tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77931231583247848832024-02-21T06:20:18.470-08:00Baby Bishop 2009DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-61968877627179937272010-01-27T08:35:00.000-08:002010-01-27T08:38:20.135-08:00Babies are like...I've started a new series of graphics comparing babies to various pop culture figures. It's my way of coping with the unexpected discoveries of new fatherhood.<br /><a href="http://paul-bishop.blogspot.com/search/label/Babies">Babies</a> are like...DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-13598251443360592292010-01-05T13:17:00.000-08:002010-01-05T13:35:00.351-08:00Post Partum (Dad)Okay, so we're a little late in posting to the blog since Lucas Franklin was born on December 17th, 2009. I could write about any number of things, and perhaps, if the little guy gives us a breather once in a while, we'll try to do so. For now, I thought it would be appropriate to simply state that mother and child are doing quite well and daddy couldn't be happier. Danielle's spending this week home alone with Lucas, and I can tell it's a little stressful. Still, Lucas is adorable (no bias!) and I hate being away from him all day. Fortunately, there are photos of him hanging on all the bulletin boards at work so I get to see him whenever I go back for coffee (which is quite frequent now that I don't sleep for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time!).<br /><br />One thing I'd like to note is that I don't recognize Lucas. For the longest time, I had no idea what to expect when he finally arrived, yet somehow, I always thought I'd recognize him. Not the case. Some say he's got my eyes or nose, but I just don't see it. He seems like a completely unique and different human being from either of us. And this is a good thing! Just unexpected. It's amazing to me that from Danielle's and my combined DNA, a completely new person has been created. I can't wait to get to know him better! I already wonder if he'll be good at sports or math or singing or writing. I want to hear his voice and experience his sense of humor. I wonder if he'll be good with girls or public speaking or science or art. I just don't know! And that makes it hard to be a father because I want to nurture whatever innate skills and predispositions he has, but I don't know what they are! What if he wants to be an actor?! Or a dancer?!?<br /><br />Still, I've got some time to think about it. Meanwhile, I love experiencing each new baby milestone like when he tries out a new sound or flails his arms in a slightly more coordinated manner. Already he follows us pretty closely with his eyes, and when I hold up his pacifier at the right distance, he opens his mouth... sort of. Could just be coincidence ;-)<br /><br />This week's big ordeal is he's got a little baby acne breakout. As someone who STILL deals with the affliction on a regular basis, I hope my greatest genetic contribution is not his oily skin, but the doctor says he should regain his baby soft face soon enough. On the other hand, the doctor says he has quite a great looking butt. I wasn't exactly sure how to take this, but let's just say I'll keep a very close eye on the doctor for a while...<br /><br />Parental life is exhausting, surprising, and wonderful. There's nothing more satisfying than to have a sleeping baby on your chest or to feed him a bottle while he gazes up at you with his bottomless blue eyes. <br /><br />The adventure has just begun!DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-19883461152323905842009-12-16T12:43:00.000-08:002009-12-16T15:48:29.205-08:00Creating Memories (Dad)Lately I've been considering all the ways I can document our son's birth along with all the firsts that will occur over the next year. We've purchased a camcorder so that we can easily carry it along to holiday gatherings and other places, so at least we'll capture all the milestones. We even started a video journal for little Wendell, taking some footage of his nursery room and recording a message before he arrives.<br /><br />But it's so easy to get carried away with this stuff. For example, I considered buying a really nice still camera to take lots of high-quality photos; Danielle has the materials to start scrapbook, to knit scarves, and to create photo montages; and I've even thought about writing short stories from the point of view of an expecting father. There's just no limit to the amount of creative memory-keeping projects you can do! As a self-proclaimed writer, blogger, and movie maker, I feel sort of obligated to use these talents for the sake of my future son... and yet I wonder if it's not possible to go a little overboard.<br /><br />Perhaps a little scarcity in the photo-taking and movie-making might be healthy. After all, how much more do I cherish the few movies that exist of my childhood because of the paucity of materials! Would I get the same nostalgic chills watching old movies if I had hundreds of hours of it, perfectly preserved? And the end goal is not to commit EVERY moment to film so that nothing is forgotten. Forgetfulness can be a blessing, too!<br /><br />I suppose, like all things, there's a balance between capturing too many moments on film and too few. It'll be nice to be able to put together collages and montages for special events over the years, but perhaps it removes some of the fun if it's ALWAYS expected. Perhaps childhood is best preserved in our memories where details are provided not through celluoid or other storage media, but through fuzzy, imperfect neural connections which fill in the blanks with magic and wonder. <br /><br />Things to consider moving forward. After all, the idea is to prepare our son for the future; not to create an immersive past he's afraid of leaving behind.DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-73439923883487728792009-12-15T11:35:00.000-08:002009-12-15T14:34:29.360-08:00Appointment and H1N1 vaccineMy appointment last night went pretty well. I met with the final doctor in the practice and he was of the same opinion as the last two... that we can wait this out and should be able to deliver naturally. This made me feel a lot more relaxed. After measuring and feeling my belly, this doctor thinks our boy is just approaching the 9 pound mark now. This is both a relief (I've been afraid that he was already 10 pounds) and also terrifying (for obvious reasons). I still have no progress, of course, but we all know that can change at any time. Our