MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

May Santa bring all my friends and family everything they need and want this year!! Sending lots of love from Northern California...

Love, Mer, Sher, Baci and Patrick

Bump Watch - 32 weeks

Well, it's getting closer!! Our little dude will be here in early February, if not earlier... Let's just hope I make it to Austin and get unpacked before I pop!

Meanwhile, I'm predicting an 8 lb baby since he weighed 4 pounds at the last ultrasound last Thursday, and I had 8 weeks left from that date (babies gain half a pound a week at this stage). Sheridan was a 9 pounder and I was a 6 pounder, so clearly he's already taking after his daddy. Hopefully he's just as handsome, sweet, loyal, and loving, too! :D

I can't wait to meet the little guy that's making me so big, round, tired, and hungry!!

Mer xo

Our New Home

Yay, we got the house!! Isn't it the cutest?? We're moving in on January 9th, and can't wait to get settled in and start our new life in Austin. Meanwhile, we better get packing!

I still can't believe we're moving to TEXAS... Life is hilarious. :)

Mer xo

Annual Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

This year, my priority list looks a whole lot different than it ever has! I don't know if I'm just in "mommy mode" already, or what, but for the first time I'm not craving purses, designer jeans, and sparkly objects; can you believe it? (Well, I already received the most gorgeous bauble possible this year and it's perched on my left ring finger...) And I'm glad you brought me a Honda Accord 2 years ago, versus a convertible Beetle, since baby's new carseat would probably be big to fit in a bug... So this is my new, updated, "adultified" Christmas list.

1. The return of my memory and brain cells, please.
2. A healthy baby that loves to sleep and can't wait to use the toilet.
3. King size bed so my hubby and I don't have to wake each other up in the middle of the night and ask each other to scoot over.
4. Chocolate microsuede love seat.
5. Lacy nursing lingerie that doesn't make me look like an old lady.
6. Some new patience, in preparation for the next few months of my life.
7. A barrel full of mouthwatering Zinfandel so that I can start enjoying it with dinner again after my bundle of joy arrives. :)

That's it! I promise to be a very good girl next year and did my best to be good this year. Don't forget I moved to San Jose this year... I'll be in Austin next year!

I love you, Santa! Mer xo

Updates

So things here in San Jose are wrapping up quickly! With my most recent layoff, Sheridan and I decided to get moving to Austin early, and we've been busy putting plans into place.

The last week or so, I've been super busy with looking at houses in Austin, and trying to narrow down the inventory. In the process, people have rented the units that I had my eye on about 4 times... It seems as though the rental market in Austin is ROCKIN'! I guess that's a good sign that we're moving to a great area, no?! :)

My folks drove from Houston to Austin yesterday to check out some of the places we identified online and checked out 6 properties for us. They gave us awesome feedback on 3 of them, and we chose one. After a lot of thought, the house we chose will fit our furniture perfectly and will be a perfect place to start our life in Austin. And after we made our decision, I was really excited... this is a beautiful house in a perfect area! I'll post more details when the ink is dry on the contract. :)

Otherwise, we had an ultrasound yesterday and the baby is doing really well. He's getting big and chubby, and his measurements look just right. In fact, I'm predicting an 8 lb baby, folks! I guess all my rest and extra calories have been paying off. We're getting really excited and I know that before we know it, our little boy will be here with us. Wow... I still can't believe I'm going to be a mother soon. Wow!!

Anyway, there are more updates to follow. Stay tuned! Love, Mer

Day Without A Gay

God bless California. It's going to be hard to leave this place!!! Where else in the country does the community organize pithy theme days like Day Without A Gay? This event is encouraging homosexual professionals to "call in gay" (like calling in sick) and spend the day volunteering their time and love to service organizations in honor of International Human Rights Day. It's obviously also a way to take a stance against the hatred that's been demonstrated across the country of our gay friends, brothers, colleagues, and neighbors at the polls recently.

If I HAD a job, I'd call in gay today and support this super cool cause. ;)

Mer

Another Birthday!

