We meet again!

18 weeks 4 days

Ultrasound day! Ultrasound day! What an amazing experience. We finally got to see this little guy/gal that has been poking everywhere lately. We walked in and immediately reminded the woman we did not want to know the sex. So she squirts that jelly on my stomach - of which by the way they keep that stuff heated now thank god - and puts the wand down. Boom! Immediately we see the spine and this baby sprawled out taking a nice little nap. I thought pancakes and syrup for breakfast would have our kid bouncing off the placenta, but no such luck. So she literally had to wake him/her by prodding and jiggling me with the wand...which worked! So the baby insisted that they look straight at the wand, which let me tell you looks like scary Skeletor's face, rather than the cute profile shot you can get from a side view. But after some more poking we got peanut to give us some beautiful pictures. One time when the baby was kicking back, I felt it and it was just such a sight to see. But I'm really skeptical of when you can feel it all in the latter months, since there was quite a but I wasn't feeling but we could see the movement on screen. That little bugger can dance! We got to look at the brain, and heart chambers, hands, feet, spine, umbilical cord (Troy had to be reminded he could not be proud yet and that was not a large penis), and stomach. She said everything looked great and the heartbeat was a healthy 135 (120 - 180bpm is good to go). He/she was once again measuring a little smaller for 18 weeks 4 days, so they pushed the due date again to May 3. That's it people! No more pushing!!



I think I won the nose!












Tucked up in a fetal position with the back towards us.











Hands getting ready to box mama's stomach.













Little foot print.













Peacefully resting again.

Ok, now it's real.

18 weeks 3 days

Your fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements soon.



How far along? 18th week
Total weight gain/loss: +4lb in the last 2 weeks. What can I say, the baby was hungry for all that yummy food we had at the beach last week!!! +12lb total.
Stretch marks? I am in love with my alba body butter now. The scent is much more pleasant than the cocoa butter that makes me smell like a tanorexic in Boca.
Sleep: My love, the Snoogle, has allowed me to figure out how to semi-sleep on my stomach. I am a happy mama now.
Best moment this week: Vacation with the fam at the beach was delightful. There were so many laughs, and times I had 4 tissues just to dry up the tears from laughing so hard. I got to eat my beloved apple/cranberry stuffing (why do I make this only once a year?!?!) and we even got some girl time with the Twilight movies. New Moon was so good and my sister has me hooked like a 15 year-old teen by getting me to read the last 2 books. Hey, I figured I needed something to do on the car ride to Boston! I put in some pics at the bottom of some of our pics from the beach.
Movement: The movement is making it all so real now. The kicking/punching/flipping like a high diver is pretty much on the hour now and it's just so fun to feel. Troy is like a 3 year-old waiting for Santa to come and can't wait to feel it from the outside.
Gender: My face and hips are confirming my thoughts on a girl :) It's so crazy to think we could actually find out tomorrow if we wanted to, but Troy keeps reminding me of how awesome it will be the day our baby is born to get to hear "It's a ...!" in the thrill of the moment.
Labor Signs: The labor of moving, selling a business, and getting our house ready for renters. Troy has been a gem with the physical stuff though. Any man who encourages me to nap while he packs up my house gets a daily neck rub.
Food Cravings: All cravings were satisfied with Franks Red Hot fried turkey, twice-baked garlic potatoes, green bean casserole, apple/sausage/cranberry stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin cheesecake, cherry pie, peanut butter pie, and milk :)
What I miss: Fitting into my normal pants and even some of my cute pajama bottoms. My wardrobe is so limited now. But the fact that leggings are in is glorious.
What I am looking forward to: ULTRASOUND IS TOMORROW!!!!! I can't wait to see the baby on the screen again. Don't worry, we'll post pics before we leave town.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't stand on your feet for too long. Your lower back will scream at you.
Milestones: I hit a new low milestone. I forgot a belt at the beach, so I asked Troy to borrow his to at least hold my pants up since the elastic no longer has hips to hold onto. I went to put the belt on, and it was too tight on the last hole. My heart sunk. I'm glad he's a skinny guy, but it still made me feel horrible. Again, blaming the baby for liking Thanksgiving so damn much.
Baby Brain Moment of the Week: Lulu saved me in Cranium this week when I thought the "Take a Bite Out of Crime" dog was Ruff McGruff.
Weekly Belly Pic: A lovely after Thanksgiving shot. And as I went to go take the shot 10 min ago, I scornfully discovered that my camera is broken :( It won't open at all. Guess I know what I need for Christmas.










My HUGE batch of stuffing that I made. Seriously, the best.

