our little life

Four Months

2012-01-23T00:27:00.000-08:00

I really wanted a big grin for this picture, but she is so interested in what I'm doing with that funny little box thing (aka camera) that she just stares and follows it. Since it took me so long to get this post up I have the stats from her four month doctor's appointment! She weighs 14lbs 10oz which is 75th percentile and she is over 100% for height! She giggles now and its awesome... can't get enough of it! She loves it when we blow raspberries on her belly and laughs hard when I get real deep in her neck and smooch her over and over. As you saw, she LOOVES the baby in the mirror and is also digging her toys these days. Sophie seems to be her fav - I think she likes the shape of her head to chew on. We borrowed one of these jumpers from a friend and she digs it - gives me 5 or 10 minutes to fix some food or clean which is awesome! She is pretty close to sitting up by herself, but still isn't rolling over much. She's done it once or twice, but never consistently. I should probably get her on her tummy more, but she doesn't tolerate it for long. She still loves the doggies - the 'talks' to them whenever they are near and blows raspberries which is another new skill. Miss E thinks she is pretty clever that she figured it out and now does it all the time! She also learned to fake cough and its hilarious! She choked on her drool one night while we were eating dinner and started coughing. I coughed back at her and she grinned and did it back to me. We went back and forth a few times and she thought it was sooo funny! Now coughing is one of her noises and she does it all the time. So silly! Her newfound interested in toys is slowly improving the car situation, which is SO nice!

Such a big, sweet girl you are Edrie! Love you to pieces!

outtakes...

We got keys!

2012-01-22T23:42:00.000-08:00

I'm always so behind on blogging these days! We closed on our house on Tuesday...it seemed to be a miracle after all the ups and downs! We met at the house after Grant got off work to revel in our own space!

So funny! Trying to figure out what the heck we are doing...

LOVE them! And can I just comment on that romper...it was a salvation army find and I want 100 more. I'm in love with rompers and I feel like they don't make them like that anymore!

She loooves her papa!

Intrigued by the camera flash!

We set right to work tearing up the carpet so we can get the hardwoods refinished and move in!

They looked pretty good overall. Definitely some stains and a few hiccups, but I think we are on the right track. Grant and many helpers spent the week pulling up tack strips and staples and then he and Tim have spent innumerable hours this weekend sanding the floors.

It is so weird for me to not be intimately involved like the last time we fixed up a house. I'm a mama now and since this kid is still not on the bottle we've been in a supporting role. We are so grateful to Grant and Tim!

Can't wait to see how they will look refinished!!

January Randoms (so far...)

2012-01-13T00:26:00.000-08:00

Loving her new mittens!

Still lives in the moby and sometimes she'll nap out of it...its so rare I took a picture...

bein' a big girl playin' with her rad toys

she LOOOVES the baby in the mirror! It is too funny how she flirts with herself!

demonstrating her new-found grabbing skills

being a happy baby in the car...these are the kinds of car rides I dream about happening consistently!

December Randoms

2012-01-12T23:49:00.000-08:00

love watching her sleep!

Getting to meet Porticia for the first time!! So exciting!

More quality time with Patty and Carol!

Sleeping in the car... love when this happens!

Digging all her toys

Came to bed one night and found them sleeping in identical positions side by side. *love!*

Edrie's First Christmas

2012-01-04T23:15:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was weird for me. I usually spend the whole month of December immersed in decorating, crafting, and celebrating. This year I've been generally distracted (by the most amazing little being) and we also spent December trying to buy a house. I didn't have any Christmas parties/festivities to attend. There was no house of ours to decorate, our ornaments are all in storage and I didn't finish Edrie's stocking until Christmas Eve. It was just weird and snuck up on me. Next year will be more relaxed - I'll have a bit more of this parent thing under my belt and we'll be in our house so hopefully we can have everyone over!

In addition to feeling like I was in La La Land we did FOUR! Christmases in TWO days. I said I'd NEVER do that, but there I was shuttling my kid who hates the car to the far corners of Portland to see our family. We had a lot of fun in each place, but it was absolutely exhausting. I'm glad Grant agrees that something has to change for next year because there is no way we can keep that act up!

Though Edrie was oblivious to what was going on, she loved seeing all her family and most of all enjoyed staring at the Christmas lights!

I started and finished a pair of Christmas Big Butt Baby Pants on the morning of Christmas Eve (seen in the first picture). I really wanted her to have them to wear that day. Apparently I tried to get them done a bit too fast because one of the butt seams came out after I washed them =(. Oh well - they were cute while they lasted!

OH! The best part of Christmas was having my brother in town - he is so much fun and so funny! And he got to meet Edrie for the first time! Of course he fell in love! He was so cute playing with her! Loved that!

Joel, Grant, Edrie and I met my dad at Henry's downtown for lunch on Christmas Eve. It was a beautiful day and the city was bustling!

She is getting so smiley these days!

After lunch we walked to Jamison Square to see the Christmas tree...

The family who took this picture may or may not have had a six month old who was smaller than Edrie... She is such a chunk!

Next up was Grant's dad... this is where Edrie started to lose it. She doesn't do as well in the car in the evening (not that she ever does THAT well). We had to pull over on the way to dinner and then again for thirty minutes on the way to a 10pm church service. Have I mentioned I haven't had a full night's sleep since September 10th?? Staying up until midnight was a true feat!

Grandparents love their pictures! This was so cute - the scene was the same with each set of grandparents...clamoring for time with the little lady and as many pictures as possible!

Christmas morning we woke up at home and had breakfast. It was a nice low-key pajama clad morning...

Edrie LOVES 'super baby'!

Christmas evening we headed to Grant's mom's for dinner. Edrie wore her reindeer onesie one last time!

We opened presents with my mom and step-dad the morning after Christmas...

Edrie was enthralled with these mini stuffed animals!

The doggies fighting over a new toy

Edrie LOVES LOVES LOVES Olive and tries to watch her every move

Later that day we took the max downtown to walk around the city and have lunch. We love taking the max places because Edrie doesn't cry like she does in the car. Its heavenly!

The next day (Tuesday) was my brothers last day in town so we headed to HopWorks with him and my dad for lunch. Edrie looked cute playing with her toys... Santa brought her that hippo from Little Sapling

She loves this ball. I went to Babies R Us a few weeks ago to search for a non-obnoxious toy that she could practice her new found grabbing abilities on. I was about to leave and spotted this. It is perfect and she loves it!

All in all a great, family filled holiday! Edrie was spoiled - both in love and gifts and we enjoyed seeing her with all her grandparents and uncle! Can't wait til next year when she will 'get' it a bit more and we'll have our house!

In 2011...

2012-01-01T00:32:00.000-08:00

:: I found out I was pregnant for the very first time.

:: I loved loved loved having that dream come true.

:: I quit the first job I've ever loved without a second thought so we could move HOME.

:: I drove across the country with my husband, puppy, and a tiny, tucked in my belly Edrie looking forward to another adventure (we seem to have so many of those in this life.)

:: I didn't have to suck it in, but instead proudly displayed my burgeoning belly.

:: I sold our first home, closing a chapter of our life that I loved and sorely miss.

:: I moved three, yes you read that right, THREE, times.

:: I learned to breathe deeply. I have the cheapest community center prenatal yoga in Portland to thank for that. I am forever grateful.

:: I spent the last lazy weekends of summer with my husband and a quiet anticipation.

:: I experienced natural labor and loved it. I felt powerful. The natural birth was not to be and it broke my heart. Every time I look at that scar I am at once in love with what it brought me and torn by what it took away.

:: I tried to let go of what I can not change and look forward, with hope, to a second chance.

:: I met my daughter. and was shocked that she was, in fact, a daughter.

:: I loved her, but hormones and sadness made me question and fear. And then she smiled.

:: I loved, more than I ever thought, being a cliche pregnant housewife turned stay-at-home mom. I'm relishing these days with her.

:: I lived with my parents and am grateful for all they have given us.

:: I cursed the cost of medical care, even with insurance.

:: I helped find our second home. The first one we will have as a family.

:: I, for the first time since we married, am looking forward to a time without major upheaval on the horizon. It feels so good.

Goodbye 2011.

Hello 2012!

Ummm.. We bought a house??

2011-12-31T01:53:00.000-08:00

So... we bought a house. Are you surprised? SO ARE WE! It feels incredibly surreal for many reasons..first, we didn't think we'd buy a house until the summer or fall. The timeline got altered when we realized we had more money than we thought we would and Grant's relocation benefits expire in April if we don't use them. Also surreal because we met with a realtor mid-november and bought a house by mid-december! Lastly surreal, because OMG this market and this particular house could send anyone into an emotional tail-spin. The market in the area of town and price-range we were looking in is HOT - as in you have to look at the houses and put an offer in often the same day it hits the market. So stressful! When making a decision this big one should take their time and ponder and visit the home many times. Nope. Totally not an option.

Now let me tell you the story of this house... We looked at it on a Saturday morning, just hours after it hit the market. We were at another house and checked the new listings on our phones. The realtor thought we should check this house out so we drove to take a look. We liked it. It was different from the bungalows we had been checking out - seemed more spacious and was super cute. We also liked the other house we looked at that day. We spent ALL DAY driving back and forth all over the parts of town and mulling over which house we should offer on. Finally we decided we wanted to offer on this house. The next day we met with the realtor to submit an offer - the selling realtor had let us know there were already two offers on the table and one was very strong. We put our best foot forward, but we didn't have high hopes. Within an hour of submitting the offer we were told it had been rejected - there was a full-price cash offer on the table so the seller (an estate) logically went for that. We were sad, but moved on. The next day we went to look at a great house in the Hollywood district - i loved it! We were driving home trying to decide if we should offer on it or wait when our realtor called - the cash offer had fallen through and they wanted to know if we were still interested in this house. What? okay... yes we are still interested! And so the papers were signed and they accepted our offer. We were shocked - we'd totally moved on from this house the day before and then it was back in our lap just like that! I was happy, but it took me a week or so to get excited. The house was a different style than I pictured us in and it was not as 'close-in' as we'd hoped to be. And I just wasn't convinced it was THE ONE. I kept mulling it over though and eventually got really excited about this being OUR home. Edrie's FIRST home! Anyway, We moved forward scheduling lots of inspections since the house was built in 1924. Amazingly, most things turned out great...structurally the house is very sound and has been well maintained. There are a few things we will have to repair and the major thing that came up was that the house needed a new roof. We knew the estate wanted to sell the house as-is, so we hadn't planned on asking for any help from the seller for repairs. Turns out the roof is just too expensive for us. We had to ask the seller to repair it or we couldn't buy it. So we did. And then we heard nothing. For days. We only had until last Friday to complete all inspections and any negotiations resulting from those inspections. Friday afternoon we heard from the seller's realtor that the estate rep is on an island without internet service and can't sign any papers, but that they verbally agree to extend the inspection period so we can negotiate. Ok. The problem with that is we are taking someone's word and our earnest money hangs in the balance. We just couldn't risk losing any money and the seller's realtor was pretty confident that they wouldn't agree to the roof repair anyway. That made it all a moot point - if they didn't do the roof we couldnt' buy the house anyway. So last Friday we signed termination papers. We walked away. I'd finally gotten all excited and then we had to drop it. We spent all of the holiday weekend kind of bummed about starting to look at houses again - nervous that we wouldn't find one in time for the relocation benefits, etc. We worked hard to convince ourselves it was for the best and we didn't want it anyway. THEN...on Monday afternoon we got a call from our realtor. They seller had returned from the island (so funny, right?) and agreed to repair the roof - did we still want the house? OH WOW! What a roller coaster - yes we still wanted it. If for no reason, than to not have to go through this craziness again!

So that's the story - We've been 'involved' with this house for several weeks, but we just made it official a few days ago. I'm still getting used to the idea. Would you like a little tour?

This is the view from the front entry. There are oak hardwoods throughout. The only major thing we hope to do before moving in (that is cosmetic) will be to take up the carpet and refinish the floors. Love the built-ins and french doors to the sunroom! One of the things we like about this house as compared the bungalows I'm obsessed with is that the spaces are SO MUCH bigger. We can fit our stuff in this house, which would have been difficult in a bungalow. Anyway...the door straight ahead in the middle is to the stairs going up. The door that is open on the right is to a little platform/mudroom thing which has to a door to the backyard, a door to the kitchen, and stairs to the basement. Hard to picture, I know. The door that is closed on the right is a closet.

This is the sun room off the living room. We are excited that even though there are only two bedrooms in this house - we have this extra space to use as a craft/office space.

