Yesterday Rick and I had a wonderful shower to celebrate Baby D!
My sister Brook, my mother in law Pat, and my friend Nancy planned and organized an event at our local Mexican restaurant. It was a very appropriate location since we got married in Mexico, went to Mexico for our babymoon... and we love Mexican food! It was filled with lots of fun, games, delicious food, smiles and laughter.
We are both absolutely overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness and generosity of our family and friends. Baby D is one very fortunate and loved little girl!
So thank you, very very much, to my amazing sister, my wonderful mother in law, my great friend Nancy, and all of our family and friends who came to celebrate with us!
I don't have any pictures to share yet, but I will when I can.
Our Family
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Happy Birthday to Jacks!
I know it sounds silly to some, but my dog Jacks is truly my first baby.
Jacks came home to me when he was 6 weeks old. I hadn't planned on getting a dog, but a friend of mine brought Jacks, along with his brothers and sisters, to work one afternoon. She placed Jacks in my hand (yes, he fit in the palm of my hand!), and I instantly fell in love. I just had to have him. So in that instant, I became the proud owner of an absolutely adorable miniature pinscher.
The past nine years with Jacks have been wonderful. We have been through a lot together, and I can't imagine not having him by my side. He gets so excited to see us when we walk in the door, and he loves to cuddle, especially under blankets.
Happy Birthday to my little buddy Jacks!
Jacks came home to me when he was 6 weeks old. I hadn't planned on getting a dog, but a friend of mine brought Jacks, along with his brothers and sisters, to work one afternoon. She placed Jacks in my hand (yes, he fit in the palm of my hand!), and I instantly fell in love. I just had to have him. So in that instant, I became the proud owner of an absolutely adorable miniature pinscher.
The past nine years with Jacks have been wonderful. We have been through a lot together, and I can't imagine not having him by my side. He gets so excited to see us when we walk in the door, and he loves to cuddle, especially under blankets.
Happy Birthday to my little buddy Jacks!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
31 Weeks
Here are just a few of the photos that my sister, who is an amazing photographer, took for us last night!
How big is baby?: the size of a squash
Maternity clothes?: yes!
Sleep?: I have had a couple nights that I have slept a little better, but overall it is not very enjoyable
Best moment this week?: our maternity pictures that my amazing sister took last night!
Food cravings: snow cones, which is hard because we don't have a snow cone place here :(
Food aversions?: Still have a hard time with dinner
Gender?: Sweet little girl!
Movement?: I haven't really figured out her sleeping/awake patterns yet. I need to start paying more attention to when she is moving around.
Labor Signs?: thankfully, no labor signs yet.
Belly button?: Still hasn't popped yet. I am starting to think it might not.
Symptoms?: my pelvis has been really bad this week.
What do I miss?: Moving without pelvic pain
What I'm looking forward to this week?: Looking through more maternity pictures and my first baby shower on Sunday!
Milestones?: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
How big is baby?: the size of a squash
Maternity clothes?: yes!
Sleep?: I have had a couple nights that I have slept a little better, but overall it is not very enjoyable
Best moment this week?: our maternity pictures that my amazing sister took last night!
Food cravings: snow cones, which is hard because we don't have a snow cone place here :(
Food aversions?: Still have a hard time with dinner
Gender?: Sweet little girl!
Movement?: I haven't really figured out her sleeping/awake patterns yet. I need to start paying more attention to when she is moving around.
Labor Signs?: thankfully, no labor signs yet.
Belly button?: Still hasn't popped yet. I am starting to think it might not.
Symptoms?: my pelvis has been really bad this week.
What do I miss?: Moving without pelvic pain
What I'm looking forward to this week?: Looking through more maternity pictures and my first baby shower on Sunday!
Milestones?: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A train? A plane? No!
It was an EARTHQUAKE!
This afternoon at about 1:50pm we had a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. The epicenter was about 45 miles away from us, but the tremors were felt as far as north as Toronto, west as Illinois and south as Georgia.
We here on the East Coast are not used to such natural disasters as earthquakes... and we don't know what to do in these situations. We haven't had an earthquake like this in 114 years.
