Baby 'H'......the mover & shaker

So for the past couple of weeks I've been trying to get Chris to be able to feel the baby kicking.
I even told him the other night that I could see it kickn. Tonight was the night! While Chris was doing paperwork I made him lay his hand on my belly and FINALLY he felt it!!
I'm so excited, and now he doesn't think I'm crazy.

We then sat there and stared at my tummy. And holy cow, something woke it up. It was kickin and movin all over. Totally crazy stuff.

This was monumental for both of us.

Maybe it will be a soccer player or maybe it was just telling us which name it liked because we were reading our list of potential names outloud.

Who knows. Just great to feel it moving and knowing that it's getting bigger and I'm just not puttin on the lbs in ice cream!

Good night.

Two Giddy Grandma's

Since Chris was out of town during my last ultrasound I thought it would be fun to take someone with me. So I invited my mom and Chris' mom. And of course both accepted the invitation. It was pretty amazing watching them get so excited. Ultrasounds are nothing they experienced. So it was fun seeing their jaws drop.

They got to see Baby 'H' in 3D too. I attached the best picture. At this ultrasound they checked for kidney's, stomach, heart chambers....all the important stuff. And it's all there. Once again I had to remind the doctor that we didn't want to know the sex. So he politely turned the monitor and sneaked a peak. He said it's definitely one of the two options. So that's good. At least our baby has it's goods too!

I called Chris later that night and told him everything went well and that our baby is 13 oz. His response? Oh! The size of a can of beer! That's so Chris. At the time he was on an RV trip with his guy friends, so beer was definitely on the forefront of his mind, along with the baby.

I've been feeling good and have experienced the Nesting phenomenon. Today I organized our closet and jewelry case. My plan is to get through the stuff in the basement and thoroughly go through our upstairs bedroom & office. It will feel really good to get all this stuff done.

Look for more updates this week. Chris got the nursery painted, furniture assembled, window blind hung and chair moved. Things are pluggin right along.

Week 20

Yesterday marked Week 20, officially half way. I've had a little growth spurt. Baby H is kicking more, especially right after I eat. Hopefully soon it will kick hard enough for Chris to feel it.

Everything is plugging right along. The Nursery may be almost done this weekend. The drywaller finished, I bought paint last weekend and curtain rod.

Chris is working on the assembly of the baby furniture. He's planning on priming tomorrow night and painting on Saturday. I'm so excited!!

Chris went on a guys RV trip last weekend (much needed and deserved) and I went on a business trip for two days. So we're catching up on sleep and gearing up for the weekend.

Stay tuned for our progress!

Yoga for Women with Belly Bumps

We did take a Week 19 photo, but Chris took the camera on his "Guys RV Excursion" before I could get the picture off. So you'll have to wait for the Week 20 photo!

Since Chris was on his vacation, I had some alone time to do a few things. Shop, clean, organize and Prenatal Yoga.

This morning I ventured off to my first Prenatal Yoga class. Or as I like to call it "Yoga for Women with Belly Bumps". I had a dream last night that this class turned out to be a choreorgraphed aerobics class that was completely full and of course I was running late for. I think it's my anxiety of not knowing what to expect that caused this crazy dream.

Anyway, I went to the class and really enjoyed myself! I was the only first time mom to be and first time to class person. So needless to say my bump was small compared to the others, even though some were not as far along.

I'm sure if most male partners could watch this group of belly bumps move their stuff it would be quite entertaining. Alot of hip rotating, stretching, squating, etc. They also do some positions that are to connect you with your child, etc. With the music, the lighting and me missing Chris I did get a little teary eyed. Pregnancy emotions running a-muck!

I'm going to continue to go once a week. As I'm pretty sure I stretched muscles I forgot I had! I probably won't be able to walk tomorrow.

Good night and sweet dreams!

Plastic 3,6,7

I'm sure most of you have noticed the influx of ads on t.v. saying how all those plastic water bottles we throw away are filling up our landfills. And that we should use reusable water bottles instead. Well, I've been feeling guilty since I drink alot of water out of those plastic bottles, however we do recycle! So the other morning I got out a reusable water bottle, filled it up with ice and water and made my daily drive to work. Since my commute is a little long I usually listen to the Today show.

This particular day they had a segment on reusable water bottles that are unsafe. So of course I tuned in! What they said is that certain plastics have a chemical in them that can leech into your water or food and is a health risk. Even more if it's heated or microwaved. WHAT?? It is especially harmful for pregnant or nursing women. Could cause potential neurological harm to unborn fetus's. WHAT?? Are you kidding me? They went on to say on the bottom of plastic items there is a triangle with a number. If you have items with a 3,6 or 7......throw it away! So I looked on the bottom of my water bottle and what number was there? Yep, you guessed it a 7! And of course my water was gone.

I was so frustrated I called Chris. And he knew exactly what I was calling about. He heard it too.

You try to do your best during pregnancy and the environment and you still get screwed!

Anyway, I went through all our tupperware, plastic cups, bottles, you name it. So now I'm looking for a none 3,6 or 7 water bottle.

Speaking of the environment, the other thing we've been considering is all those diapers. I know you think I'm crazy for even considering it, but cloth diapers are an environmentally friendly option. Not-so-Chris friendly as he's told me. We're still debating. Another option is G-diapers. They have a reusable outer cover and the diaper portion can be flushed or thrown away. It bio-degrades within a year. As opposed to disposable diapers, which can take up to 500 years! Did you know that a baby goes through1 ton of diapers in just the first year! That's a bunch. It's funny though. Ask our parents and cloth diapers were no biggie, they used them on us! Ask our siblings? Um, no way! Are you crazy!

