Monday, August 31, 2009

Kicking at my Pantline

Monday, August 31st, 2009 – Day 169

It is amazing how fast I am growing. I think it is going to continue now that I've finally started to show. I bought these maternity pants about a month ago and had not worn them yet. I put them on this morning and they felt pretty good...a little snug, but nothing too tight. But then I had breakfast, a big glass of juice and was off to work. It was about half way to work that I realized how tight my pants felt and as I do during my days, it always tends to feel tighter and tighter as the day wears on. I was sitting at my desk today and I was 100% sure that she was kicking at my pantline. It was all along horizontally the pant line that was semi-cutting into my belly. I could not help but laugh. I'd stand up and she'd stop, but the minute I would sit down again, there she goes kicking...so cute. It is the little things that are too cute.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Daddy's Ornery Baby

Sunday, August 30th, 2009 – Day 168

Written by Baby Daddy.

Now I know this may sound funny since our little baby girl hasn't even been born yet, but she seems to be teasing daddy. I've been talking to her every night since our baby calendar said her hearing should be fully developed. For the first couple of weeks, I thought it was absolutely amazing that she would start moving when I talked to her. Now, she will be moving/kicking a bunch and Angie will call me over to see. I then start talking to her and she stops cold turkey. Even better yet, there have been several instances where she wasn't moving at all, I would talk to her and she would give me a couple of really good back to back kicks and then nothing again. It's almost as if she is saying "Leave me alone daddy.....I'm trying to sleep!" Haha. It looks like she is taking after mommy with regards to her orneryness.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

6 Months Down

Saturday, August 29th, 2009 – Day 167

Tomorrow is officially 6 months down. It seems like the days are flying by and she'll arrive before we know it. My bump has definitely grown and she seems to be vertical now instead of side to side the way she was for a long while. I am just wondering if she is still breech or she's started getting into position, as my doctor says. We have our 25 week doctor's appointment on Friday so we'll hopefully find out how she's doing. I wonder what my weight gain will be this time. Last time was about 8 or so pounds, and I really don't think I've gained much weight since last month, but who knows. It is very exciting though how fast pregnancy is flying by. I've enjoyed it thus far and I know I've been lucky to have an easy pregnancy so far, unlike other women, and hopefully the remaining 3/4 months will be the same. I wonder if my due date will change? It is set for December 20th as of now which was set when we found out we were pregnant. We didn't get to talk to our doctor when we got our last ultrasound pictures, so this appointment this week, he'll go over how she's progressing, any red flags, how things are going, etc. I pray everyday that she's progressing accordingley and all is well. It is just so exciting!

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Remote Control Test

Friday, August 28th, 2009 – Day 166

I had heard that if you put a remote control on top of your belly during the later stages of pregnancy, the baby will kick it completely off. We decided to try it even though we are only at 6 months. It is amazing what we saw. She tried her very best to kick the remote off, but instead it just moved up and down and around. It was so neat to see her moving so much. We've been doing it the past couple days now and it is like she can tell there is something sitting on there and she wants it off. It is so cute.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Grandma is Knitting


Thursday, August 27th, 2009 – Day 165

My mom took a knitting class at the local church (by mistake), but instead of quiting the class when she found out what they meant by 'bring two needles with you', she decided to embrace it and go. She'd been working on a baby blanket for her soon-to-be granddaughter. But look at that ball of yarn, lol - I love my mom.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The Joys of Pregnancy


Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 – Day 164

I'm definitely in full force with my pregnancy brain/stupids. I know a lot of my friends get a kick out of it and yes it does make me laugh too. Some of the things are just down right silly. I ran into the counter the other day - ouch - but it was more of how I did it...I knew it was there but did it anyway.

