Giggles

Watch out, laughter is contagious!

A year ago...

It's amazing to think that this time last year I was peeing on a pregnancy test...excited, scared and surprised at the little pink "+" sign on it... Seeing the shock on our parents faces when they opened the cards telling them they were going to be grandparents for the first time... Feeling the cramps in my stomach that would turn into a beautiful baby boy... And thinking about how different things would be a year from then... Well, the past year has been a whirlwind, to say the least, but it's also been one of the best years of our lives! I'm excited for what the year ahead of us holds...

3 months!

In just three months Elliot has grown 6 pounds and 4 inches! He's amazing and seems to change everyday. It's incredible how much he's changed in just a month. He now laughs, smiles, drools, grabs for his toys (pulling them into his mouth!), tries to roll over, wants to sit up on his own and even tries to stand when he's being held. He's also started fussing when we leave the room and fussing and reaching his arms out when he wants to be held. He's so content just being in our company. He's so strong and very active. His hair seems to grow longer every day! He also babbles non-stop. He loves to "goo" and "ahh" out loud. He even gurgles at us. His favorite "word" seems to be "agua" or "ahhgooowaaa"- spanish already? It's super cute! He even rolled over from his stomach to his back this week. He's growing and changing every day.

We spent his first Thanksgiving in Kansas City with lots of family and friends and we plan to spend Christmas here, at home, as a family together. Elliot helped decorate the tree, hang the stockings and make presents. We can't wait for Christmas!

Dr. M and I received our H1N1 (Swine Flu) shots last weekend. We hope to stay flu free this season, as it's supposed to be a bad one. We've been enjoying weekly play dates with a group of girl friends (Elliot is the only boy!). I'm still staying home with E every day (and loving it). I'm not actively seeking a job, but if I can find one that allows me to work from home, I might be interested....we'll see.

Here are a few recent pictures of our family.....

Hands!

Just recently Eli has made the amazing discovery of his hands. Though he doesn't find them as fascinating as one would think, he does stare at them quite often. He watches them as they open and makes tiny fists or reaches for a toy. He's also discovered how to get them into his mouth - his mother's fear. We don't want a thumb sucker! He's not quite there yet, but he does enjoy nibbling on his fingers and occasionally a thumb, which makes for a constant puddle of drool under his chin. We've also been battling a nasty case of cradle cap, which seems to itch. So far, we're all staying healthy this season, though those around us have been coming down with illnesses. Every day he gets bigger and his hair gets longer. We're still not sure what color those eyes will be - they're still dark blue. We're enjoying watching him grow and learn everyday!

Laughter

Tonight was the first time we heard little Eli giggle. It was adorable. Too bad just after he let out the laugh, he was struck with a bout of the hiccups. You could hear him trying to laugh through them anyway which was even cuter. He'll be walking before we know it...

2 months

Well, we've made it through 8 weeks of diaper changes, breast feeding, extra laundry, kitchen sink baths, unexplained fussing and mastering the swaddle all for little Eli. Everyone said our lives would change when he arrived and boooy were they right! Each day is a new challenge, different from the one before, which is both exciting and frustrating at the same time. It's amazing how I can stay home all day, yet feel like I'm unable to get anything done (unless soothing a fussy baby counts). I'm building arm muscles I never knew I had (it's amazing how heavy a baby and car seat are) and getting very good at doing things with one hand. I also have a whole new respect for the female body - I'm amazed at how it can create and sustain a life on it's own. I have to say, however, that my favorite thing about the past 8 weeks is watching my little boy grow. He now weighs 11 lbs 9 oz is 23 inches long! According to his pediatrician at his appointment yesterday "he's doing great," but unfortunately had to receive a cocktail of routine vaccinations (3 shots and one oral). I cried. Seeing him in that kind of pain was heartbreaking, but just minutes later, after a quick nursing, he was smiling and laughing again. Babies are truly resilient. We're trying to enjoy each little moment with the little guy, as time seems to be flying by...

"Check out my neck rolls!"

