Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloween
This little owl showed up on our doorstep tonight - what a fun Halloween surprise! I just cannot get enough of this little girl and her amazing parents. We are sure going to miss them when they move to Cameroon!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Waiting
I'm waiting for:
1. The anti-bark collar we ordered for Hamilton. It sprays citronella at his face when he barks. This would be mean if he only barked to come inside, go outside, alert us to something, etc, but he doesn't do that. He stands in the back yard and barks at (wait for it.....) NOTHING. So, yeah, he's getting an anti-bark collar.
2. The prong collars we ordered for both hounds. These are the ones that look mean and scary, but in reality are perfectly safe (when used properly) and are a great training tool. The hounds have to learn to walk like gentlemen on their leash if preggo me is going to be able to walk them, not to mention being able to walk them with a baby strapped to my chest/in a stroller.
3. My bumper form I ordered this week. I decided a little while ago that I would be making my own crib bedding, and since I have the bumper fabric picked out all I'm waiting for is the form (stuffing). I still need the complimentary fabric, but that will have to wait.
4. Our 20 week anatomy scan next Friday. We aren't finding out the sex of the baby, but it will be nice to see the little one again!
5. And finally, our first day care tour and interview. I stumbled upon a place pretty close by to our house and we're going to check it out next week. The wait list isn't too long, actually seems to be just about right for our due date and my return to work!
1. The anti-bark collar we ordered for Hamilton. It sprays citronella at his face when he barks. This would be mean if he only barked to come inside, go outside, alert us to something, etc, but he doesn't do that. He stands in the back yard and barks at (wait for it.....) NOTHING. So, yeah, he's getting an anti-bark collar.
2. The prong collars we ordered for both hounds. These are the ones that look mean and scary, but in reality are perfectly safe (when used properly) and are a great training tool. The hounds have to learn to walk like gentlemen on their leash if preggo me is going to be able to walk them, not to mention being able to walk them with a baby strapped to my chest/in a stroller.
3. My bumper form I ordered this week. I decided a little while ago that I would be making my own crib bedding, and since I have the bumper fabric picked out all I'm waiting for is the form (stuffing). I still need the complimentary fabric, but that will have to wait.
4. Our 20 week anatomy scan next Friday. We aren't finding out the sex of the baby, but it will be nice to see the little one again!
5. And finally, our first day care tour and interview. I stumbled upon a place pretty close by to our house and we're going to check it out next week. The wait list isn't too long, actually seems to be just about right for our due date and my return to work!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Status Update
18 weeks pregnant
22 weeks until due date
Baby is approximately 5.5 inches long and weighs more than 6.5 ounces.
As for me, I'm nearly 100% in maternity clothes now. I've started to pack away my pre-preggo clothes as I do my laundry, which is making my closet and dresser drawers look very sad! I managed to wear normal pants yesterday, but they are a size up and low slung on my hips. I'm hoping to turn them into maternity pants with an elastic band (they were a score from the clothes swap, so if it fails I won't have wasted any money). I really like them though, so I hope it works!
22 weeks until due date
Baby is approximately 5.5 inches long and weighs more than 6.5 ounces.
As for me, I'm nearly 100% in maternity clothes now. I've started to pack away my pre-preggo clothes as I do my laundry, which is making my closet and dresser drawers look very sad! I managed to wear normal pants yesterday, but they are a size up and low slung on my hips. I'm hoping to turn them into maternity pants with an elastic band (they were a score from the clothes swap, so if it fails I won't have wasted any money). I really like them though, so I hope it works!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Something Exciting Happened!
Frank passed the Virginia Bar! He is now an official licensed attorney!
Hooray!
Hooray!
I'm Excited About: Baby Stuff
This weekend I'm attending a baby shower for some friends of ours, then on Monday I'm going in for my 2nd trimester screenings appointment and hopefully another sonogram (or at least a doppler).
