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