March 2, 2007

• Banana Baby's First Visit to New York

  Hello from New York City! Yesterday, I was 21 weeks pregnant, and baby is the size of a large banana, crown to rump (I know, there are the fruit analogies again!). From head to toe, he's about 10.5 inches. I think he likes New York, too, although this is probably more traffic and rain than he's ever heard!

  I have to say, I  New York. Of course, I love Los Angeles because I'm near my family, and because I'm constantly drenched by sunshine (as opposed by the rain that beat down last night and this morning!). But, I missed New York more than I realized. I got off the train at Grand Central tomorrow after returning from Hartford, and right away I noticed how quickly people were walking. In just a few months, I'd abandoned by fast walk! I quickly adjusted. I got very nostalgic as  I walked through Grand Central to our work building, remembering when I'd walk through the beautiful main concourse every morning. Sigh!

  I had a tough but nice day yesterday. Wednesday evening, I couldn't really sleep -- I always have a hard time in a new bed, plus Johnny wasn't there. My stomach still felt queasy after I'd gotten sick on the plane, so I only slept 3.5 hours. I made the mistake of watching Final Destination 2 when I couldn't sleep (it was the only thing on), and it really stressed me out! Just as I fell asleep, it was time to get up. My meeting with the client went well, and it was great to see my coworkers again. The client knew that I was pregnant, but apparently I'm not showing as much as they expected, because people said they wouldn't have known if we hadn't told them ahead of time! Someone told me that they looked like me before they were pregnant, which made me feel good because these days I feel like a whale! My face has really blown up.

  On the train to New York, the conductor asked me to put my roll-away bag onto the luggage rack above my head. I told him that I didn't mind having my bag up there, but since I was five months pregnant, I'd prefer not to lift the bag (it was quite heavy!). The conductor looked at me, kind of rolled his eyes, and was like, "Fine, I'll just put it over there [by one of the doors]." Where are those special pregnant lady privileges I've heard so much about? Seriously, am I supposed to lift a 24-pound bag over my head? Aside from that, though, the ride was uneventful. I got to the office, saw more of my old coworkers, exchanged hugs and squeals, checked my emails, then went to dinner with Lily. Afterward we got some gelato from the place we always used to go in Grand Central, and went to her house, where I promptly crashed.

  This morning, we rode the bus to work and I almost vomited on the bus. I realized that maybe the reason I didn't have any morning sickness is that I don't have to take public transportation in Los Angeles! I never got sick when I was in New York, riding buses or subways. But today I really almost had to ask Lily if she had a plastic bag on her. Ick! But, a nice surprise was waiting for me in the office. I met up with someone at 9:45 a.m. for what I thought was a catch-up breakfast, just with her. She led me to the back of the restaurant, where about 10 of my coworkers -- including one who is on maternity leave -- gathered at a big table with presents! Since I won't be back in New York  before the baby arrives, my old coworkers planned a surprise shower for me. This is the first time I've been genuinely surprised in a long time. I was so touched. We had breakfast, and I opened gifts. Our server was also five months pregnant -- she's due four days before I am, and she marveled at how "small" I still was. Meanwhile, I was envious of her -- she's a stick with just a cute basketball belly! I feel like I've expanded, just not popped out yet! Plus, the belly is much bigger in the evenings (when I usually take the belly pics). But, I feel good that people are lying about how I still look the same, even though I've gained 16 pounds. If it's not in the belly, it's gotta be everywhere else!

  So now I'm trying to finish up work, then Lily and I will go shopping, meet up with her husband and go to dinner! I fly back tomorrow morning -- I can't wait to see Johnny! Tomorrow night we go to a black-tie work event on the Queen Mary -- I'll take pictures of my cute maternity cocktail dress!

  • 2:53 pm
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