The baby shower rush that hit me during the last 12-18 months slowed down a few months ago so it has been a while since I've attended one. I'm really looking forward to this shower as it is a different group of people than usual - not that I don't love the 'usual' crowd, I'm just excited to see and meet new friends, too!
Speaking of the 'usual' crowd, I just have to mention that they are some of the coolest and kindest ladies you could ever hope to call your friends. As the news of our pregnancy made the rounds, I got calls, emails, and even cards from many of the women whose babies we've celebrated in this past year and a half. And the advice is priceless! They are all too sweet to offer advice, and they are right there for me with my endless list of questions and concerns.
I'll let you know how the next appointment goes, but don't hold your breath hoping to find out if we're having a boy or a girl - we're waiting for the birth to find out ourselves!
The baby shower rush that hit me during the last 12-18 months slowed down a few months ago so it has been a while since I've attended one. I'm really looking forward to this shower as it is a different group of people than usual - not that I don't love the 'usual' crowd, I'm just excited to see and meet new friends, too!
Speaking of the 'usual' crowd, I just have to mention that they are some of the coolest and kindest ladies you could ever hope to call your friends. As the news of our pregnancy made the rounds, I got calls, emails, and even cards from many of the women whose babies we've celebrated in this past year and a half. And the advice is priceless! They are all too sweet to offer advice, and they are right there for me with my endless list of questions and concerns.
I'll let you know how the next appointment goes, but don't hold your breath hoping to find out if we're having a boy or a girl - we're waiting for the birth to find out ourselves!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
I Fixed It!
For some reason I really enjoy fixing things and/or putting things together. Whenever we buy a bookshelf or other piece of furniture from Ikea, I can't wait to put it together! Our couch even came in pieces from the distributor and I had a blast working with Frank to get it all fixed up.
I have no explanation for my love of constructing and fixing things, it is just something that is part of me.
There is a bowl in our kitchen that has a chip in it - I have saved the chip and am waiting/trying to remember to buy the right kind of glue so that I can replace it. I'll be so happy when it happens!
Yesterday, I fixed a lamp. It wasn't terribly difficult or exciting, except that in my last two attempts to fix the lamp I've blown the fuse for the entire first floor of our home. Oops. But, I tried it again last night - did a little more thinking, and was able to come up with a solution that accomplished two things: 1. I didn't not lose power on the first floor of our home when I plugged it in. 2. The light came on when I flipped the switch!
I am quite proud of myself, and rode the high of having accomplished this task for most of last night. Yay me!
Now, if any puppy of mine decides to chew on a wire again - my hope is that it will be a live wire this time and puppy will learn his lesson on his own. That is how the first one figured it out, and he doesn't seem too terribly affected by the ordeal!
I have no explanation for my love of constructing and fixing things, it is just something that is part of me.
There is a bowl in our kitchen that has a chip in it - I have saved the chip and am waiting/trying to remember to buy the right kind of glue so that I can replace it. I'll be so happy when it happens!
Yesterday, I fixed a lamp. It wasn't terribly difficult or exciting, except that in my last two attempts to fix the lamp I've blown the fuse for the entire first floor of our home. Oops. But, I tried it again last night - did a little more thinking, and was able to come up with a solution that accomplished two things: 1. I didn't not lose power on the first floor of our home when I plugged it in. 2. The light came on when I flipped the switch!
I am quite proud of myself, and rode the high of having accomplished this task for most of last night. Yay me!
Now, if any puppy of mine decides to chew on a wire again - my hope is that it will be a live wire this time and puppy will learn his lesson on his own. That is how the first one figured it out, and he doesn't seem too terribly affected by the ordeal!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Status Update
17 weeks pregnant
23 weeks until due date
Baby's length: 5 inches
Baby's weight: 6 ounces
23 weeks until due date
Baby's length: 5 inches
Baby's weight: 6 ounces
Friday, October 15, 2010
I'm Excited About: 3rd Annual Clothes Swap
The clothes swap is tomorrow! The clothes swap is tomorrow!
