Gilbert's Go Bragh

Happy Birthday!!

2012-02-03T13:34:00.002-05:00

Every day I laugh. Every day I get butterflies when you kiss & hug me. Every day I am so incredibly proud to be your mom. Every day I celebrate you, not just today. God blessed us with the most loving, silly, smart, beautiful little girl ever. You are exactly who we wished for, for so long. Happy Birthday Fiona Clare, you are truly the light of my life! Live, laugh, love… always, MOMMA

Super Star

2012-01-19T13:56:00.005-05:00

I'm not really the "mom group" type. I have nothing against them, in fact a two of my girlfriends joined me to groups on Facebook and I LOVE reading their discussions. I actually think I need to take myself off the list because I feel like a creepy stalker since I don't participate. I guess I just find it hard enough to find time to schedule play dates with people we know and love, why would I want to take the time to hang out with strangers??

Well my anti-social attitude is not going to get Fiona anywhere. So my big New Years resolution was to join classes at our YMCA. Last week Fiona was sick, so we got started this week and its been AMAZING.

On Tuesday at Pee Wee Playgroup she was apprehensive about everything. No ball pit. No crawling through the tunnel. She kinda latched on to me like a little mommas girl (takes one to know one!) and it melted my heart. I wasn't concerned or anything because it was her first class and she was about 6 months younger than all the other kids. It takes me awhile to warm up to new routines, new people and new activities, so I totally got it.

We went back today for our Mommy and Me gym and she KILLED IT!. Dove right into the pit, chased my new boyfriend through the tunnel (yeah, MY new boyfriend, we will call him Stan -- he ran and hugged me like 10 times! Everyone thought we were old pals!). She knew how to use all the instruments, she danced her little heart out, said hi and bye to everyone and even waited in line to get her stamp like a big girl. As we were getting our coats on, my little smarty pants kept pointing at the tattoo on my wrist - insinuating that "that's mommies stamp". My proudest moment was when she crawled along the balance beam, then turned around and crawled back. Meanwhile all the other kids were running around... she didn't mind being the only non-walker at all. I wonder if she even noticed.

I was so proud of her. I wanted to take her to Target immediately and buy her something for being so awesome. Then I realized that I will go broke if I reward her with toys every time she blows my mind. So instead I took her to see her favorite person, daddy :)

Holy Hiates

2012-01-17T02:07:00.001-05:00

I'm back by popular demand! Ok truth be told, it was only my husband and my biggest fan that requested I start writing again. Ironically, I believe it was his fault I stopped! After I gave birth to Fiona on February 3rd via c-section, I kept wanting to update my blog and fill everyone in on what was the best day of our lives, BUT nooooo Packy kept insisting I rest when the baby was sleeping and literally kept me logged off. Once I got home, I was so stuck in that mode. I may not have slept when the baby slept, but there was cleaning, pumping, laundry, cooking, and so many doctors appointments to attend. Needless to my blog was pushed aside and forgotten about along with my heels, eyeliner and Welsh Subaru online sales position.

Motherhood has been AMAZING. In fact, if it wasn't for my little pride and joy herself, life would have completely sucked for most of 2011, not only for me, but my family too. We experience the most sudden and horrific loss back in April. My step-father, the man who raised me since I was 12, passed away. After that, things seems to fall apart a bit, probably another reason for me not posting my thoughts. Aside from being completely distraught over my mothers loss, I kinda had a pity party for myself. I don't have a relationship with my biological father and in my eyes John was the greatest man on earth (sorry Packy). Oh what I would give to sit on the porch in Wildwood one more time with John and chat. We had the best talks. I wish we could have been adults together for longer, because as an adolescent I gave him such a hard time. I'm just SO INCREDIBLY thankful that John gave me away at my wedding and was there for Fiona's birth. The two best days of my life, those memories will last forever, thank God, because as I've learned this year, people don't. No one was ready to say good-bye. Its been 9 months since we lost John and I think that everyone is just starting to get back in the groove of things... so here I am!

In the spirit of being positive in 2012... I'd like to share my labor story and start things back off again on a happy note!

It was Wednesday February, 2nd. I had just went to the hospital that Monday with a false alarm and on Tuesday my doc said they would give me until the 21st before they induce me. Aside from my uncomfortable constipation, itchy rash from head to toe and random shooting pains, I was a happy little preggers lady. I had this ideal situation planned out in my head as to how things would go. I would just get done cleaning the house and my water would break. That way things were perfect when we returned home. (My husband claims I have OCD. I HATE when people self-diagnose... I just think I like things the way they're suppose to be!) Can you believe my plan worked out???

Around noon I was mid laundry/cleaning and on the phone with my mom. I stood up and started leaking (you know what I mean!). I immediately called my BFF who just had a baby and asked her why she didn't tell me that I would start peeing myself randomly. She said it sounded like a personal problem.

So for the next 7 hours I mopped floors, folded clothes, boiled bottles, went over my hospital bag (twice) and cooked homemade vegetable soup from my Christmas turkey carcass. I was still slowly leaking so I decided to call the doctor. They said to go to the hospital immediately. I still had to add the spinach to my soup, shower and blow dry my hair. So I called my husband and told him I was in no rush. Packy got home around 7:45; we packed up my soup in the freezer, loaded the bags in the car, gave the dogs their "the baby is coming" bones, and headed to Arby's. Yeah you got it, not the hospital, ARBY'S.

The rest is history. I was in labor for 24 hours with no drugs before they decided I was too "shallow and narrow" to deliver naturally. Fiona was born that Thursday and changed our lives forever. She is the happiest, most theatrical baby ever. I never knew a love like this before.

I won't bore you by trying to fill you in on the last year of her life. If you've experienced a baby growing up you know the deal- she smiled, she rolled over, she laughed, she crawled, she's crying again, she stood, she ate a Cheerio!, OMG she took two steps, whoops she fell.... and all along the way she's talkin' up a storm just like her momma and melts in daddy's arms every night. I have to say, I thought about having a baby for years before Fiona graced us with her presence and she is EXACTLY what I envisioned. Its like we met before.

Fiona in February

2011-02-01T11:19:00.002-05:00

Who was I kidding when I said a January baby is possible? I guess I'm not THAT lucky. I'm happy she held on until the shortest month of the year. We're usually pretty bored this month so she will certainly make February more eventful this year and for years to come. Plus, I LOVE Valentines Day (maybe she will make her debut on or around the 14th) and she will have purple Amethyst as her birthstone.

I am 39 weeks tomorrow and we have our check up at the doctor today. I am really hoping something has changed since last week. Several hot showers, a few warm baths, some raspberry leaf tea, plenty of spicey food and a bit of ball bouncing....... I am hoping these wives tales have at least some truth behind them.

This morning I woke up with extreme back pain and stomach cramps. Packy even skipped the gym to stay home and comfort me. Lots of new and different things have been going on with me so I am hoping that means the end is near!

I have a few things planned this week- a day at the spa, tarot card reading and bunch of cooking, but as soon as Saturday hits, I will be 100% ready to pop this kid out. My best guess would be somewhere in between the 6th and 12th she will be born. I plan to be home with my new little love on Valentines Day... eating chocolate covered strawberries and sipping champagne. One can wish, right?

Fiona, we're ready for you!

2011-01-20T14:02:00.018-05:00

Its been a wonderfully exhausting achy itchy exciting blissful 37 weeks and one day. Let me tell ya, we are so ready to meet our little girl!!!!! The bags are packed, the car seat installed and the nursery complete. The doctor pretty much says it could be any day. Now at full term, I'm progressing quite fast so having a January baby isn't totally out of question.

