International and National pizza experiences OR Happy Anniversary

As Brandon and I were counting down the days to our 3rd Wedding Anniversary (which is today, by the way) we reminisced about when we met and started dating and even our wedding day.

After many months of communicating, Brandon and I finally met in person (the whole story can be found here http://thebicefamilyblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/myspace-shout-out.html). (Can someone please teach me how to put an old blog into a new blog with out actually having to paste the link directly....it would make me very very happy! I want to be able to say "the story is here" and the here is a direct link to the old blog.)

Anyway......I wondered how things might work for Brandon and I.  The week or so after we met up for the first time, I headed off to Italy for 2 weeks.  Brandon always says "I figured that was the last I would hear from you.  You would go to Italy and come back not thinking anything about me."  The truth was....I went to Italy and told my family about him.  I remember talking to my Aunt and telling her about this guy I had just spent an evening with, how he was different, and funny, and that I really like him.  Little did any of us know, he was the man I would end up spending the rest of my life with. 

While I was in Italy I was regularly updating my myspace blog (this was long before my days on Facebook or Blogger...back when blogging on myspace was cool).  Myspace was the regular form of communication between Brandon and I.  It was how we met, how we got to know one another and how he initially had me laughing out loud (before LOL was popular).  While over seas Brandon sent me a hilarious message about how he, too, was visiting Italy, in his own kitchen.  One night while I was away, Brandon had the authentic Italian experience by opening a bottle of Yellow Tail (which happens to be one of my cheap favorites)

and scorching (to the bottom of his oven) a Totino's pizza (which is, in my opinion, the worst cheap pizza you could ever eat). 

When I think back to my vacation in Italy, Brandon often reminds me, that he, too, spend a lovely evening in Italy.  It was much more lovely, I am sure, once the oven quit smoking and the burnt pizza was disposed of.

Brandon left for business in Chicago over the weekend.  He spent a couple of days at his parents home just south of Chicago and got up early this morning and headed into the city for a conference.  Brandon and I were engaged in the beautiful city of Chicago, and although it has been a huge part of his life growing up, it will always hold a special place in my heart, too.  When we visited Chicago he insisted on taking me to his favorite Chicago style pizzeria.  I was sure I would like it, although I had absolutely no idea how much I would love it.  It was, by far, the most delicious pizza I have ever tasted.  In my many months of pregnancy, I have often dreamt of a deep-dish Chicago Style pizza showing up at my door, hot and ready (some women dream of naked men, I dream of pizza).  Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, we just can't get anywhere near the quality of Chicago style pizza in sweet little Knoxville, TN. 

Until now!  Yesterday while roughing the grocery store alone I stumbled upon my new favorite pizza.  Behold.....the Digiorno Personal sized Deep Dish Pizza (otherwise known as my new obsession).....

When browsing the instructions I noticed that there was an option to microwave this pizza.  Don't do this!  Who in their right mind would microwave a pizza?  I almost put the pizza back, just because they had this as an option.  Thankfully at the last second I noticed there were also oven cooking instructions and once again, all was right in my world. 

So, last night, in an attempt to have my very own Chicago experience, I heated the oven (the same oven that allowed Brandon his Italy experience...and the same oven that probably still has burnt cheese in the bottom from his Totino's pizza) and cooked my very first Digiorno deep dish pizza.  Let me just tell you......It was freaking AMAZING!  Get one.  Do it today....right now even....I'll wait.  Don't get me wrong, this isn't as good as the real thing, but sometimes we can't have the real thing.  Sometimes we have to go with the next best thing.....and in this case, it was a keeper.

Happy 3rd Wedding Anniversary, Brandon!  I wish I was in Chicago with you to celebrate!  Although we can't be there together, I am there in heart and spirit, and personal pizzas!  Thank you for being an amazing man, for all the love and support you give, and for being (already) an incredible father to our daughter!  You are a blessing in my life and you will be one in Josie's life, too! Thank you for nearly 5 years (in October) of laughter and fun and non-stop antics!  I never knew men like you actually existed....and I am forever grateful that you chose me as your wife!  Love you always!