Looking back toward the entry you see the opening into the dining room. I'm so excited and nervous to get those carpets up. I hope the floor isn't all damaged! I think it will look so pretty with wood flowing between these big rooms!

The dining room is giant and will totally accommodate our table - super important!

The dining room leads to the kitchen...my least favorite of the rooms. Its cute and quaint but needs some work. We hope in a few years to do a complete remodel. If you saw the stove you would pity me. I'm begging my husband to replace it. Straight ahead you can see a little eat-in nook. We will probably just use it for extra kitchen storage for now and then include it in the space when we remodel to make the work space of the kitchen larger.

A better view.

Remember the door to the stairs in the first tour picture? well the bathroom is at the top of the stairs. A little weird not to have a bathroom on the main floor, but we decided it wasn't a big deal. We figure we'll get used to it fast and its more exercise which is always good, right? Pretty cute with the honeycomb tile and built-in cabinets. Hoping to just spruce it up with a good cleaning.

Then we have the two bedrooms. Only two, but most of the houses in our price-range and location only have two bedrooms so we weren't new to the consideration. What is good about this house is that they are HUGE. Totally doable rooms and we also have that sunroom to utilize, oh and the unfinished basement! This is the master bedroom - do you love all the natural light? It has a mini walk-in closet that is also much more practical than some of the other homes we have considered.

And Edrie's room that she will, hopefully, share with a sibling or two...

And Olive's yard. CAN NOT WAIT TO SHOW IT TO HER! We are hoping to put a doggie door in the back door which will give her access to the backyard when we aren't home! In this house we can let her go in and out from the basement when we are away so we won't have to worry about her tracking mud in! So excited for that!

so that's it! What do you think? Are we crazy for putting a growing family in a two-bedroom house? Its 1375 square feet without the basement and 1975 with it. That'll be plenty, right?? This was a GIANT home for its time so people used to make it work!

Peacock Lane

2011-12-31T00:54:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we took Edrie to see the lights at the classic Peacock Lane. Edrie slept right through it - kind of sad because I think she would have loved the lights. Grant had never been! Scoff! For those of you who don't know, Peacock Lane is a street famous in Portland for its Christmas light display. It is crazy busy for all of December every year. I wasn't overly impressed, but it was a fun outing on a clear night. There was lots of mistletoe so that was fun.

The Cuteness!

2011-12-31T00:38:00.000-08:00

Love a baby in mama-made things! I can never seem to get a smiley picture that isn't blurry - she likes to giggle and squirm simultaneously!

These pictures are from a little bit ago, but I want to post Christmas pictures so we have to get things caught up first...I like it all to be in chronological order!

I'm mildly obsessed with this hair clip...I want to make a hundred more.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T10:02:00.000-08:00

much love this holiday season! xoxo

Three Months

2011-12-13T00:12:00.000-08:00

1/4 of a year! This girl's favorite things include chewing on any hands she can get a hold of - hers or yours. She is just starting to grasp at things and we LOVE to watch her try so hard. You can almost see the connections being made. While taking this picture she noticed the elephant and tried SO hard to get his trunk! She continues to get more fun all the time. She has an awesome giggle and is still a super cuddler. We have made no progress in terms of a bottle...she is quite stubborn! The carseat is still a struggle but she is getting better all the time. Mostly we are just in love and in awe! Love you little girl!

A visit with Santa

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

For my birthday this year we decided to spend the evening downtown. We bundled up and met at Pioneer Place to see the big Christmas tree. The night was perfect - crisp, clear, and no rain!

We took lots and lots of pictures... my husband is so sweet to oblige and even helps ask strangers!

Then we went in Macy's Santa Land so Edrie could have her first visit with Santa Claus!

She was completely oblivous to the big bearded man holding her and we couldn't get her to smile to save our lives! So glad for the memory though! Her shirt says I {heart} Santa...from the lovely Aunt Lindz

Then we walked to the Pearl District for a lovely dinner just the three of us. It was such a nice break from the crazy that is our life right now...house hunting, G commuting 4+ hrs a day, piles of medical bills, AN INFANT! life is so crazy but good! Here's to my 29th Year!

Civil War: Edrie's First Duck Game

2011-12-12T23:49:00.000-08:00

We were so excited, but anxious to take Edrie to her first duck game! In our dreams we have season tickets and Duck games are a part of our kids' childhoods, but right now it is limited to a select few games we can afford or are gifted tickets to. I was also anxious because of all the driving involved (2 hours each way) and we know that this kid isn't in love with the car! We decided to be strategic... leave REALLY early when Edrie would still be sleeping and hopefully she'll sleep all the way down. It was also a little nerve racking because Grant couldn't do any of the driving due to a minor surgery a few days before. ANYWAY... our strategy worked and it was awesome! I got myself a dutch brothers and my two loves slept in the backseat while I drove the familiar stretch of I-5 between Portland and Eugene as the sun came up. I really can't tell you how much I needed those two hours to myself. I just thought and caught up with myself. So dreamy.

Once we arrived and little miss woke up, we got her all dressed in her duck gear so we could tour campus.

Good 'ol Esslinger Hall...where SO much of our history lies!

We thought this was funny

Happy little bean chillin' while we ate our lunch

And then made the trek to Autzen. So nostalgic... I love it! Pretty insane to think about how many times I've been to that stadium and under all the different circumstances... from a jello shot filled freshman college student to a married mama enjoying a game as a family!

the tickets we got were sweet - we were in these little temporary boxes. It was nice because we could get up and walk Edrie around - there was also free beer!

One of her new favorite things is to chew on hands..

After the game we met Lucas and Leslie for dinner! Love them! You can almost picture them with their own little one huh?! ;)

A Few December Randoms

2011-12-12T23:20:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-12T23:19:00.000-08:00

We hosted Thanksgiving for both sides of our family and had a great time! We used all the same recipes we've used the past several years. And we have so very much to be thankful for...Edrie, back in Oregon, after a few scary weeks - our health, and a marriage that is stronger than ever!

A list and some DB...great way to start the day!

bread for stuffing

I think there were 12 adults... lots of food was made!

LOVE this picture of our girl! so cute in her dress and headband!

we are kind of in love with this kid!

And so are her grandparents... she got passed all around and loved it!

Bub just days after surgery carving the turkey!

PW dinner rolls...so good!

still workin' on the turkey!

quite the spread!

sometimes its still hard to believe that is my kid up there! insanity.

November Randoms

2011-12-12T22:56:00.000-08:00

Lets get this little blog caught up!

Happy Birthday Olive!

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Olive turned TWO while we were in Missouri. We seriously love that girl and I was sad not to be with her on her birthday, so I had to make up for it with a little celebration when we returned.

I made a 'cake' using this recipe for both Olive and Mickey - his birthday is just a few days after hers.

They LOVED it! And FYI - there was no puking or other unpleasantness as a result of the cake!

We can't believe how lucky we are to have this girl in our life. We knew she was cute from the beginning, but I don't think either of us knew what a treasure she would become. She is such a sweet, disobedient, and cuddly girl.

Her favorite things: jumping up and greeting new people (much to our dismay), licking those same people (more dismay), running off leash - especially after birds or other small creatures, cuddling - always has to be touching some part of you, and, of course, treats!

Happy Birthday Doggies!

Two Months

2011-11-15T01:07:00.001-08:00

The time just keeps on flying by and this kid keeps on GROWING! She has the thighs and cheeks to prove it, too! We are loving all the new smiles and coos she has been sharing with us. She makes this one noise that is so happy and cute - I have to munch her cheek every time she does it! We completely retired all of her newborn clothes two weeks ago and last week we abandoned her newborn diapers for the ones that will last until she is potty-trained. We tried a bottle at six weeks - total success, until every other time we tried and she just spits the bottle and milk out - total fail! I'll admit, its a kind of sweet that she only wants me, but what if I go back to work? We are gonna keep working on that one. She still hates the car and her car seat so we've been sticking a bit closer to home. She still loves the moby - preferring to be in there almost always, but when she is out she loves to kick her legs and look at lights. She also is really proud of herself when she pushes her legs up and you support her so she can 'stand' - she gets a big smile!

Return to Missoura

2011-11-15T00:38:00.001-08:00

We returned to Missouri for a visit with friends last week. It was SO.MUCH.FUN! We got to spend lots of time just the three of us and also got to catch up with some of our favorite people!

Looking at the pictures from the trip you'd think that we were just home taking daily pictures of Edrie. I kept telling Grant to remind me to take pictures, but we both forgot almost everytime we were out. Most of our weekend was spent enjoying good food and friends. I wish I had better documentation!

Little miss was a dream on the plane. The car ride was a bit of a different story, but we all survived.

smiley and grunty!

Our first venture into disposable diapers... went well overall, but we did have one significant blowout. I was happy to get back into our cloth though!

This one cracks me up... is it my two month old or a 40 year-old balding man who has drank too much beer for the last twenty years?

We spent our first afternoon visiting Grant's old lab. Jaume is a natural! He will have a little girl of his own come February! I can't believe I didn't get a picture of him with Raneat and her bump!

Edrie was a hit

Changing diapers in the lab...

That night we met up with lot of friends at our favorite pizza spot.

This isn't that interesting...but she looks cute, right? And there is one good smile, too!

This kid loves herself a bath and the hotel room sink was the perfect size for her!

She is such a girl...loves anything shiny! She stares at diamond rings, too...

Sunday we hung out at Lainey and Dan's and she got some quality time with both of them! This was the blowout day so her outfit was extra random!

Naturals!

The weekend must have worn her out...she slept the entire way to the airport...just woke once to eat and went right back to sleep. This is seriously SERIOUSLY unheard of and something I dream about happening more often!

Papa and Edrie playin at the airport! The flights home were just as good. We had one that was a bit longer so it went to a higher altitude which I think she felt in her ears more, but she handled it really well. We never thought we would miss our Missouri life so much, so we were really thankful for a chance to go back and visit!

Edrie's Second Month: The Randoms

2011-11-15T00:23:00.001-08:00

This is a picture dump of all my favorites from the last month. She has changed so much! This video is completely uninteresting if you aren't this kid's mom, but I thought having a record of her little hiccups would be sweet later on when she is big and and I can't even remember her being this tiny!

I will admit...I don't really do the headband thing, but she had to get all dolled up for Cait and Jay's wedding reception!

Being cute in the car...

Cuddling with Olive

The lips!

Wish she hadn't outgrown this onesie.

This kid lives in babylegs.

Huge duck fan!

so smiley these days!

Hangin' with aunt lindsey!

love!

Roseburg

2011-11-10T18:30:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we took our first road trip with Edrie in tow. It was pretty stressful, but we are glad we got the first time out of the way! Grant had tickets to the duck game so I took the opportunity to visit the Newtons in Roseburg!

I was pretty lame on the picture front, but Janelle took these when we went for a walk in the woods. We all (dogs included) had fun!

All those pretty fall leaves!

Shocker! Our kid is asleep in the moby!

Maddie is getting so big and interactive!

I Love Love Love autumn!

Edrie's Newborn Pictures

2011-11-10T18:11:00.001-08:00

I know everyone already saw these, but I wanted the ones that we bought to be posted on here...

Visit with the Haneys

2011-11-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

The Haney's are like family so it was a treat to get to introduce Edrie to them! We were at their property (with Dale) when I started having contractions!

This woman knows how to calm a baby.

Edrie is in love!

Week by Week: 8 weeks

2011-11-09T22:59:00.001-08:00

November 7, 2011

Halloween!

2011-11-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

Don't be fooled... I took the completed costume pictures the day after Halloween, because this mama was knitting at stop lights and sewing felt on at the very VERY last minute! I saw this idea on pinterest which linked to this site. I just knit a simple sleep sack and hat and then added the eyes, etc in felt afterward.

I think we ended up with a pretty cute hungry caterpillar!

Edrie's Grandpa carved her a pumpkin while we were away for the weekend!

We went trick or treating with Ethan, Katie and their boys. It was nice to get to be outside with older kids who were SO excited to get candy!

Could they be any cuter??

This picture needs to be included to truly depict how this day went. This kid is hating the carseat and its slowly KILLING me. It took us nearly three hours to get from Happy Valley to Tigard... should have taken more like an hour. She has also decided that no paci or bottle will do... this kid only wants the boob. Makes soothing while strapped into the seat very difficult.

Me amazed that the costume is done and that she isn't crying. It was SUCH a long and stressful day!

Family pic!

Noah SO excited for his super hero rings!

Our smiley girl was back after a good nap and some food. The crying came back on the drive home though..

