Too Cute to Not Share

Hubby emailed this to me today because he knows I love Dachies and this is a picture of a puppy one at that. How cute is the saying too?

Yes, I know this has nothing to do with Baby Ri. Daddy is just keeping Mommy smiling.

Nursery Design Update

Our potential girl's nursery needed more work, so check out the latest design plan below.

Off To The Races

Today I had a routine doctor's visit and got to hear the baby's heartbeat. I couldn't believe my ears when the nurse found the strongest area because it sounded like I was at the race track listening to horses running. I'd never heard it that loud before. I also believe that I felt the first kick from my little one. Right after the nurse moved the sound monitor on my belly for the last time, I felt a quick jab to the area. I wasn't going to say anything to her, but she then asked if I had felt the baby kick yet. Of course I told her I thought I just experience my first one. I've been excited all this week about the baby being able to hear and that I might be able to feel movement. Sure enough, my little one has already made mommy proud.

Again, we earned an A+...nothing less would be acceptable in this family (lol). All levels of sugar, protein, and my blood pressure are normal. I've gained a normal amount of weight, but the number sounds scary. I'll save that till the end of the pregnancy (maybe).

I loved today and feel closer and closer to our baby every day. Tonight, I just asked hubby if he thinks the baby knows what love is? He said, "No." I'm not sure what my answer is to the question, but I know the minute I hold my baby he or she will know.

A Modern Nursery

Some of you have asked what I plan for the nursery, so here is my design board of ideas. This is why I was up till 1am this morning. If you can't tell, I've picked most colors and items for a little girl. Don't get me wrong, I would love a boy, but I just couldn't fit it all on one page. I'm so in the design & decorating mode right now that I might make another board just for a boy. I also am aware that it may not all go together...just ideas (i.e. growth chart, artwork, etc).

BTW, modern is not my home's style. I've always wanted to have a little modern in our home, and a nursery seemed the perfect place to start.

Here is the boy nursery plan as I said I would probably finish today.

Up at Midnight Already

Well, I am still awake. It must be because I took a nice nap today. Just had to report that it is officially the beginning of week 16. This is a huge week because the baby can hear...yay! However, music selections in the car are going to be very censored. This lil' one is only going to hear the best of music and I'm going to start reading stories aloud. I'm sooooooo excited!!! Also, on the food tracker, Baby Ri is going to be the size of a mango this week...it is my favorite fruit. How much better can this week get?

Guess now is also a good time to mention that today this indecisive woman finally decided on all the nursery furniture. Just waiting to here the news of is it a boy or it is a girl so I can pick the colors for accessories. Not going to buy furniture just yet because we are keeping our guest room as long as possible.

Explosion of Desire

My inner desire to talk about my baby and all that is in store has officially erupted. All I want to do is figure out the nursery furniture, paint color, accessories, window treatment, make our baby registries, sign up for parenting classes, and buy fall/winter maternity apparel. Decorating my home is my passion, and this new reason too buy furniture and accessories is making me a little crazy. Pretty soon it is going to be insane.

I said I would definitely wait until we find out the baby's gender...doable. At the latest, December. January 31st, everything has to be about complete for peace of mind and in case we have a premie on our hands. Buuuuutttttt, I'm leaning towards an on-time baby with my family's history.

When is the right time to begin all this buying and registering (classes & baby stuff)?

How Do You Do It?

Seriously, preggo mamas, how do you work full time? It is Monday, and I hate to start the complain train already but my dogs are barkin' (not my real dogs, but my feet), feel really tired, and I still have the whole evening where I should be enjoying myself and my sister's company. I've eliminated stress by leaving work at work finally for the sake of my unborn child. I absolutely loved teaching my kindergarteners and 3rd-5th graders today. They had a fabulous Monday with me, so what's not to love there?

I really want to go back to full time for the moo-la, but I just don't see it happening any time soon with the way my body is talking to me. Any tips for more energy? Just to point out...I already go to bed early to get about 9 hours of sleep, eat healthy for the most part, and put my feet up often.

I really want to do yoga again. This picture below is so cute and getting this baby ready for yoga too. This is my goal.

Smooth Sailing

Well, it is about time that mommy and daddy-to-be can calm our nerves. For several days now, mommy hasn't been feeling much of anything...that includes the feeling of being pregnant. I've read this can happen and is normal, but it is just plain weird after feeling pregnancy symptoms of some kind for three plus months. We get to hear the baby's heartbeat in about a week, so we are just praying that baby's having a blast in mommy's tummy.

100 Days

Yesterday was Labor Day, and even though it wasn't my labor day, it was still momentous. Baby-Ri (still sounding out what nickname sounds best) and I celebrated 100 days together. Now only around 180 days to go. YAY!!!

Hopefully this second trimester will be less to worry about. So far so good. I've been able to leave the house a little more than usual which is a good start. Back to work tomorrow, so that will be the true test.

We love all the happy feedback being sent in emails and on the phone about the blog. Also, thank you for all your prayers everyone. God is answering them, so please keep them coming.

Road Trip

So I've noticed for a while the veins in my body showing more prominently than usual, but today I look like a road map. It's kind of cool actually. I'm just glad long sleeves and pants are going to be my attire for most of the pregnancy.

Put those feet up, Mommy!

Well some of you know that I have had way to many scares of losing the baby in the past month. I guess no morning sickness comes with a price tag...blood. We have been reassured with several ultrasounds that the baby appears to be healthy growing at a normal rate with a strong heartbeat. We've got a little fighter already. I've been reassured by a couple of friends with similar experiences that I should be able to deliver a healthy baby. Been praying every day sometimes multiple times a day that that is the case.

If anyone has any similar experience you would like to share, it would be much appreciated. I've been putting my feet up as much as possible and even missed a few days of work already. The doctors can't predict how much longer this may go on. Here's hoping with that "happy" second trimester that is bragged about that it all ends by tomorrow. Tomorrow is Day 1 of my 2nd trimester. Hooray!!! If our baby is a boy, he should be happy because mommy and daddy's college plays their opening football game of the year.