The Great Minnesota Get-Together

What a beautiful day. Not just a beautiful day because the weather couldn't have been more perfect, but any event that promotes all you can eat eating is a beautiful thing in my book. Jeff and I attended the MN State Fair with 165,192 of our closest friends on Friday (Friday, August 29th). I woke up feeling like we were getting ready to go on vacation because I was so excited. If you haven't guessed by now, food really excites me. This year I was trying to do an extra special job of getting my fill, for the baby. Hey, who says cheese curds don't have any nutritional value? Cheese = calcium. Enough said. We arrived into the fairgrounds at about 11:30 that morning and the eating fest began immediately, as the case should be.

Even though it was packed, dealing with the crowds was a pretty manageable task



The Giant Slide, although seemingly less giant as the years pass, still an old staple on these grounds



Don't call it a corn dog: I started my day with a Pronto Pup, a Fair favorite






Jeffy likey food too



Milkshakes and tacos and cookies, oh my!

Missed opportunity

Jeff and I love getting to the State Fair earlier on a weekday so we can see a couple of our favorite radio shows, as we did yesterday. Save the name calling. It could seem as though many females are dragged to the KFAN booth by their men, but not this one. Even though the station deems itself as the place for sports talk, it just is not always the case thanks to my two faves, Common Man Dan Cole and Dan Barriero. I can't even listen to music during my lunch hour (I even choose to eat in my car just so I can listen) or on my way home (unless someone is sitting in for Common in which case the topics tend to be geared too much towards sports for my liking, or if Mr. Fun, Barriero's sidekick is taking the lead). The shows are so entertaining and I cannot get enough. Current events, entertainment and sometimes just talk about a whole lot of nothing constantly keeps me coming back for more. I have been a talk radio junkie for quite some time, for a couple thirteen, fourteen years maybe. But with political talk overload for far too long now, I am a full on KFAN die hard, well at least during the 12-2 and 4-7 time slots. Try it. You'll like it.


OK, time to discuss my missed opportunity. So we're hanging out on the bleachers like groupies for two hours during Common's show at the Fair when a contest is announced. Tenna B, the show's sidekick, lets us know that if anyone is interested in hosting their own 10 minute segment on the show, here's their chance. Interested parties should sign up with them and they will draw two peoples' names. Yes! Pick me! Pick me! So, I signed up. There was even honorable mention about their surprise that they had some gals interested. So I went over all my material in my mind, seriously a bit nervous that I may get picked. It could be my big break. After all, couldn't I still host my own show from home while on maternity leave?

All that build up and no such luck. Not only was I not picked, my name wasn't even drawn to be a back up in case the two chosen bombed or got cold feet. So, exit stage left to get a pretzel with cheese now that the butterflies were gone and my appetite restored again. When I returned to my seat, as the two chosen were indeed bombing their segment, Common, sitting in the audience at this time approched. He approached ME, not the understudies, but me!


"You want to give it a try?" he says to me. Slight chuckle as I continued to eat, "Naw, I'm good," I say. What??? What did I do? Come back Common! Don't walk away that easily! I don't know why I said that. Was it because I was concentrating too much on food again (I mean, it had been an hour)? Was it because I thought I was going to be a third wheel to the two that were bombing, or was it because I was scared I was going to go up and do it alone? I don't know, but whatever it was, I messed up and lost my chance. I kicked myself for the rest of the show. For the rest of the day. Dare I say, for the rest of my life I may be kicking myself? It didn't help with Jeff nudging me saying how he was pretty sure it would have been just me and Common hanging out doing the show if I would've said yes. I kind of wanted to sob a little from the salted wounds. Most people could let these things go, but for me, I continue to stress out a bit because of my missed opportunity. I had some good material brewing too. So to you Mr. Cole, I apologize if I disrespected your progrum (not a typo) by telling you no. It was a total lapse on my part. I love Tenna B, but if he ever tires of being your interim producer, you'll need a new sidekick. You call me and rest assured that this time...I'm comin', I'm comin'.

A day in the life

All in all, I've been feeling like a champ! Sometimes I feel badly even saying that for fear of sounding irritating to those who had a tougher time and for fear of jinxing myself, but all is going well.

