Summer Update

Whoa! I don't know what happened to the month of July! Fortunately we've seen most of you and this blog is only supplemental to firsthand accounts of our little lady. And (ok, I'll say it) I have been a little bit of a wimp this past month. I admit it! I will try harder to do less complaining and more blogging.

Nick and I went to my 7-month check up today. Calamity Jane is doing great. She weighs about 2.5 lbs. now and will grow to 4.5 lbs. this month. My lab results were perfect; no gestational diabetes or iron deficiencies. Her heartbeat was strong and she is still moving around like a wild woman. Some babies start moving "into position" this month, meaning they move their heads down for the duration of the pregnancy. Not this kid. Her head is still resting on my ribcage. She is not ready to hold still for any length of time. It's so funny how her personality is already developing. I can't help but love her little wild side.

I got some antibiotics for my summer cold/sinus infection and plan on getting some rest this week. I hope I start feeling better. This past month has definitely been the most challenging physically.

Nick has been taking such good care of us girls. I don't know what I would do without him. He makes sure we have plenty of water, food, foot rubs, and love. He is going to be an amazing daddy.

Summer has been extra fun as we've been able to spend so much time with our families. Thank you all for your love and support. We love you all so much!

First Pictures of Our Sweetheart

She is sooooo cute!

Right now, she is about 12" long and weighs just under one pound ... the perfect size to bounce around on my bladder at night. She is really active and loves orange juice.

Keep sending your favorite girl names! xxoo

Going Pink

my first "pink" purchase ...


shopping for baby girls is the BEST!

today is the day!

well the results are in ...

BOY 110
GIRL 1

and the winner is ... Sadey!
the only one who guessed correctly that it's a

GIRL!

(mindy, you get honorable mention because she is very hyper!)

It's a ...

Boy? Girl?

It's time to cast your vote!

On Wednesday, June 16, we will have our first ultrasound to make sure Spook is healthy and developing correctly and all those important things. We have also decided to find out the sex on that day. So I thought it would be fun to have a little contest.

Here is how it works... You have one week to post your guess in the comments section below. All comments will be kept private until Tuesday, June 15 at midnight. I'll post them Wednesday morning so everyone can see the guesses with the result. The winner(s) will receive ... the satisfaction of knowing they were right! And maybe something else cool.

If you post anonymously, be sure to sign your name.

Everyone and anyone is welcome to vote! We can't wait to find out!

The Count Loves The National

"The Count" aka "Spook" aka "Little Fella" aka "Mel" aka "The Critter" apparently likes The National's music as much as his (or her) parents.

This past weekend after seeing The National play I felt the baby move for the first time. It's an experience unlike any other. It feels like big bubblegum bubbles popping inside my stomach with an occasional super soft karate chop.

Other milestones for Week 17 include:

- NONE of my pants fit me anymore (except for a pair of black yoga sweats that I pretty much wear everyday)

- The baby loves cheeseburgers

- Mindy is filling in for Brady as my "sympathy-pregnancy-symptom-partner"

- Nick is also eating for two

- We heard the heartbeat for the second time and the doctor said it still "sounds like a boy"

- My first ultrasound is scheduled for June 16

May was a good month. Things are going well. After spending 8 days in Mexico and 5 days in San Diego, I am feeling very spoiled and relaxed. It's hard to believe that I am almost half way through my pregnancy!

Mother's Day

Today it occurred to me that next year I will be a mother of TWO critters instead of just one. My life with Chloe is going to change so much! I guess I always thought she would be an only child ... and I think she did, too. Yet imagining her as a big sister makes me smile.

As I spent today with Chloe and other special people in my life, I really enjoyed the feeling of being a mama. I am so proud of my Chloe. She'll always be my baby -- no matter how old, defiant, mean, tall, smart, grown-up, beautiful or sassy she gets. She is my first baby. I couldn't love her more. When I take time to make the world slow down, I see her huge heart and her big brown eyes ... just like I remember seeing on the day she was born.

In three hours Chloe and I are headed to the airport for her first trip to Mexico. Yay! I have been fortunate enough to get enough freelance work to finally afford a REAL vacation with her. She has been so patient with me throughout my career. She has sacrificed so much time with me and has been so understanding and patient. It makes me sad when I remember the long hours at the office, the missed soccer games, the calls to tell her to go to bed without me, missed dinners, and spending so many weekends away from her due to business trips. She deserves this vacation so much. Plus, let's face it, this will probably be the last vacation with just the "two of us."

I am lucky to know so many mothers that have helped me (and continue to help me) raise Chloe. My sisters and friends are some of the best mamas I know. Chloe will tell you it's my hormones but I get overwhelmed and cry when I think of how many beautiful people are in my life and continue to come into my life.

Anyway, enough mushy mush. Happy Mother's Day and Viva la Mexico!