Smiles :)

The first time your little one smiles at you is quite possibly the most rewarding part of being a new parent. Eli is officially a morning person, like his dad, and loves to smile at us when he wakes up. He smiles when we change him, while we're eating breakfast and when you talk to him in that high-pitch baby voice. He even coos and laughs when he really gets going. Every morning we look froward to his little smiles, they simply melt our hearts...

Hard at work!

Baby E and Dr. M working hard on an upcoming math presentation :)

(he must take after his mom when it comes to math)

One month!

Again, I'm shocked that so much time has gone by since the little guy arrived. I've been told that the whole first year becomes a blur, it goes by so fast. So, I'm trying to enjoy the little moments....the random smiles he gives me, the baby noises he makes and how he falls asleep any time, any where so easily. Little Eli has been so good, we've been able to go out to dinner, over to friends houses, to local fall festivals (my fave) and shopping. With the onset of flu season and the fact that this year is supposed to be bad one, I'm glad we've been able to get out and enjoy the fall air. This weekend will be our first road trip to grandmas house...wish us luck, we may need it.

The Moen family at the Forest Park Balloon Glow on September 18:

Week Three

Another week....it's almost as if I can see him actually growing before my eyes. He changes everyday. He's becoming much more interactive and alert. When he's awake, he's busy staring at everything, watching me, tracking his toys and making cute little baby noises. He also loves to look at himself in the mirror behind the changing table. I have to admit that we've been lucky, he's generally very quiet and calm, fussing only when hungry. His eyes are still the dark blue/grey of a newborn, but we're anxious for them to change (will he be brown like his dad or green, like his mom?). He's started to smile - though random, it's still adorable! He's still eating every 3-4 hours, but at least we're on some sort of a schedule....even at night, it's not too bad. The last of our guests left on Wednesday (we've had two nights to ourselves in the past 3 weeks). It's nice having the house back to normal again, but the help was definitely appreciated - and needed! Gotta run...sounds like someone is hungry.....

Week Two

It's hard to believe we made it through the first two weeks! Everyone told us the first two weeks were the hardest part. Now that they're behind us, I hope everyone is right because it's been pretty rough. Don't get me wrong little Eli is a great baby, it's just tough nursing, rocking, changing and caring for him all day and all night, every 2-3 hours. I could really use a massage and a good 8 solid hours of sleep. I have to admit that we've been fortunate to have a ton of help from friends and family over the past two weeks! Last night was the third night that the little guy has slept in the nursery in his crib (which he really seems to like) he sleeps a good 3-4 hours between feedings. This week we purchased a sound machine for Eli's crib that plays various "white noise" sounds like rain, ocean, summer crickets or even a human heart beat (his current favorite) which I think is also helping him sleep at night. We've been to the pediatrician twice now (once at 3 days and once at two weeks). Overall, he's a healthy, rapidly growing little boy! At his two week appointment yesterdat the Dr wanted him to be back to his birth weight....well, the little guy exceeded his birth weight by 7 ounces and grew an inch!! No wonder he's been so hungry lately! Dr M said that if he keeps growing like this, he'll be 8 feet tall by the time he's two! His weight is pretty average in the 44%, but his height is in the 89% - I think he's gonna be tall, like his parents - watch out KU basketball! He doesn't go back to the Dr until his two month check-up where he'll receive a cocktail of immunizations. Overall, he's a great baby and true joy to have in our lives!

One week!

Wow, has it been a whole week already? It's amazing to think back to where we were this time last week. The funny thing is this week has been harder than labor and delivery combined. I feel like that's the part people leave out (or maybe I just ignored that part when mixed in with the massive amount of baby advice I was given while pregnant). All I have to say is thank goodness you can only be a first-time mother once. It's the hardest yet most wonderful thing I've ever done.

Little E is becoming more and more alert every day. He opens his eyes, looks around and is getting cuter every day :) His little belly button scab fell off yesterday, so we're exclusively cloth diapering now. It's amazing how much more absorbent the cloth is than the Pampers we were using. Plus, his little hinney in that big diaper is adorable. We've taken a couple strolls around the neighborhood and even braved getting some lunch at a nearby restaurant this weekend (which went amazingly well). Overall, he's a happy, healthy baby boy!

