Audrey is 1 week old!

We survived the first week...HOORAY! It seems like every day gets a little better and we're all adjusting very well. This whole week has been a blur. We took Audrey grocery shopping last night and I couldn't help but think, "Wow, 1 week ago today we didn't have her!" She is amazing in every way and we love her so much.

2008 was a great year. It couldn't be ending any better either! I'm looking forward to 2009 and enjoying our new family. Happy New Year to all!

Jaundice-schmaundice!

Audrey has another bili ruben check up today. Hopefully her levels have gone down enough to get her off the bili blanket. That thing is a pain in the butt! I love that it's helping her, but it's so hard being restricted to a 2 foot hose in our living room. I'm actually looking forward to taking her off it for our outing tomorrow. She can wear a pretty little outfit and be free for a couple hours!

She's had so many visitors... I have tons of pictures to post! Wish us luck...hopefully we get some reassuring news.

****UPDATE****
The doctor called with great news...no more bili blanket! Audrey's levels are down and she now free to roam about the house. Hooray!!

She'll always be our little glow worm :)

Our little glow worm...

Audrey has to be on the bili blanket until her bili ruben levels come down...she's such a tropper! It sucks having her attached to it all day and night, but we're working through it!

Baby Burns is here!!

And it's a GIRL!!

I posted a short birth story & a picture on our web page

I'll post a more detailed story and TONS of pictures when I get a chance!

She is a living dream...Chris and I are so proud! Audrey is a true blessing.

Still no baby!

Quick update: I'm still having very irregular contractions. We took a nice long walk today around town. Still losing my MP. Waiting around is so very hard, but I'm getting things done and relaxing when I need to. Today has been especially nice b/c Chris was home. So we wait and we wait...

Stripping membranes: a form of torture

So we had our 38w appointment yesterday and Dr K asked if I wanted my membranes stripped. I knew from the research I had done that it would hurt. It was the worst pain I have ever felt! I can't even describe it except to say that it felt like he was digging a hole to China. It lasted only a minute and when he was done he showed me the results: the Bloody Show. I thought Chris was going to throw up, lol. Actually he was great and asked some good questions. I'm 2 cm dilated (but I felt like 20 when I left!) and 50% effaced. He thinks there's a good chance we'll have this baby soon. He wants to see me back on Tuesday to check for progress. He advised us to go walk around and then have sex. I've had really bad cramps (front and back, menstrual-like) AND I've been having contractions. The contractions are still far apart and not too intense. I lost gobs of my MP in the shower this morning, which I'm hoping is a good sign!

Today is Christopher's birthday. I plan on staying busy today in hopes of bringing on labor soon. Maybe we'll have 2 birthdays to celebrate, lol.

Elf Yourself!

My brother Craig sent me this hilarious video...It cracks me up every time!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

We're almost ready!

It's crazy to think that BB could be here any day. I was having Braxton Hicks like crazy last night. They are definitely becoming more uncomfortable. We need to put the car seat bases in and that's about it! Today I set up the Angel Care monitor in the bassinet. I also cleaned out my car to see how the Stokke would fit...it doesn't! Well, at least not in the trunk. The chassis will have to go behind my seat while the seat has to go in the trunk. I have 2 days of school this week which gives me the time I need to get last minute things done there (and train my sub.)

We keep talking about the different things we could do to bring on labor, but I know tht BB will come when he or she is ready. I'm not even convinced that stripping my membranes will work.

Here's what I found:
By running an examining finger around the inside of your cervix, he can separate the amniotic sac from where it's stuck there. Theoretically, this will allow the bridging molecules that stick the membranes to the inside rim of the cervix to break--all at a molecular level, mind you--and so be released and then converted into prostaglandins, which are powerful stimulants of labor. It is however not a form of induction but more a form of stimulation of labor.

I couldn't find any good stats about how often it brings on labor. To be honest, at that point it won't really matter. I'll be done with work, which means no more suffering 10 hours a day! I'll still be up and walking around, but at least I can do so at my own comfort level (and I don't have to hide the pain!)

As uncomfortable as these last weeks will be/have been, I really love being pregnant. This is the best thing I've ever done. Chris is so excited! I'm so grateful for him. We're getting closer and closer to meeting this little angel we've created. I can't wait!

