Baby Prep...

The countdown is on until Jack's arrival! We have 100 days to go!

The past couple of weeks Mark and I have gotten a few BIG things checked off the baby prep list! We met with a potential babysitter a week ago who was recommended to us and we love her! Her house was a disaster (thankfully Donna warned me about that), but it was good to see what the house will look like at the end of the day, but she loves what she does and from what Donna's said, the kids love her! (And she's in Anderson!) Check!

And on Saturday we spent the day in our child birth class. There was a lot of information reviewed and of course all I can recollect is how freaked out I now am! (Too bad you can't have a baby without the labor & delivery part!) The breathing techniques are interesting - I'm sure we'll try everything when the time comes, but as for now, I think the deep breathing is for me! The massage & relaxation techniques were great (Mark almost fell asleep) and I need to find a CD with the relaxing music! (Although, I honestly think I prefer some old school Jock Jams when it comes time to push!) We got a tour of the labor/delivery/recovery unit and Mark is ready to coach! Hopefully he leaves his whistle at home (or in the car since camp will have started)! Check!

We still have a few things to get for the nursery. I think Mark's on a mission to find a glider this week and we need to pick out a carpet! I need to take advantage of Mark's spurts of Daddy-Duty energy though! (I did a load of Jack's laundry last week so we have a few things in his drawers! And, I already have a sock that is MIA...) The search for a pediatrician is also on!

Spring (Snow) Showers

Mom & I went to Denver to visit Elizabeth & JB for spring break! And, much to my surprise Aunt E threw me a surprise shower! It was so wonderfully thoughtful of her to a. throw me a shower and b. pay her CO friends to come! But really, I was extremely touched since the Denver girls are her "besties" and I see them once a year! Jack & I certainly got spoiled! And, Miss Rachel even showed me some fabulous new mommy tips on organizing the nursery! Oh, let the nesting continue =)

Aunt E (in outfit #1)

The Colorado Girls

With Mom & Elizabeth

The tragedy...

Sadly, painting my own toe nails might be tossed out the window very soon. This can be seen in 2 different lights...happily and looking forward to being pampered because I now have the ability to not feel bad about getting pedicures or polish changes (b/c I am my father's daughter and refuse to pay $65 (or even $30 at cheaper places) to get my feet done every couple of weeks) so unless Mark wants to paint them he has to accept this! Or sadly, because my belly is so big I can't reach my toes! (I do suppose this is also a good thing...that Jack is healthy and growing into a big strong football player!) So, I guess, all in all, this is a good thing :)! I wonder if they'll put ice water in the foot bath instead of hot to help with the swelling...

It's a...

Its a BOY!

Jack is the cutest baby boy in the world! I can't believe how in love with him I already am! I cannot wait to meet him (in 4 long months)! The ultrasound showed a healthy baby...he waved at us, yawned, and rolled over to get comfy for a nap when the ultrasound tech was finishing up! (I scanned the pictures but they didn't turn out...)

Everything seems so much more real now. I mean, its always been "real" for me, but I think seeing a baby instead of a blob on the screen yesterday really helped the realness set in for Mark! He is beyond thrilled to be having a son, as I'm sure every man is! He continuously giggled last night from excitement! (We even put the crib together :)!)

And, some of you might be shocked that I didn't really go shopping for blue yesterday! I did go to Hallmark to buy a Baby Book! Such a strange first purchase, but I've been waiting!!!

19.5 weeks

Its hard to believe I'm almost to the half-way point! I seem to be growing daily, and the baby is definitely practicing its touchdown dance or toe-touches - even enough for Mark to feel! It definitely brings a smile to my face, even at 3:30 am (after I've woken up to use the bathroom for the 2nd time since climbing in bed)! Today was so nice outside that I decided to nix the gym and walk in the neighborhood. With a little jump in my step I thought about how in a few short months I'd be pushing a stroller and nearly befriended a family I passed who was walking with a newborn in their Baby Bjorn! (But, I didn't want to scare them...Jenny McCarthy talks about Psycho Chick but what about Crazy Chick who wants to be friends with every pregnant woman (or woman who just had a baby) in the world?! FYI...Belly Laughs is the funniest book in the entire world! Mark kicked me out of the room one night because I was laughing uncontrollably! I highly recommend it, pregnant or not!)

Is it gas or kicks?

Yippee! With the 1st trimester officially done, we're counting down the days until we know the gender! We have our boy name decided - actually a few years ago, Jack, and now we just have to work on girl names. We're both already referring to the baby as "he" and Jack, as we're both convinced there'll be years of Little League and Youth League Football in our future. (I thought for about a week and a half it might be a girl...) But honestly, we don't care either way! We just want a healthy child to give lots of love to!

Aunt Elizabeth came home for a visit over Valentine's Weekend! (Nothing like spending the "day of love" with your parents!) I'd requested help maternity clothes shopping not long after Christmas and E (surprisingly) agreed to make a trip! Boy am I glad she did! The "Zinger" girls had a great time shopping and giggling at the fake belly! But, best of all, Aunt Elizabeth gave the belly lots of love & attention! Grandpa even gave a pat immediately after giving his favorite daughter a kiss and hug! (Grandma did too...with VERY cold hands!)

(Thankfully) Basketball season is finally over! Its been a long 6 months of attending AHS sporting events and we're both glad to have a break! I'm anxious to purchase bedroom furniture and start interviewing potential childcare providers! But, now that coaching is "over", our weekends are filling up fast to visit friends & family. I'm exhausted thinking about it! I have to keep reminding myself that in a few more months, everyone will be visiting us!

And, I'm finally starting to feel light little taps on occasion! It always takes me a moment to decide if its gas or baby though! Mark is convinced he's felt kicks already, but, it was right after lunch so I still think it was movement of another type ;)! But, whatever makes Dad happy, we'll go with =)

14.5 Weeks!

Welcome to the 2nd Trimester =)

(Auntie Laurie Lou requested belly pics!)