More Tales from Motherhood

Suffice it to say, I have learned more over the last month of my life than all the other months of my life combined!! Having been a mommy for one month now, I've practiced my patience skills, become immune to bodily fluids (pee, poop, snot/boogers/nasal mucus, spit up, blood, sweat, and tears), learned to live on very little sleep, honed my listening skills ("is that crying upstairs?!!??"), learned to shave my legs in about 3 minutes flat, and learned how to eat VERY fast also (for those of you that know me well, this is a very big deal for a formerly slow eater), and much more. I'm sure that I'll continue to grow and change as much as my little one as time goes on...

I'd like to talk a little bit about pee fountains. Have you seen the diaper commercial on TV right now that shows the dad changing his son's diaper and when the diaper is removed, there's a spray of pee that comes out like a firehose? Well, that commercial is NO JOKE!! My little one has a trajectory like you wouldn't believe... He's sprayed me in the face, himself in the face, gotten every inch of the changing area, the lamp, wall, carpet beside the changing table, etc. etc. etc. multiple times! (Disclaimer for our landlord, who reads my blog - we're very friendly - I swear we're very sanitary people and cleaning up after the little guy religiously with lots of great products! hahaha) My favorite is when he spouts a pee fountain in the bathtub - it's like a little baby Bellagio show!

And why does Patrick love to pee and poop so much as soon as we open the diaper?? Let me just say - I'm glad we're using a diaper service that allows for unlimited nappies and not disposables... I'd be crying for mother earth, given how many diapers this kid goes through per day, given that he dirties 2 or 3 just while getting changed!! I'm guessing 20 or more in one day... it's unbelievable.

Otherwise, we had some problems helping Patrick get enough milk to help him through the 3 week growth spurt - he just never seemed satisfied after nursing. He would eat and then scream not too much later wanting more - it was not only frustrating, but PAINFUL and I was starting to feel like a major failure!!! I went to his pediatrician's appointment last Wednesday ready to beg her for advice and help with producing enough milk to satisfy the little guy - I felt like I was starving him and was ready to just switch to formula... But after weighing him, we found that he weighed 7 lbs, 5 oz and had gained almost 2 pounds in 2 weeks; he had also grown over 2 inches in length!! No wonder he couldn't get enough milk in his face - he was growing like a weed! And no, he was definitely not starving... he was just really HUNGRY! I was really relieved... I *was* doing everything right!

We're definitely getting the hang of things and catching our snap! When we first got home, we were both quite tentative with holding the baby, changing him, comforting him, feeding, etc. etc. etc. But with time and practice - it's been a crash course - we both feel much more comfortable with being parents. We're starting to understand Patrick's needs, cries, and signals better every day. And we've been working very hard on getting a routine established... I called last week the "formula intervention" because Patrick and I worked really hard to get my milk production up to satisfy him, wean him from formula supplementation, and to get him on a more predictable feeding schedule (he's gotten himself on a very reliable every 3 hour schedule during the day and is starting to space out the feedings at night). It was a challenging week, but we were successful and as a result, it's a much happier household this week. He seems more satisfied, is crying less, and sleeping better. :)))

All in all, I'm so in love with this sweet little man with his cute little sideburns, pink toes, expressive eyes and baby coos! Watching him grow and change has been the experience of a lifetime, and to think that it's never going to stop is overwhelmingly wonderful! We've taken hundreds of photos in just 4.5 short weeks, but here are some of our favorites... I hope you enjoy seeing the progression of our little dude's growth and maturation. More stories and photos to come... stay tuned!

Love, Mer xo

One Month Old

Our little angel is one month old today. Happy birthday, buddy!! We took a mini photo shoot tonight to commemorate this special day. Enjoy!

Love, Mer

CONGRATULATIONS SUZIE AND TJ!

Suzie Q, Snoozy, Suzemeister, Snorezie, Boozie (Boozie is retired, though), Slutzie (that one was just funny because it wasn't true), etc. etc. etc. - the girl has more nicknames than my puppy - is gettin' married! :D

Congratulations to my lovely friend, Suzie, who deserves so much happiness in her life. I'm so proud of her and wish her many years of love, joy, hope, and dreams come true with her Prince Charming.