What a scary experience! I am glad I don't live on the West Coast and have to deal with earthquakes very often. Thankfully, the damage was minimal and everyone is safe.
One day I will be able to tell Baby D that she survived the biggest earthquake in Virginia in 114 years.
Now we are watching out for Hurricane Irene that should be coming our way this weekend.
This afternoon at about 1:50pm we had a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. The epicenter was about 45 miles away from us, but the tremors were felt as far as north as Toronto, west as Illinois and south as Georgia.
We here on the East Coast are not used to such natural disasters as earthquakes... and we don't know what to do in these situations. We haven't had an earthquake like this in 114 years.
What a scary experience! I am glad I don't live on the West Coast and have to deal with earthquakes very often. Thankfully, the damage was minimal and everyone is safe.
One day I will be able to tell Baby D that she survived the biggest earthquake in Virginia in 114 years.
Now we are watching out for Hurricane Irene that should be coming our way this weekend.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Cake Batter Rice Krispies
I haven't posted any of my recipes on my blog to date, but I thought this would be a great one with which to start!
Since I am obsessed with anything "cake batter," I knew these would win my taste buds over. They are quite the delicious little treat, I must say.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbs butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup yellow cake mix (although, if you are a cake batter lover like me, you might want to increase this to 1/2 cup)
- 6 cups rice krispy cereal
- small container of sprinkles
Directions:
- Melt butter in a large sauce pan over low heat and add marshmallows. Stir until they begin to melt, adding in cake mix a spoonful at a time. Combine thoroughly.
- Stir in cereal so it is completely coated with marshmallow mixture. Sprinkle half of the sprinkles and mix.
- Press into baking dish and top with remaining sprinkles.
- Let sit for about 30 minutes before serving
I hope you enjoy as much as I am!
Since I am obsessed with anything "cake batter," I knew these would win my taste buds over. They are quite the delicious little treat, I must say.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbs butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup yellow cake mix (although, if you are a cake batter lover like me, you might want to increase this to 1/2 cup)
- 6 cups rice krispy cereal
- small container of sprinkles
Directions:
- Melt butter in a large sauce pan over low heat and add marshmallows. Stir until they begin to melt, adding in cake mix a spoonful at a time. Combine thoroughly.
- Stir in cereal so it is completely coated with marshmallow mixture. Sprinkle half of the sprinkles and mix.
- Press into baking dish and top with remaining sprinkles.
- Let sit for about 30 minutes before serving
I hope you enjoy as much as I am!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
30 Weeks
How big is baby?: the size of a squash
Maternity clothes?: yes!
Sleep?: not so great lately
Best moment this week?: Our anniversary today! Rick got me a Kindle. I don't know how to use it yet, but I am very excited for it. He is such an amazing husband!
Food cravings: nothing really this week... I just eat what I can, when I can.
Food aversions?: Still have a hard time with dinner
Gender?: Sweet little girl!
Movement?: I LOVE when Rick has his hand on my belly and feels her move... his face lights up and it is just an amazing moment.
Labor Signs?: This is a new one, since we are getting closer to Baby D becoming an outside baby. Luckily, no labor signs yet. I haven't even had Braxton Hicks contractions, that I know.
Belly button?: Still hasn't popped yet.
Symptoms?: swollen feet and ankles, unfortunately. I am still having pelvic pain but I think it might be getting a little better (or maybe that is just wishful thinking?)
What do I miss?: my ankles :-/
What I'm looking forward to this week?: hopefully spending some time in the pool this weekend.
Milestones?: Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face.
4 years ago....
I married my best friend on a white sand beach in Mexico. It was the most perfect day!
I feel so blessed to have Rick in my life- to call him my best friend, my husband, my partner. He is an amazing husband and a wonderful Dad to Alli. Baby D is very lucky to have such a magnificent Daddy.
The past four years has gone by so quickly. We have had many adventures together (starting with the hurricane in Mexico right after our wedding!); I look forward to many many more.