So tomorrow is my 33rd birthday. Or shall I say my 5th annual 29th birthday??!! Wow, 32 was certainly an eventful year!!!

I was in San Francisco last year on December 9th, visiting with my brand new boyfriend, Sheridan, and ringing in a year of big surprises that I had no idea were coming... 32 found me praying for fertility and having those prayers answered, getting to know a wonderful man better and knowing that he is THE man for me, moving out of San Diego to San Jose with the purpose of "gettin' my man" (mission accomplished!), MARRYING this wonderful man, getting PREGNANT, getting hired and laid off three times, and finding out I'm moving back to Texas (something I thought I'd NEVER do). Whew, what an action packed year!!

I'd love to make a list of predictions of what might happen this coming year, but I can honestly say I haven't any clue. Obviously, it is going to be the year of the biggest change I will ever make in my life - becoming a parent! And it will include a move back to Austin, a place I'm likely to stay for a very long time and set down roots (what an intriguing concept!)... But I think at this point, I've come to expect the unexpected. It'll be interesting to revisit this date next year and see what has transpired over my 33rd year on earth... God only knows what I'll have to say!

Thanks to all my peeps, as always, for being my cheerleaders as I pass another milestone. I couldn't do it without you!

Love, Mer

Today in The Damn News

"BREAKING NEWS"

"The Dow closes down about 680 points as manufacturing hits a 260year low and the U.S. is declared in a recession."

Isn't it just a kick in the face to see this headline on the day that I also got laid off AGAIN (for the 4th time in 2 years)? I need a new profession. Any thoughts on what I should pursue? Here are some ideas I have:

1. Open a doggie day care (although who's spending money on that right now?)
2. Pampered Chef or Arbonne consultant (again, is anyone spending money on that right now?)
3. Spinning instructor (after I'm healed from the baby)
4. Therapist (After all, I can empathize with pretty much everything at this point and there's probably a heightened need for mental help these days)
5. Resume writer (I bet the demand is quite good for that these days!)
6. Professional blogger (Think there's any way to monetize The Mer Show?)

I'm taking any and all suggestions! But for the love of God, please just don't suggest recruiting right now... I'll cut your head off and throw it out the window.

Love, Mer

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I give thanks for being blessed with a wonderful husband who loves me for who I am, makes me laugh constantly, and makes me a better person. I'm thankful to have a closer relationship with my family and for all the love and support they've shown me over the last couple of years - throughout many ups and downs. And I'm grateful to have a brand new (and BIG) new family which I married into, who has been very loving and accepting of me. I'm VERY thankful for my fertility and for the little baby I'm carrying, who will surely change mine and Sheridan's lives for the better! I'm grateful to still have a job I really love in this scary economy and that Sheridan does too... I'm very happy to have the opportunity to move back to Austin soon and start a great, new lifestyle with my beloved boys - Sheridan, Peanut, and Baci. And I'm extremely grateful for all the friends in my life who constantly encourage me, inspire me, and keep me laughing. Thanks to all of you!!!

And last but not least, and thanks to my baby Baci for all the laughs - you're a crackup, buddy. Mommy loves you...

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Love, Mer

Am I Forgetting Something??

So since I've been pregnant, I have been a massive airhead. I've lost 3 pairs of sunglasses (including my rhinestone Diors, BOO HOOOO), almost misplaced my iPhone at the mall, forgotten hundreds of things, and I generally feel like I'm drunk or something. I don't know if I just have too much in my brain - still experiencing honeymoonitis, super excited about my baby boy, obsessed with baby gear and finding the perfect brand/style/color/size of everything, worried about getting laid off, crying over the Chargers season, celebrating the Longhorns season, prepping for the holidays, eyeballing 33, hosting/ attending parties, and getting Sheridan ready to move to Austin without me.

Oh yeah, have I mentioned yet that WE'RE MOVING TO AUSTIN??!!! Yep, it's true - I'm heading back to the home planet. (Pigs are flying somewhere... watch out!)

