As I gave my 10 week old baby girl, Ellie, her final bottle of the evening and prayed that it wouldn’t come back up, I told her a bedtime story of a seemingly charismatic bachelor named Juan Pablo gone awry. Explaining how the single dad had seemed like such a promising Bachelor, I gave her the Rated G version of how he swam in the ocean with a blonde Mexican girl named Clare, then made her feel like crap the next day. I relayed how he made “inappropriate” remarks to her on their final date and then chose the pediatric nurse, Nikki, as the “winner.” Ellie was really into this story. She agreed that he was probably only still with Nikki at this point to spite the viewers but like her mother, she’s all for happy endings, so we wish them the best.
As we finished up 6 ounces, I started telling her about Andi Dorfman, the brunette lawyer. I explained how it is impossible for lawyers to get a long leave of absence and that she likely had to quit her job altogether as an Assistant District Attorney in Atlanta, GA to be The Bachelorette. We talked about whether it would be easy for Andi to find another legal job once this stint as The Bachelorette was over and whether Andi would even care. Would she choose a career in Hollywood after this? Go back to public service? Find love and become a stay at home yummy mummy? Will this show still be around when Ellie is an adult and how will be people find love then?
If Ellie keeps down tonight’s feeding, it will be almost as exciting as watching the Bachelorette premiere. Since we found out she has a milk protein allergy and had to switch formulas to a stinky, sour orange smelling one, I’ve contemplated feeding her while wearing a garbage bag, shower cap and face mask. It’s a messy operation. She has not tolerated the new formula well. Tonight she’s two feedings into having solely the new formula and so far, so good. I think she knows that tonight is a BIG DEAL, with the Bachelorette premiere and all. I love her for being on her best behavior right now.
It’s never been so difficult to get my Bachelorette on, but it actually happened thanks to the help of The Husband. Tonight he made me dinner, helped make bottles and made sure the show taped on the DVR. It’s on, so let’s waste no further time, as it is a precious commodity these days.
AND IT BEGINS…
Ok, just finished watching and my first impression is that there are some REALLY interesting, good looking guys this season. Perhaps our best male crop in a very long time. In fact, I’m borderline grateful that I didn’t study any photos, profiles or see any spoilers about contestants this season (minus the tragic story of Eric Hill who died in an accident after his time on the show). It makes meeting each of these guys that much more surprising and intriguing.
As a reminder to any new readers of this blog: NO SPOILERS PLEASE. This is a blog to read and enjoy the show with your fellow watchers and to discuss all the insanity as it unfolds before us.
A few key observations:
– Getting to know Andi. I wasn’t the biggest Andi fan last season. Call it baby brain, but I can’t recall exactly why. I vaguely remember her being a sourpuss about some of her interactions with the girls and I thought she was a bit overdramatic about her overnight fantasy suite experience with Juan Pablo. But she didn’t annoy me at all tonight. In fact, I liked that they are portraying her as a devoted career girl (who gives up her legal career pretty easily to come on the show) and that they didn’t have her in a bikini during her beach shots. Maybe the 90 minute format of tonight’s show forced the producers to cut to the chase. No drawn out background profiles on the guys. Every show should be 90 minutes. No rehash of Andi’s trashing of Juan Pablo. I loved this. Andi has an overprotective daddy who has been married to her cute mother for 30 years. I searched for mezuzahs (a Jewish symbol) on the doorway of her parents’ beautiful home in Atlanta, but didn’t see any. Dorfman is a Jewish last name, but she took Juan Pablo to a gun range last season and most Jewish girls I know don’t shoot guns, so that threw me off. Is she Jewish? Half Jewish? Juan Pablo never asked, but I will. I loved her sister’s kind, encouraging words (and her matching shiny brown hair). Andi went for the bedazzled, dusty pink / nude dress over the sparkly gold one. She’s very petite and those shoes made me extremely nervous along with her dress that she’d go flying at any moment on the slippery driveway of the mansion. Her smile was always the best thing about her and she showed it off like crazy tonight.