There isn't one part of this event that doesn't excite me! I get to hang out with lots of great girls, shop for free clothes in my own home, eat yummy treats, and get rid of some of the 'stuff' in my life. Sounds like a heavenly day to me!
Here is a final plea (and invitation) to scrounge up your 'stuff' and head over to our house tomorrow at 12 noon. Just look at the list of great things about the event! How can anyone say no to that?
And a reminder that even if you can't come for the actual event, or if you can only come for 5 minutes - come anyway and dump your stuff! I'll happily take it to the donation center with everyone else's stuff. (And you can claim the charitable donation for yourself, I only claim the things that are mine, fyi)
I hope to see you tomorrow!
There isn't one part of this event that doesn't excite me! I get to hang out with lots of great girls, shop for free clothes in my own home, eat yummy treats, and get rid of some of the 'stuff' in my life. Sounds like a heavenly day to me!
Here is a final plea (and invitation) to scrounge up your 'stuff' and head over to our house tomorrow at 12 noon. Just look at the list of great things about the event! How can anyone say no to that?
And a reminder that even if you can't come for the actual event, or if you can only come for 5 minutes - come anyway and dump your stuff! I'll happily take it to the donation center with everyone else's stuff. (And you can claim the charitable donation for yourself, I only claim the things that are mine, fyi)
I hope to see you tomorrow!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Need. More. Sleep.
The title of this post was actually a tweet I posted the other day, and is still true.
Last night I went to bed at 9:30pm (immediately came home from small group, went upstairs, brushed teeth, put on pjs, got in bed) and slept until almost 8am (made the morning rush to work a little more rushed, but it is raining and that slows down everything anyway). Do the math with me - 9:30pm to 8am... that is 10.5 hours of sleep.
I will say that I feel pretty rested today, but it is only 10:30am and I'm not sure how long this feeling will last. There is a good chance that my body will go into Nap Mode around 2pm, between my two lunches.
This whole 'growing another person' thing is really tiring!
I'm doing my best to get to bed on time these days. I've given up all but one tv show that I watch on a weekly basis - and it comes on at 8pm! All other shows have been relegated to Hulu when I have time.
I've always needed more sleep than the average bear, but this is a new experience all together. Before, I would just need to sleep in once a week or so to catch up on my Zzzs, but now I'm falling asleep at my desk in the afternoon, falling asleep at the end of small group, falling asleep during the 9th inning of the Braves' must win play off game! (I almost missed the end of Bobby Cox' managerial career - for those of you that know me AT ALL, you know how insane that is)
Anyway, I'm trying to roll with the new 'normal' and get the rest my body is demanding. I know it is for a great cause, so if I need to go to bed at 9pm every night so be it.
I just hope this kid I'm cookin' is as good of a sleeper that I was, and still am.
Last night I went to bed at 9:30pm (immediately came home from small group, went upstairs, brushed teeth, put on pjs, got in bed) and slept until almost 8am (made the morning rush to work a little more rushed, but it is raining and that slows down everything anyway). Do the math with me - 9:30pm to 8am... that is 10.5 hours of sleep.
I will say that I feel pretty rested today, but it is only 10:30am and I'm not sure how long this feeling will last. There is a good chance that my body will go into Nap Mode around 2pm, between my two lunches.
This whole 'growing another person' thing is really tiring!
I'm doing my best to get to bed on time these days. I've given up all but one tv show that I watch on a weekly basis - and it comes on at 8pm! All other shows have been relegated to Hulu when I have time.
I've always needed more sleep than the average bear, but this is a new experience all together. Before, I would just need to sleep in once a week or so to catch up on my Zzzs, but now I'm falling asleep at my desk in the afternoon, falling asleep at the end of small group, falling asleep during the 9th inning of the Braves' must win play off game! (I almost missed the end of Bobby Cox' managerial career - for those of you that know me AT ALL, you know how insane that is)
Anyway, I'm trying to roll with the new 'normal' and get the rest my body is demanding. I know it is for a great cause, so if I need to go to bed at 9pm every night so be it.