The latest thing is this check. I paid my dues for bowling and this is how I wrote out the check. The President of our league brought it back over and asked if it was missing anything. I didn't see anything wrong with it at first, but then I noticed the missing amount! What!?! How can I forget that - that is pretty important. But then I decided to take a picture of it and then handed the check back to the President. Ugh - Angie, it still is not filled out. We had a great laugh about it. Oh mommy brain! lol

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Getting Ready for Baby

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 – Day 163

It seems like time is just flying by. I need to get in gear and start researching for classes and signed up. I have heard that if you wait too long, they fill up and you have your class just before pregnancy and sometimes if the baby comes early, you don't end up going to the class. I have so many things I want to do before she arrives and it is just amazing that I'm almost 6 months and I still have much to do. We are delivering at St. Lukes and I've heard nothing but great things about it. Great nurses, your own room. Your bed turns into the birthing table, etc. I like what I've heard. I am very scared of the whole birth experience and hearing some stories about giving birth, but I know it will all be worth it in the end. Just scary to think about the worse case scenarios, but I think that we all do that!

A friend who is a nurse was giving me the tip of telling my doctor not to cut down there, to let me tear naturally. It made perfect sense and I am definitely going to tell him. Tearing naturally has a faster recovery time and will actually tear less than if you are cut. If you get cut, it will tear easily and cause a bigger tear than if you had torn naturally. She had a million other things to say that really opened my eyes, but was great to hear. It didn't scare me but being a nurse, she had some insight that I was happy to hear.

Monday, August 24, 2009

I Can Still Hang with the Big Dogs

Monday, August 24th, 2009 – Day 162

The girls weekend at the lake was a great time. I really wasn't sure if I'd be able to hang with the big dogs, but I think I did pretty well. Friday night we stopped into Dog Days to get our normal Insane Taco, and although they didn't have it on the menu anymore, we enjoyed a nice lunch with 5 other girls. We got to the house we were staying at and joined the remaining 7 girls and some other friends. It was really fun to sit and talk, catch up, we even karaoke'd and were up dancing around the house. I was up until almost 2 - I thought that was pretty good considering everyone was having a great intoxicated time and I could not partake in the drinking festivities, but I didn't let that stop me from having fun. Saturday we were at the pool and went boating and I was up until after midnight. Sunday we decided to stay down at the lake and drive back early and we were boating all day - I was excited to get the sun and baby seemed to like the boat ride. It was a great time!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Daddy's 1st Outfit


Sunday, August 23nd, 2009 – Day 161

Written by Baby Daddy.

Lucky for us, Angie has several friends who have just recently had little ones of their own so we were told not to buy many outfits (boy or girl). Melissa had so kindly donated a ton of clothes & other misc baby items (Thanks so much Melissa!), but I still wanted to get at least 1 newborn outfit for our daughter that was from daddy. I came across this when Angie and I were at Old Navy, and I just couldn't resist. Angie found the matching beanie hat that made it complete. Did I do good or what? Seeing all these outfits makes it that much harder to wait for our little one to be born. I am just so excited and words cannot justify it!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

At the Lake with the Girls (and baby)

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 – Day 160

Our annual girls trip is this weekend and it is something that we’ve done every year with virtually the same 10 or so girls. It literally takes us about a month or so to just get our schedules in order and find a weekend so we can all commit to going to the lake. We planned this trip back several months ago – that’s just what it takes – but so worth it.

The house we stay in is absolutely gorgeous and I’m thankful every time I’ve stayed there that I’ve had the opportunity. Most of the time I stay in the bunk room with 5 or 6 other girls. It always reminds me of camp and just a fun time. But this year, I was a bit worried about the sleeping arrangements and same as camping, I was worried I wouldn’t sleep. I’ve relied very much on sleeping pills and drinking to put me to sleep at the lake, but this year without either – I can picture myself up at every noise. Plus I tend to stay on the top bunk and going up and down to use the restroom as much as I need would be treacherous. Luckily, for me, the host has offered me one of the bedrooms so if I need to turn in early, get away from the noise or be close to the bathroom – I can. My friends are so good to me!

I’ve grown since the float trip but will be attempting to wear the same swimsuit, so I hope I fit! I guess we’ll see. I’m excited to get away with the girls for our annual trip. It is always a great time out on the boats, the pool, the restaurants/bars, shopping, etc.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Can You Feel Her?

