Happy New Year

Audios 2010!  You were the most amazing year of my life thus far.

Upon my solo return trip to The Woodlands from the airport, I was thinking.  I frequently find myself thinking, reflecting, and pondering after hubby leaves me.  Usually there are tears shed- lots of them.  But this time just felt different.  I felt more in control of our situation.  However, nothing has changed.  Strange.  He's out of training.  We know the days he is off for January.  I got to be with him for 63 hours.  I woke up with him next to me three whole mornings in a row.  It was amazing.  I do not know how I'd function without him in my life.  Thank you, MJB, for taking your days off and spending them with me.  Love, your wifey.

Sure, I could dwell on the fact that he didn't get to be with me on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  Oh and he's m.i.a. for New Years Eve.  All for the first time in four years (I think?!?). But I've discovered that gets me nowhere.  It's the last day of a whole year.  You can't help but reflect back on what has happened.  And look to the future.

NYE 2009

As I look forward to 2011, I dream of holding our first born in my arms.  Sharing one of the most amazing moments in our life...right up there next to the day we said "I Do."  I imagine us being settled in our home in Chicago.  Slowly but surly putting all of the pieces of our life together like a puzzle.  I envision a challenging year for our relationship in the best way possible.  Him with a new career, rarely at home leaving us with even a smaller amount of time together as two, three, or four depending :)  2011 is a new beginning.  I'm a pro at new beginnings now...I would just like to be slightly more prepared for those coming this year!  We will get there.  This night is the end to a great monumental year.  Makes it hard to say good-bye, but now we get anniversaries and babies!!

Cheers to you with my glass of sparkling grape juice.  See ya next year!

Whoa Really?!?!?

I am 29 weeks and 1 day pregnant.  This means I am in my 30th week of pregnancy.  40-30=10 I'm good at math, right? But the answer...that 1 and that 0 means I have 10, TEN, 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10, two hands, both feet left of pregnancy.  Whoa, really?!?!

Where did time go?  Somewhere between the flabby, awkward, slow moving, miserable first trimester and the tummy showing, belly button popping, uncomfortable sleeping, hard to breathe third trimester time flew by.

Wanna know what else is totally freaking me out right now?  That in those 10 short weeks, I hope I am packed, moved, and semi settled in a new home in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL.  Yes, I will pack a 3 bedroom home solo (with the help of any and all friends, of course), hubby will make the 1,745 mile track from Prescott Valley, AZ to South Elgin, IL in two days with our Gracie, we will find a new home- an important home, where we will first start our family, bring our first baby into, live for at least two years, and grow as husband and wife in the same city again, all before Baby B decides to make his/her grand entrance.  We will also attend a labor & delivery crash course and a breast feeding class, as well as, set up the nursery and prepare ourselves for parenthood!!!!  Think we can do it??  Sure! Of course we can.  There are thousands of little things I know exist between point A and B, but believe it or not, this determined momma-to-be will have her cake and eat it too!  Well, if it's all up to me :)  (which it's not!)

So, at 29 weeks our little bean is three pounds...holy moly!  And 17 ish inches long.  Very active little mister or misses in there!  The baby's skin is smoothing out and the baby is gaining the kind of fat that's used for energy...makes sense, huh?  I am being told to start counting kicks, but haven't sat down to do it just yet.  I will let you know the update once we do it.

Best news:  hubby is here with me.  And he's snoozing with my sister, Emily's, 8 week old puppy, Noelle.  *love*

And here's my belly in a shirt...until I get a better pic :)

'Twas the Day After Christmas

And all through the room
The only critter moving,
was in my womb!

Baby B is still on the move- a lot at random times and I love it.  He/She made an appearance on Christmas Day and my mom, Martin, Caitlin, Emily, and Hannah all got to see the movement.  A few brave souls felt them too.  We spent yesterday at my mom's house.  Folks were moving slower this year than pervious years and I didn't get over there till 9 am!  Props to Scooby for sleeping in and having to be woke up :)  We had our traditional Hostess doughnuts and put in an egg bake (recipe honors of my sister-in-law, Kim) after we opened gifts.  It was another great day for this duo.  My mom shipped us an external hard drive (much needed to back up the Mac w/baby on the way) and an incase computer sleeve for easier traveling with my trusty steed.  Along with those major necessities we got several other much needed gifts that will be easy to transport back to AZ.

I think everyone was happy with their gifts and even though that's not what this season is all about- it's an added bonus.  We lazied around, ate our egg bake, and in the early evening hours went to see Little Fockers.  Not to shoot anyone's dream down about going to see it, I wouldn't pay $7 for a ticket.  Wait till it's out at Redbox or Netflix.  It's one of those movies that just gets old (Gaylord vs. his father-in-law, THE WHOLE TIME) and they showed ALL the funny parts (to me) in the previews.  I hate that so much!  We ate munchies for dinner (my mom makes some of the world's best dips) and I called it an early night.

Little B, my darling, you are making mommy really tired lately.  I am back to sleeping 9+ hours a night and needing a nap sometime throughout the day.  Either that or I go to bed early and the cycle just starts over.  Exhausting!  lol.  I have a friend who announced her pregnancy roughly a month before I found out I too was expecting.  I sent her a facebook msg and got some sweet advice from her regarding the early awkward stuff.  Anyways...she's always been the girl one step ahead of me.  Whatever she feels, posts about, or tells me...I feel shortly after.  And her x number of weeks ahead of me always seems like forever away, but then I find myself in her shoes rather quickly.  It's crazy.  Her recent post was about her baby girl dropping down super low, hard core contractions, and maybe an early arrival.  Holy smokes!  I am SO not ready for that yet, Baby B.  Although I do know we will make it through just fine if that's the path you choose to take...BUT...Daddy, we gotta get some stuff figured out/ready (ie. where are we going to live?)!!!  Ah!!!!

Living the dream at home...good food, better company, and all around comfortableness.  I'm lovin it!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Baby B and I are in the great state of Texas with my family :)  And Daddy is in Chicago :,(

Houston is warm and rainy.  We woke up this morning (we as in baby and I) at 8 am.  I headed downstairs and, in the process, the rest of the fam awoke.  I trucked out for some doughnuts -this prego has to eat immediately upon waking up out of slumber- with my sister Caitlin.  Then we opened gifts.  Lots of love this year (not like there isn't every year, but just sayin).  I got a Tiffany necklace that matches my hoop earrings I got for my birthday.  First pair of nice hoops and my first Tiffany necklace, I do believe.  A Scentsy and some yummy wax bricks to make my house smell so amazing.  A pre-made Honeymoon scrapbook from Hallmark and 2 BlueRays (Boone Dock Saints and The Notebook).  My big ticket item was a Canon Rebel T1i!!  I am so very excited for this, as having #1 means lots of pics to come :)  And not just any pictures, but good pictures.  I love my lil Canon friend.  He has taken many photo memories for me in the past, but it's time this momma-to-be graduates!  Yay!  Currently we are still in the learning phase, but come March I should be ready. lol.

