Week 32- Baby Shower #1

Me and Mary! Thanks to her I have tons of maternity clothes!

me with Debbie and Hayden. Debbie has been the sister for me throughout this pregnancy. She checks in on me and the baby all the time. Plus I have Hannah and Hayden who are putting their bids in for babysitting! They can't wait for the arrival of the little one.

Me and Andrea- BFF's since Freshman year in high school!!! She is so excited for the little one! She is so spoiling her soon to be niece or nephew already!

Elizabeth and me at the shower. She is 2 weeks ahead of me in pregnancy! She is carrying my soon to be nephew, Harrison!!!

I am just calling this pic the Riley aunts! Mrs. Peterson, Ms. Hanson, Mrs. Heiderman, Cindy, Gina, Mrs. Witherall, Mrs. Wallace, Ms. Gavin, Aunt Jane, me, mom, Mrs. Finley and Mrs. Coddens!

Me with my BFF Lisa!!! She is super ready to meet the little one and has done so much for us! What would we do without her in our lives!

Us with Jeremy's mom.... Grandma to be!

Us with my parents! Grammie and Gramps!

Me posing with my parents.

Me and my mom... the best mom ever! Such an amazing role model! I hope I do a great job of parenting as she has done. She is always there no matter what!

Me with Aunt Kathy and Aunt Julie. Aunt Kathy is Jeremy's godmother.

Me with Cindy, Aunt Jane and Gina. 3- SMC's in this pic... maybe a 4th if we have a girl!

me with Margie.... I just love it when the belly is touched!!!

My mom, Aunt Joan, me, Aunt Helen, and Gertie. Aunt Helen will be our child's 3rd time aunt... how amazing!!! Aunt Joan will be our little's one Great Great Aunt!

Me with Aunt Joan--she calls me 2-3 times every week checking in on "little mama and the baby" Her and I can tell each other anything. We have an amazing relationship and I hope this little one gets to learn some of Aunt Joan's baking skills!

On Tuesday night I was asked to speak to the Accounting Club at Saint Mary's. So mama and baby were one of the 5 speakers their for the night. We talked about how Saint Mary's prepared me for the working world, what to expect working in the real world and what I do for a living. It was great to be back on campus. The little one visited where mommy went to school.

On Thursday I had another busy day for community service. Every year since I have graduated I have kept up with a class that I took in college which is the tax assistance program. With being a tax profession now, I am considered the expert when I volunteer. I went to the Western branch library and as soon as I walked in I had 4 people that needed to talk to me. Needless to say it was a very interesting evening.

On Friday, Jeremy played in a charity basketball tournament with Adam and we went to watch daddy play at Marion high school. They lost their first game so they were put in the losers bracket. His next game was on Saturday morning at the boys and girls club and they won this game by 30 points so they were to play on Saturday night at Marion high school. Elizabeth was going to watch Adam play for the game so her and I ran and got DQ because I wanted some and she went with me for the ride and got something too! By the time we got back it was half time and the guys were winning! They won their game and were to play on Sunday, which Jeremy couldn't play because we had our first baby shower.

On Sunday, March 1st, we had our baby shower at Ambrosia. This was such an amazing shower that Jeremy and I could have wished for our little one. My mom did a wonderful job of hosting. We had pink and blue napkins on the tables, followed by the centerpieces that were cupcakes. The cupcakes were chocolate with pink frosting and a blue bootie on them or white with blue frosting with a pink bootie on them. Going with the whole pink and blue theme. Andrea made by hand a card thanking everyone for coming and then she had a blue and pink bottle for our guests to write down a girl name and a boy name on them since we haven't decided on a name for our little one yet. We went through the names when we got home and Lillian was very popular for a girl. For boys there really wasn't one consistent name throughout the whole guest list, but it was tons of fun to go through the names and get more ideas. My Aunt Joan put down Jeff Gordon for a boys name because she enjoys Nascar and since Nascar just started she wrote it down... I immediately knew who it was. We had polish food since our little one is going to be polish on both sides, my mom wanted to bring her grand-child in with his/her heritage!

Our little one was so loved at the shower and we are truly blessed because we had about 85 family and friends at the shower. We documented this by having our guests sign a framed matted photo with the maternity pictures that we had taken. We can't wait to hang these in the nursery! The comments that everyone wrote are just so touching and mean so much!

Our Maternity pics were taken by our friend Cheryl. Her website is http://www.photobystudioc.com/ our maternity pics are on her website if you are interested in seeing all the pics. I am so glad that we did these because I think it is so important to document our journey into becoming parents and to have these photos are just priceless. I can't wait for our little one to see these photos as he/she grows up and realizes the he/she was in my belly!

We also had Cheryl at the shower taking photos. I just wanted to capture this special day for our little one and to have these memories. we captured some great memories at the shower and can't wait to post some of these!

