Pregnancy Perks

We went to Ikea last night...and once again the parking lot was packed. Rob made a comment about how no matter what day or what time we go to Ikea, it's always super busy. Anyway, after circling around, looking for parking, I remembered the "Expectant Mother" parking spaces...and sure enough...right in front of the store...was a free parking space for preggos like me!!! Fun! Just one of a few pregnancy perks I have noticed so far. People generally tend to be nicer...making it a point to hold open doors, let me board the bus first (although some people still push past me to ensure they get a seat first, can you believe it?), smile when they walk by, offer to pick up things that I've dropped, etc. etc. And best of all...I haven't vaccuumed in months...!!! Milking it while I can...

Terms of Endearment...

Sweetheart, Darling, Dear, Precious, Honey, Princess, Pumpkin...these are words I never use...and never want to be called...and don't even really like hearing other people using. Actually I don't like hearing young people use these "terms of endearment", people in their sixties and older are exempt from the ickiness of these words. I do sometimes call my husband "Baby", but for whatever reason this word doesn't make me cringe like the others do. That said...others seem to not appreciate the "terms of endearment" that I have chosen for the baby in my belly. The terms little Bugger, little Critter, little Stinker have not been well-received by most. Even when I say them proudly, smiling and rubbing my belly (so obviously showing happiness)...I get the raised eyebrows. It's not like I say "The little Critter...blah blah blah" with a scornful, scowl. I apparently am pushing people's buttons with my tight maternity clothes, obsessive-love for my dog, and now not using the typical, traditional terms of endearment one is supposed to use when addressing their loved ones. One of my regular clients (a psychiatrist who usually LOVES me), was shocked when I showed him my recent ultrasound picture and said "There's my little Bugger". "Bugger?? Don't call your child a Bugger!". The word "Critter" has gotten this same reaction with one of my co-workers...and even my sister! You say tomato, I say tomaaato...

P.S. The little Bugger is doing really good. The ultrasound showed him/her still dancing away in there...one moment the little Stinker looked like he/she was doing a yoga pose...stretching his/her back like a kitty...the little Critter is the perfect size, perfect measurements...due date is still November 19th...a Scorpio like his/her mama...

Happy Belated Birthday Jess!

I'm a little late...but that's what happens when your birthday falls on the same day as Father's Day!!! I'm not that bad a friend...I did call her on birthday...just didn't get around to blogging about her! I first met Jess years and years ago in high school in Montreal, and we've remained close friends ever since! We took off to go to university in BC together, shared a bed (yes a bed...not a bedroom) in her aunt's apartment while we lived like poor students together, saw each other get married...and now we are pregnant at the same time (although this isn't her first, she's got an adorable little girl, Peyton). We have laughed LOTS in the 15 or so years we have known each other...and can STILL laugh at the same friggen stories even today. Laughed lots, cried lots (we're both criers), and what could be better than a friend you can call when you're really happy and/or really bummed out. I hope you had yummy cake and lots of kisses from Sean, Peyton, and Dukey on your birthday...and I'll be sending good vibes your way this week! Love you and don't stress too much!

Happy Father's Day

I don't talk to my father as much as I probably should, but I do THINK of him often, not only on Father's Day...but everyday!!! And I LOVE that he can read our blogs and follow the daily happenings in our lives, and keep in touch with his comments! Ahhh, the joys of modern life and the internet. Daddy, I hope that even though you've been really busy with the restaurant opening, I hope you take some time to relax today, and that whatever you do this Father's Day, you enjoy yourself! I will come for some dinner this week...be prepared that I eat alot lately!!! Love you Daddy, Happy Father's Day!

Hoochie-Mama Mama-to-be?!?