Dad made a fabulous dinner:  ham, scalloped potatoes, corn on the cob, caesar salad, and warm dinner rolls with lots o' butter.  The four of us girlies did the take down, clear, and clean of everything in record time.  We rushed off to a Christmas Eve service at church while the weather had different plans and a huge downpour swept through The Woodlands.  It was a great evening to cuddle up with Dad's dog, Sophie.  And we called it a night.  A wonderful night at that.

The Big Two-Eight

Officially one number larger than how old I am...today marks week TWENTY-EIGHT!!  I've been blogging a lot about baby recently, so I am not sure if this post will be all that long or informative.  I did realize that one of the sites that tells you what fruit or veggie your baby is goes in months...not weeks.  So I may have that whole thing royally messed up.  We shall see.  I like the weekly updates better, it fits my personality.  Also, this is my first pregnancy and I'd like to compare when we decide we are ready for #2 (oh...by the way, Ashley, I had a dream last night that you told me you were pregnant with #2!!).  There are several other reasons, one being that I just want to.  The. End.  Lol.

I found zoom on my phone this morning on accident! So exciting!

Just to keep things the same, I thought I'd post the above pic too!

I am a little bummed that I don't have any real camera pictures b/c all of these will print grainy, but you live and you learn.  I will take as many as I can now...and hopefully get the angle down right.  It'd be nice to get full body shots, but since we live alone these days, there aren't many folk that can help us out in that area :)  Next time!  

So, Baby B is 2.5 pounds and roughly 16 inches head to foot.  The baby has started regular sleep patterns including REM, which means the little bean is dreaming.  Maybe that's why my dreams and been a little nutty these past few days.  One web site says the baby is moving closer to the exit- meaning the head is down much lower than ever before.  When I asked the doctor, he explained that's hard to judge b/c of other factors (ie. how much amniotic fluid there is, the placement of the placenta, how big baby is, how you are carrying).  Interesting that SO much goes into the creation of this little being.  All the articles tell me to find a child birthing class..wahh...I don't want to do this alone.  MJB, get your buns home!  One site says Baby B is the size of a head of cauliflower and the other still says an eggplant.  However, the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book says that I am starting my 7 month of pregnancy for all you monthly people out there.  What you really need to know is that now doctors do not go by months...strictly weeks.  And that's b/c there are 40 weeks of pregnancy, which equals 10 months.  Instead of confusing the public they decided to just squeeze 40 weeks into 9 months and make every pregnant woman confused :)  Lol.  It has boggled my mind the whole entire pregnancy.  So, please refrain from asking me how many months along I am.  Ha!

Smooth Sailing

Today was our monthly doctor visit.  Baby B looks perfect (again).  It's strange b/c the appointment lasts about 30 minutes from when I walk into the door to when I walk out.  Yeah, that's nice b/c waiting around for forever sucks.  BUT how do they really know Baby B is ok?  They trust and follow what I say, but what if I miss something?  Ah!  And they can't see the baby...so they say everything looks great...from the outside.  

Doc says my belly is fine...on the smaller side b/c I have a long torso.  He says that I carry well and my body is taking to the baby.  Baby B fits nicely in there.  His guesstimate was that at 35 weeks I will wake up one morning and look like I swallowed two basketballs.  Literally, word for word what he said.  Can't wait to see those pics :)  

Heart rate was music to my ears (again).  He didn't tell me what it was at, but it's safe to say around the 144 mark.  He measured my uterus...does 27 inches sound right?  I have no clue what he said now...although I knew around 11 this morning.  The movement is wonderful (and constant).  He said in a few weeks he'll be able to feel the placement of the baby (head, shoulders, knees, and toes), but that now the baby is still too little through the skin.  Plus, it's early and really doesn't matter.  The baby will move and move again and again and again.  Although, I believe the head is down. I also believe that there is something on my bottom left side and another something on the top right on my abdomen.  The baby tends to 'kick' and I feel it in those two spots simultaneously.  It's crazy!  However, whatever is on my right side HURTS.  

I'm clear to keep working out until I feel incapable or in pain.  The doctor told me to keep doin' whatever I've been doin'.  He also said that he wishes everyone had a pregnancy as smooth and beautiful as mine.  *aw* Baby B did you hear that?  We're doing a good job :)

I Miss You

Man, does the holiday spirit make me miss my man.  I keep the radio set on the Christmas station and every time I hear 'Let It Snow' I smile and think of him in Chicago.  I want to be there *so* insanely bad.  I want to know, to feel, how bad he's freezing instead of just hearing it on the phone.  I want to register for a Lamaze class with him, in Chicago.  Every time the baby kicks, I want him to know...to be able to feel it.  I want to not stress about what's going to happen come February and be able to just enjoy the last trimester of my pregnancy.  'Tis the season for 'I wants' I guess, but these are different wants to me.  I'm just a first time prego over this long distance deal :)  Hopefully, whoever dealt me these cards realizes that I deserve a much better hand- stat!

Sundays have turned into my sappy days.  And I am alright with that.  It's the end of the weekend.  Back to work and the 'real' life on Monday.  Plus, they were always days and especially evenings I got to hang out with Michael.  It's tough.  The good thing is that come Monday morning, I always feel better.

HAPPY 6 MONTH ANNIVERSARY to my wonderful husband!!  Can't believe how much has happened/how far we have come in just six months.  It's surreal.  I'd still relive our wedding day every weekend if I could.  Most amazing day of my life.  I love you!

I thought this cartoon was funny. Mike is not insensitive/inconsiderate by any means.  However, I'm emotional and sappy, so it works.  Ha!

Seriously though, hun, "All I Want For Christmas, Is YOU!!!!"

Wonderful Weekend

This past weekend was nothing short of amazing.  M was in town, at HOME for the first time in 8 weeks.  He got to see our G, sleep in our bed, and do our normal things.  It was truly wonderful.  Friday we spent the day in Phoenix with his parents.  We took a nap and watched Elf...literally just relaxed.  Then we planned a dinner out at Four Peaks Brewery.  This is the same place we planned our engagement dinner- it's very yummy.  Bar atmosphere, loads of beer, and great bar food.  So this was a congratulations dinner for Michael on his new job, for us on the baby, and a good-bye Arizona dinner all in one!  Sad thing is...I didn't get a single picture :(  Super sad face!