I just hope this kid I'm cookin' is as good of a sleeper that I was, and still am.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Status Update
Meant to do this on Saturday, but forgot.
16 weeks, 3 days along.
23 weeks, 4 days until 'due date'
I don't have another appointment until the end of this month so I don't have a weight update for you, but I can tell you that non-maternity clothes aren't cutting it anymore. I have a few skirts I can wear that sit below my now nonexistent waist, but other than that I'm wearing maternity jeans and dresses.
I few darling friends have offered loaner maternity clothes, which is a huge money saver and greatly appreciated! The four pieces I've purchased myself have set us back $120, but would have been $175 if not for a nifty coupon for Gap. You can see how acquiring an entirely new wardrobe for the next 6-9 months could get out of control financially, so I am continuing to shop sales and plan to hit some consignment shops around town to help cushion the blow.
It would be nice if I were allowed to wear jeans to work, but I'm not - and that is the ONLY thing that I don't love about this company and its policies toward pregnancy/maternity/family. Everything else is wonderful, so I try not to focus too much on the 'no jeans' policy.
Anyway, according to thebump.com the baby is approximately the size of an avocado. I think they mean the normal avocado, not the 'low fat' ones that are huge. 4-5 inches long, and 3-4 oz in weight.
I haven't felt movement yet, but it is becoming less comfortable to sleep on my stomach - something I will be sad to lose soon.
16 weeks, 3 days along.
23 weeks, 4 days until 'due date'
I don't have another appointment until the end of this month so I don't have a weight update for you, but I can tell you that non-maternity clothes aren't cutting it anymore. I have a few skirts I can wear that sit below my now nonexistent waist, but other than that I'm wearing maternity jeans and dresses.
I few darling friends have offered loaner maternity clothes, which is a huge money saver and greatly appreciated! The four pieces I've purchased myself have set us back $120, but would have been $175 if not for a nifty coupon for Gap. You can see how acquiring an entirely new wardrobe for the next 6-9 months could get out of control financially, so I am continuing to shop sales and plan to hit some consignment shops around town to help cushion the blow.
It would be nice if I were allowed to wear jeans to work, but I'm not - and that is the ONLY thing that I don't love about this company and its policies toward pregnancy/maternity/family. Everything else is wonderful, so I try not to focus too much on the 'no jeans' policy.
Anyway, according to thebump.com the baby is approximately the size of an avocado. I think they mean the normal avocado, not the 'low fat' ones that are huge. 4-5 inches long, and 3-4 oz in weight.
I haven't felt movement yet, but it is becoming less comfortable to sleep on my stomach - something I will be sad to lose soon.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
28-35
Frank and I took a little road trip to Philadelphia this past weekend with another couple who went to college with Frank. We went to the University of Pennsylvania to see Dartmouth take on Penn in football.
The drive up was mostly uneventful, save a little bit of heavy traffic here and there. The ladies took the back seat and we never ran out of things to talk about, which I partially credit to the fact that we're both pregnant! Although, she is all 'cute pregnant' with her bump and I'm still just 'bloated pregnant' with the only bump being the extra pounds I've started to collect.
The game was exciting, even leading to a riveting overtime, but in the end Penn came away with the win. Dartmouth played a great game, and the surprisingly large crowd cheered with energy throughout the entire afternoon. Their record is now 2-1, which is a pretty good start for the Big Green!
One weird thing...at the end of the third quarter, when the Penn side sang their alma mater, they threw toast down onto the track around the field. Frank said it is a tradition based on a pun of "give a toast to dear old Penn," but we all agreed it seemed silly, wasteful, and messy. They even had a zamboni-like vacuum machine that some poor groundskeeper had to drive around during the fourth quarter to pick up all of the bread!