I can't wait to be parents to our little girl together- to teach her, guide her and love her together. While I know it won't be easy, I do know that I would not want to go on this journey with anyone else in the world.
A few pictures that bring a smile to my face...
I love you Rick! Happy Anniversary
I feel so blessed to have Rick in my life- to call him my best friend, my husband, my partner. He is an amazing husband and a wonderful Dad to Alli. Baby D is very lucky to have such a magnificent Daddy.
The past four years has gone by so quickly. We have had many adventures together (starting with the hurricane in Mexico right after our wedding!); I look forward to many many more.
I can't wait to be parents to our little girl together- to teach her, guide her and love her together. While I know it won't be easy, I do know that I would not want to go on this journey with anyone else in the world.
A few pictures that bring a smile to my face...
I love you Rick! Happy Anniversary
Thursday, August 11, 2011
29 weeks
My growing belly... and the valances in the nursery. The nursery is almost done and we absolutely love it so far!
How big is baby?: The size of a squash (but it looks like a pumpkin, as my friend Delaney pointed out :) )
Maternity clothes?: yes!
Sleep?: not so great, but I am hanging in there
Best moment this week?: I had my regular OB appointment today and got to check on Baby D, which always makes me happy. Baby D is measuring right on track. Her heart beat was around the high 140s, which he said was perfect. My blood pressure is still low (117/64). Everything is going great!
Also, our Disney Vacation packages have arrived- our luggage tags, Magical Express (transportation to/from airport) passes, and all the information about our resort and dining plan! Our trip will be here before we know it!
Food cravings: nothing really, although I could always enjoy a bowl of ice cream (but that isn't really anything new)
Food aversions?: dinner in general, but especially meat.
Gender?: Sweet little girl!
Movement?: lots of moving around and pushing against my belly. I don't feel quite as many distinct kicks or punches as I used to. It feels more like she is stretching out and just pushing against me.
Belly button?: Still hasn't popped yet.
Symptoms?: Pelvic pain, and lots of it. Physical Therapy hasn't helped... yet, but I have only been 3 times. I am really hoping it gets better.
What do I miss?: not having pelvic pain
What I'm looking forward to this week?: Hopefully getting some relief from the pelvic pain and spending some time relaxing this weekend.
Milestones?: Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.
How big is baby?: The size of a squash (but it looks like a pumpkin, as my friend Delaney pointed out :) )
Maternity clothes?: yes!
Sleep?: not so great, but I am hanging in there
Best moment this week?: I had my regular OB appointment today and got to check on Baby D, which always makes me happy. Baby D is measuring right on track. Her heart beat was around the high 140s, which he said was perfect. My blood pressure is still low (117/64). Everything is going great!
Also, our Disney Vacation packages have arrived- our luggage tags, Magical Express (transportation to/from airport) passes, and all the information about our resort and dining plan! Our trip will be here before we know it!
Food cravings: nothing really, although I could always enjoy a bowl of ice cream (but that isn't really anything new)
Food aversions?: dinner in general, but especially meat.
Gender?: Sweet little girl!
Movement?: lots of moving around and pushing against my belly. I don't feel quite as many distinct kicks or punches as I used to. It feels more like she is stretching out and just pushing against me.
Belly button?: Still hasn't popped yet.
Symptoms?: Pelvic pain, and lots of it. Physical Therapy hasn't helped... yet, but I have only been 3 times. I am really hoping it gets better.
What do I miss?: not having pelvic pain
What I'm looking forward to this week?: Hopefully getting some relief from the pelvic pain and spending some time relaxing this weekend.
Milestones?: Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.
Friday, August 5, 2011
I passed!
I just talked to my doctor's office and I passed the Glucose Tolerance Test! No gestational diabetes for me!
My results were 123 mg/dL. Anything under 140 mg/dL is considered normal. She also mentioned that my blood count levels were great too.
I think I may need to celebrate with a Rolo McFlurry later today :)
My results were 123 mg/dL. Anything under 140 mg/dL is considered normal. She also mentioned that my blood count levels were great too.