next appointment is scheduled for Monday, when they will also do a stress test since I'll be past my due date at that point, just to make sure baby is doing okay. <br /><br />Ah the H1N1 flu shot. For a long time I was set against getting it because I was afraid of side effects and because it hadn't been tested very well. But after knowing several people that have had this flu and were miserable, Paul and I decided that maybe it would be a good idea to go ahead and get it. Besides the shot being recommended for pregnant women, it has been pushed towards caretakers and guardians of infants under the age of 6 months. So I found a Walgreen's out by our house that was distributing them today and Paul and I took early lunches and met there at 11:15. Turns out, we were just in time. We got two of the last four vaccines that they had. Whew! We were there for over an hour, but at least they had a place to sit and nice people working there. I think we're both relieved to have that taken care of. <br /><br />I love the holidays. So many yummy cookies and goodies around the office! I think I'll go have another sugar cookie (because this baby isn't already big enough)! :)DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-29785950510870194702009-12-14T08:31:00.000-08:002009-12-14T09:25:28.569-08:0039 and a half weeks (Mom)We never thought I’d still be pregnant at this point, but here I am, still pregnant and still at work. I’m doing alright though. I’m a little uncomfortable and it’s hard to move around, but other than that I feel really good! But the waiting is taking its toll on me because of the concern over complications. The more time that goes by, the larger the baby gets and the more worried I become about being able to deliver him naturally. The doctors have been great at letting us play it by ear up till this point, and encouraging us to try to do things the way we would prefer to. But even I am starting to get anxious about it now. I just don’t want to make a bad decision that could affect the wellbeing of my son’s life, and the fear increases with each day that passes with no sign of his arrival. I would much rather deal with recovering from a c-section than living with making a bad decision. I go back to the doctor again tonight and am meeting with the last doctor in the practice that I have not seen before. I’m hoping that he will offer us some guidance, or better yet miraculously tell us that we have some progress and can go to the hospital right away to induce! <br /><br />Work has gotten very boring for me this last week or so. Don’t get me wrong, I am VERY appreciative of the low stress levels that I have these days. Everyone has been absolutely wonderful at letting me ease my way out of doing my regular duties here. Not to mention that they have all been very encouraging and sympathetic as well. But I do feel a little strange being here and not really doing much. I would use vacation time and just go home and work on stuff around the house, but I really need to save all the time I have for my maternity leave. So here I am! <br /><br />Paul and I have been quite the anti-socialites lately. We have opted to stick with activities that keep us within 30 minutes of the hospital. We have also made sure to do LOTS of relaxing. We have been going to bed early, waking up late and taking lots of naps on the weekends. I think this is something we will greatly appreciate having done once the baby arrives. Paul has also put a new plan in place to keep me cheerful, where every third day that the baby hasn’t come, then Paul and I get to have a date night of some sort. This weekend we went to see the new Disney movie The Princess and the Frog at the theater. It’s been a fun way to take some of the anxiety off of us. And it keeps Paul and I very close which will be a great way to start our life as a family.DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-38729060971779393902009-12-09T08:50:00.001-08:002009-12-09T08:51:04.439-08:00Doctor's UpdateHello Again! <br /><br />I had another doctor's appointment this morning. Baby Bishop still appears to be in no hurry to enter the world. I met with a completely new doctor and he seemed to be of the same mindset as the last one. He said shoulder dystocia is very hard to predict so he doesn't see it being a huge concern at this point. He believes the baby is big, but not so big that we need to be worried. He did say that if we are concerned and want a c-section, then we can go ahead and schedule one, but he also thought that if we'd prefer a natural birth that there should be no problem with that. <br /><br />I go back to the doctor again on Monday. At that point we will just reassess again to see what the best option is. <br /><br />Again, I'm just hoping to go into labor on my own and as soon as possible. <br /><br />Love,<br />Danielle & PaulDaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-6909561982330708952009-12-07T11:07:00.000-08:002009-12-07T11:22:09.590-08:00The Waiting Game (Mom)The whole "nesting" thing is absolutely not a myth. The funny thing is, it seems to have hit Paul as much as it has hit me. The two of us just keep coming up with one project after another to work on around the house. The house is getting very organized and very clean. I think it makes us both feel happy to be at home when things are in such nice order! Plus, we put some very nice finishing touches up in the nursery! :) <br /><br />Paul had a great idea to do a little video journal for our son before he arrives. So yesterday we set up the camera in the nursery and talked to our baby boy. It was pretty cool, and I'm very glad that we did it! Good idea Dada! :) <br /><br />I'm getting extremely anxious for our boy to arrive. Less out of discomfort (although it's true that is a factor as well) than concern though. Since they were worried that he was going to be a big baby two weeks ago, every day that goes by means he has had a chance to get bigger, increasing the risks of problems trying to give birth naturally. It just makes it harder knowing that we might have to make a decision about how to handle this best. I go back to the doctor on Wednesday and I'm really hoping that they will green light inducing me on Thursday if the baby hasn't come by then. We shall see I guess. <br /><br />Come on baby boy, you're making your mommy worry!DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-49522436699657743572009-12-03T07:54:00.000-08:002009-12-03T08:12:33.675-08:0038 Weeks (Mom)Since