37 Weeks - Baltimore, MD. - February 2012

Holy Cow, has anyone noticed my count down to baby counter is below 20 days!  In fact, at this very moment it says 17 DAYS!!!! (...minus the exclamation points of course.)

I must start by saying, I've never been this pregnant before.  I was induced with El at exactly 37 weeks so at this point she was 3 days old.  CRAZY!

I'm starting to feel much more relaxed about "Little Sticks" arriving.  We've gotten a lot accomplished in the last month which has set my mind and body at ease.  The Children's room is pretty much complete and I have everything I need to pack both El's bag for staying with our friends while we're in the hospital and my bag for the hospital.  I think my bag will be a lot easier this time around because I pretty much just need my wallet, a tooth brush, hair brush, hair dryer, and something to wear home.  The hospital pretty much gives you everything else you need.

The service that the Hub is on this month has a much better schedule so he's been able to be home a lot earlier and that has been a HUGE help with the Monkey!  Most day's I'm tired, but that's just part of it.  It's all prep for when this little one arrives.  I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Here are a couple of new belly pictures.

 32 Weeks

37 Weeks

And here are my "stats"

How far along? 37 weeks and 3 days

Total weight gain/loss:17lbs

Maternity clothes? Yep, except for a pair of Gap size 4 Curvy jeans that are low enough to accommodate baby and are SUPER comfy.

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Getting better.  A couple of weeks ago, in the middle of the night I got pissed at all my pillows and threw them all out of bed. That night I discovered that sleeping with NO pillows, except one tiny air plain pillow wedged under my belly works for me.  Go figure!

Working out? Not so much, unless toddler wrangling is considered "working out".

Best moment this week: Getting to be a part of "Father Daughter Night" on Wednesday.

Movement: Still ALL THE TIME!!!

Food cravings: Fruit and Red Robyn root beer floats!

Gender: Not finding out!!

Labor Signs: Just Braxton Hicks contractions (Who is Braxton Hicks?)

Belly Button in or out? Non existent

What I miss: Sushi and family

What I am looking forward to: Meeting this little person!!!

Weekly Wisdom: Drink more water!

Milestones: I guess the baby getting lower would be considered a milestone.  Also the children;s room is ready!

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

31 Weeks - Baltimore, MD - December 2011

I haven't done nearly the number of posts I thought I'd be doing on this pregnancy, but much to my amazement, my friends that are mommies of one and one on the way were right!  The days and weeks are just FLYING by!

(25 Weeks - Fall photo session by Monica Leigh: MM Leigh Photography)

The 2nd trimester was great!  I pretty much ran after the Monkey throughout that entire 12 weeks.  El and I also did some fun traveling.  First to see my friends Robyn and Sarah in Florida for about a week and then to see my Sister in Kansas for a 4 day weekend.  We also went as a family to New York City.  All of these trips I fully intend on posting about, so please stay tuned and please don't give up on me.  I just feel like on most days I'm going in circles and praying that at the end of the day the beds are made the sink is clean there is something to eat for dinner, The Hub has clean scrubs to wear tomorrow, and I can say I accomplished SOMETHING that day.

I'm starting to "list" all the things that need to be done before the arrival of Little Sticks and am starting to get a little overwhelmed, and A LOT excited!  Most things will need to wait until after the new year, but with the Hub on a pretty rough couple of rotations in a row I know we must take our time and do what we can today and be okay with leaving the rest for tomorrow, or the next day, or even next week or month.

It's been a lot harder for me this time around not knowing the gender of this baby because I am worried if it's a boy that he'll have to wear pink new born stuff, but I'm comforted when I pull out the box of preemee and newborn clothing from when El was tiny and remember that we deliberately bought things to be gender neutral. =)  Good thinking us!

Here are a few belly pictures

20 Weeks

 25 Weeks

30 Weeks

How far along? 31 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:10 lbs

Maternity clothes? Yep (Thank you Katie, I'd be naked without your super cute tops!)

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Not so great. My dreams are still NUTS and the heart burn is KILLER!!!
Working out? I picked up The Perfect Pregnancy Workout: Vol 1 and it's actually pretty good.

Best moment this week: I have 2: One hearing Little Stick's heart beat on Tuesday and two When El woke up yesterday morning she pointed at my belly and said "baby" and blew Little Sticks a kiss.

