Gingerbread House

Today we made our visit to Williams Sonoma - must have Peppermint Bark! While we were there Annabelle noticed a Gingerbread House that she had to have. We caved (as usual!) and let her get it. She did quite a nice job (with a little help) putting it together. And she's already broken and tested a piece - off the back!

Hello Belly!!

I think I took this last week - with 6 weeks to go! Just didn't motivate to post the pic until now! So, another pop of the belly occured! It seemed to happen overnight - again! So, down to less than 5 weeks and I'm definitely not ready! But for now, I'm just going to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and then work on getting organized!

Bonfire on a Chili Night - with a Bounce House

Last night we had our annual "Bonfire on a Chili Night" party! We had some different chili recipes and sat around the warm bonfire. We were in danger of getting washed out by the Nor'Easter, but she scooted out just in time! The ground was still a little wet and Tony was not happy about having to clean up while it was still wet, but all worked out great! And I rented a bounce house for the kids which was a huge hit! The pics I took last night didn't come out well at all, so since we don't return the house till Monday we decided to crank it up again today for the kids - and Tony!!

Happy Halloween!!!

We had a great time trick-or-treating! Annabelle was a fairy butterfly princess! She had such a good time and scored way too much candy!! It was a perfect night - weather was so nice and 75 degrees! Annabelle took a spill in the driveway of one of the houses, but it worked out to her advantage because the homeowner came out and felt so bad he gave her a bunch more candy!! All's well that ends well!!

10 Weeks to Go!!

Woohoo!! Although it seems like a long way away, I can't belive how much I still haven't done. I did finally buy the stroller/carseat/travel system - after several weeks of bitching about how they don't have any good boy designs in the stores. But I settled on a cute design and it is now sitting up in what will one day be the nursery waiting to be put together. That pile will grow in the next weeks as well! Eventually I'll get around to buying all the necessities! So, here's a bumpdate - I'm really starting to bust out - gained 5 lbs. between my last two appointements. I was a little disappointed, I've really been working on keeping my weight down - and I know these last weeks the real weight gain will hit. Oh well, what can I really do?

99 Days to Go!!

Woohoooo!! I've cracked the 100 day mark! Time flies when you're having fun! Looking forward to feeling more uncomfortable every day. As it is if I sit in my office for too long it's painful to get up and walk around. And don't even ask about getting up off the couch! Ha!! Well, looking forward to growing at a ridiculous pace these last three months! If I'm feeling sassy I'll post pics!

Flu Shot :(

Well another month, another appointment. When I was getting my weigh-in (favorite part, too - ugh!), the nurse asked if I was interested in getting a flu shot because they were offering them and I could get one today. I declined, because I have never gotten one, never needed one. I've never had the knock-down out of commission flu before and just wasn't worried about it. I knew I would get vaccinated for H1N1 when it comes out, but hadn't paid much attention to the regular flu shot. That was the end of it (so I thought) and I waited for the Dr. to see me. She looked a little annoyed when she walked in and the first thing she said was, "Can you explain your resistance to getting the flu vaccine?". I was a little taken back, but said, "I've never gotten it, I have been lucky to stay healthy during the flu months and just didn't think it would be necessary". She informed me of the medical reasons I should get it since I'm pregnant, and it makes total sense - in fact, it should be required, not an option for pregnant women. Anyway, after she explained all that to me, I told her I felt so stupid, it was a no-brainer, I would get the vaccine. Then she apologized for blindsiding me, she didn't realize I wasn't explained the reason behind why I really should get it. I think she thought I was an anti-vaccine person who doesn't get any vaccines for myself or my kids. Anyway, all ended well - except I got a shot. :( And my arm is really tired. My arm has the flu. But everything else is going really well! And the good news is I gained 2 lbs. since last month!! Yay! After worrying - though just a little, because does it really matter? - since Nags Head consisted of a lot of food, I was hoping to not have gained a ton! I guess I have the next three months to blow up then!! I know I can count on that!!

Bumpdate

Alright, I realized that I am wearing the exact same outfit I wore for my last picture - ooops! Oh well! But it has been a month, so here's the latest. The good news is I'm feeling good, and baby boy is quite the mover and shaker - future soccer player?! The bad news is my butt is growing proportionately with my belly! Perhaps due to a week in Nags Head with food, food and more food. I didn't overdo it - and the kitchen, along with our room, was on the 3rd floor! I only took the elevator twice, too, I swear! So I hoped I was working off what I was eating. I guess I'll find out how I'm really doing at my Dr. appt. next week. I was doing so well, too, only gained 3 lbs. between my July and August appointments - and those were 5 weeks apart! So, we'll see. Down to 15 weeks to go. It's starting to get more exciting - Mom and Dad let me know they booked their flight for December. They'll be here for Christmas! Annabelle is so excited! And we're really getting close to buying the things we need. Car seat/stroller, changing table, crib mattress, bouncy chair, boppy, bathtub, etc.. Yikes, seems like a lot of stuff now! Luckily though, Annabelle makes it a point every trip we make to Target to pick a couple things out. She's going to be a great big sister - as long as that jealous streak doesn't come out! Good thing Grandma and Grandpa will be here to spoil her as a distraction!!