our little guy can come anytime now, Paul and I decided that we needed one last nice date night together. So last night we went out to Maggiano's and had a lovely dinner. The food was great, the restaurant was decorated so pretty for Christmas, and we just had a really good time together. I'm very glad we had a chance to do that before our baby arrives. <br /><br />A new pattern has begun at work. When I leave work at night, I just say, "Good-night, I hope I don't see you tomorrow!" And every day I show up to work, everyone smiles and says, "still here huh?" and gives me a sympathetic look. My work has all been reassigned to Jackie and Julie for my maternity leave. The changes went into effect starting this past Monday so that I would be around to answer any questions as they came up. It's a good plan. So I have finished up pretty much all of my outstanding projects this week, which is great! But now I kind of feel like a paperweight and I'm not really sure what to do with myself here. I just answer questions if they come up and then wait around for the next one. But with how tired I am these days, it's really nice to be so unstressed at work. <br /><br />I'm having some contractions, but they're pretty irregular. They started as I was leaving work last night. But then they stopped all together aside from a couple that I felt in the middle of the night. I just keep hoping that they're at least helping to make some progress. They're back again this morning, so hopefully they're more than just Braxton Hicks. Only time will tell I guess. <br /><br />In my head, I play over and over again how I'll tell Paul that it's "time" all day long. I just can't wait to tell him that it's time to go have our baby!DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-23027134688277579672009-12-02T11:10:00.000-08:002009-12-02T11:14:12.710-08:00Oh Baby... (Mom)Okay my dear little one... I love you and I am so glad I have gotten to experience this whole pregnancy thing, but you really need to come out now.DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-55262948107661419332009-12-01T12:07:00.000-08:002009-12-01T12:08:12.557-08:00Doctor's update today!Hello Again Everyone!<br /><br />Went back to the doctor this morning. Baby Bishop doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to get here, but we all know that can change in a day (I have to tell myself this not to freak out that he won't come out). :) I met with a different doctor in the practice this morning and he seemed to think that I had no greater risk than anyone else for having to deal with shoulder dystocia. He thought that if we preferred having a natural birth then we should go ahead and try for one. We can always change our minds if we still have no progress or get concerned.<br /> <br />So again we are here hoping that I will go into labor on my own… and the sooner the better!<br /><br />Thanks for your continued support and prayers!<br /><br />Love,<br />Danielle & PaulDaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-20515024735588833092009-11-30T12:06:00.000-08:002009-11-30T12:09:24.153-08:00November 25th UpdateGood Morning Family & Friends!<br /><br />We went in this morning for our 37 week ultrasound to see how the baby is measuring. Again we were told that he is measuring ahead of schedule, though not quite as far along as before. They think he is already at the 7 lb. 10 oz. mark. My doctor called me shortly after our ultrasound to go over the findings. She is concerned about something called “shoulder dysplasia” because the baby is so large, especially in the belly (so he’s a little chunker!). From what I understand, if you deliver naturally with a baby that is measuring this way, there is a chance of this problem. The baby’s head comes out fine, but then they have trouble getting the rest of the baby out. This can cause permanent damage to his shoulders and it can also cut off his oxygen. It often leads to an emergency C-section or other complications in the delivery room. <br /><br />So we may have some decisions to make. They can schedule a c-section for one week before my due date. Or they can schedule to induce one week before my due date. (And with inducing, there is a greater chance of having to do an emergency c-section anyway). <br /><br />We are of course concerned with the situation, but not completely freaked out. The best possible thing that we can see happening at this point is if I went into labor NOW on my own. My doctor said if that happens, she doesn’t think we would have a problem at this point. <br /><br />Please keep our little guy in your prayers and also that we will be able to make the best decision possible if we need to.<br /><br />In the meantime, we have attached the latest pictures of our little man! :) Enjoy!<br /><br />Love,<br />Danielle & Paul<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmJKHXa0Lge86NhqY64b9E8_Hg4VCcfVP3Ct2Vd5F1bLduemfWuGpcmySvAd0gNNLGGJynJwRZjpNRod4iC0yh82OuQPFx3JSQd3Kh3dsQmnbKL_8zzHdME_TyU_7Cg_Px8GspZFYaAg/s1600/Ultrasound+2_112509.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmJKHXa0Lge86NhqY64b9E8_Hg4VCcfVP3Ct2Vd5F1bLduemfWuGpcmySvAd0gNNLGGJynJwRZjpNRod4iC0yh82OuQPFx3JSQd3Kh3dsQmnbKL_8zzHdME_TyU_7Cg_Px8GspZFYaAg/s320/Ultrasound+2_112509.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409991051329191874" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH1dD15WJghGglro2LR1y5miX13rZI2_00cH4x-C4IE52GFBWFGOhB-tsYKz4nJInnxc4dI_uc2UGCqFDTiCDk0JNUTqVyOmJCAVC_ilrEq4891DNdviStEE1p6OQWc0RHzDejyTqSPg/s1600/Ultrasound+1_112509.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH1dD15WJghGglro2LR1y5miX13rZI2_00cH4x-C4IE52GFBWFGOhB-tsYKz4nJInnxc4dI_uc2UGCqFDTiCDk0JNUTqVyOmJCAVC_ilrEq4891DNdviStEE1p6OQWc0RHzDejyTqSPg/s320/Ultrasound+1_112509.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409991046946728786" /></a>DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-47757388403687380482009-11-24T11:33:00.000-08:002009-11-24T12:00:05.570-08:00Breastfeeding and Other Awkward Activities (Dad)<em>Just a foreword, instead of having to decide between writing "breasts" or "boobs" or "bazookas" throughout the following description, I think I'll just abbreviate the term as "BB". It doesn't really stand for anything. It's just a lot less embarrassing to type than, say, "jahooblies" or "kazangas" or "nunga-nungas."</em><br /><br />Anyway, let's continue. So last night we went--<br /><br /><em>Wamjanglers!