Saturday we spent the day just being us.  It was great.  We ran errands, ate every meal together, and went to a movie, which we never do.  Of course, Chicago was having a terrible winter storm on Sunday.  We got up at 4:30 am to drive M back down to Phoenix to catch a flight.  His flight was 3 hours delayed and the only flight that American flew out that day.  But he got a seat- whew!  And was able to get a little settled, unpacked, repacked and reporting to Dallas on Monday.  This is the beginning of his crazy traveling lifestyle...wah, yay. and blah all at the same time :)

I love this 2010 ornament- given to us from my Grandma Knowles {Thanks again!}.

Fun news:  Michael did his first airline landing today!  How exciting!!  Again, I am SO proud of him.  He has really done a lot and been through a lot these past 8+ weeks.  He deserves this.  We love our pilot!

I got to crafting last week...I made my first hair bow.  And IF we have a little girl in this belly, it will be her first hair bow as well.  I plan on attaching it to her hat when she leaves/is in the hospital.  Super fun!  I didn't purchase too many excess materials b/c there's a 50% chance I don't make very many bows within the next year.

It's pretty cute if I don't say so myself :)

I've started panicking about the unknown (again).  I am a planner.  I want my baby's room to be ready for the arrival.  I want to live in the same city as my husband.  I want to be at least semi settled into our new home when I go into labor.  BUT I have NO IDEA if any of the above will be happening.  As I grow closer and closer to January and the beginning of 2011, I start to get anxiety.  I would have never thought this would be happening to me.  An unplanned room, an unplanned move, an unplanned labor/birth, an unknown gender, our first child (all is unknown there!), and...you get the picture.

Tomorrow is my glucose test.  FREAKY!  Who in their right mind would make a pregnant woman fast?  Even for 12 hours?  This is insanity.  I wake up starving every day.  But when 8 am rolls around I will be chugging a sugar syrup, waiting for an hour, getting my blood drawn, and then eating breakfast.  Who does that?  Geesh!

Also, I read a little more on baby B this week.  As of right now, the way the lungs are working, he or she could be born and would have a much, much, much higher survival rate.  That helps me sleep at night.  Oh!  Speaking of...EVERY dream I had last night was vivid.  And about labor/delivery.  They say in the books I've read that dreams get more vivid and easier to remember the next day.  Although I cannot remember what I wanted to tell Michael 30 seconds ago, I can remember my dreams.  In my dreams, there isn't a boy or girl more often.  I have a dream about a boy and I have a dream about a girl.  Kinda strange.  I've had heartburn every day this week.  I get it after I eat random stuff...normal stuff...even when I haven't eaten, but it's time to eat.  Ugh!  Hoping this is just a weekly phase...and not for the next 13 weeks!  The baby is also moving A LOT lately.  I wanted to make note of this b/c it's not just when I'm resting or inactive..it's anytime, anywhere!

Sorry for the wordy post..I will be better next week :)

Welcome to the THIRD and FINAL Tirmester!

It feels amazing just to say that :)  I am 2/3 of the way there.  Yes, the remaining third might leave me more uncomfortable than I have ever been before, it's the LAST third in our trio!  It's INSANE how time has flown.  I feel like it was just yesterday I was stuck in the miserable first trimester begging for time to move faster.  Now here we are!

All 27 weeks of us :)

It's also INSANE to think that in 13 weeks we will have a baby.  I will be a mom and Mike will be a dad.  What?  Wait a second...when did this all happen?  lol!  JK!  We are as excited as ever, BUT it is pretty crazy.  My dad keeps saying, "I can't believe my baby is having a baby."  And that makes it hit home even more.  Well, Papa B, looks like we are growing up these days.  Be a parents for time:  3...2...1...GO!  (For those of you who don't know, that's how we start almost every single workout.)  

So baby this week is officially measured from crown to feet...roughly 15 inches and weighing in over two whole pounds.  2.2-2.3 on average.  Good thing all this weight I'm gaining isn't just me!  I guess Baby B's lungs are the organ going through the most development these days.  As they learn to "breathe," the nostrils are opening this week to help start the whole process.  Of course, there isn't air in the womb, so he/she is 'breathing' amniotic fluid.  It's crazy to think about all the babies that are born at this stage (or earlier or a tad later).  The medical field has come SO far...I couldn't be more thankful being a mom-to-be.  Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't wish a premature birth on anyone, but it is more safe these days for both mom and baby.  Doctors can do some pretty miraculous things.  It also takes faith and a strong little peanut.  Let's hope Baby B waits to make an appearance till Daddy can be here...or me there.  Keep praying someone rents our home!!!!  Ah!  Speaking of, I cannot wait to know if it's a boy or a girl.  It's SO SO SO SO SO exciting to think that in 13 weeks (give or take a few) I will be holding my little bundle of joy in my arms.  And I will know what gender my child is!  

Our lil' Eggplant

Well to start off my weekly bump update, I wanted to share a quote I found last night as I was 'surfing the net.'

A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.

-Author Unknown

How perfect is that for me right now?  I am, as a matter of fact, not alone :)  There is just nobody here physically.  Although Baby B has done a fabulous job letting me know he/she is there.  Plenty of kicks...all day and all night.  I am sure that was b/c I wasn't sleeping well...and maybe I was keeping the baby up.  Sorry Baby B!  Please, don't get me back.  I promise to be better about my sleep stat.  ha!

In the beginning, I wanted to measure my 'waist' for each month.  I haven't written a thing down though.  Partly b/c I'm confused at what my waist was before I got pregnant.  And quite frankly, it makes me frustrated.  Maybe it's for the better.  Well, anyways.  I will state it now:  at my actual waist line I currently measure 31".  I am pretty sure in my wedding dress I was 25"...or maybe 28".  I looked in my wedding file...nothing was written down on my copies at my fittings.  Bummer.  

Baby B and I are still going strong!  I am loving my nails...so strong and, dare I say it?, pretty!  I have always disliked my hands...especially my nails.  So this is a major change to me.  I don't like being pasty white though and there's nothin' I can do about it.  

26 weeks 

At this point, Baby B is an eggplant, measuring at 2 pounds, 13.8-14.2 inches head to foot and 9.2 inches head to rump (or so the websites say).  The baby can now see what is going on in the uterus, as the eyes are opening this week.  The retina has had time to develop.  The iris still has no pigment, so the baby has no eye color, but will in a month or two.  With increased brain activity, the baby will start to respond to noises and movements outside the womb.  He/She is preparing the immune system, therefore, taking all of my antibodies.  