Movement: ALL THE TIME!!! And he/she gets the hiccups like you wouldn't believe!!!

Food cravings: Japanese Hibachi food, Red Robyn bottomless fries, and root beer floats! Mmmmmmmm!!!!

Gender: Not finding out!!

Labor Signs: Nope (unless you count Braxton Hicks contractions which I've had in both pregnancies from the 2nd trimester through to the end). 

Belly Button in or out? OUT

What I miss: Sushi and sleep

What I am looking forward to: Christmas! (I know this is a little late.)

Weekly Wisdom: Sleep when you can!

Milestones: I have my "shelf" back! Most often used as a plate or cup holder while kicking back on the couch, this belly comes in pretty handy! =)

Til Next Time,

Bon Voyage!

I Crave Movies - Baltimore, MD - October 2011

So although I absolutly crave different sorts of foods while I'm pregnant, what I crave most of all is MOVIES!!!  While pregnant with The Monkey I think I watched Julie and Julia at least 40 times and Juno... Well that number is pretty obscene and probably realistically falls somewhere in the 60's.  I know it sounds bad, but don't forget I was on Bedrest for 7 weeks.

This time around I find myself drawn to older movies that hold some sort of scentimental significance.  Old baseball movies like Field of Dreams,  For the Love of the Game, The Sandlot, Rookie of the Year, and Eight Men Out.  They aren't all fantastic movies, but they remind me of my dad and watching them on Sunday afternoon was one of our favorite pass times.

I also have had a hankering for The Sound of Music.  Little known fact, my older sister and I can sing EVERY song in this movie pretty much by heart.

In my DVD player, as we speek is one of my all time favorites which I believe I'll watch again tonight (4 time) before I send it back to NetFlix, is the 1994 version of Little Women that has be in tears within the first 5 minutes. I just can't stop myself!

I still make a regular go at Juno, but my copy of Julie and Julia is missing in action (maybe it ran away with my Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred that the Hub says I conveniently lost).  Thank goodness I've been able to get my Meryl Streep fix from weekly submersion into The Devil Wears Prada while folding towels durring the Monkey's nap.  The only problem is that watching it has got me  wishing for more Anne Hathaway, which could go a great many dirrections... SIGH!!!

My one complaint is Instant Queue. Although NetFlix has been a big help durring all of my late night needs for the silver screen, the amount of material on "Instant Queue" is pretty disapointing.  Of the movies I've listed, only 2 are available instantly.  The others I've had to wait a couple of days for.  I have been able to get my Friday Night Lights fix instantly as all five seasons are now at my fingertips via Instant Queue, so this is a big plus, but still, I want more!

Pregnant or not, what movies to you crave?

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

I'm A PREGOSAURUS!!! - Baltimore, MD - Sept 2011

I've been trying to think of a cute way to announce this news, but in the midst of packing for our trip to Florida, trying to talk the Monkey into keeping her shoes on while riding in the car, and embarking on a house cleaning and organization project, I'm really at a loss, so I'll just tell it like it is.

I'M KNOCKED UP!!!

EXPECTING!!!

A PREGOSAURUS!!!

WITH CHILD!!!

A BUN IN THE OVEN!!!

WORKING ON THE ULTIMATE DIY PROJECT!!!

and just in case none of those were clear, We're having another baby!!! Somewhere around the 27th of February we'll become a family of 4! We are super excited and can't wait to meet this little one, who we are affectionately calling....

"LITTLE STICKS"

And just in case you're wondering, much to the disappointment of some of our friends, we're not going to find out the gender of this little one. I know it may be hard to believe, but it adds a whole new level of excitement to the day of delivery.

I'm 16 weeks along and am pretty much out of the "morning sickness" phase and am entering the "listing" and "sleeping" phase. All in all it's been a super smooth ride so far and pretty much a carbon copy of my pregnancy with the Monkey.

Many more posts to come on the listing and nesting, but in the mean time, I'll use my friend Amy's list to keep track of our progress.

How far along? 16 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: -2 lbs (could only stomach liquids in the first trimester)

Maternity clothes? Nope

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Last night I slept like a ROCK, but before that not so great.  My dreams are NUTS!!!

