The Nursery: What to Do

I remember reading some chat rooms at BabyCenter.com when I was about 13 weeks pregnant and many of the mothers were already obsessing over nursery themes. I thought these folks to be out of their mind! I mean, I barely even knew we were having a little girl at that point and was much more focused on trying to get the rest of the house in order. March was years away in my mind!

Now that it's December and "the rest of the house" is slowly being put together (why is it so hard to find the furniture you want when you want it?) and our little girl's room sits empty (well, right now it sits full of Christmas presents for everyone as it's the wrapping room), but you get the point.

Since Thanksgiving, I've been feverishly trying to figure out how we want to decorate and what color furniture we want to put in the room. Keith likes white furniture. For the record, so do I, but I have this vision of dark cherry or other dark furniture to compliment light pink walls with mocha accents. All of the bedding and accessories that are pink and mocha tend to have "off white" coloring that doesn't look quite right next to a white crib and furniture. And then, there's the issue of "Crib for Life" for "Crib for just two years."

Everyone is happy to offer wonderful advice. But advice, like individuals, varies and in the end really isn't all that helpful. So and so loves her crib for life, but this other person would rather just get a toddler bed and grown up furniture later. For those of you who have offered advice, please don't misunderstand. I appreciate the thoughts and ideas, but in the end, it is still a choice that Keith and I have to make and one that seems to be difficult for me (Keith is sold on Cribs for Life). We did agree on colors, so we're going to move forward with painting and decorating even though we still (and again by we, I mean I) have not resolved the crib issue. Don't worry, Aunt Betty, thanks to Tami, we'll have the bassinet when she arrives so you don't have to worry about us sleeping with her (let's remember I do work in health care and I know the scary statistics about infant deaths)!

So, back to the nursery. Pink and Mocha. But what will we do with pink and mocha? I found a crib set to base some ideas off of (again, no, Aunt Betty I'm not putting anything but a baby in that crib), but the set has lots of fun accessories that I do want use...diaper bag, rug, blanket for later, cute sheets and numerous other things to spend our hard earned cash on. I am leaning towards Carter's Love Bug collection and have ordered some letters for Kate. You can check them out at: http://www.dimplesanddandelions.com/product_details.asp?Product_ID=8921. We're putting these schemes together (hopefully today) so that Keith can paint and begin the process while he is off this week! We have the name of an artist who paint murals inexpensively and are considering using her to help add some flair to the room. Stay tuned...much more to come in the next couple of weeks!

Blooming Belly Resemble Ol' St. Nick!

Okay, so perhaps the belly isn't quite as large as Santa's, yet, but some days I feel as if I am carrying a bowl full of jelly instead a sweet baby! And then, she begins to bump around and "dance" or stretch or whatever it is she does and I am quickly reminded of the precious cargo I'm hauling.

Shopping and Working: That's My Exercise!

As many of you know this is the hospital's very busy time of year so I've been working like crazy since the beginning of November trying to finish planning for 2008 (not done, yet) and bouncing from event to event (all done). We managed to squeeze quite a bit of shopping in between all of the events to finalize registries and narrow down our options for nursery funiture. Yes, that's right, we (and by we I mean I) STILL haven't decided on furniture. You'll have to check out the next posting for details on the nursery because there's too much to say for just one update!

Keith is amazed that I'm still able to pull off ridiculous hours at work and walk for hours around shopping malls and baby registry places, but my feet are beginning to complain a bit. The veins have really popped on my ankles and now I've noticed that I can't wear some of my work shoes! Uh oh. Edema sets in, but truly only mildly and I'm still way lucky. Just take a look at the shoes I wore to Keith's Christmas party this year and for my birthday!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Things have been happening so fast, my birthday came and went before I knew it. Keith treated me to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse--I was feeling a bit full since a little someone decided to sit way high last night. I opted for sides, salad and lobster bisque. We topped it off with some Banana Creme Pie that I'd been craving for about a month now! Of course, I could only squeeze in a couple of bites, but it'll make for a tasty treat later today!

Celebrating my 36th birthday seems a bit surreal. I can still remember so many pieces of my life clearly: My first communion--I felt so pretty in that dress. Never prettier until my wedding day. Not making the cheerleading squad and crying with my dad as he rocked and comforted me...don't worry, you'll find something else he said (thank God for the yearbook), finding the green bomb in the garage on my 17th birthday (I did appreciate it, really I did!), moving into my dorm room at FSU and then my apartment in Ithaca at Cornell (thanks, Joe for taking the tempermental Z28--just sorry I totaled the EXP a few years later). Then there were more recent milestones: my job interview at FARO--how I knew it was the perfect job for me, meeting Keith and riding the Montu at Busch Gardens on our first date. Something strange happened as we ascended the first hill and I looked to him for comfort, I had this strange sense of security and peace that I remember still today. Our wedding day. The Teralani 2 in Hawaii during our honeymoon (Keith says I don't remember it, but I do...the sunset was amazing). Walking up the stairs at Notre Dame. And discovering that I was pregnant. All moments of amazing joy and emotion. Just to think there are a lifetime more to come with our litle girl chokes me up and I look forward to her many firsts and helping her find her dreams.

