It's a...

GIRL!!!!

I am pretty sure that cartoon hearts flew from your daddy's head yesterday when he realized that he is going to be the proud father of a soft, snuggly, smell-goody little girl :)

I hope you know that we have celebrated you from the moment you became a reality for us. We didn't care if you are a boy, a girl, green, pink, or polka dotted. All we want is for you to be healthy, happy, and for you to know how much you are loved.

Even though you weigh 12 ounces now, and have existed inside me for the past 21 weeks - I feel like today is our first full day together. Today is the first morning I’ve woken up and rubbed my belly and said “hello in there little lady!” Today is the first day your father has left for work, kissed me on the head and said “I love my girls!” Today is the first day of getting to know you all over again.

A Day to Celebrate

Today (at 21 weeks) we are going to the doctor's for our second ultrasound - our first ultrasound was at a mere 9 weeks. We will get measurements, pictures, and find out if we are having a boy or a girl. Looks like the votes on our gender survey are practically dead even (a few more votes for a boy). Hopefully we will find more clarity at the doctor's today - just as long as our baby isn't being too shy!

today is also my dad's birthday...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!

What A Day Of Celebrations!

Whomp!

I was laying here, watching the T.V. and winding down from the day when all of a sudden I felt a serious kick... and then another! and another!

I put my hand on my belly and I actually felt it a little from the outside. I started squealing and woke Tyler up, “Give me your hand. Your baby is moving so much right now”

Of course as soon as I placed his hand on my belly the kicking stopped. I can’t wait for the first time Tyler will actually get to feel our baby moving around. He constantly has his hands on my belly, rubbing little circles and sending good vibes.

All those little wiggly flutters I’ve felt over the past weeks have been really comforting but that great big whomp I got was AMAZING!

It just makes me want to sit here and cry with gratitude. I can’t believe how much I love you already little one!

Tomorrow morning we get to see our sweet pea again on the ultrasound. The anticipation of staring at the screen, seeing him/her move, watching the heart beat, tracing the beautiful curve of our baby's tiny sillhouette… it feels like the Christmas mornings of my childhood all over again.

I was almost asleep and now I’m wide-eyed, happy with my head in the clouds.

The First 20 Weeks with the Doctor

A few of my newly pregnant friends have asked what to expect at the doctor's... when was my first appointment, etc... I thought I would share what I did the first 20 weeks

5 weeks: gave lots of blood - asked questions - received a starter bag w/tons of fun goodies for new moms

9 weeks: got to see our baby on an ultrasound and see the flutter of a heartbeat... our baby looked like a little gummy bear :)

13 weeks: no ultrasound but we were able to hear the heartbeat for the first time - AMAZING!

17 weeks: no ultrasound but got to hear the heartbeat for the second time... just as amazing as the first time we heard it!! We were also given the option to test for Down Syndrome (we declined).

Next appointment: 21 Weeks... we are looking forward to finding out if we have a son or daughter!!

Belly Buds

Thought I would share a cute find.... bellybuds

I think regular headphones would work just fine to wrap around your bump, but if you want to get up and move around these seem fun :) Who knew all the crazy things that I would find for expecting mamas... I am trying to prepare myself for all the fun things I will find for a new baby!

PS - just found out my friend Patty is expecting a BOY!! Conrats Broers family!!

Celebrating Christmas

Even with all the snow, we were able to dig our way out of the driveway and make it to my Aunt & Uncle's house to celebrate with the family! What an adventure!!

PS - my friend Carrie had her second baby - this time it was a BOY!! Congrats to the Diggins family!! Joshua Warren was born on the 24th :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

first ever blizzard warning for Kansas City... tons of snow!

