Introducing Audrey Anneliese

It's hard to believe it's been almost a week since I went into labor!  I was positive that our little girl was going to come late, but she came a day early.  We are so glad she did! Here's a glimpse of our lives with a baby.

Wearing her first cloth diaper

Sleeping...she does this a lot!

She spends a LITTLE bit of time doing this, too (not much though!)

We're all a bit tired around here, but we are doing well!!

Stick A Fork In Me.....

...Cause I'm done!  Okay, so I really have 3.5 days until my due date, but I feel ready.  Unfortunately, the doctor thinks I'm going to be late.  I've been counting on this, since everyone in my family births late.  Boo.  I was hoping I would be the anomaly.  Oh well, it really would be better for Joel's schedule if the little one shows up later than expected.  I think it would really be better for my back if she decided to arrive early :)  What do I know, though?

Look At Me Grow!

9 weeks old!  We called her Lima Bean at this stage, because that's kinda what she looked like

13 weeks and 3 days old.  This is one of my favorite US pic's of her.  She looks like she's smiling and doing a fist pump. It was comforting for me to see her looking happy as I was going through a really difficult life situation at this stage.

20 weeks and 3 days.  It was during this US session that we found out we were having a GIRL!

37 weeks and 1 day.  Look at her sweet cheeks!!  For those of you who have a hard time distinguishing what is what...this is a head shot.  It almost looks like she's folding her hands in front of her face and praying.


We are READY for you, Little Lima Bean!! (We promise not to call you that after you are born)

This Is What I Look Like Pregnant According to a Kindergartner

My niece found me to be a VERY interesting subject to draw the last time I visited her.  Kindergarten spelling translation is "Baby."  

Bun in the Oven

I usually think that the term "Bun in the Oven" is silly and I don't use it, but I think it will work well for this blog post.  You see, this oven is about ready to be done cooking.  I'm not saying that I want our little bundle of joy to come early, because I don't! Although if God had made full term pregnancy 36 weeks instead of 40, I definitely would not complain. I AM ready to be done with morning sickness (or more like all day sickness) and I would like to enjoy eating again. Will I really enjoy consuming food again?  That prospect seems so impossible right now.  Anyway,  only 3 weeks and 4 days left.  Yes, I'm totally counting.

It's All About the BABY

I have approximately 4 weeks of pregnancy left.  Here's what I've been doing:

1) Sitting at the supper table for an exorbitant amount of time.  For some reason, I can barely choke down that last meal of the day.  Joel usually has put all the left-overs away, checked facebook and read the newspaper by the time I'm finally done.  I feel like a kid again...banished to the table until all my peas are gone (I used to sit at the table for hours trying to choke those nasty boogers down)

2)  Buying, buying, buying stuff.  Why does such a wee little being cost so much money?

3)  Thanking the heavens that it is FINALLY cooler outside.  It's really amazing how much my inner thermostat has changed.  Joel is usually cold at night and I'm HOT even with a fan blowing directly on me.

4)  Deciding what to pack in my hospital bag.  Any suggestions?

5)  Convincing Joel not to be nervous about the birth of our child....although, I'm quite frightened of the  pain I will soon be enduring.

6)  Measuring my girth.  Holy Moly.  The circumference of my waist has grown 14 inches.  Is it really possible to get my pre-baby body back?

7)  Imagining what our baby girl will look like.  She resembles  Joel's side of the family in one of her ultrasound pic's.

8)  Wondering how I will function while severely lacking sleep.

9)  Picturing that glorious day when I can order a Diet Coke at a restaurant and ask for refills.

10) Sleeping with four pillows.  One in front, one in behind, one at my head and the last one between my knees.  It takes a lot to support this watermelon I'm growing.  I had such a hard time getting into bed last night that Joel woke up and asked "what's wrong?" (We have a rather high bed....and turning is no easy feat either). I stated "I'm just trying to get into bed."  He replied, "Well, don't push yourself so hard!"  Who knew that a simple task like getting into bed would be so difficult??

Things I Love/Hate About Pregnancy

Things I Love: (this is not in any specific order)

1)  People are so chivalrous when around pregnant ladies.  I feel like a movie star when I ride on the train/subway.  So many people offer me their seats.  People hold doors open.  They offer to carry heavy items.  I fully enjoy this.

2)  It seems that my large belly makes me seem very approachable.  Many strangers have talked to me due to my pregnancy.

3)  People constantly exclaim, "You look amazing!"  Even strangers compliment my appearance.  It's nice to hear these affirming words when you feel like a hippo.

4)  Cravings.  I'm really fortunate because I do not crave chocolate, burgers, pizza and most other junk foods.  I do like an occasional ice cream cone, but right now I'm REALLY in love with oranges.

5).  Joel.  Obviously I love him when I'm not pregnant, but he seems extra sweet now that I'm carrying our child....He helps me down the stairs when I'm wearing heals, makes sure I don't trip when hiking (on a very EASY path).  He also makes me fruit smoothies all the time.  He even read "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" to me.  Isn't he the best??


Things I Don't Like About Pregnancy:

1)  My hair is thicker.  I had extremely thick hair before I was pregnant.  Now, it's just insane.  My hair dresser told me I have enough hair for five people right now.  Imagine drying all of that in the heat of summer.  Bleck.  I know most women like this aspect of pregnancy, but I'm not one of them!

2)  Some people like to point out that my face looks fuller.  Maybe it's true.  Okay, so I know it is true.  What's a pregnant girl to do?  I regularly eat oatmeal for breakfast, eggs for lunch and salad for supper.  I snack on fruit.   I exercise.   Oh well...

3)  I really miss drinking Diet Coke.  Throw in a glass of red wine with that...

4)  Food options are more limited then I thought, too...No blue cheese (sniff sniff) or deli sandwiches.

5)  A lot of people are VERY opinionated about child rearing, schooling (I hear a lot about this since my husband is a principal) pregnancy, delivery, foods you should and should not eat...you name it.  I have to admit that I am, too.  People just don't know my opinions (unless you happen to be my sister or husband:)   I've decided to listen to people's advice, but to take it all with a grain of salt.