Packy and I have a work commitment this Saturday and I was hoping to get to the car show to get a few shots of the Subaru set-up next weekend... so if she can give me until at least the 30th, that would be great. But also, the sooner the better... a rash has taken over my face and hands and it may not go away until after Fiona is born. If it doesn't go away by the end of my meds on Saturday, I am home bound until its baby time as I look like an ugly freakazoid. Nothing is perfect, so if this itchy gross rash is what has to go wrong, then so be it. I would live with a jacked up face if it meant having a healthy baby!

Packy did a really GREAT job making my vision for the nursery come true. He worked so hard painting, putting stuff together, hanging things, building the closet and getting everything up to par. Oh, I forgot to mention the dozens of butterfly wall decals... his patience on that project was amazing (the decals are over the crib- tough to see in the picture). I have become quite nit-picky when it comes to anything related to my daughter, so as a reward for Packy putting up with me (and with his handsome smile always intact) he is off to see his favorite band Avenged Sevenfold tonight with non other than our best pal Kinger!

Here are the photos I promised - Fiona's bedroom!

Fiona, your lease is almost up. We need you here to hug and kiss and cuddle. Daddy always talking to my belly is starting to get weird. Plus your room really needs some personal touches, so a photo of you on the outside world would be great.
Thanks, Mom

Q-4 2010

2011-01-07T10:26:00.010-05:00

I'm sure my loyal blog readers aren't loosing sleep over the fact that you missed a few months of our life, but its a snowy day and Packy has taken over the living room with warfare based videos games, so I'm going to try and fill you in. Besides getting organized, putting together baby products and finishing up the nursery (pics to come!) here is a little bit of what has been going on.

We took two trips - Seattle to visit Packy's Dad and step-mom in October and Naples, Florida for a work trip that I hijacked and turned into a babymoon. Both trips were great! We don't get to see the Gilbert's quite enough. And Florida in November... need I say more?

Here is a picture of the four Gilbert's in Seattle at the Space Needle.

And my hot husband taking a load off before his day of meetings in Naples.

In December we had our Jack 'n Jill baby shower (or as my mom would call it - a boy/girl party). This certainly deserves a post of its own, but since I was a stage-five-nester for all of month 12 - I really dropped the ball on blogging.

My mom and best friend Beth threw us the most amazing holiday baby shower ever! Beth was generous enough to host the party at her beautiful new home. She and my mom are the perfect party planning duo. The house was decorated beautifully and and just smelled of Christmas. The food was great and the alcohol selections were phenomenal. Between Beth's love for fine wine, her fiance's great taste in beer and Packy's famous eggnog - we had some tipsy party go-ers (the non-alcoholic beverages were quite pleasing as well!). It was certainly a one-of-a-kind cocktail party turned baby shower that Packy and I could share together with all our friends and family.

My Mom and Beth are two of the most selfless women I know. Party planning and doing nice things for me is basically part of my Mom's DNA. But Beth was entering her busiest season at work, planning a wedding and foreseeing the holidays around the corner and still insisted hosting this very memorable evening for Packy and I. Girls like Beth are certainly not a dime a dozen! I love her to death and am really grateful we met just a few years ago. Beth is getting married this June and I am VERY EXCITED to reciprocate all of her generosity and love by co-hosting her bridal shower and kick-ass bachelorette party!

The baby shower gave Packy and I a reminder of just how lucky and blessed we are to have such an amazing group of people surrounding us. We really can't wait to bring Fiona into this love fest!

Thanks again Mom and B, for an awesome night!!!

You can view pictures from the shower on my facebook album.

Say Boo to Bee

2011-01-07T05:31:00.020-05:00

You know the type of friend that you can go months, even a year without hanging out with and then just pick right back up right where you left off? The kind of friend that will drop anything to console you when your looser boyfriend screws up (again)? A woman who you can tell anything to... the good, the bad, the ugly and never be afraid of judgment? I'm lucky enough to have a friend like that and its been a long haul of a friendship - 20 years!

Danielle and I met in first grade. We went through so much together: First Holy Communion, we both won the cheerleading spirit award the same year, we were there for each others first kiss, first boyfriends, first loves, we even "became women" on the same day and celebrated with roses from our moms and a trip to Red Lobster. We keep is classy :)

We also had our fair share of fights. I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong. Not catty fights (ok, maybe a few). Physical ones. Danielle and her brothers treated me like one of the clan and as the smallest of the crew, I definitely took the grunt of their older sibling antics. Til this day I thank them - this only child needed a little tormenting... it builds character!

From boozing at the beach to the ten o'clock-turn-over (when we'd hang out with one set of dudes for dinner and then meet up with a different set at 10pm for drinks - I said we're classy!) to meeting our husbands and buying our first homes... we've been through IT ALL together.

After getting married the same year, Danielle and I became pregnant around the same time. Its been such a special experience to share together. Danielle gave birth to an adorable baby boy on December 20th and I can't even explain all the emotions this lifetime milestone of hers has bestowed upon me. To see Danielle grow from the little girl I met on the swings at elementary school (she introduced herself to me via a joke - "say hi to your knee" and "say boo to a bee") into a loving mother has been extraordinary. She is a part of so many of my fond childhood memories and now we have children that will create memories for themselves and even more memories for us. Holding her son and having him sleep in my arms was an amazing feeling. I just love him to pieces and even though we aren't technically family, Danielle and her brood hold an extremely special place in my heart. I look forward to the next 20 years and what fun blog posts that time will bring.

Here is a picture from my baby shower. Danielle is just two weeks away from her delivery day and looking amazing.

And the best Christmas gift Danielle could ever receive...
her son Maxwell Alexander.
SO CUTE!!!

This photo was taken by Kate Callahan Photography

My Birth Plan

2011-01-06T09:59:00.006-05:00

Is this something people talk about? Or blog about? Ok, lets be honest, when have I ever cared about protocol before?

So after four long weeks of birth class and lots of trips to babycenter.com and google searches (and blogs, yes, women DO blog about this topic a lot!). Packy and I have decided that I am going to shoot for 100% natural child birth. Most of you may think that's absolutely insane, and pointless - why not ease the pain if I can? But trust me, when we weighed out the pros and cons, our cons list for an epidural was way longer. And I figure, its supposed to hurt, right? Isn't that why they call it labor?

Lets get one thing straight though - I'm flexible. If I am in labor and think that there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY I can do it without the drugs, I will beg for that shot. Its not like I have lifestyle or religious reasons against it, just personal ones. Some people run a 10k to accomplish some life mission or goal - I will (or want to) deliver my baby naturally. To each their own.

So I have been coming up with alternative ways of soothing and easing pain during labor. I've been practicing/warming up with certain positions that should prep me for a smooth delivery, prenatal yoga, packing comfort items for the hospital, planning to have a birth ball, making a birthing play list (my music could warrant a drug test for the baby and I - just kidding), and most importantly, I have had Packy practicing massage every night.

Back to being flexible. Isn't that what motherhood is all about? Things may not always go as planned. The structure I once knew maybe out the window once Fiona is here. But even though life may not pan out the way I expect it to, I will continue to set the highest expectations for myself and my family. What do they say - "shoot for the moon and if you fall short you are still among the stars." I love that quote.

Not to be sappy, but with Packy by my side I am confident I can do anything, he's my rock and biggest cheerleader (maybe I can arrange for some pom-poms in the delivery room!). It will be extremely hard for him to see me in that much pain. We'll get through it together.