Best moment this week: When El gave her baby a bottle for the first time.  She's going to be a great big sister (even if she put it in the baby's eye)!

Movement: I think I feel little bump bump bumps, but the Hub thinks it may be too early.

Food cravings: Taco Bell and Root Beer Floats

Gender: Not finding out!!

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Innie

What I miss: Sushi

What I am looking forward to: Seeing Robyn and Sarah next week!

Weekly Wisdom: Shine my sink! "FlyLady"

Milestones: Not being sick!

Til Next Time,

Bon Voyage!

A “Littlie” Change of Plans - Baltimore, MD - May 2010

Friday we had another 3 week ultrasound for growth progress and Baby Sticks has fallen from the 9th to the 3rd percentile on the growth chart, weighing approximately 4lbs 11oz. From what they’re saying Baby Sticks should be gaining about 1/2 lb per week, meaning that over the last three weeks he or she has gained less than 1lb. Since we’re at 37 and ½ weeks, and "the cake is baked" (full term), they feel like they can do more for the baby out than in. With that said, there’s been a little change in plans. We've scheduled to begin induction on Friday 5/28 at 6pm.

Here’s a couple of belly pics to tide you over till our wee one arrives

Me at 37 Weeks

Although this may not seam big to you, please know that it feels big, and for me, someone that didn't enter the triple didget club till I was 24 years old, it is big!

Baby Sticks at 37 weeks

Nose: Mine

Lips: The Hub

Oh and you can't see it in this pic, but Baby Sticks has HAIR!!!

Hope you all are well and thanks in advance for your prayers.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Resting and Nesting - Baltimore, MD - May 2010

So if you've never had the chance to partake in "bedrest" you should know that it's actually BED RESTING. It's been quite a challenge to learn to type while laying on the couch or bed on my left side but I'm doing it like a champ!

First things first: Baby Sticks Update

We had a growth scan on Thursday and are pleased to let everyone know that Baby Sticks has remained in the 9th percentile on the growth chart. Our doctors feel that this has a lot to do with the bedrest. Baby is weighing in at approx 3 and 1/2 lbs which is 2 - 3 lbs below "normal". Our weekly testing has yielded slightly elevated results, but weekly doctor appointments are extremely encouraging. They feel like all the steps we are taking are allowing the baby to grow as they had hoped he or she would, which should make it completely possible for me to carry to term (37 weeks) and beyond as long as the baby is thriving. Thank you for your prayers. They're working!

Nesting:
We've also been getting busy on finishing the baby's room. I'm still up in the air about the bed skirt, but thanks to my good friend Anita I've found a potential stand in for $16.99 at Baby Depot.

I'm not completely in love with it, but for now it will do and the price is right and who knows I may love it once it's on.

The process of converting the Hub's office to the baby's room has been a little bit more labor intensive than we initially thought. We have way more books than either of us realized. So, last weekend the Hub built book shelves from Ikea and arranged then rearranged furniture and although it's not quite done, we're so very close. Just a few more things left to buy and do. Here's a few new pictures of the room.

• The green afghan hanging in the crib was made by Jeremy's Aunt Polly Ann, LOVE IT!!!
• And don't you LOVE the glider rocker. I think I'm going to do a pillow for it. I'm not scared of making a pillow!

• We've still got to get a changing pad for the changing table and whatever fabric I do the pillow in I'm going to use for the drawer fronts so I'm on the hunt for something good!
• Ooooh and I almost forgot... We got a new fan with a light fixture. Let there be light! FANCY!!!

Till Next time,

Bon Voyage

Intimidated - Baltimore, MD - April 2010

There are two places that completely intimidate and or overwhelm me. One is the baby store as there is still so much left to buy. The other is the fabric store. Now I know that the worst is when those two places collide.

As our due date draws nearer I walked into the baby store to look at one, maybe two things. On this day in particular I was looking at a glider rocker and options for a baby bed skirt. First off there are 85 gliders!!! Some come with ottomans, some without; some recline and some don’t. There are about 30 choices for the stain you want and just as many choices for the color of fabric you’d like. After sitting in every one I decided on the one that’s on clearance. It just so happened that I like the wood and fabric color. Decision one down. Now on to the crib skirt… Wait, so did you know that they don’t sell crib skirts (also known as dust ruffles) by themselves. WHY???

