26 Weeks

Our crib came in this weekend, so Andrew got on it right away. If it looks familiar, it's because it's the same one at Mom's house. In fact, it's the same design as my own baby crib.

I just love the femininity of the spindles.

This guy is so good. (That's not where the bookshelf will go, BTW. We still have to move the desk out of the office.)

He had this thing together in no time.

Milly was a little concerned. She sat on the office chair to keep an eye on things throughout the assembling process.

Here's the progression of the baby bump (and my freakishly fast-growing hair) - from 15 to 25 weeks.

Though pregnancy definitely has its perks as I mentioned in the last post, I have to say it ain't all cupcakes and rainbows around here. My lower back has been killing me the last few days. All of a sudden, I'm irritable and cranky for no reason. I actually apologized to my students today because their nonstop questions about researching in the library about drove me mad. I'm exhausted when I get home from coaching tennis everyday (Rachel, I don't expect any sympathy from you :) At least I'm getting a full night's rest.) Andrew has to run all errands, do the grocery shopping, the cooking, the cleaning, and even the laundry. It's not easy, but it's all worth it. I love nothing more than coming home to Andrew every night and talking about Charlotte, feeling her flip-flop around my belly, and imagining being her parents in three months.

At 26 Weeks. Thanks, Rachel, for the maternity wear on loan!

The Joys of Pregnancy

For those of you who remember my first major Mom mistake, rest assured that the first picture ever of Charlotte has now been found. The public library emailed me to say that our ultrasound picture was returned. As I thought, I had left it in a book after using it as a bookmark. Never again will I make that mistake!

This was such a fun week with the arrival of John Thomas Kirkpatrick. Rachel had a crazy fast delivery. She called me at 8:30 to say she was having contractions. At 9:00 she was on her way to the hospital and by 10:40 he was here!

Read more about this sweet one at Kirkpatrick's Corner.

One thing I'm realizing about pregnancy is how great it is to get so much attention all the time. Need some help picking out a stroller? Mom is happy to help. Craving Hostess Ding Dongs? Husband will toss you one as he walks in from the grocery. Feet tired at band practice after a long day working and coaching? You get the only chair on stage. Want half of two doughnuts at your parents' house instead of just picking one? Not a problem. (That one's for you, honey:))

People at school, at church, at the store always ask how I'm feeling and how much longer I have. Some are surprised at how fast it's gone; others, at how much longer I have. To some I'm smaller than they would expect; to others, they can't believe I'm only 25 weeks. It doesn't really matter what they say, I just love talking about pregnancy and especially about Charlotte. When people ask if I'm having a boy or girl, I always throw in her name. Most seem surprised at a somewhat old-fashioned name, but they act like they love it. Whether or not they're saying that just to be nice, I don't care. I love saying her name. I fall more in love with it everyday. It really gives her an identity. I can't wait to really get to know her personality. I'm a little nervous after she kicked Andrew in the face while he was giving my belly a kiss. Uh oh! Looks like we're in for it:)

Make sure to visit the photo blog for a story about the attack of the Campbell County Cows!

25 Weeks

I'm sitting here now as Rachel has just gone to the hospital with contractions five minutes apart. We were just walking laps around the school about six hours ago, and she showed no signs of labor. Crazy how fast your world can change! I should be meeting John Thomas tomorrow!

I woke up this morning realizing that 25 weeks sure feels like a big number. I'm starting to sense the pressure to get some things checked off the to-do list. Mom and I went to Crib and Carriage to order the crib and glider this week. We're going Friday to Direct Buy to order the dresser. I can't ever do anything the easy way and just get it all at one store. We've probably sent about 20 emails back and forth discussing dresser ideas, but I finally settled on one. I'll save the pictures for when they actually arrive. Oh the suspense!

Today Andrew picked up a crib and changing table from a friend to use at Mom and Dads. I guess this is typical of first-time parents, but we had to go put it together tonight. I don't think Mom minded though :) The bedding she ordered just came in so was pretty excited to get in on the crib. Hopefully she'll blog the pictures soon. No pressure though, Mom!

I had a lovely surprise waiting for me when we got to Moms. Miriam has been a busy bee making some sweet baby gifts.

This is the softest blanket I have ever felt. And contrary to what my family would have you believe, I actually won't fight Charlotte for it. She just better not fight me for mine! The little ribbon loops are my favorite detail. I just know she will love it!

This was the first time I had seen her name monogrammed, and I just fell in love with it all over again. Aren't these diapers beautiful? Thanks, Miriam.

Here we are at 25 weeks. The major milestone today was feeling her hiccup for the first time. This week her lungs are developing so I guess that's appropriate timing!

European Moonpie

It's been a photo full weekend, but no worries, I made a little time for a few treats. I'm feeling free to enjoy them more often (as if I didn't already :)) since I learned Friday that I hadn't gained any weight in four weeks. I'm guessing it's due to the food poisoning over Spring Break and not being able to eat the morning before the doctor's appointment, but still - a good excuse for adding a few calories.

After my Saturday morning session at the World's Fair Park, I headed to Market Square not realizing the Dogwood Arts Festival was in full swing. I braved the crowd anyway. When my stomach started growling and I realized it was just 10:30, I couldn't pass up the opportunity for a cinnamon sugar crepe at the French Market. Just after I ordered it, I looked in the glass display cabinet and saw a selection of French macaroons. When the cashier asked if I needed anything else, what was I to do? I was instantly transported to the Champs-Elysees just outside of Laduree. Remember reading about it?

