Belly bulge, bagels and buddies...

My belly is expanding rapidly these days. I feel a little discomfort at times, but mostly in my lower back. Babygirl's incessant punches and occasional rolls don't bother me at all; I welcome those with sheer delight. It's the back and leg discomfort that makes me disgruntled. Embarrassing admission--I had trouble putting on my clothes today. I had to lay on the bed to get my skirt on; the lifting of one knee, followed by the other, which would be the normal series of motions for putting on clothes seemed all too difficult. Another embarrassing admission--Dan has had to buckle my sandals for me more than once. Bending over my belly is an odd feeling. I admit that I feel a tad lazy and defeated during these moments, but I figure that it's nice to have Dan here to rescue me when I can't reach over my gut to get on a freakin' pair of shoes. That's why today, I wore flip-flops! 

Switching gears now. I L-O-V-E a yummy tuna melt! Unfortunately, I can't dine on those whenever the urge strikes (darn mercury!). So, I have resorted to the next best thing: THE CHICKEN MELT at City Bagel. City Bagel is a meeting ground for many Murrieta residents who crave a delicious bagel sandwich. The fact that I can't have a tuna melt whenever I want, makes the urge for a chicken melt all the more amplified (If I have had anything close to a craving--it's this sandwich; however, I believe this falls more in line with the "you want what you can't have" mentality, so I am going for the next best option.). So back to my main point--City Bagel is awesome! It's easy, it's comfortable and I seem to find myself there quite a bit, especially with my childhood companion, Crystal. 

She got married this year!

We've been friends for 28 years! We have gone through Barbies, dolls, make-believe restaurants, boys, fake game shows and now as we're grown, weddings and parenting (no baby for Crystal yet; she loves CATS). She and her mom, Brenda, came down to the restaurant yesterday to visit with me and my papa (she calls him George Clooney now because of his new facial hair). :) I ordered the mouth-watering, perfectly seasoned, open-faced chickey-melt and got to hang with three people whom I love dearly! Of course, Crystal is notorious (nuh-nuh-nuhtorious-B-I-G reference) for showering her loved-ones with gifts. Her mom is no exception to this rule either; they both arrived with gift bags in hand, ready to shower babygirl with some LOVE! Boy, did they! Too much Cutie-goodness!

Here are some of the items that babygirl received: 

Baby-girl will wear this when Crystal babysits!

Cute outfit on left is from Brenda!

Everything was so darn fun that it inspired Dan and I to do a little more shopping of our own! That's when Dan saw this:

She is sure to be her father's daughter! So cute-patoot! 

Well, that's all for now! We're in month seven, with only a couple month remaining! So exciting! 

The Gene Pool...

Those people you see on the left are going to be parents in a matter on months. That is the ever-looming thought that's been permeating our home for the last several months. Lately though, that idea is even more amplified. With the countdown-clock reaching its final mark, we continue to ask ourselves the following questions: Who will she resemble most?   How much will she weigh at birth (I was a lightweight, Dan was not)? Will she have the "Shaffer" eye-lids? Will she have the "Hipp" brow? Will she dance like her mama, draw like her papa, swim, run or grow a mop of really curly hair?


We seem to entertain ourselves for hours while contemplating the answers to all these questions. It's fun to consider how our little girl will be a blend of the both of us, but just what ingredients will she take from each side? Also, what ingredients will we find are reminiscent of her grandparents, aunts, or uncles? If she somehow inherits her Uncle Donny's eyebrows, we're in for it. He was born with Vanilla-Ice eyebrows. If you're not keen to this reference, just Google him. You'll get a laugh. Even if she does claim that genetic trait, she can always consider a career in rap music--MC Hipp??? It has a ring to it.