I actually kept my birth plan to myself up until now, telling nobody but my mom and Packy, however, I think if I have my blog readers holding me to this (all 5 of you!) maybe I will be more likely to follow through. And if at 6cm I decide to get the epidural, by all means, feel free to say "I told ya so!"

Back by Popular Demand

2011-01-01T19:00:00.003-05:00

Well hello, there. Did ya miss me? I'm a huge blog slacker... I know. Its the New Year and what better way to start things off then with a new blog design and a post to let you all know I'm still around (if you haven't realized that from my many meaningless facebook updates). My resolution for 2011 - to post a blog everyday. Sike. That won't happen... even when I do have a little baby girl to write about.

Let me tell ya, its not easy to come up with a New Years resolution when you've been living on the straight and narrow for the last 9 months. And yes, its just about 9 months that I've been carrying around this little girl and I am pretty much over it. Up until last week I LOVED being pregnant, but now at right around 35 weeks, I'm dunzo! Sleep is nonexistent (which I hear is a good warm up for the baby) and I am just so so so uncomfortable all the time. Luckily the light at the end of the tunnel is just few weeks away.

Fiona, I can't wait to meet you! I'd like to welcome you into this world with lots of hugs, kisses, cuddles and a champagne toast (my latest graving!).

27 week update!

2010-11-08T15:05:00.007-05:00

I have to be the worst (almost) mommy blogger ever! I have seriously been using all of my creative energy on work these days. There is only so much of it lately, and let’s face it- no one pays me to blog, so I have to focus on work (especially since I live with my boss!). So every time I attempt to write a blog post it’s purely diarrhea of the mouth and I delete it.

What could I possibly be doing for the Subaru dealership that is draining me of all my flair? Creating a 12 month marketing plan which consists of several events, 4 newsletter, car seat safety checks & workshops and so much more. Right now I am redesigning our waiting room and preparing for our Safety Event on January 8th. On top of that I am launching our new Child Passenger Safety Department & tampering with our webiste a ton. I LOVE my job, but I feel like I may be trying to get all my nitty-gritty work for 2011 done now, so I can focus on my little love once she arrives. Nothing wrong with that. I asked Packy what I should do with the baby when I have a meeting or offsite car seat check and he insisted she get dropped off at the dealership and chill in his office. That melted my heart. I never thought he would want the baby at work with him. He’s already such a proud daddy.

In other news, Packy just finished painting the nursery! It’s a color called sweet vanilla- a very warm crème with a hint of pink. The baby’s room will be completely designed per Feng Shui and have a very organic/natural feel. Pictures to come!

I'm almost a week away from being 7 months pregnant and starting to feel a hormonal shift. I’ve been very irritable and have had some trouble sleeping. (Poor Packy!) I am ALWAYS thirsty and have a lot of joint pain. I try not to complain since its such a small price to pay for such an amazing gift. So far I have enjoyed being pregnant for the most part. We are getting so excited for February, it will be here before we know it. I’m in no rush though- I think we have the perfect amount of time to get done what we need to and enjoy some quiet time before Little Miss Gilbert is here.

This week is a very busy one, but there is a sunny bright light at the end of the tunnel. We are headed to Naples, Florida for our Babymoon! It’s actually half for work, half babymoon. We will have Saturday night & part of Sunday together and then Packy has meetings Monday & Tuesday. I will do the whole spa thing during the day along with poolside lounging and tons of rooms service. I haven’t seen Sex and the City 2 yet, I've been saving it for my much needed alone time. We’ll have group dinners two of the nights with owners of other Subaru dealerships around the country, which I'm actually looking forward to. It will be interesting to see what their tactics for PR and Social Media entail.

All in all- life is good! We just took a bunch of photos yesterday to showcase my big belly. It works out having my own private paparazzi at home! As you can see from one of the pictures- we finally are settled on a name – Fiona Clare. Just what I wanted from the get go. Yaaay!

Our Baby Girl

2010-10-23T09:16:00.005-04:00

I didn't really want to post the 3D ultrasound pictures on facebook- let's face it, I don't even post pictures of myself in a bathing suit, let alone pictures of the inside of my uterus! BUT we are completely in love with our little girl so I just had to share some photos on the blog.

She is extremely active and ALWAYS moving her mouth - either she has a career in sales in her future like her daddy or she just likes the sound of her own voice like her daddy (ok, like me, I'll take that one!).

It was quite an experience to be able to watch her and feel her move simultaneously. I can't believe we only have 16 more weeks until she makes her big debut. I can't wait to meet my little angel and snuggle :)

Big yawn...

Daddy's nose and cheeks!

Sleeps like mommy :)

The Name Game

2010-10-17T16:02:00.009-04:00

I am starting to think Clare might not be the perfect first name for our daughter. I love the meaning behind it and I really love it for a middle name, but after about 1 month of referring to my baby belly as Clare, I am beginning to realize I am not 100% set on it. For one, when I meet new people and they ask if I have a name chosen yet, I lie right to their face and say no. I haven’t been very excited to say “her name is Clare!” I know that’s horrible. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the name Clare, it just reminds me of a character Betty White would play. And I absolutely despise when people add a “y’ at the end and turn it into Clarey, which keeps happening. I'm just not sure that its the right fit. I’m glad I test drove it for a month.

I have been harping on the name Fiona for months now (in fact, pre-pregancy I just always figured that would be my first daughter’s name). Last night at a wedding, when Packy would tell people that our daughter’s name is Clare, I would suddenly pipe in and say “FIONA. Clare FIONA.” (then I ended the night with a not so mini meltdown about this whole name thing). Packy is not sure about Fiona. On a scale from one to ten, he gave it an eight. Not bad considering that’s what he rates my beef stew and he seems to devour that!

This morning via text from the Eagles tailgate, Packy told me we could name the baby Fiona Clare and that he loves me more than any name and my happiness is most important. Awwwe… Is he serious? This guy is amazing (I must drive him crazy). But I certainly don’t think he should just settle on something he’s not in love with. I think what we will do is test drive Fiona for a month. We’ll see how we both feel about it and revisit the name discussion on our babymoon mid-November. I know we will come to some kind of compromise as we always do. Who knows we may end up back at Clare… all this second guessing could totally be hormonal.

Here is a photo from our great friends Bryan & Kelly’s wedding celebration last night. I had a few wardrobe malfunctions which unfortunately kept me off the dance floor, but I had a great time catching up with friends and eating several cupcakes. I'm just about 6 months preggers and absolutely loving it!!

5 Year Wink-a-versary

2010-10-08T20:55:00.007-04:00

My very concerned husband just pointed out that I haven't updated the blog in awhile. I made a few goals for myself, keeping up with the blog being one of them, so I'm glad Packy called me out on my lack of posting. One of my other goals I made, and achieved (thank you very much)- I kept one pair of sunglasses for the entire summer. When we found out we were expecting the day before Father's Day, I made a goal that I would not loose or break my sunglasses all summer. Kinda like the egg in home economics glass. I did it!

Anyway... not much has been going on and my creative juices have just stopped flowing. They must have disappeared along with my patience, memory and waste line. I've been so busy with work, researching products for our baby registry and redoing/painting every inch of our home. I seriously need to go to nester's anonymous. I'm a little out of control.

