Adventures of the D'yer Mak'er

There are no words

2009-10-14T06:46:00.001-07:00

This photo defies all words. So. freaking. AWESOME!

Professor Zing Zang

2009-07-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

The kid has more nicknames than anyone I know! Elyse C., Ely, Buzz Buzz, Buzzard, Turtle, Bug, Boober, Professor Zing Zang (Jason's creation after a Bloody Mary Mix!)

She is so awesome! She started sitting up on her own around my birthday. Her pediatrician said she should not be able to do that yet and was quite impressed. Since we have known she was a child genius since birth, we were not surpised at the report.

People randomly stop us to tell us how cute she is, then she will flash her toothless grin and make them swoon even more! She has made lots of friends via our play groups and Gymboree! Life is fabulous with this little girl!

Family Pictures

2009-06-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

Oh, I have been SO bloody busy! We turned a corner and I have been fully sucked in to the mommy vortex and mommy mafia!! Elyse and I have joined two playgroups and are members of the Children's Museum and GYMBOREE!! I sing and blow bubbles and havejust fully surrendered. Elyse is the best kid on the planet. Jason and I marvel about how lucky we are. Check out the gorgeous pictures Ande took!! This was June 12...

Easter

2009-04-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here are the pics from Easter. We had a fab time at bruch! This weekend we took Elyse to San Antonio! She hit the Riverwalk and Sea World at the ripe old age of 10 weeks. We had a great time, I will post pics soon!

Two Months!

2009-04-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

She hit her two month mark last Mondee. We were told that six weeks is a magical turning point and that she would begin to sleep and settle in to a schedule. We were lied to. She is a nut and has gone as long as 14 hours during the day without napping. Then she will sleep for about 5 hours. I dream of hiring a night nurse. Thank god for my paretns, who relieve me at least 2 times per week and J Dub, who is a wonderful daddy.

She is so freaking funny, though, for being a psycho insomniac!! She has started screaming when she is pissed and makes a very impressive guh-guh sound. We think she is going to be a real hell raiser.

For the most part, she's really content--she can sit (while not sleeping) and just check everything out, no fussing. She does great in the car and at restaurants.

My family has been so awesome with helping me with her. Thank god that we are so close!!! Elyse will never have to ask, "What can brown do for you? She will know."

Yo Gabba Gabba RULES!!

2009-03-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

We love Yo Gabba Gabba! Elyse freaks out and dances her lil cheeks off when we put it on. It is so freaking funny!!

Week 5

2009-03-13T12:42:00.001-07:00

We still have no schedule. Not even a vague semblance of a schedule. I think this is normal. She is cuter every day--I cannot get over it. She's a gassy lil bugger. We think she may have a milk sensitivity, so I am giving up as much dairy as possible as a semi-vegetarian, this is harder than it sounds. I have found some fake milk that's not bad (almond milk) and am experiementing with rice milk products. Maybe it will help me lose weight...

Jason and I are doing pretty well at working as a team to take care of her. We are still figuring things out, however. Hopefully once we get a schedule things will calm down.

The little thief

2009-03-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

We have been calling her the little thief because she steals everyone's heart and adoration! We have been sooooo lucky to have my family, each of whom is crazy about the child. Grammy spends the night every Tuesday, Aunt Lisa on Friday, Papa Dawg comes by all of the time and Aunt Jen and Ande are wonderful with her!! Aunt Kathy adores her too!! Things are getting a little easier, I dare say. She is so full of life and alert. She has been smiling which utterly melts me...

Scary stuff

2009-02-20T20:28:00.001-08:00

She had the scariest exorcist spit up/puke today. She was covered from chest to toes. I reacted as any reasonable first time mother would by calling my mom in tears and screaming for her to call the pediatrician and calling Jason in tears and being unable to speak due to my hysteria. I was convinced it was the end and was paralyzed by fear. Thank god our pediatrician RAWKS. He called me to assure me that exorcist pukes are only worrisome if the baby's head spins around and she starts speaking in tongues. Dr. Wollens is tres cool and funny! I have resolved to review infant CPR everyday this weekend. This parenthood thing is not for the faint of heart...

Fabulous Daddy

2009-02-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

Jason is such a wonderful dad! He has been taking the first couple of night shifts and giving Elyse pumped milk in bottles, takes great pride in developing new strategies for getting her to sleep and loves to give Elyse "salon style rinses" when we give her a bath. It is such a beautiful thing to watch the daddy daughter bonding. I am just stupid in love with my family...

Gorgeous George

2009-02-17T18:20:00.000-08:00

Went to my post partum visit with Dr. Nanda today and found out that everything looks great! These pics are from today. The child is so fabulously gorgeous I just have no other words...

Newborntitis

2009-02-15T21:42:00.000-08:00

Holy hell fire. Having an infant is so freaking hard. Everyone tells you that you will have no clue what hit you no matter how much you read and think you have prepared for it. Everyone is right. She is worth every hour of lost sleep and bout of tears. But it is SO HARD...

Happy Birthday Elyse!!

2009-02-12T06:23:00.000-08:00

We got home from the hospital on Friday (2/6) and had an awesome welcoming crew! Jennie came in from Austin and brought candy and wine to celebrate the homecoming! Jen and Lisa came over as well, we all had dinner and I had lots of help with the baby.

On Sunday (2/8) Grammy Aguilar threw a beautiful birthday party for Elyse! We had yummy food, lots of family and a wonderful afternoon celebrating the little bug. Ande took some awesome photos, which I will post separately. I am posting my amateur ones now.

Elyse's B-day story

2009-02-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

Elyse Caroline Dyer was born at 6:46pm on February 2, 2009. She weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 19.2 inches long. She is the most beautiful child ever to grace the planet. EVER!

