Week 19 Update

I'm feeling really brave today, not just because of the picture I am about to post, but because I actually have intentions of wearing this dress OUT OF THE HOUSE! Tomorrow night is Eve of the Eve (the JLM gala that I have been working on all year) and while I would be much more comfortable in my PJ's, I don't think the guests would understand. I'm not quite ready for maternity clothes (but clearly getting really close!) and this dress is probably my best option for the party. I decided to try it on this morning, just to be sure it still fits. Once I got over the shock, I decided it would make a good picture for those of you who have been requesting a new picture of my belly. Enjoy...

We have also started to feel the baby's movements. I had been feeling something for the last few weeks that I assumed was the baby but wasn't quite sure. Then early last week I was laying on the couch with my hand on my belly and I felt a kick. Scott was even able to feel one just a couple days later!

Week 17 Update

I had a doctor appointment today. All is good, baby's heartbeat is strong at 150 bpm. Overall it was a quick and uneventful appointment. We did get to schedule the 20 week ultrasound appointment. For convenience, they wanted to combine it with my next appointment in 4 weeks. So that basically makes it a 22-week ultrasound....ugh! But anyways, we will learn the gender in just 4 short weeks :-)

Obviously not pregnancy related...Tiger had a doctor appointment today too! We took him in for a new kitten check-up, just to be sure he was healthy and everything was ok. Fortunately, Tiger got a clean bill of health! He did very well at the appointment, unlike someone else I know (Maggie hates the vet). And once we got home, we started the introduction between Maggie and Tiger, with Tiger still in the travel carrier. Maggie hissed a couple times and then retreated to a safe spot to observe him. I think it will take awhile, but it appears she's not too upset about the intruder in her home...

Tiger's Video Premiere

We bought a video camera for when the baby gets here, and it has already gotten a lot of use! Here's a quick video of our cute little Tiger playing with one of his many toys. In the video you will notice a lovely white towel at the base of the bedroom door. We placed this here to prevent any attempt at fighting underneath the door. As far as we know, Maggie has kept her distance from the door; she's only been semi-curious when she can hear one of us in there and she can't get in. But I still want to be careful, especially for those times when we aren't around.

See the post below for Tiger's story...

New Addition to the Family

We adopted a new kitty cat over the weekend. His name is Tiger and he is about 4 months old. About a month ago, Tiger wandered onto someone's front porch in Belle Plaine. He was cold, scared and alone. The owners of the house took him in, but feared their large, aggressive dog wouldn't be compatible with Tiger. They dropped him off at the local Humane Society and since then he has been living in a foster house with a caring family and a number of other kittens his age.

So far he's been very playful, affectionate and talkative. We have him in our downstairs bedroom temporarily as Maggie starts to get used to the idea of having to share her house. She isn't very fond of the idea right now, but I think she will get better over time if we take it slow and don't rush her. As for Tiger, I think he has happily adopted us and is thrilled to have a place to call home.

Week 16 Update

I guess I am feeling brave as I have decided to post the first picture of my baby bump. There's definitely a bump, and more of one than I expected at this point. Maybe I'm just working too hard to ensure Baby Ryan is well fed...once the 1st trimester morning sickness finally passed, I started eating everything in sight. Sometimes it makes me laugh to think of just how much I can eat right now! I'm still exercising, mostly walking with a little running when I feel up to it. I have also started taking prenatal yoga. I've only been to a handful of classes so far and I'm not so sure what I think yet, but it's probably a good thing to loosen up this body after so many years of running.

Maggie's Perch

This is where I found Maggie this morning...sitting up in this little window in our living room looking outside. I've seen her here before and have always been amazed because it doesn't seem like it would be that easy to get up there. But I think she likes it there...she can look down on the cold world outside from the protection of her warm house!

Congrats Shawn & Stephanie!

Shawn and Stephanie welcomed Duncan John McDermott into the world on November 21st. What a cute little guy! We can't wait to meet him!!

Week 12 Update

We went to the doctor's office today for the 1st trimester screening (a test that determines the odds of the baby having a number of different chromosomal issues). The test is an ultrasound and some bloodwork. Everything looked great on the ultrasound. Baby was sleeping at first, but after some prodding was awake and moving around a lot. It was a long ultrasound so we had a lot of time to see various parts of the baby and all looks good! Heartbeat was 155 today. We will get the results of the bloodwork at the end of the week.

Here are a couple photos from today's ultrasound:

Not Ready for Winter!

This post is primarily for our friends and family in Texas (and other warmer climates) who don't have to deal with snow, especially in November! Looks like winter has arrived in Minneapolis...here is a picture of our backyard this morning. Brrr!!

Heather's Wedding

We were in Texas this past weekend to celebrate Heather and Scott's wedding. Here are a couple pictures from the reception. The first one is of me, Heather and Amy (Amy's outfit is complete with her husband's tie!) We had a such a wonderful time!

Week 10 Update

We went to the doctor this morning to hear the heartbeat. After some moving around of the wand, she was finally able to pick up the heartbeat. 150 beats per minute! Scott said it sounded like a locomotive. She also wanted us to do an ultrasound to double check the due date. Luckily they were able to squeeze us in right away. Wow, it was amazing to see our little one up on the screen! Everything looks great and the projected due date (May 22nd) is accurate. They printed two pictures for us, but I have to say that the ones we saw on the screen were MUCH clearer. The first one is a regular ultrasound photo and the 2nd is in 3D.

Abby's 1st Halloween

My little niece Abby will be a kitty cat for her first Halloween! What a cutie!!

May 2009 Arrival...

While the image isn't super clear, I think you can get the idea of what it says...

Maggie's Wedding

We were in Texas this past weekend for Maggie and Darris's wedding. Maggie was a beautiful bride and it was wonderful to celebrate the special day with her!