Today is our 5 year Wink-a-versary. What's that you ask? The anniversary of when I winked at Packy at a bar and stole his heart away... Ok, not really. I winked, tried to get a few Miller Lights out of him (even though he referred to me as Erica), then I drunk texted him until the wee hours of the morning. Why either of us stuck around after that night I will never know. I think Packy liked my 21 year old youthfulness. And I totally thought he looked like Prince Charming. After that brisk October night at Barnaby's, we were practically inseparable. ... 5 years later and here we are.... so happy!

This year's Winky will be the last one we celebrate. Instead of spending money on expensive dinners, flowers (or friend chicken which is an even more romantic gift for me these days) and gifts (the weekends not over yet Gilbo!!!)... we decided to give our kitchen a little face lift.

A coat of paint, some purging, a little reorganizing, and a bit of shopping here and there for some fun new kitchen stuff ... and we got ourselves one good looking kitchen. We took a break tonight to watch the Phillies, but tomorrow night we are finishing everything up! Great way to spend the Wink-a-versary Week.... TOGETHER! :)

Here is one of our older photos from our first visit to St. Croix. We were together about 3 months when this was taken.

Inspiration from Ireland

2010-09-24T09:52:00.009-04:00

We are so incredibly thrilled to be expecting a daughter!! Little Miss Gilbert already has her Daddy wrapped around her little underdeveloped finger. It melts my hearts when Packy refers to the Baby and I as "his girls"... he's talking to her and kissing the belly a ton. He is just in love, and so am I. This little girl is going to be so lucky so have Packy as her father. I am really looking forward to watching Packy dote on his daughter and love her to pieces. I have never experienced a father/daughter relationship firsthand so I am extra excited to be on this journey. I think it goes without saying... I'm obsessed with my little princess already (does that make me the Queen?!?!).

The cat is pretty much out of the bag- we chose a name!!! I know, I know... in a previous blog post I said that I wouldn't be naming the baby until she is born, but I couldn't wait! Plus, we found the perfect, Irish, Catholic, unique name that we feel is perfect for our little angel.

Clare Fiona

We chose Clare because we were absolutely enthralled by County Clare in Ireland when we were there on our honeymoon. From the Cliffs of Moher, to the beautiful beaches in Galway (which is where my mother's side of the family originated!), we thought this area of Ireland was spectacular. Clare is also a Saints name, which is important to me. I have always loved the name Fiona- a poetic Gaelic name that means fair and beautiful. When I mentioned this to Packy, he said he likes Fiona for a middle name, but not a first name. So viola! Clare Fiona it is!

Here are some of the photos that inspired us to name our daughter after Country Clare. (just a heads up- this video has music)

National Child Passenger Safety Week

2010-09-19T20:32:00.003-04:00

In honor of National Child Passenger Safety Week, I posted a link to a website where you can find car seat checks in your area. They say 7 or of 10 car seats are installed incorrectly. Please don't let yours be one of them!

http://www.seatcheck.org/

Thank goodness for Fanta!!

2010-09-19T19:39:00.007-04:00

I was debating on whether to write about what happened on a very memorable trip to Walmart. I didn't know if it was too much for the blog, but I figured its what's going on, so what the hell.

Saturday I went to Walmart to get some cleaning supplies and a mop. As I was shopping around, I felt a little disoriented. I was heading toward the check out line and I almost ditched my cart and rolled. I felt dizzy, uncomfortable and anxious. A feeling I have never felt before. When I was standing in line, I felt like people were looking at me, like they knew something was wrong with me- maybe I was changing color or something. I got dizzier and dizzier and I thought I was going to pass out. I grabbed a Fanta Orange Soda and started chugging. By the time I got to the register, I lost my sight completely. I couldn't see anything. At all. My hearing was all muffled too. I was sweating like I have never before. I started freaking out and told the cashier to call 911- I needed help. I explained (or cried) that I can't stand anymore or see where to go to sit. She walked around the cash wrap and guided me to sit down on the bagging station. I started freaking out more saying "I'm pregnant, something is wrong, get me help!!" (I was being so dramatic)

Someone told me to lean forward and then take sips of my drink. I listened. Slowly my vision started coming back and I was feeling almost normal again. Then I felt like a freak. Everyone was standing around staring at me (show's over folks!!). I realized that in the midst of all this I took off my zip up hoodie and was left sitting there in my white wife-beater... bra-less. I never felt so embarrassed in my life. I kept saying, "I'm pregnant, I'm pregnant! I don't know what happened. I'm OK. I'm OK. Please don't call 911!! I will call my doctor now."

SCARY STUFF.

After I came to, I was still so upset and frazzled. And then the woman at the register was like, "that will be $61.98." THANKS- I'm fine.

Of course when all this was going on, all I could think about was the baby. Was something happening? Is everything ok? Soon after, as I was sitting in my car with the AC blasting on me, I felt the little Bean kicking the crap out of me (probably from all the orange soda). Phew! My doc said, the baby was probably on my pancreas causing the insulin to stop flowing. I just needed sugar. Who knows!?! I felt fine after- just REALLY shaken up and overwhelmed. I needed to night to decompress.

Needless to say, I will be traveling with food and juice in my bag from now on and I will never be going back to that Walmart.... oh and I won't be leaving the house without a bra on ever again.

My First Baby Videos

2010-09-18T11:20:00.008-04:00

Right about now I am really thanking God that I gave up my acting career (which was limited to a few commercials and one music video, but nonetheless a money-making career from age 16-18). I REALLY don't like myself on camera. I thought I would when I auditioned to make videos for myfirstbaby.com, but I was completely wrong. I could spend an entire day trying to shoot a one minute video that is up to my standards... but I am just way too busy for that so I always end up settling for the best one I can get in an hour and posting it. I will still be creating videos and posting them on the My First Baby community site, but I will not be posting them on Gilbert's Go Bragh anymore. If you would like to continue to follow My First Baby journey via my videos, you can click on the following link.

http://www.myfirstbaby.com/user/Erin

Don't worry ya'll, I'm not quitting my day job to become an online on-camera personality! I will, however, definitely continue to keep up the blog. The feedback and comments on here, facebook, email, and in person have been overwhelmingly wonderful. I thank you all for your support! I hope I can keep you reading :)

Stay tuned this week- Wednesday we find out if we are having a little Gilbo or Gilbonista!!

Taking Care of Baby Business

2010-09-16T17:35:00.007-04:00

I feel like I am 13 again and experiencing all of these crazy emotions all over. One minute I'm as happy as a clam filming a video for myfirstbaby.com and the next I am crying like a baby and calling my husband at work (with nothing to say) like some kind of freak. I think everything is overwhelming me.

Today I was able to take care of some business that helped to relax a bit. I called our insurance company and played 20 questions with them, registered at our hospital, signed up for all our baby preparation classes (birthing class, breastfeeding education and a newborn care workshop) and I checked the Consumer Reports website to be sure all the products I am looking at are safe and haven't had a recall. Whew. It makes me feel a little better. Oh yeah and Packy, if you are reading this, I got all of my Welsh Subaru work done today too.

Even though I'm pretty much on the ball with everything; I'm an emotional mess, partly from hormones and partly because I haven't slept in days due to aches, having to pee a lot and constant hunger. Now I know why some genius woman invented Babymoons, by November I am going to NEED it!!!!!!!

As I mentioned, I made a new video for My First Baby. It must have taken me thirty takes to get something that's even remotely worth posting. This is the final product. I'm not happy with it, but whatya gonna do- I'm no Kelly Ripa. Here goes absolutely nothing.

I promise, I will be back to my upbeat optimistic self once I get some Chik-Fil-A in my belly. A number five, eight count, large, with a sprite is enough to make this girl happy as can be and all my worries will be forgotten. No more blah blog posts on Gilbert's Go Bragh! PEACE.

