So… I haven’t blogged in awhile. A long while.  Feel I owe you an explanation. What, exactly, have I been doing since my last blog just after Thanksgiving?

Drama, intrigue, the fallout of a surprise pregnancy, heartbreak and joyful reconciliation. Wow, where do I start?

I guess I’ll start with the undeniable, mind-blowing fact that I am indeed pregnant, and it has begun to really sink in. The belly seemed to have protruded overnight. One morning I looked down in the shower and there it was! Couldn’t see my toes. As the days go by it seems to get rounder. I’m 26 weeks now.

A few weeks ago I sat down with my peppermint mocha latte at Starbucks (yes, I can still have the equivalent of two cups of coffee per day, and the latte is great because it’s an extra serving of milk.) As I sat in my comfy chair in the corner, I felt what I thought was acid reflux, little bubbles rising up from my tummy toward my chest. Strange, since I hadn’t even sipped yet. Then I felt it again, this time a little flutter, a little lower. Then it dawned on me, she’s kicking me! My baby’s kicking me! Oh my God! As the weeks have gone by, the kicks feel more like kicks and less like little bubbles. 

But so far they’re still pleasant little flutters. I’ve heard from friends that before long it’ll feel like getting beat up from the inside, and I’m not really looking forward to that.

The ultrasound performed just before Christmas revealed that my baby is a little girl. A daughter! After looking through baby name books and websites, we decided that the original name I’d thought of months ago is the name she’ll be given: Savannah Leigh.

It's a girl! (And she's walking like an egyptian)

One nagging problem: I have had 3 dreams so far about my baby, and in each one, it’s a boy. I will absolutely be thrilled no matter which gender God gives me, but Steve doesn’t like any of my boys’ names. Jayden (sounds like an auto parts store.) Liam (no.) Stephen James the Second (Hell, no!) After being shot down for my top 3 names, and seeing that Steve didn’t have any ideas of his own to contribute, I jokingly brought up naming him Michael Phelps Franco, since he was obviously such a good swimmer. And Steve doesn’t hate it, so maybe…

If it's a boy, Michael Phelps Franco? He WAS a good swimmer, after all!

One more ultrasound, scheduled for March 18^th, should reveal all. It’ll also determine whether a fibroid discovered in the last one will cause complications at delivery. Prayers, please. I don’t want to have a C-Section! I’m sceered.

Knowledge is Power: my recommendations for light pregnancy reading

"What To Expect When You're Expecting"

Get the most up-to-date printing of this classic pregnancy how-to book that you can. It takes you month-by-month, letting you know what to expect from your body, your emotions, your partner’s likely reactions (although in my opinion not enough time is spent on this crucial issue – I will tell you more in blogs to come.) Because of this book, I am much less freaked out by symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, back-aches, boob-aches, etc., because I know that they are NORMAL. It’s amazing how that can put the mind at ease!

Similar to “What To Expect” but broken down by the week, which makes it easier to follow along and compare “symptoms.” Some very practical advice from an honest-to-goodness baby doctor, with a week-by-week guide to life AFTER the baby is born, too!

A no-nonsense real-woman’s guide to what happens to your body and mind during those 9 (10) months. Vicki was married for a long time to music industry heavyweight Jimmy Iovine (and bore him 4 children!) I picked up the book because the name was familiar to me in my line of work… boy am I glad I did! Her sense of humor and propensity to tell it like it really is without any flowery embellishment is just what I needed. Vicki will tell you what it’s like to be pregnant, just like a girlfriend would!