Friday, August 21st, 2009 – Day 159

So many people have rubbed my belly and a couple have attempted to try to feel her movement, but really only Chris has been able to feel her. He has a ritual of talking to her and she’ll respond – it is the cutest and I love the way his face lights up. The other night, she was kicking up a storm and I asked Lisa if she wanted to feel her and she said yes. Lisa put her hand on the top of my belly and I covered her hand with mine (seems to help), and low and behold and pretty powerful kick. Lisa jumped back a bit and was like, wow. So I took her hand again and put it on the same spot and we waited a few seconds and then another big powerful kick. Lisa sat down in her chair with a stunned face and said ‘wow, I thought I’d feel a small tap, but not a powerful kick like that – so weird.’ I think it caught her a bit off guard, but she was happy to have felt her. I know it is different for me since I love knowing she’s moving around and active. Lisa said it was cool to feel her, she just didn’t realize how powerful her kicks/jabs were. I know it is like an alien is alive in your belly, because that is how I felt at first – but I treasure every movement from her. I just love it!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Double D’s – No Way!

Thursday, August 20th, 2009 – Day 158

Tonight I had Chris take me shopping. I almost passed out the other day because my bra was so tight and I felt claustrophobic. I hadn’t gone out to get any new bras and had just been wearing my normal 36 small C bras, well it was finally time to get some bigger coverage for my girls. I have never been fitted for a bra, but since I had grown so much, I decided ‘what the heck’. Chris was with me while the two ladies from Victoria Secret got their measuring tapes out and started their work. One said 36 and then she said Double D. I looked at Chris and his eyes nearly popped out of his head – guys are so funny. I was a bit in shock too. I mean I’ve heard of friends who had Double D’s and I’ve karaoke’d at the bar Double D’s but I never thought I’d ever have Double D’s unless I paid for them and I would never go that big!

So the ladies bring us back and she grabs some 36DD bras and decided to grab some 36D bras too. I go into the dressing room and tell Chris to follow along to help me and I start trying on these new ginormous bras. The 36Ds did not fit at all. They were so tight and I felt the same as I did before – like I had a corset on that was getting tighter and tighter. I sure as heck was not going to pay $40 or $50 for a bra that made me feel that way. So I tried on the 36DD bras and the cups fit very well, except they too were super tight around my chest. So I snuck out and grabbed some 38D and 38DD bras. The 38D bras did not fit in most of the bras, but there was one that was a convertible strapless (what I always buy) that fit pretty well (for now)…so I went with that one. I did try on the 38DD bras and they were a good fit, but I think I have a month or so before I need one with so much coverage.

Chris was super cute about the whole deal. I think he got a real education about bras that he never thought he’d get. He didn’t know what underwire was and kept commenting on how it looks so uncomfortable. He suggested I get one without it and I said that was near impossible unless it was a sports bra. He learned about straps, styles, colors, and the best SIZES. I asked if he was going to tell all of his friends I have DDs now and I didn’t quite get a straight answer – boys! Lol I’m just happy I’m more comfortable now in my new bra! Ah!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

She Calms Me Down

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 – Day 157

I think most people know me as a pretty even keel person. I don’t get worked up that easy and I’m pretty mellow most of the time. At work, I’m always professional and I never let anything get to me to where it shows on the outside. I take work as a passion I have and with everything I do, I use stress and pressure as a driver to do the best job that I can. I seldom ever show I’m stressed and honestly, I never really get stressed. But now that I’m pregnant, I’ve done some pretty silly things that I would have never done before. It is like I’m going faster than my mind can think and make some stupid little errors that I would have never made before. Even friends have commented (okay laughed) at how Angie, who never makes mistakes or grammatical errors in emails tends to do it a lot these days and better yet, just saying funny things that I would normally never say. I find it comical most of the time, except when it comes to work.