As Keith and I reminisce about the last 10 years, we're amazed at the experiences we've shared and how quickly they all seem to have occured. Some events seem like yesterday. With a baby on the way, we know life will become even more of a blurr. We intend to savor each precious day--even the bad ones!

Holy Cow, she Moves!

As soon as week 17 hit, I started trying to pay more attention to every single gastric noise and movement in my belly fearful that I was feeling our precious baby move and blaming it instead on gas. By week 20, I still hadn't felt the baby move and was starting to wonder if I'd ever feel anything.

Then, during week 20, I felt something different. Sure, it could be gas or my stomach grumbling, but there was something different about this. It wasn't a "flutter" as my books and friends described, but I couldn't come up with a way to describe what I was feeling. At the end of the week, on our way to dinner with friends, I knew I felt a little something nudge me from inside as I drove down the rode. It was so prominent that even Keith felt the disturbance.

By now, the movement is sometimes so prominent that you can see my clothes move. I didn't expect that to happen until well into the 8th or 9th month, so you can imagine my surprise. At first these sudden jabs caught me off guard, causing me to jump right in my seat during meeting or wherever!

I also have noticed a very interesting pattern. When I work late or don't eat at a decent hour, I start to feel the movement. Hmm. Can't think of a scientific reason for this, but at least it reminds me to grab a bite to eat!

Over the Hump!

My pregnancy books (there are three I am reading) all congratulated me on reaching the halfway point. Hard to believe since I am still relatively small and many strangers don't immediately recognize my pregnancy (though more and more definitely are). Since then, I feel as if I'm in panic mode because we haven't made much progress on our many projects.

Between working late hours and visiting with family, the last two weeks are truly a blur (and no, I'm not sipping any vino)! I received a speeding ticket somewhere in there and I wish I could have told the officer to just give it to time since I was trying to catch up to it. I figured that wouldn't really help my case much so I just took the ticket and will enjoy spending 4 hours in traffic school instead of working on something productive.

Time slowed down a little bit when I took off for Detroit to visit my mother last weekend (Nov. 1-4). We had quite the slumber party in my hotel room chatting like teenagers about everything and nothing. I also spent some wonderful quality time with my grandparents (I finally met my match when it comes to Yahtzee)!

When I returned home to Florida, the temperature finally dipped from the oppressive daily high of 90 degrees to a beautiful high of 70-75 degrees. One problem, though. All of the clothes that still fit...well, they are summer clothes. Getting dressed in the morning has grown into a major production. Thank goodness my sister Tami came to visit me this weekend. We had a full day of shopping and I was able to pick up a few much-needed blouses and new pants for work! We also spent the day researching the never-ending, overwhelming number of products made for babies these days. We went through a number of stores and now I hope to spend time this week making some decisions and getting my registry in order. For all of you new moms out there, let me know if you have a product you definitely do or don't recommentd! Believe me, I could use the help!

Bigger and Rounder!

In the last two weeks, my belly has grown much rounder and bigger! This week people I don't know very well feel free to pat my stomach. "My, you're really starting to show," they say. And tonight, my wonderful, supportive loving husband Keith who happens to be folding laundry (so I don't want to complain too much) exclaimed, "Wow! My Sweetie really looks pregnant." Could I have imagined the pride I sensed in his exclamation?

So, what do you think?

Two weeks ago, I cleaned the closet and removed almost all of the small, cute shirts and clothes that I noticed my belly hanging out...kind of like the one to the left here. I guess I missed one--or perhaps I've expanded in the last two weeks.

It's been almost 20 days since we learned we are having a little girl and we (I) still haven't settled on a name. Our first choice so far is Kate Elizabeth, but I am still going to keep looking through the books to be sure. Feel free to weigh in on your thoughts for a great name!

Pink it Is!

I apologize for making you wait soooo long to find out, but it's been a busy week and I'm just getting a chance to sit at the computer to update you all.

So, all of you who thought for sure we were having a boy...you are WRONG. Our little beauty was not shy at all during the ultrasound on Wednesday, so we're not worried that there's a mistake. My sister Tami said she must be like her mother--I wonder what is that supposed to mean?!

Our angel behaved very well. She flipped and turned in all directions so we could get a pretty good look at her from all angles. Thank goodness because the true purpose of the test is to check for down syndrome. We were able to get amazing photos and see her heart (all four chambers), check for club feet (no signs of that), cleft palate and numerous other items that all checked out great.

We couldn't be happier, though I'd say we're both a little nervous at what the teenage years will bring. And, of course, we know the clothing bill just tripled! Regardless, we are so happy to know what we are having so we can focus in on the girl names and work on a plan for the nursery.

Girl? Boy? This Is the Week We Find Out!

To say that Keith and I are looking forward to the ultrasound on Wednesday, would be a huge understatement. Both of us have grown weary of calling our precious child "it." And, as soon as I refer to Bambino as "he" (usually when I'm referring to stubborness or how uncomfortable I am), people ask if I think it's a boy or point out that I must think it's a boy. The truth is, I have absolutely no clue. There are equal numbers of folks guessing boy as there are guessing girl. One minute, I think it could be a boy and then the next, I think it's probably a girl. Keith is hoping upon hope for a boy, but I know if we have a girl he'll love her just as much!