The Single Woman's Guide to a Happy Pregnancy by Mari Gallion

Thankfully, my situation turned out for the better, and my husband and I will be having this happy pregnancy together after all. (More details on this drama in my next blog.) But for anyone who is facing life as a single mother, Mari’s book is a wonderfully practical guide for dealing with the challenges. Reading her words made me feel empowered, that yes if I had to I could do this, and it would be all right. She also gave me some very practical advice that I never leave my house without a Luna Bar, a banana, and a bottle of Smart Water in my purse so I can avoid fast food like it’s my worst enemy (which it is!)  Check out Mari’s supportive website at www.singlepregnancy.com

Best pregnancy website: www.babyfit.com

Sign up for free and get all kinds of pregnancy and motherhood information, social networking with other mothers on “Mommy Teams,” and the best feature of all – customized day-by-day meal plans! Similar to Weight Watchers online program, only for pregnant women, and it’s FREE!

Pre-Natal Yoga: Mary Cardinal’s class at Bellas Yoga Studio, Boulevard Avenue, Dickson City. We meet at 9:30 Saturday mornings. The cost is $10 per class, or $45 for 5 classes. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with other pregnant women, we start each class talking about what each of us is going through and go home with some very practical advice! The yoga is gentle and relieves a lot of the common pains of pregnancy. Mary is also very skilled in “pillow manipulation” and has given me some great ideas on how to rest comfortably at home (no easy task I assure you!) Each class ends with a relaxation meditation and I feel great every time I walk out of there.    (570) 307-5000. www.bellasyoga.com

So that’s Part 1 of my Update. Stay tuned for Part 2, or what was the deal with me and the husband?! Here’s a hint: it’s a scientific fact, if a man were given in pill form the amount of hormones a woman naturally experiences during pregancy, HE WOULD GROW BREASTS!

“LOST” SNEAK PEAK

Here’s the first 4 minutes of Tuesday’s Season Premiere of LOST.  Boom goes the dynamite!

She’s our receptionist’s Granny & she’s got attitude.  Here’s Lady Haha picking the winners @ this weekend’s Grammy Awards.

 CLICK HERE for the audio

Hey my name is Jonelle and I have a problem that I’m hoping you and your listeners can help me with. I’m a freshman at Bloomsburg and just turned 18. Anyway my roommates at college and I are planning a trip to Miami for Spring Break.  I’m so excited because this will be my first trip without my parents!  There’s only one problem I haven’t told them yet. Now that I’m 18 I feel that I have earned this since I’m a full time student and waitress on the weekends. So I have the money and great grades. But my parents are very strict and since they help pay for college I don’t think they will let me go. What should I do?

MAN WRESTLES CHICKEN ON NYC SUBWAY

Only in the Big Apple!!!
 

ARE THE BRAD & ANGELINA RUMORS TRUE?

Joey B from People mag called the show Thursday morning to clear up all the Brad & Angelina rumors AND to solve the mystery behind Brad’s scraggily beard.

Here’s what Joey had to say….

Did Brad & Angelina split up?
A report of them splitting came from News of the World, a British tabloid known for playing fast and loose with the facts, but it was picked up by The Sunday Times, which is owned by the same company.
Multiple sources close to the couple tell People they are going strong. Any talk of a split is “totally false,” says one source, while another adds that “everything is fine.”
While the world dissected their breakup, the two stars were nesting in the L.A. home that they share with their kids.

Did they sign a split agreement?
Multiple sources close  to the couple deny the  News of the World claim that Pitt and Jolie signed papers divvying up custody and property for a breakup. In fact, a source close to the British tabloid says that editors saw an old, prenup-like document, but not one with the details in the story. “They have absolutely no reporting about an actual split,” says the source.

Did Brad hold an “intervention” for Angelina?
According to a widely repeated tabloid report, during the couple’s night out at Alto in Manhattan on Jan. 6, Pitt issued an ultimatum, demanding Jolie seek professional help for depression. But a witness told People, “Angelina was unusually happy that night.” Another observer adds, “Brad was very friendly.” The couple, who were joined by four pals, ate and drank for more than six hours. “They were the last table to leave here, after 1 a.m.,” says one source.