Week 31- Childbirth class

Wednesday Feb 18th- We had our doctors appointment on Wednesday morning and we met a new doctor in the rotation. This was our first female doctor and to be honest I am more comfortable with male doctors as I think I have always had male doctors since I was a little kid. This doctor was fine, I just prefer a male. So we had our visit... my blood pressure is consistent since I have been pregnant. My rating was a 108/68. I have gained 20 pounds so far in pregnancy which is right on!!! I am on target to gain the recommended weight of 25-30 pounds. I measured a 31cm on my belly which is perfect because I am 31 weeks. The little ones heart rate dropped to 140 at this visit. We are still listening for the heartbeat below the belly button which is a good sign that the head is down and not breech right now. We love gravity and that the little one thinks this position is comfortable! We have now switched to 2 week appointments since I am passed 30 weeks now. After 36 weeks we will go to 1 week doctor's appointments.


My parents call all the time to check on me and the baby. I don't always write about it, but I should because I want our little one to know that their grammie and gramps loves him/her very much. My mom continues to send me an email at work everyday checking in on how we are feeling. My dad calls about every few days to check in on me when he gets home from work. They are going to be wonderful grandparents.

We got an update about Riley's biopsy and it was benign. Thank you God! I didn't want to have to go through cancer treatments for my dog. She is my baby and just so in tune with this pregnancy. She is going to be the protective little mother to our little one. (she doesn't know that she is a dog) actually, I don't think any of our dogs realize they are dogs because they are so loved and spoiled and are allowed to go on furniture, car rides, they get tons of love and attention just like a child would.


So at work this week, I have had tons of meetings. The little one has a very good chance of becoming an accountant because of all the accounting talk that this one has been involved in. We are in constant meetings with our CFO and controller at work and with the economic stimulus package that was just passed, lots of research and the potential affects on me personally (which Jeremy and I will not be receiving that much of a benefit-- go figure... isn't that how it always works) and then the business side and what the effects are for my employer. One reason why I love tax so much is the changes in tax law. We are always learning.



Thursday- February 19th- We received our dresser to complete the nursery furniture. Actually we still need the bed rails, but we aren't too concerned about that since it will be down the road when we might be using these. I was so excited and can't wait to get all the clothes organized and put into the tall dresser. Right now they are in the hutch, but I think I am going to use that more for all the diapers since the changing table is on top of the hutch.



Saturday February 21st- We had our childbirth class at Memorial Hospital today. This was an all day event from 9-5 and there were a total of 12 couples in the class. It first started by the instructor, Donella, asking the due date to the dads. Out of the 12 couples, we had 11 dads in the room and a grandma. The grandma was filling in for her son-in-law who is serving in Iraq. I told the pregnant women to tell her husband thank you for serving our country. I couldn't imagine not having Jeremy with me during pregnancy and am very appreciative that he is here and involved with the pregnancy.



It was very interesting in the beginning of class because out of the 12 couples, 10 choose to find out the sex of their baby. The other couple that didn't find out was split that one spouse wanted to find out and the other didn't. Jeremy and I are very unique that we did not want to find out the sex of our baby and we both agreed on this. There are very few things in life that are surprises and this is one of them. It actually hasn't been bad at all not knowing. I thought I would crack along the way and want to find out, but no that hasn't changed one bit! I am so happy that we didn't find out. I feel it will just make that bond so much more special when we get to see our little one and truly take in the moment.



So as class started, she went around to ask the parents what they were looking forward to most with the arrival of the little one and what we were looking forward to least. Jeremy was asked what he was looking forward to and he said "someone to play with". I was asked what was looking forward to least and I said "the unexpected". I know there will be lots of this and how to deal with all the situations and to raise our child right with morals, ethics, responsibility, manners, etc... I have expectations for myself that I do not want to fail my little one. I want to be the best parent possible as I had great role models in my life and I want to carry that on... I think that is why I have been obsessed with research and getting as much planning done as possible ahead of time.



The class explained the birthing process and we got to see through models how the pelvic bone, uterus, cervix and placenta all interact with each other and what will determine the stages of birth and if a vaginal delivery or Cesarean delivery is needed. We watch birthing videos and also saw a c-section video. We learned about forceps and the vacuum. I am not in favor of these delivery methods and will choose a c-section over these methods. I want the pain to be on me rather than my baby and the minor risks involved with these methods. Knowing that forceps are rarely used in delivery and that the doctors are not very comfortable with these because they rarely use them... I would be more comfortable taking on the pain. With the vacuum, just the risk of bleeding on the brain of my baby if the suction is not applied correctly is not worth it to me. there have been 9 deaths in 5 years and I know its only 9, but if my child was one of those 9, that is enough for me to make my decision for my birth plan. It will be easier for me to tell the doctor if something is wrong with me, rather than my baby not being able to communicate in the way that I could be.