During the day, he's a great baby, but at night gets quite fussy (we call him Elliot the dragon at these times). He's been on this weird schedule of wanting to eat about every 30 mins from 7pm to around 1am some nights. Then finally falls asleep for 4, maybe 5 hours (which is nice). Dr M and I are still in great need of a good nights rest, but are handling new parenthood as best as we can. We've been told that the first two weeks are the hardest part.

It's a BOY!

Elliot (Eli) Stewart Moen

August 28, 2009

5:23 pm

8 lbs 3 oz

21 inches

Ready or not, here I come!

Around 3 am this morning (Thursday, August 27) I awoke with strong menstrual-like cramps. Having had a late night with the girls last night I tried to ignore the cramps and get some rest. When I woke this morning the cramps were still present and I then realized that I was experiencing the first signs of early labor. Following my mothers suggestion, I called the Dr who said that everything sounds "normal," told me what to watch for and said to go ahead and come in for my regularly scheduled appointment tomorrow to be checked. These are all good signs that little Moen is on it's way (and so is my mom, who will be here in about 15 minutes)!! Did I mention that today is also the first day of classes for Dr. M who has just begun teaching his first class as I type this. What an exciting day!

40 weeks!!

And for comparison, here's the first picture we took at 14 weeks:

My Due Date

Well, today is the day we've all been waiting 40 weeks for....the due date. I can't count the number of times I've said "August twenty-second." Well it's 7pm on August 22nd and no baby. Granted there are still 5 hours left in the day, so who knows? Why does everyone panic when I call them lately? No, I'm not in labor....yet!

Overall, it's been a wonderful day! We started off by going down to the Soulard Farmers Market (even had the "famous" tiny doughnuts), bought some amazing produce (eggplant, broccoli, homemade pasta and summer corn). On the way home we stopped by the Hill and ran into Viviano's Italian Market for some of their amazing frozen pizza (sure to come in handy when baby M arrives) and fresh cheese. We got home, unloaded the grocery's and were off again. This time to the Metro stop for my first experience on the train. We took it to a stop near Wash U (that Dr M takes to work every day) and walked through the beautiful neighborhoods to Delmar Street. Did I mention that the weather today was unseasonably wonderful and cool!?! We shopped, had lunch and Fro Yo, of course, then headed back home. Tonight we're looking forward to a fun dinner with some good friends, which after baby M arrives we won't be able to do for some time. So, it's been a great, Due Date so far.....

Induction?

I hope not, but it's possible. We met with our OB today who said I'm still not showing any signs of labor even though my due date is tomorrow, August 22. What's the next step? Well at this point we continue to wait it out next week. I have an appointment with my OB next Friday. If I make it to that appointment, I'm scheduled for all sorts of tests to check the baby's stress levels, water level and size to make sure it's doing okay. If everything comes back "normal" but labor still doesn't start on it's own, we have the induction date of September 1st set (in hopes to have the baby out before 42 weeks, September 5th). So, no matter what, we'll have our little one in less than 2 weeks!!!

My prediction? I think it will come on it's own, but not until later next week - not sure why I think this, just a "feeling" I guess. Dr. M, on the other hand, thinks it's inherited it's mom's sense of time :) and will be late, but come out when it's ready (which, of course it driving him crazy!). So, keep your fingers crossed for a healthy, natural delivery and birth and we'll keep you posted on the progress (or lack thereof).

39.5 weeks!

Tick, tick, tick.....

As time seems to slowly tick by, we've been busy getting ready for baby M. Though I'm due 4 days from today, no telling when the baby will decide to make it's appearance. So, in the mean time we've been preparing, as much as possible.