– Buh Bye, Chris B. The smartest decision Andi made so far was sending home Chris Bukowski – or however you spell his last name – from Emily Maynard’s season. This immediately made me like her. She didn’t want to upset the guys she already had. Chris B was a kind of a jerk on Emily’s season. I met him in Central Park a couple of years ago at a Bachelor fundraiser and he was LOVING the attention of all the cameras and people coming up to him a little too much. A self important type. It was kind of awesome that Andi didn’t even give him the opportunity to plead his case. Check mark in the “pro-Andi” column. She didn’t get caught up in his nonsense. Shalom, Chris. I was confusing Chris with the other blue eyed, sports medicine guy, Marcus that Andi kept referring to as “Hot.”
– The tragedy. I’m glad that Chris Harrison immediately addressed the Eric Hill death up front in the season. I was worried that they would drop this bomb on Andi midway through the season and we’d spend an entire episode watching her grieve. I wonder if this will come up later. It’s a nice touch that they dedicated the season to him. First impressions of Eric – he’s a good looking man with an adventurous spirit. How horribly sad that he died at age 31.
– Lots of Potential. Was it me or were there more than just a handful of REALLY GOOD LOOKING, CHARMING, REAL CONTENDERS for Andi to choose from? Normally, there’s only about 2 or 3 that I like, but I was so impressed. I’m actually really excited to learn more about a lot of these guys. I love that Andi sent home the other lawyer. He seemed like a nice enough guy, but if someone came up to me and started talking lawyer stuff, it would be a complete turn off. The last thing Andi wants to be romanced with is legal talk. Despite my hope that the producers would start chanting “Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!” like the movie, I knew that poor Rudie didn’t stand a chance. Side note: Andi is definitely not into long haired men. Even if they are doctors. Me neither.
– An Ex-Prosecutor. We learn that Andi is a 27 year old prosecutor that “puts the bad guys away.” She loves the challenge of her career and it’s something that she’s very proud of. But she says she’s “giving it up” to go out on a limb and find love. What does “giving it up” mean. She’s not going to be lawyer anymore? She’s leaving her job? She even said that she’s “leaving behind a good profession.” Big, bold move from little Andi. If she’s 27 years old, the longest she could have been practicing law is 5 years. Not very long if she’s looking to come back some day and be a lawyer again. Will any potential employer take her seriously? Can you just imagine her next legal job interview, “Ms. Dorfman, I see you took a year off from being a prosecutor – what were you doing during that time?” Would she respond with something like, “Um, I decided to date 25 guys at the same time to find my husband.”
– Rejecting Anal. Is there any way to be attracted to a guy who introduces himself as “Anal with an ‘M’?”
A few of my favorites at the get-go:
1. Chris the Farmer. This guy was adorable. 32, from Iowa with great teeth. He seemed so sincere. 4th generation farmer who works with his dad. Is Andi ready to go from the courtroom to corn / soybean farming? Doubtful, but she can have her Little House on the Prairie dream for the moment.
2. Nick V. First impression rose guy. I loved that Andi was into this guy. He’s understated. Modest. Not the flashy type. But has a great smile and seems really sincere. The fact that Andi thought enough of him to pick him out of the crowd says a lot about her. This is another “plus” besides sending home Chris B. Nick’s cute in a “normal,” down to earth way. I like that he’s 33 and from Chicago. He’s got a real chance.
3. Dylan the Accountant. Ok, so this 26 year old guy said almost next to nothing, but I loved him. He was good looking, completely flustered by meeting Andi and just had this charming way about him. I hope he sticks around.
4. Patrick the Mad Men, skinny tie character. He’s a bit of a slickster with his soccer ball moves and killer smile, but I liked him. I’m not entirely convinced that Patrick and Andrew won’t have an affair while on the show, but at least one great relationship is guaranteed.