Week by Week: 7 Weeks

2011-11-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

October 31, 2011

Week by Week: 6 Weeks

2011-10-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

October 24, 2011

Phone Pics

2011-10-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

A sampling of the pictures we send Grant everyday to make him smile at work...

and one he sent us...

Week by Week: 5 weeks

2011-10-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

October 17, 2011

I'm gonna see how long I can go...I can't seem to give it up yet. See weeks 1-4 here.

Pre-Edrie: Labor Day

2011-10-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to get these pics up forever and I'm just going to post a slideshow of them all so I don't have to weed through them. One of you guys saw us this day, right? You should have said hello!!

Anyway, Labor Day in Oregon was hot - and Grant and I, in our usual style wanted to fit a lot in. We decided we first wanted to go downtown and walk Olive through Washington Park, something we loved to do when we lived down there. We walked all through the park and to the Rose Garden. I was enormously pregnant and got lots of looks and questions, but was totally comfortable and capable of walking that far.

Then we wanted to spend the rest of the day in some water. For some reason, a cool river sounded dreamy in my giant state. We drove down along the Clackamas River and we were searching for a spot that wasn't too crowded. We asked a local who had riverfront property and he offered to let us just get in behind his house. We felt awkward, but took him up on it. I was right - it was totally dreamy. I just sat in the water on some rocks for three hours. We had a picnic lunch and Olive sat on a rock nearby. I loved those last few weekends I was pregnant - we were forced not to plan much in advance and neither of us could go out of town so we just spent the days together - all of which seemed to end up sunny and perfect!

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

last weekend we took our annual trip to the pumpkin patch! we had been trying to go for weeks and it finally happened to work out on one of the nicest days we've had this fall!

Though we've gone to a pumpkin patch every year since we started dating, this was our first time as a family...Edrie even woke up for the occasion.

Watching them together is so awesome!

She looks so much smaller when he holds her!

We went to Lakeview Farms and it was packed! They still had lots of pumpkins though.

We nurse anywhere and everywhere... a little side boob never hurt anyone, right?

Again with the eating... this kid is a bruiser!

One Month

2011-10-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

Because I am a total freak and am unsure if I can/want to keep up the weekly photo thing I took a 'one month' photo too. Did it simple like lots of blog folks... white onesie with a stuffed animal (a very special Holly-knit elephant!) for scale.

A month?? NO - Stop growing so fast! Her cheeks and thighs get chubbier by the day and she is more alert, too! Its so fun to watch her look around and study things. She'll just stare at your face taking it all in. And yesterday I saw the first intentional smile. Wow - that will make a mama swoon like nothing else. We are having so much fun...the only thing I would change is for time to slow down so we can soak all of her babyness in. I've been squeezing her in the newborn clothes...and she isn't appreciating it. I just can't believe we are retiring clothes already! Mama milk does a baby good, I guess! We love you little girl!

And the outtakes... because you know I couldn't choose just one!

Edrie's First Month: Week by Week

2011-10-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have been taking a weekly picture of our girl... Not so sure I'll be able to keep up with it so I might take a different one monthly...

September 19, 2011

September 26, 2011

October 3, 2011

October 10, 2011

Edrie's First Month: October 10 & 11

2011-10-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

Our girl has had a bit of a cold the past two days. Yesterday she was so pitiful and cranky...only thing that made her happy was sleeping in the moby and mama wasn't allowed to sit down or stop moving! Made for a long day

growin' a bit of a mullet

Today though... she has been in this state non-stop! She has barely awoken to eat and has taken her naps on the bathroom floor and in the bouncer...both of which are unheard of. I think she is working her way through this little sickness. Poor thing!

Edrie's First Month: Weeks Three and Four

2011-10-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

She is already growing up TOO fast!

Jenni made Edrie these AWESOME ruffled leggings... We might have to beg her for another pair when she outgrows these! They are a big hit everywhere we go! Thanks Jenni!

Sisterly love.

bright eyed

STRETCH! sooo many good handmades in this little ones life... onesie mama embroidered, baby legs mama made from socks, amazing booties from holly.

She made us like 4 or 5 pairs of these in all different sizes... LOVE THEM!

haha... this girl is happiest when she can air her butt out. She usually lays like this on a towel on the bathroom floor while I shower. She coos and swings her legs around happily until she pees - then she gets pissed.

one of the few blissfully quiet car rides...it needed to be documented

Grant's work invited Edrie and I for a little baby shower - it was so sweet of them! I got to meet all of Grant's colleauges and we both got to see where he works!

At her first party... she slept through the whole thing. She is also wearing her one and only dress that fits her. Hoping it lasts until thanksgiving.. I love the chocolate brown color!

Edrie's First Month: Family Day in the Gorge

2011-10-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

Olive chillin' up front so I could try and calm Edrie while we drove.

As I mentioned, Grant has been awesome as a support system and at getting us all out of the house on the weekends. This was the first weekend after he had gone back to work. I was having a rough go that week so he thought some time in the forest would do us all good. We packed up a lunch and headed out to a park in the Gorge for the day. It was rainy, but there was a covered section of the park and Olive could just run around off leash. It was SUCH a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Again, the moby is key at keeping the girl happy. We have even started to master nursing while in it...so awesome!

Olive was SO happy to be out there!

A short walk to an amazing waterfall. This is why we love oregon.. 20 minute drive and 5 minute walk and you see this...and its not even the best waterfall!

we have a BABY! that is insane!

we even got a few games of gin rummy in while baby girl napped!

Edrie's First Month: First Bath

2011-10-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

She was a little unsure at first, but after a second she decided she liked it. Everytime we put her in the bath she looks at us like, what the heck? and then she calms and just hangs out.

Daddy getting her all scrubbed up

love this one!

Olive is always curious about what we are doin' to her lil sister

This is when she usually gets pissed. She isn't a fan of being cold, but luckily we have the awesome handmade hooded towel from Aunt Lindsey to wrap her up in!

Edrie's First Month: Second Week

2011-10-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

This is another monster post, but there are too many cute pics to choose only a few!

This was after her first pediatrician appointment that I frantically scheduled after I 'fired' our first pediatrician, but wanted her bilirubin levels checked. She was fine! At one week old she had already surpassed her birth weight at 7lb11oz! After the appointment we decided to be brave and go hang out in our old stomping grounds. We started out at Sisters Coffee.

Grant is always concerned that baby girl isn't warm enough...he really likes her all swaddled up

I'm a sucker for the pics of him and her...I LOVE them together. Love love love it.

How we like to kick it...in bed, finished nursing, babe over my shoulder

OMG...the sweetness is too much

she likes to make lots of faces and mouth movements... especially like this or like she is trying to whistle

napping in the crib

Another day out...this was was kind of epic. We went to lunch in sellwood, then to a coffee shop to work out our budget (hospital bills really suck, especially unexpected ones), then we hung out in this great park until we ventured out to Tigard for dinner and the duck game with Ethan, Katie, Holly and all the kids! Needless to say we were exhausted by the end of the day!

I couldn't get anything done without our moby - she practically lives in it. She sleeps best there and it enables me to keep her happy while still being hands free. We use it ALL the time!

Cutest duck fan ever!

You can really see the red in her hair in these last two...

Edrie's First Month: First Week Home

2011-10-11T00:23:00.000-07:00

This is a monster post with about a billion pictures, but I narrowed it down and ended up with this many...

I LOOVE this picture of our girl. Her lips are so sweet!

Nana cuddles

Olive is always close by

Gotta love the cozy knits she is cuddled up in

kicking bag #2 (she has 3!) and her first sponge bath to get ready for her big photoshoot!

She is SO much bigger than this now! Still has that full head of hair though!

A daddy's girl already

A rare picture with mama

Meeting Auntie Janelle for the first time

Wardrobe change after a leaky diaper incident... the chunkier thighs have solved almost all diaper leaks!

Hanging with her new BFF - Maddie

We've come along way since our NSYNC days!

Grant has been so great about making sure I'm well taken care of. Especially when I was still recovering from surgery. By Saturday I had some serious cabin fever so we went for a little outing to the East Bank Esplanade. I was still hurting pretty bad from all the pushing I had done so we didn't make it far, but the walk and fresh air were nice.

Little miss already telling us she doesn't like her carseat

Nursing and introducing Edrie to her city

Quality time with Aunt Lindsey

First smile caught on camera! Pretty sure it wasn't intentional, but we still love it!

Meeting Teresa!

Outing number two was to Rocky Butte...I was so emotional that day! Grant was great - lots of hugs and encouragement.

The fresh air and view were so nice and needed

Edrie's First Month: Going Home

2011-10-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

After WAY too many days in the hospital...we were finally discharged on Thursday. I can't tell you how ready I was to go home! I wanted to see my puppy and sleep in my own bed WITH my husband. I will never understand why they don't have a queen sized bed on the post-partum units...its really ridiculous! Anyway, here I was getting my baby girl dressed to go home.

Her first time in our cloth diapers and her first time wearing her mama-made baby legs. Its crazy to look at how they were baggy in this picture, because already...just three and a half weeks later...they are barely fitting!

Waiting... and waiting some more. You'd think it would be easy to write discharge orders prior to heading into surgery, but I guess not!

Getting all strapped in!

Not so sure about this whole car seat thing and Papa lookin' so cute carrying his girl to the car!

Quite possibly the only time she seemed to like the carseat. She has since decided it is the devil and likes to scream while strapped in. That is until mommy gave in on the whole pacifier thing...we had a blissful ride home from the baby store this afternoon. Paci only in the car though!

Of course the drive home from the hospital couldn't just be low-key and simple, instead we almost got side-swiped/rear-ended by a jeep that started spinning out of control on the freeway off-ramp. We are pretty sure that the driver was under the influence because after he narrowly missed hitting several cars and came to stop backward on the off-ramp. He sped down Foster and ran a red light! We were really happy to get our girl home safely.

Olive wondering where I'd been and what I brought home...

Introducing herself to her new sister.

Missed my girl!

Checkin' our her new diggs

Not a flattering picture of me, but I think its cute of the doggies. We were all so happy to be home!

Edrie's First Month: In the Hospital

2011-10-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

I'm going to attempt to get caught up on all our pictures in the next few days. I have a sick baby on my hands so we'll see how successful I am. I can't believe I have a four week old with a cold...it is truly the saddest thing ever.

PS...I forgot to say that all the fab birthday pictures were courtesy of Aunt Lindsey...Thanks friend! Oh... and really all these pictures are too because she is loaning us her awesome camera so we have better pics of our girl! Love her!

I think we have pics of almost all the visitors in the hospital... my dad - Grandpa #1

Burton - Uncle #1 Edrie can't wait to meet her other awesome uncle in just a few months!

Grant's Dad - Grandpa #2

Our beautiful girl

All cuddled up with papa

Tim - Grandpa #3... this girl is lucky with all the grandparents!

Jill and Holly came to see us too! Holly came just in time for me to get my first shower since laboring and having surgery... We forced her to hold crying Edrie through it all. She was a trooper! And of course she came bearing an amazing knit elephant.

She nursed almost non-stop all Tuesday night... She didn't want to come off even for a burp or to see all her visitors.

Finally Nana gets a turn!

Auntie Lindsey

Tuesday night (day after Edrie's birth) Olive was stung by another bee. It forced Grant to go home and take her to the emergency vet in the middle of the night. He slept at home with her that night to be sure she recovered from all the steroids okay. This was the next morning when the papa was reunited with his other baby girl.

Grant's mom...See what I mean about so many great grandparents?!

My aunt and uncle

Already adoring her

Tired from all the love and adoration!

Edrie's Birthday

2011-10-03T23:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, but its been three weeks since we met our little girl. She is so much fun and has made adjusting to life with a baby so easy. We just adore her...you should see Grant with her - it will melt you for sure. I thought I should get the blog caught up with pictures and stories and to do that I need to start back at the beginning with Edrie's birth...