The weather was perfect, if not a little on the warm side, the company was excellent, and the game was great (up until the very end). All in all, a great way to spend a fall Saturday!
The drive up was mostly uneventful, save a little bit of heavy traffic here and there. The ladies took the back seat and we never ran out of things to talk about, which I partially credit to the fact that we're both pregnant! Although, she is all 'cute pregnant' with her bump and I'm still just 'bloated pregnant' with the only bump being the extra pounds I've started to collect.
The game was exciting, even leading to a riveting overtime, but in the end Penn came away with the win. Dartmouth played a great game, and the surprisingly large crowd cheered with energy throughout the entire afternoon. Their record is now 2-1, which is a pretty good start for the Big Green!
One weird thing...at the end of the third quarter, when the Penn side sang their alma mater, they threw toast down onto the track around the field. Frank said it is a tradition based on a pun of "give a toast to dear old Penn," but we all agreed it seemed silly, wasteful, and messy. They even had a zamboni-like vacuum machine that some poor groundskeeper had to drive around during the fourth quarter to pick up all of the bread!
The weather was perfect, if not a little on the warm side, the company was excellent, and the game was great (up until the very end). All in all, a great way to spend a fall Saturday!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Visitors
We have two friends staying with us for a little while - one is a person and one is the sweetest, most well-behaved golden retriever you've ever met! We're happy to have both of them here, and I think even the hounds are learning to enjoy sharing their space!
Here is Hamilton (the non-snuggly one) hanging on his bed with Ms Milly (also not much of a snuggler, at least with other dogs) - both being very careful to have no contact with each other. Its like a jr. high dance on that dog bed!
We're hoping the hounds will pick up some of Milly's good manners while she is here. No luck so far, but we've got time.
I didn't want to leave the little dude out, so here is a gratuitous (and weird) picture of Rutledge.
Here is Hamilton (the non-snuggly one) hanging on his bed with Ms Milly (also not much of a snuggler, at least with other dogs) - both being very careful to have no contact with each other. Its like a jr. high dance on that dog bed!
We're hoping the hounds will pick up some of Milly's good manners while she is here. No luck so far, but we've got time.
I didn't want to leave the little dude out, so here is a gratuitous (and weird) picture of Rutledge.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Status Update
15 weeks pregnant
-finally gaining weight (up 4lbs at last appointment after losing 2 during weeks 8-12)
-looks like I have a preggo-belly, but it is actually mostly bloat and fat, still waiting for the cute firm bump to arrive (likely waiting another month or more)
-I fell pretty good and even my lactose-intolerance seems to be easing up
-finally gaining weight (up 4lbs at last appointment after losing 2 during weeks 8-12)
-looks like I have a preggo-belly, but it is actually mostly bloat and fat, still waiting for the cute firm bump to arrive (likely waiting another month or more)
-I fell pretty good and even my lactose-intolerance seems to be easing up
Friday, October 1, 2010
Bethlehem, PA
Here are the pictures of the historic Bethlehem area I was able to explore a few weeks ago. I meant to post these a while ago, but I got derailed with the appendicitis the day after we got back from the wedding!
Nearly every front door had a Moravian Star hanging. I couldn't get enough!
Their cemetery took my right back to college, not to mention walking past Sisters' House and Brothers' House!
I'll definitely be going back, and I'll absolutely be going to the Historic Hotel Bethlehem for Sunday brunch - the most amazing brunch spread I've ever seen! Who's coming with me?
Nearly every front door had a Moravian Star hanging. I couldn't get enough!
Their cemetery took my right back to college, not to mention walking past Sisters' House and Brothers' House!
I'll definitely be going back, and I'll absolutely be going to the Historic Hotel Bethlehem for Sunday brunch - the most amazing brunch spread I've ever seen! Who's coming with me?
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