This is what gets me. Take these two images for example:

 Our child is going to be an amalgam of us! In some ways, that is exquisite, but in others, it's terrifying. In preparing to have our baby girl, I have become much more aware of my own personality traits that I hope our little one avoids (specific to me of course--can't speak on behalf of Dan--he's perfect :) ). I laugh like a man, am incapable of walking in a straight line, am incredibly anal-retentive and OCD, and I have an uncanny knack for talking loudly in quiet settings (among others).

But then I thought about it some more. Isn't it the quirks of our personality that endear us to others? You know, the flaws bringing out the humanity, the charm, and the individuality of us all? I absolutely love the little quirks and funny mannerisms of Dan! And of course, I know that's why he fell in love with me (wink wink)! I think it's safe to say that no matter what Dan and I anticipate as far as how our little daughter will be, it doesn't even matter; we're so darn excited to have her in our life. We haven't even met her, yet we are so in love with her already!

One Last BBQ Before School Daze

Can you believe that school has started...already?! I think I am asking you because I am still in disbelief. It's mid-August as I write this and I am two days into seeing my kiddos sit in their neatly arranged desks. I am two days into homework due dates, two days into butchering the names of the hard-to-pronounce and two days into establishing a routine again...and I love it! Thankfully for me, I love my job! I work at an amazing school, filled with tremendously supportive staff, great colleagues of which many have become great friends, and a lively classroom where teaching and learning occur every day!

But with the onset of another school year, there is always another HUGE adjustment period. After two months of limitless free time, developing a regimented schedule is like hearing those dreaded nails to a chalkboard. Waking up at 5:15 when I was waking up at my leisure or going to the bathroom whenever nature called (believe me--it's hard to adapt to those bells)--well those days are over...then I got to thinking.

If I am talking adjustments here, nothing could be more surprising than this little one that is debuting in November! If I am seriously complaining about early wake-up calls for school, I have got another thing coming. Butchering names? Let's talk about butchering my new shirt after a projectile poo-attack from a small, yet volatile bottom (Matt, you'll appreciate that). Worried about going to the bathroom when I want? Maybe I should be thankful that I have control of my bladder right now--there's no telling what will happen after she arrives (I have heard stories)! The point is that I realized I had to gain a little perspective. School starting in August, when the beaches are still beckoning and my bed looks like heaven could be the best thing for me. It's like a mini-lesson in what is coming up around the corner. There is no denying that our life will change dramatically once baby-girl is here, and with that, so will our schedule. I need to realize that!

On a totally separate note, Madeleine is home from Germany! I hadn't seen her since June! We finally had one of our summer BBQ's, which was a great way to bid farewell to summer and welcome in a new school year! By sound of it, she had a great time in Europe, but we're really glad she's back! We missed her! She brought the babygirl a cute little blanky-doll that I know she will love! I can't wait to give it to her!

German Grammy!

Vacation time at six months!

Hello everyone! This past week and a half have been exceptional! Dan and I ventured to Hawaii last week in what many might call a babymoon. You know, that last hurrah vacationing as a twosome. We had such an excellent time. Really, we didn't do too much. Dan read two and half books in the course of the week and I read half a book (he reads REALLY fast-I was lazy)! We did some sunning, some swimming, some turtle-gandering, snorkeling and eating. I loved our schedule there! Since the time change is three hours earlier for us, we woke up early every morning! I went running and Dan swam in the pool and would lounge poolside reading. We'd enjoy the Hawaiian mornings--they are spectacular! The water is warm, the weather is cool, and the sky is gorgeous! I could live in Hawaii! It's so A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Well, I'd actually consider living there if milk didn't cost $7 a gallon! I swear, I don't know how people survive there--groceries are astronomically expensive!

Each evening we would take a stroll along the beach. We'd dip our feet in the water and run from one patch of rocks to the next, as if we were children playing a silly game! It was so easy to let our obligations and worries evaporate--we just played all week long! We even got in some nostalgiac video game sessions at a local arcade in Lahaina! It was so much fun! 