Cheers to the happy couple, who got engaged last weekend in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Felicidades, Susanita (there's another one)!!

Love, Mer xo

Please Follow Me!

I just added a Blogger gadget that allows my blog groupies to follow my content... I hope you'll consider following The Mer Show by clicking on the link to the bottom right of the page. You can also sign up for a daily email via Feedblitz, too, if you'd prefer that. :)

Thanks!! Mer xo

Rockabye Baby

I just came across the *coolest thing* and just had to share it with you all. I was looking on iTunes for children's music to supplement Patrick's music collection (right now he has one Baby Beethoven CD and it's starting to get old), and found something I love!!

Rockabye Baby! is a collection of CDs that covers rock bands' albums in lullaby style. It's so soothing and familiar and I'm sure that I'll end up enjoying the music just as much as Patrick will. I bought the ACDC album (Sheridan's fave) and the No Doubt album too, and can't wait to see what little P Diddy thinks of it! Some other bands they cover are Led Zeppelin, The Pixies, U2, Greenday, The Beatles, Nirvana, Coldplay and more... (I don't know about you, but the real Coldplay puts me to sleep, but that's another conversation!)

Check it out: http://rockabyebabymusic.com/

Love, Mer

Patrick's Nursery

A Baby Story Continues

So where did we leave off last time? The birth, that's right.

OK, so a couple hours after the birth of our sweet little baby boy, I decided to send home my very sleepy hubby for a nap, to let out the doggie out of the crate for a bathroom break, and to pick up anything embarrassing since my parents would be coming to stay for a few days. I had called my parents around midnight - about 4.5 hours before Patrick was born - to alert them that the baby was on his way, but not to bother jumping in the car immediately since he would most definitely arrive before they could get there (I was right).

With that, I was alone in the delivery room for a couple of hours (with so many babies - 8 others - having been born the night of Patrick's arrival, there were no post partem rooms available) and was told that I should relax and rest. YEAH RIGHT! I had a million thoughts running through my head and just couldn't wait to send out a text message to my closest buddies and family announcing the birth and of course, I had to update my Facebook status and share a couple of photos of the little dude... I also realized that I needed to pick a pediatrician and make an appointment for him, call the diaper service to initiate deliveries, call to cancel my ultrasound appointment that day, and call the glass company to let them know that I wasn't going to be picking up the glass I ordered for the top of Patrick's changing table/ dresser (I had told them I'd come get it that day). So I'm literally making phone calls from the delivery bed, all hopped up on drugs... Seriously??!!? I'm such a freak!

When they wheeled in Patrick from checking him out in the nursery, we also had some personal time to share, so I introduced myself and had a little chat with him all about his new family, my big dreams for him, and explained to him that we'll probably see our share of ups and downs, but promised to him that I'll always be there for him and will love him no matter what. He smiled for me the first time (or perhaps that was gas, but who cares?!) and he had me wrapped around his finger...

Once I finally got moved to the post partem room, my nurse Patti (pictured) got me all settled and comfortable and I had a couple more hours of Patrick time before Sheridan and my parents arrived at the hospital. I confided in Patti that I had no idea what I was doing and that I'd probably have a lot of questions, and she took GREAT care of us - she showed me how to hold the guy, breastfeed, diaper change, and all sorts of helpful things. And she brought me lots of great Percocets, so she was my BFF that day. :) AND Patti's birthday was also January 21st, so she was very excited to have been assigned to support Patrick and me... that was cool.

As we were preparing to head home from the hospital on Thursday night, Patrick was taken for some tests and it was shown that he was starting to develop jaundice. ACH! So we ended up having to keep him in the hospital for a couple of extra days while he spent time in the bililights, which breaks down the bilirubin enzyme that causes jaundice. It was so heartbreaking watching our little dude in his baby tanning bed with his little sunglasses on, but we knew he needed it, so I tried to manage my hormones and stay strong... And although I was technically discharged, we were able to stay in "Patrick's room" until he was released. All the "free" pudding cups and Sprite we could consume - woo hooo!

Alas, we finally got to leave the hospital on Sunday and get home with our son. If we had left on Friday, as planned, I may not have been ready... so perhaps our couple of extra days was helpful in getting me prepared for the idea of taking care of our little one.