I still get pretty tired so naps are a nice bonus when I get home from work. I would love if they were an every night occurrence, but it’s difficult to have that luxury, especially because it’s summer. It seems like there is always somewhere to be or something to do; however, naps always seem take precedence over cleaning the house! Tuesdays are a bit tougher than most days since I have Pilates over lunch and my golf league right after work. I love getting the exercise, but by the time I’m done golfing, I feel a little worn out. On the really hot days though, even when the thought of walking the course crossed my mind, I didn't have a choice. By the time I arrived at the club, my bag was already on the back of a cart and ready to go (thanks, Tricia!).


The slight bit of nausea I had at times ended some weeks ago, so I’ve been lucky. There are still occasions when nothing sounds good to me as far as what to eat, but mostly I feel like my stomach is a bottomless pit (especially when it comes to Mexican food)! Thus, not much has changed in that regard. I’m really looking forward to Friday when Jeff and I head to the Minnesota State Fair. I plan on indulging on everything I can get my hands on! For those of you not from MN, the Fair is a big deal for many in the state and the food is seriously endless. If you’ve been looking for pretty much anything you can think of to eat, you gotta get here. Quickly. My mouth is salivating just thinking about all that scrumptious cuisine.


In addition to my sleepiness and usual insatiable appetite not subsiding, I have been going to the bathroom like crazy. # 1. (I don’t even want to think of the visual had I not clarified # 1. Crap, just mentioning it probably painted an ugly picture. And shoot, I just said crap so I bet that didn’t help either. Sorry.) There has not been one night when I have not had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, usually multiple times, sometimes four to five times! It’s nuts and doesn’t do much in terms of promoting a restful night’s sleep. Maybe that’s why the naps feel so good. I did not know how early that started in pregnancy, but it started right away for me and continues. I can’t imagine how many times I’ll be going when our baby gets bigger!


Oh, and I can smell like nobody’s business! I’ve always thought my sense of smell was pretty keen, but now it seems to be working overtime. I’m happy to say that no smell has made me so sick that I’ve had to hit the bathroom yet, but there have been times when some are so overwhelming that I have to put something over my nose (for example, a blanket while Jeff is talking to me after having a few cocktails). I find it pretty ironic that women, with their heightened sense of smell during pregnancy, get gassier during it too. I mean, come on, how fair is that? Luckily for me (and Jeff), nothing that comes out of my bod has ever had even the slightest odor. Ever. No need to ask Jeff.


I’ve also had two bloody noses, which I found out is somewhat common in pregnant women actually, due to the increase in blood flow. (For obvious reasons, I skipped a graphic on this one.)

Do I even need to say it? Everything is getting tighter. Jeans, pants, skirts, you name it, it's getting tighter.


There’s been some lovely acne making an appearance on my skin, so that’s super fun. I wasn’t even going to mention it, but I needed to for memory purposes. I didn’t want to be one of those who says they never had this or that or did this or that when they were pregnant, when really they did but probably just don’t remember (yeah right, you never took one nap with either pregnancy, mom). So yes, the break outs are here and I hope they pass soon. If I’m one of those who doesn’t get that “pregnancy glow”, that’s lame. Come to think of it, does anyone ever really get that? It’s often talked about when celebs are preggers, but does it happen in real life? Man I hope so. If I get stretch marks and no glow, it’s going to be really tough on my self-image.


Lastly, I’ve had some heartburn and some headaches, but nothing major. Anytime I’ve had a headache, it’s usually gone away pretty quickly fortunately. No migraines either (some tinges at times like one is coming, but nothing has ended up transpiring). I haven’t had to pop any type of pill since I found out I was pregnant, not even a Tums yet, so nothing has been much of an ailment I can’t handle.


Yes, I am knocking on wood. And yes, those of you who have been really sick during your pregnancies can smack me across the face. I’m sure that reading this leaves you cussing me out and I can just hear you all chanting, “Well lah dee freaking dah for you”. Believe me, there’s still plenty of time for us to be united in some kind of pregnancy misery. I am not oblivious to that fact in the least. I will say it again though…I am fortunate, extremely thankful and I do have to admit that I’m really happy with how well all has gone so far. Things are relatively smooth sailing at this stage in the game for me and I am so very grateful!