So after the videos we went to lunch and I had a Snickers frozen bar that was my treat for the day! I did share with Jeremy because I couldn't finish it all. So after lunch we learned about the baby dropping and positioning of the baby and how this also impacts the bladder and how the dads need to be more sympathetic on this matter, especially getting up in the middle of the night and if we need help getting up. I think the dads were able to get more out of the class and understand more the changing in the females body during pregnancy. We learned breathing techniques and I was an example for the class and had to focus on a focal point along with Donella rubbing my back for different methods to soothe the mom while she is in labor. There will be times where the mom will want to be touched, not touched, talked to, coached on breathing. Jeremy did great when we had to go through these exercises after our tour of the facility. I really think that this childbirth class should be mandatory for all mothers and fathers. Even if you learn one thing in my mind, its worth it! You can never be prepared enough in my opinion on what to expect.



The tour of the facility started on where we go once our contractions are 5 minutes apart for an hour. We know where to enter and who to talk to. We will be sent to triage for examination to determine how much we have dilated and if we are in labor. at this point we could be sent home or sent to a birthing suite. The suites are very nice and we will stay in here while we labor and also up to 2 hours after delivery. We will do the first feeding after delivery in this room. They have 10 birthing suites and they have never run into a problem with needing a room for delivery. They have 2 c-section rooms and then the 5 triage rooms along with a few other rooms that if needed are available. So she put us all at ease that we will be in a birthing suite. The birthing suites are equipped with a TV, CD player, tub along with other amenities. There is enough space to get up and move around and do our positions if the baby is not in position for birth.



After the birthing suite, we went and played the Happy Birthday song which plays across the entire hospital to let people know a baby has been born!!! The dads have the honor of pressing this button... how neat is this!!! I can't wait for Jeremy to announce the arrival of our little one!



We then went to another wing on the 3rd floor which will be the room that we stay in for 24-48 hours after a normal delivery and we got to see the nursery. Most parents choose to have their babies in their room with them, but since a class was coming by, 2 moms allowed their babies to be sent for 30 minutes to the nursery for our learning experience. Donella said we are gonna scare ya today.... the 24 of us "students" were nervous. They had 2 babies. The first baby she showed us was 6 pounds 7 ounces. An adorable baby girl and she opened her eyes for us. She had so much hair I couldn't believe it. The second baby was 9 pounds 10 ounces... yeah a huge difference in these babies. I have a feeling this will be the difference in Adam's and Elizabeth's baby and ours. Adam and Elizabeth are expecting to have a huge baby and we are not, just based on doctors appointments and family history. So this will be interesting when we put our little ones together for their first picture together!



All in all, I have to say that Donella picked on Jeremy a few times during class as it was pretty funny. The class found out that Jeremy is obsessive compulsive about things and he is an accountant so when Donella was talking percentages, she got confirmation from Jeremy on the fractions she was using. I am convinced that if our kid doesn't want to get dirty that this trait will come from daddy! I am hoping that the organization of wanting to put toys away comes from daddy! I told Donella that I am obsessive to a point on things, but not like Jeremy. For instance, I wanted to make sure that they received our admission form, which is required to be turned in 3 months before delivery. I couldn't believe the amount of people in our class that did not have this done and they were due in March... it just blows my mind. So I made sure that they received our admission form and they had it! They are set for our arrival!


Now its time to start packing the bag for the hospital!


I came home after class and checked our photographers website and there are some of our maternity pictures posted, but not all of them so once they are all up there, I will post them for you to view!!! I can't wait!!!

Sunday- Feb 22nd- we had lunch with Derek and his women Erika. Derek is one of my good friends from high school and he is like a brother to me and we have kept in touch all this time. We went to Brewesters up in New Buffalo for lunch and it was yummy! It is always great to get together with old friends. I am glad that our little one will be able to have all of my friends as aunts and uncles... they can't wait! They even offered to babysit while we attend ND football games.

After lunch we went to my parents house and filled them in on the childbirth class and also talked about other things. My dad felt the little one move as I sit next to him at the kitchen table. It's funny because we all have our spots at the kitchen table... we will soon be making room for the little one when Grammie or Gramps cooks dinner!

So the changes that I have been noticing so far this week is that the little one loves to move around alot now. I wouldn't say they are huge movements, but that it is very noticeable that the little one is moving around in there and trying to get comfortable. Also it is become noticeable that the little one is awake more throughout the day. I normally have my 10 movements within the first hour that I wake up. It's funny because I will take a bath (usually on the weekends) and Jeremy will just watch my belly move. To him its a little freaky seeing my stomach go into all these different shapes... one side is higher than the other and then something will poke out but we have no idea what it is. It is all very interesting as the pregnancy gets further and further along.

So every morning I have an Eggo and a glass of milk. Riley, Russeau and Bob also get to have a bite of this with me every morning as well. They wait at the kitchen table and my last three little bites goes to them. They are just loving this pregnancy with me as they are getting to eat some snacks that normally they would not be receiving!

I also talked with Jeremy's mom this week and filled her in on the childbirth class and where they will need to go once its time! It's all new to all of us and just so exciting... we can't wait! (well we can, but just want to make sure the baby has done all the developing before any arrival is made).

