Sunday, February 28, 2010

vegas bound

When I left Vegas after my 30th birthday celebration I never imagined I'd be pregnant the next time I went back. I had to laugh as I was packing my suitcase today -- gone are the club clothes and swimsuits for this trip!

I'll be working so it's going to be a busy trip with little time for socializing or relaxing. I am looking forward to the sunshine and warm weather. I'm not looking forward to all the walking (my back is killing me lately!) and the cigarette smoke. Should be an interesting few days!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

insomnia

For the first few months of pregnancy I couldn't seem to get enough sleep. Now I'm having a hard time staying asleep! This is super strange for me. I've never had trouble sleeping. Ever. I can pretty much sleep anywhere, anytime.

I can fall asleep pretty easily at bedtime even if the baby is active. But if I wake up in the night (to go to the bathroom, for example, which is happening more and more), I'm usually up for 30 minutes to an hour or more trying to go back to sleep. And I definitely can't sleep late. Even on the weekends. I think part of it is I'm hungry - I always wake up with my stomach growling!

I guess my body is slowly preparing for the sleepless nights ahead. **sigh** I miss sleep, but I better get used to it!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

nursery

The baby's room is at the back of the house and overlooks the backyard. It's a peaceful, serene room. You can see the squirrels, bunnies and birds eating critter food underneath our 100+ year old oak tree.

We've been gathering decorating ideas for the past few weeks, and yesterday we ventured out to get some paint samples. When we went to the store we were set on green. I think we picked out 25 different shades to bring home and compare.

Then, today, I was browsing the Feb. issues of BH&G and saw all these beautiful shades of orange. One called cantaloupe slice looks like a yummy orange creamsicle... So now I am on an orange kick, which is really funny because it's like my citrus craving is invading all my senses! Who knows, maybe next week I'll be obsessed with another color.

One thing we have decided on (I think!) is a mural. Maybe a simple nature scene. It's nice to have an artist in the house!

We haven't spent much time looking at furniture yet. It only took us 6 years to settle on a couch we both liked; I pray nursery furniture is easier.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

books and gifts

We're getting a lot of book recommendations as we prepare for baby. Today we received a copy of The Happiest Baby on the Block (the dvd) from a big fan so we're looking forward to watching that. If 30 min = a happy baby that sounds good to me! We've also had a vote for Babywise. I think we're going try and check it out at the library. Ben tried to get it this weekend, but someone had it. He got a copy of Your Self-Confident Baby -- so far so good according to him.

We also received a copy of the Jewel Lullaby CD. We've been talking about playing some music for the baby so we'll probably try it out soon. I bet it puts mama right to sleep. :)

Let us know if you have any recommendations. We need everyone's secrets to success!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

night moves

The baby is moving a lot more lately...and, yes, mostly at night. We've decided he/she is a little night owl like daddy. I'm usually in bed around 8:30 these days and just like clockwork the baby is throwing a party! Ben has been able to feel some nudges so it's been fun to share that with him.

I haven't been getting much sleep at all the past week. Between my stomach issues last weekend and the terrible cold I have now, we've had a lot of sleepless nights. I guess it's good practice for post-baby, but it's really taking a toll on both of us. I hope I'm beyond the worst of it and we can get back to "normal" this week. I'm also praying Ben doesn't get sick. As I told him tonight, "if you get sick this whole operation falls apart." He's been a champ taking care of me, cooking, cleaning, etc. Let's hope this week brings good health and sleep!

Friday, February 12, 2010

bump watch - 20 weeks

the growing belly!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

baby Libert

Here's a good shot from the ultrasound. Hello, baby!

Monday, February 8, 2010

check-up

Ultrasound went well! The baby was all curled up sleeping (not surprising since that's what mama did all day!), but turned over mid exam and let the tech get all the necessary measurements. We got to see everything -- brain, spine, major organs, legs, arms, tiny fingers. So amazing. The baby is 13 oz and looks long as remarked by the tech (ha!). We did NOT find out the sex, but probably wouldn't have been able to anyway because of the baby's position. Don't know if the tech had a clear shot after the baby flipped...we didn't ask!

We left our appointment with some homework: enroll in our parenting classes and take a tour of the two hospitals in town. Fun!

halfway

It's hard to believe 20 wks has already passed! We've upgraded from a mango-sized baby to a cantaloupe. Later today we'll get our first sneak peek of baby Libert during our doctor's appointment - can't wait!

We had a great a weekend in Chicago visiting friends. It's so much fun to share the baby excitement in person. I'm in awe so many people love our baby.

The only bad thing about the weekend was the fallout from eating thai food and gelato. Something about one of these DID NOT agree with me and the baby so the next 24 hours were brutal. I scared the crap out of Ben (and my mom who we called at midnight to get her opinion on whether the baby was o.k. - everything was fine). I'm feeling much better today. Just at home resting and trying to eat something more substantial than fruit and dry cereal.

I'll report back on the doctor's appointment and get a photo posted!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

large mango

I just had to get a mango at the grocery store -- it's hard to believe this is the size of our growing baby!