</em><br /><br />Sorry, just had to get that last one out of my system. As I was saying, last night we attended the last of our five prenatal courses, and I'm glad we took it last. After seeing birth videos and baby crash test videos and baby choking videos, watching a mother with rather misshapen assets attempt to nurse her child didn't even make me flinch. I mean, it was basically a two-hour introduction to every single shape and size of BBs one can imagine. What I never realized before is that it's so complicated. In retrospect, it makes a lot of sense. Little babies have certain instincts that will help, but ultimately, the mother has to make herself compatible with his particular nursing habits. To demonstrate why a class exploring one of the most natural events in life was so awkward, I'll just say that the instructor's advice for helping a small baby nurse was to "squish the BB like you would a sandwich so that the baby can get it in his mouth." <br /><br />First of all, I would just like to say that I don't squish my sandwiches. And sandwiches come in all shapes and sizes. Do we squish the BB like a subway sandwich which is kind of round? Or do we squish it like a grilled cheese which is very flat? Be specific, Lady! <br /><br />So maybe it would have been more helpful to say something to the effect of "you need to squeeze your BB so that it flattens out like an Almond Hersheys bar." Almond Hershey bars are ALWAYS the same size. That's what's so cool about them. Or she could have even said something like, "flatten your BB so that it assumes the approximate shape and size of a Chipotle quesadilla with meat and cheese only and not even those leftover little lettuce bits that always get on my quesadilla from the guy's burrito before me". THAT would have been much more understandable to me.<br /><br />Anyway, I've rambled on long enough about breastfeeding. I'm sure we're better for taking it. I know Danielle will do just fine. So yay, classes all done. Time to put our education into practice. <br /><br />Oh, and one more thing...<br /><br /><em>Badoinkies!</em>DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-50462792269219664192009-11-16T06:31:00.000-08:002009-11-16T07:02:30.764-08:00Under a Month! (Dad)Our countdown timer is under the one month mark now - 30 days to be exact. And that doesn't take into account the doctor's recent prediction that our son may come closer to December 4th than the 17th. That's two and a half weeks away! Either way, Danielle and I are in hardcore nesting mode now. The house is pretty much ready, particularly the nursery and guest rooms which look to get quite a bit of use this winter. <br /><br />Danielle has packed her hospital bag and I just need to add a couple of my own things, but the important thing is, she's ready. I still would like to take a video of her stomach moving before it's too late. I never want to forget how cool it is to see our little guy sticking his hands and feet up against mama's uterine wall. And let's be honest - Danielle just wears that belly like nobody's business! I need to document that for future generations who fail to believe that pregnant and sexy are not mutually exclusive.<br /><br />Lately Junior and I have been playing the flashlight game. Danielle's belly is stretched thinly enough that when I shine a light against it, the baby sees and reacts to it. This is a wonderful experience for two reasons: 1) it means the baby can see!; and 2) it means the baby can react! I briefly considered teaching our boy Morse code but then decided this was silly, again for two reasons: 1) nobody knows Morse code any more; and 2) my son's first two languages have already been agreed upon: English and C++. I want to have the world's first computer programming toddler. Anyway, the flash light game is the first of many games I anticipate over the next 18 years until our son ultimately rejects us and moves to Southern California to pursue a career in post-modern film and surfing.<br /><br />Danielle and I have gotten a jump on Christmas shopping for the year so that we don't have to waddle through the crowded stores come Christmas time (or even worse, tote a two-week old around). This has been an eye-opening experience for a procrastinator like myself. I didn't know you were allowed to do your Christmas shopping early! But what a novel idea to try to have all our presents bought and wrapped by Thanksgiving! Danielle's been far more successful than I have, but still, even having one present bought before December 20th is progress for me.<br /><br />Anyway, here comes the homestretch! This is where the Lamaze (what I remember of it) and the yoga (which we've only done once) and all the books (I skimmed a couple of them) should come in handy. In one month from now, if all goes well, we're going to have a little baby. <br /><br />Yay!/Yikes!<br />PaulDaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-33025750583270025882009-11-13T08:20:00.000-08:002009-11-13T08:28:13.054-08:00Braxton Hicks (Mom)So... had a little excitement yesterday. I started having Braxton Hicks contractions, which I've had in the past, but I was suddenly able to feel them. It was just a slight discomfort. So I started tracking them only to find that I had 5 in an hour, which is more than I should be getting. So I called the doctor's office and spoke to a nurse. She told me that it was probably nothing to worry about but that it might be a sign that I was doing too much. She told me to go home and lay down and drink lots of water and then track them again. So I did that, and they got better. I was still having them, but they had slowed down substantially.<br /><br />I think I've got everyone on high alert now. haha Good practice run though!DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-43160527433588673922009-11-12T07:47:00.000-08:002009-11-12T08:41:15.926-08:00A Star Is Born - Baby Shower (Mom)Carly, Ashley & Mom threw us a FABULOUS baby shower!!! (Thank you!!!) They kept the theme a surprise until we arrived... "A Star Is Born". What an appropriate theme for us... all about movies! (Because we all know that this child is going to be a star in many a film that we make)! :) There were balloons and stars hung everywhere! <br /><br />We were in the Mallard Room (again, how appropriate for me) at the Mill Race Inn in Geneva. An entire wall of the room was made up of windows overlooking the Fox River. It was so pretty! And we couldn't have asked for better weather... it was in the 70's in November! We had such a good turnout of people... family and friends and people we love! Philip had also put together a slide show of all our maternity pictures for display that turned out so nice. It was such a fun day! <br /><br />Here are some pictures:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMARrwcV-uq0MMHsXrvuwLSRZmf1-Z2ZYABuW3lO-6hfhy0Uoguh1yXzwNL91Ntbij8_oO6v-3JGP6rtclD2OOcOUEVzjI9EYGIIrIFXNkCNBB2XHsyiHcKe-MNy5Jm8vmxROKNgqwj-4/s1600-h/1_Entrance+Table.