Fall is in the air!

2010-09-14T21:03:00.006-04:00

In the spirit of leaves getting ready to fall, cider about to brew and many pumpkin pies about to be eaten (ok, I'm on my 3rd already!) I changed the aesthetic of our blog. Along with my hair color, I'm sure I will change the look quite often. This is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the decor, the food, the chill in the air and the wardrobe that goes along with it. I, for one, am very happy to pack my long flowing (roomy) sundresses away and break out the hoodies, boots and my flannel jammies.

New things that are going on around here... hmm... we finally chose our nursery furniture, which for some reason was giving me huge anxiety. We picked out bedding for a boy or girl. We chose first and middle names for a boy or girl (yaaay!) which Packy asked me not to reveal yet. And we are just one week away from being able to finalize bedding, names and nursery colors. I'm in major need to get things accomplished. Can you tell? I swear, I'm not crazy. Its just that we have two trips planned, company coming to visit, two weddings, the holidays and I am involved in planning my BFF's wedding festivities. There is a lot going on- the more I can get done now, the better!

Working with, I mean for Packy has been great so far. Its nice to know how much faith he has in me to run the marketing side of the business and we get to chat a few times a day. He wants to talk internet leads, but I am always able to squeeze in a little meaningless chatter, its what I do best :)

In October I am going to classes to become a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, which means I will be able to check and install car seats in cars. I have always been very concerned with Child Passenger Safety (since I worked for Graco) and I am thrilled to be able to become somewhat of a car seat safety advocate for Welsh Subaru and our community.

I've been pretty busy with the new job and attempting to be an A+ housewife. Really loving life right now! I could use a little more sleep (getting up to pee every two hours is the worst!) and I would definitely love to self-medicate to help with these horrible aches I'm experiencing, but in the grand scheme of things, its all a very small price to pay!

Ok, off to watch Teen Mom. Another way of reassuring myself that I will be a good mommy, at least better than Farrah and Amber. Toodles.

Poops?!

2010-09-13T10:00:00.007-04:00

Yeah, you read the title correctly. Poops. Which is a very commonly used word around our house.

On Friday we had my BFF, Beth and her soon-to-be hubby, Leif over for dinner and a fun (two hour) session of the Newly Wed Game. I didn't know if later that night when we parted ways, if each couple would be getting it on or arguing. But either way playing the game was such a good time! I laughed my arse off!

Perfectly suited for Packy and I - one of the questions was: If a baby were to grow up around Packy, what would its first word be? I had to write down what I thought he would say. DING-DING-DING! We got it right. POOPS!

Of course we were all cracking up and Beth & Leif probably were thinking what a weird couple of married people we are (which is pretty true!). For some odd reason, Packy has always called me "Poops" ... it started out as "Poops [insert maiden name here]" and then once we were married got shortened to just plain, simple old Poops. I can promise you- there is no story behind why I got this nickname, no reason... just something he started calling me. How endearing, right?

Another reason this word is said way too often in Chateau Gilbert is because when our dogs need to go outside, we both just say "Poops & Pees?!" and the dogs go crazy running for the backdoor. Most dogs react to "outside" or the word "walk," buy not our boys. "Poops" is one of their favorite words, just like their Daddy!.

I am certainly hoping my little Munchkin' says Mama or Dada first, but with Packy around, and changing poopie diapers (alllll the time!!!) the baby is bound to hear the word Poops just as much as Rocky and Chase and it will surely catch on. Ya win some, ya loose some, but hey at least it will be a funny story for the baby book and perhaps blog material in the years to come!

Just last week we hit our 18 weeks mark! The belly is getting quite large. Take a look for yourself.

What was your baby's first word? We would love to hear!!

Rambling On.....

2010-09-07T18:49:00.007-04:00

This past weekend was a busy one- 'labor' would be putting it lightly. I'm still beat and really achy. We finally finished our bedroom, so that means the entire back of our house is finished....except for the baby's room of course. We have our purple room, our blue room and our bedroom is a very pretty light sage... and now I am eager to see what the nursery will be! We both really think PINK. I know I don't seem like the pink type, but if it is a girl, I found an awesome shade of pink that would look great on an accent wall- it compliments the black & white vintage style bedding I chose perfectly. If the Bean is a boy, I will REALLY have to head back to the drawing board!

Sunday night we saw one of our favorites- Get the Led Out - a Zeppelin tribute band. It was certainly a different kind of show for us. We sat the entire time, I cried during the Battle of Evermore, the baby kicked during Ramble On and I found that I have a new love for the smell of beer, which has never even been my drink of choice. We had a great date night. Our friend Kinger actually gave us the tickets as a gift- one last wild and crazy night before the Bean is born! Thanks King, we had a blast!

Oh yeah, I mentioned the baby kicking, he/she is kicking a TON! Last night Packy was able to feel a really big kick!!! Between the excitement in his eyes and the connection I was feeling with our baby, it brought me to tears. Other things that have brought me to tears lately- a picture of my mom, an old episode of Full House, a little girl we saw at breakfast who could have passed for our daughter, a dream that I was eating cookie dough and the site of an empty bedroom that's all ready to be transformed into our little Love's nursery. I think its safe to say that the preggo hormones have taken me over! Lucky for Packy, I haven't had any mood swings where I am a complete horror. Yet.

We find out the sex of the baby on September 22nd!! I decided to reschedule my appointment so Packy could come along. Him not being there wasn't right. We could have done the whole 'have the doc write down the sex of the baby and look at it together' thing, but he would still be missing our ultrasound, which is an amazing experience- too good to miss. I just couldn't go without him. He is very happy I postponed the appointment and so am I. Soooo in 14 days we will know if our newest addition will be flailing pom-poms or swinging a baseball bat. We can't wait!! :)

Parenting Predicaments - Already?

2010-09-01T13:54:00.003-04:00

So now that I have the whole daycare/working from home issue worked out, something else has come up leaving me quite perplexed. I had a doctor's appointment this morning, everything looks fantastic. The baby's heart beat was 154, still leaving me in belief that I have a little mini-me growing inside my belly. I am as healthy as a horse, the only complaint- I could stand to gain a few pounds, which I don't think will be a problem soon enough. And all my blood work and prenatal testing is perfecto! So what's the problem? My doctor's office only schedules ultrasound appointments on Wednesday's and Saturday's. The first Saturday they have available, Packy can't make it :( and if I schedule it for the next available Wednesday, I have to wait another month to find out the sex of the baby!

What should I do? My mom will gladly join me at the appointment, but what about Packy? He has expressed that he REALLY wants to be there and would hate to miss it, but said its ok if I go without him (this time!). My mom told me "you will know the right thing to do" and Packy said "its up to you honey". Where are those little people dressed up like an angel and a devil that are supposed to take up residency on my shoulders and help me out at times like these?!

I am really stumped. I don't want Packy to miss this milestone especially since he is so into everything involving this pregnancy and baby (so much so that my BFF decided to throw us a Jack 'n Jill style shower- so excited!). At this point its 6 one way, half a dozen another. If I go on the Saturday Packy will miss it and be a little disappointed. If I wait the extra few weeks so he can join me, we will both be annoyed once the 18th rolls around and we are still wondering if its a boy or a girl. What would you do? I am really not into making decisions right now.