40weeks! taken between contractions on Edrie's due date/birthday

I will start by saying that I was beginning to feel like I would be pregnant forever. I was beginning to just accept that as my fate and move on. Little did I know, this munchkin would be making her appearance right 'on time.' Sunday, September 11th I met a friend for breakfast and noticed I was having a few mild contractions. Nothing of note, but it made me happy to think my body was getting ready to deliver this baby. It was a hot day so Grant and I decided to spend the day on the Washougal River. As we drove up there, the contractions from earlier started to get a little more serious. We decided to see how things went and just head home early if necessary. Almost as soon as we arrived to our spot the contractions stopped. We spent the day eating a picnic lunch and lounging in the cool water. It was so dreamy. Lindsey met us up there and we talked about if the baby could feel the cold water and wondered when we would get to meet the person in the big belly. Grant skipped rocks and Olive accidentally tried her hand at swimming for the first time. After a full day in the sun we got in the car and headed home. Almost on cue - the contractions from the morning returned. They were pretty mild and continued through the evening. I didn't feel like eating much dinner and left the table to go upstairs and lie down for a bit. I think this was the first time I started to wonder if this was actually labor. I've had a few friends contract at night for a few nights before moving into active labor so I tried to remind myself that it could be awhile still.

Grant and I spent the rest of the night in bed watching tv to distract me from the contractions. We never timed them or anything, but realized that they were gradually increasing in intensity. Around 10pm Grant got ready for bed since he had to work in the morning. We considered calling the midwife, but decided to wait until things were more of a sure thing. I tried to get some sleep too, but had a hard time falling into a deep sleep. I kept waking up every so often for a contraction, I'd breathe through it and kind of fall back to sleep. By 2:30am I was lying there awake and decided to get up and do something to get my mind off the contractions. Our birthing class had recommended having a project to work on while in labor so you don't just sit there and wait for each contraction getting too caught up in how far apart, etc. My plan was to cook freezer meals, but I never had gotten the ingredients for what I wanted to make. Instead, I decided to work on a blanket for the baby I had started a few days before. Within a few minutes of pinning the fabric together I noticed that the contractions had stopped. I worked for a bit longer to see if they'd return, but they didn't. I knew I should try to sleep as much as I could in case they came back so at 3:30am I headed back to bed. The minute I laid down, they started back up. Something about lying down brought them on. They were more intense, but still something I could talk through. Between 3:30am and 5:30am I slept between contractions and quietly moaned through them. I should mention, now that I'm thinking of it, that I didn't ever use Hypnobabies while I labored. I needed to be loud and move and I had gotten out of the habit of practicing the hypnosis the last few weeks of my pregnancy. I did continue to listen to the positive pregnancy and birth affirmations and found them endlessly helpful. I remember many times having the familiar affirmations run through my head during a tough contraction.

Anyway, at 5:30am Grant's alarm went off for work. I told him I had been contracting all night and that I didn't know how things would progress but that I thought he should stay home to see. We went back to sleep for a few hours and I continued my cycle of sleeping and waking for contractions. I have no idea how far apart they were or how long they lasted - I was just going with them. I think around 7:30am Grant got up and made us breakfast. I spent the morning laboring in bed and in our room. I'd just lean over the bed and sway my hips for each one. They were completely manageable. At some point, we called the midwife to give her a report on how things were progressing. We had timed some contractions and I think they were still kind of random. Sometimes less than 5 minutes apart, sometimes longer. The midwife thought we were 'on the verge' of active labor and wanted us to keep her in the loop.

I spent the rest of the morning laboring around the house. I felt best when leaning over a counter or banister and moaning. Between contractions I felt fine - I helped Grant get our bags packed for the birth center. When those were all packed I asked him to clean out the car - Olive had puked in it a few days before and we'd cleaned most of it up, but there was a bit that needed scrubbing and I couldn't imagine bringing the baby home in a pukey car! He obliged and I just hung out making my way through one contraction at a time.

At some point, maybe 11am, I decided I wanted to walk outside. I was hoping it would move the contractions along. Grant and I walked up and down a little path near our house. I'm sure the whole neighborhood knew there was a woman in labor - I wasn't quiet. We walked slowly and when a contraction came we'd stop and I'd lean on Grant and moan. Moaning was SO my way of coping through the whole thing. There was a little uphill part of the path and I noticed that the contractions got more intense during that so we walked up and down that part a few times. Grant timed the contractions and after about 45 minutes, we decided to head inside so I could pee and get some water. Every time I sat on the toilet while I was in labor, my contractions got crazy intense. I remember almost wanting to avoid peeing. I specifically, remember that they were pretty intense that time when we came inside. I was really loud and they started coming pretty close together. They were anywhere from 1.5-3 minutes apart lasting 45seconds to 1.5 minutes. Grant called the midwife and she said it was time to come in. I remember being unsure. I really didn't want to be sent home. Looking back on it now, its funny because I was so obviously in active labor.

It was around 12:30pm that we headed to the birth center. The car ride wasn't my fav - it was hard for me to sit still during a contraction and all I could do to cope was moan. It was kind of a warm day and our car doesn't have A/C so the windows were down - I'm sure people thought I was nuts. Grant was an awesome driver and got us to the birth center fast and also got all our friends and family notified that we were heading in.

I remember being really self-conscious when I got to the birth center. I felt like everyone was looking at me. It was the first time that day that I considered how I was laboring, etc. I tried really hard to avoid that feeling getting to me, because I'd read about things like that stopping labor completely. I set myself up to lean on a dresser that faced a wall and put my back to the door - this way I was less aware of everyone in the room and more able to stay focused inward. Despite this, it took about a half hour of being at the birth center before my contractions returned. They returned full force with little to no breaks in between. My midwife made a comment about me not getting any breaks. I remember being proud that I was totally in control still and felt like I could handle even more. My midwives don't check dilation, so I have no idea how dilated my cervix was at this point and I'm grateful because I think it would have been easy for me to get caught up in the numbers.

Anyway, I really started to lose track of time at this point. I think it was about 2pm when I decided to try laboring in the water. I remember it feeling really really good at first, but then I just got so hot. They cooled the water down, but I was still SO hot. After an hour I got out to pee and again, sitting on the toilet made things much more intense. I stayed there for a while just rocking back and forth working my way through contractions. I'd still not describe contractions as painful, just incredibly intense and powerful. Definitely something you have to allow to take over and then its not so bad. I think if you were fighting against it, it would become a painful experience. As I sat on the toilet I started to feel like I wanted to push. I tried a few times and it felt really good. I think it was around that time that my water broke. It felt like a water balloon popped inside me and a huge gush came out into the toilet.

Around 3:30pm Dana suggested I get back into the tub if I wanted a water birth. She thought the birth was imminent and though I liked laboring on the toilet, I should get back in the tub if that is where I wanted baby to be born. I pushed for half an hour on my knees in the tub, before Grant got in with me and I leaned back on him to push. We tried that for another half hour before the midwife suggested trying something else. I wanted to go back on the toilet. I was SO hot in the water, I couldn't handle it. I think this is the point that the midwives started worrying about failure to progress. I was so in another place that I didn't sense it.

After a bit on the toilet everyone left me alone in the bathroom and I really started to push. I was using a bar in the shower to hang on and squat. It was probably 45minutes or an hour when the midwives noticed straight meconium on the floor of the shower. I think it was about 5:30pm and Dana asked me if she could check me, because she was concerned that the baby was breech. The meconium wasn't mixed with amniotic fluid so it is a sign that baby's butt is right at the cervix. I remember trying to process what a breech babe would mean as they helped me lay on the bed. Did this mean a c-section? Why wouldn't we have known? Dana was pretty sure she felt a baby booty and not a head. My other midwife specializes in breech births and she confirmed that baby was trying to come out butt first. We had some options. We could try for a vaginal breech delivery, but they are risky. Babies can get stuck and 1 in 100 die. Or we could go straight to the hospital for a c-section.

Everyone left Grant and I alone to try and make a decision. Remember I am fully dilated and contracting every minute or two at this point. It was SO hard to think clearly. I told Grant to make an educated decision and I was fine either way. He went to get more information about the risks and how the baby was doing. We were lucky in that our baby was always 'happy' - never had any concerning heart rate decelerations or anything. Somehow we decided to just go to the hospital. They called and let them know we were coming and we all headed out to the cars. In the parking lot, Grant stopped and asked me if I wanted to just try for a bit - we could go to the hospital if things got dangerous or I got too tired, but I was still doing well with lots of energy and the midwives assured us that the baby was handling labor well. Dramatically, we decided to go back in and try to get this baby out!

The rules were that I only could push for three hours and that I had to make significant progress every hour. The first hour - 6ish to 7 I made great progress - probably a few inches and baby was still doing great. After another 45 minutes Jesica checked and I hadn't made any further progress. I had been pushing with all my might while squatting and using Grant's leg as counter pressure. Jesica thought we should go to the hospital and we agreed. I remember being really scared of having surgery, but I felt at peace with the fact that I wasn't just going to get a c-section and assuming my body couldn't do something. We had tried and I was sure that this is what was necessary to bring a healthy baby into this world.

OMG! That ride to the hospital...once we decided for the c-section they told me to try not to push. I had been pushing for the better part of 4 hours and now I had to stop?? SO hard. This was, by far, the hardest part of labor for me. Grant drove, the midwife monitored me and baby and we did our best to get to the hospital as fast as we could. It was like something out of a movie - I was moaning and doing all I could to resist pushing - only being successful half the time - Grant was trying to keep us safe while driving and worrying about his wife and baby. When we got to the hospital they threw me in a wheelchair and I moaned while we rushed upstairs. Then things started happening real slowly. We thought they'd rush us in for a c-section...nope. They asked me a million questions while putting in IV's and once they realized baby was doing so great they let someone go to the OR before us. We ended up waiting an hour or more! I remember they kept telling me not to push and I kept saying...you have to get me an epidural if you don't want me to push! Finally they got the epidural in and I could relax. The only time I felt really tense all day was while they kept telling me not to push. It was just too hard to resist.

Eventually, they took us to the OR and Grant looked so hot in his scrubs. He was SO good and exactly what I needed that whole day. He was extremely present and encouraging. While they cut me open and took our baby we just looked at eachother and waited. Sad, but excited. At 10:33pm on our due date our baby was born! We asked the doctors to avoid announcing the sex of the baby, so he just held her up and Grant made the announcment. It took him a minute - the anesthesiologist kept saying, "I know what it is" and finally Grant surprisingly said "Its a GIRL!" I was SO surprised. I cried while Grant followed her to the warmer.

I could tell there was something wrong. They had announced her APGARS and they were good, but there was still some hubbub. The nurse came over and asked me if we had used a vacuum to try and extract her...umm NO we hadn't, why? Apparently, she had an abrasion on her butt. I know they didn't believe us, even after the surgeon assured them that it is common for breech babies to have bruised butts after pushing. She was fine and her butt cleared up in a few days.

They wrapped her all up and Grant brought her over to meet me. I just touched her face and couldn't believe SHE was here. She was rooting all over and I wanted to feed her SO bad. Eventually they got me all sewn up and I got to hold our little girl! So amazing. They wheeled us back to the recovery room. We thought our family would be in the waiting room, but as we turned the corner we saw them all there. The baby had a pink hat on so I assumed everyone caught on, but no one said anything. I announced, "It's a girl" and I felt like the whole room erupted. Brings tears to my eyes. It was an amazing moment. The surprise was SO good. Everyone crowded around to meet her - she was so very loved already.

Newborn Photos

2011-09-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

See Edrie's professional newborn photos HERE. If you leave a comment on the photographer's blog, we'll love you forever!

THREE

2011-09-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

Three years, its been! It seems like it was just yesterday, but at the same time seems like it must have been longer because so much has happened and changed. I am proud of the couple we are and the couple we continue to strive to be. He is my rock and I learn more every day what a devoted, compassionate, and loving man he is. Now he is not only my co-puppy parent, he is the father of my child. I am so lucky. I love you, Bubba

Its a GIRL!

2011-09-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? She is gonna kill me after referring to her as a he for the last 10 months!

Edrie Ruth

September 12, 2011 at 10:33pm

7lb 10oz, 18.5in

I will post about her birth and my 40th week of pregnancy soon. Right now we are working on getting to know each other and spending time with Papa before he returns to work.

39 weeks!

2011-09-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

What to tell? There is a whole lot of the same goin' on over here. I'm still feeling great - the same. I have numb sausage hands, but otherwise I'm fine. I continue to sleep well getting up once a night maybe or just sleeping through. I've had this weird development where I'm STARVING right before bed and again when I wake up. Maybe its just because this kid is getting big and I need to eat more to feed it? Who knows - I just started eating a snack before bed and getting up when it demands - usually 5am to eat again.

I was getting really impatient for this baby to arrive last week, but I'm falling back into a patient mindset and enjoying the time by myself, with friends and, especially, with Grant and Olive. We've had lots of fun and its nice to cherish that time before our life gets turned upside down.

That's all I got! Hope you all had a great long weekend!

