Well... that is definitely a boy!

At 21 weeks, that is how the nurse revealed that our bundle of joy will be wrapped in blue, and after seeing the evidence in the ultrasound it was in fact definite.  We could not be more excited to finally begin preparing for Cameron Keith Ool to join us.  While we had both agreed that whatever we were given, as long as he or she was healthy it would be perfect, I think my ex-baseball playing husband was overwhelmingly excited to see that there was in fact a he in there... so much so that he actually asked the nurse if she could tell us if he was left or right handed.  And so it begins.

The reveal was almost too much excitement to handle as we went as quickly as we could to the closest baby store to pick out a glider, diaper bag and sweet little outfit complete with corduroy pants and adorable cardigan - yes, I want him to look like a little old man! Not only did we score some great swag for Cameron, but our waiter at dinner comped my brownie sundae after I declared that we were celebrating that evening.  All in all, one super great day!

On top of everything else, we were given a beautiful gift from my parents... and technically, my Grandma too.  My family has a cradle that my grandparent's purchased to use for all six of their babies including my mother.  Some of their children have used the cradle as well, so I had asked if we may be able to track it down so that I could continue the tradition.  I was beyond surprised this weekend when my Mom announced that she had a gift for Cameron and carried out the beautiful cradle complete with new bedding she had custom made for us.  A little furniture re-arranging and it now has a perfect home in our bedroom awaiting our little man's arrival.  

As if that wasn't enough, this week is Kevin and my anniversary.  We have had three amazing years together, and are looking forward to celebrating the life-changing year that will make up our fourth year of marriage. A big fat shout out to my baby-daddy... I love you more every day and can't thank you enough for giving me this amazing wiggle worm that has taken up residence in my stomach.

Onto the revised questions... now that we are over half way, I think we can cut to the chase.  :)

How are you sleeping?: Better lately... finally.

What was the best moment this week?:  Being able to bestow a name on our baby boy after finding out his gender.

Do you miss anything?: Being able to engage my core muscles so that I can sit up without straining myself.

Cravings?: Sweets and more sweets

Mood lately?: Beyond happy this week for obvious reasons.  So thankful for my many blessings.

What are you looking forward to?:  My baby shower next month!  It is a bit early, but we wanted to have it before the holidays so I can't wait to get together with all of my family and friends to celebrate Cameron.

 

Maternity Clothes?: Favorite items this week are my camisoles.  They conveniently stretch over my constantly growing belly.

Stretch Marks?: Not yet... thank goodness.

Have a great week!

20 Weeks... Our Own Personal Holiday!

It's official... I have cooked half of a baby.  Since I am not sure which half it is, I will allow him/her to stay cozy in my belly until baby is fully cooked.  I am generous that way.  Kevin and I decided that... Ok, I decided that it should be a national holiday. Kevin thought it was just another week, but I was sure there would be a medal of some sort.  Instead, we settled for a bottle of sparkling grape juice and a good nights sleep.

Now that we are halfway, everyone wants to know if we are having a boy or a girl.  Finally, the week has come where we will have an answer.  This Thursday we get to go visit with the Doctor and find out if we are going to be buying bows or bowties.  Saying we are excited would not even begin to describe how we are feeling as I am currently counting down the minutes until we get the word.

This weekend though my focus was turned to another big event, the bachelorette party of Miss Morgan Becker.  She decided she wanted to celebrate her big celebration Eureka Springs style which meant whistles and straws that resembled the male anatomy, a great dinner at Emelios, lots of walking down stairs and a few drag queens.  It was an epic night and Morgan is pretty sure that judging by the pictures she had a blast so I am going to call the evening a success!  The countdown is on to the wedding in December and the hope that we can zip Baby O into the bridesmaids dress.

Other than that, no major developments.  Baby O continues to grow and his/her movements are becoming more and more prominent. I told Kevin that his prediction that the baby will be an Olympic swimmer may be right because sometimes it feels like the baby is swimming laps in there.  Also, I am getting excited about my baby shower that we are trying to squeeze in before the holidays this November and want to send out a pre thank you to my amazing sister in laws who are planning the fete for Baby O.  