Goodbye Sweet Home Alabama

It's such a bittersweet thing to say goodbye to this great state that has treated us so well the last 6 years, since we are very excited to start discovering a whole new world in Boston. But we will dearly miss a lot of people and places along the gulf coast. It's crazy to think that we arrived knowing NO ONE, and are now leaving some great friends that made our stay so much fun. Good times bangin' a tambourine at a piano bar (tip: don't do this- it leaves massive bruises), many chili cook-offs that made for marathon drinking days, sunsets over the bay & gulf, SEC football parties where you all hated the LSU girl, the epic Mardi Gras balls, and the good ol' bushwackin' at the FloraBama. We'll certainly be back to visit, and you better have a bushwacker waiting for us! Love y'all!!!!

Blog from the Beach

17 weeks 4 days
Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.




How far along? 17th week
Total weight gain/loss: I'm not going to lie, I forgot to get on the scale before coming to the beach house that we're at this week. So I will say this- after eating huge meals that we're cooking up all week AND throw Thanksgiving in there, prepare yourself for week 18's weight update :) Hey I can't help it if they baby loves my apple/cranberry stuffing and the delicious Dicamillo's toast with cinnamon sugar!
Stretch marks? Skin is growing, stretch marks are not- THANK GOD.
Sleep: It's no b.s. when the pregnant woman world boasts about that little, lovely thing called the Snoogle. I thought, "How great can this pillow really be?" It really is heaven-sent. Sleep is now back to normal thanks to this contraption that some genious has made millions off of by just bending a body pillow. I even went so far as to making sure the 8-foot long sack of sanaity was packed for our beach trip this week. Troy looks at me like I'm crazy when he unpacks the car, but in reality he should be thanking Snoogle for me not tossing and turning like there are bed bugs in there with us.
Best moment this week: Being able to be at the beach with all the fam this week. Even though it's a bit cooler than the norm sun-soaking summers, it's still so relaxing and peaceful when you take a long walk down the white sand stretch. There's nothing like sitting and listening to the waves crash to melt away any worries that exist.
Movement: Fish swimming is turning into a bird pecking. A couple times a day it's like the inside of my stomach is lined with seeds that Big Bird is enjoying.
Gender: Since seeing my belly in person, my psychic mom has changed her mind to girl. Trust me, this woman is like Nostradamus.
Labor Signs: The labor of nothing. Vacation is glorious.
Food Cravings: Thanks to my grandmother bringing Dicamillo's to the beach, toast with butter & cinnamon sugar is a MUST first thing.
What I miss: Let's just say a wet bar FULL of alcohol at the beach house is not an easy thing to look at. Especially when the blender gets going.
What I am looking forward to: Turkey dinner, period.
Weekly Wisdom: It's not like it used to be and don't over-do it. Thinking it would be nice to go grocery shopping for everyone with a $1,000 receipt was not a good idea. Even in flats, the lower back was not thankful.
Milestones: Sold the business & rented the house all last week. NOW we can go to Boston.
Baby Brain Moment of the Week: Still having problems spelling and my documents always look the kid who's failing 2nd grade with all of the red marks.
Weekly Belly Pic: This should be interesting... pic before Thanksgiving.

Eternally Grateful

It's time for my weekly shout-outs for the gracious gifts we've been receiving. I'm already overwhelmed by the feeling of gratefulness for the surprising gifts from generous family & friends. Of course I want to display all of the cuteness on here for everyone to see the fun stuff that I can't wait to use!



Thank you Danielle & Paul! Rattles, onesies, pacifiers, bibs, receiving blankets, and hangers...all great necessities. Thanks Jonathon & Mary Katherine for the funds for some more baby gear!







Thank you Donna & Laura for the precious-as-can-be hooded duck towel and washcloths. I can vision the cuteness-overload pictures that will result from this.








Thank you Grandma Margaret for the delicate little bib from San Gimignano, Italy! What a great souvenir and I'm scared about how dirty the baby will get it!!!

4 Months Down, 5 To Go

16 weeks 3 days
Watch what you say... tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up your voice. Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming. And, if you're interested, an ultrasound might be able to determine gender.