Boo to Bees

2011-09-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

I haven't written about our baby girl much lately. She is still the mutual love of our life. Grant can't imagine that the baby could possibly be cuter than Olive! She is constantly showered with hugs and kisses and has even won the right to sleep in our room - as long as she stays on her own bed. She's adjusted well to the multiple moves and likes having a playmate in my parent's dog. She is uber spoiled getting to go on off-leash walks twice a day - once by me in the morning and usually a second time with my mom in the evening. I think she is going to handle being a big sister very well - this baby will be covered in dog saliva, but I doubt there will be any hard feelings either way.

right when we got back from our walk

Anyway, last week I was walking the dogs in this wooded area we walk in everyday. They are both off-leash but stay close - Olive likes to investigate in the bushes and brush and Mickey stays at my feet usually. This morning - Olive ran back over to us kind of shaking her head and scratching at her muzzle a bit. She didn't seem that perturbed and ran back off. I didn't think much of it - figured she tried to go too deep into one of the blackberry bushes or something. Fast forward half an hour as we are walking back toward the house. I notice the left side of her muzzle is really swollen all of a sudden. It was probably a few inches thick and growing. I called the nearest vet and they said she probably got stung by a bee and to give her some benadryl. Hmm... ok. We got back to the house and I searched, but we didn't have benadryl.

the worst of it - on the way to the vet. look at all those ugly hives!

I could kick myself for leaving her and am lucky that things turned out okay, but I ran to the store to get some benadryl because I didn't think the zyrtec we had would act as quickly. When I got back poor puppy looked awful. She seriously looked like a monster and was SO distraught. She didnt' know what was happening to her. She was scratching at her face and throwing herself on the floor. I'm so lucky her throat never swelled up. Her face was completely swollen - her eyes were just little slits and she had hives on her entire body. I got an initial dose of benadryl in her and called the vet to tell them I was on my way in.

as the first dose of benadryl set in and her swelling started to subside

Poor baby - they said they don't usually see reactions this bad. They gave her an IV dose of corticosteroids and told me to keep her on the bendadryl and prednisone for several days. Happily, the swelling on most of her face and the hives were gone within a few hours. Later that evening I gave her an additional dose of benadryl and her first oral prednisone taking care of the rest of her swelling. It took her 5 or so days to get back to her normal self, but she is fine! I can't tell you how afraid I was - seriously, this dog is like my baby and I can't even think of what a mess I'd be if something happened to her. I called the vet back and asked for an EpiPen so I could dose her if she started going anaphylactic after another sting...they kind of laughed at me and said they don't prescribe EpiPens for dogs. I'm gonna keep working on it...

Blueberries

2011-09-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

A few months ago we went in with my parents and aunt and uncle to get a membership to Klock Farm for blueberries. Between my parents and us we got 100 pounds of blueberries for $110. Pretty sweet, huh?

The first time my mom and I went out we got around 36lbs of berries in a few hours of picking. It was a good day, but we knew we'd have to step it up to get all our berries picked before baby came.

So last week we went out and the berries were huge and practically falling off the bush..we got 71lbs in three hours of picking!!

It is such a nice, meditative way to spend a Friday morning. I'm kind of sad we're done! Our freezers are PACKED to the brim with berries! I can't wait to have berries all winter long!

Dinner Date

2011-08-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we got takeout from one of my new favorite restaurants and sat on the waterfront as the sunset. We didn't have much time, but it was nice to sit over the water and talk about life and baby. After we ate we sat on a bench and Grant rubbed my belly. Only a matter of time before that belly is gone and that kid is in our arms!

Basketball Challenge

2011-08-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

Colin is one of Grant's co-workers. He is an UO HPHY Alum and an all around nice guy. Colin likes to challenge his co-workers in a physical challenge once a month or so. A running race, a swimming race, etc. Grant decided he'd like to play basketball for his challenge. The date was set for August 2nd. They both trained and there was even a small crowd for the game. I think they played best of three to 21 or something? I can't remember. They had lots of sweaty fun until Colin got hurt. Unfortunately, he re-injured is patella cutting the challenge short and putting him in a leg brace for several weeks =(. I love these pictures of the game taken by another one of Grant's co-workers. They have so much fun workin' out there!

38 weeks!

2011-08-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

Still truckin' along over here. Apparently I'm HUGE or at least that is what everyone who saw me grocery shopping today thought. Seriously three people stopped me to ask when I was due and were beyond shocked when I said two weeks. And I got the ever famous, "Well you must be having twins" Nope. Just one, ThankYouVeryMuch! I really don't feel like I'm giant, but at our birth class this weekend I was for sure the biggest one there and almost everyone was due within a week of me.

I still feel really good. Tired sometimes, but mostly just the same as I've felt the past few months. Carpal tunnel, occasional heartburn. I wake up about three nights a week to pee at 3am, but otherwise I sleep fine and feel fine. I'm told I am starting to have a bit of a waddle, but I don't feel a lot of pelvic pressure yet. I will admit I'm getting more impatient for this kid to get here. I feel silly for wanting it so bad when I still feel good, but I'm just ready! I've been pregnant and waiting for what seems like an eternity so now I want my prize! I'm trying really hard to relish this last bit of time to myself/with Grant and remember that baby will come at the perfect time when he or she is good and ready.

As I mentioned, we had our birth class on Saturday - we really enjoyed it! It was at our birth center and went over lots of what to expect and when to call/come to the birth center. She also went over lots of pointers on how to touch a laboring woman and ways to provide comfort. We practiced different massage techniques and labor positions and even got in one of the birth tubs! It was really great to meet other couples with babe's due so close to ours and to hear their baby names! It was also reassuring to see all the people with like-minded approaches to birth. Next week we have a prenatal breastfeeding class that I'm excited about!

I've been meaning to take a picture of the belly with headphones and I finally remembered! Every once in a while I play the babe some music. Its funny to feel it squirm to the beat and I will be interested to see if it likes this music more when it is born. I usually play this Journey CD, because this kid's papa loves him some Journey. I got an iPod dock for the nursery so we can play music in there while baby naps or while we are nursing. I'm hoping to get a few white noise tracks to play too. I've heard newborns love them some white noise!

This was a big baby week...lots of pictures! Last Monday Grant installed the carseat. This felt like a big moment to me - like we are really getting close! He was so cute...he read through the entire manual whilst listening to some hard core rap and sitting in the back of the car. We had totally cleaned the car inside and out the night before so it was all ready for the install. I don't even drive this car (b/c it has no AC and no woman 9+ months prego should go without AC) so I haven't gotten to drive around with the empty car seat...but I'm very happy its all ready for baby!

My weekly midwife appointments are always an hour long, but there isn't always that much to do. We chat, they measure me, listen to baby and then we are usually done. Last week they asked if I would want them to draw my baby for me. I know some people probably think this is totally weird and hippy, but it was kind of fun and actually really relaxing! It was fun to see the babe's position and to imagine more what it looks like. Grant thinks babe will be born bald and then will have really blond hair... wonder if the drawing is more accurate or if he is right!!

My favorite part was the placenta... it is what connects us and it amazes me all that it can do! They just used water soluble paint so I washed the drawing away later that night. Fun while it lasted!

Baby Shower

2011-08-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

Wow. That is all I can say about how bowled over with emotion I was after our friends and family showered us and this baby a few weeks ago. We are SO spoiled to have so many people who love us and this kid! Janelle, Lindsey, and Jill hosted an amazing party complete with beautiful flowers, handmade decorations, delicious treats, and even a few fun activities! It was the perfect mix of mingling, activity, and gifts. Thank you thank you thank you! I couldn't pick just few pictures so there is a slideshow of more than a few favs below...

shadow

2011-08-24T11:19:00.001-07:00

My shadow while walking today...OMG that belly is huge!

37 Weeks

2011-08-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

We made it to full term! I am amazed that this kid could come at any time...its the weirdest thing having no idea when something so big might happen. I'm getting really anxious and excited for the actual birth. I still just can't believe we are having A BABY!

I feel great still - my heartburn was even better this week! My carpal tunnel is still really annoying, but I can deal. I'm still sleeping through the night and just have to pee really bad when I wake up in the morning. I think I kind of wake up when my hands go numb at night, but I am not totally sure. I think I just change positions and fall back asleep. I've been walking 5-6 days a week up these hills near where we live - its a really good workout (for someone in my GIANT state) and people look at me like I'm insane or like the kid is going to fall out of me. Makes me laugh...hopefully the exercise will serve me well in labor.

What else? I tested GBS positive. Boo. Not really a huge deal, but it would have been nice to be negative. We are trying some homeopathic remedies to see if we can clear it and then we'll retest in a few weeks. If I'm still positive we'll just do our best to keep baby free of infection and watch close the first few weeks. The reality is that GBS doesn't get that many babies sick, but it can make the ones that get sick REALLY sick. I'm not sure that giving every laboring women who is positive IV antibiotics is the right answer though...

The baby is HUGE. Seriously poking out of me all over the place. My email says that the baby could be as big as 6.3 lbs and over 19 inches long. I wonder how big our babe will actually be...I'm hoping for a six pounder... Sometimes when it really stretches it hurts now. I also had a knee sticking out of my side the other day that was incredibly uncomfortable. I encouraged baby to move and, luckily, he obliged. I like to watch the movements - its like he is doing all sorts of tricks in there! I CAN NOT WAIT TO MEET THIS PERSON! Come out and see us!

Maternity Pictures!!

2011-08-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

My maternity pictures are posted to our photog's blog and we are in love!! Go check them out and PLEASE leave a comment... if we get 10 comments then we get a free 8x10! Can't wait to see the rest and to meet the baby in that big belly!

Nursery Reveal!

2011-08-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

This is my beloved room! I'm beyond proud of it and am so excited to spend time with our babe in here!! Our photographer mentioned bringing a wide angle lens and taking some pics of it for us when she comes to do newborn pictures, but I couldn't wait that long to share so please bear with me on the picture quality!

My first quilt done by me from picking out coordinating fabrics to the end of quilting and binding! I'm so in love!

I am NO designer! I got tons of inspiration and ideas from the web - specifically pinterest and ohdeedoh. Let me know if I've forgotten to cite something in the following list!

Inspiration & Sources...

Cloud Mobile Heavily Inspired by:The ButterFlying, Love this one, This whole room is awesome

Overall design/One Yellow Piece of Furniture: Norah’s Sweet and Sunny Nursery, Soo cute!, In love!,

Rug:World Market

Follow Your Heart:Kohl’s

Grey totes:Kohl’s

Pillows in crib: Pier One

Black Piggie Bank:Target

Crib skirt: DIY using this tutorial

Quits:DIY – one by me and one by an aunt

Emboridered Onesie: DIY - traced this pattern

Changing Pad Cover:DIY using this tutorial

Fabric Bunting:DIY using this pattern

Dog Butt Hooks & Wire Hangy Thing:Ikea

Lamp & Shade:Ikea

Shelf:Ikea

Crib: Giggle

Dresser:Already owned - DIY sanded and repainted white

Rocker & Stool:Already owned - DIY repainted yellow (sun ray by behr) and reuplostered (remember what it used to look like??)

Side Table:Already owned – DIY repainted white

Bookshelf:Craigslist find, but originally from Ikea

Frog Wall Art:Originals from my first grade teacher who is an awesome artist!

Wall Paint: Wet Pavement from Valspar

Fabric for all projects: Fabric Depot

36 weeks! = 9 months!

2011-08-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

I feel like it is insane to think that we are one month from our due date! Can you believe that?! This week was great - lots of exciting things for this little family! I'll start by saying that I'm still feeling great and know that I am ridiculously lucky to be saying that this far along. My carpal tunnel is still there and is progressing, but it is manageable. I've done all the baby knitting I'll be able to do until after baby is here and I get some of this fluid off, but that isn't a huge deal. My heartburn is also around, but continues to be managable. The best thing is that I'm still sleeping through the night. Toward the end of the week I started waking up at 520 or so just wide awake. I didn't have to pee or anything so I think it was just anticipation of all the fun over the weekend!

On Friday we had our maternity pictures taken by the lovely Katie Anderson! It was SO fun and I can't wait to see what she got! I'll post them here when we get a sneak peek soon! We are so excited to get to have her back in a few weeks to do our babe's newborn pictures, too!

I spent the rest of last week and Saturday finishing the nursery! I REALLY wanted to have it done before the baby shower which was yesterday. I got it done and am in love! It feels SO SO good to be in the room that is our baby's! I'll post some pictures later today.