Onto the FAQ.

Are you feeling sick?:  I only got 3 hours of sleep after the bachelorette before I had to get up and head back to Bentonville to get set up for a meeting so right now, I wouldn't say that I feel sick... but I do feel like a zombie.

Are you sleeping?: Now that I have dealt with the fact that I will have to give up a little space in the bed to make room for my giant belly pillow, I am actually sleeping much better.

What was the best moment this week?:  Celebrating Morgan was great because she is not only excited about her wedding, but she is pumped about Baby O and being able to spend time with my friends was awesome.

Do you miss anything?: 5 hour energy.  I have started enjoying a small cup of coffee every once in a while so caffeine is making an appearance on the scene, but I miss being able to do the major energy shots when I need a jolt.

Any cravings yet?: Nothing lately

Do you want to know if Baby O is a boy or a girl?: 4 MORE DAYS UNTIL WE KNOW!!!!!!!

Any other symptoms?: Feeling good.

Mood lately?: Well...  I can't figure out why this baby feels the need to not only take over my body, but has also decided to drive my mood off a cliff like we are Thelma and Louise!  I texted Kevin this week that I had an overwhelming urge to eat an entire cake... and then cry.  When he asked me why, I told him that I really had no idea, but both things sounded like the right thing to do.  I thank the good Lord everyday that Kevin just keeps smiling through this whole thing. :)

What are you looking forward to?:  Gender reveal day... have I mentioned that it is this week?

Baby Bump?:  Round.  My belly has gone from this pudgy mess between by bust and my waist to a nice round bump overnight.  

Need any maternity clothes?: Needing them more and more.  My regular clothes don't exactly fit in a way that makes me feel super awesome, so I am thinking it may be time to be a little more accommodating to my new body.

Have a great week!

Week 18... also known as week of the pumpkin

You all know that person who can't casually slip between the season blending one into the other, but instead must take all short sleeved items out of their closet at the first sign of cooler temps.  I am that person.  I dive head first into Fall and love it for multiple reasons.  First of all, I was able to spend an afternoon getting back into one of Kevin and my favorite traditions... football and bar food - minus the tall beers this season.  Second, I was able to break out a fleece for the first time this year. Some of you may think fleece is a little outdated, but I swear there is nothing more comfy in this world than my gray DZ Homecoming 2003 fleece pullover.  Finally, and most importantly, the pumpkin factor.  It began with a minor meltdown in an airport in Atlanta early this week when they said they don't get Pumpkin spice until after all the regular Starbucks... I settled for a skinny decaf mocha, but was none too happy about it.  It ended with an impromptu trip to Neighborhood Market with my only purchases being two Autumn Pumpkin candles and the ingredients for a loaf of pumpkin bread.... too much or just enough? 

Other than the changing seasons, there was another large development this week.  I had the incredible experience of feeling our sweet Baby O moving around inside!  I had felt subtle sensations before but was not confident that it was Baby related, then on a drive home from work this week, it was undeniable!  I did the logical thing and immediately pulled over because for some reason I thought if I sat perfectly still I would be able to feel more.  I then called everyone who I thought would care in any way shape or form about this development, and probably a few who didn't. 

This development of course threw me into a state of panic.  We are getting dangerously close to being half way through this pregnancy and we have nothing for this baby, not even a space to put things if I decided to be proactive and go out to make some purchases. This of course led to an attack on the apartment.  I got the closest closest to what will be Baby O's nursery completely cleaned out and organized.  Plus, I got everything that is non-gender specific added to our baby registry at myregistry.com.  In the case of some items like baby bedding, I just picked out what I like for a he or she Ool and will delete which one is unnecessary.  This pregnancy has officially taken my OCD from a mild case to a severe issue that must be addressed.