Christmas 2005: engaged for 7 months... Tyler just got home from studying in Budapest, Hungary and I couldn't have been happier to have him back in my arms. By this time next Christmas we will be husband & wife

Christmas 2006: first Christmas as a married couple (4/8/06)! Huddled around our 3 foot mini tree in our one bedroom apartment, we sat wondering what our years ahead will hold in the company of our two spunky German Shepards

Christmas 2007: celebrating Christmas in our first house! We had so much fun hanging lights on the house and swapping sweet treats with our new neighbors. I was teaching first grade and Tyler began grad school to get his masters in mathematics

Christmas 2008: we had just turned in our paperwork to become foster parents... We got our first beautiful foster kiddo in April and by September 2nd we were staring shocked and excited into each other’s faces as I held a positive pregnancy test in my hand

here we are again...Christmas 2009: sitting and snuggling on the couch watching movies and drinking hot chocolate. Our days left as just the two of us are numbering. Our life is growing and changing again. We are full of anticipation for this new chapter - shared with a child who will be a living, breathing representation of all of our blessings and purpose combined. This year we will whisper more than just our dreams as a pair, but our dreams for our growing family. We can hardly imagine the bounty that awaits us all

Bump @ 20 Weeks

It is Christmas Eve and we have made it to the half-way point... Woo Hoo! What a fun thing to celebrate on Christmas Eve (in my new pjs)!!

20 weeks!!!

Even though this bump is still not noticeable to most under my heavy winter clothing, I am starting to feel like I am finally getting a decent size baby bump

Ho - Ho - Ho

Just thought I would share...

I always look forward to getting cards in the mail from my mom. She is so crafty and makes her own greeting cards (watch out Halmark). This year, in the beautiful card she made, we found folded old piece of paper. When we opened it ever so carefully, I couldn't help but to smile. There was a letter from Santa Clause that I had received sometime between my kindergarten and first grade years.


Santa encourages me to brush my teeth and always listen to my parents. I wonder if I call the number at the bottom left hand corner Santa would still talk to me on the phone for $1.37 per call...

A Mother

"A mother is a person who after seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie."

Tenneva Jordan

I thought this was a cute quote and fit nicely with all the sweet snacks around the house for the holidays

A Sweet Story

Yesterday, as Tyler and I were browsing the baby bedding at Nebraska Furniture Mart, we were approached by an older man with a head full of silver hair. He worked at the store, had a round physique, and a kind face.

He stopped for a second and then smiling, asked “Can I help you find anything?” I smiled back, thanked him, but told him we were only browsing. Then, trying to decide if the bedding we were looking at was specifically for a girl or could also work for a boy, I asked his opinion.

"Do you want to find out if you are having a boy or a girl?" He asked. I said (probably overly excited) that we would know in less than two weeks! He then said, with such confidence "You are having a boy, and yes I think these sheets would work for him."

I glanced at Tyler and he was just staring at me. Curious, I asked "How do you know?" He said back matter of factly, “I have never been wrong.” Then he smiled again and turned his back to us as he walked over to help another couple. Tyler has been hoping for a girl, but leaned over to me in that second and said, "This is the first time I have been really excited about having a boy!"

In the car ride home while discussing our new purchases, a boy name just came to us and we happily agreed calling our little bump a 'he' for the rest of the ride home (we will not be revealing any offical names until we confirm boy/girl).

Well even though I don't agree with him about those sheets working for a boy... and I know that his chances of guessing the gender of our baby correctly is 50/50 - but when he said "boy" he had such a wonderful calmness and confidence about him that our brief conversation left us feeling his same confidence.

This morning I was awoken by Tyler's soft whispers directed toward my tummy - "Good morning little boy - I love you"

Baby's First Movements?!?!?

Right before I hit 19 weeks I was starting to feel what I thought to be my little baby. I tried not to get overly excited because I wasn't exactly sure if it was gas or my little one stretching out. Well, at this point, if there isn’t a baby making those weird fluttery movements in my belly then apparently I ate something with legs.

For the past two hours, I’ve been working on my computer in bed and every 15 mins or so I can feel this little woosh movement in the same spot. It’s definitely noticable and I’ve never felt anything like it!

I’m not trying to make something out of nothing… but I’ve either got a moving baby in there, or my Christmas cookie I just ate is square dancing in my stomach. (I’m picturing a frosted sprinkled star cookie in a big fluffy crinoline as I write this… hahaha)

Now that I think about, I kinda like either one of those scenarios. So dance away Baby Inzer or cookie!

Yummy cookies we decorated this weekend with the family...

What do You Think???

