Random Thoughts, Part II

In no particular order . . .

Random Thought #1:

Being pregnant is expensive--aside from the obvious reasons of having to buy all that baby stuff. Over the last few months, either absolutely nothing sounded good to me or only very specific things (the thought of anything other than what I wanted made me sick) that I had to go out of my way to buy.

Like crab cakes. Not cheap, but sorry, I wanted them. And they were worth it.

A very specific bagel sandwich that I normally would only splurge on once every so often. I had it several times.

Specific chips I usually only buy on sale I had to have no matter the price. Then James ate half the bag and I had to go buy more.

And Cheese curds. Oh, the cheese curds. I had to drive 30 minutes to get them and I cringed when I saw the price. But I'd wanted them for weeks and I'd driven 30 minutes. So naturally I had to get them. Luckily, the first trimester has passed and my food cravings are more or less tamed. That also means the cheese curds are just sitting in the fridge because they don't seem all that appealing any more. So, if anyone wants some cheese curds, just let me know . . .

Random Thought #2:

It really bothers me when people put periods outside of quotes at the end of a sentence. Come on, it's a simple rule that we all learned in school. For example, I love the book "Anne of Green Gables". The period is supposed to go inside the quotes (like so, "Anne of Green Gables.")! Book titles are also, technically, supposed to be italicized and not in quotes, but that is another matter entirely. Now I'm not a perfect writer/speaker/anything else. Proper comma placement is my downfall, (see?) but the period outside the quotes thing is something easy to remember. It especially gets to me when it comes from a professional blogger. I know anyone can blog these days, but still . . .

Random Thought #3:

I'm not complaining about being pregnant because I realize there are loads of people out there who would like to be and can't for a whole slew of reasons. I am eternally grateful. Yet, I wish there was a way to avoid the awkward stage I am in now. People only know I'm pregnant if I tell them--or maybe not, because what's with people who comment "I was wondering!" after you tell them the news. Really? You were? That's not exactly what I want to hear. So I guess I should rephrase that. For the most part, people only know I'm pregnant if I tell them. But I'm starting to get that full lunch look--that totally unflattering roundness in my belly that just makes me look like I've been taking really bad care of myself lately. Not that I'm anxious for the feet/hand swelling and maternity clothing to kick in, but I guess what I'm wishing is that you could go straight from week 6 to week 20 and skip the awkward in between stages. Or that maybe the father could take care of those weeks and then I'd gladly take over after that.

Random Thought #4:

I've been thinking about potty training James for awhile now. My goal was always to do it before he turned two. Any one have any tips on potty training boys? I've already started a very slow process with him, as in for the past few months I take him in "there" at least twice a day and at night before bed when I know he has to go. But aside from that, how do you teach a kid to actually tell you when they gotta go? He has no problems telling me after, but never before. While I don't buy into the whole "he's not ready" thinking some parents have, I do know it will be hard work.  But, of course, working at it is what I'm unsure of. If anyone has any tips on how to get it done, please send them my way!