24...

No, not the hit T.V. show, today marks our official entry into week 24.  6 months. 16 week countdown. 112 days to go!

Any way you say it our little AB is on her way!!  Today is a big day in the White House, as it marks a huge milestone in our time with Annabelle....and it pays tribute to my husband's obsession with the number 24.  I have never been one for numerical luck, seemed a little silly to me...but B-dub on the other hand loves to point out, any chance he gets that his lucky numbers are 2 and 4.  For instance, we met when he was 24 ( I think, seems like he was older, maybe I was 24, I don't know...but one of us was 24) I work on the 4th floor, HE works on the 4th floor, we got married on the 24th, one of our hospital rooms number was 4 on  our emergency trip to the Dr. with Annabelle, he has put his official bid for AB's bday at 2-4-2011, this list could go on...really, on, and on, and on.  I will spare you, but by now you get the gist.  He LOVES the number 24. 

In an effort to mark this special occasion, I will continue on my list of things I have learned pregnant...(I think the first entry for this list was dated back to week 16).

11. What I thought was big, is only getting bigger.  I think this will be a theme the next 16 or so weeks. 

12.  The cravings everyone talks about are more than cravings actually, they are like little relentless soldiers, infiltrating every thought until they get satisfied.  Case in point, I thought about a cupcake for 7 STRAIGHT days...I didn't even know that was possible.  In case you are wondering, I finally ate the cupcake and it went away.  Crazy.

13.  My already crazy dreams have now ventured toward the point of in need of professional help, I have dreamed Annabelle decided she didn't like me, that Bobby didn't like me, that instead of me getting fat, Bobby actually did....etc.  (fyi the Bobby fat dream was recent and hilarious, I was trying to get him to do crunches and he was too big to do them, only funny bc it is just SO FAR from the truth, I don't know if he appreciated it as much as I did) That is just the tip of the ice burg, I hesitate putting any more on here in fear that someone may actually turn me in.

14.  The food on the belly is still a common occurrence, just as I feared it might be.  Just last night, I think I may have even burned the belly a little when I dropped hot soup on it!

15.  Bending over is quite a process, starting about last week it seemed increasingly difficult to put on my shoes.  My limitations were fully realized when I tried to do the laundry, went to pick up a load and pulled a muscle.  Maybe that means laundry is off limits from here on out....I could only hope.

16.  What clothing I thought would work through my entire pregnancy (ie. pre pregnancy clothes I thought would NEVER get too small) are in fact too small.  This all happened in the last week or so as well, I promise, some things I wore two weeks ago, may as well be barbie clothes now!

17.  Our little AB does NOT like being woken up...much like her mommy. Every time we try to get her to move when she is not into moving, she gives us one quick jab, as to say, "ya guys, I'm here, and I'm sleeping, leave me alone" It's pretty cute if you ask me!

18.  My husband has decided there is a conspiracy against pregnant women and their clothing.  I happen to agree.  Who knew a T-Shirt could cost $92.00!!  It is quite the injustice the prices they try charging for things, especially when women are in a highly emotional state.

19.  Doing a baby registry, unlike a wedding registry, CAN'T be done with just you and your spouse.  I mean it can, just not with out a few tears.  We tried it, proved this theory, and will never attempt again.  We ended up registering for 3 bathtubs, lots of soap, and some blankets.  Apparently AB will not lack a bath, she just may lack other essentials, like diapers, bedding and feeding supplies.  Sorry little one!

20.  Sisters, friends, and mothers that have all been down the motherhood road before are like little gems lining the path of uncertainty and excitement I find myself on.  Truly do not know what I would do without their advice, calming words, encouragement, and occasional text about how fat they feel too!  Love all my girls!

21.  Sleeping and its unfriendly counterpart, NOT sleeping find both find their way into my daily routine, just in random order.  When I am not supposed to be sleeping, I cant keep my eyes open, but in the middle of the night when EVERYONE else is sleeping, I cant seem to buy a wink.  I am guessing this is the Lord's way of making me accustomed to my little ones schedule she will keep when she arrives.

22.  A long day of work isn't what it used to be, before I was tired, now I am tired, sore, and swollen.  Last Sat. I officially had to struggle getting my rings off after a 10 hr day outside and my entire foot had taken new form.  Funny, yes, scary...heck yes!  The swelling begins.....

23.  My husband still deserves an award.  Maybe even an eternal flame.  I am guessing my thoughts may change during the mist of contractions, but until then B-dub...what would we do without you :)

24.  As much fun as I have compiling this list of random "findings" no amount of discomfort, weight gain, lack of sleep, or anything else I have mentioned could take even a fraction of the amount of joy we have had already with our girl.  Every second of every day is worth the learning curve, and very much enjoyed!  We love every part of our growing experience and can't wait to see what is to come in the next 16 weeks!  Keep it up little one, we love experiencing everything new with you!

Mommy day

Today I decided to take a "mommy day"....after 3 very long work weeks/weekends my growing "anna"belly told me today I just couldn't go anymore.  I am 2 hours in, and I already feel better!  Whoever said a mental health day is just for your mental health, is just incorrect.  Annabelle and I are going to use our mommy daughter day to start our preparations for her arrival!  I CAN'T believe we are getting so close.  Panic and excitement have both set in a bit as we realize what all we need to get squared away for our little one's arrival.

Paint, bed, room, rocker, little Annabelle clothes, diapers, bottles are all swirling in my thoughts these days.  Making our little girl seem very, very real!  As if my growing belly wasn't enough to convince me that she is well on her way, all these things that will ready us for her arrival are making her seem like she will be here sooner than we know it!

We are officially at 117 days until Feb. 7th, and have a lot in store for these one hundred days.  We have birthdays to celebrate, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, our babymoon vacation, and lots of Annabelle fun in the coming days....really making each one of those 117 days really count.

So my mommy mission begins, I am ready to take on the challenge of making our little girl feel perfectly welcome in her new home.  My deepest desire is to have a place where our girl is wonderfully celebrated, where her learning is fostered and encouraged, where she can feel safe and have the will to explore and experience all things wonderful.  So as my vision expands from blank walls and Internet pages to a precious retreat for our family to grow together, I am ready!  Ready to take the next 117 days, and make something completely special for our Annabelle.  I am looking forward to every decision, every fabric, every trinket that will be the first visions to our new one.  We are so excited for you Annabelle, we cannot wait to share this home with you and for your arrival to make it complete!


Here is a small sneak peek into the new "digs" for AB!  This is the fabric we have (thanks to Grandma Machita and Grandpa JJ) ORDERED!!!  for her little crib.  We are loving the soft blues and coral pink....so we will see where we go from there.  This however is not her crib, we are still making our final decisions on that one...more to come!  And so the mommy day begins...wish us luck!