We are going to be able to find out very soon (exactly 2 weeks from today) if we have a son or daughter joining us in May... either way, we couldn't be more excited!! I have NO IDEA what the baby will be - People have asked if I feel one way or the other and I really don't, so I thought it would be fun to see what you think...

Vote here and then check back to see if you were right on December 31st!!

Bump @ 18.5 Weeks

18 1/2 Weeks!!!

Growing slowly...

I Wonder How Much of Our Past Will Find its Way Into Our Future?

Tyler B

Marcie J

Dear Baby...

There are times when I worry that I am not going to be prepared enough to take care of you when you arrive. I’ve found myself overwhelmed with the what ifs of providing you with everything you’ll possibly need. Am I old enough, smart enough, capable enough to be the caregiver of another human being? Can we afford to do this?

And then I look at our cozy little house and see that we managed to hang our pictures straight and the milk in the fridge isn’t expired, your father, our two dogs, and our cat all are in good health… and me, I find time to put fresh flowers on the dining room table and not scuff up my favorite red shoes too much. We pay our bills, sock a little away in savings and usually have a few bucks left over to treat ourselves to a little dinner out or a bargain shopping spree. When it comes to raising you… we won’t have it all… we won’t know it all… but we’re going to give it the best shot we can.

I think about my own parents… the stories of my upbringing… My mom and dad worked extra hard on managing their money so that my mom could stay at home. I don’t remember ever being without anything because there was always so much love. I know your daddy's house was filled with that same love too.

And for you, the same surplus waits. You won’t enter this world with your college tuition already paid, or all the newest and greatest toys, and we are going to work hard on making it as a single salary house-hold. But I’m guessing you’ll never notice… because the really good stuff in life can’t be found on a store shelf. It doesn’t wait within the walls of banks, or under pretty wrapping paper.

I can’t promise we will be able to give you everything you’ll ever want, but we measured our worth and counted our blessings and I can promise you this little one, we’re down right wealthy in the things that you’ll need most.

Wildflowers

“You belong among the wildflowers, You belong in a boat out at sea, You belong with your love on your arm, You belong somewhere you feel free ”
Tom Petty

Now when I listen to this song, I not only think of Tyler's and my journey together – but of the one we are making with you. We’ve actively sought out our definition of happiness, wrapped our arms around it, and have done our best to cultivate it into a life together. Now our task is to raise you with the same desire to seek and find those people, places, and experiences that will define your own personal joy.

I promise that we will always support your journeys and opportunities for self discovery - be they in far away places or in our backyard. I play this song for you over and over in the hopes that these words are already seeping in and growing with you.

When you are ready, sweet baby, the whole wide world will be waiting for you.

What I've Been Reading

Thanks to my generous mother-in-law I am off and reading another pregnancy book. She surprised me for a lunch out and this awesome book!! It is co-authored by Dr. Oz

YOU: Having A Baby

The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy
A tell-it-like-it-is pregnancy book. I like it because it does a great job of explaining all the medical stuff that usually just flies over my head. There are also funny cartoon pictures and facts. Did You Know... We have 50 percent the same DNA as a banana?

Baby Bag

I have been trying to decide on a diaper bag for a few weeks now. The Requirements: Stylish, large, and lots of room to cram bottles, toys, diapers, and a random assortment of baby clothing, accessories... and things I haven’t even thought of yet.

I narrowed down my choices and have finally picked one that I really love!!
2009 Fall Vera Bradley Microfiber Black Baby Bag - The inside has a cute zebra print and is fully laminated so it is easy to clean (I know the picture is small, but it was the only one I could find).

I am planning on adding a silk scarf to tie on the strap in either pink or blue. Tyler has approved!!

Loving My Body

If being pregnant has taught me anything thus far, it’s taught me that you really have to have a sense of humor. Being pregnant means you are 50% Victoria’s Secret Model and 50% beer-bellied old man. Here I am with nails and hair that are as thick and shiny as they have ever been… BUT WAIT I’m also burping more than I ever have in my life. And this lovely pair of boobs that I’ve now found myself with are accompanied by an equally round belly that rivals those of the fellas at the local pool hall.