On February 1, 2009, Jason and I headed to the hospital for Elyse's birthday--there was not a lot of action Sunday night--the real fun started on Monday. I had been dilating steadily all morning--when I reached 4 cm, I started thinking of asking for my epidural. I was trying to be tough and hold on for a while on my own. Big mistake. By 11:30, I requested the epidural. I was told I was next in line and that it would be 15 minutes or so. As luck would have it, there were 3 emergencies that popped up in the hospital between my request and my epidural which was administered TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER. By that time, I was pyschotic. I could no longer speak English, my olny means of communication was a repetative moan. The anthesthesiologist actually asked me if I spoke English (what a skank!). After the epidural, I regained the ability to communicate in my native tongue, only to find out that Elyse was not descending into the birth canal. I had dilated all the way to an 8, but she was still at a minus three station. To quote my doctor "Elyse is in Dallas and she needs to be in Houston." So, I agreed to a C-section and was wheeled off about an hour and a half later. The C-section was scary as hell. I have never had surgery and had no idea what to expect. I think I had a mixture of a bad reaction to the anthesthesia and a huge case of nerves, so I was shaking violently the whole time. There was some strange techno music jamming in the operating room, which did nothing to dispel the freakiness of the event. Jason came in in his "bunny suit" as they called it, and was able to watch the whole procedure which only lasted about 2 minutes. He said Elyse came out, took a deep breath and then cooly looked around. Then she screamed bloody murder, which means "hello!" in newbron language. They popped Elyse over the tent so I could get a look at her. Jason said she was perfect. It happened quite quickly, then Jason was asked to leave the room. Apparently, my placenta retracted and the doctors were having a hard time putting Humpty back together again. After about 30 minutes, I was rolled in to the recovery room. It turned out that Elyse was facing the wrong way to descend into the birth canal--she was "sunny side up" as Dr. Cook described it. A natural birth would have been a disaster.And thus, the great adventure of the Dyer Made began.

The Diva Has Arrived...

2009-02-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

After 39 weeks and 3 days in the oven, our beautiful diva has arrived! We checked in to the hospital on Sunday with plans for a vaginal birth. I labored for about 11.5 hours before the doctors determinted that my pelvis was too narrow for Elyse to pass through, so I ended up having a c-section.

The child is utterly and completely gorgeous. She is a doppelganger of her daddy. We are head over heels in love with her. We're both feeling like we hit the awesome baby jackpot. Will post more pics later!

Birthday gift

2009-01-29T21:52:00.000-08:00

I started working on a little birthday gift for Elyse yesterday. I have been clipping pictures (Ok, more like ripping pages out of magazines and catalogs, whatever) since I have been pregnant whenever I see artwork that I like for her room. I came up with this painting for her and finished it today. I love how it turned out! The weather has been fabulous in Houston and it was wonderful to be outside painting. I can't wait for Elyse to be here so we can hang out in the backyard together.

In wonderful and exciting news, Elyse's cousin Lila was born yesterday! She weighed a whopping 9 lbs, 9 oz and was 20 inches long! Julie sent photos today and Lila so precious! I know that Lila and Ely will be close buds just like Julie and I! Congrats to Julie and Madge!!

Droppin' like she's hot!

2009-01-27T20:23:00.000-08:00

I am just amazed at how freaking huge my belly is...

Mexican Acid Trip Nursery

2009-01-26T20:17:00.001-08:00

My vision is complete! I have been dreaming of creating a nursery that resembles a Mexican acid trip and I believe that goal has been achieved. I am in love with this room. I sit in it and just chill and read regularly. Now, I just need Elysie in there and it will be perfect. Thank you to Mom for making the gorgeous bedding, Lisa and Jen for being my head designers, Jennie for the letters, Granny Dyer, Granny Fernandez and Lori for the gorgeous blankets and everyone else for all the fabulous things that made this incredibly cool nursery come alive!

Riders on the Storm

2009-01-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

I am so,so,so ready for my bugger to be turned loose on the world. I was planning to have her this week and to embrace the medical technology we have today that allows us to schedule these things. However, I met with some extreme visceral reactions from people I love and am going to delay the plans for now. I am hoping Elysie will come out on her own and I am helping her by drinking raspberry leaf tea, eating rhubarb, eggplant, walking, squatting and engaging in nookie as often as possible!!

I am on a freakish nesting extravaganza--rearranging cabinets, obesessively working in the nursery, washing everything we own, making daily trips to Hobby Lobby, Goodwill and Target and stock piling supplies. It's seriously like I am on some sort of crack binge. I am in love with the nursery--mom and the family are coming over today to finish up and then I will have pics.

In the mean time, here are some pics that Jason took of me this weekend. I have finally begun to reach the "freakshow" big phase. It seems like this week, Elyse has been on a super growth spurt! My bellybutton has almost popped out. So weird!

Jay Dub

2009-01-19T20:46:00.001-08:00

So, I gave Jay a HUGE list of daddy duties I needed him to complete and he did almost every one today! I am so impressed! I keep telling him how crappy I feel and how jesus hates pregnant people and how I cannot breathe or get comfortable. He says if I am well enough to be as verbally abusive as I am, then I must be OK. The man freakin' cracks me up---I HEART him!!

Elyse and I go in to see Dr. Nanda tomorrow. I am hitting the raspberry leaf tea hard on cousin Julie's insider midwivery tip. We will see if it has worked and if my dilation has progressed. I am very anxious to GET THIS KID OUT. It is a bit discouraging to hear smarmy comments from people about the women they know who have walked around @ 3cm dilated and 70% effaced for weeks. If I get my way, which I am determined to do, I will have her in 10 days or so...