Sheridan's job at Apple is taking us to Austin - home of many memories for me and many more future memories for SherMerInc. Hubby's heading out shortly, and I'll be joining, along with Baci and Peanut, after Peanut's arrival in February. Our mothers will be coming out to Mer-sit me and make sure that if I go into labor, someone is there.... but I'm sure everything will go as planned, as it has been all along (knock on wood).

Sorry I forgot to announce that minor Mer Show moment... DUH! I'm a newly-minted airhead - please give me a break. :D

Love, Mer

Diaper Bag Update

This is what I chose! I love it... I got it on super duper sale from a designer called Christine Price in Los Angeles. She makes one of those "couture mommy" lines that I wouldn't be able to afford unless she was liquidating her line from last year to make room for the new, overpriced diaper bags. Got it in the mail yesterday and it's ab fab!

Oh yes, and I plan to drop this in the bag, and it'll be perfect for baby and mommy outings: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2756998&fromRegistryNumber=60631952&product_skn=78045

Thanks to everyone for all your great advice! Love, Mer

Deep Thoughts by Mer

1. So if there are so many layoffs going on, why is the traffic in Silicon Valley so bad? And why is the parking lot of my office building worse than the mall at Christmas? I'm so confused!

2. If I hear that stupid jingle "Saved by Zero" by Toyota one more time... I'm going to have to vow to NEVER buy a Toyota, ever! And that's very sad, because I have my heart set on a hybrid Lexus (Lexus is Toyota-owned) for my next ride. But that song is ubiquitious!! The absolute worst repetition of it is during NFL football on Sundays... I literally want to throw something at the TV when I hear it!! (Don't worry, honey - I'll refrain. I know the new flatscreen is your baby...)

3. I'm getting really excited about the holidays! Who's with me?! If anyone wants or needs my yam recipe (Weezie's Sweet Potato Souffle - the best holiday dish EVER) or the artichoke dip recipe, email me and I'll send it. You know the holidays aren't the same without those two, if you've ever had them... Am I right, or am I right, or am I right? ;)

Alrighty, I'm off to San Dizzle for mine and Sheridan's baby shower this weekend. We're looking forward to seeing my mom, his dad and Bonnie, friends, familiar faces, and the closest thing I have to a hometown. Should be a very fun weekend! Pictures next week...

Love, Mer

Ab Fab Diaper Bag

OK, so the nursery furniture has been chosen, the bedding has been purchased and some very special people in my life are helping out with some of the accessories. My mother is making the "bink bink" (this is what I called my baby blanket when I was little; by the way, this blanket still resides in my closet and I'll be 33 shortly!), Sheridan's mother is painting watercolors for the walls, and Gina just told me that she's starting a quilt for the little guy, too. I think I have made the list of everything I need, where to find it, and have registered for my showers. I'm getting more and more prepared every day!

However, I'm stumped on a diaper bag. I have looked at a million online and it's just SO overwhelming! I like the thought of something functional that can hang on the handles of the stroller - perhaps something that would match the carseat/ stroller/ theme of the nursery, but then again, do I really want to carry around something babyish on my shoulder? I'm thinking that perhaps I should go with the "fab mommy" theme. You know, like "fashion plate was blessed with a baby" type of bag... But then again, I don't want to spend TOO much... So how does one combine all those factors into the perfect diaper bag? Again, I'm stumped.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a really fabulous, yet reasonable and functional baby bag?

Please help! This is a serious inquiry!

Love, Mer

New Ultrasound Photos

Went to the doctor yesterday and so I have some new shots of the peanut. Everything seems to be good, but the baby looked a little skinny in the middle, so the doctor ordered more rest and food. I can do that! I ate a big, hearty lunch today just for the little guy... hope he likes falafel sandwiches, juice, and chocolate chip cookies!

Love, Mer

(Profile shot was actually taken in September)

Open Letter to the Obamas - From Baci

Dear Obama Family,

I heard on the news last night that you're looking to add a little doggie to your family. Congratulations on your big presidential win, big move to Pennsylvania Avenue, and fine choice to spice things up with a baby canine!