I had a typo in an email at work for an event we are hosting. I sent it out to the entire staff and soon realized there was a typo (which is a huge pet peeve of mine – and I never ever do that). I fixed the email, but somehow resent the exact same email that had the misspelling, so now there were two misspellings out there. Then I send an apology email saying – there was a typo and I will send them the correct email without the typo. What did I do, I sent them, for the third time, the same email with the typo. What on earth was I doing – this was so unlike me. Finally, I get the real one out there and follow-up with an email blaming the pregnancy, to which all the guys laughed and all the girls understood. I just wanted to crawl in a hole or have a very stiff Capri-son.

So this is not the only thing and now more than ever, I have found myself a bit stressed at times. Almost on cue, when I get stressed, my baby girl starts kicking me and of course it brings an instant smile to my face and all of my stressful thinking just washes away. It is so hard to describe what it feels like – the smile is on my face before I even realize it. All of a sudden it dawns on me that I have a big grin on my face – and all because of my little angel. So I am glad that she can calm me down when I need.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

She’s Grown

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 – Day 156

According to my baby calendar, she is about 7.9 inches long crown to rump plus her legs and we’ve seen the ultrasound pics – they are long. Chris loves to talk to her and watch her respond. I do truly believe that she can recognize his voice because it never fails. What was interesting last night was that she was moving around and I could feel jabs/kicks down near the bottom of my belly and in the same breath up past my belly button. Not sure how she is positioned but it just seemed like she was stretched out and seemed extremely long. Some kicks/jabs are bigger/stronger than others and some are faint. I just love it and love how Chris can now feel baby respond and even better yet, he can see her move just by looking at my belly. I’m starting to pop a bit, but I still feel on the small side – I just wonder how she fits down there.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Music to Her Ears

Monday, August 17th, 2009 – Day 155

I’ve noticed that when there is loud music, baby starts to kick a little and when it stops, so does she. I am so excited that she likes music because I love playing guitar and singing. I was singing/playing the Climb by Miley Cyrus and baby was just dancing around. I want to believe she’s dancing down there or at least enjoying the musical tones – at least that is what I tell myself!

I have enjoyed testing out my theories and hearing stories of others. My aunt was talking about her baby having the hiccups and ironically right when she was trying to go to sleep. Or seeing a foot imprint. It is all so excited and such a bonding experience.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Baby Responds to Daddy's Voice

Sunday, August 16th, 2009 - Day 154

Written by Baby Daddy.

I've made it a regular routine now to talk to our baby girl every night before bed. According to our baby calendar, not only can she hear, but she can now recognize our voices. I'll get close to Angie's tummy & tell our girl that "Daddy's here." I find it amazing that when I do this, she's seems to respond by moving around (even when she was not previously active). I tell Angie that she's showing off for Daddy. I've also noticed that I can now see our baby move now....how exciting!!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Little Brown Baby

Saturday, August 15th, 2009 - Day 153

I am really hoping for a little brown baby. It is hard to say what our little bundle of joy will look like. I am thinking she'll have dark hair because Chris has jet black hair and most people think I do too, although mine is just brown. But there is a lot of it, so it looks darker than brown. Chris has hazel eyes with a small blue dot and I have brown eyes, so hard telling what her eyes will look like. But what I'm wondering is what her skin color will be. I am half Thai and get my olive skin from my mom. My dad is white as can be, so I get my Caucasian mix from my dad...and I do get quite pale in the winter time. Chris is half Caucasian and half Italian. You would think he'd have more color from being half Italian, but he is more fair than dark complected. So it is a toss up whether our little girl will be fair or olive skinned. I am really hoping we do have a little brown baby!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Old Navy Maternity Clothes

Friday, August 14th, 2009 - Day 152

I went to Old Navy to check out their maternity clothes, I was excited to see that they had pants that fit me pretty well. I had already purchased a ton of capri pants from Kohls and Macy's, but someone brought up a good point - what about fall. I hadn't found any long pants that fit and that I liked. A friend gave me a tip that Old Navy had maternity clothes. So yesterday I stopped in and every pair of pants I tried on fit perfectly. I was so excited. It is crazy how excited I get about maternity clothes - pregnancy brings out a whole new side of me. I haven't grown too big yet, but I know that any day now, I'm going to be as large as a house, so having places to buy clothes is nice. I've been to Motherhood Maternity, but didn't see anything I liked, but perhaps as I get bigger my view will change.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Baby's First Bank Account