I had a funny conversation with one of the regular clients of my branch yesterday. I have to start by saying that I got dressed in the morning knowing that a bunch of us were going out after work for some dinner and drinks. So I dressed a little more "hoochie-mama" than I normally would for work. I was wearing a pair of black gaucho pants and a tight, deep v-neck (I have been showing off my newly enlarged chest), stretchy tshirt with my high wedge sandals, and a big, chunky necklace. I am a fan of form-fitting clothes. It makes my baby bump more noticable and I think baby bumps are cute as hell. Anyway, my client is in her 50's or so, and was obviously staring at my midsection. She then said to me "You should start wearing maternity clothes". So I answered "I am wearing maternity clothes". So then she said "I mean, you should start wearing clothes that are comfortable", to which I again answered "This IS comfortable" (and it really was!). I think my tight hugging clothes that accentuated my buddha belly make her uncomfortable! It made me laugh. I am proud to say I have not ONE piece of frumpy maternity clothing, nor have I had to give up my sexy shoes...yet. But then reality set in later in the night, when at 7:30pm, after eating yummy pub food of chicken wings and nachos, I felt exhausted. I got up to leave and got the "Joyce, you're so boring now!" speeches. Yes it's true. All I could think of was getting home and taking off my bra and changing into PJ's and vegging in front of the TV. Boring, hoochie-mama, mama-to-be...that's me.

All I Need to Know about Life I Learned from My Dog



Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
If it's not wet and sloppy, it's not a real kiss

My Hump...My Hump...My Lovely Baby Bump!!!

This is me at 16 weeks. It's really not the most flattering picture of my face, and my hair looks a little out of control, but I wanted to show off my growing tummy for those of you who have been asking! I had my first doctor's appointment (finally!) this week, and we got to hear the baby's heart beat for the first time. Our doctor said it sounded good and strong...so we were proud...we're going to be such goofy parents I think! Everything else was good too...my blood pressure, my weight, my measurements...all except my calcium intake. Rob was thrilled to hear the doctor tell me to start taking calcium supplements, since he's been bugging me about that for a while. This baby is a party pooper...making me give up Starbucks and junk food, and forcing me to drink milk and take crazy-huge vitamins that are so hard to swallow!!! My little, sweet, party-pooper Raspberry...

Montreal + Monkeys = Memories!!!

My holidays flew by so fast! I took the week off to spend time with my family in Montreal since Audrey came for a visit all the way from BC with her monkeys. Add her two monkeys to my other sister Sue's three monkeys...and you get a VERY noisy, VERY crazy, but VERY fun time! In one week we had a birthday party for Romy, a birthday party for the twins, many yummy family dinners, BBQ's, went shopping downtown, just basically spent quality time as a big family again! And yes Audrey...your girls are super smart!!! I LOVED hearing them talk. To hear a just barely three year old say she has a "wedgy" and pull at her underwear was too funny/cute!!! Or Alex telling mom that her floors were "pretty dusty Halmoni". And the girls thinking the boys bedroom full of Bionicles and Spider Man toys was "too scary". Loved every crazy conversation and interaction!!! And I agree with Mom...why can't we all just pick ONE city to live in???

Self portrait at 15 1/2 weeks pregnant...


I am a pig. I feel hungry ALL THE TIME since day one of my pregnancy. Seriously, even when I had my bouts of morning sickness...I was sometimes nauseated and hungry at the same time...which is a really weird combo. I go from feeling "normal" to "starving" in one breath. There is no progression...of feeling kinda hungry...to a little more hungry...to a little more...and so on. If for whatever reason I can't eat right away...I get nasty. Really nasty. In a bad mood instantly. I should learn to carry some granola bars in my purse...to avoid freaking out at some innocent bystander...see post below...ha ha ha. Seriously though, I have gained 10 pounds so far...and I swear it's ALL IN MY FACE!!! Ick. I LOVE being pregnant, and that my tummy has a baby-bump...but I think my face is getting bigger and bigger every meal. This is a serious issue for me. I am buying a pregnancy-yoga video today. I know I can't target weight loss in my chubby cheeks...but I am not going down without a fight!!!

P.S. Thanks for lying to me Kaili..and telling me that child birth is bearable...you know I will bombard you with crazy questions, right?