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMARrwcV-uq0MMHsXrvuwLSRZmf1-Z2ZYABuW3lO-6hfhy0Uoguh1yXzwNL91Ntbij8_oO6v-3JGP6rtclD2OOcOUEVzjI9EYGIIrIFXNkCNBB2XHsyiHcKe-MNy5Jm8vmxROKNgqwj-4/s320/1_Entrance+Table.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403245560761308850" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_4o5fqENRS3gySsjKOUiiRBXx532AVXnbx0D-ovX8LgAvkwl20gonQ_gPiYeyjrjfDPzWlmOOcDz8rkepchSN2oPM1ifNT1e3uAYqZrAsGM-BKhAjn31rSYJ7vIMi-f0DBU0a_nIVog/s1600-h/3_A+Star+is+Born.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; 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cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Eld_pFqHIEPCrA40PBwi0p4pkvga-mB2ebCQ8MTUtN-hhYb8RzEmjwp4AI8HZRsL91Q-MIBblj4UFSEGtNlbuGfjneMpJRnB9UydBTFKVckgND3Du9aLhxsWNKnGStjrJjd5nqGNXSA/s320/16_Opening+Gifts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403246165916243586" /></a>DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-64200098504240304242009-11-12T07:12:00.000-08:002009-11-12T07:16:47.582-08:00We Have a Daycare (Mom)On my way to work this morning, I dropped off a deposit at the daycare we decided to go with. It feels good to have this taken care of. Paul and I both felt very comfortable at this place. It reminds both of us of our childhood schools. And we have had good feelings about all of the people that we have met so far. I think our baby boy will get lots of attention, be loved and well taken care of at this place. And that's what matters the most. So as much as I still don't want to leave him with someone else, I feel good about our choice.DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-5281497987150054482009-10-30T19:00:00.001-07:002009-10-31T06:19:53.390-07:00Danielle's Surprise Work Shower (Mom)When I got to work today, I had a busy morning ahead, but it looked like the afternoon was shaping up to be slower paced and more relaxing, just the way you want a Friday afternoon to be. But then, it started. The guys kept bringing me these ridiculous projects and telling me that they were in a huge hurry for it. So I ended up taking a really late lunch at which point I was no longer hungry. Then I went back to my desk and spent the afternoon desperately trying to keep up with the strange requests. <br /><br />Then all the laundry guys started making their way to the training room talking about a meeting they were having. And then a few minutes later, Brad pops around the corner and says, "Hey Danielle, we're going to have a little training going on in here and I was hoping you could come and take notes for us." So I found a notebook and pen and made my way back to the training room. The door had been shut behind him so I opened it, and lo and behold, there were all of my coworkers in a fully decorated room! <br /><br />And of course I stared crying right away because it was so sweet! The room was decorated so nicely... tablecloths on all the tables, balloons and streamers all around! <br /><br />And then I noticed Paulie hiding behind the girls! Aww! He kept the secret from me and the girls were able to sneak him into the office without me knowing!<br /><br />So we spent the next couple of hours eating pizza and chips and dip. And there were shower games... guess how many kisses are in the giant baby bottle and guess that baby food! haha The guys were very good sports considering this was the first ever baby shower for most of them and most of them have no experience with baby food. <br /><br />After games, they gave us lots of wonderful presents! A pack and play, diaper genie with refills, car seat base, and portable high chair! Then they had an ice cream sundae bar (do they know me or what!) for dessert. :) <br /><br />It was a wonderful shower! Here are some pictures... <br /><br />Me walking in the door:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqcIviu7Y1tlb3fjiUSe9QPqT3UvlkCldwPzFTlbFRHQO4RLRTddwDrUI47Oq80UioekW2ibfiP_GvvaWK0mjMlDLDPqVVONQ1Rfd3RoHP2vWh8Tvs9ZYsXCsDq3jLEHkZTbi16ISQ1Y/s1600-h/100_5767.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqcIviu7Y1tlb3fjiUSe9QPqT3UvlkCldwPzFTlbFRHQO4RLRTddwDrUI47Oq80UioekW2ibfiP_GvvaWK0mjMlDLDPqVVONQ1Rfd3RoHP2vWh8Tvs9ZYsXCsDq3jLEHkZTbi16ISQ1Y/s320/100_5767.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398579062159256930" /></a><br /><br />I remember saying "you can't do this to a pregnant girl" (because I was crying... and pregnancy makes you super emotional) and Brad started laughing and gave me a hug<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MlhU0pb5oSpNi7JfiMteoB6h6ZIp4dHnidp9-iF7CDdYE9PVV4sI_du-DEnqCfrR8Id0Zi7nouvRlrvXJpCN8XHvWt3TNyVR7AZEE_X7VpE28FgslocsqvHjwcScIn2ifes54phvAtQ/s1600-h/100_5768.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MlhU0pb5oSpNi7JfiMteoB6h6ZIp4dHnidp9-iF7CDdYE9PVV4sI_du-DEnqCfrR8Id0Zi7nouvRlrvXJpCN8XHvWt3TNyVR7AZEE_X7VpE28FgslocsqvHjwcScIn2ifes54phvAtQ/s320/100_5768.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398579065641704690" /></a><br /><br />Aww, Paulie was there! That made me very happy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrq6UgH-z3DbXC8aT1c8xPPHKb3BguOK8xGLnMs6O-26fTj0i19dMY-R6oLlj_t6LcylpBeJJdKGCxxAYaxdtrqPu1wEGrzsUdOzpBmQn9M-l3mSyQONptcFxlOGGd_9h4hhcZO6Nrs8/s1600-h/100_5769.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrq6UgH-z3DbXC8aT1c8xPPHKb3BguOK8xGLnMs6O-26fTj0i19dMY-R6oLlj_t6LcylpBeJJdKGCxxAYaxdtrqPu1wEGrzsUdOzpBmQn9M-l3mSyQONptcFxlOGGd_9h4hhcZO6Nrs8/s320/100_5769.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398579073947351122" /></a><br /><br />The baby food game! Done the manly way... with plenty of beer to wash down any yucky tasting foods. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLxJ_i9BKSYbJMoL47_uNRwJXu121fkPk6UoOeskB4gqmaIwsGVPHPqEROaryUxJtGGRwTNKVIzbLhX_nHtinA9Rh9pVqTs7_2PBe-MM_jGEEkneQjWlAznLwJ0nrYmy2gz_aDI1fdtU/s1600-h/100_5772.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLxJ_i9BKSYbJMoL47_uNRwJXu121fkPk6UoOeskB4gqmaIwsGVPHPqEROaryUxJtGGRwTNKVIzbLhX_nHtinA9Rh9pVqTs7_2PBe-MM_jGEEkneQjWlAznLwJ0nrYmy2gz_aDI1fdtU/s320/100_5772.