Project Guest Rooms: COMPLETE

2010-08-27T16:50:00.006-04:00

Done and Done! We finally finished the two guest rooms and our home is well on its way to being ready for Baby Gilbert and hopefully the grandparents ;) I owe a HUGE SUPER BIG thank you to Packy's long time friend and the dude who has become somewhat of a staple around here when doing home projects- KINGER! While Packy was at work, and I was supposed to be taking it easy; Kinger patiently, calming and nicely let me boss him around and was the biggest help ever! While I sat on the floor and painted the baseboards a glossy white and said things like "you missed a spot," "you got paint on the ceiling!" and "do you smell onions?" -- Kinger taped off the rooms, climbed the latter, painted the trim, moved around heavy furniture and so much more. We actually had a deal- he would paint the purple room for me in exchange for an Eagles ticket. So October 17th, Packy and King will be watching the Birds beat the Falcons while I stay home and drink hot cider and eat pumpkin pie. Not a bad deal!

After we, ahem, I mean Kinger finished the purple room (which is kind of like my oasis and where I keep all of my clothes, shoes and accessories) he generously offered to come back and help with our other guest room which is my home office and a comfy room for our parents to stay when they come to visit. Thanks again man, you da bomb!

Next on our list- Labor Day Weekend Packy and I are going to finish our bedroom. The master bath has been complete for awhile, but the bedroom could use a face lift. So this week I must find a comforter that will compliment the soothing light sage green paint I bought and see what else I can find to spruce the place up a bit and on a very tight budget. Just trying to knock some stuff out so as soon as we know if we are expecting a little Gilbo or Erin Jr., we can get started on the nursery. Can hardly wait!

Here are pictures of the guest rooms!

Side note: to any fellow preggers out there, non-toxic, zero VOC paint will still effect you. I know its important to use for you and the baby, but it made me light headed and gave me a strange double ear ache. Just an FYI!

4 Months...already!!

2010-08-26T15:33:00.004-04:00

Time is starting to pick up a bit! I thought this pregnancy was going to last FOR-EV-ERRR since we are so extremely anxious to meet our offspring, but I am already at 4 months and starting to feel like myself again (who am I? someone who is constantly working on some kind of project or brewing up something new to do around the house- not sure Packy missed that side of me!). So other than making certain I eat healthy and attempting to take walks daily, I have been starting to check things off our long list of things to do and man, it feels good!

The baby has started to squirm around a bit and its the most amazing feeling we ever felt. If Packy puts just a little pressure on my belly, he can feel it too! Its not exactly kicking, just some movement, but nonetheless an incredible feeling. Not to be sappy, but this experience has brought us closer then ever and I can't imagine having anymore love in my life once the baby gets here! Of course my love tattoo on my belly is growing - reflective of what I am really experiencing.

Here is my 4 month photo!

Update!

2010-08-20T10:26:00.012-04:00

Lots on going at Casa de Gilbert, so much, that I have taken a little bloggy break. For one, I left the company I was working for. I realized it wasn't for me and my head just wasn't in the game over there. I go back next week to wrap a few things up, but after that I am doing something I wanted for some time now- working from home!

As it turns out Packy had a full time position opening up at Welsh Subaru and he couldn't think of anyone better for the job! My title will be Business Development Manager, working on a lot of marketing projects and online outreach. One of my daily responsibilities will be corresponding with all the email leads that come in and trying to get the potential buyers into the dealership. Other than that I will manage Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Flickr, the website, the microsite I plan to launch and all community outreach and events. Right up my ally! On top of doing what I LOVE to do and for a great company, I get to do it from home in my comfy clothes, while reruns of Roseanne play in the background and my dogs lay at my feet... and in just a few months I will be taking care of our baby while working. Thank you Packy for making this happen!!! I won't let you down! (I swear, I tell the guy what I wish I could do or have and he some how always makes it happen - its unreal! Although I will be scratching his back every night until the end of time for this one!!)

So in the meantime, I have been redoing our guest rooms- getting them ready for grandparents and overnight visitors AND creating a home office. Lots of painting (no worries, its nontoxic paint!), moving furniture, reorganizing, cleaning and trips to the church thrift shop getting rid of some miscellaneous stuff. Busy, busy! Achy, achy, achy!!

In other news, I just found out that I am on the Belly Panel for Destination Maternity (they own Pea in the Pod and Motherhood). Every month I will go to the headquarters and eat pizza (yum!) with the panel and get a batch of clothes. I wear the clothes and go back the next month and provide them with feedback. Did I mention I get to keep the clothes? So awesome! I will go back each month throughout my pregnancy to provide more feedback and get new items to try. Killer set-up!! I'm pretty amped up! HUGE thank you to my friend Katie for letting me know about the panel!!

More to come on my new gig at Welsh Subaru, My First Baby videos, pictures of our home renovations and my take on maternity clothes! Stay tuned :)

Most Asked Question

2010-08-16T11:02:00.000-04:00

What are you doing after the baby is born? This question comes up daily in my new life as expectant mom. People just looove to know what you plan on doing post birth and how you came to that conclusion. I have to say, we have been back and forth about this ever since Father’s Day when we found out we were baking this little bun. It’s not an easy choice.

While continuing to work, going to Penn State online campus and sending the baby to daycare seems like a peachy idea (mmmmm, a peach sounds good right about now!) - I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. I have always wanted to do it all and be some kind of super woman, but that’s not always what’s best for me and my family. I know the baby would benefit from having a mother with a college degree (above an associates, which is still on my list of things to do), a career, and a life outside of the home (which, HELLO, I plan on having regardless), but I also know that the baby would benefit immensely from having me at home.

If you read my previous posts, both on this blog and on Graco’s- you know that motherhood is something that I have dreamed about for a long time and now that my time has come, I want to be as hands on a possible. I know all good mother’s, including those who work outside the home and are able to balance a career and family, put their baby’s first (I have seen it firsthand) and I am not poo-pooing the whole daycare thing; I just don’t think it’s for us, right now. I do want the baby to experience interaction with other children, so many play dates, Little Gym and different classes at The Y will be attended. I was thinking when the baby is 1 year old I will enroll him/her in school- who knows, by then I could be expecting baby #2! ;)

While writing about this topic, I have to give massive credit to Packy (hmm… this seems to be a reoccurring theme in my posts!). He works his arse off to make it even possible for me to have the option stay home. I‘m not gonna lie, LOTS will change… I may not be getting as many mani’s and pedi’s as normal, I certainly won’t be taking weekly trips to the outlets for the helluvit and using cloth diapers (only while at home!) may be mandatory to save money. But, I have to say, I am totally willing to change my lifestyle for the baby. And really, who needs new clothes when they will all end up covered in spit up and leaking breast milk anyway?! Gross.

Moody Eater

2010-08-09T21:19:00.004-04:00

A while back, PP (pre-pregnancy), Packy told me that I was a “moody eater.” At first I was shocked and a little upset thinking that he meant I'm miserable when I eat, which is totally untrue. How could I be angry when I eat?

What Packy meant is that I always have to be in the mood for something. Whenever he asks me what I wanna do for dinner and throws out some choices- 75% of the time my answer is, “nah, I’m not in the mood for that.” It’s enough to drive Packy crazy since he eats pretty much whatever, whenever as long as it doesn't have mayo on it.

So now my moodiness at mealtime has escalated a ton!! I mentioned my cravings in a recent post, but think I misspoke (or mistyped) - they aren’t really cravings, they are the only things I’m in the mood for. I think I may have experienced my first real pregnancy craving last night when I wanted to get vanilla pudding, jello and strawberries and mix it all up in a bowl and eat it. Wawa only had the pudding, so I never got to fulfill the craving, but I am still thinking about it and plan on indulging in this deranged dessert tonight.

