In the months of my pregnancy so far there have been many parties and celebrations. This has necessitated changes to what I eat and especially drink. Ironically, the original plan for my birthday was a small party at home on the actual date, which is St. Patrick’s Day followed by a Pub Crawl in Pleasanton. I’d had so much fun last year at this I knew we had to return though I would have to forgo the beer.
The long street party was excellent with local businesses opening up to provide beer samples and snacks. Two even had photobooth a which I adore and Matt, Shauna, Jason and I got this great photo with Matt’s hand on my stomach to point out our growing baby.
My three fellow crawlers enjoyed some amazing beers, with each stop providing two different samples along the way.
I proudly rocked my Designated Driver bracelet which I have kept to put in baby’s book. One beer poured expressed sorrow that I couldn’t have a taste, but I told her I was expecting and was so happy to be so, and that it was worth not being able to participate fully in the event.
The event differed a lot from the same event as we attended last year. That year Matt and I had attended alone and we both got to taste. There was a lot to sample in the 3 hours of the event, and had I not been expecting this year I probably would have asked for half pours. As it was, I had a wonderful time and hope Matt, Candy and I can do the Pleasanton Wine Stroll similarly in July this year.
My preganancy has really made me realize how much the option of having alcohol at event is part of the typical party culture. For our Giant’s Home Opening Day party Candy and Matt had both wine and beer as choices. Candy modified her wonderful grilled msushrooms to be cooked without wine and they were still excellent.
One of my favorite former professors from college, Professor C, invited Matt and I to his birthday party. It gave me the chance to announce my pregnancy to him, a fellow baseball fan who roots for a different team, in person with a baseball themed shirt. I enjoyed my medium cooked burger with fruit salad with milk. This was during the first week of my milk cravings.
As someone who grew up on the East Coast, I was surprised by the spirited Cinco de Mayo parties and events in California. Typically we’ve had Candy over and we all enjoyed Margaritas, one of my favorite drinks. This year I came home to see the place more decorated then we ever have for the day.
Since I wouldn’t be participating in the drinking I made a sign to commemorate the day.
Last weekend we attended our friend, Jordan’s 50th birthday. Our talented friend, who also was an amazing videographer for our wedding, even played with the live band for a few songs.
Matt and I enjoyed the chance to dress up and dance to a great live band featuring classic songs.
The party had quite a few seating choices and I’d been eyeing the inflatable pool ones for a while. I got in this OK, but it took two people to help me adjust up more. When it was time to get up, rather than having help, I rolled to the side and got up that way.
A few of the guests were friends who had not seen our pregnancy announcement and they were thrilled with my answer to their question of why I wasn’t having any of the amazing beer selection. I was able to talk with a few moms and get some great preganancy advice. One even had to touch my bump, I had expected baby to move at that, but s/he did not. Our baby will from what I’ve read be more responsive to bump touches as my pregnancy progresses.
All this leads me to this weekend. In a few hours, Matt and I are leaving for our wedding anniversary and babymoon werkend. As is his tradition, I don’t know where we are going or even what activities we may be participating in, and I’m excited to find out.
~ Danielle
Over 40 First Time Mom 