5. Josh M. Former baseball player – reminded me of Roberto Martinez from Ali Fedotowsky’s season. Tall, dark and handsome. This Josh had a bit more “game” than our beloved Roberto, and Andi’s antennae was up right away for him possibly being a “player.” She declares that this Josh is her type but this hasn’t worked for her in the past. That said, people love to repeat their mistakes, so he will likely go far. I liked the other Josh too, who went home and gave a very honest speech about being completely embarrassed and having to explain to his parents that he got rejected on night one. Funny and true.
6. Cookie Guy Marquel and Marcus the German / Polish guy. Both of these men were interesting and were big hits with Andi. I loved the cookie tasting segment and black and white cookies are some of my favorites! Marcus has the nice eyes and the “mundo” factor that Sharleen had on last season. He says Copenhagen is his favorite place to travel in the world. Interesting.
Quirky, Not Sure About These Guys:
1. JJ the Pantrapreneur. I was thrown off by his bow tie and the wild pants he gave to Andi. Not sure I’d want to date someone like this as he’s a bit too metrosexual for me. Perhaps he could be her stylist instead. Same goes for Tasos. I kept calling him Tacos in my head. Tacos seems like a nice enough guy, but his Faux hawk haircut was bothering me. Also, I don’t know many straight guys who are wedding event coordinators. We’ll have to explore this more.
2. Cody the Blonde personal trainer who looks a little like a younger, cleaned up version of the psycho
kidnapper guy in Fargo. Why do these personal trainers always have the whitest teeth and seem to get their way deep into the line up of this show? I don’t see the appeal, but that’s just me. He’s cheesy and had a popped collar.
3. Bradley the Opera Singer. Any guy who just starts busting out serious opera songs at a cocktail party of dudes just seems socially awkward to me. I’m sure he’s a perfectly nice, cultured fellow, but he didn’t seem like Andi’s type.
4. Brett the Hairstylist who Steals Hotel Lamps. What?! His mother tells him never to greet a lady empty-handed and he thinks that showing up with stolen goods to meet a criminal prosecutor is a good idea? And she actually keeps him around? This guy needs to go. I thought the security guys sitting with Chris B were actually there to arrest Brett for stealing the hotel lamp.
I Need to Know More:
Ron the 28 year old beverage salesman whose African American but mentions that he’s from Israel and Barbados. What does that mean? He’s Jewish and African American with Barbados roots? Interesting. Great smile too.
Craig the 29 year old Tax Accountant who exits the limo and blasts a champagne bottle? Accounting and champagne blasting don’t seem to go together. Will Craig be the resident party guy?
Carl the Firefighter. I always think of Sweet Ryan from Trista’s season when I think of firefighter contestants. Could Carl have the same success?
The rest of the guys, I was neutral on. It was a great first episode and I’m looking forward to the season now that I know there are some real contenders to keep my interest.
It’s now 1 AM and this is the first “normal” evening I’ve had in 10 weeks. If you asked me a couple weeks ago whether I ever thought it would be possible to have time to watch The Bachelorette, blog about it and have a baby, I never would have believed it. Thankfully, The Husband is extremely understanding and supportive of my insanity to allow me to do all of these things. After changing 18 diapers, doing 5 feedings, cleaning up spit up, poops and making bottles, it is a fun escape from new parenthood.
So here’s to another new season of The Bachelorette and the kick off of summer – only this time, I will be hanging with my own baby Bachelorette along the way. So what did you think? Any early favorites? Did you like Andi? Can’t wait to share this season with all of you!
easycinderella says
“Was it me or were there more than just a handful of REALLY GOOD LOOKING, CHARMING, REAL CONTENDERS for Andi to choose from?”
It was you.
Heather says
Forgot to tell you this at the time, but when I was in Pittsburgh for Round 1, Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (April 19), Juan Pablo was also at the game! Why, I’ll never know, but he also stayed at the hotel we stayed at. Saw him Sunday morning after he checked out & I can tell you he looked like a complete douche! Even if I hadn’t known who he was/that he was in town, I would have pegged him for an arrogant jerk just by looking at him.
anon 4 says
STACEY!!! the adventures of the bachelorette world wouldn’t be complete without you. Thank you thank you thank you the Husband for championing the dinner and baby chores so Stace could blog. And again pure Stacey style that had me nodding in agreement and laughing (kidnapper guy ? exactly!!!).