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398579083904128002" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasZgI11Hn10YV4J90ueGZGG3dxKcnvsfF7VmOPI4pl-8iAR2qRFuxC9ZdbwlTxaYsepiA8_B1fXnA5nCEnlA6JaUa5qWZ4h6NlWHCduCfErb1xpFOAUzS-C8PJRqucZ7JbY35g-tw960/s1600-h/100_5770.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasZgI11Hn10YV4J90ueGZGG3dxKcnvsfF7VmOPI4pl-8iAR2qRFuxC9ZdbwlTxaYsepiA8_B1fXnA5nCEnlA6JaUa5qWZ4h6NlWHCduCfErb1xpFOAUzS-C8PJRqucZ7JbY35g-tw960/s320/100_5770.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398579078804945922" /></a><br /><br />Opening presents<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqVfSL22_Vt1IoS_kMcWVDsRXmg6YxPfujE68QVL78Y1F-FTE4B1OpA_19EuhWbeyGmfHttdvysmMC3kefY0V3cZlRZxsHmte7ivrxgMiX1U_161kELSZL4S6oKrdZ-6HeN4MOd6A7iQ/s1600-h/100_5777.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqVfSL22_Vt1IoS_kMcWVDsRXmg6YxPfujE68QVL78Y1F-FTE4B1OpA_19EuhWbeyGmfHttdvysmMC3kefY0V3cZlRZxsHmte7ivrxgMiX1U_161kELSZL4S6oKrdZ-6HeN4MOd6A7iQ/s320/100_5777.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398579676592351394" /></a><br /><br />The office gals! Jackie, Me, Julie, Loretta<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoaiOaXothRdQUc_2r7pRRXBaj2FcDHqoUrKlt709jrID_eLeLA1esPMM82-WbwWkoJjL3iaKJVJk4ugKuKOWJ6E5tohtZgdtYXy84lssmLqa7mjuph6IYgNTIY7bNJ4_9nnupDGbz9g/s1600-h/100_5783.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoaiOaXothRdQUc_2r7pRRXBaj2FcDHqoUrKlt709jrID_eLeLA1esPMM82-WbwWkoJjL3iaKJVJk4ugKuKOWJ6E5tohtZgdtYXy84lssmLqa7mjuph6IYgNTIY7bNJ4_9nnupDGbz9g/s320/100_5783.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398579669795799538" /></a><br /><br />Me and Paulie<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8lQnf7FovQHStITQuhTMrjNyRfi3tAw0rd00MaV2MvFA1pl4iCPYaN_wpyQxARWgG_l5mtMu5MrkeKYEeigrPfuHJcKtKzJBgX6BVBfzk-Q-mfXBPJa3GOCxmNYyql1lWRxqOzwrvAY/s1600-h/100_5785.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8lQnf7FovQHStITQuhTMrjNyRfi3tAw0rd00MaV2MvFA1pl4iCPYaN_wpyQxARWgG_l5mtMu5MrkeKYEeigrPfuHJcKtKzJBgX6BVBfzk-Q-mfXBPJa3GOCxmNYyql1lWRxqOzwrvAY/s320/100_5785.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398580040280836818" /></a>DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-13905818715215938182009-10-27T20:05:00.000-07:002009-10-27T20:11:37.095-07:00The Scene Is Clear (Mom)Last night Paul and I took a class at the hospital for infant CPR. We were happy to find out when we arrived that they actually taught us CPR and choking procedures for Adults, Children and Infants. While it's scary to think about, it does make me feel good to know what you're supposed to do in those sorts of situations. <br /><br />In other news my dreams keep getting stranger. The most frequent baby dream I have is that I forget to feed the baby! Then a couple of nights ago I dreamed that I was being chased by transformers up a rocky mountain side and I was trying to protect Kiowa. Then we met back up with Paul in an ocean side tent village where we kept running from the transformers. Yeah.DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-34347466274486073972009-10-24T06:16:00.001-07:002009-10-24T06:25:57.988-07:0032 Weeks (Mom)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MZmO9AX2Rl9fYpEsbIKJ5-4qBlQebBrG_CjoE8C7_vJvH2LWvMtf7um8U9YUubsgNblWEcrz8MVkG68Usd73Wn1X5E3LtliruKiu9-qDAUjtsjdYmQE6lWuuXEjmBqS0OYR4tAAk9_s/s1600-h/100_5714.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MZmO9AX2Rl9fYpEsbIKJ5-4qBlQebBrG_CjoE8C7_vJvH2LWvMtf7um8U9YUubsgNblWEcrz8MVkG68Usd73Wn1X5E3LtliruKiu9-qDAUjtsjdYmQE6lWuuXEjmBqS0OYR4tAAk9_s/s320/100_5714.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396155067489314258" /></a><br />32 Weeks<br /><br />Pregnancy Observations: Pregnancy has this magical effect on people around you... it makes everyone really friendly and eager to help! Strangers strike up conversations with me everywhere I go these days. I've had offers to let me cut in line at grocery stores, people holding elevators, strangers offering to help me carry things, etc. This is something that I think I will really miss. :) <br /><br />I'm quickly learning how to ask for help. This has been challenging for me in a lot of ways. I like being able to do everything for myself. It's humbling to have to ask someone to get something off of a shelf because I shouldn't be on a step ladder, or asking someone to carry something that normally I wouldn't have a problem with. But the fact of the matter is, it is getting difficult to do some of my every day things and I do need the help. I'm thankful to have so many people around me that understand this and completely insist on doing things for me. Like at work yesterday, I was just asking people to walk papers around the office for me because my ankles were hurting and swollen and I wanted to stay in my chair with my feet up as much as possible. And Paul took me for a walk through our neighborhood the other night and it took us twice as long as it usually does because I just can't move very fast! haha<br /><br />I'm still feeling great... just moving a lot slower and having some soreness and swelling. Things I can totally deal with! But it makes me even more eager for our little boy to arrive!DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-32943719921098325572009-10-23T08:17:00.000-07:002009-10-23T08:35:22.245-07:00Nesting, Dad-Style (Dad, of course)Danielle and I are in full-blown baby preparation mode. Painting the nursery is an obvious example of this, but that's just the first phase. We've also purchased (or "invested" as the saleslady kept saying) in a king-size bed for ourselves. This accomplishes at least two things: 1) When the baby decides to try out his new lungs some late, winter night, we can now move him into a bassinet in the center of our bed comfortably; and 2) When family or friends come to visit, they can now stay in the queen bed set that we transferred from the master bedroom into the guest room. Of course, there's also just a sense that our home is starting to feel more cozy. More ours. We've painted three of the four bedrooms now, so each has our own personal flavor. We've got three beds total in the house and a queen air mattress to accommodate guests when we entertain, or, in a few years, when our kids have slumber parties. <br /><br />To top it all off, Danielle has already finished much of her Christmas shopping, two months in advance! She has wisely deduced that she will not be able to perform our traditional last-minute shopping spree during the holiday season due to her not-so-travel-friendly belly and has been proactive in getting it done while she still can. Atta girl!