one has Harry and Ginny getting "closer" *wink wink*

Word of the Day 10/20/2010

Farraginous (adjective): consisting of a confused mixture : formed of various materials in no fixed order or arrangement

Examples: The large box at the hotel’s lost and found desk contained a farraginous assortment of hats, umbrellas, cell phones, and other personal items.

"Like the Habsburg empire, the kingdom of Sweden encompassed a farraginous set of languages, including Swedish, Finnish, Latvian, Estonian, and German, the language of administration." -- From the book A History of Modern Europe: From the Renaissance to the Present (Third Edition), by John Merriman, 2009

Did You Know?: "Farraginous" is the adjective connected with "farrago," a word we featured in September. In Latin, the stem "farragin-" and the noun "farrago" both mean "mixture" or (specifically) "a mixture of grains for cattle feed." They derive from "far," the Latin name for spelt, a type of grain. In the 1600s, English speakers began using "farrago" as a noun meaning "hodgepodge" and "farraginous" as an adjective meaning "consisting of a mixture." The creation of the adjective was simply a matter of adding the adjectival suffix "-ous" to "farragin-" (although at least one writer had previously experimented with "farraginary," employing a different adjectival suffix).

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

#51 DZP: Go to a Concert

If you remember back on my post about this concert, you could tell I was stoked for Oct 8th to come!

So yeah: Daniel, Brian, Alex, & I went to go see Maroon 5 at the Greek Theatre in LA! 

I had a blast even though Bruno Mars wasn't there (yes, that's right... he ditched this concert for some reason...) I ended up with a lot of good dreams under my pillow from that night! Now if only I brought my good camera, but glad the iPhone worked out!

Maroon 5's LineUp:

Misery

If I Never See Your Face Again

Harder to Breathe

Give A Little More

The Sun

Won't Go Home Without You

If I Ain't Got You (Alicia Keys cover)

Out of Goodbyes

She Will Be Loved

Wake Up Call

Shiver 

Stutter

This Love 

Encore:

Makes Me Wonder

Sunday Morning

Couldn't have ended the concert with 2 better songs! haha!

#98 DZP - My Sister's Keeper

Oh

My

Goodness

Not the best movie to watch when hormones are raging and emotions are bouncing off the wall. But I loved it just the same! I plan to watch it again and again, probably for the fact that it makes me appreciate my life and everything I have.

Beforehand, I've clearly never seen this movie and obviously never heard what it was about, but I love Cameron Diaz and  Abigail Breslin, so I wanted to watch this for sure. Nevertheless, I cried throughout the whole movie, couldn't sleep because my eyes were too puffy to close, and the nose/water-works kept rolling on.

For those of you who have no clue about this movie either, here's a recap from Wikipedia:

Conceived by means of in vitro fertilization, Anna Fitzgerald (Abigail Breslin) was brought into the world to be a genetic match for her older sister, Kate (Sofia Vassilieva), who suffers from acute promyelocytic leukemia, in order to keep her alive. Her family members are introduced one by one and each tell about how Kate's illness has affected them personally and the family. When Kate turns 15, she goes into renal failure. Anna knows that she will be forced by her parents to donate a kidney. Anna tells her parents that she does not want any of this, and proceeds to sue them for medical emancipation and the rights to her own body. Her overprotective mother, Sara (Cameron Diaz), who leads an almost obsessive campaign to keep Kate alive, regardless of what it takes, is indignant at Anna's decision and even strikes her across the face when she receives the notice of intended prosecution. Attorney Campbell Alexander (Alec Baldwin) agrees to work for Anna as her guardian ad litem, suing for partial termination of parental rights. It is later learned he agreed to take the case not for the notoriety, but because he has epilepsy and understands her predicament of not having control over one's own body.

The movie shows "flashbacks" of memories between the sisters, the family, Kate's boyfriend Taylor, etc.  Then during Anna's case hearing, Anna and Kate's older brother, Jesse, reveals that Anna's actions are actually under Kate's instruction; Kate, not wanting to live any longer, and knowing Sara refuses to hear any option other than her desired one, had gently persuaded Anna to refuse to donate her kidney. Sara is indignant at this discovery, but is finally forced by both Jesse and Brian to realise that Kate had been trying to tell her this for some time.

Before the case is settled, Kate dies in her sleep at the hospital with her mother by her side. After Kate's death, Campbell brings the court decision – Anna won the case. The family moves on with their lives, being changed by Kate's death, but every year on Kate's birthday they go to Montana, which was her "most favorite place in the world." Anna also wonders why Kate had to die but she got to live. At the end, Anna says that their relationship continues because she will see Kate again.

So you can see, my poor hormones had it coming with this film.

Chinese Gender Calendar

Now before ever seeing this calendar, I felt like I was going to have a boy. Ever since I was about 8 or 9 weeks I've been feeling like it's going to be a boy.

Now after seeing the calendar... it only confirms it!

My age is 26, and my conception month was July, so I plugged in the info and got this:

Looks like Little Peanut is the next Mr. Peanut!

"Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth" by Jenny McCarthy

Jenny's pregnancy wasn't.... pretty - and she wants to tell everyone all about it! From the get-go she tells us "If you bought this book, you are already aware of my frankness when it comes to certain things—anatomy and bodily functions among them. If someone gave this book to you as a gift and you've never heard of me, apologies to you!"

She goes on to talk about the nitty-gritty of pregnancy in all its not-so-pleasant detail, covering morning sickness, hormonal rage, cravings, hemorrhoids, "engorged" breasts, gas, hot flashes, fainting spells, brain farts, weight gain, spider veins, emotional rollercoasters, acne, water retention and of course, labor.

Jenny is undeniably ridiculous but down right hilarious, and her openness and self-deprecation are refreshing. Each brief chapter focuses on a different (and awful) part of pregnancy, with her relating personal memories and usually winding down by reassuring women they're not alone. Her tales are, for the most part, a "hoot", though they may offend more uptight people. For example, in the beginning of McCarthy's pregnancy, she was constipated, so she visited a specialist (she'll tell you aaalllll about specialists). In the waiting room, the assistant called her name, and "everyone... looked up in surprise, and I knew what they were thinking: 'Jenny McCarthy has butt hole problems?' I was so embarrassed, until I realized that they had no right to be smirking: Those assholes were also there because of their own assholes. I felt better already."

Now I don't say use this book for medical advice, but it was nice to read (laughs and tears) that she went through the same crappy morning sickness as I'm going through, and she doesn't sensor anything! And I know now not to listen to my body, not see specialists unless told by your doctor, and not to go get my hair blown out and done up when I start having contractions!

Later I'll get the next one: Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood

#3 DZP: Tie a note to a balloon and let it go

#3 COMPLETE!!

I completed this a while ago, but now that I'm "out", I can post this!

I was at my parents one afternoon and 2 Mylar balloons with chip-clip weights came floating to our yard. My dad took them to the back and was going to pop them when I stopped him (like someone was going to steal my balloons or something).

So set off to look for a post-it, a piece of paper, just something to write on!!!

The first note & balloon got caught in the cable lines, so thank goodness I had the second balloon.

The two balloons were from my guess a boy's birthday party... judging by the Cars! I think it was pretty awesome cause that's one of my favorite Pixar movies!

But after I set the 2nd balloon off, the 1st that got caught wiggled free! It was probably waiting for it's other-half, the 2nd balloon so they can go together. So I really set off 2 notes!

But I watched the balloons dance in the sky till I couldn't see them past the tops of the trees. I don't know where they'll end up, Mylar can last a long time you know... but I can only hope for my note to be true...

One of These Please!

I could seriously go for a virgin one of these bad-boys... wait, that sounded wrong lol!

Or this...

The Due Date

I forgot to mention in the last post... the due date is April 15, 2011

umm...that's TAX DAY!


You know.... maybe I could say peanut is my #102 DZP lol!

Happy 13 Weeks Little One!

Hey guys, I'm Pregnant!

Yup! I heard the stork and it flew my way!

I'm 13 weeks today woohoo!

Alright kids, it's story time...

(warning to the Men that might read this... I might get graphic)

- August 19, 2010 -

Just about a week before this date, I was noticing certain "changes"... changes I couldn't explain just yet. So with the "encouragement" of my friend Annette, I decided to take a pregnancy test in the morning before work. Now I've taken these tests before (not telling how long or how many times before) and some of you ladies might know & understand the waiting that you have to put up with for the results... sometimes up to freaking 10 minutes! That morning was different, for sure. I doubt it took even a minute for the results! And when I came back to my bathroom and looked at my "P-stick", sure enough it said "Pregnant".... I got the tests that actually tell me in letters if I'm prego, not a damn plus or minus.  

I didn't "freak out" like most Mothers-to-Be would do (good freak out or bad), I stood there staring at the stick for a good 5 minutes before I started to move towards my cell phone. Once I grabbed the phone, panic hit home. I called Annette and told her, then quickly got off cause I realized my FIRST call should have been to my doctor to make an appointment!

That same day, just a couple hours later, I went into see my General Family Doctor, Dr. Janet. We had a really good "pow-wow" about what comes next, how I felt about this news, if this will effect to my already medical complications, what my plans were as far as "keeping it" or not, etc. etc. Then she sent me on my way to the blood suckers (the medical lab) and they drew blood to "for sure" test.

Then I called my Gyno, Dr. K. I couldn't get until the next week, so I'd have to wait a bit. A couple days later, the blood tests came back and said I was about 5 to 6 weeks pregnant.

- August 26, 2010 -

When I got to my OBGYN appointment, the practitioner Dr. Donna asked me every medical question out there, of course, and then we talked about when my last visit from Aunt Flow was. To be honest, Aunt Flow sometimes didn't visit me and it was quite a long time since she did so Dr. Donna immediately threw me into the ultrasound room for quick look: just to make sure for a heartbeat and to calculate how far along I should be. The outcome: 7 weeks!