Now that you all are probably thoroughly convinced that I am a loon, I am going to check on my pumpkin bread because it is starting to smell GOOD! Read on for FAQ.

 

Are you feeling sick?:  Feeling good..

Are you sleeping?: Not really, but if that is the worst of it, then things are ok.

What was the best moment this week?:  Feeling the baby move was awesome!  I felt bad for Kevin after I called to tell him and he said, "Great, I will feel it when I get home."  I didn't have the heart to explain that it will take a few more weeks for baby to get strong enough for him to feel.

Do you miss anything?: I do miss the tall beers along with the burgers and football, but we already figured out the logistics of setting Baby O up at our table so that they can enjoy our tradition next season with us.

Do you want to know if Baby O is a boy or a girl?: Less than three weeks until we find out!

Any other symptoms?: Nothing to report.

Mood lately?:  A little out of it lately, but feeling better now that I have some space organized for Baby O. 

What are you looking forward to?:  Baby getting strong enough for other people to feel him/her.

Baby Bump?:  Growing.

Need any maternity clothes?: Focusing on stretchy material. :)

Have a great week everyone!

17 Weeks and 7 Pounds Later

As the title may imply, we are now 17 weeks pregnant, and... I have gained 7 pounds.  I guess that is ok since it is right on track with what is considered healthy.  We will see if that is still the case after eating four Krispy Kreme doughnuts today... a big thanks to my boss for that.  He meant well and didn't know that I lack any and all self control when it comes to food.

This week we got to visit the doctor and are pleased to announce that our Baby O is growing and has a nice strong heartbeat.  The Doctor says everything is going well and now we are just awaiting the next visit where we will finally find out if we are going to get a sweet baby girl or a bouncing baby boy.  The countdown is on to September 28th and the big reveal. Saying that I am excited about this would be an understatement!

This week was exciting for Kevin and I.  He finally got to visit the new Yankee stadium and visit with friends and family.  I was able to travel to Chicago and attend the wedding of one of my friends from college.  I have never seen a Hindu wedding ceremony so this was an interesting experience for me.  From the arrival of the groom by helicopter to the amazing traditional dance performed by Jen and her bridesmaids, this day was exciting and beautiful.  It was so good to visit with friends I have not seen much of since college and to celebrate the happy couple.  

Sisters...Sorority Sisters

 Beautiful bride!

Other than my friends deciding that our Baby O should be named Honey Ool Ool Child after the charming TLC character Honey Boo Boo Child, the weekend was a great success and now we are getting ready to celebrate the next bride in my life, Morgan.  Eureka Springs Bachelorette is only a couple weeks away and Momma and Baby are going to PARTY!  Ok, that or be the voice of reason among my intoxicated friends... it could go either way. 

Onto the questions!

Are you feeling sick?:  Still feeling great.

Are you sleeping?: A little better this week.  Not sure if it is because I am so tired or if it will stick, but I will take it.

What was the best moment this week?:  It was fun to visit with some of my closest friends this weekend.  I have not gotten to see them since I got pregnant, and it is always fun to show off the belly.

Do you miss anything?: Booze.  Being at a reception with an open bar and not being able to drink just seems wasteful.

Any cravings yet?: I could drink my weight in pumpkin spice lattes... decaf of course.

Do you want to know if Baby O is a boy or a girl?: Only 24 days until we finally find out.

Any other symptoms?: All is well at casa de Ool.

Mood lately?:  Good.  We finally got some new team members at work so now that my workload is a little more balanced the stress level is down and I just want to coast through the Holidays.

What are you looking forward to?:  Finding out if Baby O will be wearing pink or blue.  I may not sleep until 9/28.

Baby Bump?:  Getting bigger.  I told a friend at work today that I don't have to put disclaimers on my blog posts anymore because the bump is big enough to see without standing around in my sports bra.  HA!

Need any maternity clothes?: Rocking the Belly Belt in some pants and just focusing on shirts of the stretchy variety.

Hope everyone enjoys their short work week!