Week 30- Maternity Pics

So this week I had a few meetings over in the other building at Crowe (my old stomping grounds) and I met with one of my old partners Paj. As soon as he saw me he touched the belly and this was just awesome. He is going to be a great grandpa one day. I also ran into Sarah who touched the belly too! Kassie who is a new addition to the tax department asked me if the baby was moving and since I was standing and was walking around, usually the baby isn't moving, but I tried and put her hand on my belly and she was so excited to feel a pregnant ladies belly as she has never felt one before. Unfortunately, the little one wasn't moving, but I will try to get the little one to move for her so she can feel the next time I am over in that building. The baby also received lots of love at Crowe this week from Hillary in the elevator! She just had a baby a few months ago and its just so nice to share these experiences with new moms.

Margie, our neighbor, came over this week and we chatted for an hour one night and she touched the belly. She calls in a checks on me and wants to know if the little one is moving and how we are doing. She is just so sweet.

So on Wednesday this week, Riley had a procedure done at the vet. She had a growth on her right side of her body and we decided to have it removed and the size was small enough to where she did not have to be sedated and could be done through a local numbing of the area. The procedure was very short and she ended up with 2 stitches on her side. We have to watch her so she doesn't itch it with her back leg and that the other dogs do not play with her too rough or to make sure they do not lick it. So far so good. Riley has been receiving special attention as she has been allowed to sleep in bed with us. We find out next week from the biopsy. We pray that everything will be benign.

After Riley's procedure an old high school friend, Kristen, came over with her two daughters, Brayden and Tyler. I helped Kristen with her taxes and we got caught up on old times. It's always good to reminisce as we've known each other for 16 years now.

On Thursday we went to the Notre Dame's basketball game with Meg and Josh to see ND win by 30 points against Louisville. The baby knows Aunt Meg for sure! I don't know if it hormones or just expected emotions, but at halftime, 4 soldiers were honored. They were all injured in the war. The first soldier introduced was burned and missing his arms, the second soldier was missing his arm, the third soldier was shot and the fourth soldier lost his legs and came out with crutches and prosthetic. I had tears flowing and just so thankful to our military for fighting for our freedom. As the student chanted "USA" I couldn't get a peep out as I couldn't control my tears. It was bittersweet to be there and see our soldiers. I wish that we did this more often at events as it is very important to recognize our military and country.

So at work today, one of the senior managers at Crowe, Betsy, came up to me and said that she had a very important lunch and that she had a very important question for me. Of course there have been alot of changes at work so I get nervous for these types of intros to questions. She made my day because the meeting was about the baby and throwing an after baby shower for me at work for my new group that I am in. They wanted to know if I would be ok with an after baby shower and for me to bring the little one in while I am on maternity leave and of course I was so honored and so appreciative. This will be our 4th shower and it just means so much to us. We really appreciate everything that everyone is doing for the baby and us.

On Friday the 13th it was very low key. I got flowers at work from Jeremy. He sent me tulips which are a flower that I like so he did good. Jeremy played basketball with the boys at ND. He loves to play basketball and I am sure if we have a boy that he will be teaching the little one how to shoot properly. Jeremy is very adamant on his shooting. When we watch basketball on tv and the 3 point shots that are made Jeremy can easily determine if the basket will be made. He is hardly wrong. He has an eye for this. Now if we have a little girl... I hope that she will take after me and want to play volleyball.

Valentine's Day- we started off the day by going to the barber shop. I have to admit that for a girl I shouldn't be going to the barber shop, but when Jeremy and I have shopping to do, I usually end up going with him. I actually love going to the barber shop with him. Roger and Jerry are some funny guys. Again, if we have a little boy, I am sure that Jeremy will be taking our little one to the barber shop. There were 3 little boys their getting their hair cuts and it was so cute to watch how they deal with a crying boy for the first time for the first hair cut. I will have to be their to capture the first haircut picture and also to collect that first piece of hair! Now if we have a girl, she will be going to the salon!

So after the barber shop, we went to the mall and ran into Kathy and her twin boys, Tyler and Dylan. She is married to a distant cousin so it was great to see them. They are expecting as well and not sure if they are going to have twins again. Their first ultrasound only shows 1 so far, but we will soon find out as that was done early. Kathy also touched the belly and we of coursed loved it.

I have to say that Aunt Joan and I continue our weekly chats and she checks in on me and the baby. She is just so excited for this little one and can't wait for the shower. 2 more weeks and our first shower will be here.

So it was dinner time on Valentine's day and my dad made reservations at Portofino's for us. We had dinner with my parents and I of course had my garlic bread which is just so yummy at Portofino's. Our waitress that we normally have is in Vegas right now getting married so we had a new waitress and she did a good job. The belly received lots of attention from the owner, Mary, and we also ran into some friends there that I play volleyball with, Tim and Laura. It was a great Valentine's Dinner!

Sunday- February 15th- We started the day at St. John Kanty church with my mom because there was a mass for my Busia (my mom's mom). My mom and I took up the gifts at mass and this was very special as the baby was involved too. During mass, my mom and Jeremy felt the baby move. The little one loves church music and just moves and moves all around!