I think I may need to celebrate with a Rolo McFlurry later today :)
Thursday, August 4, 2011
28 weeks- Third Trimester!
Yikes! I am officially in my third trimester. I cannot believe how quickly this pregnancy is going by, despite some of the discomforts and challenges I have had. While I am excited to meet precious Baby D, I don't think I am quite ready for her to become an outside baby anytime soon.
Here is my 28 week picture, along with part of the crib in the nursery! Once we get the nursery complete, I will post more pictures. We are waiting on the glider to be re-covered (thanks Mom!) and to put some decorations on the walls. Other than that, we are pretty much done.
How big is baby?: still the size of an eggplant (I think she changes only once a month now. She is putting on the weight but not growing as much in length now)
Maternity clothes?: yes!
Sleep?: I am still waking up a lot to go to the bathroom and also moaning and groaning when I have to turn over or get in or out of bed because of the pelvic pain.
Best moment this week?: Almost finishing the nursery (Rick gets most of the credit there) and swimming with Baby D. Since walking for a long distance is kind of out of the question for now, I have started heading to the pool and swimming laps to get some exercise. Alli keeps me company. We also went through some of the baby clothes that my sister kindly passed down to us. My nieces were very helpful, especially Lila Kate, in pulling all the clothes out and looking through them.
Food cravings: I am still enjoying my Rolo McFlurries!
Food aversions?: Meat at dinner time
Gender?: Sweet little girl!
Movement?: lots of moving around and pushing against my belly
Belly button?: looking more shallow. Rick noticed it the other day and asked when my turkey timer was going to pop.
Symptoms?: The pelvic pain is still pretty bad. My first physical therapy appointment is on Saturday, so I am really hoping that helps. I have also had some swelling in my feet since we flew back from Mexico. Swimming tends to help some and Rick has also very kindly given me a few foot rubs- what a great husband he is!
What do I miss?: being able to move and sleep without pain
What I'm looking forward to this week?: Hopefully hearing from the doctor that I passed my glucose test and starting physical therapy.
Milestones?: By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
Here is my 28 week picture, along with part of the crib in the nursery! Once we get the nursery complete, I will post more pictures. We are waiting on the glider to be re-covered (thanks Mom!) and to put some decorations on the walls. Other than that, we are pretty much done.
How big is baby?: still the size of an eggplant (I think she changes only once a month now. She is putting on the weight but not growing as much in length now)
Maternity clothes?: yes!
Sleep?: I am still waking up a lot to go to the bathroom and also moaning and groaning when I have to turn over or get in or out of bed because of the pelvic pain.
Best moment this week?: Almost finishing the nursery (Rick gets most of the credit there) and swimming with Baby D. Since walking for a long distance is kind of out of the question for now, I have started heading to the pool and swimming laps to get some exercise. Alli keeps me company. We also went through some of the baby clothes that my sister kindly passed down to us. My nieces were very helpful, especially Lila Kate, in pulling all the clothes out and looking through them.
Food cravings: I am still enjoying my Rolo McFlurries!
Food aversions?: Meat at dinner time
Gender?: Sweet little girl!
Movement?: lots of moving around and pushing against my belly
Belly button?: looking more shallow. Rick noticed it the other day and asked when my turkey timer was going to pop.
Symptoms?: The pelvic pain is still pretty bad. My first physical therapy appointment is on Saturday, so I am really hoping that helps. I have also had some swelling in my feet since we flew back from Mexico. Swimming tends to help some and Rick has also very kindly given me a few foot rubs- what a great husband he is!
What do I miss?: being able to move and sleep without pain
What I'm looking forward to this week?: Hopefully hearing from the doctor that I passed my glucose test and starting physical therapy.
Milestones?: By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
Love Him Even More
I haven't had a post about my wonderful husband in a while... not because he didn't deserve it, because he definitely does! So, I thought I would dedicate this one to him today.
Some things that make me love Rick even more...