I’m learning to embrace the new, rounder me - because let’s face it - the female body is downright AWESOME for its ability to grow a new person. So even though I barely fit into any of my pretty underthings - and I’m squeezing myself into my favorite pair of jeans - my body is proving itself worthy of praise far greater than the kind you get for posing in a swimsuit catalog.

Cravings??

Before I was pregnant I wondered if I would have cravings... OR... If I do, how would I know that they would be any different than when I craved a certain meal or food pre-preggers?

Well, I can say that I have had one true blue pregnancy craving. And yes, I fell into the masses of those who crave pickles. Although, it couldn't be just any pickle - no - I was craving the giant ball park pickles! I say pickles (plural) b/c I ate 5 in one sitting when Tyler brought home that glorious jar of floating cucumbers. I feel that this was a legit craving b/c nothing I've eaten had ever tasted that good (at that moment) while realizing that they were just pickles. After that night, the jar never really interested me again and has been sitting untouched in the fridge.

* I have been eating apples like crazy!!! (usually 2 a day)
* Most meats do not appeal to me much at all - this is a big change!
* I admit to dipping raw broccoli & carrots in peanut butter... and enjoying it
* Loving some grilled cheese sandwiches :)
* I can always eat green beans... and sweets

Driving Along in my Automobile

This is the new (rental) car I get to drive around town!!


I was driving my Hyundai Sonata the other day when, all of a sudden, it wouldn't automatically up-shift. I was going 15 mph on 119th street with cars flying by me. I pulled over with dollar signs spinning in my head thinking it must be the transmission.

Fortunately the sport shifter fuse blew and all it took was ordering a new part - which is why I have the rental car. They ordered the fuse to come in overnight and should be fixed today. After stressing about car troubles it was all-for-not when we found out I was still under warranty. *sigh of relief*

I must say this new car is so nice a roomy... I think they upgrade your rental on purpose so you can enjoy the life of luxury making you want to trade your old car in for your rental. It worked for me, however, it is not working on Tyler... better sick with my good old Sonata (I do love that car).

Woosh Woosh - A Tiny Beating Heart

We got to hear the heartbeat again yesterday and it sounded BEAUTIFUL!!! 150 bpm

Even with my bribes, the doctor would not squeeze in an ultrasound so we could peek in on the baby - HA!

Looks like we will get our BIG ultrasound on my dad's birthday (December 30th) to get measurements and find out if we are having a boy or a girl :)

We had the option to test for Down Syndrome, but figured it didn't matter either way so we decided not to do the test.

I weighed in 2 lbs less than last month - which I thought was odd with a Thanksgiving dinner in the mix! I am sure I could fix those 2 lbs pretty easily with a Chipotle Burrito!

If the Shoe Fits, Wear It

My love for shoes has already trickled down to our little one... and he/she isn't even here yet! This pair I found particularity adorable.

I think it is the little bluebird that got me hooked.
Bugaloo Baby Shoes

Fun Baby Resources

Today I thought I’d share some fun pregnancy & baby related resources with those of you with your own little bun in the oven (or those of you who are thinking about getting knocked up in the near future) These are the online resources that I have found to be valuable as we navigate our way through pregnancy and into parenthood.

* My favorite “What the heck is going on with my baby this week?” website: ivillage pregnancy guide. Some of these week by week website are down right silly (comparing my baby’s brain size to that of Paris Hilton’s, I mean - come on!) or packed with advertisements. I like this one because it is consistent, has pictures, interesting facts, and pertinent information. Another website that is pretty similar: Pregnancy Today.

* My favorite “I want to check out some cool baby stuff” website: Ohdeedoh. I love this site - full of nursery inspiration, cool kid toys, projects, and general baby/kid related coolness. I check it often and have found a lot of great ideas and products.

* My favorite “I need some comprehensive pregnancy advice” website: Ask Dr. Sears. This website offers info on pregnancy stages, labor & delivery, breastfeeding, infant care and more. I am love checking this site and the information available here.

* My favorite “Place to shop online for gorgeous baby stuff” website: Fawn & Forest. Totally enamored with everything on this site - the handmade offerings, their eco-friendly commitments, the gorgeous furniture, toys, clothes, etc - all of it.