Gourmet Goddess Shower

2009-01-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

Holy wow!! My gorgeous and fabulous friends also known as the Gourmet Goddesses (Jennie, Lisa, Jen, Shelly, Casey, Amanda and Elizabeth) threw the most wonderful baby shower for me and Elyse this Saturday! It was a helluva party at one of our most fave brunch spots in town: Baba Yega. So many friends came to celebrate Miss Elysie and spoiled us rotten!! It was a marvelous time and once again, I am overwhlemed with the love me and Elyse were showered with. I love my friends and family so much, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

San Antonio Shower Pics

2009-01-14T15:35:00.000-08:00

We have a name!! Finally!!

2009-01-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

We have chosen Elyse's middle name!! Drumroll, please... Elyse Caroline Dyer. Isn't it just GORGEOUS? I am so happy with it! The name is in honor of Jason's Grandma Etta Caroline Moore (Shirley's mom.) So Elyse will have the same first two initials as her great grandma! I love the way it looks all written out. So pretty!

This weekend Shirley, and all my paternal aunts (Felici, Maggie and Susie) threw the most beautiful shower for me in San Antonio. It was at the Menger Hotel in the smae room where I had my bridal shower 6 years ago! I cannot even explain how loved I feel and how overwhelmed I am at everyone's generosity. Elyse got so many beautiful things. My cup runneth over... Thank you to everyone who participated--it was such a joyful time. I could write about it for pages and pages and I could post 200 pics--it was beyond words. : ) Much love!!!

Induction: Not the Devil's Work

2009-01-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

Went to see Dr. Nanda yesterday and found that I am already dilated to 1cm. This news prompted me to finally muster up the key-honies to ask about induction. It turns out I can be induced at 38 weeks and 5 days, which is three weeks from yesterday!! I have decided that induction is right decision for me. I am waiting on a phone call from the hospital to get this puppy scheduled and get this kid on the ground. I am ready to go through newborn psychosis and start looking for a jobby job. I am surprised by the hostility this decision has inspired. When I tell people, they demand to know WHY I have chosen induction. I am already progressing naturally and I like the idea of having a scheduled time to go to the hospital and face the horror of childbirth. The date I have chosen is only 7 days prior to the child's due date and I could go in to labor early anyway. The reaction reminds me of when I sued to smoke menthol cigarettes and upon seeing the green Camel logo, 96% of people felt an overwhelming desire to ask if I knew they would crystalize my lungs??? Uh, yeah, I have heard that about 27 million times. The hostile response also make me wish to offer a HUGE APOLOGY to Jennie Lynn, whom I have terrorized with comments about how crazy she was for having Ells with no pain killers. I AM SORRY FOR MY HOSTILITY! Being on the receiving end sucks!! Back to the induction: I have read all about it, I have seen the Ricki Lake documentary, I know the pros and cons and I am cool with it. Hopping off the soapbox now...

This weekend I have a baby shower in San Antonio! I am going out of town one last time before I drop Elyse. Then, next weekend is my Houston shower. Then, it's GO TIME. I have taken photos of all of the fabulous shower invites that have gone out on Ely's behalf. My loved ones are so fabulous--no wonder I adore them.

35 weeks and counting...

2009-01-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009! So, the photos may be inappropriate, but I guess I don't care. This belly is quite impressive and I must show it off!!!

I have reached 35 weeks of pregnancy and it seems that I am beginning to fall apart. Walking has become a bit of a challenge--I am in full "waddle" mode and it is actually pretty pathetic to behold. Rolling in and out of bed is an experiment in using gravity, but also trying not to fall on my huge ass once gravity begins to do its job. My freakish spurt of energy that helped me skate though all the activities of December is gone, baby, gone. Have had a sore throat/hacking cough and snotty nose for 4 days now and am pretty much miserable.

In good news, however, Elyse seems to be flourishing! She kicks the hell out of me and is quite active! I can see my stomach move when she does this--it is just so strange. This week is going to be crazy! I have a breastfeeding class on Monday, an appointment with Dr. Nanda on Tuesday, Dr. Monla on Wednesday and Elyse's last ultrasound on Thursday. Then, Friday, I leave for my San Antonio shower! I need a nap just thinking about it!

A Merry Li'l Christmas

2008-12-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, what a lovely Christmas week it has been. To begin, the Gourmet Goddesses has our annual holiday dinner and were SO happy to have Carol home from England! We did a gift exchange and Carol brought Christmas crackers from England! Carol also brought a bagful of SUPER LUXE baby clothes for Elyse! Ely got a 3 piece Missoni outfit (she will be donning that one on her way home from the hospital), a cashmere Escada hat and a Burberry rattle! Tres chic!

For Christmas and Christmas Eve, Jason, Lisa and I went to the parents house in Spring where mom cooked two 5-star meals for us! It was so wonderful, I just can't wait for my baby to be here and enjoy her wonderful family and friends.

Boob Report

2008-12-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

The horror on my chest continues. I have graduated to an "F" cup. Yes, "F", as in "WHAT THE F*CK?!!???" Or, "ARE YOU F*CKING KIDDDING??"

The fun continues...

2008-12-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

Since I last blogged, Ely and I have been on the party circuit big time. We had baby Lauren's 1st birthday party last Saturday, then Ella's 2nd birthday party and last night we celebrated Jason's 34th birthday!

We have been immersed in baby education this week as well. I dragged Jason to a Newborn Care class on Thursday and then a SEVEN HOUR Prepared Childbirth class today! We learned a lot. Will I remember any of it whilst in the terror of childbirth? Let's hope so.