I want this.....

After speaking with many running moms, I have decided this is the stroller I must have in order to run with Josie.



This is the BOB stroller and apparently all running moms swear by them! Also, you apparently have to name your first born BOB to get one! Holy smokes these things are expensive. I am currently searching for a used one, along with the rest of the moms in the world.

I am sure you are thinking "Your baby is not even born yet and you aren't supposed to run with babies until they are at least 8 months old, so why worry about it now?" Well.....I am assuming that they don't want new moms running with newborns because baby's sweet little neck is still so unstable. BUT....you forget that my baby is going to have a GIANT head, because that is the Bice/Ryan way. And with a GIANT head comes abnormally strong neck muscles. And abnormally strong neck muscles can lead to the possibility of being pushed in a jogging stroller at a younger age (maybe 6 months).

I knew these giant heads were going to pay-off at some point. Now I just have to figure out where I can buy a good used or new BOB stroller without having to sell a kidney. Maybe there is a black market for them? Who knows, but if you hear something about a good way to get one for cheap (that is legal), please let me know!

The beautiful state of Denial....

Denial can be like a short vacation if you use it properly (which I always do)! It's a pretty spot that I like to go to whenever I don't want to deal with the realities of life. It's a lovely land I have been visiting since May! Unfortunately my temporary visa in Denial is about to run out and soon I will be returning to the land of Reality....a not so pretty place where decisions have to be made and burying your head in the sand is not acceptable (stupid Reality).

This Friday, I will officially be 30 weeks along in this pregnancy. And although I could try to extend my stay in Denial just a bit longer, the adult (right?) in me has determined that now is just a good of time as any to catch the first bus back to the real world. Part of this came about just this morning when I found this picture online. Please note...this is not me. I stole this picture from another blog, but it is so neat I had to share.



This picture should give you a pretty good idea about the approximate size of Baby Josie (i.e.- She's HUGE). Is anyone else concerned about the size of this 30-week baby's head? Or is that just me? Doesn't it seem rather large, considering there are 10 weeks left to go?

It's amazing to think that we came from this....



To this.....



With only 10 weeks left in this pregnancy, it's time to prepare myself for the reality that is to come.....labor. This baby has to come out and if she is anything like me or her Daddy, she will make a grand entrance complete with loud screaming, thrashing, and most likely...Jazz Hands (because what baby doesn't want to enter the world like this)!

The reality of this pregnancy coming to an end is also coupled by the fact that this coming weekend I have two baby showers! I am extremely excited to get to see friends and family who have not seen me in many months (since I took on my own zip code). Back in June my amazing family threw Brandon and I a surprise baby shower. I cried through the entire thing (tears of joy). My goal this weekend is to patch those leaks and try my best to NOT cry at every single thing I open or see! Although, the way I see it, we have so much to be grateful for, it's okay to cry a little.

Tomorrow I return to the doctor's office for my Glucola re-testing! I am dreading this, as it will take most of my morning and keep me from my breakfast, morning snack, afternoon snack and early lunch. Did I mention I am now housing my very own zip code? Yeah...I am huge! Just now, I thought to myself...maybe I shouldn't have had that piece of cookie cake 3 minutes ago (and I wonder why I can't pass the Glucola test).

If I can make it past this test tomorrow, we are hoping for smooth sailing for the final 10 weeks of this pregnancy. Brandon and I consider this pregnancy to be a blessing in so many ways. Most of all we are thankful for how easy things have been so far (knock on wood). It's amazing how much things can change in only a year's time. Ten more weeks and we meet our daughter....that sounds so strange. Especially considering this time last year we were not sure we would ever be able to say those words. I don't mind stepping back into reality, even if it does involve labor and pain and discomfort. I don't mind one bit, because in the end, a beautiful little Josie awaits us! How amazing is that?

Mission Cinna-Tum-Tum

I would be lying if I told you there was not part of me that planned to use this pregnancy as an excuse to eat some of the things I will not allow myself to have during normal times (when I am expected to look nice in those tight pants or bathing suit).

