My New Love

I have had such a relaxing past four days and definitely feel well rested for my insane week (work is nuts this coming week)! Anyway, I just had to share my new found love. Today was the first day that I finally got to the gym to swim laps (with a kick board most of the time!) Up until this point I have felt a bit nervous to do anything differently as everything has been going so well. But, my doctor recommended getting into the water to help with water weight and to get my blood moving. It was the most amazing feeling to literally feel weightless. I know it's nothing new as we all have been in the water at some point or another, but being so pregnant with all this extra weight it really felt so amazing. That is until I had to get out and climb up the ladder and was quickly reminded of all that extra lbs that I am carrying! However, I went straight from the pool for a Spa Pedicure and met my girlfriend Jessica right after for lunch. Such a great day to kick off my Sunday and get me geared up for the work week. I highly recommend that if you are prego to find a pool and swim...you won't regret it!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, family and naps....well and maybe a Seahawk's win too! I am very thankful for having each and everyone of you in our lives and truly feel so blessed to have the life I have. Happy Turkey Day!

"My Son"

So I just had a weird and exciting moment happen! To sum it up I have been trying to come up with the perfect gift for my mom and mother-in-law for putting together my upcoming baby shower with Robynn. My girlfriend Leah had the best idea (can't share just yet as it's still a surprise!). Anyway, I was on the phone with the gal to order the gift for my mom and had to explain who the gift was for, etc. Without even thinking about it I said, "It's for my mom and my son." After I hung up the phone I realized I just said "my son" for the first time! I have said our baby a lot but never once have I referred to him as my son. It was so natural and just slipped out of my mouth. I guess things are starting to become more of a reality as we get closer! Can't wait.

Birth Class

Yesterday was our first birth class of the 4 week series. We actually both really enjoyed it and are by far the fun couple of the class! As my girlfriend Ashley said, "We will be the teachers pets" by the end of the series. I have to admit I totally agree. There are about 7 couples total, all due within the same month and all but 1 with their first baby. It was interesting to hear each person describe what comes to mind when they think of labor. Every single person said pain or fear. Which really does not represent the feelings Chris or I are having at this point. I honestly can say that I am not scared and am really looking forward to experiencing this miracle of life. I guess at this point I am just viewing this class as an opportunity to absorb information and give us the tools to have a positive birth experience. Maybe the fear will set in as we get closer but I do believe knowledge builds confidence and this class will give us the knowledge we need to at least have some what of a clue as to what we are doing. Anyway, this class focused on a few key breathing exercises, exercises for building my muscles for birth, how to time contractions, relaxation techniques and the overall anatomy of a pregnant women. Next week we really get into the stages of labor...the good, bad and ugly! So until then I will be doing my daily homework of breathe work, positive visualization of being in labor, squats to help build my legs muscles in case I have to be in the squatting position to deliver, pelvic tilts to build the back muscle and kegal exercises to help during pushing and to prevent having to wear Depends later in life!! 9 more weeks and counting!

Flashbacks & Surprises

This weekend was a busy one! I definitely think from here on out I need to chill out a bit more and not book my calendar so much as it is starting to catch up with me. I just don’t know how to lay around very well.

Anyway, Saturday we went up to our friend Brenda & Tylers house in Magnolia for a Crab Feed & “Crapple Cup” Bash. It was really fun to get together with some Cougs we haven’t seen in a really long time. Watching the game and catching up with old friends really brought back a lot of memories of roaming the streets of Pullman. I definitely feel very blessed to have had such an incredible college experience. There is just something that bonds you to fellow Cougs that you knew during those days that no matter how much time has passed you still have this sense of family. Those years were some of the best times of my life. Who would have ever thought that I would have met my future husband at WSU! So thankful to have met a life partner that fully understands the connection and experience living in the Palouse gives you. Maybe one day I will get to go back for Mom’s Weekend! After the Coug Bash, I headed out to the New Kids On the Block Concert with my friend Ryan from work. I was a HUGE NKOTB fan in elementary school. My mom recently found a letter I wrote to them in 4th grade asking them to come perform at our talent show, so funny. It was comically how much they all look and sound the same. Pretty funny and oh so entertaining. I don’t think I have heard girls scream like that ever! I actually started to get worried that our poor baby might be a bit alarmed by the noise, so I took my bulky sweater off and put it around my belly and my purse in front of where his head is to try to muffle the noise. I guess after a day of Cougs and NKOTB he probably was ready for some peace and quiet.

And, to top off the eventful weekend I was pleasantly surprised that my bedding came in! They originally told me it would take up to mid-December but it came in early! My mother-in-law and I picked it up yesterday and put it all together. It looks amazing! Once I get the crib sheets on I will take some pics and show you all. But, until my showers are over I am not buying anything else so it will be a couple weeks until I post pics.

Anyway, we start our birth classes tomorrow. I will let you all know how it goes. I am really looking forward to the 4 week series as I am sure it will start to really hit home for Chris that we are having a baby and exactly what role he gets to play during the birth. :o)

30 week ultrasound

We had a 30 week ultrasound today and here are a couple pics of our little boy. Once I get the DVD uploaded I will put a clip of that too so you can see him in action!

30 weeks - face shot

Baby Face w/ Hands -

Baby Boy Parts - cute butt cheeks in the right corner and his package hanging down...it's HUGE looking! LOL

Baby Face Shot

Parking

Today I had an interesting turn of events and a bit of an embarrassing moment! To sum it up I was pulling into a parking garage at MS, where parking is really hard to find at times and instantly saw front row parking. I thought, "yes, VIP parking what a great way to start the day!" I pulled in to the spot, got out and started to walk away and thought to myself "it says compact I sure hope someone doesn't park real close to me." As you know I am now driving an SUV and am still getting used to the change from a sports car. Anyway, I proceeded to my meeting not worrying about the compact spot and didn't think about it again until the end of the day. My co-worker Ty needed a ride after the meeting so he and I were walking back to my car and I said to him half jokingly, "I sure hope someone didn't park too close to me as I may not be able to get in!" We both put our stuff in the car and he gets in. I approach the driver side open the door and attempt to get in the car but wait my belly doesn't fit. I tried to turn sideways towards the left and then towards the right and finally said 'Ty, I don't think I can fit!" He then said, "Can you try it belly first and then wiggle in?" So, I turned facing the opening and nope just belly...no way my hips were also getting in that little spot. At this point we were both laughing so hard. I had to have him get out and pull my car out of the parking spot for me. Needless to say it was one of the funniest moments I have had thus far in the pregnancy and a tad bit embarrassing. However, he and his wife just had a little girl a couple months ago so totally can relate. I guess bottom line is I can't get tempted by those VIP parking spots anymore and need to find the ones that offer a bit more room for my big rig and big belly! I am only 30 weeks...can't imagine how hard it's going to be as we continue on.