Elyse had her last ultrasound on Tuesday this week. She's doing great! She weighed 4.3 pounds, which puts her in the 39th percentile in weight. Not bad for a vegetarian mama! Everything looks fabu with the little bugger. She is moving like crazy--she does the Electric Bugaloo in my belly all day, every day. It's the best part of being pregnant. I have started nesting and hope to post some pics of the nursery soon!

Why I love my kitty cat

2008-12-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

Is this the cutest freaking kitty ever? Dignan is keeping Elyse's carrier warm for her. SSOOOOOOOOO adorable!!

Oh, Mexico, it sounds so simple I just had to go...

2008-12-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

Casey, Jen and I took our long awaited trip to Mexico last week. We had the most amazing time! It was really cool to be there with Elyse in my belly, since she was made in Mexico! (Perhaps, TMI.) Cheers to Jen and KC for being hard core Playa freaks like me and refusing to cancel this trip. I love you girls!!!

I asked KC and Jen to take lots of pics of my belly so I can show Elyse how much fun she had in utero. I love Playa Del Carmen so much--I have resolved to go at least once a year until I croak. Fortunately, I have lots of awesome friends and a hubby who agree with this resolution whole heartedly, so I will never lack superb company each year. Mexico freakin' rules.

Holiday cheer!

2008-12-01T19:36:00.001-08:00

For Thanksgiving, we drove up to San Antonio to have Turkey Day with the Dyer Family. We had a great time over at their neighbors, the Coffees'. Since Elyse is taking up all the room in my belly, I was unable to gorge as much as I would have liked, but I gave it a damn good effort. Friday we did a TINY bit of shopping, then the Dyer Family and the Aguilar Family (including Grandpa Felix) all went to dinner. It was wonderful to have the families together. I am very thankful for my loving, happy family and my little tummy hogging baby!

On Saturday, we had Cousin Julie's baby shower. It was so fancy! Aunt Maggie went all out, it was really beautiful. Again, I got to see lots of my beloved family and had an awesome time. We drove home afterwards and were pretty wiped out.

Sunday, my babydaddy surprised me and went into full Griswald mode! He recruited his brother Kevin and we all went and picked out TWO trees (one for inside, one for the front yard)! The boys worked really hard and decorated the entire outside of the house. I will post pics of it soon. It makes me sososososososossoso happy to have the house decked out for the holidays! I am so content. If only Elyse were here to see it all. I cannot wait for her to be out of the belly! Only nine more weeks (gulp!)!!

Tons of new pics

2008-12-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

OMFG, I had no internet at home for almost TWO WEEKS. THE HOOOOORAHHH!! So I have lots of events to document. I am posting pics of the Nutcracker Market with Jen and Mom, our Gourmet Goddesses dinner at the Art Institue and pics from Julie and Madge's couple's shower in Austin on this post.

Elyse is doing great! She moves around so much now, it is so freaky! She loves when her daddy puts his hand on my tummy and plots against me with her. I swear she knows his voice!

Dear Wine,

2008-11-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

With the holiday season (a time I have lovingly coined "the drinking season") approaching, I am feeling a little reminiscent of all the drinking seasons I have spent of yore, enjoying the libations of the holidays. Homemade eggnogg (Martha Stewart's recipe--the most vile, heart clogging richness ever), wine, champagne, port, Glugg, meade,spiced rum, more wine...all the classics live on in my memory. In order to express my feelings, I would like to share this cathartic letter. Enjoy.

Dear Wine,

Around this time of year, I am always preparing for us to have a great time together. As you may have noticed, from the plummeting sales numbers at Spec's for the past 7 months, I am pregnant. This means that for the first time in many drinking seasons--we will be apart. I will miss you dearly. Just know that I have not forgotten you. I look forward to our reunion in the delivery room on February 6th. I have the Piper Heidsieck chilling...

Love,

Deanna

Concert Madness!

2008-11-20T14:01:00.000-08:00

This week Elyse attended her 4th and 5th concerts! On Sunday, we went to see Madonna, courtesy of my dad (who will by Elyse's "Papa Dog", isn't that cute??). Dad got awesome tix for me, Ande, Jen and Lisa. The people watching at the show was phenomenal! Madge the Vadge was 2 hours late taking the stage, but the show was fab! It was like being at a Boradway show. The chick is a monster as far as physical fitness. She went so far as to tell Houston not once, but twice, that "we could use some exercise." What a ho-bag!

Tuesday, Jen and I went to see Coldplay! Again, Jen scored some awesome tickets--we were only about 10 rows off of the floor. Chris Martin and company put on a helluva show. They are so sweet to their audience and the band ran around and played in 3 different parts of the venue so everyone got a great view. It was a killer show! Jen, who is a speech pathologist, assures me that my excessive concert attendance will not result in a deaf child. She said amniotic fluid is an excellent buffer and that Elyse is "all plugged up." I listen to the professionals, people!!

Next up on Mama's insane social calendar: Gourmet Goddesses tonight for a VIP meal prepared by Chef Michael Holderfield at the Art Institute of Houston. Then this weekend, it's up to Austin for Aunt Julie and Uncle Madge's couple's shower! Whoohoooo!!!

More Couple's Shower pics

2008-11-15T22:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of me with the hostesses and more fab shots by Ande

Couple's Shower Photos

2008-11-15T21:58:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the pictures my fabulously talented photographer brother took of our couple's shower last weekend. Thank you Ande!!

Scary fun bags...