Thursday, August 13th, 2009 - Day 151

I wouldn't say that Chris has a potty mouth, but if he's upset - there are a few choice words that do come flying out of his mouth. Soccer, bowling, video games, road rage are a few of the items that 'force' him into a rage where he'll blurt out a cuss word or two. Now that baby is on the way, we are trying to get this habit stopped in time...and I have to admit I say a word here or there when I bowl bad.

So we are going to have a cuss jar. We'll have it ready to go for when/if Chris (or myself) ever say a cuss word in the house or around baby, he/I will have to put in a particular amount of money. In preparation for this, we'll both be required to have change/cash ready to go that will sit next to the cuss jar - so there's no excuse to donate once we've violated the rule.

All the money generated from the cuss jar will go into Baby's first bank account and you just never know, she may be rich before she's 5. Although, I do have to admit Chris has been better now that baby is starting to hear. We do have some good laughs over the idea, but I think it is a great idea and I'll be eager to see how much actually goes into the baby's first bank account from the cuss jar.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Thunder Rolls

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009 - Day 150

The other night there was a big storm. About 4:30am a huge crash of lightning hit down right next to the window, or at least that is what it sounded like. My heart was beating so hard and I know my doctor said to be careful not to get my heartrate too high because it puts the baby at risk, so I was worried. I was trying to feel for a kick or a jab, but I didn't feel anything. Then about 6:00ish the thunder was very often and loud. Every time thunder would roll, my little girl would start kicking like crazy. For at least 20 minutes or so, she probably kicked at least 100 times. In one hand, I was worried she was scared, but in the other hand, I really got spoiled because I got to feel her kicking so much. I am not sure if it was because when the thunder would hit, my heart rate would rise and possibly that is what she was hearing OR perhaps it was a direct result of the thunder.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Oh Babies - Just Love Seeing Them

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 - Day 149

A group of girls from work were at lunch with me today when a girl comes in with a 4 year old, 2 year old and a 6 week old. They were sitting right in front of me and every few seconds at least one of her girls were looking at me. I could not help but melt when they did with their cute little smiles. The 6 week old little girl was precious. She was so tiny and it just made me want my little girl even more. The mother looked at me and told me that I didn't even look pregnant...which seems to be the typical response anymore. The girl she was having lunch with was also pregnant and I asked when she was due and she said 'Any minute' - it was cute. She seemed like she is hoping for her to start any minute. She is hoping the spicy food she was about to eat would trigger something.

Then later in the day, my coworker had a friend come in who has a 6 month old. I saw the 6 month old when she was only 5 weeks old - she was so tiny. I got to hold her today and pick the brain of the mom about daycares, newborn questions, breastfeeding, etc. I seem to take advantage of that when I have the chance.

But there is one thing for - I am definitely in baby mode!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Don't Make Me Call Grandma


Monday, August 10th, 2009 - Day 148

Isn't this the cutest bib. As we all know, Chris's mom Kathi is super excited about the arrival of her first grandchild. She bought this bib and a few other things including a Christmas outfit.

I do love how excited she is. I even named her 'Katma' which I think is perfect. I know my little girl is going to be spoiled by her grandma Kathi and the rest of the family. When we got the results of our last ultrasound to whether we were having a girl or a boy, we called Kathi first because we knew she would have the best reaction. She never disappoints because when we called her, she was already crying in joy and she hadn't heard the news yet. It was so sweet.

I know that Katma will take good care of her little grandbaby when she gets to watch her.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Daddy's Blog

Sunday, August 9th, 2009 - Day 147

Written by Baby Daddy:

This weekend Angie, myself, & baby had a float / camping trip. The forecast was for HOT, HOT, and more HOT weather. Lucky for us Lisa K (Liza) brought an A/C unit down which made the camping portion that much more enjoyable. We had the cooler loaded up with good food & alcohol (juice boxes for mom). Our little girl must have been excited as well because she was quite active. I could feel a lot of movement and a hard spot which sort of felt like her head. She seems to move around so quickly so sometimes its hard to catch up with her. She's starting to take after mommy.....always active.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Newborns - When is Okay?