Basically since the first week we found out I was pregnant I have been plotting and planning this mission. I have waited (not so patiently) for myself to get large and obviously pregnant before carrying out this mission. In my mind it was truly important that people NOT judge me and my choices. In my mind, who could blame a pregnant woman for wanting what she wants? No one, that's who.

Although I still don't feel as though I am LARGE enough (believe it or not) to NOT be judged, this preggo could wait no longer. Last Saturday, while at the grocery store, Mission Cinna-Tum-Tum was in full effect....and I purchased this......



Holy Heaven! I can't tell you how long it's been since I have had a cinnamon roll, but my undying love for them has never skipped a beat. The reunion was sweet....so sweet. Thankfully (knowing my lack of self-control), I bought the 5 pack of cinnamon rolls, instead of the 8 pack (as I would have eaten every last one...undoubtedly....and scraped the icing off the pan).

This morning my amazing husband woke up a little extra early and popped these bad boys in the oven. By the time I was ready for work, so was this gooey, sweet, delicious treat! I am sure a doctor would tell you have should be having oat bran and fruit for breakfast this morning, but there were not any doctors hanging around my kitchen to object to my morning buzz! I am sure Baby Josie will be doing back flips momentarily from the sugary sweet overload! One of us will be, that is for sure!

It's nice to give in to some of the cravings and temptations once in a while. I have determined (this morning), it's one of the amazing perks of being pregnant! So, stop judging me!

I know I am getting big when.......

As of Friday, I will officially be 7 months (or 28 weeks) along. In my mind 7 months sounds so much more pregnant, and this is likely the term I will use, especially since I am starting to get huge. How huge am I?

I know I am getting huge when....

-I am constantly running into things with my belly. All sorts of random things have started to jump out at me and hit me right in the stomach. These things include, but are not limited to sinks, doors, people, various furniture (especially couches), and again.....people. Folks who probably never thought they would have the opportunity to get very intimate with my giant belly are now being accosted by it regularly (yet not intentionally). For whatever reason I still have it in my head that I can fit into small spaces. For instance- squeezing between chairs in a conference room or getting between the couch and the island in my house. It is very embarrassing when I get wedged into these spots and can't get out...or worse...have to turn around and go the other direction. Misjudging the size of this growing mass may leave me with lots of bruises and embarrassment.

-People are starting to recognize that I am indeed pregnant.

-My belly button looks like it's only moments away from popping out (which by the way totally freaking freaks me out....but this will have to be a whole other post of it's own).

-All these cute "summer non-maternity" dresses that I have been wearing for years are no longer cute, as my booty and belly are now in a tug-o-war to see which can consume the most fabric.

-My growing giant belly makes my also growing boobs look small. Trust me....that's when I know I am getting big. REAL BIG!

Since I have not included many photos of my ever-growing self on the blog, I will put a picture below. This should give you an idea of how HUGE I am really getting. Enjoy.


*Please note: I am pulling my dress tight so my large-ness will be shown...it doesn't look like this normally when I wear it!

The things strangers now know about me....

Sometimes I hate going into car service centers or oil change places or anywhere where the majority of the staff is male. Sometimes. (Read: this morning) Why is it that when I go into these places I feel like I am being oggled? Is that a woman's lack of confidence and paranoia? Or is it because it is actually happening and I can feel the eyes of strangers on me? Maybe it's a combination of both?

This morning I dropped my truck off at a Chevy dealership to have it worked on. Like most dealership service areas, it was all men. And they were all hanging out (read: standing around) and drinking their coffee (and in my mind...waiting for someone to stare at).

These days I find myself large- ALL OVER. Things that were already big, are even bigger. And obviously, things that fit before are now a little tighter. I can't help but be overly self-conscious these days, so naturally I felt as though my giant belly and larger "other parts" (ahem) were being noticed. After leaving my keys with service, calling my ride, and sitting outside for 15 minutes, the service consultant approached me. He let me know that the part my car needed would have to be ordered and wouldn't be available until tomorrow.

