Sleep has never been our problem. For all the issues we’ve faced with Alex -- MRSA, his severe allergies, his eczema, the fact that he now climbs out of his crib constantly and says F---! a lot -- sleep has never been one of them. He started going through the night on his own at about seven weeks and we haven’t looked back. Now bedtime is around 8 and he wakes up at around 7 and we rarely hear a peep out of him in between -- and he’s never, ever slept in our bed. Needless to say, I get plenty of sleep. But something tells me that’s going to change very soon….

We realized that we needed to get serious about our budget, both due to the economic situation and to the fact that our pregnancy was a surprise -- we weren’t planning to pay for diapers in the immediate future, let alone establish a college fund. My husband’s work also slowed way down after our honeymoon, and we had to re-evaluate a bit. But there is a bright side to all of this.

I was debating whether to even post about this, but then I thought, what’s the point of writing a blog about your life if you’re not going to share the nitty gritty details? So here goes…

I got a call from my oncologist, Dr. Mauro, a few days ago and my latest cancer test came back with a VERY WEAK positive. I capitalized very weak because I don’t want you (or my family, who reads this blog) to think this is anything to panic about. It’s not. It is so low that it’s barely quantifiable. If the test hadn’t been run in the super-sensitive lab at OHSU, it never would have shown up. And it may just go away on it’s own by next month. Am I worried? No. I’m really not. I only have two months left in the pregnancy and even if -- if -- the cancer seems to be creeping back, it will be so slow moving that we wouldn’t treat it until after the baby comes. And I’m already planning to go back on Gleevec right away anyway.

My belly’s really ballooned in the last week or so, and I’m not due until mid-February! How does winter maternity wear work? What have your style-survival strategies been?

I’ve heard over and over again how you’re not supposed to make any major changes with your first child right before your second one is born. I’m actually using this little gem as my excuse to not potty train Alex in the next two months (we try, he’s done it occasionally but frankly I’m too tired to put in the effort right now). I was also hoping it meant I could keep Alex in a crib for a while. He is a great sleeper, has plenty of room in there, and has never even tried to escape. That is, until this past Saturday. Halloween was a pretty awful day for me, actually. I want to tell you the whole story so bear with me….

I always fancied myself the kind of mom who would make really cool, crafty Halloween costumes for my kids. Or at least shop for really cool, creative costumes. But so far, that’s just not the case. This is Alex’s third Halloween that he has worn a hand-me-down get-up—last year it was a bear; this year it’s a fireman (or a pirate...we have both so it’s going to be a game-time decision). The costumes are from my cousin Katie’s son and they are super-nice—she buys them at Pottery Barn and has taken great care of them—but I still can’t help but feel like a copout….

We tried this on last night. Pretty cute, right?

We attended a wedding a few weekends ago, and although I have a blood clot history, my doctor gave me clearance to travel. He told me not to miss a dose of blood thinners—I give myself daily shots— on the days I’d be traveling, and that it’d be smart to get up and walk around on the plane throughout the flight. Easy enough, right?

Was traveling while pregnant, for you, a breeze, or a nightmare? Do tell.

I’ve been working on a massive slideshow of my life (so you can learn even more about me—I’m really hoping you’re not sick of me yet!) and it’s ready for viewing! It’s a glimpse at my life before Alex, my life with cancer and my life these days…. Check it out when you can and tell me what you think.

Also, I’ve been meaning to ask…if there is anything you guys want to talk about that I haven’t touched on yet, let me know. My life is pretty much an open book so you can ask me anything! And, of course, non-me-related topics are great, too!

We woke to dark skies and pouring rain on Saturday morning, and my nesting instinct kicked in. Full force. Check out my projects from this past weekend, and share what kinds of nesting activities you've been up to!

When we talked about the flu shot a while back I was saying how miffed I was that Alex’s pediatrician ran out of the regular vaccine and that we were put on a waiting list. I was worried because I’m pregnant, I have the cancer situation and Alex is in daycare three days a week. I have since had my own flu shot and just found out that I will be getting the H1N1 shot as well--my OB is adamant about it and after reading up on how serious swine flu is for pregnant women, I feel the same way (here’s some pretty good basic info, if you’re interested).