On another note- I really need to start eating more vegetables. Since all I ever really want is spaghetti , ravioli, lasagna, and tortilini, (yeah, my little Irish Bean may come out with an Italian accent!) I think I am going to sneak some veggies into my next batch of pasta sauce I make- maybe some broccoli and/or something else really healthy. I am getting nervous that I’m not eating healthy enough for the baby- although once Pregnancy Policeman Packy reads this post, I’m sure he will be all over me about it! Knowing him, the Food Pyramid will be hanging on the fridge by Wednesday. Gotta love him!

I do know, I have definitely been eating enough fruit, that's for sure. Check out the video I made for My First Baby, you'll see that I am trying very hard to be healthy. Don't make fun :)

A Garden State Wedding

2010-08-08T20:59:00.008-04:00

On Saturday we headed up to North Jersey to visit my friends Teresa, Jaqueline and Caroline. Not really. While we were at a swanky country club very close to Franklin Lakes, we were there to celebrate the marriage of one of Packy's close friends from college. The affair was complete with amazing food, virgin cocktails (yay!) and good conversation with great friends. We don't get to see the University of Delaware/NYC crew enough! Here are two pictures from the wedding (I would rather not post pics of other people without their permission and since I don't want to interrupt the honeymoon, you'll have to take my word that the bride looked absolutely breathtaking!)

And here is my 14 weeks pregnant picture...

What's in a Name?

2010-08-04T14:55:00.005-04:00

Alright, its true, I haven’t complained about my husband on this blog yet, which seems to be a staple on "mommy blogs" so here it goes… He is driving me nuts because he won’t seriously discuss names until we know the sex of the baby. I know, I know, it makes perfect sense, but I LOVE to talk and that’s my favorite topic right now. And since I really don’t think our son or daughter would appreciate being called Bean their whole life (actually it didn’t seem to bother my Mom- that was her nickname growing up) I have been throwing around names a lot lately, with a lame "yay" or "nay" from Packy.

While we don’t know what we will name the Bean – boy or girl – we do have some prerequisites the name must entail.

· First name must be of Irish/Gaelic origin (or have something do to with our Irish heritage) – with our names being Erin and Patrick, two of the most Irish names out there, we figured we’d follow suit.

· First or middle name must be a Saints name – since we are not raising our children Catholic, they will not receive a Confirmation name. This is my way of following a Catholic tradition, untraditionally.

· Name must be meaningful – we do have a baby name book, but we aren’t the types to turn the page and say…. “What do ya think of {insert name here}.” This means family names or a name that has very special meaning to us are the only candidates.

· Name must be unique - with an Irish/Catholic name, I'm not sure how unique we will get, but that's what we're shooting for!

About six more weeks and we will be able to discuss this seriously. I can hardly wait!! Even though I’m sure we will have a pretty tight list of favorite names, I don’t think we are going to name the Bean until he/she is born, for two reasons- 1. I change my mind constantly, so I don’t want to lock anything in until the last minute and 2. I think we will have to meet our little bundle of joy before we can choose the perfect name that fits.

How did you choose your baby's name? Or do you know how you got your name? I would love to hear feedback- are my name "stipulations" too much?

Playing the Pregnancy Card

2010-08-02T18:34:00.013-04:00

While Packy was kayaking 18 miles down the Schuylkill River on an exciting expedition with our friend Kinger, I was down at the Jersey Shore fist pumping. OK, not really, I was eating. Eating a lot. Part of my menu for the weekend consisted of Curley’s Fries, cotton candy, Mack’s Pizza, Kohr Brother’s Ice Cream, funnel cake, rock candy and an unfulfilled hankering for a carmel apple with nuts. Oh and several bananas. Not sure if the 5lbs I gained in the last 2 weeks was just from this past Friday and Saturday or really from 14 days.

Any of you that know anything about us, knows Packy works. A lot. He puts in 12+ hours days most days of the week and goes to the grind on Saturday’s too. So when he plans a guy thing for Friday and a golf outing for Sunday- I peace out to the shore.

I was having a splendid time stuffing my face, enjoying the beach and spending time with my Mom, but come late Saturday afternoon I missed Packy so much! I don’t get a good night sleep without him and I really think the baby enjoys the 10 minutes every evening when Daddy applies my Belly Butter. So I ate one blue claw crab with my parents while discussing baby names and headed home around 8:30pm.

When Pacman heard of my late night arrival home, he immediately took shots, I mean took advantage and got a load on at the bar with some work friends. Before he even asked, I already knew I would be picking him up on my way home. I was literally 15 minutes away from the bar, when I saw flashing lights behind me. I was either getting pulled over for my tints, speeding or both. Still donning my bikini top (complete with my newest girl friends front and center!), low-cut cover-up and a disheveled look of exhausted, I knew, just knew I could get out of this ticket, as I have many times in the past. Very typical of the officer who asked me “What’s the rush?”

I explained to him that I was at the shore visiting my parents, had a long day, a long drive home and I’m pregnant, tired, starving and really really really have to pee (all true statements). I told him where I live (which was 5 minutes off the next exit) and that I just needed to get home. I wasn’t crying, but definitely could have. The officer kindly gave me my license back and told me he would follow me to the intersection near my house to make sure I got home OK without speeding. Thank you sir, you’re the best!!

So what does that mean? Packy had time for a few extra drinks while I stopped at home. When I picked him up, he was three sheets to the wind and hilarious!!! We went out for breakfast around midnight and shared a lot of laughs… and scrapple. Drunk Packy through my sober eyes is priceless. He’s funnier than I thought! I will have to get a video of the dance he made up at the diner- he was displaying what the baby would come out doing- a combo of a silly dance he always does with one hand (reminiscent of a faster fist pump/shimmy) and “typing fingers” with the other hand- imitating me. He kept messing up like when you try to rub your belly and pat your head. I never laughed so hard, which then lead to tears of course. Damn hormones.

Valentines Day Girl or Super Bowl Boy?

2010-07-31T00:49:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday I had my phone interview with the woman from My First Baby. I think it went well! She asked me a ton of questions about my pregnancy and I was eager and excited to respond to each inquiry. We talked about my cravings (mostly for bananas, cereal, potatoes, pasta and PB&J), plans for our nursery (did you ever think I would like the shabby chic look?), my feelings on maternity clothes shopping and just how wonderful my doting husband is. It lasted about 10-15 minutes. If nothing comes out of it, I will still be happy that I got interviewed about my pregnancy, it made me think about so many things I that I haven’t gotten to yet- like exercising!

The next step in this process is to make an introductory video (with Packy and I both). It’s supposed to be 30-60 seconds long. This is what we came up with- check it out!

*Update* Since I wrote this post I found out I was chosen! So excited!!!!! Many more videos to come :)

Christmas in July!

2010-07-29T21:00:00.005-04:00

I just logged into my YouTube account after a REALLY long time and found this video montage I made for Packy... I believe it was Christmas 2008. I'm sure it won't bring tears to your eyes (as it did mine!) but I thought I would share...

“God has no religion” – Gandhi

2010-07-28T18:23:00.001-04:00

No, no, this hasn’t turned into a religion blog, however, becoming parents certainly makes us think – how are we going incorporate religion and faith into our child’s life?

I was raised Roman Catholic and made all of my sacraments. After my Confirmation I remember saying to my mom, “Alright, all I have left to do is get married and die.” Still a ways to go! We didn’t end up getting married in a Church, but I have always felt a very spiritual connection to God and really didn’t feel I was missing anything.