To retrieve my car, I had to go back into service and ask for it to be brought back around. Again, my paranoia took hold and I swear I felt eyes on me....the whole time. The young man who brought my car back to me was extremely kind. He was even extremely patient when he witnessed me accidentally pour 20 ounces of ice water in the front seat of my car. He was even more patient after offering to go get me paper towels and a seat cover. It was quite sweet of him and I was completely grateful....and mortified. And yet, somewhat relieved that he was no longer starting at my larger parts, but instead looking at me with great pity. It was then that he decided to introduce himself as the gentleman who would be doing the work on my car tomorrow. Terrific (I feel like a complete ass).

Eventually I made it to the office this morning. It has just been one of those days where I felt like starting over or going home and crawling back into bed might be a better option. Once inside I was happily greeted by my dear friend and co-worker, Samantha. One of the first things Samantha says to me this morning is "Are you wearing polka-dotted panties under your dress?" Ummmm....splendid. This whole morning the entire world has had a great view of my undies.....because apparently there are parts of my dress that are see through and today I chose NOT to wear a slip (mostly because it doesn't fit over my ever-growing bottom anymore).

I am not sure which is worse.....

Feeling a slight bit justified that maybe it was not paranoia, but actually people staring at the unfortunate girl who unknowingly was flashing her polka-dotted panties to every Chevy service crew member.....

OR

Or being that unfortunate girl who was unknowingly flashing my polka-dotted panties to every Chevy service crew member.

I believe this is one of those lose/lose situations. Oh, but don't worry, there is good news here....I get to go back tomorrow. I wonder if they will remember me?


Please Note: I am well aware that all male work places are not this way. I am also well aware that the chances of people looking at a nearly 7 month pregnant me are very slim and my paranoia and lack of self-confidence are most likely the major problems here. Yeah...I am aware...so stop thinking badly of me!

My husband, the Runner

About three months ago my amazing husband decided to take up running, again. When Brandon was a bit younger he did quite a bit of running and if my memory serves me correctly, he even joined a running club that did long runs (7-10 miles) at least once a week. So running is not a new sport to Brandon, just one he has decided to revisit.

Although Brandon has run with me in the past,his shin splints generally get the best of him and he winds up in so much pain it's just not worth it. I think this time around, he simply ran through the pain and out of the shin splints, like Forrest Gump and those tacky leg braces, except B's shin splints weren't visible to the rest of the world. And although he gets plagued by the pain every now and again, for the most part his shins are doing much better.


This is the best Forrest Gump, leg braces picture I could find.

ANYWAY-
I am so proud of how far Brandon has come in the past couple of months. He has become a pretty dedicated runner. Running through this dreadful heat and humidity is enough to make any runner want to quit!

Tonight Brandon will have his second trail race. Tonight...he conquers.....



Here is a map of the Haw Ridge Trail Race (which might as well be written in Japanese)



I love the fact that he is a runner now, but I HATE that he decided to revisit this passion while I am unable to join in. While he spends his evenings bettering himself, I spend my evenings flailing around on the couch. Do you know I have to use a "roll move" to get out of bed now? Brandon jokes that once this baby is born and the doctor gives me the okay to start running again, he will probably take another "break" from the sport. I generally reply by mumbling curse words under my breath and giving him the look of death.

While Brandon is out working hard and getting in shape, I am taking on a whole new shape of my own. Speaking of morbidly obese......I have started to swell. By the end of most days I usually look like this....



The only difference is I don't have the cute sailor outfit or the hat.

In truth, I am very proud of Brandon! He is working really hard and his hard work is paying off. I can't wait to start running with him this winter! I can't wait for us to include Josie (in a stroller, of course. We don't expect she will be a good enough runner to keep up with us right away) in our runs! Hopefully this time next year, both Brandon and I will be gearing up for the Haw Ridge Trail Race 2012! Good Luck Brandon! I know you will do great!!!