“We didn’t think you would make it out tonight.”  They meant because I’m pregnant, and it’s now 30something degrees here in Austin.  Tonight was the opening ceremony for the University COOP Celebri-trees.  I only have one long-sleeved shirt that covers my belly.  Two pairs of jeans.  Nothing feminine.  I just give up.

“Yeah, lately I don’t commit to anything, not even massages, because I never know if I’ll feel like getting dressed.”  Or showered.  Or made up.  Mostly all my clothes just hurt.  I’m nesting at home with Linus on my lap, writing television outlines and chapters for MOOSE, updating a baby registry, trying to figure out what else we’ll “need.”  But I did make it out tonight, and I was thankful that I had.  It was nice to be out, in the cold, seeing the smiling faces of the kids whose school will benefit from the proceeds of the COOP event.  “Thank you so much, Ma’am.”  And I smiled.  I’m totally fine with being a Ma’am.

Thank you for all of your ideas for my Holiday Foodie Tree.  Golden whisks, miniature bottles of maple syrup, olive oil, jams and honey.  Raspberry garland, pears, and star anise bundles.  No, no placenta on my tree.  Maybe next year when I have a nursery rhyme-themed tree.  There’s one photo of me and my chin and the designer who helped execute my idea, Rona (pronounced Rone-A).  Enjoy the start of this delicious season!  View photos >>