And actually, once we got home, the REAL fun began!!! Stay tuned for more tales from mommy hood...

Love, Mer xo

A Baby Story

On the morning of January 20th, I got up and called my father (one of Patrick's namesakes) and wished him a very happy birthday and watched, with hope and optimism, the inauguration of Barack Obama in Washington. I had gone to the doctor the day prior, who had told me that the status of my cervix was the exact same as it was the day before, yet I felt a few changes that indicated that perhaps our little guy would be arriving sooner than later... but then again, what did I know?!

So I figured to myself that I should probably prepare for an early arrival, just in case... I needed to frame the lovely watercolors that Sheridan's mom painted for us, put together my post-partem kit of goodies, pack my hospital bag, and make sure that Baci had everything he needed, etc. etc. etc. I was feeling really exhausted and my back was hurting, and I felt like maybe I had been overdoing it the last few days with unpacking, organizing, and preparing for baby, so I decided that this was going to be my last push of activity, and that as of January 21st, I was grounding myself!So once I got my fill of inauguration media, I got dressed and set out for my day of errands. I started with lunch at Schlotzsky's (YUM), Petco for dog food, the dollar store for cheap baby washcloths, Aaron Brothers for frames, and Target for postpartem toiletries. Right around Aaron Brothers, my back started getting VERY sore and I started feeling really bad, so I decided to pick up the pace of my shopping. The guy that worked at the store brought me a stool because I looked like I was in so much pain; how pathetic is that? I asked myself, "Hmm, could I be in the early stages of labor? Well, the doctor said yesterday that nothing had changed, so I guess I'm just tired, or something...".

By the time I hit Target and got home from my day of errands, I thought I was going to DIE. I had a lot of pressure on my pelvis and was experiencing a couple of other unmentionable changes, but I *still* insisted on denying that... HELLO!! I WAS IN LABOR!

Sheridan got home from work and I shared with him that I was feeling really weird, experiencing weird pains and such, and he asked me "Are you having contractions?", to which I answered "I'm not sure. How would I know?!". We googled "signs of early labor" and we recognized some symptoms, but given that the doctor JUST said that things were status quo less than 24 hours prior... we just had a hard time believing that I was in labor.

Sheridan started timing my "OUCH"es and we realized that I was indeed having contractions about 7 minutes apart, but the internet said not to bother calling the doctor until they were 5 minutes apart, so we decided we'd call the doctor in the morning (it was about 9:00 p.m. at that point) and have them check me out to see what was going on.

I took a long, hot bath in our jetted tub, with lots of vanilla bubble bath, then got in bed with my mind racing. I sat and made lists in my head, reviewing what I still needed to do to be prepared for Patrick's arrival. I had decided I was more ready than I thought I was... So I laid down and tried to relax myself to sleep; this was 9:30 p.m.

However, right after I laid down to rest, I realized that the foot that had been living in my ribs for the prior 8 months wasn't there anymore, and I panicked, realizing that I had "dropped". I rolled over in bed to investigate further... and POP!!! My water broke; this was 10:00 p.m.

And this is where the real excitement began. :)

I SPRANG out of bed and exclaimed "Oh my God, my water broke!" and Sheridan sprang out of bed with a huge smile on his face. He said "OK, what do we do now?!" and I asked him to get on the phone and call the doctor's after hours number and he did; he also called his brother, Brandon, and asked him to alert the family that the baby was coming. At one point, I looked over in between VERY strong contractions and he was chatting with his brother saying things like "Yeah, Austin's great. Yeah, we love the house. Yeah, the job is great - I really like it..." and I yelled "ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?!" and he wrapped up the conversation and came over to help me get myself together, since I could hardly move. Apparently contractions get *much stronger* after the water breaks...

Now, since I was planning all along to have a C section, these are things that I had absolutely no idea about. How do you breathe through ridiculously strong contractions? What are they supposed to feel like? When do you push/ not push? Uh... no idea. ??? So I went into this having absolutely no idea what to expect or what to do. I WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A C SECTION!!!!!!!!