1) He makes me laugh, sometimes to the point of tears
2) He goes to warm, tropical places like Mexico with me, despite him hating the sun and heat, because he knows how much I love it (and he even puts up with me putting sunscreen on him over and over again)
3) He calms me down when I get worked up and cheers me up when I am upset
4) He has worked so hard on getting everything put together, installed, and in its place in Baby D's nursery
5) My heart melts when he goes into Baby D's nursery just to look around, because he is so excited for our little girl
6) He takes such good care of Jacks, and loves him *almost* as much as I do (although, he will argue that Jacks loves him more than me)
7) He is a kid at heart, which is most obvious when he gets so excited about everything Disney
8) He doesn't give me too hard of a time when all I want for dinner is fruity pebbles or doritos and eclair cake
9) I love when he talks to the baby, rubs and kisses my belly, and asks how she is doing. It is so very sweet.
10) He is an amazing father to Alli and I know that our little girl is so blessed to have him as a Daddy
I love you Rick! Our baby girl has the best Daddy in the world!
Some things that make me love Rick even more...
1) He makes me laugh, sometimes to the point of tears
2) He goes to warm, tropical places like Mexico with me, despite him hating the sun and heat, because he knows how much I love it (and he even puts up with me putting sunscreen on him over and over again)
3) He calms me down when I get worked up and cheers me up when I am upset
4) He has worked so hard on getting everything put together, installed, and in its place in Baby D's nursery
5) My heart melts when he goes into Baby D's nursery just to look around, because he is so excited for our little girl
6) He takes such good care of Jacks, and loves him *almost* as much as I do (although, he will argue that Jacks loves him more than me)
7) He is a kid at heart, which is most obvious when he gets so excited about everything Disney
8) He doesn't give me too hard of a time when all I want for dinner is fruity pebbles or doritos and eclair cake
9) I love when he talks to the baby, rubs and kisses my belly, and asks how she is doing. It is so very sweet.
10) He is an amazing father to Alli and I know that our little girl is so blessed to have him as a Daddy
I love you Rick! Our baby girl has the best Daddy in the world!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Glucose Test
I had my 1 hour Glucose Tolerance Test this morning. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
The first couple sips of the orange sugar drink were hard to swallow, but I got the whole bottle down within the 5 minute time limit. Then I had to sit and wait.
I went down the hall and registered for the delivery since I was already at the hospital. To be honest, registering to have Baby D kind of freaked me out. I can't believe it is close enough to need to register now. I know this baby needs to come out at some point, but I don't think I am ready any time soon. haha
When my hour was up, I went to give blood. The nurse made my day. She said "I saw you earlier and you have THE CUTEST baby belly!" Hearing from a stranger that I actually look pregnant and not just fat (well, fatter than normal) was great! It made me very happy.
So now I wait again... this time for the doctor to call to tell me I either passed or I have to go back for the 3 hour test. Hopefully I passed and will be done!
I also signed up for a couple classes at the hospital. The new hospital opens on August 28, so I am really excited to take a tour and see where Baby D will be entering the world. We will also be taking a breastfeeding class and a Basics in Baby Care class together.
So much to do, and so little time to do it! Baby D will be here before we know it.
The first couple sips of the orange sugar drink were hard to swallow, but I got the whole bottle down within the 5 minute time limit. Then I had to sit and wait.
I went down the hall and registered for the delivery since I was already at the hospital. To be honest, registering to have Baby D kind of freaked me out. I can't believe it is close enough to need to register now. I know this baby needs to come out at some point, but I don't think I am ready any time soon. haha
When my hour was up, I went to give blood. The nurse made my day. She said "I saw you earlier and you have THE CUTEST baby belly!" Hearing from a stranger that I actually look pregnant and not just fat (well, fatter than normal) was great! It made me very happy.
So now I wait again... this time for the doctor to call to tell me I either passed or I have to go back for the 3 hour test. Hopefully I passed and will be done!
I also signed up for a couple classes at the hospital. The new hospital opens on August 28, so I am really excited to take a tour and see where Baby D will be entering the world. We will also be taking a breastfeeding class and a Basics in Baby Care class together.
So much to do, and so little time to do it! Baby D will be here before we know it.
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