There's a small chance that we get to see Daddy this weekend.  Hopefully, he gets to come home between his down time, however, it may be only a few days long and he still has to drive from Dallas to Chicago (boo!).  BUT he might get to sleep in his own bed and see Gracie!  Those are the 2 things that make me happiest when thinking he might be HERE.  If he does come, I will put a flashlight on my belly to see if the baby reacts.  

This past Saturday I spent the day changing out Doug's old room into a baby heaven!  Here are some pics of Gracie helping me:

The comfiest spot is right in the middle of all the baby clothes.

I think she was a tad jealous- so I bought her some toys on Sunday!

Gracie is beyond high maintenance.  She's downright spoiled.  And she's the only one I give my attention to right now.  I do believe, she's quite content with having it all...all the time anyways.  She took one of the baby's stuffed animals as her own, throwing it up in the air and shaking it in her teeth.  I had to hide it at the top of the closet b/c she was staring it down once I took it away.  She also got ahold of a towel and a set of 6 pairs of socks...little brat.  She sniffed every little thing.  I am sure her nose was tired!  I wonder how she is going to take our little addition :)

Two Weeks Late!

My trip to Texas (11/19-11/28) was fabulous!  My mom picked me up at the airport Friday afternoon and we ran to the mall, did some shopping and grabbed lunch.  She bought me a couple 'maternity' outfits for my birthday.  It was so nice to spend time with my momma.  Plus, the weather was beautiful.  That night my Grandma Knowles, Grandma Peggy, and Aunt Cindy arrived from Rolla.  We ate dinner upon their arrival and chatted at the table for quite some time.  Just tons of stories and, of course, baby talk.  Everyone thinks I am having a girl, but my Grandma Peggy.  We shall see who's correct come March :)

Saturday (November 20, 2011) I woke up and hung out with my Daddy.  He showed me his work thus far on the baby crib, which I followed throughout my 10 days there.  It's going to be the most beautiful crib ever!  And then I headed over to my mom's house for my early baby shower!!  It was SO SO SO SO fun!  My mom hosted a wonderful shower.  My sisters, grandmas, and aunt helped, which was all special to me.  It stinks, but we rarely see our extended family.  We just got lots of quality time together throughout the weekend.  My mom invited her friends at work, who were a great group of ladies.  Some I have met before and others were new faces.  I had a handful of friends (Jenny, Stefanie, Kiri, Annie, Megan, and Alyssa).  And did we ever get showered!  I couldn't believe the gifts, love, cards, and support we got from all those ladies.  The food was simple and yummy. Chicken salad sandwiches, ham sandwiches, veggie tray, fruit tray, my mom's amazing spinach-artichoke dip, potato chips, and Funfetti cupcakes with Rainbow Chip icing (my favorite).  My mom even had Diet Dr. Pepper for me :)  Only thing that sucked...I didn't get many pics, but my family did- whew!  

My sisters and I at the shower!

After the shower, we went to a Christmas carnival type thing.  It was pretty cool...especialy if you have kids.  They brought in SNOW, not the fake stuff, the real stuff.  Of course, I took a pic:

I won't give you the complete play-by-play of the whole 10 days.  On Tuesday, my hubby passed his oral examination (after kicking booty on his written exam on Monday) and jumped on a flight to see ME :)  It was also the night that we planned on celebrating mine and Jenny's birthday!  Hannah made the homemade chocolate chip cookies I was hoping to surprise Mike with and we hung up a 'congratulations' sign.  I am SO proud of him, yet again.  We went to Papasitos (yummy Mexican) and celebrated.  Wednesday we celebrated Thanksgiving with my mom and Martin (Michael was able to stay for this meal).  Thursday I unfortunately had to take Michael back to the airport for his flight to Dallas.  His simulator class started on Friday.  Boo.  It was too nice waking up next to him for two mornings in a row.  I could definitely get used to that again!  It was real tough saying good-bye, as always.  But I know for a fact this distance stuff is making me stronger.  This is SO how it was supposed to be.  Ya know?  Before he left for training in Dallas, I'd be a train wreck if he wasn't in bed with me for a night...terrified out of my mind of anything, everything.  I was guaranteed a miserable night's sleep if he wasn't with me.  I've said good-bye to him 3 times since then and even though the tears come on hard, I know I will make it through.  This could also be b/c I know there's an end in sight...and it really isn't too far away! Yayyyyy!  

Thursday, actual Thanksgiving Day, was spent with my dad and sisters.  Strange b/c it was just the five of us...and it hasn't been that way for a long, long, long time.  It was fun!  I enjoyed the time with each of my family members SO much.  Sophie, my dad's dog, was just such a cuddle bug:

My dad out in the rain frying the turkey- poor guy!

Our dinner table with Scooby..nice n' simple- scrumptious!

ANDDD I got my first ride in my Dad's Ferrari :)

Obviously it was hard to leave.  This was hard for me to swallow though b/c when I've been with Mike, we've been excited to get back into our routine, to see our Gracie.  But this time, I returned solo. Of course I was still excited to see G..and she really was SO sweet when I arrived.  It's just hard to come back to a place where I'm SO lonely!  Have I said that enough?  Lol...I feel like it's all I talk about.  It does cross my mind a lot..and it is how I currently live my life.  Anyways...I am back in my groove and time seems to be flying.

Did you know I have exactly ONE HUNDRED days of my pregnancy left?!?!?!?!

Here's to a countdown I can work with.  I remember the "100 days until our wedding" and how that time flew by.  Baby B, you will be here before we know it :0)

First Things First

Today marks 25 complete weeks of being pregnant!  Baby B is the size of an eggplant.  In all honesty, I haven't even see or held an eggplant before.  Baby is around 13.6-14.8 inches and almost 2 pounds.  And I...well, I am packing on the pounds now!  No joke.  In a good, healthy manner.  Still no stretch marks, but know I am not in the clear yet.  However, I do have that U-G-L-Y (you ain't got no albeit) linea nigra thing going on.  For those of you who don't know or would rather be lazy and not enter it into Google right now, it's a dark line that runs down your belly.  The books tell me it's hormones.  Weird.  Either way, it's not attractive.  My belly is also as hairy as a monkey!  Double the unattractive points.  Have no fear, that doesn't stop me from pulling up my shirt whenever I want to show off the bump.  lol. I've probably scared some ladies out of having children (maybe even my sister, Caitlin!).  Ha ha ha.  Oh ANDDDD my belly button is popped.  I wonder if it will fully be an outtie one day.  Another very attractive attribute, huh?  It's all for a good reason though!

And here's the bump in all it's glory.  It really looks bigger in person- I promise!