You can also observe my expanding belly as Dan and I tanned on the beach! It was a little awkward to lie in the sand, jump in the water or snorkel, but I was able to do it. It's amazing how much you have to adjust how you move around when pregnant. My mobility is a little different than it once was! Needless to say, I wasn't doing any acrobatic feats while beachside--mostly light swimming and lots of sand time!

This next picture is one of my faves! Dan took it while we were out on an evening stroll:

Overall, it was a downright good time! It was exactly what we needed! Now, we have three months to go before baby arrives! We can't believe how fast the time is flying! Before we know it, she'll be crawling around the house like a crazy lady! 

Weeks 23 and 24: A growing bump and time with friends!

Howdy folks! Another week has passed by and baby girl is growing at a rapid rate! She is kicking the dickens out of my belly too! She is nice and quiet when I am active. I find that when I run, garden or shake things up, she is as calm as can be, but the moment I kick my feet up is when she decides to do some moving of her own! What I find hilarious is Dan's urge to sing to her while I am propped on the couch! He has a multitude of hits that he chooses from (original material :) ) and when he sings to her, she starts dancing about in my belly. We've had so much fun this past week watching my belly move and experiencing all the new surprises that come with pregnancy!

This past week I also had the extreme pleasure to visit with my best friend, Shelby, and her parents. Growing up, we were joined at the hip! We took all the same classes, rode the same bus (embarrassing), ran Cross-Country and Track and lived at each other's houses. As adults, we are just as close. She was the matron of honor at my wedding and she is sincerely one of the best people on the planet! We had such a great time hanging out: we went to the Dana Point harbor and hung out in one heck of a nice yacht! I was pretending to be a business mogul on a leisurely lunch break, looking to purchase a yacht. It was quite fun! We had lunch together and caught up on our most recent adventures too! Of course, the visit wouldn't have been complete without a bit of time with her parents, Lana and Tim. Growing up, they had to endure endless hours of us girls cracking dumb jokes, eating them out of house and home, farting, belching and stinking up their cars on the ride home! They are like a second set of parents. Talking with them is always such fun! Lana and Tim showered me and Dan with the cutest box, which was filled with an adorable pink outfit and a cupcake blanket! This little girl is going to be spoiled!

Dan and I also had a doctor's appointment this week! Doc says that baby girl sounds healthy. Her heart rate was a steady 147 and sounded loud and strong! He also informed me that I am moving along at the right pace, whatever that means. All I can say is that I am relieved that she is healthy and that the pregnancy is going smoothly so far: fingers crossed! 

Here is the latest pic of my belly:

I must also share two additional pieces of news. Dan and I bought our first piece of nursery furniture--a nursing chair! I put it together on Saturday night! It is SUPER COMFY!

I've been told that a good rocking/nursing chair is a great piece of furniture to have, so I am delighted that we have it ready to go for when our little girl arrives. Lastly, my dear friend and devoted pen-pal Brook sent me this adorable onesie and Dan loves it so much that he wants to wear it! I don't think it's going to fit him (note the disgruntled expression), but he looks mighty cute anyway!  

Brook recently had a baby girl--Ellie(as seen above)! She is so cute and it's so exciting to hear about Brook's adventures as a mom! She has been one of my dearest friends, dating back to junior high. It will be fun to swap mommy stories with one another! 

Well, that's all for now! Stay tuned for the next update! 

TEA, HAIR AND G-PA

 Summer time is a time for fun, sun and friends! When one lives in SoCal, the emphasis can often be placed on the word "Sun".  However, this was not the case on a recent excursion to Orange with my three girlfriends: Jess, Kelly and Nicole. I most certainly had fun, and did so with friends, but instead of sun, we experienced slight drizzle and some low temps. It was actually quite nice though! You see, we are tea lovers! We usually hold a "tea party" at a local venue that we absolutely adore, but since their doors closed this past January, we have had to look elsewhere for "high tea".