* My favorite “I want to talk to other pregnant ladies” website: The bump. Every now and then I just get the urge to chat it up with other preggos about things only pregnant women care to talk about like eating an entire box of fudgesicles.

* My favorite “Cloth diapering resources, recommendations, & helpful info” website: All about Cloth diapers. Cloth diapering is a lot easier than you think! Economical and WAY better on the environment. Top that off with the wide availability of super cute, colorful diaper covers instead of plain ‘ol plastic diapers and you’ve got an ideal diapering option!

* My favorite “Babies are expensive. Give me a good deal!” website: Baby Steals. It’s baby products deals and discounts. Everyday they email you with a special or discounted baby related item.

These are just a few. I’d love to hear what websites and resources other ladies have found to be helpful for them. Please feel free to share in the comments below.

People of Walmart

Tyler and I spent some time on the People of Walmart website today and couldn't stop laughing. There are some funny people out there... some others are just plain disturbing! To enlarge the picture, just click on it :)

I promise you little one, this will NEVER be you!!

Bump @ 16.5 Weeks

16 1/2 Weeks!!!

This bump is growing... Thanksgiving dinner definitely helped!

Snakes, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails... Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

If We Are Having A Boy, I Am Excited To...

** teach him to treat girls with respect

** play with action figures
** teach him sign language
** build forts together
** play catch in the backyard
** catch frogs and dig for worms with him

If We Are Having A Girl, I Am Excited To...
** teach her to be modest
** play dolls with her
** teach her sign language
** go shopping together
** paint her toenails
** play dress-up

(sub note: I will be enjoying whatever my kiddo will be enjoying. We will support our little one in his/her own interests - just thought I would put my own thoughts down... for now)

What I've Been Reading

Baby Bargains: 8th Edition
Thanks to my lovely cousin Sara, who is two months ahead of me on her second baby, I got this AWESOME book!! She gave this to me on Thanksgiving and I couldn't help but to start reading it that night when I got home. This book is going to be so helpful breaking down the many baby items out there -- The basics, safety, and finding the best deal. It has been a great read so far!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving Eve

At Boston University 121 years ago this Thanksgiving Eve, four visionary women set out to create an organization that would be “something distinctive, something worthy of the best in us – not only now, but always.”

HAPPY FOUNDER'S DAY DELTA DELTA DELTA

Thinking about Founder's Day this year leads me to contemplate the possibilities of how maybe our little one could someday marry a fellow Tri Delta - OR - maybe our little one will join DDD herself when she goes to college. The silly things I think about these days...

The official 2009 Founder's Day message: www.tridelta.org

“Hold it within the secret recesses of your heart, love it, cherish it. Let its radiance be a glowing, warming, strengthening influence in the lives of all with whom you, at any time, come in contact. Then, all joys will be yours.”

Sarah Ida Shaw

I Have Come Here to Confess

Yesterday afternoon my willpower overtook me outside a McDonald's and I found myself stuffing a cheeseburger into my mouth. With every french fry I swallowed, I kept thinking, “I’m the world’s worst mother already. I can't stop stuffing this junk down my throat.”

I even washed my prenatal vitamin down with a big swig of Sprite. Shameful, shameful, shameful. The sad part is, before I was pregnant, McDonald's usually made me gag just driving by those golden arches.

So last night, in an effort to apologize to my little baby, I ate a handful nuts, a gala apple, some cranberry juice, and a balsamic chicken salad for dinner.

I know I had a moment of weakness, but nothing but healthy, good stuff from here on out... Well, after Thanksgiving :)

A Great Joy is Coming

I am changed. I will never be the same - over and over again since the day I saw those two little lines on a pregnancy test, I have found myself saddled with a new emotion. Overwhelming, consuming desire to protect, nurture, and care for this tiny person I’ve never even met. I’ve never held this baby in my arms and yet I would do anything humanly possible to make this little person's journey through me and into the world as easy as possible.

I pray lengthy prayers, read all I can, and will my body on a daily basis to give this baby everything he/she needs to be healthy. I’ve never felt so fragile and so strong in my life.