We are doing really good.  I had to postpone my last doctor's appointment for 2 weeks due to a healthcare change.  But went yesterday (11/29/2010) and met another doctor at our current practice.  He's awesome as well.  He reassumed me that we will get through this pregnancy with flying colors.  It was nice.  Baby's heartbeat was at 144 beats/minute.  I got to feel the top of my uterus.  A little sickening, but cool.  I had my belly measured for he first time.  I was thinking they'd go around your abdomen, but nope...it's from your pubic bone to the top of the uterus.  Interesting!  I get up a couple times at night to pee...but it doesn't help that Gracie still wakes me up to pee as well.  Gggggggrrrrr!  I think baby B is laying sideways...head on my left side, feet on my right.  And boy, has the baby been on the move!  It's amazing to feel how active the little thing is.  I love it :)

It is funny how life works out.  Yesterday was a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hard day.  My first day back to Prescott alone.  No roommate even.  Just me and our G.  It was my first baby doc appointment without my partner in crime, the other half of this baby and my life.  And that was really tough.  I cried.  A lot.  One of those cry in the shower days, which are never fun.  But today, I feel like me again.  Much happier.  Much more on track.  I went to the gym.  I walked my pain in the butt dog.  And caught up with daily life here in AZ.  Yes, I'm still sad I'm not surrounded by family and Mike isn't here.  I know I can make it through this for a few more months after all.

I have so much more to update you all on...ie. this past week.  One step at a time!

Little B, You're Set

Over the past few weeks/months 'Papa' has sent some surprise gifts for Baby B.  I wanted to document them today...as they're too cute to pass up!  Plus, he has the beginnings of the crib started and while I won't post pics just yet I will do a large post about Baby B's furniture down the road.  Fun stuff!

{Harley-Davidson reversible winter coat!  For those cold Chicago winters, size 2T...it will be perfect in just a few years.  Papa is creative, he's also a great writer.  So each gift has a poem.}

{Sorry the image is sideways, I will correct it when I have more time!}

{Along with the Harley package, we got a bonus onesie from Jenny!  It's an absolutely perfect gift b/c Jenny is the ultimate Triathlete :0)  Little B will be rocking this onesie while we cheer her on in her first Ironman come May '11...whoop, whoop!  Can't wait.}

{I doubt these are in the correct order, but next up is the baby Urlacher jersey!  It will match Daddy just perfect (Mike has an orange one) :0)  Can't help with be cheesy on this one.  Can you imagine M with his little bumpkin hanging out on a Sunday in their getup??  I can, and I LOVE IT!  The poem for this one read, "Baby's first words are usually "momma" or "dadda," but just imagine the stares...when baby B's first words are "Da Bears!" Love, Papa" Too cute for words!}

{And just this week we got this guy.  Cubbies onesie, booties, and bib- complete with his/her first bat! Come baseball season 2012, baby B will be rockin this gear.  The poem read, "Because the only 'runs' might not be on the field, be sure Baby B is wearing Huggies when going to see the Cubbies! Love, Papa xoxoxoxo"  Ha ha ha- too funny and sick!}

{The above two were surprise gifts from Grandma and Aunt Caitlin...a Taggies puppy, a musical giraffe that plays "Jesus Loves Me," a cute card, a towel and wash cloths!!  Baby B is SO loved.  All sent 'just because.'  How awesome.  Something to keep a freezing baby warm post bathy and his/her first stuffed animals!}

We are so very thankful and appreciate all the well wishes, kind thoughts and prayers, and love we're already being showered with.  

{And because I feel like it, I want to wear this shirt around every day.  Hello world, I'm emotional, moody, freaked out about the state my body is currently in, hungry, and missing my family.  Now, leave me alone.  Lol!  Also, since I still look like I just had Thanksgiving dinner complete with a 12 pack of beers, it'd let everyone know there's a baby in there!  Maybe I should have made that purchase...}

 And just for the record:  TWO sleeps till I'm in Tejas!!  Maybe this is why I don't sleep so well- lol.

Happy Momma's B-day and 23 Weeks!

I woke up this morning to my precious Gracie...at 6:40 am.  Whatever happened to sleeping in, dog???  Anyways, she was ready to go outside, but it was just too cold.  I chose to stay under the covers.  Doug ended up letting her out AND...he made me breakfast!  Yes!  A.  my favorite meal of the day B.  my favorite thing: biscuits and gravy  C. it's definitely going to be a happy day, as Colleen says.

{This is where she sometimes sleeps...it happened more frequently when Mike was here and would get up for work early.  She'd take his spot. Head on the pillow and all.}

{And this is how she lays when she wants a belly rub...legs spread as open as they can be.  Her favorite scratching place is most certainly the upper thigh...lol.  I always tell her to close her legs!}

I had every intention of heading to the gym, but I decided against it.  It's a day to be lazy and do whatever I want!  I will head to work at 1 and Lauren is making me a Mexican Fiesta for dinner, complete with a Funfetti cake of some sort.  Yum!  

Today also marks 23 weeks!  Baby B is now the size of a papaya.  Measuring in at 8 inches on one site and 10.5-11.8 on another and roughly 1.2 lbs.  Exciting news this week, literally word for word, "The next task at hand of baby:  sprouting two teeny-tiny nipples!"  I couldn't help but laugh out loud.  But how precious those little nipples will be.

{23 weeks and 1 day}

This day is so surreal for me.  I kept saying, "I will be 27 when baby is born."  But 27 felt like it was forever away.  I swear November felt like it wasn't ever approaching.  Yet, here we are.  November 16th, 2010...my 27th birthday.  And we've got 17 weeks to go until I have my first lil baby!!  Eeeeeeeeee!  I can't wait.  It's also a tough day.  I've spent the last few years (I believe, 4 at least) celebrating my birthday with my Dad and Jenny.  Jenny and I share this wonderful day as our birthday!  And before I moved to AZ...my memory is failing me...I think my Dad spent a few years with me and maybe others alternating with Jenny (ah! it's terrible I can't remember right now).  This year, we decided to hold up on the birthday trip A. I'm prego B. I'm going to Houston for a whole week over Thanksgiving C. Next year, we are doing Vegas!  It was a tough decision and now that Mike isn't here...I think I regret it.  Being without family on your birthday flat out sucks :)  However, I'm still lucky...only 3 more sleeps until I'm home!!  Whoop Whoop!