May I recommend that you look into Maltipoos? We're spirited and funny, cute and cuddly, and best of all, we don't shed. Poodles are smart and hypoallergenic and Malteses are just cute and funny, so we're a fabulous combination, says my mommy! Sure, we like to dig through the dirty clothes for stinky stuff, bark at other dogs on TV, and stuff our favorite blue balls in your hands/ face/ lap for you to throw at our convenience, but I'm pretty sure that's just part of our charm.

So good luck with your doggie decision. I can't wait to find out what you choose, and wish you lots of great memories with your new pooch!

Love, Baci
(as "told to" Mer for The Mer Show)

Today in History

Yesterday, we witnessed a moment in time, which will undoubtedly shape our, our children's, and our grandchildren's lives. With the election of Barack Obama as our 44th President of the United States - the first African-American President in history - there's been a 180 degree turn in ideology from the current administration and a breath of fresh air in the stale world of politics as usual. And obviously a majority of the country agrees that a major CHANGE is what we need right now!

About a year ago, I read Barack Obama's memoir entitled "Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance" to learn more about this up-and-coming political superstar. I wanted to learn more about this person who seemed poised to be The One to change American culture forever. And what I found what that this man is a real American. He wasn't raised with a silver spoon in his mouth, with a pedigree that let him prance into an Ivy League school unwarranted, or with the expectation that he would follow in his father's footsteps. He is a true American - the biracial son of an African immigrant and a working single (white) mom. Barack Obama struggled with identity, experimented with lifestyles and theories, and ultimately came to the decision on his own to put himself through Harvard Law School, work hard, worship the God of his choice after understanding his choices, give back to the community, and excel. He's a family man, man of God, devoted public servant, and inspiring leader.

Isn't that America is all about? That is the American dream! Don't many of us share that same experience? I'm so proud that we have chosen a leader that looks, acts, and has experienced life on the same terms as the majority of us. I'm so hopeful that the old school mentality that has led our country and the free world for the last few decades is now heading toward extinction, in favor of one based on free thought, rationalism, inclusion, and creativity.

There's no doubt that our new President Elect will have mountains of troubles to overcome - a faltering economy, damaged environment, ridiculous healthcare system, underfunded public schools that produce terribly uneducated childen, and two wars, to name a few issues - but I do feel like this man who has created a superstar out of himself from nothing, has the chops to succeed in this role and take our country to a new level. I'm SO excited and proud to be an American today! And I'm happy that I can introduce my baby boy to a new America.

In the wise words of an anonymous speaker, "let's paint the White House black"! ;)

Love, Mer

Concert Review: Madonna

So Sunday night my awesome husband escorted me to one of the best nights EVER! I've been wanting to see Madonna in concert since I was like... 8! So, you know, 20 years! (I wish.)

When I heard that she was coming out with a new CD last year, and guessed that a concert tour was probably soon to follow, I made a promise to myself that I'd buy tickets and go. Last time I had the opportunity to see her, I couldn't get anyone to go see her with me; you imagine?! So I bought tickets like 6 months ago to see her at Oracle Arena in Oakland - the only venue in the Bay Area - long before I was pregnant... I had no idea I was going to waddle to this thing in a frumpy outfit (flats - the HORROR)! I know all the super fab gay boys dressed in couture from San Francisco were looking at my outfit thinking, "OMG, what is that fat girl wearingggg?"!

The stage was this fabulous contraption with tons of screens and pre-recorded segments with those people that performed on the album - Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, Britney, Pharrell, and a few others. There were SCORES of trucks outside in the parking lot, and clearly this huge stage was the reason why - it was so technically advanced! The show started with the first track from her new album Hard Candy entitled Candy Store. I was wondering how she was going to perform these songs, since so much of her album has cameo solos from so many people, but the screens and pre-recorded bits made it seem like they were an organic part of the show!