What’s the real deal with Brad’s  beard?
This just in: Blame George Clooney! A source close to Pitt reveals his beard is a bet between the pals. Clooney gives big bucks to charity for every month Pitt keeps the ZZ Top look, and “bonus donations” every time it’s mentioned in the media. Time to pony up, George.

Did Angelina snub Brad’s  family?
Several tabloid reports claim the couple fought over Jolie refusing to spend time with Brad’s family. In truth, Brad’s brother Doug was spotted with the Jolie-Pitt bunch in New York City over the holidays, and a source says the Jolie-Pitts flew to Springfield, Mo., for a Christmas day visit to Brad’s parents.

Why didn’t  they go to the Golden Globes or SAG awards  together?
Sources close to them say the couple decided a while ago to take a break from the awards circuit this season. Pitt wasn’t personally nominated for Inglourious Basterds, though the movie’s cast was. After an  intense awards competition last year, Pitt felt “over it,”  another source says.

5: Trampoline Basketball

4: Lightsaber Fencing

 3: Women’s Wii Fit

2: Indoor BMX Jousting

 1: Chess Boxing

HIGH SCHOOL PRANK BACKFIRES!

IDOL SPOILER

Want to take a sneak peak @ the Top 24 from Idol?  Here’s the site that claims to have inside info.

CLICK HERE to be spoiled!

TOP 10 DIRTIEST HOTELS

Tuesday we revealed that an area motel has made Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Dirtiest Hotels for 2010.  Want to know where it is?

CLICK HERE for the list

ERIC TANGRADI OF THE PENGUINS

20 yr old rising star Eric Tangradi of the WB/Scr Penguins
stopped by to talk us about hockey & his love for “Jersey Shore”.

ATTENTION FEMALE PENGUINS FANS!

This weekend the Penguins host the 2nd Annual Hockey ‘n Heels event, sponsored by Woodhouse Day Spa.  Female Penguins fans are invited to be a part of this all-day event.  You’ll get a Red Zone ticket for Saturday’s game, a tour of the Arena and the Pens locker room, Hockey 101, equipment demonstrations, a social mixer in the club lounge with food & drink provided, and a special gift bag.  And you’ll get all this for just $30!

Call Mike Chatburn @ 208.5415 or stop by the Penguins store to get tickets.

Yesterday was the worst day i’ve had in a long time. Cars stress me out. The second I see a check engine light or hear an unfamiliar sound, I find myself gasping for air and gripping the closest thing to me.  I live here alone, so it’s not like I have my mom or family down the road to borrow their cars when mine isn’t working right. It’s my independence. My car = insane amounts of stress. It’s at the shop now. Let’s hope I don’t get the dreaded phone call of, “you need a new engine.” Because then, I might cry. Again.

Since it was such a stressful day, I went home and painted all night. (While watching The Bachelor and Life Unexpected, of course) I’m working on a wall piece . . . 4 canvases, 1 fleur de lis. It’s split on the 4 of them. I’m really excited to finish it and hang them! All of the art in my apartment is courtesy of my mom (and gorgeous) but i’m excited to have something of my own hanging! Round 2 tonight. I’ll post pictures when i’m done.

By the way – yesterday morning I tried out Power 90 and today my lower stomach muscles are killing me. This is going to be a long 90 days! (I’m kind of excited. The pain means something is working that doesn’t usually get worked and that’s exciting!)

Oooooh! My little friends the PS22 chorus in Staten Island posted a new song! Empire State of Mind! Check it out! The end is my favorite!!!

Hey Fish! It’s RJ from Tunkhannock and I need some help. Last year I ended things with the girl I was dating because she was cheating on me! Since then I have completely moved on. Well recently whenever I go out it seems my ex- is there. Now I know this is a small area and all but every time I turn around she’s there. Is this just ironic or is she actually planning this? Either way it’s bad because the girl I’m currently dating is furious and wants to confront her. I want to avoid this at all costs! So what do I do?  Please help!!!