The Waiting Game

No induction for us! Baby Burns is measuring at about 7 lbs and looks great. He or she has started to descend (I knew it!) but I'm still only 1 cm, 30 % effaced. I told him how miserable I've been the past week and he suggested stripping my membranes at the next visit. I couldn't help but blurt out "Can we do that today?" lol. Physically, I am so ready. Emotionally, I'd love another few weeks of being pregnant. I just have to get through school for a few days next week. My appointment is Thursday. I see lots of baths and heating pads in my future! Now I'm off to Google everything I can about membrane stripping.

Drop it like it's hot...

Yeah, I think the baby has dropped. I FEEL like he or she has dropped. Lots of pressure down below, my back and hips hurt....it's a major effort to get up and walk. Who knows, I could just be having a growing pains kind of day (similar to a couple weeks ago.) We'll see what tomorrow brings. Chris said this would be a difficult week for me, and so far he is right...

Full Moon=Baby?

I just noticed that this Friday, 12/12, there will be a full moon. Supposedly lots of babies are born on full moons. We'll take it :)

BIG UPDATES!

We made it to 36 weeks! I had my first internal today. As soon as Dr K measured my belly, he said, "Wow!" Apparently I'm measuring big...which means the baby is probably going to be big! So next Friday we're going to have an ultrasound so he can get exact measurements. We might be looking at an induction! Chris and I are very happy about that. I'm very anxious to see how it goes next week, and see how soon we get to meet Baby Burns!! Turns out I'm also 1 cm dilated and my cervix has started to thin. I was hoping for some progress, so I was very pleased to hear that. The internal itself was definitely uncomfortable. Dr K said, "Can you feel that? I'm touching your baby's head!" Oh, I felt it alright! I was relieved to hear that the baby was head down though. So, all in all, great appointment!

We had our first childbirth class last night. It was very informational- we learned about the stages of labor, contractions, breathing techniques, and my personal favorite- massage techniques! Next week we'll learn more about c-sections, inductions (how appropriate!) and take a tour of L&D. I can't wait! We also have a breast feeding class and a Home with Baby class next week, so we will be very busy!

I got a much-needed pedicure earlier this week. It was so nice to sit in the massage chair and have my swollen feet and legs rubbed down! I could have cared less about my actual toe nails, but I did get them painted pink & blue in honor of Jaudrey's arrival:



Look at how huge my feet are! They hurt a lot, but it's totally worth it. Wish us luck, that we can keep BB in there until Friday. After that, I don't care when he/she comes!

So thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm writing this after a long day full of eating and spending time with family. I'm so thankful for my family, especially Chris. I'm especially thankful for the baby we're about to be blessed with! Today I am 35 weeks, and that means there's only 35 days left until my due date....YIKES!

At my appointment Tuesday, the doctor quickly measured my belly and told me that the internals would start next week. Although I just know it's going to be as uncomfortable as hell, I'm very anxious to see what the baby's position is, and if anything is going on down there.

It's going to be an exciting week. I'm going to decorate the Christmas tree this weekend. I have my appointment on Friday and we have our first childbirth class on Thursday. And Christopher's sister is finding out the sex of her baby on Monday!! I call boy :) His brother turns 21 on Monday as well. I can't believe it's going to be December already! I'm SO FREAKING HAPPY that November didn't drag on forever like October did.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Infant CPR

We took Infant & Child CPR on Saturday at the hospital. I'm so glad we did! It gives us great peace of mind that if something were to happen we could be proactive in saving our child's life (or any child!) We had a great instructor and got lots of practice. It was fun taking a class with Chris. 3 more to go!

34 weeks

My belly hurts!! I really don't think the baby has dropped, but man I am feeling some pressure. I feel like I'm carrying a bowling ball right in front of me. The top of my stomach feels bruised and I noticed my first pregnancy stripes today (aka stretch marks)!! Two very tiny red lines at the top of my belly...they almost look like 2 little red scratches, maybe 1/2 an inch long. Today was especially fun b/c my maternity pants bunched up BELOW my belly, and the shirt I wore today kept riding up.