2008-11-13T15:41:00.000-08:00

This has to stop. My boobs continue to reach new and freakishly large proportions. Cousin Julie and I went shopping Saturday and I decided to have the twins measured because my bras seemed a little snug as of late. Sure enough, the girls have gone up to a TRIPLE D. Are you kidding me? Try to find a DDD at your local Target store. Lemme save ya some time--WON'T HAPPEN. If you are bored one day swing by the bra department and pick up the biggest most freakishly large bra you can find. There is a 99% chance that it is smaller than my size! Even Jason is frightened of the boobs when they are turned loose from the gigantic bra. It is VERY difficult to frighten a man with boobs.

On a postive note, after I am done with the pregnancy and breast feeding, I am going to have Jason bring one of the company tractors over. We will set some of my bras in the yard, fill them with gunnite and have some awesome plunge pools...

Beautiful Shower!!

2008-11-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, my mom & dad, Jen, Julie and Lisa threw the most beautiful baby shower for Jason and I! They went all out with fabulous table decor, party favors, and wonderful food. Aunt Pauline and Uncle Fidel bought us a ddeelllooosh cake as well! We were surrounded by friends and family and it did wonders for lifting our spirits after my untimely layoff. Here are a few pics--Ande took much better ones whihch I will post when I get them. Elyse got so many wonderful gifts--she is going to be spoiled rotten. I was overwhelmed by the love that was poured on us--it makes me tear up even to remember it. Thank you to everyone who came and especially to the hostesses for this wonderful time. To use Bob Schneider's words:

There is a universe that can't be seen
It's just a feeling if you know what I mean
A delectable dimension undetectable by sight
It'll fill up your heart in the dead of the night
Some say its an astral plane
Can't be described can't be explained

The world exploded into love all around me
And everytime I take a look around me
I have to smile

Tough Times...

2008-11-09T16:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I got laid off from my job on Friday. The timing could not be worse. Since I am almost 7 months pregnant and we are going in to the holiday season, it's pretty much pointless to looks for a new job. Woe is me. I know we will survive, but it's going to be tough.

OH HAPPY DAY!!!!!!

2008-11-04T20:23:00.000-08:00

I am so thrilled at the outcome of this election! Elyse will be sporting her Obama gear upon her arrival!!!

Solid as a ROCK!

2008-11-03T18:02:00.000-08:00

SWWWWWEEEEEETTTT! Went to the cardiologist today and he said the ol' ticker is A-OK. I even had an EKG done to prove it. Plus, I got my gestational diabetes test back and my results were NORMAL! So happy! I am going to celebrate with ice cream and cigarettes!! (kidding about the ciggies, however, I did leave the cardiologist's office and went to Whole Foods where I picked up 2 pints of ice cream.)

In other SWEEEEETTTT news, Jen, KC and I booked our trip to Playa Del Carmen today! We are going to take a 4 day girls trip for some R & R. As you can see from my "Apple Jack O'Lantern" (mad props to KC for that awesome label) my new belly is coming in awfully pale. Need to lug this gut back to Mexico where Elyse was conceived to get a li'l color on it.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Jason and I obviously have too much time on our hands. We could not stop laughing about this. Enjoy!!

If you happen to see the most beautiful girl in the world!!

2008-11-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

OMFG--I spent yesterday walking on a cloud! Elyse was 26 weeks and we went to Memorial Hermann for our serial ultrasound session #2. As I predicted, I was a nervous wreck--scared something would be wrong. HOWEVER, the child is beautiful and 100% on target for growth. She weighs 2 pounds and the pictures they got of her face are AUUHHH-MMAAAYYY-ZING! I don't think I need a 3d ultrasound--Memorial Hermann's equipment ROCKS! Jason thinks she has my cheeks, I think she has his. We shall see in 3 short months!

Oh, Hell's Bells...

2008-10-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Dammit! Another doctor's appointment to go to. My OB and I decided today that it would be best for me to go to a cardiologist for a second opinion about the rapid heartbeat and palpitations. AY DIOS MIO!!

Thoughts on Prego FOOD

2008-10-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to note (for prosperity) that the two food aversions I have had so far are: onions and broccoli. I usually love both and am quite sad to report that I hate them now and push them to the side of my plate when they are mixed in with my food. We shall see if they come back into my good graces after Ely is born.

This week I have two big doctor's appointments--I have a gestational diabetes test on Thursday. I am kinda nervous about that one because one food group that I have ZERO aversion to is the candy/sugar food group. In fact, I tried to convince my sister that is was perfectly acceptable just to have Amy's Ice Cream for dinner tonight. She said NO and made me eat some real food first. (Ely thanks you for that one, Lisa). Plus, diabetes runs rampant on my mom's side of the family. On Friday I have a big ultrasound at the hospital. This is part of my "serial ultrasound" routine that is required as a result of my thyroid issue. I read in my Pregnancy Week by Week book that only 2% of knocked up chicks have thyroid issues. Sigh...I get very nervous before the ultrasounds b/c I fear Ely will not be moving or there will be something else wrong. I MUST chill out with these negative thoughts! The kid is moving and kicking all of the time--this has to be a good sign! More pics to come from Friday's ultrasound. Unless something goes horribly wrong. JUST KIDDING!! Hahahahtralalala!!!

Oh yeah, other news

2008-10-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention that I had a little scary news from my endocrinologist on Friday. It seems that for 2 visits in a row my heart rate has been way too high. She also heard palpitations on my visit Friday, so I am starting an itsy, bitsy dose of beta blockers. Jason was right...I am falling apart at the seams.