After mass we went to visit Dzie Dzie and had an ok visit with him. He is getting older and his memory is fading. He still tells me 2 twin girls though. So far there is only one.

We had an appointment later in the day with a family friend, Cheryl, who is also a photographer and we were meeting for our maternity pictures! Our first pictures started with me and pictures of the belly and then continues to pictures of Jeremy, me and the belly and then Jeremy kissing the belly. When they are posted on her website I will let everyone know the link! I am so happy to have done maternity pictures because this is just an amazing experience in life that I want to document and show my little one. Jeremy and I hope to have more kids if we are blessed to. We know that we are very lucky to be having a baby and just hope the joy continues!

Monday - Feb 16th-
I took the day off from work to be with my mom today. We went shopping and got items for the baby shower and shopped today on top of other personal things that we did. We did the end day with visiting Dzie Dzie and he asked if the "babies were bouncing" I said he/she was just moving and I went to sit closer to him and he felt his great grandchild move. Just a tender sweet moment. He still tells me twin girls so we will see in a few months! At least he is consistent with his thoughts!

Week 29- Girl's week

me with Andrea at Carrabba's




me with Meg and Andrea!



We had an eventful week this week.

We started the week off by going to the eye doctor for the yearly check-up. I have been going to my doctor since I was a little kid so I am sure that our little one will be going to my doctor (at least until he retires). We started off doing the usual tests and I did great. Then it was time to see the doctor and we chatted about the baby and he said that he does not dilate the eyes during pregnancy as this hasn't been tested on the effects it would have on the baby since the dilation does go into your body. So we played it safe and no dilation this time of the eyes. All in all no change in my eye vision.. no headaches so nothing to worry about during the pregnancy right now. So I asked him if I could get new glasses as I have had mine for about 3-4 years now and it was about time for a new look. I am gonna be a mom so I figured now is the time to start for a new mommy look! I went to Kathie who always helps me and she is just so sweet. She has been there forever and she is my doctors assistant. She is honest with me and tells me what looks good and what doesn't! Don't we all need friends like this! So anyway I settled on a red pair of Coach glasses. Then I asked if I could get my sunglass lenses changed to be prescription sunglasses.... my doctor at this point came out to see how we are doing... I love receiving the special attention!! I showed him my sunglasses and he wasn't sure because of the curve on them and said we will send them to the lab to see if they can do the lenses. Sure enough I got a call from Kathie later in the week and they could do it! So mama is getting 2 new sets of eye wear!!

On Wednesday, February 4th, we went to have a girls dinner with Andrea and Meg. I love spending time with these girls because we just chat and chat and chat and we laugh, laugh, laugh. It is a good time. Andrea was able to feel the little one move as she has been so excited to feel the baby. I was happy the little one was moving! The little one is known to be stubborn at times... gotta love that Polish heritage! So we had dinner at Carrabba's and about 2.5 hours later we decided it was time to head home to the hubbies.



On Thursday February 5th I had another girls dinner with 2 of the aunts from Jeremy's side of the family. Aunt Kellie and Aunt Jill. We always have a ton of fun when we are together. I hang out with them alot during volleyball during the summer and we are getting closer and closer and just love it. We went to Friday's and had a long fun dinner of talking, laughing and just telling stories. I love the fact that the little one and me are receiving alot of love and this means so much. I know once the baby arrives things will change and I won't have alot of time to hang out like I do now, but hopefully their will be alone time for daddy and then mama can still have some time with her friends when the little one is old enough and when I can leave my baby. I have a feeling this will be along time as it took me awhile to leave the dogs.... I can't imagine leaving my little one. Anyway, while we were at Friday's, I had this slushie Strawberry Lemonade drink and it was so yummy. I came home and told Jeremy about it.... I was like we have to figure out how to make this. (I will continue the story later on in the blog)

So Friday- Jeremy played basketball with some friends and I ran over to my Uncle's house to pick up his taxes and Lorissa felt the belly, which everyone knows that I love this! I came home and did their taxes and then just chilled out at home. I relaxed... did the dishes and just watched TV.

Saturday- we have been going to Saturday mass and the little one really likes church music. I felt two big movements on my top right side that were letting me know the little one was awake.

After church we went out to dinner with my parents. We got to hear their story and how they won the public hearing.. I am not going to write about it in the blog as it is my parents story to tell their grand-child one day, but they were victorious with all the research and communication that they had to do in order to be successful at the hearing!

Sunday- we went over to Jeremy's parents house and visited but I also used Pam's computer to copy photos of old pictures of my Busia and Dzie Dzie. My mom is in the process of cleaning out my Dzie Dzie's condo and came across these photos and she wants me and my Uncle Mitch to have copies of them. She knows that it is important to carry on this tradition for our little one and to know his/her great-grandparents. We had pizza with Jeremy's parents and talked about the baby which was very nice. Pam also gave me a pair of very comfy slippers which I know will come in handy!