You really hit the nail on the head with every remark. Soooo relieved Chris B. didn’t stay. He’s rather obnoxious and conceited.
Andy really likes tall men. I kept thinking that her father’s build is what she is attracted to. Good job to the show for dedicating this to Eric who was soooo sweet to give her those dolls.
🙂 My how your little peanut has grown!
A4
Colleen says
If Andi went straight through, she started practicing at 25, or maaaaaybe 24 if she was young for her grade. She was listed as 25 in Juan Pablo’s season, so she’s likely only been practicing 1-2 years tops. I got out of prosecution too soon, and it is a bitch to get back into it, so best of luck!
Stacey B says
Colleen – yes, good point. In my brain I thought she started practicing when she was 22, but that’s when she would have entered law school if she went straight through from college. So yes, you’re right – only 1-2 years of practicing and it will be very hard for her to go back to that same gig. BTW, my mathematic skills are severely diminished by lack of sleep. How embarrassing!
Colleen says
No apology necessary! You have your plate full and I’m just happy to have something to read on the bus in the morning! I’m sure she’ll find true love, though, so who needs a job. WEEEEEE!
Sarah W-J says
Happy Bachelorette season!
So glad that you were able to blog about this episode. I suppose Ellie understands the importance of watching the Bachelorette; it’s in her blood!
I thought this first episode was hilarious! My mom, sister, and I were all belly laughing. I am a big fan of any man who brings cookies. ‘Right now, my true love is cookies.’ Bahahaha! My sister said that she would have given him the first impression rose so that she could have more cookies. Some of the lines were just hilarious, especially Emil’s explanation of his name. I was pleasantly surprised by Andi as the Bachelorette. She wasn’t my favorite on Juan Pablo’s season but she did a pretty good job last night. Hopefully she continues this way.
Looking forward to the rest of the season and to hearing from you and Ellie about the episodes.
PS- Ellie is so very cute!
Stacey B says
Thank you, Sarah W-J! Agree there were some really funny moments last night. I would have just kept asking for more cookies too. They looked really good – what a great idea to get her attention! Ellie was an angel last night. It’s like she knew it was important. She slept from 10 PM to 5:15 this morning. Bless her!
backchat says
Oh my, I don’t think we have had any topless bachelorettes in the hot tub…no, Ellie, don’t be the first! No matter how cute you are, keep that bikini top in place! Love her smile!
Stacey, you need some kind of speech to text program, so that you can chat during commercials and get your blogging done quickly. I am worried that once you go back to work you won’t have time for all of us needy blog readers!
Hmm, I did not find there to be an abundance of great looking men, though most of them seemed nice. I do like long hair, and blondes, but for some reason was not impressed by the personalities of the Tarzen men last night. I was wondering if Chris B showing up was “real” reality or something planned to spice up the night. Glad Andi didn’t let him in. I was not altogether thrilled that Andi was the Bachelorette, but she was okay last night. I was only put off by her constant use of “y’all”. It didn’t seem sincere to me only because I never recall her using it during Juan Pablo’s season. If it is meant to make us think she’s a real southern belle type, well, it’s not working for me. I am glad that the show started with a bit about Eric. That was classy. However, watching him on the show just makes me sad. What a nice man he seemed to be…I am sad for his family and friends.
I like the farmer, and I loved the cookie guy, even if his shirt and tie were WAY too much. I thought the b/w cookie thing was more of a hidden comment on his and Andi’s race, not necessarily about a style of cookie : )
I was taken aback by how many of the men were wearing really ill fitting suits. Is that the new style? Too tight and too short? Guess being in education, all I mostly see in women. The men teachers and coaches wear casual clothing.
