Another Barca belly photo

This picture was taken earlier last week, which is a little more representative of my Barca belly (unless Barca and I grew rapidly in 3 days, possible, but unlikely).

I am definitely in the phase of, hmmm...did Ann get really fat really fast or is she pregnant. People who know me are staring at my stomach more and more and I have to admit I'm a little self-conscious about it. Some of them know and just stare but some people don't know yet, and I know are wondering, how did Ann gain that much weight since I last saw her...

It'll be obvious soon enough, right...

Happy Birthday Daddy!

And now for the big Barca belly reveal...

I do think that the outfit (and the large dinner) exaggerate the belly, but I do feel gigantic. Granted I didn't start off with a flat stomach, but definitely the majority of that is Barca and Barca's comfort system. (Yes mom, I know my hair is getting really long. I just don't have time to get a haircut!)
Even Mallie wanted to wish my dad a Happy Birthday!

Oh! And Happy Birthday to my friend S. in Chicago. Today is her Golden Birthday (I hope you don't mind me sharing your age!)

Maternity Clothes and Studying

Barca has now made it impossible for me to fit into my normal clothes. Thus, Nick and I had an emotional breakdown (okay, that was just me) at the mall (okay, multiple malls) where apparently they don't make maternity clothes for short people. Well, they do, but you have to order them online and then wait 7-9 days for a pair of jeans. And lets be realistic, going jean shopping is difficult enough when you don't have a Barca belly. However, Old Navy and Gap (online) were good sources for tops and I am very happy with the jeans and khakis I ordered. I'm lucky in the sense that my work wardrobe is the same as my weekend wardrobe, jeans and some cotton tops. One of these days we'll post a picture of my growing belly.

Studying. Studying. And more studying. Between work and sleep, I study. I'm taking the Professional Engineering (PE) exam at the end of October. The PE is the equilivant of the bar or medical exams, but for engineers. Technically for the past 3 years, since I graduated, I've been an engineering intern (which I had to pass a test to be able to call myself that). Now I have to pass an intense 8 hour exam to call myself an Engineer in the State of Massachusetts. I'm studying my bum off, as the last thing I want to do is have to retake the exam with a newborn or infant at home. The test is only offered twice a year. It actually has a pretty low pass rate for first-timers but I'm keeping a strict study schedule and taking a review course so wish me good luck!! But between work and studying and my review course, I really don't have much time for anything else. However, just 5 more weeks till the PE...

Exciting News!

We're Pregnant!

We are due in late February/early March and are super-excited to become a party of three. Today is the start of month 4.

My work has been very supportive given that what I can and can't do has changed slightly. I can continue to do calculations and analyses, however I have given up swing-stages and confined space. Man-lifts are still a go, but relatively limited. My big job for the winter shouldn't be a problem, based on my experiences last year, however I will definitely be a novelty on the construction site.

I have a phobia that I'll actually go into labor or my water will break (like a scene from Hollywood) as I'm on the construction site and have to beg for a ride from the foreman to the hospital because I can't get ahold of Nick because he is up in the booth during his show and isn't picking up his phone!! Stressful! Well I shouldn't have to worry about that for some more months.

And we are refering to the being inside of me as Barca (short for Barcelona -- after where he/she began his/her life), with a soft c, not a hard c sound.

I have compiled my answers to the most common questions I have gotten thus far:

- We are going to find out if its a boy or girl
- We have not picked a name yet, we actually don't plan on finalizing the name choice until we meet him/her at the hospital. We will have some short lists though.
- We are not moving, Barca will begin their life in 950 SF in the city of Boston
- Mallie will remain a member of our family
- I did not have any morning sickness, I was lucky, however I am suffering from heartburn right now
- I am planning on coming back to work full time after I take some leave
- Nick is super excited and constantly is bouncing off the walls at the prospect of having a baby (I don't think he has comprehended how difficult I will make life for him before Barca arrives...)
- I have added meat to my diet and am no longer a vegeterian. However, I am only eating all natural, farm raised or wild meat/dairy.
- I have already switched to maternity pants, my jeans were just too tight for me to be comfortable and function normally
- At this point in time we are planning for a natural childbirth
- I am starting to show, however its an awkard phase of, 'has Ann gained a lot of weight or is she pregnant?'
- We have had one ultrasound where they confirmed that Barca currently is an only child
- We have heard the heartbeat and that is a little overwhelming, let me tell you!

We will keep this blog updated and post some photos as they come.

An Italian-Irish Wedding

Last weekend, my cousin, Chris, married Kaiti. Nick and I, as well as my parents and sister, were lucky enough to be invited to this awesome wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and a grand reception with excellent food in a location overlooking a river.

Chris is some cousin, some how removed (the story is quite complicated) but my mom and Chris's dad share a grandmother. My grandpa and Chris's grandpa are half-brothers (I'm sparing you a lot of the details because the story really is complicated). Chris and his family represent the Italian side of my family. We were lucky that some of our Italian relatives actually came over for the wedding. Of course, they didn't speak English, but its amazing what you can communicate through waving hands and pointing. It was great to meet my Italian cousins, they even invited us to visit them in Italy.

Chris

Chris and Kaiti are both artists. Chris is a glass artist as a hobby and a side profession. Their cake was decorated with small colorful glass birds, it was beautiful. Imagine our surprise when we opened up our favors and found a bird for each of us to take home!

Chris and Kaiti about to cut their cake

Kaiti looked beautiful and her dress was stunning. She and Chris had a great time at the reception and were able to spend time with every single guest.

Chris and Kaiti at their first dance

It was one of the more memorable weddings I have ever been too. And getting a chance to spend time with my New York and Italian side of the family is always a plus! And my parents were able to spend some time up in Boston with us. Hanging out with the fam is always fun.

The Italian cousins (Chris's dad, me, my mom, Donatella from Italy, Susie, Nico Donatella's son)