12 weeks: Photos

The baby bump is becoming more visible each day!

Our baby at 12 weeks

At 12 weeks, the baby is about the size of a lime.

Sweet tooth

And now there are no more secrets. My office was the last to be in on our baby news (with the exception of a couple of people, including my boss which I told yesterday), so I made a cake and brought it into work today to help me spread the word. It was fun to get the reactions when each person came to get a piece!



These adorable cookies were on my kitchen counter when I got home last night. How sweet. Thanks so much, Kayla (our favorite Miss Shakopee Princess)!

Initial public offering

If the title and the description of the blog has not yet given it away, let me try to make it a little more clear: We're having a baby!!! I am in my 11th week of pregnancy and our baby's estimated due date is March 5th!

After a long awaited appointment with our doctor on Friday (Friday, August 15th), we can finally let everyone in on the secret we've been keeping for almost three months. We are ecstatic and we could not be happier to share this with you all. The blog began a couple days after we first found out I was pregnant, so you will make the most sense out of it by starting from the beginning and working your way up (click on July in the blog archive to the right; the first post was made on Wednesday, July 2nd).

This blog was primarily started to document the details of my pregnancy, so most posts will be made by me, The Bundlewarmer. As you will see below, Jeff, The Bundlebreeder, will also make an appearance to give his perspective from time to time. So if you would like to be filled in on the details of our newest adventure, please stay tuned. Thanks to everyone for visiting!

Doctor appointment: Proof of life!

Our baby's heart beats! Thank the good Lord, our baby has a beating heart!

The appointment with our doctor was at 4:00 today and what an appointment it was. Our nerves (yes, amidst the anticipation and excitement, Jeff was nervous too) were calmed as we discovered our baby continues to thrive inside of me. The appointment started with the usual weigh in (I gained one pound since the visit five weeks ago which was surprising because it feels like I've gained about ten!), urine sample and a check of my blood pressure. Immediately after, the two of us were brought into our room, lucky number seven, to wait for our doctor. He is usually running behind, so it was to our surprise that he came in within about five minutes. He proceeded to ask me some questions. He asked if I felt my pants getting tighter and as I sat with them unbuttoned for my comfort, I had to laugh as I said yes. He continued with a few more questions and then ceased his writing of my answers to look us both in the eyes.

"Usually at this appointment we would listen for your baby's heartbeat, which is really neat," he says, "but it's way more fun to see the actual picture of everything...so how about we go across the hall and do an ultrasound?" I was about to fall over! An ultrasound??? Yes! Please! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Before this appointment, I was checking the schedule of my doctor visits and the ultrasound didn't come into the picture until the 20 week mark. So to hear those words at 11 weeks, we were in a bit of shock. Fantastic shock!

Across the hall, the room darkened as the machine was turned on. Our doctor explained that first he would take a look and then turn the monitor to us so he could show us what he is seeing. First, he felt my belly and said that he could feel that my uterus was growing, so it was a good sign. The gel was squirted (and even that was surreal since I had only seen this on TV and in the movies...and now it was my turn!) and the wand was on me, pressing in circles. Several long seconds passed and a concentrated "Looks great" was uttered. A smile came over me, but I waited until I had more confirmation.

The monitor was turned to us and we saw our baby moving! We could see a body, arms and legs fluttering and then...our baby started moving like crazy, in all directions, and when that was all done, a head that was on the left side was now flipped and on the right side! With frozen smiles, we watched in complete and utter amazement at how much we could see of our baby. I really thought that both Jeff and I would cry on this day, but neither of us did. We were just so happy, and still in disbelief I think that this was all even happening. It was so much better not knowing that it was going to happen and we could not stop staring, nor could we wipe the perma-grins off our faces.

And through it all, there were the quick flickers of a beating heart. From that monitor came a glow that brought us so much joy and finally a sense of calm. What a glorious experience it was.