The End and The Beginning

Life is so strange.  I have lots of time to reflect on pretty much everything since I spend most of my days talking to myself.  lol.  I mean, not always out loud, but Gracie and the nanny babies really aren't much of adult conversationalists.  Anyways, Saturday Ashley had her baby!  Meet Ms Harper Ann:

Her labor was nothing short of perfect (I now have a semi-expectation, but feel more aware of what's going to happen).  Harper was born around 5:23 pm, 7 lbs 15 oz, and 21.5 inches long.  Lots of black hair atop her little head.  I had hardcore anxiety upon our arrival at the hospital.   Not sure why, but the place just freaks me out.  Maybe it's the sickness that lingers...or the sadness I can't help but relate, even though I know happiness exists too (ie. births).  BUT I have this fear that there's going to be some crazy, bloody, panic stricken emergency when I turn any corner.  However, the anxiety this time was more anxiousness for my arrival in March and my friends loitering in the waiting room to see me and our new baby.  Hopefully, that doesn't sound self centered.  In roughly 17 weeks or 119 days, I will be there..in my room for the first time since I was born.  Strange.  It hit home for me.  Mike is away and it's tough.  I'm really pregnant with our first child and I'm really going to go into labor.  Mike will be there...please.  Mike won't be away at the time of our child's arrival.  I kept repeating this to myself, over and over and over again.  

I was on cloud 9 holding her though.  Something so small, so perfect, so uninfluenced.  It's the beginning of her life.  One day she will be turning 27, 3 days before I turn 54 (sick!).  It's also the end of Ashley's pregnancy.  Although, I know when you are 9 months along, feeling miserable, and begging for the day to get the child out of you to come is true, it's hard to imagine this being over.  It has been an interesting year for us.  Pregnancy was tough in the beginning...and dare I say, boring?  Nobody could tell I was pregnant and I couldn't tell anyone for what felt like forever.  I couldn't enjoy a glass of wine after work or a beer with Mike watching football.  I was exhausted and moody and just plain blah!  The 2nd trimester has been much better.  I'm showing, I have my energy back more than I did before, I eat great food all the time, and 3-5 times a week I get a nap.  But now I'm lonely.  Mike is gone and missing part of our journey...although I hope I make him feel like he's right along my side with constant updates and reports!!  Gaining weight is hard, even though it's for a great reason.  And I sometimes just don't feel like myself.  It'd be nice to have my other half with me...but I know I can't, so I've come to accept that.  Ugh.  I feel as if it's not one thing, it's another.  

Doug, our roommate, groomsman, and friend, is moving out unexpectedly Friday.  This is a bummer b/c he is, what we joke about, my "stand in husband."  He's always there for me/us and keeps me company while Mike's gone.  It's nice having him around throughout the night.  I sleep MUCH better knowing someone else is in the house.  Now that will all change.  Boo.  I will learn to sleep well completely solo.  Boo times two.  Although, that's probably a good thing at 27 (almost).  So, now, more than ever before, I want to move to Chicago before baby B is born.  Plus, that'd relieve some of my stress about Mike not making it to the birth.  Oi.  Lots going on...still.

It's the end of Ashley's pregnancy and my 26th year of life.  It's the beginning of Harper's first year of life and my 27th.  How strange life really is <3

A Full Pound

That's right, baby B is now a full pound!!  Kind of weird to think that 6-ish more pounds and our baby will be birth weight.  Exciting at the same time.  A good friend of mine, Ashley, is being induced Saturday.  I don't know how to explain my happiness...I can't even imagine hers!  Her little girl was due Nov. 16th (yes, my birthday!)  but she's ready to come out early.  I keep having dreams that I am the one being induced on Saturday...let's just say that results in a huge, freak out, panic attack :0)  Although, I must admit, I cannot wait to find out what the little being growing in my belly is.  Boy?  Or girl?  I mostly get 'boy,' but who really knows (only baby B and I'm not even sure the poor thing knows what it is yet...lol).  So this is week 22...

Baby B is now the size of a papaya or a spaghetti squash, you pick.  He/She is starting to settle into slep cycles that we hope continue after birth- lol.  Sleeping 12-14 hours a day.  We're now 10.5-11.8 inches long.  The baby now has a sense of touch, grabbing the umbilical cord will be the only thing touchable in the womb.  They can also see light, so placing a flashlight on my belly might cause a reaction from the baby.  His/Her face is now fully developed...yayyy!  

I am feeling great.  A little battle with heartburn yesterday, but Tums seem to be working for now.  I have been thirsty for Diet Dr. Pepper (caffeine free if it's accessible).  And no weird food cravings.  Although, I am always hungry.  Even after eating a meal (if I don't gorge myself and eat too quickly), I'm hungry.  Dessert has been a huge hit for us.  I am working on fighting off any and every sign of a cold or sickness.  It doesn't help that the whole nanny house is sick (colds, ear infections, bronchitis).  Still debating the stupid flu shot.  I figure, if I debate long enough, flu season will have passed.  Blah.  Baby is still active at random times during the day.  And I still love every minute of it.  We are still working out 3-4 times a week on average.  Loving the endorphins that are released once it's over!  Like I've said in almost every other post, I am pumped about my week vacation home in TEN days.  SO much fun to be had and maybe a trip up to see the hubs!  Bummed b/c it's up to me for the traveling as his schedule pretty much sucks.  But I have to be thankful for whatever!

Have a great Tuesday everyone- off to work I go!

A Shooting Star

What a way to end my Monday.  Leaving work I was debating on running through a drive through to get food that's terrible for me in all ways or going home for something much better.  I've had terrible heartburn all day.  That aside, I chose the naughty food b/c the heartburn is going to come no matter what today and I promised myself I'd have a better week ahead.  On my way to retrieve my cheeseburger and fries (yes, I even got fries) I saw a shooting star.  It wasn't a little swoosh, it caught my eye as it started and sailed on for quite some time.  Stars amaze me.  And bring loads of memories.  

First off, I am taken back to a night when I got into trouble. I swear I saw 20 shooting stars that night.  From then on I have been slightly superstitious about them.  Thinking they surely cannot bring me good luck.  Over the years that has changed.  Secondly, I am taken to the very first time I can to Arizona to visit M.  He came to pick me up at the airport and I was a Nervous Nelly.  We walked to his car in the garage holding hands and drove the hour and a half North to Prescott.  The sun had fully gone down by the time we arrived to his house.  I got out of the car, looked up, and froze in my tracks.  Holy Mackerel!  I loved the Kansas sky, when you were out in the country, away from city lights.  But the Arizona sky blows that out of the water.  No question.  I'm fairly certain that Mike remembers this moment too.  There's some rule about street lights, which makes the view that much more awesome.  I've tried to take pictures- those obviously don't turn out.  I believe it was meant to be for me to choose the terrible choice for dinner tonight, otherwise I would have missed the beautiful shooting star.  