The Shower! OMG we are beyond spoiled! Jill, Janelle, and Lindsey hosted an awesome shower and we had a great turnout! It was so fun to see people that we don't get to see very often and everyone was so excited about the baby! This kid is beyond spoiled already! The shower was complete with awesome decorations, delicious food, and fun activities! I didn't take any pictures, but I'll post them all once I get them! Thank you to everyone who planned, loved, and showered us - we are humbled by your support and generosity!

What else? I think I mentioned that I went back on my antidepressant - it was such a hard decision, but I am feeling significantly better so we are confident it was the right one. I love the doctor I'm seeing at OHSU - she specializes in pre- and post-natal depression so I feel like we can trust her advice. At this point we will continue to see how I do and she will monitor me post-partum to see if we need to make any changes.

Hypnobabies - I took a few weeks off! Oops! I'm back on track, but I was feeling really overwhelmed with the amount of time it was taking so I decided to give myself a break. It was good because now I'm more excited to get back into it and get ready to birth this baby! I would say that I really like the relaxation and positivity about birth that it preaches, my continuing complaint is the time commitment - I think it would be a really tough program to stick to if I were working.

Baby continues to plump up! I'm positive he is still head down, which makes this mama very happy! Things are getting tighter in there so the movements are much less grand. I have a few days each week were I have these really low crampy feelings - It seems to be my body readjusting, perhaps to a growth spurt or a change in babe's position. I didn't feel awesome for a few days last week and for a minute I worried that my time of comfort had run out, but luckily I was back on track to feeling good by Wednesday. If we go into labor anytime now we can deliver at the birth center! We are starting to get lots of guesses on when this baby is going to come - many say early! and I'm getting more and more guesses that it is a girl! SO SO CURIOUS about who this little one will be and what it will look like!

Brewfest

2011-08-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we spent a beautiful afternoon and evening on the waterfront enjoying friends (me) and beer (grant). The weather was perfect and OMG was the beer flowing. Let's just say all was fun and games until the ride home...

love her!

Linz & Hillary

A few of the crazy boys. Those tasters are NO JOKE!

All the girls and my big belly

G likes to pretend he is supporting the belly...

35 Weeks!

2011-08-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

As I write this, baby has the hiccups. I was telling Grant the other day that sometimes its hard for me to concentrate when I'm having a conversation or trying to get something done and there is this being moving or hiccuping or kicking. I always just want to stop and focus on it or at least tell the other person, but that is kind of random... "excuse me, but my fetus is hicuuping and I need to focus." I've been loving this stage where I can REALLY feel it move though. No more are the days where I question if each twinge was the baby or not.

I'm lucky to still be feeling great. People keep asking when I think the baby will come. For some reason, I think early, but I always tell them that if I continue to feel this good it can stay in for as long as it wants so I can get everything on my to do list done! Its amazing to me how soon or how far away it could be and we have NO IDEA! Back to how I'm feeling - my biggest complaints are still the carpal tunnel and heartburn. The carpal tunnel is progressively getting worse and at times drives me insane. Three of my fingertips on both hands are now constantly numb/tingly and throughout the day/night I'm always trying to change positions to get the tingly-ness to go away. The heartburn is just something I've gotten used to - I've found its worse lately when my stomach is empty so I've been trying to eat a little bit all the time. Tums usually help, if eating doesn't cure it though.

I've been working hard to get the nursery done and its getting SO CLOSE! My goal is to have most of it done by this weekend so that I can show people at the shower and so we can take a few of our maternity pics in there. The quilt is the only thing I'm not convinced will be done and that isn't the end of the world. I really like how it is turning out...I'm excited to post pictures soon!

My email tells me that this kid in me is HUGE - possibly weighing in at around 5 1/4 lbs and over 18 inches long?! No wonder I can feel every little movement! I had this shift in pressure yesterday. I'm not sure if the baby changed positions or if he moved down or what, but all of a sudden it is kind of uncomfortable to bend over and I have a few more twingy pains when I move in certain ways. Hmmm...

We're still working on names and I'm thinking that we are probably not going to make any progress from our current position until the baby is here. August and Walter are still the boy front runners. Edrie and Aurora and maybe Maren are the girls. Maren is falling out of favor because it occurred to us that she could be called Mary and that just isn't as fun. I LOVE Edrie and would want to use the middle name Ruth...Grant is coming around, but it isn't his fav and most people aren't in love with it... not sure I care though! We'll see. I'm excited to see what it ends up being called...its such a hard decision.

Cannon Beach Babymoon

2011-08-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

We spent last weekend in Cannon Beach and were greeted with the most amazing weather! The above picture defines our time well - belly, knitting, puppy sleeping. What you can't see is that my hubby is close by and we were ALONE! We haven't done anything just the two of us all summer, so this was our little weekend babymoon to spend a little time reconnecting. It was so nice!

Olive knows the smells of the beach so even before we took her onto the sand she was whining at the hotel room door until we took her. She continued to whine the WHOLE weekend if we weren't literally on the beach.

Such a nice day to be at the coast!

Saturday morning we took things slow - with Grant and Olive going for a morning jog while I got some knitting in. Then we spent some family time chilling on the beach.

Grant and I did some baby reading and Olive chewed her stick.

Then it was time for Devin & Alysha's wedding! It was a perfect day for a beach wedding! We were so happy to get to be there to celebrate with them. Congratulations guys!

The rest of the weekend we just relaxed and worked on things like a budget and getting our life in order. Those things aren't much fun, but it felt so good to have them lined out before this baby comes...its going to be here so soon!

34 Weeks!

2011-08-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

I get huger by the minute these days. Seems like I can't possibly get ANY bigger, yet somehow it happens! I still feel pretty good. For some reason Sunday and Monday were rough - I felt off and exhausted, but I slept in yesterday making me feel much better. For the latter half of Sunday baby was in a really weird position that made me SO uncomfortable, but after some coaxing he got back in line and mama is much happier.

I had two job interviews this week - leading me to stuff myself into the bella band and some dress pants. OMG I was uncomfortable! I don't think either job is a go, because at this point its hard for me to start working and then I'd want time off when baby comes. It was good to get some more experience interviewing though.

What else? I had an appointment with my midwife yesterday. Baby is still head down and really low. Heart rate sounded great and my blood pressure is normal. All things that make me happy. For some reason, I've found that the anxiety and what ifs of the first trimester are creeping back in a bit so the reassurance was nice.

We are continuing to work on the nursery and I got to wash all my baby clothes and diapers and put them into the dresser this week. For some reason I had been looking forward to that for MONTHS! Its one of those silly little things I always dreamed of doing while pregnant, but it had to wait so LONG because of all the moving and craziness. For the nursery I still need to finish baby's quilt, make a crib skirt and mobile, paint a few things, hang pictures. Hoping to get it all finished before the shower next week!

San Diego Trip

2011-07-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

This trip was exactly what I needed at this stage of pregnancy - a lot of good food, sun, and beach. We arrived Thursday morning and went straight to the 'dog park beach.' Bear had a blast running in the waves with the other dogs. It was overcast, but we were hoping it would burn off. You like my pedicure??

Next we headed to Mission Beach and walked on the boardwalk until we were hungry, then we walked until the pregnant lady needed ice cream and a nap. Then we walked back. It was awesome! That night we met up at the restaurant my brother works at for some good food...OMG we were stuffed for days!

Friday we had to stop at the maternity store, because the pregnant lady managed to leave all of her 'bottoms' on the bedroom floor NEXT too the suitcase. Naked from the waist down isn't really acceptable so we had to do a bit of shopping. Then we headed to Coronado to meet our aunt and cousin for lunch and some shopping. I didn't take any other pictures, but it was OBVIOUSLY a gorgeous day - this is the bay as we were driving on the bridge to get to Coronado.

Joel had to work that afternoon and wasn't feeling well so mom and I headed to the beach - we sat in the sand and read for as long as possible.

Then we asked some nice ladies to take a pic of us. I got lots of looks and comments about the belly. So big, it is!

I love this one! After we had enough sun, we showered and headed to dinner at a family friend's house. It was SO nice to visit and have some good barbeque!

Saturday I can't remember what we did in the morning, but in the afternoon we drove an hour north to visit another of our aunts and cousins (my dad grew up in Riverside, CA). We had so much fun visiting, playing in the pool, and eating good mexican!

Trying to stay cool - it was HOT!

No pictures from Sunday because I forgot my camera at the aforementioned cousin's house - I used Joel's to take a few pics, but mostly we ate a delicious breakfast out and then mom and I went to the beach for 6 hours while Joel worked. It was awesome and SO relaxing. That night we went to his restaurant again and he waited on us - we felt super spoiled!

Monday we went to another awesome breakfast spot that served food on platters - the portions were out of control. Then Joel and Efron took us to a look out in La Jolla. Do you see the colors of the water?? So pretty!

There were tons of hang gliders leaving from and landing on a cliff near by.

Miss that boy so much! He kept us laughing all weekend long!

Mom, Joel, and Efron - who is SO nice! I was helping me manage this big body without falling over the cliffs - offered me his sunglasses and was generally awesome. We VERY much approve Joel! After we had our share of the view we drove down and spent the afternoon on the beach - because the boys were with us we spent more time in the water (mom and i were kind of scared). I didn't go in very far, but the three of them went way out and enjoyed the awesome waves. We shared some laughs over some fish that were swimming in the water and headed back to the airport.

We were sad to leave, but had an awesome, packed weekend in the sun!

33 Weeks!

2011-07-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yup - every post from here on out is going to begin with OMG, because seriously its getting close. I'm lucky to still be feeling pretty great. My biggest complaints are carpal tunnel (which seems to be improving with stretching) and fatigue. By the end of the day I'm wiped and usually start to breathe heavier as I walk upstairs or try to do anything 'strenuous'. My mom and I spent the weekend in San Diego visiting my brother - it was a nice break from to do lists and the never-ending moving. We spent three of the 5 days on the beach and ate too well the whole weekend!

I had another midwife appointment right before we left and everything went great. I've asked my midwives to keep a close watch on baby's heart rhythm, because I started the antidepressant last week. There was one case study where a woman started in the third trimeseter and baby developed an irregular rhythm. Its a case study so the likelihood of it repeating is slim, but we figured safer is better. Baby is still head down and in perfect position for birth. My midwife even asked if I'm feeling pelvic pressure (I'm not) because he (or she) is so low! This kid has been deep in my pelvis since the beginning and I sometimes think that is part of why I am still feeling pretty comfortable. Baby is hardly ever up in my ribs so I can move and breathe comfortably. When he does get all cozy taking up more room, I just encourage (push) him back down a bit. Though, he doesn't always comply. We saw lots of family while we were in Cali and everyone had a take on if this kid is a boy or girl - and I got a few that are convinced its a girl! I'm getting so curious!

My mom and I made some big moves in the nursery yesterday - we got the room painted, set up the crib, bought a bookshelf on craigslist, and got supplies to do a few DIY projects. Its helping me breathe easier - I've been feeling like I NEED to prepare for this baby and we just haven't been able to with all the moving and upheaval of our life.

What else? Baby is HUGE - my email says over 4lbs and 17inches! I feel that things are getting tighter in there. My skin is more taught and I feel baby move all day long. Its a nice reminder that he is there and helps me remember to talk to him more. I love it when I can tell that what I feel is a foot or a knee, but that doesn't happen very often. Many of the movements I feel are really deep down so I think his hands are constantly busy and up by his face.

I think that sums it up - getting the nursery ready and baby is getting HUGE!

Lost Lake Camping

2011-07-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we met some friends at Lost Lake for a weekend of (rainy) camping. It was gorgeous when we arrived on Friday, but later that night the rain hit and stayed for most of the weekend.

Our main concern at first was the bugs. Here is Olive trying to catch the ones swarming her. They didn't bite, but they got all in your face!

Oh yes, I camped in the rain and set up the tent all by myself at 8 months pregnant! Aren't you proud?! I had some SERIOUS heartburn after bending over to get the tent set up.

First time camping in Oregon in YEARS!

We had an awesome fire all weekend long. Good since it was cold and wet!

The boys cookin up breakfast Saturday morning.

There were so many beautiful trees.

Olive decided that she should get her own camp chair. Luckily we had extras! If she wasn't running around exploring she was posted up by the fire napping. Spoiled puppy.

Saturday afternoon we headed down to the lake and the boys attempted fishing. After about an hour, the girls headed back to camp. Three hours later the boys came back empty handed with a story about donating fish to a youth camp?? Sure guys...

This is really the best representation of the weekend...under the rain canopy (that G drove into Hood River to buy on Saturday) trying to stay warm and dry. It was fun, but I am not a rainy day camper!