This brings me to the fabric store…

Note to Reader: My friends Sarah and Robyn can confirm that the back story I’m about to tell you is completely true.

Last year I decided to make baby quilts for some of my prego friends. The three of us all had sewing projects so we all went out to the fabric store together. I had everything picked out; thread, batting, fabric, binding, etc. all in the cart and ready to check out. Then, as they were picking out there stuff I had some time to think about my projects, the actual process of making the quilts and completely psyched myself out. I then proceeded to put EVERYTHING back. A week later I drug the Hub back to the fabric store, which by the way is the last place on EARTH the Hub wanted to be. I gathered everything I’d had in my cart the week before and took it to the fabric cutting station. Come to find out almost everything I’d picked out was wrong. This very nice woman walked me through the store and traded out all the wrong things for the right ones.

So to bridge these two places that completely freak me out, after striking out at the baby store I thought to myself I could make a bed skirt. It’s only a few strait lines. So I went to the fabric store, which happens to be across the street from the baby store. Once inside I managed (after 30 min) to find a pattern. Oh and I must point out that it was ONLY $0.99.

This pattern…

I must also point out that I’ve NEVER sewed by a pattern. I was thinking I’d love to do the skirt in a white, with the bottom section in green. Then once we figure out if it’s a girl or boy put their first initial on it in green iron on letters, or maybe a monogram. I walked the store knowing deep down that I was searching for that same very nice woman to tell me exactly what to buy… No such luck!!! The more I walked the store, the worse my fear got so I bought the pattern, and brought it home to stare at. I’ve even pulled out the instructions to see if that would lessen my fear and discovered words like “basting” which I thought was something you only did to turkeys. I don’t know what kind of fabric to buy. I don’t know what kind of thread to buy. I know it’s a baby and they really aren’t going to care what their crib skirt looks like or better yet if there is even a crib skirt at all, but I’d really like to do this…

Till next time
Bon Voyage!

Bed Rest... A Family Affair - Baltimore, MD - April 2010

The latest in Baby Sticks' journey to the outside is that as of Thursday of last week I have been placed on bedrest due to I.U.G.R (Intrauterine growth restriction). This means that the baby is not growing as the doctors feel that he or she should be. Thursday Baby Sticks was in the 9th percentile on the growth chart. While we are concerned about his or her growth we are comforted by the fact that he or she is very active and is very responsive to both the hub and I (as well as a certain puring kitty that snuggles up to my belly while I nap). So to make a long story short we have a little, but very active baby and we both feel that we couldn't be in a better place for care.

As for the bed rest... It's really become an effort of the entire family to make sure that I and Baby Sticks are getting the most benefit out of it. Both Malchik and Kitty Sticks have taken it upon themselves to make sure I understand that there are many comfortable spots in our house to "bedrest".

The Floor...

The tree...

The chair...

The back of the chair...

And even the bed...

And the Hub has made sure that I maintain a balanced diet and drink lots of fluids...

And has gotten me out of the house so that I don't go completely bonkers! Last weekend we drove over to Skyline Drive, part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the Hubs New "Baby Hauling Machine" Oscar...

(which could also be an "Entire T-Ball Team Hauling Machine")

We hit several of the overlooks which were completely breathtaking. The Hub took some cute belly pics... We even managed to get a few bystanders to take a couple of really great pictures of us.

Only 8 weeks (or less) till we get to meet our little bitty Baby Sticks!

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Tummy Sleeper - Baltimore, MD - April 2010

Note to Reader: From the beginning I have ALWAYS been a tummy sleeper. My parents found it hysterical that they'd come in to find me in my crib tush in the air sleeping like a rock. Even now as an adult, full grown and on my way to having a little one of my own I can be found "tummy sleeping". Maybe not with my tush up in the air, but I'm sure not too far from it.

So in the last few days, I've discovered that I have now acquired a belly that is large enough to prevent the above mentioned tummy sleeping. So it goes without saying, but I'll say it just the same... I NEED HELP!!! I haven't slept in about three days! Cat naps , yes, and one heck of a couch nap after an early morning hospital stay that I will tell you about a little later, but I haven't seen good, night time, REM sleep in a little while. Even my rockin' Vera Wang mattress hasn't been able to offer much relief.