Meanwhile, we finally got into the car and headed to the hospital 20 minutes away. We got there and had absolutely no idea where to go, since we had NEVER been to this hospital before. I mean, we just moved to Austin 11 days prior!!! In fact, we were supposed to go to the hospital on Wednesday night for a tour of the maternity ward, to know where we were supposed to check in, where the rooms and nurseries were, etc. It would have been helpful to have done this tour before I went into labor, because when we arrived, we had NO idea where to go! We ended up going to the Emergency Room and they had to wheel me to Labor and Delivery, me in very active labor the whole time...

It was like a cheesy movie... I was huffing and puffing, moaning, practically crying and being wheeled through the hallways of this hospital and when we arrive to the Labor and Delivery ward, they see that I'm clearly in active labor (by this time, it's 10:40 p.m. and my contractions were 3 minutes apart!) and whisk me away to a room. My doctor wasn't available, but one in her practice was, so she came in to check out my progress.

And the result was........ I was already 5 cm dilated!! OMG, had I been in labor ALL DAY, throughout my little shopping marathon? Apparently! DUH. So I reminded the doctor that I WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A C SECTION and she said "darling, you're already 5 cm dilated and you're in active labor - why would we do that?" and I responded that's what I really wanted! Meanwhile, she said "let's give it an hour or so, after we get your epidural done and you're more comfortable, and we'll talk again". OK, I guess that's fine, I thought...

So meanwhile, the contractions are coming one after the other and I'm getting very frustrated, so I started asking for the anesthesiologist... More like "where the F is that epidural?!?!" - again, like a bad movie, and I was *that girl*. Ooops! Finally the guy got there and although I'm terrified of needles, I sat still and took my medicine. I wanted to be numb, and stat!

And once I was comfortable and the epidural kicked in (thank GOD), the doc came in to check me again and I was at 10 cm!! OMG!! This was about 11:30/11:45 p.m. What the heck just happened? The doctor talked me into giving birth the old fashioned way, and once again, I had no idea what I was doing or what to expect, but let the nurses just walk me through the process.

Because there were EIGHT other babies being born that night (did inauguration fever provoke lots of babies that night, or something?), I had to sit on the table and wait for the doctor a while, because she was busy delivering babies! Finally, about 2:30 a.m. I was able to start pushing.

Fast forward two hours of pushing and a few embarassing and heartwarming moments, and Patrick Sheridan arrived!! It happened so fast that we hardly had time to process all of it... This little guy arrived 4.5 hours after the birthday of his grandfather (Pat) and 3 weeks, 2 days earlier than expecting. Yay!

And so he's arrived... I guess technically, THIS is really where the fun has begun. :D More updates and photos to come.

Welcome, Patrick! Mommy LOVES YOU!!!!

Mer

Introducing Patrick

It is the greatest pleasure I've ever known to announce the arrival of our son, Patrick Sheridan, 3 weeks early. Impatient like his mommy, he just couldn't wait to make his appearance!!

Patrick arrived at Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 4:25 a.m. He weighed 5 lbs, 13 oz and was 18 inches long. 10 fingers, 10 toes, and an expert funny face-maker, he has stolen our hearts and we'll never be the same!

Lots of details to come - I can't wait to share all the fun stories about his arrival, and keep my blog groupies apprised of the wonderful updates we have about our much beloved baby boy - but I've got to use my time wisely, as my extra minutes are preciously allocated between diaper changes, cuddles, feedings, cleaning, and trying to rest up when I can. Stay tuned for juicy details!

Meanwhile, please join us in our celebration of this blessed event!!!

Love, Mer

Day In the Life of a Housewife

I have to say, being a housewife is just as challenging as getting my butt out of bed every morning and schlepping to work! I guess I feel that since Sheridan is supporting the family 100% right now, that it's unfair to bombard him with household requests as soon as he comes in the door. So with that, I've been taking care of EVERYTHING in regard to unpacking, decorating the new place, preparing for Patrick, cooking, cleaning, errands, keeping the family in the loop on things, etc. etc. etc. And let me tell you - it's hard work!!! I have like 3 to-do lists going right now, and I'm just plugging away at them one at a time.

Today, my big project was fixing my iPhone, which took a poop. It completely crashed and I figured out how to restore it, download the latest version of iTunes, then iPhone software, get all my calendar stuff reloaded, music, and photos. While doing this, I started laundry, showered, cleaned the kitchen from dinner last night, processed the rebate for the washer/ dryer we just bought, finished up the diaper service request, answered a bunch of emails, set up an appointment to get our car seat inspected, unpacked the last box lingering in the guest bedroom, figured out the organization issue in our master bathroom, and threw the ball for the dog. This afternoon I plan to finish laundry, research cord blood storage, work on the baby room, and pack my hospital bag.

