Another concert

I was lucky (yes, lucky) enough to score some last minute tickets to the New Kids on the Block concert in Boston. I dragged my friend Julie to check out some die hard NKOTB fans, crazy souvenirs, and 5 cute boys from Beantown singing. They definitely put on a great show and sang all their favorites (closing the show with Hanging Tough). I loved watching these chicks who were wearing clothes like "I'll be your covergirl Donnie" or even worse, wearing those huge ass pins with their favorite New Kid on it. These girls were my age too. I'm not that bad, right?

I remember my mom and dad driving Holly and I to Lake Compounce in '89 to see the New Kids in concert. Holly and I were singing along and having a great time. Nineteen years later I was still singing along and had a smile on my face the entire time. Too bad Holly missed it (next time Hol). As my sister noted earlier, "What are you reliving the summer of '89 this year?" Yes, as a matter of fact I am and I loved every minute of it. Hopefully the baby will be a fan of Bon Jovi, Poison and New Kids - just like mama!

Since I knew I would get flack from Holly if I posted a picture of New Kids on the Block, here is a pic of my belly at 25 weeks.

Ovarian Cancer 5K

Every year since 2001 Steve and I have run in an Ovarian Cancer 5k in honor of my mom. It's a great course and raises funds for research and treatment. Between the both of us we must have at least 6 trophies! Since I am a bit bigger than previous years, I decided to take it easy this year and walk it. Steve ran his heart out which earned him 2nd place in his age group. Yeah daddy Steve!

We always get our usual bunch together to form Carole's Crew. Last year was the first time I actually made t-shirts for all of us. We were grateful this year for Jason and Richard for joining us. We would have had more but it was a busy wedding and birthing weekend. Hopefully we'll get more people for Carole's Crew next year. Steve already volunteered to push the baby in the stroller so I can run. The sad thing is, he'll probably still be faster than me even while pushing the baby!

Check out some pics from the race and apple picking: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30481680@N03/sets/72157607530368231/

Baby Magner is here!

Christine and Dan welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Maya Ellen Magner, last Thursday.

Steve and I went to visit the family last Friday and we both got to hold her! As I was cradling her in my arms I sat down to rest. Our little cherub thought that would be a great time to start kicking. Poor Maya kept making funny faces as she could feel our baby kicking. I promised little Maya that once her playmate is born he or she will behave much better.

Steve looked at Christine, Dan and Maya and reminded me that is going to be us in about 4 months. Yikes.

Check out more pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30481680@N03/sets/72157607394636512/

Headache

Even though I work with children, our school maternity leave sucks. I basically get 6 weeks off (unpaid) and if I want more than that I need a doctor's note saying I am medically unable to return to work. I can use my sick days (for the six weeks and if I get a doctor's note) but once I run out of sick days I won't get paid. I figured that won't be so bad since I can just take another month off and save enough money to pay the mortgage, bills, etc. Well, it's not that easy. If I take any time unpaid my salary will be readjusted to reflect that. Basically, I will get paid less throughout the rest of the year. It kind of stinks that I have not taken a sick days in 3 years and still won't have enough time to even spend 3 months with the baby.

I met with a woman in HR today to figure out how much my salary will be adjusted if I take 1 to 4 weeks off. It comes down to this: Steve and I may be able to survive if I take 1 or 2 weeks unpaid but not anything more. Maybe we should just move to Europe. They give new moms about 9 month off..paid!

Holly asked for another belly shot. Here it is at 23 weeks.

Crib!

Dad and Gale surprised us by getting us the crib! I went for a walk yesterday and while I was gone Steve put it together. I came back and noticed the crib in the baby's room. Both Steve and I stared at the empty crib saying "there is going to be a baby in there soon." Reality is starting to set in.

Out of the mouth of babes

I was waiting with my 3rd graders outside the cafeteria on Friday. Since I can't print the student's real names, here is a conversation that took place.

Student 1: Ms. Pevzner every time I look at you, it looks like your stomach is getting bigger. Almost like you are pregnant or something.

Me: Well, that's because I am pregnant.

Student 2: I thought your stomach was growing too, but my mom said it was rude to ask a lady if she was pregnant if you weren't sure.

Me (addressing student 2): You are right about that but I am having a baby in January.

Student 1 proceeds to scream across the line that I am having a baby. So, if any 3rd grader wasn't sure if I was just gaining weight or pregnant student #1 clarified everything for them.

Awesome Saturday

I used one of the gift certificates Steve got me and went for a prenatal massage yesterday. It was so relaxing! I recommend it to every pregnant lady out there. When I was driving to the appointment the baby kept kicking and moving, but as soon as the massage started, I didn't feel a thing from the baby. I think the baby liked it too!

After the massage, I went to Walmart to pick up a rug that Holly and I saw last week. We were searching for a rug for the baby's room and didn't have any luck until Walmart. We found the rug (pictured on the right) for $70. If you have ever looked at rugs before you know they are super expensive and one for 70 bucks isn't bad. Well, I waited to get it to check with Steve. Steve never got around to seeing it but I went in to pick it up anyway. When I was checking out, it rang up at $17! Apparently, they kept marking it down and they just want it out of the store. Even if it doesn't work out, who cares it was less that 20 bucks!

To cap off this awesome Saturday, Steve and I went to Donna's house (my coworker) for a lobster bake. We had great lobsters, yummy side dishes and smores! In case you didn't know this about my husband...he makes the best smores. He melts the marshmallows just right so everything blends together nicely. It is quite a talent.

Sunday is starting off great too...Steve went out and got me french toast for breakfast!

Pic from weekend

I forgot to take my camera with me while Holly and I were registering. Holly remembered so she took a picture of me looking at running strollers. Can you tell how overwhelmed I am? No, well good.

A weekend with Holly

Holly came by this weekend and helped me out..big time. She had a list of things that I should register for before the new arrival in January. If you know me at all, you know I hate to shop. But, with Holly helping out (or practically doing it) it went pretty smoothly. She would hold up things and say "you need this" and I would point the registry gun and put it on the registry. No questions asked. If you haven't done this before, it truly is a daunting task. Plus, the Babies R Us staff weren't too readily available to answer any questions. Thank God for the Baby Bargains book. So, the registries are pretty much complete. Let's just hope the kid likes the things I picked out. Every baby needs a plush octopus, right?

Holly and I also went to visit our 96 year old granny who is in a nursing home. When Holly asked granny for any name suggestions. Granny replied, "Whatever you do don't name the baby Steve." For those of you who don't know, my dad is Steve, my cousin is Steve and my husband is Steve. Granny doesn't want any more Steves in her life. I told her not to worry there will be no Steve Juniors coming.

The pic shows my belly at 22 weeks.