So we came home and I was still craving that drink from Friday's. Jeremy did some research online and found a recipe. It was about 7:30 at night and I said can we go to Martin's to get the ingredients. Any other time he would have said no, but since this was something healthy and that he knew I was craving, we made the trip to the supermarket. We got home and I made it, but it wasn't as good as at Friday's, but it helped me with my craving!

so the dogs have been really following me around the house lately. As I sit here typing, the dogs are all in the office with me and just laying down. Bob I think is becoming more and more aware of the baby. I try to tell them that mama is gonna have a baby and if they are laying on my stomach and the baby moves I tell them that was the baby. So hopefully they are getting used to the name "baby" so when we do actually bring the baby home they will at least be familiar with the tone in my voice when I say baby.

Monday at work I had a meeting and one of the ladies is always asking to feel the baby move. Well we were in the meeting together and the little one moved so I told Cindy to feel the belly and sure enough the little one moved and it was a big movement at the top of my stomach. She was so happy and so was I. Cindy is expecting twin grand-daughters a few weeks before me so she is just so excited.

Week 28- Thinking Baptism already

January 28th- Well I have been in touch with Father Kevin Russeau, who was the priest who married us about preforming the Baptism for our little one. I think I go alittle over board, but I am a planner and need to get everything organized as much as possible now before the baby arrives. I wanted to see what all we needed to do and what the protocol was for having the Baptism done at the Basilica/Log Chapel at the University of Notre Dame. I was able to receive information from Father Kevin and then also talked to Campus Ministry. I received the form and information about what we need in order to have the Baptism preformed at Notre Dame!!! . Father Russeau is so special to Jeremy and me that we even named one of our dogs after him. He truly has a presence about him and he is so understanding and comforting. Now it is just thinking of who the Godparents will be! We pretty much know who they will be, but I would love to have two Godmothers, but that isn't allowed. I have already thought of where the celebration will be afterwards and what we want to do and also what day of the week I want it on for the little one and also thinking about invitations. I swear I should be a party planner at times! I love it!


So with us purchasing the crib... I have to admit that I have practiced with Riley and Russeau with laying a "baby" in the crib and then picking them up. My belly gets in the way a little bit now, but I can do it. Russeau wasn't feeling the crib when I put him in it, but Riley was an angel about it and was so good. She just layed there on her back and then I was able to pick her up like I would a baby. Again... can you say obsessed with trying to figure all of these little details out. It was very important to me to have a lower front end crib because I am so short that I wanted to be able to support my baby at all angles when I have to pick him or her up or lay him or her down in the crib.


January 31st- We had our nephew's shower today. We just can't wait to meet Harrison and spoil him!! It was great to see everyone at the shower and alot of the family members were able to feel the little one move. I just love this as the little one feels all the love surrounding him/her. I also received lots of predictions that the baby will be a girl. We shall see in a few months.


After the shower, Jeremy and I went to church at Holy Family. We finally became parishioners after attending several masses here. It was about time! So tonight at mass, we sat next to Jeremy's grandpa, which was good to spend time with him. During mass the baby was active more than usual and I think it was because of the music. After mass we got our throats blessed by the priest because we were celebrating St. Blaze.

Changes with me and the baby this week-

I am starting to feel the belly tighten up, this is especially noticeable at night time when my belly isn't 100% on my pregnancy pillow and I feel it stretching as I am laying on my side.


I am not swelling yet, which I keep crossing my fingers that I won't have this too bad!


I am finding myself being addicted to milk these days. Early in pregnancy this was hard for me to get down (because of my dinner outing with my mom and mixing milk and escargot....) what was I thinking???.

The little one is getting more and more active during the day, however he/she is mostly active at night time and this is when Jeremy will watch and talk to my belly. This week he told the baby about Riley, Russeau and Bob and what he thinks they will do to him/her. He said that Bob will likely give you lots of kisses. Russeau will follow you around all the time and Riley will be guarding your every move. We shall see if this is true in the next few months.

As I am typing on the blog tonight, Riley and Russeau are at my feet and Bob is next to me at my right side. They are always near me and the little one. I just hope the little one and the dogs don't forget when the little one is born on how close they are right now.


Superbowl Sunday- My parents and Adam came over to watch the game and its always great to spend time with family. I love when Adam comes over because him and Jeremy are very close and its good for the brothers to spend time together. Plus the little one got to spend time with Uncle Adam! My parents of course are so happy to be over because they can't get enough of the belly. My mom sat in the recliner with Riley and Russeau... practicing for the arrival of the little one. They are just so excited for their first grand-baby.