How far along? 16th week
Total weight gain/loss: +2lb...oops, 8lb total. BUT my last weigh in was 13 days ago. Here come the excuses already...
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: That little sleep contraption called the Snoogle is on it's way!
Best moment this week: Of course feeling Batman in there. But also, we decided to plan a little "babymoon" when we drive up to Boston for the big move. We're going to make a stop in NC at the Biltmore Estate for 2 nights! We have that book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, and that one's listed as a great place to visit during December with the place decked out in Christmas gear. I can't wait to see this place as I've heard it's pretty amazing.
Movement: Feeling the fishies swim in my belly! The movement has been far and few between, but it's fun to stop whatever I'm doing and pay attention. (But I'm sure I looked a little funny in Sears while trying out mattresses when I didn't get up for a solid 5 min).
Gender: I'm still thinking girl- the weight is def getting distributed evenly all over.
Labor Signs: The labor of moving. Packing starts today since Troy is out of town this week and mom & family come into town Friday- woo hoo!!!
Food Cravings: Fruit anything. Orange juice, V8 Fusion juice, bananas, apples, fruity desserts. I even chose a lemonade over my annual favorite Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte...unheard of.
What I miss: Sushi. Well, and sake too.
What I am looking forward to: A SPECTACULAR week with Mom, Leo, Grandma, Lulu, Joe, Danielle, Matt, & Olivia!!! We're going down to Fort Morgan for a Thanksgiving beach week starting Friday.
Weekly Wisdom: Be cautious with this super-human sense of smell. Stay at least 10 ft away from things like Troy's gym bag, garbage cans, and old men who smoke a pack a day. Work has become horrible since the re-heated dinners these guys bring every day no longer stays in just the breakroom. I can smell leftover meatloaf or Japanese dishes ALL day. Thank God I only have 4 more days there!!!
Milestones: I felt like my normal self, and enjoyed an evening out with friends at a bar....with an O'Douls...and we left at 10. Oh well, close enough!
Baby Brain Moment of the Week: Swore it was spelled "kieche" and couldn't remember what country Rome was in. Troy just shook his head at me.
Weekly Belly Pic: 4 months and getting bigger! Sorry for the corny self-pic, but Troy was out again, and patience to wait for him or anything else is not a common virtue these days.

Ok, what was that?!?

15 weeks 6 days

Oprah made my baby move.

Ok, further explanation of course. I was craving a Mountain Dew for some reason. And as I laid down with it for my daily dose of Oprah, she of course had some crazy moving story on with the lady who got mauled by a chimp. As I'm overly emotional with the sight of what is left of this lady, I feel something flutter inside like there's a bat in there or something. Ok I think the more "sweet" term that other mothers use is a butterfly, so I guess I'll hop on that train :) But I believe the combination of Oprah surging my hormones and a nice caffiene surge (don't worry mom, I only allow max 1 soda a day!), I believe I felt the first kicks! I felt it a couple more times, but no more so far. I will now be glued to my stomach like I am glued to Grey's Anatomy on Thursdays!

Finally, Baby Shopping!!!

Every girl knows, it's the best to go shopping for baby stuff! So here's a sneak peak at some of our favorite things so far!

Score! This is the retired crib a guy at work sold to us for 1/4 of the retail price, mattress & cover included for free!









The first baby item we bought :)









Thank you Uncle Tim, Aunt Sandy, Christie, & Timmy! What we hear to be a life-saving swaddle blanket & the cutest, tiniest booties you've ever seen.

What's Been Cookin So Far

15 weeks 3 days

Continuing the march towards normal proportions, baby's legs now outmeasure the arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably still can't feel the movements.





How far along? 15th week
Total weight gain/loss: +1lb on the evil doctor scale on Monday, 6lb total.
Stretch marks? It was sworn to me by a friend that Burts Bees Belly Balm will prevent anything, so I went and bought it. Too bad it feels like you're rubbing Crisco all over yourself!
Sleep: Another sworn recommendation has been the contraption below for a good night's rest. I think Troy would be scared to get in the bed with it haha.

Best moment this week: Hearing the baby's heartbeat on Monday at the doctor. It suddenly just makes it all real. A nice and healthy 140bpm! Next appt is 11/30 where we get to have our 2nd ultrasound...SO EXCITED!!! Also got my H1N1 vaccine to ease some nerves about that whole ordeal. Troy constantly being in hospitals and on airplanes is not good for a pregnant woman's immune system!
Movement: None yet, but I am anxiously awaiting. I keep thinking that bubbles in there are him/her, but then a noise exits my body and I am quickly reminded that I was sadly mistaken ::insert angel face here::
Gender: Everyone I see thinks it's a boy. Troy usually smiles to this :) Lulu and I are still sticking strong to girl so far.
Labor Signs: This week seems to be the labor of exercising. Troy and I went for a walk along the beach today (soaking up this warm weather in every way we can this last month!) and I was huffing just walking up a slight hill on the path to get there. Scary.
Food Cravings: Chicken salad w/ green apples in it was all I ate for lunch, a snack, and dinner on Monday haha. I went to the store just to get a huge tub of pineapple on Wednesday. Mmm now I want more.
What I miss: Drinking beer while watching football. I know this is a very un-motherly thing to say, but it's true. We went to a gathering to watch the LSU vs. Alabama game yesterday and for the first time during all of this I wanted to sip on a beer. Especially after Lee had to come into the game just to lose it for us!!! I guess my instinct to gag when the thought of alcohol pops up has passed.
What I am looking forward to: Our "Happy Hour Finale" party this Friday with all of our Bama friends to say our sad goodbyes :(
Weekly Wisdom: To not get jealous when other pregnant women are 5 months and still in their pre-pregnancy jeans. Skinny bitches. I have learned to accept that these girls are like lottery-lucky and I am in the norm with being in maternity jeans.
Milestones: I like milk again!!!
Baby Brain Moment of the Week: Hadn't realized with everything going on, that we move to Boston in 3 WEEKS...HOLY CRAP!!!
Weekly Belly Pic: Somethins a brewin! I think I'm exagerating it though with always taking these pics after a filling dinner! This whole self-pic on the cell phone in the bathroom isnt working anymore either, next week I'm making Troy do it :)