What I've Been Reading

The Classic - What to Expect When You're Expecting

This is a great book that gives the facts without any extras. I also like that each chapter has sections that are clearly described... So if I know something doesn't apply to me I don't have to read that part.

The Comedy - Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth

This book is hilarious!!! I was a little skeptical because the author (I typically stay away from celebrity authors) but with some convincing of my cousins who read it, I decided to pick up a copy. Very funny spin on pregnancy and "tells it like it is"
(she does use profanity so if that offends you, don't get this book)

Preg-zilla

I wish I could share with you how I am sentimental over silly things like Halmark commercials, or seeing puppies on TV... Oh how I wish I was THAT girl!! Instead I get to share with you that I have lost myself in a sea of hormonal rage and cannot find a raft or even some arm floaties to keep me above the waters :) I am officially a psycho!


The sane Marcie is somewhere inside me thinking “Good heavens girl, get a grip”

But today, crazy over-emotional Marcie is reigning supreme. Everyone, run for your lives. (Especially you, Tyler - run honey, run far far away and do not return until my eyes are no longer squinty and smoke has stopped coming out of my ears.)

DEAL OF THE DAY!!!

Thanks to another blog that I love reading, I found a super cute pair of skinny maternity jeans offered by JCPenneys Duo Maternity line. (I’ve never even thought to look at JCP for maternity clothes)

I haven't bought maternity pants yet. I can’t stomach paying a lot for any maternity specific clothing because I’ll wear them for such a short time, but as it is getting cooler out, I’m afraid I will need to abandon my leggings for something a little more substantial.

Today I discovered that the JCPenney skinnies were on sale on JCPenney.com for $21.99. I did a little more digging and found a JCP promo code that gets you $10 off any order over $10. (GR8VALUE - expires 11/23/09)

But wait - It gets better!! At Oak Park Mall they have these jeans in stock to avoid shipping AND are on sale for 2 bucks less at $19.99. I went to the store yesterday and they even honored the code GR8VALUE.

Even though I can't really wear them yet, I’ve got a pair of cute, dark wash skinnies on for a total of $9.99! Yeah, I seriously love a good deal and had to share!

Belly Up to the (Salad) Bar

I’ve noticed that in virtually all pregnancy books, magazines and website, the size of my growing baby is compared to produce.

At week seven, my embryo was likened to a small blueberry. At nine weeks, it became a medium green olive.Now, at 15 weeks my little baby is said to be the size of an orange... By nine months it says I will have a watermelon baby!!

As my brother-in-law has so nicely put it,
"Makes me hungry!" - I agree

Sweat Dreams

We continue to be so very blessed! Tyler and I got a great crib within our budget... FREE!!! God is really showing us that He will provide if we are patient.

I must say that I am really proud of Tyler for getting it all put together without having the instructions. It is now set-up in the baby room waiting until January to figure out what sheets should go with it!

Thank you so much Miss Moriam for your generosity!
It is beautiful.

Things NOT to Say to a Pregnant Lady...

(woman from church): oh! You can start to see your pregnancy is showing on your face.

(me): *chuckle* The bags under my eyes? Yeah, I know I have been really tired lately.

(woman from church): no, not that... I mean your cheeks are starting to look fuller.

(me): *speechless*

Mini Bump @ 14.5 Weeks

14 1/2 Weeks!!!

If you look VERY close you can see a mini bump!! I know that there is not much to look at, but I promise there is more now than what was there 3 1/2 months ago!

Looking Back

So last week when spending some time at my parent's house, my mom brought out three big bags of baby clothes that she had saved from both my brother and myself. It was so fun going through all the mini outfits.

I loved pulling out the clothes and hearing my mom say, "That was one of my favorites!" for each piece I pulled from the bags. I didn't take much from this trip being unaware if I should be saving the blue or pink, however, I did find two very cute treasures that seemed fairly generic to gender and now have them in the baby room at our house. Here is what I found...


A red teddy bear coat - the bears are pockets... And cowboy (or cowgirl) boots!! I am pretty sure both of these were my brother's fashion statements.

P.S. I typically am not a huge fan of teddy bears, but there is something about this vintage coat that I think is just too cute!