So, I did some researching on-line and came across a lovely looking place called, Paris in a Cup. We booked a reservation and awaited our tea-date with utter anticipation! Paris in a Cup is a Parisian-themed (duh!) tea boutique that specializes in attention to detail. EVERYTHING is Paris--right down to the paper towels in the bathroom!

 We had such a fun time gabbing about our summers, catching up on the latest, sipping tea and eating finger sandwiches. I partook in the Broccoli Cheddar Soup, sweet scones, and delicious and savory sandwiches. The food always "seems" small, but let me tell you--it's filling! We probably went to the bathroom 15 times between the four of us (tea will do that to you), but the bathrooms were so cute that it didn't bother us one bit!

 After our tea, we moseyed on over to the shops in Orange; there are so many excellent vintage clothing stores in the Circle! Oh dear--I am ready to go back in time! These shops had the most exquisite dresses from the 50's and 60's. I was also really impressed by their hat selection! Everything was well preserved and so chic! I am going back there after baby-girl is born so I can do some major shopping!

I must also admit that I am convinced that everyone from that era was much smaller! The clothes are SOOO tiny and it would be foolish to look for an outfit in what you would consider to be your "normal" size. People were pint-size back then! I tried on women's gloves and you'd think I had sausages for fingers. The gloves were as tight as could be--I know I am pregnant, but I am not Andre the Giant!

 Needless to say, our day-trip was a blast! We had such a great time and plan to book more tea-dates in our future!

The following day, I found myself in one of my favorite places! Paradise Hair and More is a salon that is owned by a dear friend of mine named Millie! She is a hoot and a holler! I have known her for many years; she used to listen to my mother and me tell random stories each time we came in for my mom's routine nail appointment. Now, I usually come in with my dad. He also tells random stories and we all laugh at his silly demeanor. Millie's niece also works at the salon; her name is Elyse. She is an amazing stylist and we have so much fun talking, laughing and swapping stories. She recently had a baby herself and she looks amazing! The woman carried pregnancy like a champ! I hope I can follow suit!

To the left is a picture of my dad and me after our appointments. We both had our hair "did"(Pop Culture reference for those of you out of the loop) :). He is sporting a lovely and sophisticated goatee as well--it's his new look. This is the first picture I have of Grandpa Shaffer! Hooray! I plan to add pics of Grandma and Grandpa Hipp when we visit with them again!

Look at my belly! It's getting big!

This week has been a great one! Until next time...

Cutie clothes for a baby girl!

So, I have decided that girl clothes are too much fun! I know there's this horrible stigma attached to the female gender that we're addicted to shopping and that we can never have enough shoes, dresses, shirts, and whatnot. The interesting thing is that I have never been one to shop-til-I-drop; I have a limited endurance for shopping and must have a purpose for my excursions to the mall or clothing department of any store. This philosophy may change, however, with the arrival of our little girl--the clothes are just too adorable! As of lately, with any trip to Target, I must muster every ounce of discipline in order to avoid the Clothing Department.  Look at these clothes!!! Why don't I have a shirt like the one on the right here? "Sun-sational?!" That's adorable and ridiculously fun! I would wear a shirt like that if it were made in my size!

Anyway, the point is that Dan and I are having so much fun looking at items for our daughter-to-be. I recently cleaned out the guest room closet in order to make room for baby items and whenever I get the chance, I mosey into her room, open the closet and look at one of her out-fits. I know, it's embarrassing. I can't believe I am actually admitting that I do this, but I can't help it! Baby clothes are like an addiction! Needless to say, we're really excited!

This week has been fairly uneventful. My belly is getting bigger and I believe I have put on a little more weight, but I feel good. I am keeping up with my running routine and I am simply happy that I can still run. Today, I ran my usual 3 miles and I felt really strong. I keep the pace nice and SLOW, but the fact that I am doing it at all is quite the accomplishment. My doctor has encouraged me to continue running, so I hope I can do so for as long as possible. I know there may come a time when I need to pump the breaks though. I am aware of this and am being realistic! :)

I think that's it on the baby-front for this week! Until next time...