SERIOUSLY, I don't think I ever worked this hard at work - I'm exhausted! I hope the economy picks up soon, so I can get back to work in a few months... and relax a little! ;)

Mer

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Well, obviously it's been a very busy couple of weeks - I haven't had a minute to blog and keep everyone posted on what's going on... But I have a big, fat update for you today!

First of all, let me wish all of you a very happy New Year! I genuinely hope that 2009 is a fantastic, rewarding, prosperous, and healthy year for all of you. For Sheridan and me, 2008 is going to be hard to top... but I think given that our little baby is expected soon, 2009 will be the most memorable year ever!!

So we last left off at Christmas. Since I was so pregnant, I wasn't really able or authorized to travel very far, so Sheridan and I spent a quiet holiday at home. I made us a special dinner on Christmas Eve (chicken parmesan with homemade marinara served on our finest china and new flatware, complete with candlelight and lots of Christmas music) and we opened up lots of presents from under the tree on Christmas morning. On Christmas day, we joined Sheridan's family for a lovely meal and some spirited games - lots of fun!! And the very next day... we started getting Sheridan ready for his brother's wedding on New Year's Eve in Indianapolis, and I started packing for our big adventure to Texas.

Yep, Sheridan's brother, Matt, got married to an awesome woman, Carolyn, on New Year's Eve in downtown Indianapolis. I'm so excited to have *another* new sister - and she's sassy, beautiful, independent, smart, and hilarious just like my other two (Shannon and Sarah)!! I had to miss the wedding - again, since I couldn't travel long distances - but Sheridan had an amazing time and the pictures are gorgeous!! I'm so happy for my new brother and sister. :D

While Sheridan was partying in Indy, I was at home PACKING. Good times! ;) My mother came out to babysit me, just in case I went into labor, and to help out with the move. Thank God for her - I don't think we could have done all of it without her help. We ended up packing 16 feet of a 28 foot trailer (about 160% of how much we were expecting to use, hence 160% of our budgeted cost) and it took 6.5 hours to load into the trailer (again, we budgeted for 3). OUCH. Apparently we have a lot of crap!

But anyway, we finally got our stuff loaded onto the trailer and on its way to Texas. Sheridan and his dad jumped in our cars and headed west (big thanks to him also for helping out with this effort!) and my mom and I jumped on a plane with my mom and Baci and headed to Houston, where I'd wait for Sheridan and Fred to arrive.

While there, I got a chance to see the Orrs and Darbys, which was awesome!!! I love them dearly and always enjoy my time with them. Little Finley melts my heart more than ever... After some downtime, it was time for Mom, Dad, Baci and me to head to Austin to meet up with Sheridan, Fred, the trailer, cars, and our NEW HOUSE!

The move turned out pretty smooth! The trailer delivered our stuff on time, everything was in pretty decent shape, the movers in Austin were great and unloaded our stuff in a flash, and before we knew it, we were in the house. We're still in the process of getting everything unpacked, organized, and cleaned, so it's still a lot of work, but it's been fun getting settled in. Sheridan started his new role with Apple on Monday the 12th and I had my first appointment with my new OB on Monday, too, so life is resuming as usual... Yay!!!

The baby seems to be doing great. I'll be 36 weeks on Thursday and it does seem as though he's on his way!! He's getting big, and so am I, and apparently I'm about 40% effaced (I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I do think that he'll be early). So with that, I'm a busy bee trying to get his nursery prepared and get everything into place, just in case he arrives soon. I'm SO NERVOUS and SO EXCITED!!!!! I can't even describe the way I feel about this little baby's impending arrival... I'm starting to feel very emotional about it all - I'm about to cry just talking about it! :)

So that's it for now. Sorry it's been so quiet around The Mer Show, but I'll try to do better as things progress with the baby's arrival. But for now, we're in Austin, we're happy and excited, love our new house, and are looking forward to the new adventure that 2009 is sure to bring!

Lots of love from Austin, Texas, Mer

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