So to all of my friends that are pregnant, have been pregnant, or know of people that have been or are pregnant, I need help sleeping! How do you sleep when you have a squash strapped to your belly? (The Bump.com says that Baby Sticks is the size of a squash.) How do you, as a lifetime "Tummy Sleeper", get some rest the last 9 weeks of being pregnant?

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

A Little More Belly - Baltimore, MD - March 2010

So even though he or she is measuring a little small, we're both growing like weeds. We get more ultrasound pictures in a couple of weeks so that will be fun, but in the mean time here's a couple of pics to tide you over.

My Sister Lo (the pretty one on the Left) threw us a baby shower while we were in Memphis about a month ago. It was so much fun. My little sister Suze was able to be there (she's the beauty to my right), and some of my very best friends were there.

Cozy and Jen from Side By Side Memphis came. Love them! Love Them!! LOVE THEM!!! And my friends Ashley and Anna also came and they made OH SO YUMMY food!!! I haven't gotten all the pictures back so as soon as I get them I'll put more up.

Me at 27 weeks after we got back from Memphis

28 Weeks (Yes, I love this shirt... apparently more than I realized.)

and this is me last week at 29 weeks.

I've finally reached the point where people do come up to me and try to touch my belly (pretty creepy) and the baby is constantly moving. It's absolutely wild! I can't wait to meet this little one!

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

Getting to Work - Baltimore, MD - March 2010

So I came home from work last Sunday to find that the Hub had been a busy man. He did this...

I guess one of us had to get to work on the baby's room. Thank you for being AWESOME J-Rod!

Walls Painted (Check)
Baby Bed Put Together (Check)

Tomorrow we're both off and even though I'm not sure if we're more productive together, we sure do have more fun!

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Just Wait Until... - Memphis, TN - March 2010

Note To Reader: Just a quick apology to those of you that aren't really interested in hearing about me being pregnant. Don't forget that this blog is pretty much a window into my brain and at the moment that's what's on my mind.

So in the last few weeks I've had about a hundred people begin a statement with the following three words... "Just wait until..." followed by some terrifying detail from either their own pregnancy, the pregnancy of a friend, their wife's pregnancy, or the crazy crap they've seen on that TLC show A Baby Story. I've found that the ones from women that are actually pregnant themselves are really the worst and most difficult to swallow. Don't forget, the only book I've read cover to cover thus far is Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy.

"Oh you're only 27 weeks pregnant, just wait until you're 35 weeks like me and you...
...can't sleep.
...can only eat small amounts of food at a time
...can't poop.
...have swollen feet and your arches have fallen.
...have a rash
...have been to the hospital three times with false labor.
...start laughing at some one's joke and pee all over yourself IN PUBLIC!
...fart all the time.!

Then there are the stories from the husbands after the baby was born.

"When little Johnny was born they used that sucker thing on him to try to get him out of her "you know what". It sounded like they were sucking his brains out. We were so scared.

"When we were in the delivery room she just pooped on herself straight into this giant trash bag at the end of the table. I guess it happens to everyone but it's GROSS!"

"We thought throughout the entire pregnancy that she was just having one baby, then in the delivery room out popped two!"

"Oh yeah she went into labor at work! Her water broke right there in the middle of the break area"!

"Oh yeah that's right Jane was born in an elevator and delivered by a biker guy named Butch."

Why on Earth would you tell a first time mother-to-be these sorts of stories. To scare the crap out of her? Really...? If so mission accomplished, but really I think that may go without saying. Maybe it's to show the mother-to-be that scary stuff happens, but they made it through and their baby turned out just fine. I guess we'll know in about 12 weeks when we're living through and then sharing our story.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Last 6... Next 3... - Mempis, TN - March 2010

At 26 weeks pregnant I find myself reflecting on the last few months and also looking forward to the next few. Part of me feels completely ill prepared because I've been able to read exactly one book... Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy, which although wildly entertaining really can't be considered a book for research and preparation. I've peeked at the Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way but the photo and realistic depiction of what actual childbirth is going to be like completely freaked me out... 3 months to get there... One day at a time...