Last week I hosted our neighborhood Bunco group and told my gal pals around the hood my great news. So now, I finally can let it all hang out...which you can see I'm starting to do! As you can see from this week's photo, I have broken down and purchased my first pair of maternity jeans. Of course, I couldn't miss the opportunity to wear jeans to work last Friday for our annual Heart Walk fundraiser and next week for the Lee National Denim Day! These new jeans fit nicely, but also have plenty of room for some growth.

I'm still far too busy at work--that hasn't changed--and I'm bracing myself for the next couple of really busy months when we have event after event. Thank goodness I'm not as tired as I have been because I'll need the energy, not only for work, but also for the never-ending projects we hope to accomplish before Bambino arrives....

We sold our famous desk a couple of weeks ago and now we have yet another decorating project to accomplish. The plan is to do the office during October, the guest bedroom in November and the baby's room in December. We'll see how that works out! Let's not forget the mountain of photos I have to put into albums before this baby arrives (yes, six years worth)!!

Stay tuned for the update everyone is waiting for!

Look, It's a Baby!

It's hard to believe that the tiny bean image I looked at in July has grown so quickly to become this adorable baby (um, well, it's adorable to me)! As you can see, Bambino Macfarlane has a very healthy looking spine, a big head, and tiny feet and hands. Although I can't feel a thing, this baby was quite mobile when we took this pictures on September 7.

Last week, I finally told work about the pregnancy. Everyone was thrilled. I was especially pleased by all the hootin' and hollerin' my former co-workers Amanda and Maybelline both displayed when I told them. They are right up there with my mom as far as exciting reactions!

Then, as soon as I told work, it's like Bambino had permission to show itself to the world because the next day my stomach expanded. I complained in my last post about clothing, but I had no idea what fun was in store for me. It took me 40 minutes to try on every blouse and sweater twinset in my closet this morning. I think I have 3 things that fit. Don't believe me--my waist has grown an inch in 1 week! I'm certain this sudden expansion has more to do with gas than a growth spurt by Bambino, but an expansion nonetheless! It's really exciting to begin showing, but at the same time, I am extremely uncomfortable. I'm really going to have to learn how to eat smaller meals!

We will find out the sex of Bambino on October 3, so we're very excited about that so we can narrow down the name search. Initially, I thought we'd have a name picked out before we knew the sex, but we're still digging through the books for the perfect gem.

Keith's telling me it's time for bed, so until next time...

Week 12-First Trimester Ends!

With the first trimester coming to a close, I keep expecting to magically feel an amazing surge of energy. It hasn't happened quite yet, but I'm very hopeful! I suppose it's improving, but I'm not quite buzzing around like I'd like to be.

I still am going to bed very early and sleeping in very late. Since I haven't told work yet, I keep wondering when someone is going to ask what's going on with me! I am so excited to let the cat out of the bag next week. Keith and I agreed to wait until the end of the first trimester and now my boss is out on vacation, so I'll share the big news when he gets back.

While I've managed to only gain a couple pounds this trimester, my clothes grow tighter and more uncomfortable every day. I've already started using the hair band to loop my buttons and give me an extra inch. I also picked up a couple of new skirts in the next size up.

Keith and I have been searching through the baby books our dear friends Tara and Andy sent us. Wow. Have you seen some of these names? We're especially struggling with the boys names. We've ruled out more than we like. And, by the way, being one of the last of friends and family to have a baby certainly hasn't left us with much choice for original names. No matter how desperate we are for originality...we're still not considering Angus, Vicki!

Stay tuned...

Finally Pregnant!

Soon it will have been two whole months since that July 9th Monday morning when I was shocked to see the plus sign show up on the home pregnancy test. Keith and I had just returned home late the night before from our vacation in Washington D.C. and were taking the day off to recoup from the trip. Instead, we zoomed off to Dr. Trolice's to get a blood test because I was in complete denial that we were actually finally pregnant. It wasn't until my ultrasound three weeks later that I really felt certain that this was for real! Something about seeing that tiny heart beat fluttering away really took my breath away!

For those who don't know (like there's anyone on Earth who doesn't), Keith and I have been trying to get pregnant for quite some time and finally visited a fertility specialist last January. Lots of testing and just a little bit of Clomid later...here we are! Thanks, Dr. Trolice!

So here I am, at 11 weeks and I'm just now getting around to starting this blog! The two things that are most surprising to me so far:
1. How tired I am. People warned me, but I had no idea. I thought they were full of#@!. They weren't. I used to go to bed as late as midnight or 1am and still be up for work, but now, I'm in bed and ready for shut-eye by 10p. Keith is really enjoying that.

2. How finicky of an eater I've become. I'm trying so hard to eat well and really finding it almost impossible right now. Keith is really not enjoying this. But, he is very, very supportive.

So, now that it's 8:51p, I need to go find my jammies, brush my teeth and get in bed so I can read before I fall asleep!