Right after it was over, I asked our doctor if anyone had ever told him they loved him after doing this. We all kind of chuckled and then he said, "I'd say I love you back, but I don't know how appropriate that would be!" as he looked at Jeff. It was fun to laugh again knowing that, as our doctor put it, everything looked wonderful. He even said I cracked him up! He sat with us for another 45 minutes to talk about what all was to come, genetic testing, the rollercoaster ride of fears and delights for the rest of my pregnancy and then it was our turn to ask our questions to him. We will never forget this day.

At last! Let it be known that we are having a baby!

Finally the day has come!

T-minus three hours until our doctor appointment. Three hours until we get the good word. Three hours until I can stop lying to all of my friends who ask if we're going to have a baby soon. Needless to say, I can't wait!

From a guy's perspective I think it will start to seem real after the appointment today when we hear the heartbeat. Up until this point nothing is different for the guy. Nothing has changed with my body, I have no morning sickness, I'm not tired and my wife doesn't look pregnant. Once we hear the heartbeat I think everything will seem real and different...in a good way...actually in a great way!

Both Jennifer and I are super excited. I always tell her that I'm the more excited one. Actually, I think we're both at the same point which is perfect. And speaking of my lovely wife, I must say that she's been a great pregnant chick so far. She hasn't been eating weird stuff like hot dogs dipped in chocolate and she hasn't been hormonal. Maybe some of the guys reading this post are thinking to themselves, "Jeff, you have no idea what's to come!!!", but for now she's been as pleasant as can be. I have no doubt that she'll be an awesome mom. I couldn't have picked a better person to breed little soccer players with than Jennifer Price!

The Bundlebreeder

Thank you for the well wishes

Here are some of the email excerpts from the last couple days of nice thoughts of encouragement I have received about my appointment today (and thanks so much!):

Only 3 more days! Everything will be grand! ~~~ Good luck with your appt. on Friday! I am keeping you in my prayers! ~~~ What a big day tomorrow is. Let us hear from you. Got you both in our prayers all the time. ~~~ I will be thinking of you tomorrow. ~~~ Good luck with everything today. I am sure all will go fine. I am so excited to be able to start telling people!!! ~~~ I’ll be thinking of you at 4pm today and wish you luck luck luck luck, but based on the size of your boobs, I’m sure everything is on track and fine. :) ~~~ 6 hours 25 mins! It is exciting! Everything will be great! I look forward to hearing your news being shared. You are going to be floored when you hear the heart...it is an indescribable feeling. ~~~ I’m so glad the long wait will be over in just a few hours and that you will finally be able to hear your baby! Good luck, I wish you all the best and let me know how it goes!!

11 weeks

Sigh! Deep breath. Only one more day until we get to see our doctor. Finally! We need a stress reliever. I'm a ball of nerves with so many thoughts racing through my mind; the anxiety is fully kicking in today just thinking about the prospect of tomorrow. There is of course an unbelievable amount of excitment too. We can only hope and pray for the best, for the strong beating heart of our baby (makes me tear up just writing the words), and hopefully in one more day...we can let the world know that we are expecting!

Spilling some beans in the northland

We had a long weekend away for our annual trip up north with many of our closest friends from high school this past weekend. Sixteen of us went up this time (two of our regulars had to stay behind this year to take care of the newest member of their family) and it was fantastic. This trip, one thing was extremely different for me: being there without consuming one drop of alcohol! Surely the crew would know something was up if there were no drinks going down my hatch, so Jeff and I made the decision to let the group in on our news. It was a bit scary since our appointment isn't until Friday, but we swore them all to secrecy and thankfully we hope everyone will be able to know very soon anyway. They were all so sweet to us and everyone was excited and pretty surprised. Of course now they have the burden of carrying this secret too, but luckily for only a few more days.

It was actually quite fun being able to recap all the stories and crazy fun times from the trip so clearly! It was much easier than I thought being one of two out of 16 people not drinking. The two of us even managed to be among the last to go to bed a couple nights (however, we did have the luxury of napping and not getting any grief for doing so!). Even sober I was probably still the most fun. (haha!)

What a blast, as always. We are very blessed to have such a tight circle of friends from high school still, friendships that have spanned so many years. Not to mention, no one could have hand-picked better significant others in the group. Here are some of the (PG rated) photos...