Interestingly enough, I have thought about leaving the Arizona sky when we move to Chicago.  I know it's going to be one of the things I miss immensely (along with the weather).  The sky is also one of those things I've taken for granted lately.  I am grateful for the sunshine to keep me in happier spirits.  I am also grateful for the stars that always keep me wishful for the future and thankful for "just another day in paradise."  *sigh* The stars also make me dreamy...almost love struck.  Then I find myself daydreaming about M and our times together.

Speaking of...this weekend was nothing short of perfect.  I had an amazing trip out to Dallas to see him.  I found myself having anxiety about leaving, but once I left, I shed only a few tears and realized how lucky I was that I got to see him.  It was great seeing his new stomping grounds, meeting his friends, and better understanding what his deal out there is all about.  And, of course, it was beyond great hanging out with him.  He's such an amazing man.  I also got to see my Daddy and the Andrades.  Both on different evenings for dinner.  It was nice.  We laughed till we cried and simply soaked in every moment we had together.  Life is good.  

Thursdays, Things I'm Lovin

#1 FLIGHT BENEFITS!!!  Thank you American Eagle for hiring my husband.  And thank you for promptly adding me, his wife, to the flight benefit plan (or whatever it's called).  Right this minute, I'm sitting in M's hotel room eating Pizza Hut blogging.  I'm waiting for him to get out of ground school so I can see him for the first time in 12 days.  Doesn't seem like a lot on paper, but it feels like an eternity to us.  I plan on falling asleep while watching a movie (this isn't hard for me- at all).  I flew out far too early this morning, on my first "non-rev flight" of many, I fear.  I'm talking early...like wake up at 1 am, leave Prescott at 2 am, arrive at the airport in Phoenix by 4 am, on the plane at 5:45 am, and airborne by 6:20 am.  Whew! What a morning.  Baby B is probably thinking "my mom has lost it."  And so is Gracie who got left behind to hang with her Uncle Mike.  (side note:  I despise leaving my dog.  If I had it my way, I'd shrink her like in Honey, I shrunk the kids! and bring her with me everywhere.)  Anyways, I am not the type to dig flying standby b/c of the unknown, but I did it today and I got on!  Woo hoo!  I also have a HUGE issue with American Airlines and would never fly with them again if it was up to me.  However, flying for free might be a great payback...sweet victory for me :0)  I am SO ridiculously happy to be here.  I feel normal again.  Although I know these few days will fly by, I get to see my hubby's baby blues in person for days!  And thank you to my boss, who loves me like one of her own.  Without her, I probably wouldn't be here visiting M.

#2  Dr. Seuss Chucks.  OMG I love these shoes.  The boys, as in Troy and Hunter the boys I nanny, have a few pairs of them.  The One Fish, Two Fish ones, black ones, white ones, and Thing 1 and Thing 2 ones.  They KILL me.  I have a great pic of Huntie wearing some at the park.  Honestly, there isn't a better thing for a kid to wear.  Tennies decked out in a great book.  Just imagine a little boy romping around in these.  *ah* to die for!  Whatever...kids shoes are adorable in general, but I also happen to love Dr. Seuss.  I'm not saying these are only for boys...I guarantee if we have a girl she'll be rocking some of these kicks.  Good times in the kid department.

Our Large Banana

We made it through the halfway mark.  Now at 21 weeks pregnant baby B in the size of a large banana.  Measuring in at 10.5 inches and 11-12.5 ounces (that's a big jump)!  The websites say to keep in mind that the baby tastes what I'm eating since it swallows amniotic fluid for hydration, nutrition, and practice.  It seems odd that the amniotic fluid tastes different from day to day.  But I guess it makes sense..the whole passing from my body to the baby weirds me out.  I am totally cool with the umbilical cord and placenta (although I hear the after birth is absolutely no fun), but the amniotic fluid too, sick!  Currently the baby has plenty of room in my belly...which is why this is the phase for flips, rolls, twists, and turns.  Since baby B was VERY active over the weekend, I assume that this would be correct.  He/She has room, so why not keep himself/herself busy???  The belly is here to stay!  This is also post breakfast...proff the baby is there :0)

Even with my shirt on this morning I look more pregnant than I have in the past (personally).  It's exciting to see all the changes.  I just wonder how much is baby and how much will I have to work off in the end...hummm?  I got cleared for CrossFit Mom at my last appointment.  That made me happy.  I don't feel as if I'm breaking the rules anymore...lol.  I still go 3-4 times a week.  It's a part of my weekly/daily/life's routine.  A lady at the gym told me I have a bump the size of my butt on the front, now I'm even.  I was dying laughing.  It kinda looks that way, huh?  I am enjoying the strong nails.  I will miss this when they leave once baby comes.  They're so different.  Not brittle and ugly.  I might even get a manicure just b/c I like my nails right now (those of you that know me, know I hate manicures...biggest waste of money)!  While at the doctor their scale said I have gained 10 lbs.  Which is about right for 19 weeks (at that time).  But every morning I step on the scale at the same time (ok, not every morning, but a few times a week) and it says 2-3 lbs less than what the doctor said.  I know this is b/c of water weight, the time of day, what I've eaten and what had left my body, but that's a huge difference.  I told my nurse that...she just said, "every scale is different."  Blah.  No, I'm not a nazi about it.  I just don't want to end up gaining more than healthy/necessary.  I've met several moms recently that gained 50 lbs in their last pregnancy (course, that was years ago, but STILL).  It makes me sick to think about.  Sorry to those folks out there that gained that much.  I really hope I am not one of you.  Ha ha ha...I'm just being honest.  Still no weird cravings.  However, when I have something on my mind, I must eat it.  Usually those foods aren't abnormal though.  I crave french fries a lot, but always have, and Mexican ALWAYS sounds good.  Fruit, fruit, and more fruit.  And of course, milk.  Sweets and sugar- typical.  My chest is growing...and it's AWESOME!  Someone like me would be happy about that...I could see being well endowed and having them grow a pain, but this lady is one happy camper!  

Other than that, I can't think of much right now.  Sorry of the long, wordy paragraph!  I will write about this past weekend tomorrow.  And p.s. I'm "cheating" on my countdown to see Mr. B and am leaving THURSDAY!!!!!!!!!!   Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!  I am so excited I can hardly contain myself.  No tears here...I get to see my man in 2 days.  *Ah* 

*OoOoOoOoO...We're HALFWAY there*

Bon Jovi says it best "We're halfway there, OooooO livin on a prayer.  Take my hand and we'll make it I swear.  OoooooooO Livin on a Prayer."

We have reached the halfway mark! Whew!  20 down, 20 to go and it's the most amazing feeling ever!

