home improvement #1

One of the very first of many many house projects was re-tiling the living room fireplace. Its limestone green marble made the whole room scream 1993. After a few too many trips to Home Depot and Lowes, we acquired all of the necessary materials and tools to drywall, mortar, tile, and grout the thing. And, as always- it was a much bigger job than anticipated, but not too tough. While Jonathan would have preferred to just call someone to do it for us, I loved the challenge! It was the first of my million and one art projects for the month, and I think it turned out pretty good for our first time tiling. I have to admit though- watching HDTV 24 hours a day most likely helped me out quite a bit.

I would eventually like to add an oversized mantle and box around the tiles. Maybe next year. This one is crossed off my list for now!

19 week somersault

We had our big 19 week ultrasound on Tuesday. It's the one where most people find out whether they're having a boy or girl. We decided to opt out. I don't know where it came from but we are loving the whole surprise idea.

We are now right in the middle of one of the first of many growth spurts, and the little one seems to be very squished! Here is a snapshot of baby finch doing a somersault. So strange to see the legs and feet wrapped up all the way around the head. We will also be going back in for another ultrasound in 2 weeks because he/she apparently wasn't turned the right way for adequate face and cardio measurements. Other that that- all looked and sounded great!

It's kinda funny to me how each ultrasound has made this having-a-baby-odeal seem that much more real. I see it on the screen. I see my large belly. How this is not computing is beyond me. Jonathan is always a little dazed for a few days after each ultrasound...almost like he forgot what was going on.

There are certain moments that I have anticipated in my life that never have failed to live up to the hype. I have thought quite a bit of seeing Jonathan hold our little baby in his arms for the first time, and can't wait to see his tearful, smiling face. He's going to be the best dad in the world!

18 weeks

This whole pregnancy thing just amazes me. I can't believe that I'm halfway through this ordeal already. Nine months seems like such a long time to wait with more than enough days to plan, anticipate, and get used to the whole idea of having a baby before it actually gets here--but I have unknowingly woken up almost every day this week to a belly that is so foreign to me. While I know it has always been growing, (what it's supposed to do…right) it seems to have arrived just yesterday.

I think to myself:

1. What can be in there that is SO big, so fast!?
2. Have I even been paying attention the last 4 months?
3. Is my back going to ache now for the next 4.5 months straight?
4. Is this really what I signed up for?
5. A no-return policy you say?

Maybe the nausea was to blame for my phasing-out all of the reality checks so far. Maybe the stranger-than-strange dreams have me confused about who it is I am actually married to, and how it is that I am going to bring home a baby on or around Jan 12th. It’s really been quite hilarious how interesting each day has been. From the new process (and it IS a process) of rolling over in bed to the extreme craving for a nice big round glass of cabernet, I am officially accepting the fact that things have changed in my life. Things have changed in a fabulous, sometimes gregarious, often strange, occasionally sad, but most of the time very happy way.

Here are some silhouettes of the baby finch belly at 18 weeks.

That’s all for now. Over and out. Literally.

day of firsts

Yesterday was our 1-year wedding anniversary. How quickly the times flies when you're having fun! We spent the day rather romantically-- moving all of our furniture in a U-Haul to the new house, putting things away, spray-painting end tables and headboards, eating a frozen pizza, and watching a movie. A little sweat - a little dirt - a little tylenol. It was perfect.

Aside from our first anniversary, it was also our first night sleeping in the new house, and the first official baby kick! It was more like a pinch...or was it a cramp? Either way, it was the first time (after many previous rumbles and grumbles and flutters over the last week) that I was pretty positive it was the baby. So, I'm counting it.

Today, Jonathan is excited as a little boy on Christmas morning to have his Direct-TV hooked up - just in time for the first pre-season NFL game I might add. Wouldn't want to miss something like that, especially when there are so many boxes to unload and put away. What fabulous distractions!

For me, it's tackling the master closet (eeek), kitchen dishes, and office paperwork. Cross your fingers.

big boobs & belly touchers

Only 4 months into my pregnancy and I am definitely one round lady. I’m sure the fact that my torso is only 6 inches long doesn’t help in that department. I have nowhere to go but OUT. Target had become my go-to shop for maternity clothes…all that is stretchy, twisty, soft, and expandable. It’s great! I finally have a few outfits that I feel good in. It was about time I stopped wearing the same 2 articles of clothing for 3 weeks straight- the only outfit that didn’t have a button or zipper digging into my belly button. Now, even though it’s just a few tops, a few bottoms, and a few dresses- I feel pretty set for the seasons.

Now, I’m on to the “finding a new bra that fits” phase. Because my boobs are huge! Aside from the lovely compliments that Jonathan gives me every once in a while, (what man doesn’t appreciate big boobs?) they’ve actually become quite a nuisance. I feel like I’m wearing a bra 2 cup sizes too small, with nowhere near the necessary support. It’s one of those non-fun purchases…kinda like shopping for closet organizers—they make your life so much easier, but nobody ever sees them.

And then there are the belly-touchers. I don’t know what makes people think they can come up to you and touch your belly just because it’s protruding. Complete strangers! Yes, thank you for noticing that my belly is sticking out and that you think it’s cute. It’s not so cute when it makes you get up to pee five times a night. Just please, don’t touch me—especially if I don’t know you.

These last couple of weeks have actually been pretty good though. The nausea has worn off, skin has cleared up a bit, and I have much more energy. The energy has been quite needed too with us moving into the new house. Brick by brick…I’m building my nest. One room painted…and 10 more ta go!