In the middle of the concert, she did a grouping of songs in Latino style - sang La Isla Bonita, Senorita, and had some flamenco dancers perform, too; not my favorite segment, but it was definitely entertaining. I have to say, I was most amused when she went super hard house with her beats... She ended with Give It To Me, also from Hard Candy, which was Sheridan's fave. Lasers, black leather, super pulsing beats, incredible dancing... OMG, it was amazing!!! And then it was over.. I wanted MORE MORE MORE!!!!!

I think my favorite song was She's Not Me - about a former best friend who tried to snake her man - also from Hard Candy. She had several dancers dressed up in her old looks - the Material Girl outfit, the bride outfit she wore on the MTV awards when she sang Like a Virgin, the cone bra, and something else - and harassed them, giving them the finger and pushing them around. It was tres fab! And speaking of fabulous, I can't even put into words the level of dancing I witnessed on the stage... Madonna, at FIFTY, blew my mind! That old broad can MOVE!!!! And her dance troupe was absolutely unbelievable... I mean, i would die to be able to dance like that!

All in all, I think it was the best concert I've ever attended! Bon Jovi at Staples Center is a very close second, but this was definitely a night to remember. Little Baby Hall is going to be a Madonna fan, no doubt...

And if she ever tours again, you better believe I'm going again... and that time I'll shell out the really big bucks for the really good seats! ;)

Mer xo

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

So today is Sheridan's and my first year anniversary!! One year ago, we attended the Junior League of San Diego's Mistletoe Mercado, and love bloomed. Picture of the big date to the left (how many people get their future hubbies in tuxedos on their first date?).

As you might know, Sheridan and I were truly platonic friends for about a year and a half, when all of a sudden it hit me - "why aren't I dating this awesome guy"? Well, for one, he lived in San Jose and I lived in San Diego... And two, even though we were friends that really enjoyed talking to each other, were we attracted to each other? I had never gotten any inclination that he might have been attracted to me!

So when I put it out there that perhaps we should go on a date and see what happened (I'm afraid to note the exact verbiage of my request on the internet, but it had to do with having a couple of cocktails and kissing)... and he said yes... never did I imagine IN A MILLION YEARS that one year later we'd be madly in love, married, and expecting a baby together!! Honestly, it's the fairy tale I've always wanted. I always knew that when I met the right guy, it would be easy, wildly romantic, and just fall into place. And did it ever!

So on my "first date anniversary" with my beloved hubby, I just want to publicly declare that he's made me the happiest woman in the world, and that I never want to be without him in my life. I love you so much, Sheridan!! And thanks for marrying me, so that I know we have each other forever! :)

Love, Mer xo

2 More Shots...

A) The cutest UPS delivery guy in the whole world, FINLEY!!!


B) The cutest and sleepiest duo, down for the count on a Sunday afternoon... :)

Halloween 2008

It was definitely a successful Halloween for The Mer Show. Sheridan and I attended 2 super fun parties and I actually stayed up well past midnight for both!! For those of you that know Single Mer, that may not sound too impressive, but for a big, round pregnant woman, I think it's pretty darn awesome and I'm rather proud of myself! hahaha Oh yes, and I think it should be pointed out that the shoes I'm wearing are my cheerleading shoes from HIGH SCHOOL! hahaha How funny is that?! (My mother saves EVERYTHING...)

Enjoy some snaps! We actually got a couple of awards for our All American couple theme (captain of the football team knocks up the head cheerleader)...

Love, Mer

This Weekend

So this weekend Sheridan and I are attending two Halloween parties (one called "The Beaver" - I hope we're not showing up to a swingers party!) and I'm dressing up as a pregnant cheerleader. hehehe Sheridan's going to be my hero football star hubby! I'll be sure to take photos and post here next week.

But the BIG attraction for the weekend is.......... the Madonna concert I've been waiting MONTHS (well actually, my whole LIFE) to see!! I put on one of her CDs in my car this morning to start preparing myself to sing along the entire time (sorry, hubby - I'm warning you now!) and I literally started tearing up, I'm so excited! That could be hormones, no doubt, but it's a pretty good indicator of how excited I am!!!!!! OMG, I'M SEEING MADGE IN 3 DAYS!