The last two weekends Dr. M and I took a child birth class at Missouri Baptist hospital (where we plan to deliver). We learned so much stuff from natural induction techniques (which we're currently utilizing), pain coping techniques, how to swaddle a baby, when to leave for the hospital, and the good, bad and ugly sides to child birth. You name it, we covered it (and watched videos of it). Apparently, we were in need of one of those giant exercise balls for pre and post labor (helps spread your hips before and is great for rocking a baby after), so pumping up the new ball is on my list of things to do today. Overall, we're glad we took the class and are just hoping we'll remember some of what we learned when the actual time arrives.

With what little time we have left ("before our lives change forever" or so we've been told), we've been trying to take advantage of being around friends and family. We've been meeting friends for dinner, going to movies and having people over. My mom was here the past couple days and we spent our time together doing "girl" things (which I SO needed). We got our toes and hair done, had coffee, made dinner, shopped the local baby boutiques, bought nursing bras and recalled childhood stories over red wine and dark chocolate - it was the perfect pampering for both of us!

Grandma W: "Next time I see you guys, you'll be parents."

38 weeks!!

Update

We met with our Dr this morning. She said things look great, but I'm still not having any signs of labor. In fact, she thinks that the little one will be in there for another 3 weeks, putting me a week over my due date. She said the baby's size is in the 25 percentile, which means it's pretty small, good for late delivery because chances we are, we won't be having a 10 lb baby (at least keep your fingers crossed that we don't - ouch!). The Dr said to try to be as active as possible right now, which might induce labor. So, Dr. M and I went to the St. Louis Zoo this afternoon and walked the entire thing and even ate kettle corn (hey, at least we skipped the funnel cake, which for the record, smelled amazing).

We're officially registered for a birthing class at our hospital. It's from 9 am to 4 pm this Saturday and next, which we're not super excited about, but this late in the game, we don't really have a choice. Dr. M feels strongly about knowing his role and what to expect during the delivery (guess he hasn't been reading all the baby books that I have). I'll keep you updated on the exciting stuff we learn.

A friend came over this week and took inventory of the baby's room and the supplies we have to let me know what we're missing. With the exception of a few additional things (nothing major) she said we're all set which makes me feel relieved.

My belly is still getting bigger and is super tight right now. It feels like the poor little thing is crammed in there. I see and feel little elbows and feet constantly poking me in the ribs. It feels like time is going both fast and slow....at this point it's a waiting game....

37 weeks!

Dr. M: "Whoa, now that's a big belly!"

Getting ready...

Things are going great in the Moen house-hold.  We're still unpacking and getting things organized (why does this always seem to take so long!?).  The couch and crib finally arrived over the last week and I've been busy doing the fun part of moving - the decorating!  It feels strange not to be working everyday.   I'm just now starting to get bored and feel like a stay-at-home mom.  I think the people at Target, Trader Joe's and Mr. Wizards Frozen Yogurt know me by first name now.  

We had another Dr.'s appointment this morning (met with the nurse practitioner this time).  She said everything in the sonogram pics looked great.  She checked if I was dilated and said every thing is still closed, but is beginning to soften (which is a good thing).  Her prediction is that the baby will be a girl (based on the speedy heart-rate this visit) and thinks that I still have 4 weeks to go (though I'll be 37 weeks in 2 days).  We'll see...  

Overall I still feel great!  At this point I've gained about 25 lbs, don't have any stretch marks or swelling of body parts, no itchy skin or weird hair growth (that I can see), I don't even have that weird dark line under my tummy and my belly button is officially flat (and very clean!).  

Here's the first glimpse of the nursery(!!!!):

Baby Moen update!

Last week we met with our new doctor, who we're really excited to be working with.  She's kind, mellow and treats us like we're her only patients.  Together, we decided that Missouri Baptist Hospital will be our best choice for delivery which is just a short drive from our house. From this point forward, I will begin seeing the doctor once a week.  Today was our second sonogram (more on this below), next week I will meet with the other doctor in the practice and the following week the nurse practitioner (to get acquainted with everyone in the office before delivery).  So far, everything is falling into place.  The nursery is painted and almost completely set up (still waiting for the crib and need to start washing everything) - don't worry, I'll post pics when finished.