Anyway, I paid $8 for seven of these macaroons which Andrew called little European Moonpies. I don't think so! In case you're wondering - yes, it was worth it.

I stopped in one of my favorite stores, Bliss, and couldn't pass up this wood block to add to Charlotte's bookshelf.

I saw this Bath Buddy last time I was in there and totally regretted not buying it. I fixed that! Hopefully this will make bathtime, funtime.

Be sure to check out the recent updates on the photo blog.

24 Weeks

Charlotte's bassinet came in the mail yesterday, and we couldn't wait another day to put it up. Andrew got to work while watching the Yankees/Red Sox game. I was hoping to just use the pack'n play as a bassinet, but it's too big for our already tight bedroom.

As soon as Andrew pulled it out of the box, though, I was so glad we got this one.

How cute is this? It came with a canopy, but I thought it was a bit much. We're going with just the bottom part.

Milly is already having a hard time adjusting. She just stood outside the bedroom door and whined the entire time Andrew was putting it together. It's crazy that a dog can be so intuitive, but this pup definitely senses the changes to come.

The green color works with our bedroom colors and will be good for future boy babies. So practical!

Excuse the wrinkles. I figured I would just have to wash it again later, so we'll wait a few more weeks to do that.

I go to the doctor Friday at 1:30 for the dreaded glucose test where I can't eat any carbs, sugar, or fruit all morning. What else is there to eat? I seriously don't know what I'm going to do. I probably shouldn't be spending this much time planning my breakfast and lunch for Friday, but they've wiped out all of my basic food groups, and I'm at a loss. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

24 Weeks Down. It's flying by!

Easter

I spent about two hours making these darned (trust me, it's just the font that makes it looks like that word!) lemon cupcakes last night. After all the stirring and cleaning, I'm not sure it was worth it to make four different icing colors. I just had to use Mom's new cupcake tree though. I just may never use it again :)

After church, Dad's family came over to eat - the first time ever we didn't go to Mamaw and Papaw's for lunch and an egg hunt. Strange, but Mamaw sure has earned a break from all that cooking.

When my cousin, Holly, mentioned that Lucy's favorite new tune is Lady Gaga's "Poker Face," Mom jumped to turn on her iPod. Turns out Mom is a closet Lady Gaga fan!

This is her cheese face. Precious!

Here's Mattie in his new Easter shirt. Only a few weeks until this guy is a college graduate!

He seems to be practicing his uncle-ing skills.

But Lucy was a little preoccupied with the sweets.

Our last Easter without Charlotte. One of my first thoughts today was whether her dress next year will be Strasburg or Baby Gap. Goodness. I may need an intervention soon.

Our next stop was in Maryville for the egg hunt at Melissa's.

Lexi was pretty excited about what she found.

Sweet Katelyn climbed in my lap for me to hold her and give her a bottle. Charlotte was kicking like crazy. Jealous much, baby girl?

Emma Grace was totally into the Nerds.

But she kindly shared some with her canine friends. Lilly, here, is a Dorkie - a Dachshund/Yorkie mix. Lilly, Dorkie. Milly, Yorkie. How cute! They should be besties!

I wasn't totally convinced Jake even knew my name until I bribed him to say it to get me to open his candy. Worked like a charm though it was the only time he made eye contact with me all day. I'm guessing he's still a little upset that we're not providing him a male companion. Poor guy.

Who is this girl? I wouldn't recognize her myself if I hadn't taken the picture. Get this. Audrey now hates dresses and the color pink. Go figure.

Not Maddie, though! She seems to be enjoying her pink dress just fine.

I can't wait to see what's in store for our next Easter. I'm imagining an adorable dress, a visit from the Easter bunny, a semi-egg hunt since she won't be walking yet, and a special story from the Jesus Storybook Bible. **Insert internal screams of excitement!

23 Weeks

This week is shaping up to be pretty productive for baby preparation. Mom and I spent two full days shopping in Atlanta for Charlotte. Pottery Barn Outlet, IKEA, and Baby Gap were by far our best stops.

The first stages of the picture wall (minus a few frames) that will be above her dresser. It's a mix of IKEA and Pottery Barn frames. It's ironic how much planning goes into a display that is supposed to look just thrown together.

My best purchase from the trip was the first purchase - this bookshelf from Pottery Barn Outlet. Between the coupon and the two gift cards Mom and I had, I only paid $90 for this.

I'm so ready to get this nursery decorated that I woke up at 8:00 Wednesday morning and set to decorating, before I had my Bran Flakes, mind you. All I can really work with at this point is the bookshelf, but I'm happy with it so far. After doing Charlotte's first load of laundry, the bottom shelf is now full of her clean, ready-to-wear clothes. The tiny little pants and shirts were so fun to fold!

Andrew and I went to Target and Babies-R-Us yesterday to complete our baby registry. What fun! We found everything we needed. How could you not at Babes-R-Us, though? That place is massive. I'm glad I had already made two trips, or I would have been completely overwhelmed.

Tonight we're moving some of the big pieces out of the office to get ready for a garage sale in two weeks. We're making major progress! Now, if I could only make some decisions about a crib and dresser. The white bookshelf threw everything off. I'm afraid with a white crib and dresser, it will just be too much white. Decisions, decisions!

FYI. A picture does exist for my 23 week of pregnancy. It just will never be made public. Oh my. (Note to self: Spring Break is no excuse for not fixing your hair.)