The Devil's in the Details

2008-10-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Mom and I went shopping for the fabrics for Elyse's room yesterday. We had a great time and found some awesome fabrics! Little Mary made it quite clear where some of my hellcat streak comes from. We found a cool fabric at Calico Corner that coordinated with the fabric we found at High Fashion. We found out the fabric had been discontinued and were told that we could not have a sample of the fabric. Little Mary smelled fear on the sales associate and refused to take "No" for an answer. Needless to say, she found a manager and pulled out her best Mexican mother catholic guilt routine. We not only got a sample of the fabric, the manager gave her the entire display!! It was awesome! Here's a photo of her after her victory.

I am also posting pics of the fabric and a pic of me wearing the super cute dress my FAVORITE Canadi-Mex in the world, Marisa Byers, gave me. I am really beginning to sport a good bump! Also, a pic of the crib I think I have changed my mind to.

In one last bit of news, Elyse went to her 3rd concert last night--Cold War Kids. It was SUCH a great show. I heart them...

6 month belly!

2008-10-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow, my belly's getting round! Check that puppy out! I fear for Natasha, my koi fish tattoo. She is very special to me, I got her in San Fran the day after JayDub proposed. She's gonna be awfully big by the time Ely comes along! My stretch marks have tripled to 3 now. They are red and yucky. My stomach is going to look like a fireworks display by the end of this pregnancy. It's hard to believe I have 3.5 more months left. It seems like it has already been so long since I started baking Elyse.

I am keeping up my "ridiculously overbooked" schedule as my hubby likes to call it. Tomorrow night I am going to see Weezer with Jen, Lisa and Casey. Saturday night, mom and I will spend the day shopping for fabric for the nursery. Mom has agreed to sew the crib bumper and wahtever else I would like for Ely's room. It's very special to have her do that for us! Grandma Fernandez will be lending her expertise as well. Then Saturday night, COLD WAR KIDS!! Whoo Hooo!!!

Proud Parents to Be

2008-10-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of cute pics of the proud parents from uncle Ande's birthday this weekend!! I dragged poor Jason to his first big baby shopping event this Saturday morning--we went to a huge garage sale at a church in our neighborhood. The lines were SO long and the place was jam packed with kids. I got some awesome little outfits for Elyse! Her daddy was a great sport!

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock

2008-10-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

Every day it dawns on me and JayDub a L'IL more that we are really having a baby soon. The official theme song of this realization shall be Idioteque by Radiohead--here is the most relevant section of the lyrics to this anthem:

We're not scare mongering
This is really happening
Happening
We're not scare mongering
This is really happening
Happening
Mobiles quirking
Mobiles chirping
Take the money and run
Take the money and run
Take the money

Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time

Cleopatra--Queen of De-Nile...

2008-10-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

Oh, hell. It has happened. I have been dreading this day. I secretly knew it would come, but I had MORE secretly hoped my luck had changed and maybe, just MAYBE I would be spared. I have spotted the arrival of my first STRETCH MARK. Oh gawd, what a horrible word (Or two words--whatever). I noticed a red spot on my stomach a week or two ago. I thought maybe I had pinched my expanding belly or possibly burned my skin somehow? I am a huge clutz, so unexplained injuries are commonplace in my world. But it stayed there. And then, it started getting longer. On Friday, I took the time to study the line carefully. There was no denying that it is a stretch mark. I have had stretch marks since I was a kid. My dad has them too. I knew I was gentically pre-disposed to them, but I had hoped my careful maintenance routine of Tummy Honey Butter and Mother's Special Blend would get me through. Sigh...no such luck. I remember when I was a kid, I convinced myself for a very long time, that I had just scraped the sides of my thighs, like, 100 times on each side and I just forgot about it. At least my little mind has remained consistent.

All is well with Elyse! We hosted a big Hurricane Ike Survivors party this weekend! It was SO much fun! I stayed up until 3:30am hanging with my buds. I am shocked that I can have so much fun whilst knocked up and sober--who knew??

Elyse has taken to doing little dances on my bladder. It makes me have to process a fresh batch of pee every 5 minutes or so. Not a lot of fun, but at least I know my girl is having fun in there!!

Big Ol' Grins

2008-10-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Since Elyse's movements have been noticeable, I have had these HUGE shitty grins creep across my face. I am in big trouble. I am already wrapped around her finger.

There she blows!!

2008-10-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

Here are pics from 3 months, 4 months, then 5 months. I am almost 6 months now--will post more as Elyse gets bigger!

Registry Madness!!

2008-10-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Holy cow! Went to Austin this weekend to register for baby stuff. Julie and I were feeling rather clueless and overwhelmed, so the baby guru of Austin, Jennie Fleming, graciously agreed to be our coach. We spent about 4 and a half hours registering for crap I did not even know existed! Thank GAWD for Jennie and her trusty assistant, Ella. Here are a couple of pics from the weekend.

Scare Today

2008-10-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

Today, I had a scare at my endocrinologist's office. Dr. Monla was checking my thyroid and I started to fee like I was going to pass out. I had not been feeling well all morning, and it came to a head on the table. I had to lie down and drink water. The nurse took my blood pressure and was very concerned b/c the systolic rate was in the 40s. They kept me in the office until my blood pressure stabilized. They even took my blood sample for my thyroid testing while I was laying down! I am so grateful for Dr. Monla and her staff taking good care of me during this drama! Needless to say, I took the rest of the day off to rest--hence my time to post this.

In unscary news, I ordered this kick ass diaper bag from Storksak!! I am in love...

Elyse's Anatomy Scan Pics

2008-10-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

Here are pics of Elyse's face from her anatomy scan last week.

Rock on!

2008-09-26T15:03:00.001-07:00

After 12 LONG and HOT days, we got our power back. What an arduous and horrible ordeal. All of us Houston chicks were desperate to go blow off some steam, so we have decided to go see the Fratellis tonight! Elyse's first concert!! ROCK ON ELY!She's going to see the Cold War Kids on October 25th. The kid will have impeccable taste in music.