Week 27- Glucose Test

January 21st-

Today we had our glucose test and regular doctors checkup. I choose to fast before the test. I did not have anything since 7:00 the night before and our appointment was at 8:00 in the morning. I wanted to make sure that my test results were as accurate as possible. When we got to the doctor's office, I was called back by the nurse to take the "juice". I was given a choice of lemon-lime, orange or cola. I choose to take the orange drink. I had 2 minutes to drink about 8 oz. I downed the "juice" in about 20 seconds. I then had to wait an hour to have my blood drawn for the results. In the meantime, we then met with the doctor. I gained 2 pounds since our last doctors appointment for a total about 16 pounds so far. I have a lovely beach ball belly and love it!!! The doctor first found the heart beat of our little one and it ranged from 155-160 so the doctor said the baby is a girl today. We will see what happens in the next 3 months. My measurement for the belly was 26 and its right on where I need to be! So now we went to the waiting room since my time with the doctor was done and I was just waiting for the hour time frame to be up to get my blood tested. The hour was finally up and I was called back to have the test done. I was nervous as you just want to make sure that you are doing everything that you can for your baby... at least that is how I feel. She gave me my results and I passed with flying colors! I was so relieved to know that my body was processing sugar like it should be since my body is changing so much. My parents checked in on me right away and so did all the people at work. It is so nice to know that everyone cares and they take the time to make sure you are doing good.

After the test I did go to work and the baby was alot more active during the day today than usual. I am to start keeping track of the little ones movement and to make sure that I have 10 movements by 3:00 in the afternoon. I asked the nurse since the baby is usually more active at night time and not so much during the day is there an alternative. She said just to choose 1 hour when I get home to count 10 movements in that hour.

Since the baby was more active today because of the Glucose test, Rose at work was able to feel the baby move. She loved it. She has been so sweet and she takes such good care of me at work. She walks in front of me when I go down the stairs at work. She is just so sweet!

January 22nd- Our neighbor Jen (who also is letting me borrow 3 totes of maternity clothes) stopped by because she made a booklet about registering and what items we will need in the first year of having the baby. This was so helpful and so appreciative. So many people have been so nice and offering advice during our pregnancy and I can't wait to carry this on to when my friends are pregnant.

January 24th- Today we went shopping to get the little one the crib mattress. Again, after doing research we went to the store (The Natural Way) to determine what we needed for our baby. We wanted to do reasonable and best quality for the mattress. This is the Christmas gift from my parents to the baby too so we wanted to get this now. We had determined that it was time to go shopping as our nursery furniture as "breathed" since we have had it for over 5 weeks now and it was time to go shopping! We walked in and they already know us at the store because this is where we purchased our nursery furniture and we went to their storage area to test out the mattress firmness and the brands that they carried. We were there for about an hour before we made the decision to go with a luxury firm mattress that will be for the infant on one side of the mattress and then the other side (stage 2) is for the baby when he/she reaches the toddler stage.



After shopping for the mattress, we met my parents at Dzie Dzie's condo and helped packed up some items that we could. I just love it because my parents always touch my belly and the baby will definitely know their touch for sure! Unfortunately, we couldn't stay that long to help as we had a birthday party for Carter on Jeremy's side of the family to attend to.



We went to Carter's 1st birthday party and alot of Jeremy's aunts love to touch the belly and I love that they want to. I am a firm believer that the baby can feel all this love and will also stimulate feelings for the baby. While at the birthday party I began to think of my little ones first birthday party and what we would do and what kind of party we would want to have for our little one. I will say that we will do Jeremy's family tradition for 1st birthdays is that you put a quarter/silver dollar, shot glass and rosary in front of the baby and have them pick one. The theory is that if they pick a quarter they will have wealth, if a shot glass is picked they will be a "partier/social person" and the rosary... well if people can't figure that one out... there is a problem. I wonder what our little one will choose.

I have to say that this week has been great as the invitations for the baby shower were sent out and we have received so many compliments on them! I hope everyone likes looking at our blog and can't wait to post more stories on here!

Oh I do have to say that I will be having three showers.... the BIG shower of family, my work shower and my SMC (Saint Mary's) shower. I appreciate all of this so much and just love my family and friends for wanting to do this for the baby and me (and Jeremy too). I know my girls from Saint Mary's have planned a spa day in March and my work shower is a surprise. I have some of the best friends in the world and they are just so amazing. Thank you in advance to all!!! I really appreciate everything!!

I have to give a shout out to Debbie as she is truly the best blog follower. She immediately sends me emails and always checks in with me to see how me and the baby are doing! She is also the sister I have never had and just love her to pieces. She is so supportive and has so much advice to offer about motherhood!!! I appreciate all of it.

January 25th- We decided that it was time to get another vacuum. We go through about 1 every 2 years because of the dogs. We are choosing to go to the cheaper version models since we go through them so fast. Jeremy and I ventured out today to do some shopping and we also decided that we needed a new desk chair for 2 reasons 1. because when he is on the computer I like to sit on his lap and interrupt him and play spider solitaire and then Riley eventually wants on our lap so there ends up being 3 of us on 1 chair and 2. we just got a new office desk. Since I am gaining weight, he said that we should probably get a better chair just in case. So we went to "test drive" office chairs and came up with a few options.. .however they were sold out of them and have to wait for our chair to come in now. We did have alot of fun testing out the chairs in the store and it was comfy for me to go from chair to chair to chair.