Dr. Donna then sent me to the nearest blood sucker group and they took 10 vials, 10 VIALS!!! Damn blood suckers!

My first picture of the little one!

- August 28, 2010 -

Now granted it's a little more than a week since I found out... but I finally got around to telling my Mom and Dad. So far I told the Baby-Daddy Alex, Annette, Ohio Julie, and my really close coworker Maria whom is like another Mom to me. I of course wanted to tell my parents ASAP, but also face-to-face. They were busy that first weekend, and so I had to wait till the next saturday when I could go over to the house and share the news.

Once I told the folks, Dad went to go take a nap (typical Doc move) and my Mom went to Amazon.com and bought up the store (typical Eileen move) for prego dvd, books, and even found little hard candies to help with morning sickness!

Once it set in their brains, the "newly grandparents" became more and more excited by the second! I was stoked I had a support team building, with them at the helm of the baby boat!

When I told Julie about my news, she told me I had a little peanut inside! And the name stuck. I told my parents that little fact and Peanut became the nickname!

- September 3, 2010 -

My first real major scare.

I thought I lost my little Peanut. The last two weeks before this date, I had Laguna Hills band camp that I had to be at, the 1-9 rehearsals I blogged about before. It took a major toll on my body and I started to bleed. Not extremely heavy or dark or anything, but still I was bleeding. I immediately started to panic and began to cry. I called my mother. She told me to lay down, stay calm and she was on her way over. I called the on-call doctor, and she informed me that this might not be a miscarriage and that when the office opened at 9, call the nurses and see if I can squeeze in an appointment. Unfortunately they had no availability, so they sent over an ultrasound request to Hoag Hospital and off my mom and I went. Once there and entered into the system, I was taken down one of the many halls to the ultrasound room.

To my relief, Peanut was still heart-beating away. Now at 8 weeks, Peanut was starting to look like a little baby. A little baby that was still with me.

- September 7, 2010 -

My original "next" appointment with Dr. Donna/Dr. K. They were told about the Hoag trip and I still received another ultrasound. The scare was due to too much activity and clots around the baby, not in the placenta, but around in the uterus. So I was told to limit my standing, and I was only allowed to work because I sit at a desk most the day. Other than that, it was just bed rest and calmness.

Now going on 9 weeks, Peanut looked about the same but everything was still going good! There were even little arm and leg buds growing!

8 Weeks and 5 days 

- September 19, 2010 -

The day I told my grandmother.

That was a night to remember. My dad cooked up a surf and turf dinner for her. Dinner turned into a huge event. But after the laughs and good food, I sat at the table with my mom and gma and broke the news to her. Now I already knew that she wasn't going to take it well, not well at all, but I still had a little hope. I never cried so hard when she left that night. She broke my heart and said she was disappointed in me. At least the dinner was good, maybe not so much the dessert.

- September 22, 2010 -

Yet another check up and ultrasound. Peanut moved when it first started! Poor thing doesn't like all the ultrasounds, it's like an annoying rock concert to the little one. Then I saw Dr. K and she talked about my hormone levels and of course was there to answer any questions I had.

11 Weeks

- October 5, 2010 -

Jump a couple of weeks from then and I had my 5th ultrasound! By now the news getting around the office, and most of my good friends were told, I felt much better come this appointment. This was my screening appointment, so it was a full ultrasound check up and then off to the blood suckers yet again, to test for down syndrome and other things.

The ultrasound was the most exciting yet! Little Peanut was moving about and being uncooperative to the nurse.... stubborn comes from both the father and the mother in Peanut's case. The little one had flipped turning the last 2 weeks, and right then turned it's back toward the camera and did NOT want to be apart of this screening. But after a while, the little one turned to see the profile, where we could see it crossing it's legs, bending and moving it's arms (my guess touching it's face). There were two feet and two little hands, not just buds anymore! There was a clear spine and the left & right brain! It was all very exciting!

 Dark spots is the brain, under that is the eyes, and a little line for the mouth.

13 Week Profile Pic!

Then the nurse switched to the "4D" ultrasound! I saw this done on one of my DVDs and it's pretty amazing! I don't know why it's called 4D, because it's really like 3D images, but you can really see the detail, it's just a better picture of the little one. Granted Peanut looks like a skeleton (pictures below) but Peanut was just chilling there like it was in a hammock, probably waiting for the sound waves to stop.



- October 7, 2010 Today -

I carry around those ultrasound photos everywhere with me. The more I look at them, the more I fall in love with my Peanut. I'll have to say today is

"Happy 13 week Peanut! Mommy loves you!!

.... now hurry up and get out! :) "

This little life inside me has brought a whole new meaning to my own life. I know now that my body will never be mine ever again, but my heart I gave willingly to this little one.

I'll start my second trimester soon and I can only say that even though the morning/all day sickness sucks, the peeing every 10 minutes blows, the fatigue is a pain, my boobs hurting & growing so much is nuts... but it's all worth it. Since the day I found out, I haven't not once regreted the little one. But for laughs: I can only hope though that the next 6 months go by faster than these first 3!

So yeah... fatter belly anyone?