First Day of School

Another year begins. We sent Annabelle off to school again - First Grade!! She loves it - but isn't the first day always fun? She was disappointed when she found out a few of her friends from last year weren't in her class, but when she saw them in the cafeteria and at recess she felt better. And a couple boys from last year are in her class, so she felt comfortable there. I told her it would be ok and she said she is excited to make new friends. She really likes her teacher, and loves that she has "two recesses" - actually one recess and a "walk and talk" time. Looks like it will be another good year!

Annabelle's 6th Birthday

What a fun day! Erika, Tim, Lindsay and Brendan stopped by on their way to Richmond to fly back to VT. And our favorite neighbors Rob, Kim, Caleb & Sydney came over as well. The kids enjoyed the cake - imagine that!!

I'm Feeling Blue - But In The Best Way!

Well today was a great day!! We found out I'm having a BOY!! Quite a surprise and we are super excited! I don't think the smile has left Tony's face since he left the Dr.'s office! He is definitely on cloud 9. So new territory for my family. After 8 girls between me, my sisters and our girls I think we're all excited to learn how to raise a boy! Now the name game begins!

Fun With Cousins

This weekend we went to visit Derek, Kelli & Xavier in North Carolina! Got to see their new house - which is absolutely gorgeous! They treated us to a Mud Cats baseball game on Saturday night, which was so fun - especially since the Mud Cats won!! Then on Sunday Kelli and I took the kids to the pool!! Big thanks to Derek and Kelli for their hospitality - we had fun hanging out!!

Halfway There!

Well, today is officially my halfway point - if you take the dates the Dr.'s tell you! But it's a cool point to know I've passed. I'm 140 days along, and I have 140 days to go. Whew!! All downhill from here! Ha!!

Beer Belly or Baby Belly?

Well, the whole point of this blog was to keep up on the baby status. So, I guess I owe a pic of how I'm popping along. I took this pic myself at work, and stuck my belly out the best I could - which I also do when I'm out in public! Must emphasize it's baby belly! I know soon I'll be wishing for the smaller belly. Although I am past the point of wearing loose shirts and regular pants - they're all tight now anyway! So I've shifted my entire wardrobe to my maternity shirts and pants, and I'm much more comfortable!! I can't believe in just over four months a new addition will be here! But if I recall, those last two or three months will seem like an eternity, so I know there will be plenty of time for it to sink in!

He's Still a Ford Truck Man

I almost forgot, Tony got to get a new/used truck yesterday! It's super nice, too! That's the good news. The bad news is we now have a car payment - yuk! Oh well, it was inevitible. Tony went to 7-11 the other day and I was on the porch when he pulled out of the driveway. His truck sounded like it was going to fall apart! So, while we still had the option of the trade-in we went ahead and said goodbye to Big Blue. It was kind-of sad leaving his old truck, it had been very good to us over the last 6 years!! And we used it hard over those 6 years. But this new truck is so nice - leather seats, and it has the full four doors, with plenty of room in the back for the new car seat!

B-day Party at Bluebird Gap Farm

Today Annabelle and I went to a birthday party at Bluebird Gap Farm. It was such a fun time, despite the 95+ degree day. Fortunately everything was set up under a huge canopy so we had shade and a nice breeze. The girls took off and looked at all the animals, so I didn't get any pics of them enjoying them, but plenty of them enjoying cake!

Baltimore

We went up to Baltimore for the weekend to see the Sox take on the O's. Always a good time - especially when the Sox win!! Derek and Kelli battled the traffic to come up and watch Saturday's game with us. We had such a good time! Then we hit the Aquarium on Sunday before heading home. Annabelle had a good time - since Sunday was all about her!

Tests, tests, tests

The good news for today is, at my appointment earlier this month they drew (more) blood for the quad screen. I am having every possible test done, like I did with Annabelle, but especially now because of my age. I got a letter in the mail yesterday from my Dr.'s Office that the tests all came back negative!! Yay!! Getting that letter was a nice relief! The big day, though, is August 21st! We will know what to buy: pink or blue!

Just Starting

Ok, well while in Vermont, having a fun, fun weekend with the WHOLE family, my sisters shamed me into starting a blog. I have thought about it and been wanting to anyway, so my family up North and on the West Coast could stay updated, but haven't had time. So enough shame, I'm doing it! But for now, back to work!!