Sonogram #2:  Today was our second sonogram, which was so different from the first one 15 weeks ago.  The baby is much bigger and seemingly crammed into my uterus which made it hard to make out what we were looking at on the sonogram screen.  We were told that baby M weights approximately 5 lbs and 7 oz and is on track for the August 22 due date.  It's fluid, placenta, weight and position all look great.  We were most excited to hear that the baby is head down and pretty low in the birth canal, getting ready for delivery (which is great news!). Just a couple weeks ago we were told that the baby was breech, so we were preparing ourselves for the worst (c-section).  It looks like things have turned around (literally) and looking good for a healthy baby and natural birth.  And, no, we didn't cheat and find out the gender :)

Here's a sonogram pic.  We were told this was an eye (but doesn't look like much to me).  She said it's head was low and facing my spine so a glimpse of an eye was all she could get.  That's okay, we'll see the little one in person before we know it!

35 weeks!

Da Boyz

I think the boys are liking the new place...

Strangers

This might be one of my favorite parts about being pregnant.  We've heard some pretty funny comments from strangers, so far!  Here are a few:

A small, elderly, Italian woman in line in front of us at the grocery store placed her hand on my belly and in a thick accent said "it will be a girl."  Then turned around and continued about her business.

A man at Home Depot looked at Dr. M, pointed to my belly and said "is this your fault?"  The same man said he predicted the baby would weigh about 30 lbs (!?!).

The guy working at Trader Joe's asked if he could help "the three" of us find anything.

We've had some pretty funny gender guesses too:  "Oh, you're carrying high, it's a girl" or "Wow, you are carrying low, it's a boy."  I've even been asked if I've gained weight in my hips because "that means it's going to be a boy."  Or if I'm craving chocolate, because "that means it will be a girl."

I'll post more as we hear them (you can't make this stuff up!!).

34 weeks!

"...and I still have 6 weeks to go."

33 and a half weeks

Time seems to have flown by these last few months.  We've been incredibly busy, saying goodbye, moving and getting settled, but we're officially St. Louis residents now.  We've been here 3 nights and are starting to feel somewhat settled.  With the help of some awesome local friends, we've had a home-cooked meal and great company each night this week.  Today our cable and internet should be hooked up (we've been regulars at the local coffee shops the past few days, using their internet).  We've unpacked the kitchen, our closets and even ordered a new couch that should arrive today.  Things are starting to come together, though boxes still clutter the halls and most rooms, it's starting to feel more and more like home.  We're looking forward to walking to the Maplewood farmers market this afternoon and attending a local art festival in downtown Maplewood this Friday.  Saturday we'll be back in Columbia for our final baby shower (girls shower - I can't wait to see everyone).  Then, we're back here for more unpacking....

I can't believe I'm almost 34 weeks (sorry, still no digital camera)!  Overall, I'm still feeling great!  My stomach is still getting bigger, my belly button is almost completely flat and the little one is getting much stronger.  It's amazing to sit and watch my entire stomach contort and wiggle under my skin, almost alien-like.  Good news - I've found a new local doctor and I'm looking forward to my first appointment with her next Thursday.  At my last appointment in Lawrence we found out that the little one is breech (bottom down, head up - not so good for delivery), so I'm anxious to hear the new doctors plans to flip the little thing.  Pregnancy is still treating me well, no stretch marks, itchy skin or even swollen ankles....yet.  At times my hips and lower back ache, which is to be expected, but I've been enjoying the pool and sleeping with numerous pillows between my knees.  Just 6.5 more weeks to go.

So far, so good.  Life in St. Louis is treating us well...and keeping us busy!

Our Life...

When it rains it pours, huh? Well then the last month in the Moen house has been one heck of a storm. Moving to a new city, finding a house, selling our current house (this one even produced a tornado and baseball-sized hail), packing, leaving a job I enjoy and moving....all while 7+ months pregnant. As of now, all of our belongings are in the St. Louis house (in boxes and piles spread throughout the house). We're currently sleeping on an air mattress at our home in Lawrence, which we close on this weekend (woohoo!), Dr. M leaves for a week-long conference Saturday morning and I'll be house-sitting for a friend next week to complete my last few days of work......on top of it all, our digital camera broke last week! I know, I know, you're anxious to see big belly pics, but you'll have to wait until we purchase another camera (this week, hopefuly).

