The Obligatory Belly Picture - Month NINE (!!!)

Here we are week, 38. Unbelievable! So little time left before baby arrives. I'm probably about as prepared for this as I can be. Many prayers will be said over the next couple of weeks ... and they will continue for years as we raise this boy.

I asked Collin the other night at what point will this sink in and begin to feel real. I have a six pound baby in my belly - who is constantly moving and reminding me he's there - and yet I still can't wrap my head around the reality of it. Regardless, I am undeniably pregnant and this is absolutely happening.



Notice anything? (Aside from the ever-protruding belly.) Yup. Short hair. Unplanned short hair, I should say. I went in Saturday for my last pre-motherhood haircut thinking I would just trim things up a bit, get the style cute and in-shape once more before parenthood sucks us dry of all monetary resources and I can never go to the stylist again. This is what I walked away with ...





Take my word for it, my hair looks nothing like the picture I brought in and is nothing like I wanted. Immediately upon my departure I sent Collin a text message, "Wow. My hair is short." Lucky for the stylist I actually like it and am not livid. (Though a "This Isn't What You Wanted" discount would have been nice.) I suppose she inadvertently did me a favor -- this haircut is definitely easier and requires less maintenance. And Collin likes it, too, which is essential.

So I'm back to being a short-haired gal. If only I had known. I would have paid proper respects to the soft, pretty hair I was about to lose.

Oh! Collin put the changing table together this weekend. I think it gave him more trouble than all of the other furniture combined, but he remained in high spirits and conquered the task.



Anyone who even remotely knows me understands my deep affection for all things IKEA. About 80% of our home is IKEA product. At this time I'd like to extend my deepest appreciation to the company for reminding us in over ten different languages - on all three shelves of the table - that we should never leave our very small child unattended during the diaper changing process, nor should the changing table serve as a jungle gym at any point. Duly noted. We'll try IKEA. We'll try.

(You can see where Collin tried to rub off the notice, so obviously he doesn't plan on heeding their warnings.)

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like A Baby's Room

So here we are, about three weeks away from baby and things are really falling into place. Thanks to the help of so many marvelous people, we are well supplied and stocked with various forms of baby gear. I'm having fun looking at all of it ... imaging what baby will look like in certain outfits, what life with him will be like, etc.

What used to be the computer room has transformed into a guest room/baby room. Because of visiting grandparents, the room still won't be in its final form for a little while (gotta keep that sweet futon for just a bit longer). But the room is definitely taking shape. It's even beginning to smell like a baby with the growing stash of diapers and baby products.

The carpet has been cleaned. The walls have been painted. We went with white paint to make it easier on ourselves long-term. Since we're just renting the house we'd have to return the room to its original state before moving. Though the creative side of me would LOVE to paint with color, I feel great just having clean, fresh paint on the walls -- even if it is hospital white.

Proof of our progress ...









I should also mention that Collin put together the stroller, the crib, and the chair without uttering a single expletive. Also worth noting -- I accomplished the same while putting together the dresser. And we all know I'm the one with the potty mouth in this house.

I bought this nightlight from OXO, a company who's kitchen gadgets I love. It's smaller than I expected (I ordered it online), but I still love it. It emits the perfect amount of cozy light in baby's room. And it'll last forever! No battery change, no light bulb change.





Slight downside to baby showers (AKA, where am I going to put all of it!?):





Major upside to baby showers: cake!!!!!!!





Side note: not sure that I would buy this for my kid, but it sure does make me laugh. A lot.

The Obligatory Belly Picture - Month Eight

I have slacked severely in the blog department. Combination of items receive the blame: 1.) I'm nine months pregnant and moving slower than I ever have, 2.) I'm nine months pregnant and perpetually tired, 3.) I'm nine months pregnant and haven't had a caffeinated beverage in such a very long time, 4.) time is flying even faster than it did pre-pregnancy, 5.) I give myself a "to do" list so long I'll never be able to complete it.

But with a few swift key strokes, my neglect is remedied.

Here I am around 34 weeks pregnant. Don't I look thrilled!



Our fabulous doctor says all is progressing well; I'm looking good and baby is looking good. I've gained about forty some pounds at this point. I'm still amazed at my girth. I keep waiting for it to stop (or at least slow down) but each appoointment tips the scale further and further east towards those bug numbers. Stuff I've read says the average weight gain at this stage in pregnancy is 25-30 pounds. RUBBISH! But enough about me and my weight ...

Here's baby! Not much detail in this image, but you can see his arm (sort of) and his little nose and mouth. Our fabulous doctor believes baby will arrive on schedule and is predicting baby will arrive around the 8th or 9th. (Official due date is January 7th.) THAT IS A MONTH FROM NOW. Oh ... my ... goodness.



Side note: Hot chocolate is my new favorite thing. Cannot get enough!

And That's All I Have to Say About That

The Ties that Bind

A few weekends ago I was able to fly home to Albuquerque for a visit with the parents. It was a short trip, yes, but a good trip regardless. Given that we hadn't seen each other in almost two years, it was a sweet reunion - made even more so by pregnancy and the little boy I'm carrying. Could there be two more excited grandparents?!

It was good to be around family, feel loved, get away from work, see the mountains, breath crisp air, eat good food (a lot of it!). And that was just on day one.