I hope you all have a great Halloween! Send photos next week of yourselves and your babies so I can post on The Mer Show for the world to see...

Love, Mer

Prego Says...

I love my hubby more than anything in the world, but can't wait to sleep in the middle of the bed the next three nights... (and I'm sure he is, too!)

Have a safe trip to PHX, sweetie!! Love, Wifie and Baby Mama

Capitola

So Sheridan and I got up and went to the beach this morning for a little breakfast. It was a gorgeous morning and we had a fun time... Just thought I'd share of of the snaps with my Mer Show community. :)

Love, Mer

It's Getting Closer!

Can you feel the winds of change?

Mer

Bump Watch - 23 Weeks

I'm not sure what happened in the last week, but my belly has all of a sudden SPROUTED! Sheridan looked over at me on Friday night and said "babe, we need to take a new photo"... I didn't realize that the last week has brought so much change! The baby book I've been reading did say that weeks 23-26 brings dramatic changes in the baby's weight, but apparently dramatic changes in my appearance, too.

I bought a maternity dress for our honeymoon, but it was a tent on me at that time, so I didn't actually wear it the whole time we were in The Bahamas. I finally got to wear it yesterday, and I filled out the pleats entirely! Again, what the heck happened to me in the last 7 days??!! How huge am I going to get??!!

Enjoy the new, improved baby bump photo (with Baci ball included - he wanted to be a part of the excitement)!

Love, Mer

Mer Show Turns 2!!!

Wow, I can't believe it's been two full years since the inception of my blog. There have been a lot of really cool milestones celebrated - my 30th birthday, introducing Baci into my life, falling in love with Sheridan, moving to San Jose, getting pregnant, engaged, then married... and all sorts of things in between like job changes, relationship changes, local moves and travels!!! Thanks to all my friends and family who follow my blog - A) for actually taking the time to read most of my nonsense and B) for supporting and encouraging me throughout some pretty life-changing events, particularly over the last year!

Who knows what the 3rd year is going to bring... well, I know it's going to bring a precious baby boy... but otherwise, it should be a surprising ride!!

Happy birthday Mer Show!

Love, me

TEXAS FIGHT!!!

Beat the Sooners!!!!

Texas/ OU weekend is a huge weekend of rivalry for both the Horns and Sooners - both teams converge on Dallas and meet in the Cotton Bowl for a slugfest every year. It's a huge tradition for both schools, and is called the Red River Rivalry (since the Red River separates Texas from Oklahoma). It's a weekend filled with parties, the state fair of Texas, and all kinds of fun. I have some great memories from Texas/ OU weekend and hope that I can make it to Dallas again someday for the big game... Maybe next year!

I hope my burnt orange Vince Young jersey will fit over my baby bump tomorrow!! :)

Love, Mer

Bump Watch

We're at 22 weeks - more than halfway through!! And we can't wait for the little Peanut to come... We're attending an infant care class tomorrow night - learning how to change diapers, bathe the baby, swaddle him, clean the umbilical cord, and stuff like that. Poor Sheridan had to turn away a free ticket to attend opening night to see the San Jose Sharks (hockey!) to attend class with me, so he gets a gold star for the week. Thanks for being a great husband and baby daddy, sweetie!!

Enjoy the baby bump shot. :)

Love, Mer

Random Thoughts

1. Sheridan and I registered at Macy's for our wedding, and I have been SO MAD every time something arrives packed in styrofoam packing peanuts (instead of some sort of ecologically responsible packing material)! And then this weekend we got something in the mail with different-looking peanuts, and a card stating that they have begun to use earth-friendly materials for packing. Apparently these are made of cornstarch and melt under water!! So I dumped the big box of peanuts into my kitchen sink, covered them with water, and VOILA - they melted and went right down the sink. HOW COOL IS THAT??!!! I'm so happy that a major corporation like Macy's has chosen the high road for their packing materials and hope that other companies follow suit.