Saturday, August 8th, 2009 - Day 146

Here is my blanket question to all of the former expectant mothers...What, in your opinion, is the rule of thumb for taking the newborn out of the house the days after you get home from the hospital. I have not formed my own opinion and I always find it useful to hear what other mothers feel is good. Now, will I take your advice - maybe not/maybe so, and I would hope if I don't, you won't be offended. I asked some friends the past week and one said about a week and then it is okay so you can help build the immunities because he feels that the baby's system is the strongest at that time. Then I had another friend say that she stuck to a 30 day rule because babies are the most prone during that time.

I don't agree or disagree with either, because as I said I don't have an opinion yet. Plus I can't tell you what my emotional or recovery state will be after I have this baby. But I would like to hear what you did in your situations. I'd prefer suggestions or examples of what you did...please refrain from saying 'people MUST...' or 'it is horrible if...', etc. I do not want this to turn into a battle of what is right and wrong - only suggestions/advice/opinions, please.

The reason why I am asking is because since our baby is due in December, there is a chance it could be 5, 10, maybe more days before Christmas. Of course, we most likely won't be making it to all 9 of our family Christmas's this year (yes, that is 9 places we usually go), but if we wanted to get out on the day we were feeling up for it, then when is okay. I can tell you that although I am a planner, we won't be making any committments for Christmas this year in advance. It will most likely be a gameday decision because depending on how I feel, how I'm recovering and how things are going those first days/weeks home from the hospital will determine our schedule and likely it will be the day of that event that we'll decide.

I'm sure we'd weigh the options out too, will there be any sicklings there, how many kids will be there, do they have pets, will it be crowded, how far do we have to drive, etc...I'm sure we'll have a lot weighing on our minds BUT say we were up for it, when, in your opinion, would it be okay - 5 days or more, 10 days or more, immediately, 30 days, etc. OR do you feel that we should not go anywhere and suggest that we stay at home and if we choose to have guests, we can. Heck, I'd probably be okay if someone wanted to postpone a gathering until January to get out of that 1-3 week newborn stage.

Comments are welcome! Right now, we are due December 20th...so you can base your advice/opinion on that date knowing that Christmas Eve & Christmas Day are 4 & 5 days after that.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Baby on Board - Float Trip This Weekend

Friday, August 7th, 2009 - Day 145

Watch out Meramec River Floaters this weekend! My bump may not be very large, but I can name two other things though - my boobs. They are continuing to grow and of course I'm not complaining, but my swimsuit is still the swimsuit I bought last summer and wore on last year's float trip. I'm still very excited to go and hang out with everyone. Sun and water sound so nice!!! I bought a ginormous tent online and Chris, Lisa and myself booked our own site with electricity, so we can plug in an air conditioning unit for comfort. I was afraid if we slept in the late night area, I would not be able to fall asleep because of the late night partiers or worst yet, the snorers. So being away from that area, having an air conditioning unit running and being very very close to the bathrooms - it is my hope that I won't have any problems sleeping or being comfortable. Guess we'll see!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Baby and I are so Lucky

Thursday, August 6th, 2009 - Day 144

I could have never guessed how excited Chris would be about us being pregnant. I knew he wanted kids badly (we talked about kids on our first date), but nothing prepared me for how he is throughout this whole journey. He is absolutely amazing! I sometimes think he is more excited than me and I'm pretty darn excited. I love that Chris wants to bond with the baby and he calls the baby by the names we've been throwing around to try them out for size. He has talked about parenting when she is a newborn all the way to how he will be as a disciplinarian. He's gotten into the registering and every decision of this process. He's gone to every doctor's appointment and I love that he squeezes my hand when he sees the tears in my eyes in joy. Baby and I are extremely lucky and every day that passes I'm even more confident that he's going to be the best dad ever, and I was already confident before we got pregnant. Possibly, most men are this very same way, but I have heard stories of other husbands who called it 'it' until the baby could talk back OR that they are not into the pregnancy until the baby is actually born. From the moment I saw Chris's face when I said, we may be pregant while holding the home pregnancy test, I knew I was extremely lucky to have Chris as my husband and baby daddy!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