Packy was raised Quaker- a very simple group of "Friends" without a lot of hoopla. Yeah, I like hoopla. I tried the whole Quaker meeting thing- I don’t frown upon it, I just didn’t feel the connection with the Big Guy that I am use getting out of a trip to Church. And just my luck, Packy isn't a huge fan of the Catholicism for reasons I kind of understand, but won’t get into on this lighthearted, fun blog :)

So how do we raise our children? I want them to know that Mommy is Catholic and Daddy is Quaker, but don’t really want to shuffle them back and forth from Mass to Meeting House every other weekend like some kind of custody arrangement.

After pining over this for awhile (even before I was preggers- you know me!), we decided to join a non-denominational Christian Church of Christ. Perfect for our growing family! Packy and I can both go there, being open and honest about where we come from and raise our children as Christians- who will probably tell their little friends that they are half Catholic and half Quaker (too cute!). I think we will give them a little taste of both our backgrounds, but I want to leave it up to our children how they feel most comfortable worshiping. Hey, if they want to go out in the backyard and meditate under our fig tree, I’m all for it! I just want to lay down some kind of religious foundation so our children have faith in their lives. It’s up to them what they want to do with the foundation we lay. Amen! ;)

I Love My Baby Bump

2010-07-27T20:44:00.003-04:00

As an avid Facebook user and someone that "likes" all things baby- I stumbled across the I Love My Baby Bump fan page. I ended up joining a community of first time expectant moms called My First Baby. I was super excited to do my first mommy thing (you know- besides throwing up, sleeping in my car at lunch and demanding vanilla cake at 9:00pm). I started by making a profile and I'm glad I did. (links to come!)

Today I was pretty amped up to receive an email from the production company that is hosting the website off informational mommy videos- My First Baby (brought to you by Graco!). The woman asked me if I would be interested in being eligible to become one of their Video Moms- they would send me a flip cam and have me document my first pregnancy experience and make little videos for them to broadcast. Um, YEAH! Of course I'm interested. So I was asked to put together a bio and my thoughts on becoming a new mom. I have a phone interview with the woman this week- keep your fingers crossed for me! :) Here is the blurb I wrote about ME-

Some little girls dream of that big white dress on their wedding day or jet setting across the map, giving big boardroom presentations or even strutting the runways of Milan. Not me. Nope. From a very early age I knew exactly what I wanted to do- be a mommy.

In the last ten years I have added a lot to my profile- I was featured in a few national commercials & print adds, lived in New York City, went away to college, came right back from college, worked for the leading juvenile manufacturer in the country, traveled, bought a house, got a dog, got married, got another dog & a turtle and still, through all that, all I could think about is becoming a mother.

After about a year of battling infertility and a crazy fun night at a Led Zeppelin cover band concert- we conceived our first child. Words could not describe our excitement and shock! At 26 years old I am exactly where I want to be. I have an amazing husband, who is as hands on as they get (or can be with me at only 3 months along!), I have the most supportive family who was absolutely elated with our pregnancy news and I have never felt such happiness, inner peace and empowerment in my life. Everything I eat, breathe and do reminds me of the life force inside me- the miracle I am cooking up daily. It’s truly an amazing experience.

Other than preparing for motherhood, ya know- reading books & magazines, endless discussions on names, nursery colors, debating on using cloth diapers or not and wondering how many glasses of red wine I will be allowed before I have to pump and dump- I have been enjoying life to the fullest (ok, maybe just the full, considering my exhaustion lately!). I enjoy writing, cooking, gardening (alright, you got me, I enjoy cooking the veggies my husband tends to), home improvement projects, the beach, music, reality TV, celebrity gossip, Facebook stalking, blog reading, pajamas, candles, mani’s & pedi’s (of course!) and talking about all things mommy, daddy and baby. I’m extremely thrilled to be on this amazing journey and each day I anticipate what’s to come.

Beanie's First Photo Shoot

2010-07-26T20:27:00.001-04:00

Because of a few issues early in our pregnancy, we had the opportunity to have two ultrasounds before the 12 week mark. At that point the baby look like a still little Bean that Packy did a wonderful job at planting in my belly. At 12 weeks, we had our first EXCITING FUN HAPPY ultrasound where we could watch the baby in front of us on the big screen.

I have to say, this little bugger is just like Daddy- constantly moving around and just can't stay still. (I am more of a relaxer.) The Bean measured at 2.5 inches long and is growing perfectly! The heart beat was 166 beats per minute - which of course makes me think its a girl because of all those old wives tales!

Right away Packy said the baby has my ski slope nose and his big head! We couldn't stop staring at the pictures- its funny how we think the baby is the cutest little Bean ever - even all jumbled up in the sonogram. Take a look!

Phirst Taste of Philly

2010-07-25T20:05:00.001-04:00

Before the end of my first trimester, I had already started nesting hardcore. Everything must be perfect for the arrival for Little Gilbo or Gilbonista. I know I have plenty of time, but would like to get a lot of the painting, reorganizing, furniture moving, SHOPPING and everything else that goes along with preparing for baby done soon so I can enjoy the holidays and be stress free come the New Year. Yeah, wishful thinking.

At this point all I really have is a stack of lists to start checking, books to read and decisions to make. I figure I will try to enjoy the rest of my last summer child free before I go full steam ahead. Sooo I'm Wildwood bound on the weekends while I can still rock the bump in a bikini! (**Note to grimy men on the beach, this isn't a "she has a beer belly and must like to party bump" and these boobs are temporary!**) YES! I am definitely ROCKING THE BUMP;)

On another note: Packy and I brought our little Bean to his/her first Phillies Game! It had to be the absolute hottest day of the year. We, ok I, lasted a few innings- long enough for me to get my Chickie's & Pete's Crab Fries and a water ice (of course!). We followed the game up with a much needed trip to Nick's Old Original Roast Beef in South Philly. Yummm!

Here are a few pictures from our outing...

And OF COURSE the cliche, I am pregnant and loving it shot :)

Blue Mouth Group

2010-07-03T22:09:00.002-04:00

At 7 weeks I experienced insane nausea- I thought I was going to die. All I could eat was Rita’s water ice and pretzels. My mouth was a permanent shade of blue for a week. Can you use teeth whitener strips while preggers? There is so much to learn! Too tired to type.

Stairway to Parenthood

2010-06-23T19:43:00.001-04:00

I have wanted to start a blog for awhile. This exact blog actually which has been in the Beta phase since my husband Patrick (Packy) and I were married in March 2009. The name Gilbert’s Go Bragh was inspired by our honeymoon in Ireland where we had the time of our lives.

Before now, I never knew what to write about. Recipes? Music? Home renovations? Dog training? (right!!! have you meant Chase & Rocky?). Now with the recent turn of events (I’m pregnant!!), I figured it was perfect timing to launch so friends and family can keep up with the Gilbert’s. We’re expecting Baby Gilbert in February 2011 and couldn’t be more thrilled! Of course Packy thinks it’s a boy and I think we’re having a little girl- I have a gut feeling. I could use another female around here, but honestly always pictured myself with a house full of boys. Either way we will be through the roof with excitement when he/she made his/her debut!!

Here is a photo from the very start of our most important (probably most expensive!) project ever. Let's just say that the music stylings of Led Zeppelin (brought to us by the amazing Get The Led Out) got us in the mood for some baby making ;) Certainly a night to remember.