2. I heard "Going Back to Cali" by LL Cool J this morning and it's been going through my head all day. Man, I remember that song SO vividly from middle school (what is that, 1988?)! How ironic is it that I fell in love with that song in Texas, and now I'm in Cali, and returning to Texas again?? (Oh yeah, I haven't made that announcement yet, but hang tight - it's coming...)

3. I'd like to see Sarah Palin debate Tina Fey. Do you think someone could help me arrange that? Petri - you could probably pull that off...

4. I saw a bluejay today! I haven't seen one of those in years... Not since I moved to the concrete jungles of downtown San Diego and San Jose! It was really pretty and made me happy. I just thought I'd share that.

That's it. Hope everyone is great!

Love, Mer

Political Haiku

My friend Petri in Houston waged a challenge on his blog - http://darbydarnit.blogspot.com - to write the best haiku in reference to our economic meltdown.

Here's his entry:

The bailout - schmailout
Two down, third time is a charm
What about my needs?

Here's mine:

What a clusterf**k!
Who even knows what's best now?
Moving to Europe.

Can any of my faithful Mer Show readers out there top those? Give it a shot!! :)

Love, Mer

Prego Says...

My child is going to LOVE egg and cheese on English muffins! I had a hankering for Egg McMuffins early in my pregnancy, and just had a cafe-made egg and cheese muffin sandwich for breakfast this morning... And both of us are in HEAVEN!!! He's kicking around like crazy and I'm wanting another one... :) I guess I better start perfecting the art of the well-made egg sandwich over the next year or two!

Mer

Baci's New Haircut

How cute am I? Love, Baci

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, so I was right all along - it is a little boy growing in my belly!! I told Hubby that the Chinese birth chart was wrong, and his response was "well, you're not Chinese"! That's so Sheridan...

MEANWHILE, how silly was I to think that the way I am carrying was indicative of the baby's gender?? I guess because it's my first baby, my tummy muscles are still in tact from my gymnastics days and they're holding on to fitness for their lives!!! And since the weight doesn't affect my tummy due to those muscles, it found other places to nest, like my boobs, arms, face, feet, hands, legs, and did I miss anything? Oh yeah, hair.

But back to Peanut!! Remember that episode of Sex and The City where someone reminds Miranda that she has a penis growing inside her?? That's all I could think about yesterday!! I giggled and beamed to the point that I was even annoying myself. I'M HAVING A SON!!!

I shouldn't be surprised, given that the father determines the gender and Peanut's daddy is one of 3 boys, his dad is one of 3 boys, his brother has a son, and in the entire Hall lineage, there's only ONE female (and I met her once; she was rather masculine). Do those Halls have ANY sperm with X chromosomes? Will my son have sons? That's cool with me - I love boys and men. Give me a whole house full of 'em!

A special apology to Lindsay, who I totally let down by not posting the baby's sex yesterday. I didn't know I *had* blog groupies!! I'm so excited!! Thanks for making my day... and thanks for keeping up with The Mer Show. xo

Love, Mer

Peanut's Gender

Is it going to be boy or girl??? We'll find out Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.!!!!

I've thought all along it was a boy, due to Sheridan's family's birth patterns, but due to the way I'm carrying, and how I feel... I'm starting to think it's a girl!! The Chinese birth chart says it's a girl.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I just can't wait ANY LONGER!!

I can't wait to post the news tomorrow... Stay tuned!

Mer

Our Wedding, Chapter One B (By Sheridan)

The day before our fateful trip was an interesting one. Meredith and I taking turns at the computer looking at weather.com and trying to come up with ideas of places to go instead of the Bahamas. From the weather reports, the trip looked to be a disaster. Should we reroute to Maui? Negative. Mexico? No bueno. South America? Are you serious?

After much deliberation and back and forth, we decided to go. Life is an adventure, we said, and our relationship has been an exciting one so far. If we have to get married in the chapel at the Miami Airport, at least it will be a good story for the kids.