My Routine for Kicks

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 - Day 143

Now that I can feel her moving around and jabbing/kicking, I've come up with a routine every night before I go to bed. I get ready for bed, take my prenatal, then lay on my back and put my hands over my belly to feel her kick. Last night I could feel her very strongly. It is amazing how someone so small can kick or jab so hard. There was a strange feeling last night where it was like she put her foot on the lining of my belly, then dragged it a few inches to the left. It gave me the chills and made me think - oh boy, this is only going to be the beginning of tons of strange movements by my little girl. It is still such an amazing thing to feel her moving around. I just love that bonding experience and I know Chris does too. I do have a stethoscope to listen to strange and unknown sounds down there.

It isn't like I expect her to say 'hi', but just trying to listen can be an experience in itself. I know people always say that is the best part about being pregnant is feeling the movements, the kicks, the jabs...and boy were they right!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Baby Showers are Set

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 - Day 142

Well, it looks like the baby showers have been set. We have one for Chris's Mom's side of the family along with my dad's side of the family. We have one hosted by my friends. We have one for Chris's dad's side of the family. And one for boys and girls hosted by Chris's Aunt. I am really excited about all of them and look forward to them all.

It is always hard with Chris and I's families. Both are so large and all live in different states. So having two baby showers in St. Louis and two in Illinois will be the perfect blend. Of course, there will be many who are invited to more than one and they can choose whichever one, if any, they can attend. All I know is that this baby girl is going to be spoiled!!

Monday, August 3, 2009

One More Modeling Gig

Monday, August 3rd, 2009 - Day 141

Most of you know I've been doing modeling for about 10 years now. My favorite gig is for Harley Davidson through RK Stratman. I've been modeling for RK Stratman for 7 years now and have been in over 30 catalogs over the years. Not only are the shoots fun, but they treat me like family and I love all of them.

They contacted me about their upcoming photoshoot in August and I had to break the news that I am pregnant and may not be able to model this time around, which would be the first issue I've missed in 7 years. But, luckily, for me and baby, they want me to come to this shoot and model. So my modeling days aren't quite over yet. Hopefully the pictures won't turn out bad with my baby bump. It isn't huge but I think it has grown a bit over the past day or so. It is crazy how that happens. So technically, this is baby's first modeling gig!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Daddy's First Blog

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 - Day 140

Written by Chris Norris "Baby Daddy."

Angie came up with a great idea. She said that I can publish my own blogs so I decided to write one once a week. Tonight was a very special night for Daddy because I got to feel our baby girl move for the first time. Angie had said several times before that she could feel her moving, but when I put my hand on her belly I could not feel anything other than Angie's heartbeat. It was a different story tonight though. I could feel several sharp jabs / kicks and when I did my chin must have hit the floor because Angie was laughing at my expression. I was definitely not expecting to feel anything, especially since in Angie's previous post, you can see that her bump is only a couple of centimeters at best. It's really hard to believe that she is 20 weeks now. I am extremely excited and cannot wait to feel our daughter move around as she gets even bigger!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

20 Weeks - Finally have a Bump


Saturday, August 1st, 2009 - Day 139

Today marks 20 weeks down and half way to go! Finally felt like taking a picture now that I have a little bump to show. Comparable to others at 20 weeks, it doesn't look like much, but I can sure feel her moving around. This week was a great milestone because not only did we find out what we are having, a little girl, but we also were able to tell our friends and family too. Everyone is super excited for us and now we can call the bump a she instead of it. Can't believe we are at the halfway point, but it feels good to know that all is going accordingly. It has been a great journey so far and I am so excited for the rest of the weeks to unfold.