So after last week, one of the most stressful weeks in my professional career, we've been able to take a much needed vacation to visit friends and family in Tennessee. My sister and friends, Ashley and Anna, threw me an wonderful baby shower on Sunday (***photos coming soon***). The Hub and I have both had the chance to have dinner with our fantastic friends that we haven't gotten to see in 8 months. I got to visit with friends from my old job and compare bellies with some of my prego friends. I also got to get my hair cut and eye brows waxed for the first time in 8 months. THANK YOU LORD!!!! (and David!)

Tonight two sisters (Lo and Sue) and I are going to be bridesmaid in our brother's wedding. We'll be wearing our red dresses with red toe nails and get to flip flop down the isle to celebrate our family getting just a little bit bigger.

As for the next three months... In the next 14 to 16 weeks, this baby will come and he or she will be a blessing and a miracle, and even if I don't read another book we'll be just fine.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Yes Sir, That's Our Baby... - Baltimore, MD. - February 2010

A little camera shy...

Isn't technology awesome? You can even see the elbow dimples! And aren't those the cutest ears you've ever seen!!

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

No Sushi - Baltimore, MD - January 2010

Note To Reader: Did you know that Pregnant women aren't allowed to eat sushi!?

Those of you that know me personally know that I am a total sushi nut. I could probably eat it 5 out of 7 days a week. In fact, I think I've probably eaten it at least 4 out of 7 days a week once or twice. Obsession would probably be taking it to the extreme, but let's just say I have a healthy love for raw fish.

Side step to my current position as host and lifeline to a tiny human being that I already have an unconditional love for and incomprehensible desire to protect. Put 2 and 2 together, and you can see where the dilemma lies.

So for the last 5 months, and next 4 or so months, I've sworn off sushi... Well the real kind that is... I've lived vicariously through the Hub as he's eaten tuna, salmon, mackerel, white tuna, spicy tuna, and all my favorites. No reason for him to suffer, right? I've sat and eaten my California, avocado, and salad rolls and even tried a smoked Salmon roll to try to get the fix, but nope there's nothing like the real thing. The Hub felt so bad for me this weekend that he gave me one of his spicy tuna roll pieces which contained the tiny tiniest piece of tuna in it, and the moment it hit my tongue I collapsed into the taste of it. Mmmmmmm....

So today, for all the world to hear, I am making my public request. I want my FIRST post pregnancy meal to be a GIANT plate of SUSHI!!! Tuna so sharp in taste that it makes your eyes open up, and salmon so buttery and rich that you saver every bite.

So to all my non-pregnant readers, if you are a sushi eater, and you are so inclined eat a piece for me. For these next few months, I am eating for the greater good.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

A Day off to Play - Baltimore, MD - January 2010

I can honestly say I was positively giddy in anticipation of my mid week Thursday off. When one of my co-workers asked me why I was so happy I gladly told them. "I have tomorrow off". Her response was " Oh really, you must have big plans." I smiled back at her and said without hesitation, "I plan to do NOTHING!" I must confess though that I will be praying throughout the day, at regular intervals, that my store will run without me. That they will not call me, and that they will accomplish everything I left them on the "To Do list".

And here I am, doing just that! I am literally sitting with my laptop perched on my knees in the HUB's robe doing the things I love to do just to pass the time; reading my favorite blogs, window shopping the Internet for baby gear, relaxing with one kitty cat on each side of me sleeping and Baby Sticks dancing around to what ever internal music I've got playing.

I think in a few I will make myself a root beer float (YES... it's before 9:00!) and some popcorn and watch Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Later I'll cook dinner. Not sure what that will be yet, but it may involve potatoes as that is what I am currently craving. I'll read a couple chapters of what ever book strikes me I'm currently most interested in Love the One Your With by Emily Giffin. And just for kicks I think I'll take a nap.because I can. And who knows, I may blog again... 2 in one day... Get CRAZY!!! I also want to spend time chattering with far away friends and catching up.

I am truly dreaming of a day in the not so distant future that I will be able to fill my days with my quickly growing family. I catch myself envisioning this tiny girl or boy and what they will sound like smell like and be like. Monday we go for our 20 week ultra sound (HALFWAY!!!) I am waiting with bated breath to see his or her face, to know they are okay, and to be reassured that I am doing a good job so far as their mother. I'll post pictures Monday night for all to see.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

Where'd That Come From? - Baltimore, MD - 2010

So, I've been hesitant to post any of the traditional "belly shots" because, well frankly until this weekend I really haven't thought there was enough there to even take pictures of. But I, for purposes of documentation, have taken photos every three to 4 weeks. So for all that have been asking, here goes...