<br /><br />As for me, I'm wrapping up some things I needed to get done prior to baby time. I've completed a couple of jigsaw puzzles in recent weeks. I'm nearly done with the entire "Star Trek: The Next Generation" television series. You know, the important stuff. More importantly, I'm preparing myself mentally by re-reading old children's books and watching cartoons. I'm trying to determine whether we should break out the Star Wars toys in the first year or wait until he's gained a full appreciation for that galaxy far, far away. I've got a couple months to figure that important question out. I'm sure I'll manage.<br /><br />And that's about all I can think of. Operation Baby Maker has just about come to fruition. I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge my wonderful teammate, Danielle, who has pretty much done at least as much as I have during this time of waiting. When our little bundle of joy finally arrives, she'll deserve at least half the credit.<br /><br />Daddy Out! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wsZqE2763DP7xFev7DV2uFWeNxYUlw9Fl_xQ9zKaRsSeghBqvdEgeLz81r9GK3dz_K8bM-ZMTZmQ_wU5a_A9LCKl_Q7ujOdcQsdac_UnrvRlSQ5i24IdnwZ3iIo_PTxWjJ2c_9fopgw/s1600-h/baby+chewy.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wsZqE2763DP7xFev7DV2uFWeNxYUlw9Fl_xQ9zKaRsSeghBqvdEgeLz81r9GK3dz_K8bM-ZMTZmQ_wU5a_A9LCKl_Q7ujOdcQsdac_UnrvRlSQ5i24IdnwZ3iIo_PTxWjJ2c_9fopgw/s320/baby+chewy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395818986384469794" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Too bad he won't be around for Halloween this year!</strong>DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-3020215005244623822009-10-19T10:32:00.000-07:002009-10-19T11:17:09.464-07:00Nursery (Mom)The project for this weekend was the nursery. Saturday morning, Paul and I drove over to Home Depot and picked up painting supplies and had to finally settle on the colors we would use for the nursery. So at the last minute, we decided to go with blue and yellow. We did use low VO paint, (Mom, that's for you) and I stayed downstairs while the painting was being done... so don't worry! :) Dorothy came up around lunchtime and together she and Paul set to work on painting the nursery. While they were working on the nursery, I took care of sorting all the papers that had taken over our dining room table over the last several months and getting them filed away in their proper places. <br /><br />The nursery turned out PERFECT!!! I absolutely love it! It feels warm and cozy and perfect for a baby. And it's making us even more excited to bring our baby boy home! <br /><br />Before pictures:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o7XVNpXaI33bUDjWn1LSf1quk0ZtgXbJRIrl6HYREOHKB1UsmR00tl6jdfJRIB5p29fX_RKdRoZd6kdd5AUzqqxhNa9T8mPNs2AuGqOKRDCyMbkB3Yk3zCeQw5lCGHBipEj7qBpJLns/s1600-h/100_5704.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o7XVNpXaI33bUDjWn1LSf1quk0ZtgXbJRIrl6HYREOHKB1UsmR00tl6jdfJRIB5p29fX_RKdRoZd6kdd5AUzqqxhNa9T8mPNs2AuGqOKRDCyMbkB3Yk3zCeQw5lCGHBipEj7qBpJLns/s320/100_5704.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394366535397644306" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvlo349oPHHooNfKinrBaMQhv8by1jy93xfa03weq88u52jhFRKF8EBa-TGKKmV3-WBzZbFhIVXSynmZrPATpH-WQq9k_ef2tBNt-iTCBsx7mXVo5AD6K6Rgtuo00bBf7FY6fzjNhvHE/s1600-h/100_5708.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvlo349oPHHooNfKinrBaMQhv8by1jy93xfa03weq88u52jhFRKF8EBa-TGKKmV3-WBzZbFhIVXSynmZrPATpH-WQq9k_ef2tBNt-iTCBsx7mXVo5AD6K6Rgtuo00bBf7FY6fzjNhvHE/s320/100_5708.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394366736669332642" /></a><br /><br />After!!! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-7p3bsAaAOUE04OwX2iHfKB1K6VjXlBYVjd2aW5czddDfA1HhiPzsdhqMRuKSc-nslaOwmN59aKlr6K-ORWcd0P9A6qVkToMMRlrAvjWlNJ2PQIHJ2lRq5MaX546BwPe9KIu-p65aPE/s1600-h/100_5711.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-7p3bsAaAOUE04OwX2iHfKB1K6VjXlBYVjd2aW5czddDfA1HhiPzsdhqMRuKSc-nslaOwmN59aKlr6K-ORWcd0P9A6qVkToMMRlrAvjWlNJ2PQIHJ2lRq5MaX546BwPe9KIu-p65aPE/s320/100_5711.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394367045151335266" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcLcmIwt5JTArb-Hkw2Fhvvlk_F4Nn98X6HBayOtkMPptUI9F4NKcVN_wRmstGSLWdjseOpw-g3glOpdIU368mJBI1kauQG6k3yAW0HijqN3Ee1plth3h_Gw9KDJx_bJi3k1pIBGixUY/s1600-h/100_5709.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcLcmIwt5JTArb-Hkw2Fhvvlk_F4Nn98X6HBayOtkMPptUI9F4NKcVN_wRmstGSLWdjseOpw-g3glOpdIU368mJBI1kauQG6k3yAW0HijqN3Ee1plth3h_Gw9KDJx_bJi3k1pIBGixUY/s320/100_5709.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394367034942543506" /></a><br /><br />Of course we've already rearranged the furniture in the nursery since we took these pictures, so the crib is on a different wall. And our dresser should be in within the next three weeks! Then it will be complete!<br /><br />But our work weekend didn't stop there! All the baby clothes that we have so far have been washed, sorted by size and hung in the closet. About half of the stuff that had been inhabiting the nursery closet have been moved to the basement. We were given the curio cabinet that was Grandma Bishops, and that has been cleaned, put into a spot and filled with pretty things. A new shelving unit has been put into the basement to help accommodate our growing need for storage. Ah... it feels so good to get so much done in just one weekend!DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-26924102570276861032009-10-08T09:21:00.001-07:002009-10-08T09:21:20.654-07:00The Daycare Blues (Mom)The daycare search is well underway. So far we have interviewed two different daycare centers and two home daycares. We have a good idea of what the pros and cons of each are, and we definitely have a favorite in each category. And really, I see one solid front runner. <br /><br />Doing these searches finally made it hit me that I am going to have to leave my little baby with someone else. I mean really, when you do these searches, you are looking for someone to stand in for the two of you while you’re away from your child. And come on, no one else can love your child the way you will, right? So yeah, what a huge decision to make! When I start to actually think about it, I get pretty emotional about the whole thing, and I know those first few weeks back to work are going to be really hard. <br /><br />But I also see the other side. I know that it will be good for me