In other news, Elyse's anatomy scan and her ultrasound from yesterday's appointment with Dr. Nanda earned her glowing reviews. She looks fabulous!! I will post pics this weekend. I gave Jason a hearty "THANK YOU" for providing such winning swimmers in the gene pool.

9 days and counting

2008-09-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

So, Hurricane Ike blew in 9 days ago, scared the living crap out of us and knocked our power out. We stayed at Sanford for 8 days until it started getting really hot out. Yesterday, we checked in to the Four Seasons downtown for a much needed break from our post hurricane existence. Lessons learned: 1. We will never "ride out" a hurricane again. It is F-ing scary, 2. We are installing a natural gas generator at the new house. Hand washing dishes + Deanna= very bad juju. 3. Being pregnant during a natural disaster is not recommended. One can't even have a "l'il" (read: bottle) of wine to soothe one's frazzled nerves.

While the Four Seasons RAWKS, I miss my kitties and have lost it on my sleep schedule. Elyse has been a little hella mover and I think she is ready for a return to a normal schedule. Tomorrow is her "anatomy scan" when we will verify that she is developing normally. I am hoping she escaped harm from all the bloody carbon monoxide fumes I breathed in whilst refilling our generator with fuel...

Girl, Girl, Girl!!!

2008-09-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

World, hold on!! We have a daughter in the oven!! I am sure most people have heard that Houston is facing a huge hurricane, Ike, to be exact. Despite the looming disaster, I was determined to find out the kid's gender. The Inside Story, a 3-D elective ultrasound place here in H-town had scheduled an appointment for me yesterday. I called today and confirmed that they would be there, and Little Mary came and picked me up from work. We got to see the baby moving around and Little Mary got to see and hear her heartbeat for the first time! At one point Elyse (that's going to be her name) was sucking on her middle finger, so she was essentially shooting us the bird. That is definitely my daughter!!! From what we could tell, she has her daddy'd beautiful nose and long feet. She has all her fingers and toes and a strong heartbeat!! I cried like a wuss while lying on the table. I will say that paying for that ultrasound was the best money I have spent in a long time. It will be super cool to show Elyse the DVD they made of the ultrasound when she is older!! I wonder if she will be pissed that I published pictures of her vajayjay on the web??

Coming apart at the seams

2008-09-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Look at this belly! I am not sure if this is normal for someone who is 4 months and 3weeks pregnant--it seems really big!! I am developing a hella "linea negra" which is a fancy way of saying a "treasure trail". Jason thinks it is hilarious. Everytime he sees my bare belly he exclaims "You're coming apart at the seams!!"

Ultrasound pic

2008-09-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Applejack's 1st Act of Defiance

2008-09-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

As I predicted, our child refused to cooperate with the ultrasound today. Applejack chose to stay sitting indian style throughout the ultrasound, despite Dr. Nanda's efforts to jiggle him/her into compliance. Jason said that this indicates that the child is just like its mother. Jennie noted that this was Applejack asserting his/her defiance. Linda said this proves the child is a real bastard. Dr. Nanda suspects it is a girl, but is not standing by that call. She said she would give the kid a 60% chance of being a girl. Considering that any gypsy off the street could look at me and guess that the kid is a girl and have a 50% chance of being right, we are not giving this opinion any serious consideration either. Now I have to wait until my anatomy scan on September 22 for a chance to find out the gender. That seems like an eternity!! I already called 2 private ultrasound places to see if they would take mercy on me and let me come in for a gender determination, but they won't do it until the anatomy scan has been performed by my doctor. At the very least, the baby is healthy and bouncy and has a great heartbeat. Jason and I were very happy to know that!!

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I LOVE ya, tomorrow

2008-09-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is allegedly the day we will find out Applejack's gender. With my luck and the luck of the Yasony, the baby will not cooperate and we will still not know. In anticipation of this possibility, I have found a 3-d ultrasound place that will do a gender determination for $60. I am DETERMINED to know!! I demand answers!!!

We are also closing on a piece of land in Boorkside Village tomorrow. This will hopefully be a big and fabulous day for me and Jay Dub.

New Admininstration for Applejack

2008-09-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

I am SO thrilled that we will have a new administration in place in time for Applejack's debut into the world. Our child will not have to suffer the Bush regime--this is definitely a sign of good luck. Since Mommy can no longer get her kicks at the bar in the evening, Applejack and I will follow the debates religiously and we will stay up all night in November to watch the returns. Hopefully when Applejack pops out, we will be enjoying President Obama's administration. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

In other news, I was watching Romper Stomper (love this film) last night and Applejack got very excited during the scene where the skinheads and the Asian immigrants had a huge race war. Applejack was moving like crazy!! It was pretty cool. Sidenote: Russell Crowe was SMOKIN' hot in that movie. See photo.

Thoughts on being ill during pregnancy

2008-09-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

I have either a cold or hard core allergies that began to bug me on Friday and have gotten progressively worse since. It is so frustrating to try to figure out what one can and cannot take during pregnancy. My doctor has a general list, but it does not address the allergy medicine I normally take. Plus, every drug has different formulas: allergy relief, time release,maximum strength, non-drowsy, etc. Are those OK? Or is the approval limited to the original formula only? I called my pharmacist too, who said ask your OB/Gyn. I have left 2 messages for my OB/Gyn who is probably thinking--just look at the list I provided, you dumbass.