Leanne says
Woo Hoo happy Bachelorette! I prefer it so much more than the Bachelor. Anyway, I agree that there are a lot of hotties! My husband watched the cookie part with me and told me that the black/white cookie thing was taken from an episode of Seinfeld. I thought that was fitting since Andi sort of looks like Elaine!
I think all the contestants must go through some sort of personality training. My least favorite line that they ALL end up saying is, “having said that…” here’s a rose.
Anyway Ellie is precious and that stinky formula doesn’t sound fun! But enjoy it while it lasts… my “baby” girl is 15! Yikes 🙂
Guest3 says
OMG YES on the “having said that,” here is a rose. You nailed it! So irksome.
And…*Elaine*, yes you put your finger right on it!
Frank says
I was not in love with this show, but it seems like I am certainly in the minority.
I am going to watch it again, and see if I can come up to speed.
When “Harry Met Sally” came out, I didn’t like it.
My daughter said it was great, so I watched it again.
I think I must have watched this movie 25 times, and love it.
Hope this seasons Bachelor feels the same to me.
Stacey , your blogging is always on target, and funny.
Peace
Teresa says
Happy New Season!
Congratulations on your beautiful little girl! I love Andie! She was my favorite from night one from JP’s season. I am so happy to have her as the Bachelor. I think she is so endearing and”real.” Her personality seems so sincere and genuine. I love how she smiles and laughs with her comments about the men..
I really found Andie’s response to Chris B showing up to be excellent! He was posting tweets and pics of him “crashing” the opening night..he is a camera whore who misses the time in the spotlight. There were rumors the Juan Pablo was the one who was going to be crashing..but I think it was a big joke to Chris B and I’m glad Andie didn’t give him the time of day. I feel like if it was all scripted he would’ve been invited in as Kacie B did in a previous season.
I did not like most of the guys by first glance..I honestly thought Eric was the most handsome and sweetest..I have a funny feeling that Dylan will be a contender!
Hope everyone enjoys the season!
katbyrd says
I wasn’t an Andie fan, either, and totally swore off watching. But guess what… the pull was too strong. I watched, and was pleasantly surprised. Glad they didn’t dwell on the JuanPablo thing….and I still think a lot of the show is scripted. I looked at the Men’s photos prior to the show and thought “yuk” — is that the best they could find? Thank God they look better on camera than they did in still shots. Not sure if she really connected with anyone last night, but time should tell. And time shall tell if any of them get past dear old dad. Talk about a buzz kill!
“Having said that…” your daughter is absolutely gorgeous. I love reading your blogs on motherhood as much as your Bach/Bach’ette blogs.
Until next week…..
Shira says
Ha, love that I wasn’t the only one trying to spot a mezuza or a menorah in Andi’s parents house!! A lot of news sites have said she’s Jewish but I’m not sure if they have official confirmation of that. All my friends and I are guessing which of the guys are Jewish – your thoughts?
LR says
With Ron being half Black and White, Andi’s parents as well as those that are White, like Josh, would hate him. Mixed race guys are often seen as not worth marrying because of their ambiguity.
Guest3 says
Um, what? I will cede that mixed race relationships are more likely to be challenged (than same-race) — but this is a huge assumption on your part about Andi’s family. It’s offensive. Let’s stay open minded here, shall we? Remember, it’s all about opening up your heart and putting yourself out there. =)
Stephanie says
I didn’t really like Andi on Juan Pablo’s season (I really wanted Sharleen to the be the Bachelorette..le sigh), but I think she will be a good Bachelorette after all. She seemed different from what I remembered. 🙂
I agree–I think there are a lot of a good guys to choose from. We’ll see how things unfold, but I have my hopes up! I always write down my “first impressions” while watching the guys get out of the car, and I thought a lot of them were very good looking.
The first episodes can drag. on. but the condensed version was very refreshing. No Juan Pablo, no bios–like you said!
Thanks for blogging even though you’re busy!! Wouldn’t be the same without your commentary. 🙂