We went to my parents house for dinner tonight and it was a good relaxation time. I talked with my mom about her stretch marks (that I gave her) to kinda gauge if I will be getting stretch marks on the belly. The doc was surprised that I didn't have any on the stomach so I asked my mom and she didn't get any on her tummy so that will be a good sign I guess. Debbie told me that it usually follows what your mom experienced so I am looking good so far!

January 25th- Today we went to the ND's mens basketball game with Meg and Josh. It is always fun to spend time with friends and just have a relaxing evening together. I do have to say that the baby responded at one point to all the action in the arena when ND took the lead! So the little one got to spend time with Aunt Meg and Uncle Josh!

Week 26- Jeremy's first trip away

Attached are some new pics that we took while I am 26 weeks prego. My mom says I look alot bigger in these pictures than I do in person. I guess the camera does put on weight! Considering I have only gained 16 pounds in 26 weeks.

Bob and Riley had to sneak in the pic with mama.

January 13th- January 19th -

So January 14th- This was the first time Jeremy has been away from me and the baby. He had to take a work trip to Washington DC. He left at 4:30 in the morning and didn't get home until 1:00 in the morning on the 15th. It was a long day for him, but well worth it. He said there was alot of Obama stuff everywhere and asked me if I wanted him to purchase anything and I quickly said "No". However looking back we probably could have made some money selling it here, but why deal with the hassle. Anyway, I made sure to keep the dogs out and Riley and Bob slept on the bed with me until Jeremy got home and then woke all of us up.

So Jeremy has become the official back rubber. He is getting used to it every night it seems like. He also helps me put my boots on in the morning and gets me ice cream now at night too. I am addicted to Boonie Doons vanilla ice cream at night time and Jeremy makes the perfect scoops.

This week was another busy week for work and I did meet the work deadlines so once the 15th came it was time to relax a bit. We did have alot of bad weather this week and the temperatures reaching record lows... something that we might not see for the rest of our lifetime. Needless to say, on Jan 16th I stayed home and worked from home today because the temperature was -19 degrees. I felt it was not necessary to be out in the weather and risk getting sick or falling if I really didn't need to. I had my deadlines at work met in the office and I am logged in for working from home so I am meeting my work responsibilities from the comfort and safety of my own home!

However funny story while I was at home today on Friday the 16th. So I had Jeremy bring down the laundry so I could do it today instead of over the weekend and get started on that. Well as I was eating breakfast I heard the washing machine make a weird noise and went into the laundry room. Yep... there was water on the floor. I stopped the washing machine and called Jeremy (who had taken my Jeep and just left about 15 minutes ago for work). I told him "there was water everywhere and didn't know what to do".... so needless to say I made it sound like the laundry room was flooded. So I turned off the washer, moved stuff that I could out of the laundry room and then put towels down to soak up the water on the floor. Jeremy got home and he was like you made it sound like it was really flooded. I think it was because the pipes might have been frozen because of the temperatures. So Jeremy looked where it might have been coming from and thinks from underneath the washer. All in all, I was able to finish my load and no more water was coming out. Maybe it just needed to be "warmed up". Thank goodness I was home to catch this!

So Saturday the 17th, my parents came over and we went out to dinner and just hung out for a bit. Both my parents were able to feel the baby move. They just love touching the belly and I love it too!

Sunday the 18th- Jeremy's mom came over and she got to see the nursery furniture and then also feel the baby move for the first time. After her visit, we went to see my Dzie Dzie at the nursing home and he still tells me twin girls. I told him so far there is only one in there. We will have to see if he is right on the sex in 3 months or so. I can't believe its 2/3 of the way done now. and Jeremy and I still can't figure out a name. I think we are going to take Andrea's suggestion and just take a few names to the hospital and once the baby is born, see what name fits the little one. I know that my parents thought I would be a different name but then once they saw me they changed my name. It's funny how things work!

So the baby is continuing to move more and more at night time and still not that much during the day. Today when I was taking a bath, I just watched my belly as the baby moved across my belly. It's a really neat experience and so amazing to me. When the baby hasn't moved in awhile, I still can't figure out where he/she is at, but I am sure that will come in time as the baby grows. Jeremy is talking to the belly and the baby is responding to his voice most of the time. They say now is when the baby might be able to hear not only my voice but others. So we are trying to talk more and more to the belly and as Jeremy calls it... "He is waking up the baby."

I am still able to wear my wedding ring and I am hoping that I don't swell too much towards the end of pregnancy! However, I think the bath days are numbered as its hard for me to do those "sit-ups" in the tub.

So I have to say that when doing our registry for some of the main items, I received a book called Baby Bargains.... I totally recommend this book because it is very useful when doing shopping for the nursery to breast pumps to strollers to high chairs, etc. It has all these rankings by product and tells you why they are ranking them. Since we are going to be first time parents it gives us insight to questions to consider and what to look for in a product and use of the product. I can't imagine not doing the research on products that you would purchase for your baby. I guess that Jeremy and I are more into the research of products and also want the best for our little one.