Nursery Update & Pregnancy Memory

Chris is still working hard on the Nursery. This weekend we got our built in drawer cabinet installed. We had a small space between the closets. Bonus storage! The picture shows Chris meticulously installing the handles. We also ordered window treatments for Baby H's room and our guest room. So now our visitors don't have to get waken up at the first sign of light! This week we have a drywaller friend coming over to frame out the ceiling circle and oval. Soon we'll be painting! Or I guess I should say Chris will be painting.

Next topic.....pregnancy memory..............

So I have noticed I've been a little lacking on the general memory category. Something that I've been told will happen. Some call it pregnancy memory, placenta brain, mommy growth overload and the list goes on. But what they don't have is a name for the father-to-be pregnancy memory.

This past week Chris was to go on a day business trip to Chicago. He got up at 3:30a.m., headed for the airport for a very early flight. Parked his car, went in to check-in, and come to find out he's a week off! He flys out THIS week! The night before we were on the internet trying to check him in, but it wouldn't let us. Chris even called the airline and they couldn't figure it out either. So two expectant parents and an airline couldn't figure out he was a week off. Poor guy! I think I've been rubbing off on him. So needless to say if we forget a birthday, anniversary, special event, to call you back, pick you up or something else, we ask for forgiveness now.

Amongst all of this baby stuff Chris has been training for the 1/2 marathon in Lincoln on May 4th. Something he said last year he was going to do. I am so proud that he has stuck with it, even though he said he gets super bored running. If I could I'd be running with him. I know he will finish, doesn't matter how long it takes, but the accomplishment alone is awesome. Gooooo Chris!

Week 18

Today officially marks Week 18. Almost at the halfway mark. We decided it's time to document the "bump". Now this picture does NOT do the bump justice. It looks larger in person. But you get the idea. It's growing!

I left my boobs out of the picture. I have always been a very small chested person, but pregnancy right away blessed me a a bigger pair! I think within 2 weeks I went from an A to a whoppin C. I love it! I always wondered what it would be like. However, I have been forewarned that they may shrink back to my pre-pregnancy size. Darn it!

We've decided that every Wednesday we'll photograph the bump. I should make a flip book when it's all said and done. "Seeee the growing belly".

I think that's it for today. Need to go hit the baby books before I fall asleep.

Good Night!

Checking off our List

We actually got a few things checked off our list this past weekend. We've decided to deliver at Alegent Lakeside Hospital. We toured two hospitals on Sunday. For those of you who don't know where this is it's at 168th & Center. About 10 miles from our house. I'm sure the grandparents will be hitting Google or Mapquest.

I had Chris research video cameras and we ended up buying one on Sunday. Chris has started filming. And of course it was me getting ice cream out at 9:30 last night!

Our rocking chair came in today and Chris picked it up. Um, let's say it's really large! It's apple green and looks great!

Now we need to decide on a Pediatrician, sign up for all those baby / parenting prep classes and finish up the Nursery. Hopefully we'll be done with all of that by the end of April.

I have 2 more childcare places to visit this week. I'm still hoping to get into Kid's Roundup where we are on the waiting list. Keep your fingers crossed.

I'm excited for spring to arrive. Tired of the days with no sun. Makes me tired and lazy!

Stay tuned for more later this week!

Hugs for Grandma Coon

I don't have a ton to say tonight except for a speedy recovery for my mom and Baby H's grandma. She has been in the hospital for a few days and will hopefully go home soon. Baby H can't wait to meet Grandma C and have her read those bible books to him/her. Feel better soon.

Hugs & Kisses.

Nursery Under Construction

The nursery construction has begun! Chris with the help from Kevin got the materials and framed the wall & ceiling. Chris is now working on figuring out how to bring the rest of my brilliant idea to a reality. My job is to pick out a ceiling fan, window treatment and to stay out of the way!

We got the crib, dresser and changing table. And of course I didn't like the color of the bases, so Chris is having them painted for me.

I have the bedding, some "decor" stuff and plenty of ideas. Once Chris is done I can start my magic. I'm a little overwhelmed with the gifts we've gotten so far, not having a place. Just my quirkiness, but it stresses me out!

We've begun looking for childcare. I've toured one place, which we're on a waiting list for and have 2 more scheduled for next week. Pretty much anyone that I vaguely know in Gretna I ask. The last place I scheduled was from a recommendation from a lady at the bank. There's some comfort living in a small town on the edge of the city.

We're planning to visit 2 hospitals this weekend to hopefully decide where we want to deliver. And yes they are both in Omaha. Even though I work at BryanLGH, I'm not driving there. But at least if I go at work I'm in a good place.

Things are moving right along. It seems though we are only touching the surface. This is alot of work! But I'm told it's all worth it. I have quite the collection of magazines and books to read, but still can't seem to get through more than a few pages at a time before I fall asleep. Chris reminds me that we'll do our best and figure it out as we go.

I have gotten some energy back and can occassionally stay up late. Baby H and I went out with the girls on Friday night and stayed up til midnight! We're crazy!

The baby is definitely growing. I now have a baby bump and according to Chris this morning I look pregnant, not fat anymore. Since I'm new to all of this I'm not sure if I'm feeling in move. I think so. Otherwise my stomach is really digesting.

All in all things are going well. Stay tuned........