10 Things I Never Thought About Before I was Pregnant

THE FIRST TRIMESTER...

1. Nobody told me that your butt grows with your belly... that was an unpleasant shocker!

2. Along the same lines as number one, I was unaware that there is maternity underwear to go with the maternity clothes. Talk about some serious 'granny panties'

3. Saying goodbye to sushi, hot dogs, uncooked deli meats, eggs, caffeine, tuna, raw cookie dough, wine & margaritas (well I did already know that one, but it is still a tough reality) and my waistline ;)

4. You can re-live your teen years with hormonal acne

5. Before you get "the bump" your body seems to transform into something I've seen on National Geographic

6. I have never gone from such extreme excitement, to extreme panic, back to excitement, to then extremely overwhelmed, and to feeling completely and totally blessed within seconds

7. Germs are now my worst enemy - They are everywhere!

8. A complete and total loss of modesty... I am sure the birthing process will take this to another level

9. I have always known that my husband is AMAZING, but seeing him start to view his life as a father is something that I just can't explain. Plus he is unbelievably patience when dealing with my unbalanced hormone levels. I love him to pieces!!

10. You can be pregnant and not "feel" pregnant at all. If you know me pretty well, you know I hate, hate, hate, HATE going to the doctor's. This has now changed b/c the only time I "feel" pregnant is when I can see our little one on the ultra sound or hear the heartbeat... I just LOVE going to the doctor's :)

Not the Right Fit

Being pregnant has presented a whole new set of challenges in the fashion department...



As I have posted in a past blog, I have been using hair rubber bands threaded through my button hole and then attached to my button to preserve the life of my "normal" jeans. HOWEVER... I have decided that this is no longer an option today when the sweet old man that drives Alexia to and from school said boldly, "Hey! Why is your zipper down?" I guess it is a good thing the kiddos are deaf - saved me a little embarrassment. To be honest, I noticed that my zipper will fall sometimes since I haven't been buttoning my jeans, but I thought that I was being very careful about checking. The creativity stops here - time to go shopping!

A moo moo sounds like the best idea for comfort, but since I have to go out in public, I better look into other options. This seems like the next logical step to savor my jeans: Belly Band

Bump Ahead

“A babe in the house is a well-spring of pleasure, a messenger of peace and love, a resting place for innocence on earth, a link between angels and men”

Martin Fraquhar Tupper

This little piggy went to market, And this little piggy had influenza A virus subtype hemagglutinin protein 1 neuraminidase protein 1

Oh how nursery rhymes have changed!!!

Before I was pregnant I’d eat anything without a second thought, I confidently held the metal railings of public stairs, germs were … ehhhh whatever in my book.

And then I found myself solely responsible for growing this little bean into a fully functioning human being and suddenly I’m suspicious of the sanitation grades in every restaurant. I push open doors with my foot or shoulder, I give anyone who coughs or sneezes within ten feet of me the stink eye like you would not believe.

I kept thinking my hands were so dry because of some weird pregnancy symptom but later realized it’s because I wash my hands 18 times a day.

I’m armed with a fresh bottle of hand sanitizer in my bag and a package of disinfectant wipes. I may or may not have also contemplated where I could find one of those big plastic hazmat suits.

Stay away from me, H1N1 - I’m warning you!

"Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart"

Today we went to the doctor's for our 3rd visit. We waited for about 45 minutes to spend about 5 with the doctor... however, it was worth it! We were able to hear the fast muffled sound of a tiny beating heart :)

The doctor said she could tell that the little one was even already moving around a bit. We were just overjoyed and left with huge smiles on our faces! God is showing me in new ways exactly how amazing He truly can be.

I am a little bummed that our next appointment we will not yet get the BIG sonogram - to find out if we will be having a girl or boy... That means we will have to wait until the first of the new year to find out. I guess I will just have to suck it up and wait a little longer.

Maybe my aunts can help me out at Christmas with a drain-o test. HA!!