Do you feel sorry for us yet? Well, don't. Though it may sound like there's a little black rain cloud following us around, the truth is we've been incredibly blessed. It's true. We found an amazing home in St. Louis, we were able to sell our house (which, in this market is amazing), Dr. M has the job of his dreams, our friends and family have been SO generous and supportive and we'll soon welcome an amazing miracle into our lives, baby M.

"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." - Dr. M

29 weeks!

Newton: "I'm mom's golden shadow and protector."

Our new house in Maplewood, MO

27weeks!

Graduation!

Dr. Moen is official - square hat, tassel, gown, hood and all!

25 and a half weeks!

SOLD!

With a huge sigh of relief our house sold last week!

Ready or not, here we come, St. Louis...

...all 5 of us!

Mother's Day

Sunday was my first Mother's Day. It was an amazing feeling. Though Dr. M was in Spain for the week, he thoughtfully left me a card with specific instructions not to open it until Sunday. I received several cards and well wishes from family and friends all weekend, which I spent at home with my own mother. It was one of the first Mother's Days I can remember that I actually got to spend in person with her. We celebrated the day early, on Saturday, went to the Farmers Market, shopping (new maternity clothes for me!), had lunch and just had fun hanging out together. As my mom said "Mother's Day will have a whole new meaning to you next year...."

24 Weeks

We're Registered!

We've finally registered for all sorts of fun, cute, practical (and non-practical), green baby stuff!! Though it took us three hours, several websites and a few heated discussions it's finally done. I'm sure we'll think of things we forgot or can't live without, which we'll add along the way. Please keep in mind that we will not find out the gender of the baby until it decides to come out and show the world. So, please keep items non-gender specific (we love the color lime green). We also want to be as environmentally "green" as possible and plan to use cloth diapers (Bummis Brand), natural skin care and avoid plastics (and BPA) as much as possible.

With that said, we're registered at the following sites:

www.babiesrus.com

www.target.com

www.rei.com

23 weeks...

At 23 weeks I may not appear to have the big belly you (or I) thought I would....however, it must look bigger to strangers and people I hardly know. That's right, I'm already getting the random, unsolicited belly rubs, tickles, touches and comments which always seem to catch me off guard. The other day an elderly man asked if I was retiring soon, when I looked confused, he pointed to my belly and smiled. This weekend a woman (mother of three) who stopped on a walking path to let her daughter pet Newton, said "good for you to be out exercising." I've had countless work colleagues and acquaintances pat or rub my belly, but no complete strangers...yet (I've been warned). Good thing I'm a social person (even when it comes to strangers) and I don't really have personal space issues, so the touching doesn't really bother me either. Bring it on....I've got over 3 more months of it :)

23 weeks

Pants

Okay, so I finally broke down this weekend and bought maternity pants. Yup, the kind with the big elastic waistband and stretchy thing that covers your entire tummy (no, they are not available in regular sizes, just maternity). Finding pants that I like and that are actually long enough for me has always been a struggle. So, after 4 maternity stores and LOTS of pants I finally found some that work (Capri's!). My regular clothes, however, still fit and I plan to continue wearing them as long as possible. I assume I'm not the only pregnant woman with a hatred for maternity clothes. I've recently discovered an amazing invention called the Bella Band. It's like the stretchy thing in maternity pants, but not attached to pants - just the band. I wear it over my unbuttoned, unzipped pants and it holds them up and gives my tummy some support - I love it! I'm looking forward to summer skirts, dresses and tank tops...and the pool.

22 weeks

20 weeks!!

Half way there!!!!!

Just 20 more to go (sigh)

Our New home:

Wash U campus!