Mom & dad didn't hold back on the pampering. Have to admit, that was enjoyable. As an adult the times of feeling "special" are few and far between. You get used to being a number, an employee, a participant, a customer, a patient. So to feel "special" again - in a way only parents can achieve - was rejuvenating. I look forward to doing the same for my children.



Even though Matthew lives in Dallas and we get to spend time with him, I cannot speak of family time without mentioning my dearest brother. (Hope you don't mind me posting a pic of you on the internets.)



Also ... WE HAVE A STROLLER AND CAR SEAT!!! Reference aforementioned parental pampering.

The Obligatory Belly Picture - Month Seven

Well, here we are at week 30 in month seven. Crazy!! Time has flown by unbelievably fast. Things seem to be moving along just as they should be and we are so thankful. I'm growing and "glowing", Baby is growing and kicking. Collin is my favorite and is officially the best husband ever ... providing back rubs, helping with the chores, listening to me complain, comforting me when I'm upset (over something usually very stupid).



In case you've forgotten (because I certainly have) this is what I used to look like, back when Baby was the size of a blueberry. What a difference about five months and thirty pounds make!



And Baby is now the size of a butternut squash or small pumpkin. Given the time of the year, it seems most appropriate we go with pumpkin ...



Or if you prefer the more realistic ...



Can't leave anyone out! Here's Collin, all geared-up in his super sexy bike attire. (I'm gaining all the weight Collin is losing. Seriously.)

It Looks Much Better in My Head

A few short weeks ago we were blessed enough to furnish the baby's room. I cannot tell you how excited this makes me. First, we paint. Second, we construct. Take a good look at our fabulous furniture ...

The dresser!


The crib!


The rocking chair!


The changing table!


The paint!


The colors/inspiration!


Side note: despite what I've been told and what I've read, it's my personal decision to avoid caffeine during my pregnancy. At first, it was super easy because coffee/espresso sounded terrible to me. But now, it sounds good ALL the time. So, bring on the decaf! With limited resources at the office (a subject for another day and another blog) I've had to resort to instant decaf coffee. Though I am in no way a connoisseur, I do know what good coffee should taste like. Instant decaf is not where it's at. This weekend, I bought another brand ... and it comes in teabags. Hmmmm. Haven't made up my mind about it just yet, but drinking it out of my favorite mug helps a lot.

Lucky Number Seven

On this day seven years ago, Collin and I were wed. And around this day twelve years ago, we officially started dating. Look where we are now ... college graduates, vehicle owners, tax payers, thirty year olds, soon-to-be parents. We've already shared so much. It's crazy to think about what still lies ahead of us.

I love being married. More specifically, I love being married to Collin. And this whole kid thing ... there is NO ONE else I would do this for and share this with.

Collin, I love you so very much.

Three Times the Charm

Today marks the first day of my third trimester. Break out the champagne! I'll have some milk, please. In recognition of this momentous day Baby gave me a swift kick in the bladder. A couple of times, actually. Thank you Baby. I love you.

I find myself experiencing a huge spectrum of emotions and thoughts at this "accomplishment". I'm excited to be that much closer to meeting our little boy (and having my body back), but also frightened to be that much closer to delivering said little boy (and having my body back).

He's a little eggplant now. Remember when he was just a blueberry?!?!?

Heartbeats?

Today was doctor appointment number five. We heard the Boy's heartbeat for the first time. (That made me feel better way about the lack of sonogram.) Hmmm. Squishy. Not what I had imagined. Collin's reaction meant he heard it. Doctor's reaction meant he heard it. All I heard: squishy. Definitely not what I would call a "beat". I feel left out and like I COMPLETELY missed out on something. But I suppose this is what Collin has been feeling during the sonograms. Head? What head?

Regardless, the Boy has a heartbeat. And it is strong. And he is growing. And that is all that matters.

I'm also happy to report I've gained another nine pounds for a grand total of twenty six pounds. TWENTY! SIX! POUNDS! ME! I weigh about 145 pounds. He he.

And to make me feel better about the "heartbeat", here's one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. You're not all going to like this. So humor me, or turn your volume down. Hugs!

Baby Loot, Round One

So, we found it ... the diaper bag. I've secretly been checking them out for years. It's good to be able to shop for and admire them without feeling weird about it. I mean, I love bags. (Almost as much as lip gloss & hair products.) And this was one baby item I REALLY wanted to pick out for myself.

It couldn't just be a bag ... it had to suit us. The one we found online turned out to be too small once I saw it in a store. Not to worry! We found the perfect replacement. As with any other bag I own, I sure hope I don't see anyone else with the same one. But I'll love it just the same if I do. With any further delay, please meet our diaper bag. (Thank you Lisa!!)



And here it is in action, sort of. Do I look mom ready or what?





Collin can use it as well! Baby should fit in there perfectly for bike rides with dad.



And check out the SUPER cute shoes my mom bought for Baby. They're corduroy! We've already discussed my love of corduroy. And the little "shoelaces"! So cute. Thanks mom.



Another present from a friend, Pee-Pee TeePees. Sure it's funny. But we're totally planning on using them. Only appropriate Collin model these for you.



Last but not least, our first box of diapers. YIKES!!!



Also, I got a haircut this weekend. Thought I'd throw in a belly picture or two as well.

The Obligatory Belly Picture - Month Six

Back by popular demand! Something I've learned about pregnancy: what a difference a couple of weeks can make.





Those who have said I haven't put on any weight ... whatever.



One more, for good measure.