The top pictures are the side view of the real thing and the monthly update I get online.  Although, that baby looks wayyyy bigger than the one I saw on Friday!  Yes, baby B is breach.  I pray that he/she flips to the head down position SOON.  It will just make me feel better!  When I do an angled shot you can see there's a bump...the belly is there.  It's low, but it's there.  (Is this what I should have put on facebook this morning?)  Everyone cracks me up.  

Baby B is the size of a cantaloupe weighing in at 10.5 ounces and 7 inches long from head to rump.  This week the baby has started swallowing amniotic fluid for nutrition and practice (swallowing and digesting).  Kinda sounds gross if you ask me.  But practice makes perfect and we want our lil bean to be healthy and able to eat/digest!  It says the baby's weight gaining has jut begun, which is exciting for me.  This week is a huge milestone, I never thought we'd get here :-)  

We also decided to wait on the baby's room decorations and bedding. I know, I don't sound like myself.  It's really logical though.  Baby comes at the latest on March 22nd...and we move shortly after that.  I'm talking...weeks most likely.  The majority of our stuff will be packed up in March anyways and since I am having the most difficult time finding neutral bedding I like, I'm over it.  'Grandma Pat' and I found some of the cutest material in the special order section at Joann Fabrics.  I fell in love with a crib set up for a little girl and know that I want my little boy to be all blue and baseballs.  So, waiting will be our best option.  Excited for the decorating to being in Chicago!

I get to see my man is 24 days...love this pic b/c it's also the logo for our favorite show!  Doing much better dealing with him leaving today.  I know it will get better, but never easier.  Again, I have SO much to look forward to during my trip in November...I cannot wait.  Yay for the sunshine here in AZ!

A Tough Good-Bye

I have dreaded writing this post...probably for the fear that I will cry (again).  Why write it, you might ask.  I have lots of reasons, but it all sums up to this is my blog and I want to remember this later on down the road.  Saturday was a hard, hard, HARD day.  At one point, I was afraid the tears wouldn't stop falling from my eyes.  I don't know how to explain it.  It felt like my heart was breaking.  Maybe not breaking but that someone was removing part of my heart and I was to live without the other half as if it was no big deal.  It started with Michael deciding he was leaving early for Dallas.  Those of you who know me, know I like to be in charge (things go my way, I usually know what to expect, I have it all planned out in my head- we're good).  Let the flood gates begin.  I begged him to stay, to not drive and take his flight Sunday morning.  I tried to persuade him with alternate plans of action...nothing would work.  I cried...a lot.  And I was just overall so negative.  It's hard being positive when you're that upset, so I allowed myself to grieve.  

It's not the 7 weeks that is bugging me.  It's the fact that we will not live together until I move to Chicago come April.  I feel like I took/take SO much for granted.  I'm almost mad at myself.  I rarely stopped to think how lucky I had it...even when I was frustrated M didn't put his dishes in the dishwasher, left his clothes on that bathroom floor, made too much noise at 5 am while he got ready for work and I was sleeping, or didn't help with the huge mound of the week's laundry.  Now, I would gladly do a load of his clothes, if only it meant he was here with me.  I secretly missed his banging around this morning when I woke up at 6:30 am with a text from him.  I wouldn't even complain if he slammed his dresser drawers, if only it meant he was here with me.  Oi.

Once I got over the slight depression and the tears subsided (this morning...I literally cried for 2 days), I found the positives.  Distance is where we started.  We would not be where we are today without our long distance days.  So, we've got this.  We dated for a year long distance and the longest we ever went without seeing each other was 2 whole months.  That sucked.  But that's not going to happen now.  He isn't going to war, I get to talk to him every day and hopefully video gchat him.  He will get to see my growing belly.  I get to see him in 25 days (most likely) and maybe even TWO weekends in a row (could I be that lucky?)!  That will be the halfway mark in this 7 week training.  Once he's in Chicago, I will see him at least once a month...if not, every other weekend.  Mind you, he will probably be in Chicago come December.  This may mean I am solo for our first Christmas as a married couple (sadly, our first of many most likely), but I am hoping I am with him to ring in a HUGE New Year for us.  This also means I will be 7 months pregnant.  Super exciting, but also rough to do solo.  Then I flip my head around and think about all the single moms that go through this solo...BUT I've had M for the first half (which again is lucky), so I know how grand life is prego when he's around :-)  It's a double edged sword!  I remember the days when we'd talk on the phone so much our phone bills were outrageous...ha ha ha.  Oh those were the days...

The evening and night hours are the worst.  I've never been one to sleep good alone.  Pretty much starting at birth since I was colicky and wouldn't sleep without motion.  (ie. on my mom or dad's chest)  Then I had night terrors and with that I was terrified of nighttime/sleep.  SO...I'm going to have a ritual that seems to help me sleep.  Say goodnight to hubs, get myself ready for bed, then read...until I can't focus on the words or keep my eyes open.  Books tend to get my mind somewhere else...therefore, not focusing on the weird noises I hear or the empty spot next to me in our king sized bed.  It doesn't help with a time change.  Although I'm lucky here again, that will be much better soon!  The time change sucks...it's hard to reach family and friends b/c the time is so different..even an hour is tough.  It's crazy.  

One awesome thing...and another reason Saturday, October 23rd was monumental.  Michael felt that baby kick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!  I was SO SO SO excited.  It melted my heart, therefore, I cried.  But it was an awesome moment.  There were two fairly good kicks.  His face lit up and he smiled so big...even his eyes were grinning.  Not to sound lame.  Needless to say, baby B is pretty active.  At some times more than others...and it's not usually a time of day, interesting enough.  I find myself getting lonely, so I just jiggle my belly and wait to feel the movement.  It's really pretty spectacular.  One of the best/most amazing things about pregnancy.  Again, I'm lucky.    

I know there will be ups and downs the next few months...but I also have seen one thing ever so clearly.  Michael is the only guy I've loved.  It's as true as it comes.  It's mind boggling, out of this world fantastically overwhelming.  I cannot imagine me, my life, or my family without him.  He is beyond the most perfect man for me.  I love him.  More than he can even fathom.  He's honestly my best friend, completing me in all aspects and bringing out the best in me.  I am thankful I found him and have him for the rest of my life.  I know it's sometimes annoying to read about things like this, but I'm struggling at finding the right words!  I guess there really aren't any.  

Here's to a much better day today...thank God.  The tear ducts must be dry and all 3 of us are OK with that.  Glad I got past the first hump...the first week solo will be next followed by the first full weekend.  Before we know it, I will be in TX, which gives me so many things to look forward to (immediate family, extended family, and an early baby shower).  25 and counting down...