I haven't taken any "bump" pictures yet because frankly I don't have much of a bump. Just a diminishing waist line... I have started to keep a few hair rubber bands on the shelf right next to my jeans to savor my clothes as long as I can :)

Our Situation

Tyler and I were waiting until after 12 weeks to make our announcement. We were out to eat at Mi Ranchito when I was around 10 weeks pregnant. While we were eating Tyler leaned in and whispered, "So, when are going to tell people about... (pauses and then takes a quick look around)... our situation."

I could not stop laughing!!! He is so funny. I still like to call our pregnancy "our situation" :)

We're Having a Baby...

Our BIG News :)

This is the first picture of our little "gummy bear" as Tyler calls him/her... We are at 12 weeks now but this picture was from our 9 week appointment :)

I am sure there are many more pictures to come!! We found out we were having a baby on Wednesday, September 2nd 2009! Tyler already had gone to work. I was only one day late, but that was odd for me (usually like clockwork). I took the test and - BAM! Two lines right away! I was laughing and crying and couldn't sit still... I kept going to the bathroom to the bedroom and the back to the bathroom to re-examine those two lines.

I did not want to tell Tyler over the phone while he was at work, so I got a really cute "congrats on becoming a parent" card and placed in on his pillow for when he returned for work. I am pretty sure Tyler knew something was up when he pulled in the driveway and saw me waiting for him on our front porch. I am sure I had the goofiest smile on my face too. I followed him upstairs and pointed out that there was a card on his pillow... I just couldn't wait!! He opened it and we hugged & kissed sharing our excitement together!

We kept our BIG secret between the two of us for a week and then shared with our parents first. We gave our parents a card that said "Sweet Pea" on the front. Inside was blank so we wrote, "Your sweet pea will be arriving sometime in May." and also put a photograph of the positive pregnancy test. My mom was bawling, "Are you trying to tell us you guys are pregnant?" Yes mom we are trying - is it working??? hahaha... My dad got a little teary eyed as well. Tyler's mom hugged us with wet eyes and Tyler's dad's response was, "When I woke up this morning I had a feeling you were going to tell us that." Send him to the races!! ha! We enjoyed sharing our news with them.

After our parents knew, we went straight to our siblings to inform them of their new titles: Aunt & Uncle. They were all very excited! Around 10-11 weeks we started to tell other family members and close friends. Then 12 weeks hit and we have this blog, announced our new family member on facebook, and have been sharing our joy with whoever wants to listen!!

I have been feeling GREAT! A little tired from time-to-time but no morning sickness or anything like that - lucky me :) We got to see the heartbeat during this first sonogram but we are looking forward to hearing our little one's heart beat on Wednesday. We are also hoping to find out if it is a boy or a girl sometime before Christmas... YEAH!!!!

Maple Leaf Weekend

The third weekend of October has arrived and Maple Leaf is here in Baldwin City, KS!

I remember the days in college when I dreaded the work behind Maple Leaf. Being in a sorority, we either had a booth, or had to work the road blocks. This meant giving up your Saturday morning plans of sleeping in, having to fight off crowds just to get to the library, and trying to navigate the closed streets to grab a burger at McDonalds for dinner... what was I thinking back then?!?! I was missing out on the turkey legs, funnel cakes, and tons of other good eats!!

Now I just can't wait to spend my whole weekend at Maple Leaf!! A time to be with family, old friends and see the beautiful campus of Baker University. My in-laws are making gumbo and home-made carrot cake. I know Tyler is looking forward to buying some honey sticks and we are both looking forward to taking Alexia to the parade. Tyler and his high school buddies always get together and play football on the tennis courts. I can't even explain the bond those boys have! It is so fun to watch them all together... makes me miss my high school girl friends! And we love to meet up with college friends that come back to Baldwin and catch up on what has been going on in their lives.

If you have not been to Maple Leaf, or even if you have, come to Baldwin and enjoy the smells, sounds, and sights of the season. There are usually lots of people, but I promise it is worth it! It would be great to see you there :)

Starting A Blog

Well here were are!! We decided to open a blog and allow friends and family to keep up with us this way if they so desire. I am really encouraging Tyler to post here too... sports opinions would be the likely posts from him. He seems fairly interested. I have really enjoyed reading my friend's blogs, so I hope that you find some humor, fun, and enjoyment from this one!