6 weeks: The day after we found out

9 Weeks: Positive the camera would reveal way more of a belly than it actually did

13 Weeks: This picture looks the same as the last one!

16 Weeks: Maybe the shirt is hiding my actual progress... Nope!

17 Weeks: The sample dress for my brother's wedding actually gives me way more belly than is really there. =) But all the sales girls told me I was adorable! =)

19 Weeks: Where'd that come from!!! The HUB and I both agree this really happened over night but finally a little belly! =)

19 1/2 weeks: This was taken yesterday at my second fitting.

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!

So Much To Say… - Baltimore, MD - December 2009

Aside from being lyrics to a great Dave Matthews Band song, it really is the truth. I was talking with my mother last night on the phone and she mentioned that it had been since November 20th since I’d last posted. Upon hanging up with her I had to actually go to the computer and check this fact for myself and indeed there it was, right there in black and white… “Friday, November 20, 2009”. Where have I been!?

So there’s so much that has happened in the last month and a half that I don’t even know where to start? I actually think it starts back in October, but I’ll hit the highlights and there will be more in depth in future blogs about the really good stuff.

Like I said so much is going on, but most exciting of which is that in mid October we found out we are expecting our first child in June of 2010. We are beyond excited!!! We’ve decided, for completely separate reasons, to not find out if the baby is a girl or a boy. I think it is completely romantic to save this sort of news for the actual day of birth. The Hub being my polar opposite and therefore my perfect match, took a more practical approach. If we don’t find out if the baby is a boy or girl we will pretty much end up getting gender neutral stuff and that way we can use that same stuff for baby #2. I LOVE THIS MAN!!! We’ve affectionately taken to calling the baby “Baby Sticks”, this name is of course temporary until gender is determined upon birth.

(Yes he or she is that sort of bean shaped thing in the upper right.)

In late October I was in a car accident with a man traveling the wrong way down my side of the street. I can’t say a whole lot about this except that everyone walked away from the accident except Moose who spent 7 and a half weeks in the Auto Hospital and after over $8,000.00 worth of repairs he’s back together with only a few residual issues that we are working out. Baby Sticks and I are fine and if you’d seen the damage you would completely understand that the protection of the Lord was on us that night.

November brought with it nausea beyond your wildest imagination and a lot of transition with my job. This has made work both a blessing and a challenge all at the same time. The blessing is that the Hub and I are both working at a time when a lot of people can’t say that. The challenge is that the hours are long and the job is so often thankless. I am sure that many of you can sympathize.

We spent Thanksgiving with my Aunt and Uncle in PA and had a wonderful time. This is also where the Hub publically declared to everyone that his pregnant wife “has the nose of a blood hound and sleeps like a cat”. Welcome to the world of pregnancy. I could literally sleep on command. It doesn’t matter if the room is loud or quiet, cold or hot, just give me 30 seconds and I’m out.

December was more of the same. I found myself surviving on Crackers, Dill pickle spears (Thanks for the tip Ashley, you are a complete lifesaver), ginger ale (Thank you Robyn), soup, the unconditional love of my Hub, weekly conversations with my sisters and one of my BFF’s who’s due date is only a couple weeks before mine.

And then there was SNOW! Last week brought with it the most snow I’ve ever seen in my life. There was over 2 ft. The plows pushed it off the roads and that created an over 4 ft wall around where I work. A HUGE thank you goes to our community who did an EXCELLENT job of clearing the snow so that our parking lot wasn’t a complete ice skating rink. Somehow I think we managed to take a grand total of two pictures and this is the better of the two.

And Christmas… Oh Christmas… Well we’ll save Christmas for it’s own post, but let’s just say that it involves one of the most AWESOME gadgets I’ve ever laid my hands on. Tomorrow my baby sister arrives and being my Ideal Reader, she always inspires me to write, so I promise I will not let too much time pass before I blog again.

Now, since I'm back on solid foods and my Hub is a most fantastical cook, and our whole house smells wonderfully delicious, it's time for dinner!

Till next time,
Bon Voyage!