A Perfect Little Human Being

Wednesday, April 1st was our very first ultrasound. An experience neither one of us will ever forget. We sat in the small, warm and dark room, almost in tears as we were able to actually see the little one for the first time. My belly exposed, covered in some sort of jelly and the ultrasound technicians magic wand scrolling across my abdomen, we watched the images appear on a large, flat-screen tv on the wall in front of us. We saw the brain, the little heart pumping, tiny bones, the stomach, spine, kidneys, little feet and hands. At just about half a pound and the size of my hand, we were surprised at how it looked like a "real" baby. When the wand stopped to take a photo we saw the little one kicking, rolling and waving it's arms around. "A perfectly active baby" said the technician. (Truth is, I think the baby likes my yogurt - it always seems to move after I've eaten it). One of our favorite moments was seeing a little foot and a tiny hand appear that reached up and grabbed the toes, pulling them down. The baby seemed so happy and alive in there. The sonographer said that everything looked wonderful and healthy and that we had made "a perfect little human being." (I couldn't have said it better myself).

The first glimpse of Baby Moen

Our first ultrasound!

Truly an amazing experience.

19 weeks - almost half way!

Mr. M:  "That's one scary looking baby!"

Mr. M:  "Whoever they are, they're destined for greatness."

St. Patty's Day 2009

This St. Patrick's Day was a momentous day for several reasons.  It was a beautiful, unseasonably warm afternoon (almost 80 degrees!), perfect for watching the parade downtown.  That morning, while drinking my morning OJ (coffee still makes me sick), typing an email, I felt what I swore was someone poking my stomach from the inside.  To my surprise, that's exactly what it was!  Tap, tap, tap.....just three little nudges and I knew it was little Moen making their presence known (hey, mom, I'm really in here)!!  I took the afternoon off that day to enjoy the weather, meet some friends and watch the crazy parade downtown.  While weaving through the bright green, cheerful crowd, my phone rang.  My heart sank when I saw that it was my Dr's office.  Fortunately, the nurse was simply calling to let me know that my AFP blood work had come back "normal!!"  A weight was instantly lifted from our shoulders.  Our little one was going to be healthy.

18 weeks

17 weeks

16 weeks

15 weeks

Belly pics!

Okay, so we didn't start taking belly pics until week 15.  I know, I know, we're supposed to take them weekly from the time we found out we were pregnant, so we would have something to compare them to.  Well, the truth is I looked the same as I had 14 weeks prior.  Really!  At my 15 week Dr appointment, I had only gained 3 pounds.  Don't worry, we're now committed to taking weekly photos (I can literally feel my stomach growing daily) and posting them for you to see. 

The first....

Did I mention that this child will be the very first great-grand child, grand child, niece and nephew on both sides of our families?  He/she will follow in their parents footsteps as a first.  We too were the first in our families to make everyone feel old by adding another generation.  Not to mention he/she will also have four (that's right, four) sets of grand parents and one set of great-grand parents.  Spoiled?  I sure hope not!  Just loved, very loved.....

Oh, the nausea....

Around 7 weeks it all started.  Yep the "everything makes me gag" feeling.  Ugh, it's making me sick just recalling the horrible feeling.  Whole wheat anything, potatoes, vegetables, brushing my teeth, swallowing a vitamin, going to the grocery store, reading What to Expect... or Twilight and even watching tv ALL made me sick.  I lived on Pop's cereal (sometimes three bowls a day), cinnamon toast, Cream of Wheat, grilled cheese (on white bread only with american cheese, the kind in the little plastic wrappers) and occasionally tomato soup.  So, basically anything yellow or white.  I felt like crap.  I was tired, sick and basically anti-social for almost two months (my poor husband).  At 12 weeks (almost to the day), like my Dr predicted, I began feeling more like myself again.  My energy, enthusiasm and appetite had returned!!  I felt great.  I went to the gym, I took the dogs for walks and, most importantly, I started spending time with friends again.  I almost forgot I was pregnant, I felt so "normal."

The Moment of truth!

Mrs. M:  "OMG......hunney......!"

Mr. M:  "My boys can Swim!!!!"