Letters to Lyla and Lottie

Todd got an early present...to feel/see his baby girl! Two nights before Father's Day, I was sitting up in bed and felt some serious kicks so I pulled up the garms to have a look. I told Todd to look at it and he responded by saying I was crazy (I had literally spent half the day trying to get him to feel her and he couldn't-so he was discouraged). Then he went whoa! He saw the ripple of a kick. So then he reluctantly put his hand on my belly and felt her 3 or 4 times. It was so funny cuz each time he acted shocked by the force behind those bad daddys. I think we have a little linebacker on our hands. I was delighted to prove to him that I'm not crazy (at least in that sense). For Father's Day we went camping up Yankee Meadow (more on that later) but this is what else Todd got....

One of my most favoritest books from childhood. Watching the trailor brought me back to those carefree days of my youth-when fantasy wasn't a luxury and anything really did seem possible. I need to get this book for girlfriend. See how underprepared I am?!

I can't believe we're 25 weeks! I remember when my friend Aubree posted about having less than 100 days left. At the time, I thought that still seems like a long time. That was before I knew anything about pregnancy. 100 days or less seems like nothing! Things have been going really well. It's true I am 6 months pregnant and still hurling...but 1/10th of what I was before. It's not every day and sporadic. Still, people look at me like I'm crazy when I say I'm not puke free. I'm just happy to be so much better!

15 weeks

21 weeks

25 weeks

Some other random updates....

*Last Wednesday I was sitting in my prego chair (this old reject from Jenny that is quite comfortable) and I felt some serious kung-fu style kicking. So I pulled up my shirt and low and behold...I saw the jiggle. Three times! I couldn't even believe it! I was so mad Todd wasn't there to feel it or see it. She always does that. As soon as Todd is gone or trying to feel her she disappears. Todd really wants to feel it already but he's not taking it personal like I am.

*Girlfriend definitely beats to her own drum. I love her for it...but it also ticks me off from time to time. The books all say that baby is most active when you're resting and when you lay down for bed. They also say that if you eat protein and something sugary you should feel movement when lying down. So NOT true for her. I feel her most early in the morning (like on my way to work) and at about 3pm everyday. I always freak when I first lay down to bed and feel nothing but I just tell myself I'll feel her good in the morning and I always do. One night, I ate a KING size snickers bar right before I went to bed because I was going to prove a point (or try to have control over her that I don't have!) and I felt nothing-I stayed up for two hours that night bound and determined. Nada. I was so mad because the next morning she transformed into an Olympic gymnast. I have felt her much more regularly in the last week though. I got to see the jiggle again yesterday and last night was the first night I actually woke up from movement. I usually sleep quite deep but struggled last night so that might be why too.

*We are in our third week of prenatal class! At first I was so excited to go but now Todd and I kind of dread it (and yes, I kinda feel guilty about it). It's 2 hours and goes til 9:30pm. It's funny because I think I am just on a different plane than most of the new moms. Each one said their biggest fear was pain-in delivery. That is at the BOTTOM of my fears list. I figure-pain or no pain, she'll get here regardless. It's the other stuff that really freaks me out-preterm labor, complications, undetected birth defects, and the list goes on. Todd and I are sort of the seasoned ones in the class too-I feel really quite old. There are two moms under 18, many that are in college and stuff-none that are old w/ careers and what not...it's okay though. One funny note, the day we had to say what our biggest fear was, Todd said his was just having a girl. I was so mad at him. haha. At least he's honest right?

*Two Fridays ago was our 23 week apt. The nurse found the heartbeat immediately! It was so nice and such a comfort to hear it. I also learned that I've actually only gained 6 lbs according to their scale. So that's good I guess. After that we spent the day house hunting (more on that later) but we found a really cute house we really want. I couldn't help but imagine the nursery.

*Speaking of...the nursery (items) are coming along nicely. We have the crib, changing table, car seat, bassinet and other fun things like a boppy, a baby swing, some clothes and wall decorations. Last week we had a huge find...someone on craigslist was selling a pink dresser from IKEA, an adorable white and pink toy chest, and a book shelf...all in great condition. I made an offer but wasn't too hopeful because I had seen tons of posting trying to contact the seller. Well, low and behold it was one of my colleagues who was selling it! I couldn't believe it! She gave me the whole set for $75. They match the crib bedding perfectly! The colors are pink and plum. If we get into a house, I plan to do white bead board and then finish with pink walls. The wall decor will mostly be plum or espresso wood (like the crib). I hope it all comes together. So, while things are coming along, I still feel quite under prepared. Sometimes I just want everything bought and the whole thing done in one day. I struggle with impatience. Is it too early to be in the nesting stage?

That's about all in the way of updates on Girlfriend. I'm getting more and more excited to finally meet her. I get all teary eyed when I see births now and imagine what ours will be like (probably chaotic :0). Not sure who this woman is that I've become but I like it.