I realize that it is my own peeps (the lawyers) who have caused doctors/pharmacists to avoid wanting to say certain drugs are OK during pregnancy b.c when babies are born with three arms and organs protruding from their skin, then the patients sue the snot out of the docs. SO FRUSTRATING. And all the while I feel like shit and the skin around my nose is rubbed raw, not to mention that I am having round ligament pain and my nips feel like two fire balls. WOOOOOOEEEEEE is me. 4.5 more months...

Holy Boobs!

2008-08-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

So, the twins are out of control. I am only 17 weeks and have already grown an entire cup size. I have already resolved to dress up as Beth from Dog the Bounty Hunter for Halloween. I think this photo says it all.

More good news!

2008-08-20T14:23:00.001-07:00

I went to see Dr. Nanda yesterday and she said the baby is "gorgeous!" Jason and I are so happy! The baby was sitting indian style during the sonogram, which is also MY favorite position to sit in! Dr. Nanda tried to determine Applejack's gender, but it was just too early yet. She said we should be able to tell on my next visit, which is on September 9th. Whhooooo-hhooooo!! Let the shopping begin!!

Looking good!

2008-08-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

We got the results of the nuchal fold test and the baby is normal! No signs of Down's or any other genetic abnormalities...

Applejack

2008-08-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

We have re-christened the baby "Applejack". I am having second thoughts about whether the Intelligender test is reliable. I have read that there are a lot of false positive boy readings. So, we are not going to rely on that one. According to my aunt, who is a doctor of oriental medicine, we are having a girl or a gay boy! I am currently masterminding a scheme to find my ob/gyn's weaknesses then bribe her to give us our gender scan early...More to come on that one.

Hyper? or Hypo? It's a Boy--MAYBE!!

2008-08-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

So much news to report! I have officially been diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. I have had seven, yes SEVEN blood tests that show my TSH levels are very low. My OB sent me to an endocrinologist who confirmed the issue. Hyerthyroidism means my thyroid glad is putting out too much thyroid hormone. One of the symptoms of this disorder is INSOMNIA!! I am a lifelong insomniac!! Mystery solved! I will be going for more blood tests every 3 weeks for the rest of the pregnancy. There is no risk to the baby right now. Phew!

In other news, I discovered an at home gender diagnostic test called Intelligender. You basically inject some of your pee into a cup with some sort of chemical in it and voila!! your baby's gender is predicted. The test is 90% accurate in labs and 82%accurate in the real world. SOOOOOO...unless I am in the 18% with bad results, we are having a boy!

I am officially in the second trimester now. The nausea has begun to subside and I am beginning to resemble a normal person again. Sweet relief!! I will post pictures later--we got some awesome shots of the baby's profile during the nuchal fold test.

More Sonogram Pics of the Blob

2008-07-14T17:31:00.001-07:00

These are exciting to me, but probably not to others. You can see the arm and leg buds! I have an appointment with my new doctor, who will deliver the peanut tomorrow. Here's hoping all is well. I am still sicker than hell. I seem to be getting used to just living like I am in a never ending hangover. A new development this week is a zit beard which sprouted on my lower jaw this weekend. Pragnancy. Is. Magical.

Praying to the Porcelain Gods

2008-06-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

This had been a really bad weekend in terms of nausea. I could not leave the house at all yesterday. Today I have tried to empty my stomach before leaving. This is supposed to subside by the second trimester. That means I have three weeks and five days more of this constant pukey feeling. I have a whole new respect for women who go through this "morning" (AKA ALL DAY) sickness. I have a whole new hatred for women who never get morning sickness. This kid better be REALLY cute.

Pregzilla

2008-06-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

I have been christened with my official knocked up nickname: Pregzilla. I like it! Went to get prenatal screening bloodwork done today. They took SIX vials of blood. Pregzilla was pissed and thought she would fall over.

The Prego Posse

2008-06-22T08:38:00.001-07:00

Could this be ANY cooler? Two of my favorite people and oldest friends are also knocked up!! Julie is two weeks further along than I and Jennie is two weeks behind me. We are single handedly bringing in a new generation. I am so excited to be going through this happy time with some of my best friends! Rock on, Prego Posse!!

Peanut Dyer: The Age of Aquarius

2008-06-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

We had an ultrasound on June 19th and got to see and hear our baby's heartbeat! Jason and I started cheering when the Doppler picked it up. It was a beautiful thing to hear. The doctor said they look for a minimum heart rate of 90. Our little bugger was at 130BPM! It's a strong one. The Dyers are built to last. Our due date is February 6, 2009. It's going to be an Aquarius.

The Results Are In

2008-06-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

We got back from Mexico on May 16th. The next day, I went to see Radiohead with Jennie, Lisa, Jen and Ry. I kicked back some drinks and enjoyed the show. After that, I decided to do something unprecedented: I VOLUNTARILY STOPPED DRINKING.

We had a baby shower to go to on Memorial Day weekend. A friend of Jason's and his wife are expecting their first baby. She had some leftover pregnancy tests and gave them to me. It was 5 days before I was due for my monthly visit from you know who. I could not RESIST the fact that I had so many tests, so I took one as soon as I got home. NEGATIVO. I swore I would not take another test until Saturday.

Wednesday: Ok, so I took ANOTHER early test. I HAVE NO SELF CONTROL. This time the test had an oh so faint positive. I was pumped!

Saturday: POSITIVELY POSITIVE!! Here goes nothin'!!

In the beginning...

2008-06-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is where the adventure begins, folks. Beautiful Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Jason and I had not had a vacation alone together in god knows how long. We decided to go on vacation on Tuesday. We booked on Thursday and left on Saturday! It was vintage Jason and Deanna--we love to fly by the seat of our pants. Further proof of this fact: as soon as we arrived at the airport, Jason extended the vacation for two extra days!!