Dinner with the Youngers!

2011-07-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

Lucas and Leslie were in town a week or two ago and we all met up at Deschutes for dinner. We only got this one pic, but its so cute I had to post it. Love those girls!

The Fourth in Sunriver!

2011-07-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

I've been really bad about keeping up with blogging our weekend adventures, but I'm trying to catch up! We spent the weekend of the Fourth in Sunriver with friends and had SO MUCH FUN! The weather was perfect. Olive was in heaven. And we had A LOT of bacon.

She thinks she is our child. We LOVE her for it.

Jack & Olive have so much fun together! They played all weekend long.

Saturday the girls headed poolside...

The big belly is a prop for a growing girl!

The boys went on a bike ride and saw some amazing sights...

When we all got back Grant and I took the doggies on a walk.

And I got some Maddie cuddle time in. Love that girl!

Sunday we headed into Bend to hike near Tumalo Falls... I HEART OREGON!

TOO CUTE!

Our little fam... that baby is about to be on the outside!

The whole gang minus Joe who took the pic.

Jessie and I brought up the rear.

After the hike, the gang went to Deschutes for a brewery tour and tasting. I wasn't feeling up to it so I parked myself and the doggies by the river and listened to my hypnobabies recordings.

We met up in the park after they were done and Jack proceeded to pee on Joe's leg. It was not funny at all...

Maddie and I were beat after a long day. The belly is a perfect resting spot for a little one.

We ate good all weekend long!

Rachel and her beau hung out Sunday night and Monday - we spent most of the evening laughing while playing games. It was all too much fun! Hope we can do it again next year!

32 Weeks!

2011-07-18T23:56:00.000-07:00

8 months... that is what 32 weeks equals. OMG. This kid is going to be here before I know it! Maybe I should get the nursery in order or wash at least some of its clothes? I'm getting sooo excited and wonder more and more about who this kid is everyday. I can't wait to meet him or her!

I've continued to feel pretty great, which I'm endlessly thankful for. The one major complaint I have is carpal tunnel. I've had it throughout my pregnancy, but my hands would just go numb once or twice a night and it wouldn't be very severe. In the past week its gotten to the point where I wake up numerous times and I have to work pretty hard to get feeling back in my hands. And I find that during the day my hands are going numb in certain positions. In the morning I have a hard time gripping things very tightly, but that seems to get better throughout the day. Really though, its not the end of the world and I make do just fine.

What else? I'm really looking forward to my baby shower! Its in a little less than a month and so is our maternity photo session! We are meeting with the midwives twice a month now - I go again on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to hearing if babe is still head down. I think he is though. He is a funny little thing, always movin' and shakin'. He prefers to be on the right side of my belly almost always and he continues to GROW! Its kind of insane the rate at which these things gain weight. The babe is now approximately 3.75lbs and 16.7 inches long! Crazy.

So that's us... carpal tunnel and growing at a rapid rate!

31 Weeks!

2011-07-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Every week is going by faster and I'm starting to feel the pinch of how much I want to get done before this baby makes its way into our life. This past weekend we finished the shuffling of our belongings from the old apartment, storage, and a garage sale - it feels SO good to have that done. And really, Grant did 99.9% of the moving because I'm basically useless in that arena these days. He worked hard and I very much appreciate it! The focus now will be to spend the next month traveling on weekends and working on the nursery/baby stuff during the week. I'm VERY excited to work on baby stuff and have been searching for lots of grey/yellow nursery inspiration on pinterest.

I continue to feel great most of the time. I had a few weeks relief from peeing myself, but it came back full force this past week. Good times there. If nothing else, its always a good laugh. One thing I've noticed especially bad the past few days is just a deep fatigue in my legs - I guess from carrying my heavy self around? They ache when I climb the stairs in the house and BURN if I try to walk up hill. My feet are also pretty swollen and sore most mornings when I wake up. Its nothing unmanageable though.

I had a midwife appointment last Wednesday and Grant was able to come. It was nice to get to check in together. He hasn't spend much time with the midwives so I'm looking forward to him coming to more appointments. I gained 4 or 5 pounds last month so they were good with that - bringing my current total weight gain to around 24lbs. I also asked them to check if baby is head down and they said he is! I SO hope he stays down there - a breech baby isn't what I'm lookin' for in my first birth. Otherwise, everything was great at the appointment and now I will start seeing them every two weeks until 36 weeks when I'll start going once a week.

The email I got this morning states that baby is OVER 16 inches long and around 3.3lbs! WOW! Getting big in there. I can feel every little movement now and I love it. I'm starting to get to the point where I can make out little parts and can tell if baby is awake because there is near constant motion. We were at dinner with friends last night and they asked if baby ever get hiccups. I said, no, not really. Then, of course, while I was working on my hypnobabies thing this morning he had a set of them that lasted 10 or 15 minutes. I was having SUCH a hard time staying relaxed because it was so funny to feel the constant, rhythmic movement. Speaking of hypnobabies - that is still going well. I like it more and more everyday. Its not as weird as I thought it would be - really it is just a way to teach yourself to relax and use that relaxation to move away from the discomforts of labor. I like feeling like I'm working on preparing for baby everyday, but it is time consuming. Mondays I spend an hour or two doing the weekly reading and then everyday there is two 30 minute tracks you have to listen to. One requires full relaxation and attention and the other you can listen to while falling asleep or doing other things. In addition you are to spend a few minutes at 5 other times throughout the day practicing your relaxation. Its just a few minutes each time, but its taking that time to slow down and do it that I find hard. I'll keep you all updated on how it helps me through labor.

So in the past few weeks Grant's love for the belly has magnified 100 times. He LOVES it. Can't stop touching it and says he is going to miss it so much when its gone. My reply? Just keep getting me pregnant! (we have an ongoing debate about how large the Simmons brood should ultimately be...) It is a very fun time in the pregnancy where I'm big and get lots of attention because of hte belly, but am still feeling good. I can tell that this may be brief since baby is growing FAST, so I'm trying to soak it up as much as I can.

What else? Grant and I are still in talks about the antidepressant. Good news is that all negative effects that have come up in the literature are attributed to first trimester use. Its a tough call! We have to discuss the effects both now and, if I were to continue it after baby is born, how much may get into breast milk. And the bottom line is that we have no idea or data on what long term effects our kid may encounter from exposure to the drug. We are just trying really hard to make the most informed decision we can while keeping both baby's and my health in mind.

30 Weeks!

2011-07-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

I think from here on out all I'm going to be is shocked at how close we are getting to meeting this little being flopping around inside of me. I CAN NOT WAIT! There are so many questions I have about who this person is and how we are all going to fit together. This past week was good - we even went on a mini vacation (pics to come!) and I survived a short hike! It felt sooo good to be out in the sun! I even bared my belly in a bikini on Saturday!

I continue to get bigger all the time, but I feel like the rate has slowed a bit. I still get shocked looks when people ask when I'm due. I'm just happy that if I am huge for how far along I am that I still feel good. Sometimes I forget I'm pregnant because there are no constant aches and pains.

I'm starting to get a little freaked out about how much we have to do to prepare for this kid in the next 10-ish weeks. Mostly just get some more baby gear and get the nursery situated. We are still in the final stages of moving out of that awful downtown apartment. After this weekend we will be done with that and have all of our stuff situated in storage so we can focus on baby. I did order our crib yesterday though! That was the only piece of baby furniture we needed because we already have a dresser that we can paint and my rocking chair. I'm hoping the nursery will come together quick once we get the room painted and fabric for curtains chosen.

Baby is almost 3lbs and 15.7 inches long, apparently comparable to a head of cabbage. The babe is always moving around in there, but I still don't really see the movements from the outside very often. I feel the baby twitch a lot. Its an odd feeling and I kind of wondered what he was doing in there. One of the weekly baby emails I get said that it feels like twitching when the baby is practicing breathing...a good sign then!

Miss Madeline

2011-06-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Maddie and her mama came to visit Portland. I got to spend lots of time with this smiley little thing!

She has lots of expressions and is one of my favorite cuddle partners!

There isn't much in life that makes me happier than having a baby and my puppy in close proximity! LOVE IT!

29 weeks!

2011-06-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Wow. 29 weeks is VERY close to 30 weeks which is VERY close to 40 weeks and this kid could come BEFORE 40 weeks! Its starting to feel a bit like crunch time. In a good way. I'm excited and getting more and more ready to meet this little person. We have a lot more preparing to do, but I definitely think it is possible to get it all done in time. I'm still feeling awesome and even commented to Grant that I've felt so good the past week or so that I forget I'm pregnant half the time. Depending on babe's position my ribs kind of hurt or just feel like I'd like to get that big belly out from under them, but most of the time the babe is low enough that I feel fine.

I'm definitely starting to get more tired again and get winded on hills and stairs pretty easily. I guess I'm still big? I dunno...some lady at Salvation Army was astounded that I wasn't already in labor because of my enormity and then went on to ask if there were two in there. Umm, no thanks just one and I LIKE MY BELLY thankyouverymuch! It doesn't even seem big to me anymore. I'm getting so used to it...its going to be weird when its gone!

Speaking of Salvation Army...Jenni introduced me to half off Mondays which is awesome... she scored on some serious stuff for her new place and I got a few baby things. I asked Lilly if she'd help me find some long tanks to cover my big belly...she was all pro scouring the racks and found me three! I got 4 shirts for me and 3 onesie outfits for baby all for under $9!

In other news, I booked a maternity and baby photographer! I'm so excited! Katie Anderson will be doing a whole series from maternity through baby's first birthday. I can't wait to see all the great pictures we'll get. I've been meaning to get professional pics of Grant and I taken in the years since our wedding, but never did so it makes me endlessly happy that we will have lots of our little family over the next year. This kid will be super well documented!

Baby is continuing to GROW like a little weed. Over 15 inches long (OMG!) and 2.5 lbs now...things are getting tighter! The goal these days is to mostly lay down some serious layers of fat and to grow his brain nice and big (not too big tho... it needs to get out of me! This week is also a big week for calcification of bone. Apparently I need to up my calcium intake so babe has enough available to make his bones big and strong. This kid is getting closer and closer to having a name. I think we are pretty set in our ways with our top faves for each sex, but I haven't come up with any girl middle names. Our top boy names are... August Eugene, Holden Miller, and Walter (not sure which middle name yet). Walter is my new fav... we could call him Walt or WALLY! OMG! Reed got knocked down a bit... for some reason it sounds too preppy to me. Our top girl names are Edrie, Aurora, Evelyn, and Maren. I'm pretty stuck on middle names for girls. I'd like there to be some meaning behind them so I'll have to do some research. I LOOOOOVE the name Evelyn and wish it weren't so popular. I have to decide if I care about popularity or not. We'll probably make a game time decision no matter what to see what the babe looks most like.

Downtown Living

2011-06-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

Though we have officially moved into the 'burbs with my parents, we will miss lots about our little life downtown Portland. The most of which is all the walking that we did. We walked EVERYWHERE - grocery store, coffee shop, bank, dog park, MAX, etc. Our weekend routine was to get up and take a long walk through different parts of downtown and a few times up into Washington Park. There is no greater oasis of beauty in the middle of the city! It is so lush!

It stretches all the way from the nob hill area to the zoo...I'd love to walk all the way to the zoo someday! Olive LOVED it. There were so many new smells!

And she tried her hand at drinking from the water fountain. So freakin' cute!

Catch up: Memorial Day Weekend Beach Trip

2011-06-22T14:01:00.002-07:00

We had made plans to attempt a camping trip Memorial Day weekend with our friends Ethan and Katie, but the weather wasn't cooperating. We instead settled on a few day trips so we could focus on where the weather was good and still sleep in our warm beds. Saturday of that weekend we hiked in Multnomah Falls and then had dinner at Edgefield McMenamins (I forgot my camera!) And Sunday we met for a trip to the coast. It was cloudy, but warm enough and we didn't get rained on!

We went to Pacific City - a beach I had never been to, but really liked! You can drive and park ON the beach. Very convenient if you forget things in the car! Ethan, Grant and Noah flew a kite right when we got there.

Olive was on her best behavior. We kept her off leash ALL day long! She didn't bother anyone and came when we called her...awesome!

Judah and I hung out while everyone else climbed the GIANT sand dune...

Noah was up there in minutes! Fearless little thing!

Pretty cute fam, right?! After the sand dune climb we started a fire on the beach to roast marshmallows.

Olive wasn't very concerned about our need for a family picture.

and Noah livened this one up! Look at those red locks!