to come back to work for a while. I love my job and I don’t think I’m quite ready to give it up yet. Of course maybe I’m just telling myself this to make leaving my baby easier, but hey… whatever works right? And I know that it will be really good for the baby’s socialization to be around other babies and kids and adults so much of the time. But it’s still very hard to think about right now….DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-76512703655933154402009-10-08T07:39:00.001-07:002009-10-08T07:39:48.987-07:0030 Weeks (Mom)I can’t believe we only have 10 weeks to go (maybe even less) until our baby boy arrives. It just doesn’t feel like very much time and still I feel so unprepared in a lot of ways. But Paul and I both work better as we get close to deadlines so I’m sure everything will get done! Let’s see, I think I’ll make a list:<br /><br />• Pick out and buy paint<br />• Paint nursery<br />• Clean out nursery closets<br />• Sort and hang baby clothes<br />• Sort and find a new location for maternity clothes<br />• Set up new baby items as we get them<br />• Move our bed into the guest room to make room for our new king size bed<br />• Rearrange playroom to make room for baby toys!<br />• Perhaps buy a small bookshelf for the nursery???<br /><br />Okay, I feel better now.<br /><br />But of course that’s just the logistical side of being ready. Emotionally and physically I feel a lot more ready for this baby to be here! I just want to hold him so badly and snuggle his sweet little face and breathe in that new baby smell from the top of his head. I think Paul and I are both just looking so forward to having him here that sometimes 10 weeks feels like such a long time to have to wait for him. We talk about how fun it’s going to be to just sit and watch him and play with him and hold him and… ah… we are just SO excited. <br /><br />We are also totally excited about our baby’s newest cousin arriving in just a few short days! Diana and Jeremy are in India right now picking up their little girl, Jada. We cannot wait to meet her and welcome her into the family! And with Elise and Garth expecting a baby in March, we are just so excited to watch our family continue to grow! What a fun time in life!<br /><br />In other pregnancy related stuff: <br /><br />This past weekend we had maternity pictures taken! My cousin Philip was nice enough to bring all his equipment out to our house and take the pictures for us! I am very excited to see how they turned out! <br /><br />And our shower is only a month from today! I’m getting very excited about it! <br /><br />I’ve been having all kinds of crazy dreams lately. Things like forgetting to feed the baby because he’s asleep and I don’t want to wake him up and being chased up a hill by bad guys with guns. I’m telling you, these pregnancy dreams can get intense! <br /><br />I have another doctor’s appointment on Tuesday and then I start going every two weeks instead of every four weeks. We are also going to have one more ultrasound done at 37 weeks to see just how large this baby is getting as he is measuring two weeks ahead of schedule! <br /><br />Thankfully my back has not been bothering me much for a while now. I’m starting to get sleepy a lot again and I move quite a bit slower than usual, but those are things that are expected and really don’t bother me! But I feel absolutely GREAT most of the time!DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-16389483045393702142009-09-30T08:08:00.000-07:002009-09-30T08:18:53.295-07:00Bouncing Baby (Mom)For the first time yesterday, I felt the baby have the hiccups! At least I'm pretty sure I did. I was sitting at the Toyota dealership having the oil changed in my car and was just resting my hand on my belly because the baby was jumping around like crazy and I was having fun feeling him! (I think I can thank the giant Sprite followed by giant Lemonade I drank during the day for that). And all of a sudden I noticed this very rhythmic almost like a thumping feeling. And it continued for several minutes! It was very cool! <br /><br />Later while we were sitting on the couch watching a little TV, Paul was talking to the baby and putting his ear up to my belly to see if he could hear him moving around in there. He also put his mouth up to my belly and started doing the Tarzan yell. LOL <br /><br />Ah, this is so fun!DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793123158324784883.post-83277955747592225452009-09-23T08:15:00.001-07:002009-09-23T08:28:56.913-07:00Week 27 Ultrasound (Dad)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGhWZ17rj6CgNAPy3SnqsXe6Lee7uRF8MnU0AA3XtEIvhAkuC6QbSrGlNo4uSZLTxAX_EFDwyeyn9KJGLFdHs5eURkyhoNYyYrSURR6xpv4h2QoaVv9EqwqBFQIdZI3IthMjLIw8amJM/s1600-h/Photo+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGhWZ17rj6CgNAPy3SnqsXe6Lee7uRF8MnU0AA3XtEIvhAkuC6QbSrGlNo4uSZLTxAX_EFDwyeyn9KJGLFdHs5eURkyhoNYyYrSURR6xpv4h2QoaVv9EqwqBFQIdZI3IthMjLIw8amJM/s320/Photo+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384684628302482594" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QmBfHa7SU1iOcXQYvbZLcK8dwjBivLbuVA0mlPFcNtEIXk1J0HLFtANu8Jfn38lKnC-CXj4I9SLHF55_J6LbUsnas_HWY2H0nxdIRLW4niVVL97cB50LjNMwTbnEFnPI8BNUofTqLmQ/s1600-h/Photo+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QmBfHa7SU1iOcXQYvbZLcK8dwjBivLbuVA0mlPFcNtEIXk1J0HLFtANu8Jfn38lKnC-CXj4I9SLHF55_J6LbUsnas_HWY2H0nxdIRLW4niVVL97cB50LjNMwTbnEFnPI8BNUofTqLmQ/s320/Photo+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384684494595105890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6LJTWlV3suOnG81BA52tqsZeUqQ5QNf013Yz1MrWUvcWsDud-gBrbfX_XBm81QP4IsJXEjxa_qEYN0_GFBCZnhIQPZJy-YEKyexVL5SafIZA-DFn6LZ_N2N8Sl6RHV5cgpN3Wt1izIQ/s1600-h/Photo+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6LJTWlV3suOnG81BA52tqsZeUqQ5QNf013Yz1MrWUvcWsDud-gBrbfX_XBm81QP4IsJXEjxa_qEYN0_GFBCZnhIQPZJy-YEKyexVL5SafIZA-DFn6LZ_N2N8Sl6RHV5cgpN3Wt1izIQ/s320/Photo+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384683627373985810" /></a><br />So we've got ourselves a chunker! Slightly more than 3 pounds, our "little" bundle of joy is running a good two weeks ahead of schedule! The doctor actually recommended skipping the newborn clothes because his butt won't fit in them!<br /><br />Anyway, everything's looking great, so we're ecstatic. At the rate he's developing, Junior might make the Cubs in the 2027 season instead of 2028, but we'll see.DaniBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07849366234567016620noreply@blogger.com2