13 weeks 5 days

Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords... savor this, their non-functional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. Intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy. (Much more convenient.)





How far along? 13th week
Total weight gain/loss: 5lb so far, we'll see what the evil doctor scale says next week.
Stretch marks? Hell-to-the-no!!! Religiously rubbing the body butter all over to ward these little demons away.
Sleep: This has been a hard challenge lately. I am a stomach sleeper and have been since I was 10. In a decision to not suffocate junior, I switched to the 2nd preference, my back. Oh but guess what, pregnant women aren't supposed to sleep on their back either! So now my shoulders are in pain trying to get used to sleeping on my sides every night. A new mattress is on the Christmas list this year! I don't think Santa can take care of the midnight and 4am bladder empties I have to make every night as well though. I'm pretty sure I am now doing this all with my eyes closed by now though!
Best moment this week: Buying maternity pants!!! Why the hell do women not wear these every day?!?!? They are heaven-sent and helping me cope with this expanding waist way better than trying to pull off my old jeans, fully undone, with a long shirt trying to hide the fact that they do not fit.
Movement: Only the movement of old pants out, maternity pants in! haha
Gender: Gut instinct says girl. But after seeing the wasted, less-than-dressed, booty-shaking, boob-jobbed 18 year old girls tailgating at the LSU game this week with grown men hanging all over them- Troy & I are now praying for a boy.
Labor Signs: Just the labor of staying up past 8pm! I feel like a senior citizen eating dinner by 5 and going to bed after the evening news.
Food Cravings: I can say I am NOT craving steak. I don't think I can eat it ever again since the smell just sends me running. Troy is heartbroken.
What I miss: Energy.
What I am looking forward to: 14 week appt to hear that beautiful heartbeat!
Weekly Wisdom: Do not ask a pregnant woman "were you guys trying?" It is the most awkward question to admit "Yeah we were failing for forever but it finally happened and I'm still scared shitless" or "Woops, it wasn't planned and we're scared shitless". Troy & I don't even know our answer, so just remember that we all know how a baby is made and we'll just leave it at that.
Baby Brain Moment of the Week: I had to ask Troy if Minnesota was a city or state, and then I could not identify it on a map. Just sad.
Weekly Belly Pic:





11 weeks

After a confirming visit to the doctor to hear the heartbeat on the Doppler, this is the week we shocked the socks off all of you and shared our news to the world. It was the hardest secret to keep for the 7 weeks that we knew!!!! There was even a night of having to use "fake wine" at a friend's house- that would be a twist cap bottle of white wine, emptied out, and filled with white grape juice. Tricky little thing, arent I? ;)


8 weeks 4 days

We had our first ultrasound to confirm the progress of the pregnancy and it was AMAZING. All of a sudden this little peanut looking creature was up on the screen with this little head and limbs sticking out from it. Holy crap that's inside of me!!! was the first response. She put the heartbeat noise on and Troy's face wa priceless, after I'm pretty sure it took him some time to figure out what the heck he was looking at. Here's what we saw!




4 weeks 3 days

After a week long of soar girls and a certain missing friend, I knew I had to take a test. It all went down a little something like this on an early Sunday morning, August 23. I couldn't sleep well on my stomach, go figure, and got a pregnancy test. After causing some commotion in the bathroom, Troy groggly asked "What are you doing in there?" To which I replied "Um, finding out we're pregnant." It was a morning filled with unanswerable questions and smiles looking towards the future. Let the adventure begin!

Thank you Google

So my last blog that I tried to start was falsely blocked as spam. They are unresponsive to my Restore requests and I sadly realized I would just have to start all over. I Googled our nickname Troy came up with and lets just say it stands for a foreign country's export trade organization, so I have a feeling they thought we had an ulterior motive haha. So after screaming, crying, yelling at Troy like it was his fault, and raising my fists to Google, I have now gotten to a point to re-write everything. But if it happens again, sorry I am done!