This was one tired puppy after a full day of sprinting all over the beach. She CAN NOT wait to go back! Have I mentioned how much I love this dog? Its really almost unfathomable! I should brag that a guy on the street told me that she is the prettiest mutt he has ever seen...I agree!

28 weeks = 7 months!

2011-06-21T22:52:00.002-07:00

So... there were two separate people today who suggested I was probably about to deliver. Ha! They were a bit shocked when I said I had a few more months to go. I'm not that big, am I!? I hope this kid isn't a giant.

What else can I tell you... I've started swelling a bit. I had to take my engagement and wedding rings off this week and I have the beginnings of cankles. I will admit that the cankles make me feel chubbier than the big 'ol belly!

I spent the last few weeks compiling a summer prego wardrobe... I got several skirts and dresses, two pairs of capris and a few tank tops. I can make lots of my regular tanks work as long as I have a cami or maternity tank underneath. It kind of sucked spending money on all that, but it feels good to have clothes that will keep me cool. I've been SO HOT, even on the cooler days I've been pitting out!

I can't think of anything else new to share, but I thought it would be good to make a quick note of the foods I've been eating a lot this pregnancy. Its been funny... I actually feel like I've been going back to the comfort foods of my childhood. Even ramen noodles were a staple in my first trimester! I've also been digging 'dipper' eggs (over easy eggs), grapefruit, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In addition to what sounds good - I've been trying to eat lots of protein and in general eat more. I'm thinking the weight gain is going to be right on track this month.

Baby is about 2 1/4 lbs and over 14 inches long! I feel like its moving around less or at least the big movements are less pronounced. Baby has eyelashes and can open and close his eyes, as well as detect light differences outside the uterus. I'm starting to get SO excited to meet this little person! We continue to talk about what we might name the babe, especially pairing middle names with first names. OH! I bought hypnobabies....I know, I'm totally a hippie, but I'm excited to have something TO DO to prepare for the birth. I feel like working on relaxation everyday will be good for my overall health and will hopefully be beneficial during labor too! This story really sold me on it.

More Belly Cuddles...

2011-06-15T17:24:00.015-07:00

I have so many pictures to post, but this is my new fav so it jumped to the front of the line. Last night, I was checking out my quilt squares and messing with the lay out from up on one of our dining room chairs. It was the perfect height for a good belly hug...

27 weeks!

2011-06-14T08:23:00.082-07:00

Its been hard to get a decent picture with good light lately... so here are both my attempts this week!

27 weeks and rollin' into the third trimester! That is pretty amazing! Though I feel like I've been pregnant FOREVER, I can't believe we are nearing the end. We are going to get to meet this little person who is constantly flipping and squirming around in my belly! I've been lucky to continue to feel great. I have my moments of heartburn and bladder failure (as I like to call it...), but overall am feeling great.

I had an appointment with my midwives last week. All is well with baby and despite everyone telling me I'm huge for how far along I am my belly measures right on schedule. I had my fasting glucose tested and it came back normal, which was reassuring. Remember last month I had a GIANT jump in my weight? I think I said on here it was 13lbs, but I guess it was actually 10lbs. Anyway, I lost a pound this month so I'm still at a total gain of 20lbs. They were displeased. They'd really like me to gain the full 40lbs, but more importantly don't want me to be losing any weight. Not sure what happened, but there has been no lack of stress in our life so maybe my appetite wasn't up to par? I've been trying to be better about eating bigger meals and more often. I'm not too worried about it though...baby is growing at a normal rate so I just need to be sure we're getting enough nutrients.

We also talked about my depression...they have been monitoring me closely throughout the pregnancy which has been nice. I'm going to meet with a perinatal therapist and psychiatrist in the coming weeks to determine the best course of action to be sure I don't get too sad. My main concern is balancing how I feel with the effects on baby. It does neither of us any good if I'm down, but I also don't want to take anything that may have lasting effects. Tough decision. I'm fine though...just lots of ups and downs which I think are mostly associated with this prolonged upheaval of our life combined with re-acclimating to the dreary weather.

What else? We decided to move in with my parents. People don't understand that decision, saying that since Grant has a good job we should be able to live on our own. And we can. The problem is that with rent being sky-high here and house prices still much higher than in Missouri, it'd be YEARS before we could buy a house if we rent anything decent. We are lucky enough to have lots of family offer to take us in and happy to take my parents up on it. It should be an adventure... 4 adults, 1 infant, and 2 dogs all under one roof! Luckily its a big space and we are all pretty laid back. We are really excited about the prospect of saving a grip of money and being able to get into a house we love in a year to 15 months.

In baby news...he is just growin' growin' growin'. 2 lbs and over 14 inches long! It would look something like this baby in the unfortunate circumstance that it was born early. Happily, most babies do really great if they are born anytime from now until their due date. Thats not to say it would be an easy road, but likely it would be one with a happy ending. I miss working with those little babes in the NICU!

I can tell things are getting tighter in there. Fighting for space and moving my internal organs all around. I can feel almost every little movement now and often get to see my belly wiggle along. I can also feel which position baby is laying in much of the time. I think its going to be a snuggler because it is often cuddled way down in my pelvis. Kind of nice since it makes it easier for me to breathe. We had a big week with people feeling baby move - Grant felt baby move last week, did I tell you that? It was pretty cool and made me really happy. I think that anterior placenta makes it harder to feel and see sometimes so I'm glad it finally happened. Friday night baby was doing all sorts of acrobatics that both Janelle and Lindsey got to feel and then last night my mom felt him move! I love it that I get to share that with so many of our favorite people!

Belly Cuddles

2011-06-08T07:53:00.014-07:00

The worst thing anyone has said to me since I've been pregnant was that I'd forget about her as soon as the baby got here. I teared up. She is one of my bestest friends.

26 weeks!

2011-06-06T06:00:00.001-07:00

Nearing the end of the second trimester...OMG that makes it sound like this baby will be here before we know it! I'm definitely getting significantly bigger all the time and finding it harder to be on my feet for long periods. I've been doing lots of walking and trying to stay active though. In general I think I'm still in that honeymoon stage of pregnancy where I sleep well, feel great, and forget there's a baby coming sometimes! I have my moments of fun with bladder leakage and other unmentionable pregnancy symptoms, so its not all fun and games.

If I'm completely honest the past week has been CONSUMED with stress, because our apartment sucks. I don't want to live here and we just moved in. So annoying. Unfortunately living above an industrial kitchen is just completely uncool and makes the apartment smell like nasty food almost 24/7, which, in turn, makes me feel gross and like our house is disgusting. Its not cool when you can't control the odors of your home! After weeks of painting and getting this place in order we made the tough decision last night that we have to move. Our baby can't be born in a home that smells like raw fish and curry and its mama can't survive her last trimester of pregnancy breathing that crap! I KNOW, RIGHT? Our life is insane. We just couldn't have known ahead of time how intense the smells could get and how constant they are, especially because the landlord downplayed it. In addition, we were told we share the ONE washer and dryer with just one other unit (2 guys). In reality there is only one washer and dryer for the whole building - which is 4 units plus the kitchen staff uses it! WTF! How are we to cloth diaper this babe when we won't have easy access to laundry facilities? and WHY would you lie about that? So anyway...we are crazy and STILL on the hunt for a place to live. We might just become nomads...

In other news, this babe is GROWING like a weed. IT IS LIKE 2 LBS NOW! That is so amazing to me. The little one also has all five senses fully functional now. The kicks are getting much more often and strong, but we still haven't gotten the timing right for papa to feel 'em. Its my goal to make that happen ASAP. He was gone most of last week so this is THE week! There has been some talk of a baby shower which has me all excited and starting to get my registries in order. I also spent the afternoon with some fellow mamas going to baby consignment stores...SUPER FUN! I can't wait til babe is here so we know if we should get boy or girl themed stuff. I've mostly just been getting lots of onesies, sleep sacks, and hats. Speaking of hats...I'm mildly obsessed with the cuteness of little pilot hats on babes. I found one at the consignment shop and want about 10 more! I also found a bunting thing for over the carseat for only $5!

25 weeks!

2011-05-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

Still truckin' along in second trimester land! Nothing too new to report. We are still workin' on names and growin' this babe. We are talking more about how things will be once he or she gets here. How we will set up our room to accommodate baby and how the nursery should be, whether we want to go to the birth center or have the babe in this stinky apartment! So much to think about. We have mostly been focusing on getting settled into our new apartment - which has been adventure that I will tell you about in another post. Mostly we are just feelin' great and enjoying pregnancy! Baby is doing SO many flips and maneuvers in there these days - I really hope Grant can feel it soon, but he hasn't yet been able to.

These are the ultrasound pics that I got when I fell a few weeks ago. Pretty cute kid, huh?

This one is my fav! All cuddled up with the placenta and looking at us!

Amazingly baby is now over a pound in a half in weight and 13 plus inches in length! Getting so big! Mostly working on gaining weight and makin' that brain nice and smart. That's all we have to report this week...I'll come back on later to report on our Memorial Day weekend and apartment adventures.

24 Weeks!

2011-05-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

6 months pregnant! That feels like a good milestone, but like there is still a long way to go. I've been feeling really good still and babe has been kicking away in there. The kicks are definitely hard enough to feel from the outside, but easier for me who can feel them both out and in. Grant has tried to feel them, but isn't certain he can yet. Baby likes to stay tucked way down in my pelvis so sometimes the kicks are really low, too.

Last Wednesday we had a little scare. I was attempting to run on the waterfront with Olive when she spotted a bird and lunged for it tripping me in the process. I was TOTALLY laid out - I fell belly first and scrapped up my hands and knees pretty bad. It was a hard fall so I called the midwife after walking home. She had me come in to listen to baby (heartbeat was great!) and gave me the option of an ultrasound to confirm. In the end I decided to go for the ultrasound so I'd be convinced one way or the other of how things were going in there. Thankfully, baby looked great and my placenta was in tact. I was worried about the placenta primarily because it is right out in front. I got a few more pics of the babe that I'll post as soon as we get them scanned.

Babe is working on growing his bronchi and brain this week. He is happily bouncing around in there still with a bit of room to move easily. In the coming weeks it will start to be a tighter squeeze! I'm really excited to start working on the nursery now that we are moved. There are still boxes everywhere and a whole storage unit full of crap, but as soon as we get settled I'm going to tackle that tiny baby's room. I should also maybe work on registering?

23 Weeks!

2011-05-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

Trudged through another week! Nothing too exciting to report. I'm still feeling good except for some serious bouts of heartburn, especially when I spend long stretches crouched or hunched over working on our apartment. Though I still feel good physically, I'm starting to feel gross in my constantly revolving 5 maternity tops and one pair of jeans. Hopefully we will get some summer weather soon and I can live in some breezy dresses and flip flops. That is really all I want out of clothes right now...loose and don't hurt my feet! All my shoes are starting to hurt my feet.. not sure if its the 20 extra pounds or the fact that my feet are widening as the ligaments loosen. I may end up one of those girls who wears flip flops even in the rain...I almost cried my converse hurt my feet so bad today!

The belly. I'm getting asked all the time when I'm due and if we are having a boy or a girl. I guess its good to know that I look confidently pregnant and not just questionably chubby. Its kind of fun to be asked, but sometimes I feel like a bit of a freakshow with the extra attention. Almost like I'm advertising something very personal all the time. I love having the belly though - its something I've dreamed of for as long as I can remember. I'm totally one of those annoying people who is constantly touching their belly and when I'm in the apartment my shirt is always pulled up... mostly because it rides up anyway and I get tired of pulling it down, but also because I love the belly. I haven't been able to see baby move in there yet, but I can feel him all the time. Its funny - when I've been crouching for a long time he starts to get all antsy, like he is telling me to give him (or HER) some room! At least once a day I can feel a good hard kick on the outside of my belly, but the timing has always been off for anyone else to feel it.

My pregnancy email tells me this kid is now OVER 11 inches long... that is almost ruler length! And a smidge over a pound in weight. Getting big! Since babe can for sure hear us loud and clear now I've been trying to talk to it, but I never have anything to say. ha! I really want to get some headphones to play music for it, but I haven't made the trek to pick some up yet. We were eating with my parents this weekend and started talking more about some of the tiny babes I'd taken care of in the NICU and it still BLOWS my mind that those babies and families were where we are in terms of 'readiness' for the baby and reality of the pregnancy. I still feel like its not real half the time. If this babe came now I'd be in complete shock. So sad for all involved. Keep cookin' baby! We want you good and chubby!