5:00 am the cab picks us up, 5:20 we are at the airport wondering where all the people came from. It was as busy as 6 pm on a Friday night. We get on the plane to Phoenix, no problems. We thought we would be able to sleep on that leg, but we were both up, the plane was full. The next leg was Phoenix to Ft. Lauderdale, 4+ hours. Poor Meredith got stuck in the middle seat with some 300 pound guy in the window seat. He was spilling over the sides and slept the whole time. Amazing how he could sleep through all his snoring! I was lucky enough to get the aisle seat, getting my elbow banged ever time someone walked up and down, or the beverage cart was wheeled by me.

Have you flown US Air recently? Don’t. They suck. The seats are small and you have to pay for EVERYTHING!!! Want some water, 2 bucks please. Coffee! A bargain at $1.00 per cup. Meredith and I were starving so we decided to buck up and drop 10 bucks on some snacks. I wait patiently as the Stewardess wheels her cart to my isle, I get my crisp 20 ready and hold it out like I am at a bar trying to get the bartenders attention. She asks the lady across from me if she wants something and the lady goes off about how she paid extra for the exit row and someone else is there. Grrreeeaaattt!! I am starving and my pregnant fiancé is starting to nibble on the arm rest and this lady decides an hour into the flight is a good time to raise a concern??? I thought about grabbing a snack when she wasn’t looking, but changed my mind when I realized I had no exit route. So what if I could out run the Stewardess, I wasn’t about to go D.B Cooper over a sandwich. I hear pay toilets are around the corner. Anyone got change for a dollar?????

Enough about the flight. We get to Ft. Lauderdale and go to Bahama Air for our flight to the island. We go up to the counter to ask the lady working it a question and we have to show her our boarding pass to get her to look at us. What attitude!!! I thought island people were supposed to be happy. Once we showed her our boarding pass and really weren’t wasting her precious flirtation time with the baggage handler, she politely told us we could not have the exit row. Awesome!

We get on the flight, the crew is speaking island language that I can barely understand and we get to Nassau! Mission accomplished. Almost. At this point Meredith tells me that the bus drivers do not work for the hotel and we may have to wait while they try to get other people from the airport to ride the bus. Ok, I think, how long will this take. It can’t be that bad, right? We wait on the bus for half an hour!!! Is there anything worse than spending 10 hours on a plane to get to your dream vacation, only to sit on a bus for 30 minutes waiting to get to the hotel? I think not.

Finally, we get to the hotel! I can finally say Mission Accomplished!!! We, we have to check in. The Bahamas is a little different. Employees walk around the hotel flirting with each other, calling each other “Baby”, “Sweetie”…no sexual harassment laws there. So we are meeting with the “check in lady”, getting our map, all our documents, our wedding binder (in between her taking personal calls)…at this point all I want is the room key and directions to the free bar.

We get our room keys, the bags will be brought up, and we are on our way to the room. Our room is in a building on the other side of the compound so we walk around the two pools and oooh and awww them. We can’t wait to get the vacation started!

We make it to the room and there is the fully stocked bar!! We have arrived. I ask Meredith one more time, “we can drink this stuff, right? It’s free?”

“Yes, baby, it is free”. Awesome!! Where’s the ice?????

Bump Watch

Well, I'm 19 weeks now and things are really progressing. The baby is moving like crazy, and I feel the movements constantly... We're definitely having an active one! I think the baby must like tomatoes, because when I've had tomato soup this week and spaghetti and meat sauce, I felt TONS of movement! I also had a bit of caffeine today, and the kid was dancing, dancing, dancing! I guess s/he's getting ready for the Madonna concert soon... haha

Meanwhile, here's a recent picture of the baby bump. It's started poking out, but you can't see so much in this photo. I think the next time we photograph the belly, it's really going to look different - it's growing pretty rapidly (yay!) and I'm starting to pack on pounds (ugh).

So that's the baby update. Next week we'll find out the sex, so stay tuned for that huge news!!

Love, Mer