Growth Scan...

Today I'm 26 weeks, 4 days!  Baby Boy is right on track and weighs a hefty 2 lbs and is in the 53rd percentile for his size... Perfect!  And then there's his head!  His head is measuring a week ahead of schedule.  Yikes!!!  Must be all his smarts. =)

He's got his little hand on his forehead.  Almost looks like he's saluting. ;)

96 Days and Counting...

Not much to update on except the nursery is underway.  Yay!!  I kept thinking that it was never going to get finished (or started).  The painting should be done by the end of this week!  The great thing is that the room was already blue so we only had to paint where the closet had been and add some new 'design touches'.  My "psycho" (Peter's words, not mine) mother-in-law bought more than her share of the furniture.  Baby Boy will have to thank her for his dressers.  I can't wait to start setting it up but I've been put on a buying freeze... "We have enough letter 'N's' for his wall".  "Yes Dear!" =)

Oh, N, you ask?  Baby Boy's name will be Nicholas Philip!  It feels good to put a name to this little gymnast in my belly.

This past weekend, I was able to catch the alien-like moments on video so Peter can witness it.  He was shocked at how "violent" Nicholas gets while squirming and getting comfy.

Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to share some nursery photos.  Until then, here's a quick rendering I did to give you a taste. =)

24 weeks, 5 days...

This summer is flying by... not to mention my pregnancy.  Yet November still seems so far away.  I got the official date of my shower (no surpises here) and that brings me closer to reality.  But I still don't feel like a mom-to-be.  Its strange to think that, God willing, in only 3 short months I'll be holding onto this little guy in my arms instead of my belly.  I'm still paranoid about the 'what-ifs'... but that will probably linger for another 18+ years. ;)

His kicks now have a pattern and are stronger.  He wakes up with Mommy and then does some pre-bedtime yoga and stretching.  He also has some sporatic movements during the day, usually after breakfast, lunch and dinner. ;)  The train ride rocks him to sleep... wish it would do the same for me.

Yesterday I learned the reality of my Maternity Leave and well, it.... sucks!  I'm not going to go on a rant about it because I should be lucky that I get anything, it's just not enough time.  But like I just said to my sister, is there really a good amount of time?  I wish I could be a stay-at-home mom.  Anyone win the lottery lately and would like to donate to a great young family?? ;)

Wednesday I had dinner with my Grandmother, Aunt and Godmother who lives in Oregon so I don't get to see her that often.

My Godmother Kelly and I.  Yup, that's a 24 1/2 week belly! ;)

My 10 1/2 month old nephew is an official walker!!  Wow... in a little over a year, I could have a walker of my own!  Scary!

I love his Frankenstein walk! ;)  He's modeling his first pair of real shoes.

My Dress...

Today as I feel my dress gently drape across my legs as I walk, I'm reminded of the first time I wore it, when it felt like knives across my legs, when I suffered through my first overnighter on Fire Island. I wasn't unhappy with the people I was with or the things we were doing, I was unhappy with my skin. As the night progressed I learned that at the age of 32 I still did not know how to apply sunblock. I did not know my skin's limitations. As I relaxed on that beach with a sangria that early afternoon, I was unaware of the mayhem that would ensue later that night. As the night progressed so did my realization that this Irish girl should not be allowed in the sun without sufficient protection. As the night progressed I began to notice an uncomfortable swelling in my feet, a painful tightness in the skin of my shins, a reddness taking over my body, and the unquenched need for water. Yup, sun poisoning with what we think were 1st or 2nd degree burns. That night will be forever burned in my memory. It was the night I learned I cannot enjoy the beach without a good liberal coating of SPF100 and an umbrella with an SPF rating of its own.

For this little boy's sake, I hope he has Peter's Hungarian bronze skin. Or else he's doomed. He'll be 'that kid' lathered in white stuff having to run to his mommy every 5 minutes for a reapplication of his 'second skin'. Poor kid. I want him to enjoy the beach. We do, after all, live on an island. 

Haters...

For the past 2 weeks, someone at work who I've become close to has stopped talking to me.  I've done some reconnaissance and it seems as if she's depressed because she's 40 something with no children and single and I'm married and preggo.  The silent treatment all started on my Birthday when during cake I announced its a boy because a few office mates asked if I knew yet.

She knows about my miscarriage and how long it took Peter and I to conceive this miracle.  So it upsets me a little that she could let this come between us.  But, I've been there.  I've been my own Pity Party.  I've been jealous and depressed during those 15 (long) months when someone else around me would get pregnant seemingly without trying.

I had texted her to see what was going on and she said that she's going through some 'personal things that she's not handling very well'.  I told her she knew where to find me if she wanted to talk, she said 'thank you' and left it alone.  That was last week.  Finally yesterday she started talking to me... nothing personal but all work.

I know how tough it must be, especially now that there's no hiding this bump.  I try not to talk about it at work but if someone asks me how I'm feeling or anything else, I answer.  I'm not hiding my pregnancy, I'm excited.  But she's the one I would talk to about the design for the nursery etc.  Its kinda lonely but at least I'm getting some work done.

17 Mondays...

Holy Crap!  I only have 17 Mondays left (after today)!!  125 days to prepare for this little boy's arrival.  That is if all goes to plan and he comes on his due date.

I'm starting to get in nesting mode and the "I have sooo much to do and sooo little time to do it in" panic.  I know it will happen, it just freaks me out since I'm such a planner.  Just ask my poor sister who would like to plan my shower in peace, but I keep interjecting with ideas and thoughts.

I asked Peter if we should start our Christmas shopping soon.  But before he even answered I realized we do everything online anyway.  I can nurse and shop at the same time.  I'm a multitasker! =)

Last night I got to see his little kicks and punches.  It was the strangest thing to see my belly bulge and move.  He was a brat again though.  Every time I would tell Peter to stare at my belly button, he'd stop.  But Peter did get to feel the little feet yesterday morning.  I had to poke and prod my belly but it happened.  Whew... I was starting to feel bad for Peter.


Dear Baby Boy,

Daddy loves you just as much as your Mommy, can you show him you're in there and doing well?  It's not fair that I am the only one that gets to feel your somersaults and stretches.  Tomorrow is your Daddy's birthday and it would be an awesome gift if he could see you move like Mommy saw last night.

PS... it's never too early to start the famous Ditzel guilt trip. ;)  Your Meema and MaMa were and still are great at it.  I learned from the best so you're doomed. =)

Love you lots, Mommy

Little Feet...

Dear Baby Boy,

I love to feel your tiny feet up against me.  It reassures me that you're still doing well.  Promise Mommy and Daddy that you'll stay healthy and come November we'll take you home to meet your big brother Oreo and show you your new room in your home.  I love you more than I thought I could without touching you or smelling your head or giving you kisses on your cheeks.

So keep kicking and punching little guy.  I love it!!

Love your Mommy <3