I feel so heavy, it's definitely harder to get around. I feel like an old lady if I get up from sitting too long. However, I have 6 more weeks!! And I hope Baby Burns stays put the entire time. I can get through this knowing that BB is safe and secure in my belly, growing and growing....moving and moving. I always feel him/her on my right side, but today there was a lot of action on both sides. Maybe the baby is turning? I have no clue, but I absolutely love it when he/she moves. I'm really going to miss that feeling.

**UPDATE** No stretch marks...they really were tiny scratches. Oh well, I'm sure they'll pop up any day now! And apparently I was just having a "growing pains" kind of day. Not as much pressure or aching anymore. Phew!

32 week appointment

I'm closer to 33 weeks (Thursday) but I had a regular appointment today. Dr. K said this has been the perfect pregnancy...great weight gain, blood pressure, etc. I see him again in 2 weeks and then every week after that! He asked if we were signed up for a childbirth class (we are!). We're taking a few classes: Infant CPR at the end of this month, Childbirth (2 weeks), Breast feeding, and Home with Baby (all in early December).

I still have a few things to put away and organize in the nursery (and we still have 1 more shower!) I'm going to start packing my suitcase and the baby bag for the hospital. I want to see what they recommend bringing (I assume we'll get a list at the childbirth class.) We probably won't need anything for the baby now that I think about it...just a coming home outfit. We did get our car seat! It's so cute. I need to get an extra base so that I have one and Chris has one. We also have to install them before it's time to go!

Only 25 school days to go! By the end of the day my feet are swollen, my body aches, and I'm ready to go home! I adore my kids though and I'm going to miss seeing them everyday. I'm sure I won't have too much time to dwell on that once Jaudrey is here :)

Oh, and I totally peed a little when I sneezed today. I was completely mortified, but at least it was in the privacy of my own home. Gotta love it!

Baby loves Dad!

Chris went to the VT game Thursday night and didn't get home until about 3:30 in the morning. Of course I was up every few hours and at no time did Baby Burns move (must be nice to sleep 15 hours a day!) So, Chris gets home and climbs into bed, putting his hand on my belly. Sure enough BB starts rolling around and kicking! It was so funny. I don't know if the baby heard Chris's voice or what, but I thought it was so cool that he/she woke up right when Chris came home.

I can't wait to see him holding our baby. He's going to be the greatest dad.

Our Shower!

We had a huge shower at our house yesterday. It was awesome! I'm so glad it was a family-friendly shower. Our favorite part was seeing everyone together. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. Chris and Dave fried the turkey, which smelled amazing. My sister Kelly decorated and organized games. My good friend Dove made the delicious cake. The grandmas brought tons of food. It started at 1:00, but we didn't start opening gifts until 2:30! The kids that were there were SO funny. They kept asking for the bows and ribbons to add to their collection. They would "oooh" and "ahhhh" over the gifts. So cute. The last guests left around 7:00 and we were exhausted! It truly was an amazing day and we are so thankful for our wonderful family and friends. Only 2 months until Baby Burns arrives!!

I'm adding lots of pictures to our website! Click here to see.







31 weeks!

Sheesh.

October is going by so slow. Longest month ever.

The Office: Baby Shower

OMG, this was the funniest episode ever! From Dwight & Michael rehearsing the baby's birth to the awkward baby shower, this was one of my favorite episodes!








And some of my favorite quotes:

Michael: "Jan is in the terminal stages of her pregnancy."

Dwight: "Do you have the Sharpie?! When the baby emerges you must mark the baby with a symbol that only you can recognize and that no baby snatcher will be able to replicate."

30 weeks!

This has been an interesting week. Lots of emotions. As I approached 30 weeks,
I’ve felt the rigors of pregnancy: my feet hurt, minor aches and pains in different places, waking at 2 and 3 in the morning. I’m also fighting off a cold or bug of some sort. I’ve wanted to take ½ days off work twice this week! It doesn’t help that people are starting to point out that I look tired or that I’m starting to walk slower. Thanks people, like I don’t notice these things? Luckily I have a Dr appt tomorrow and I have the morning off (I’m looking forward to sleeping in!) I’m starting to worry about when I’ll go into labor. We have classes to take (CPR, Childbirth, and Breastfeeding) and I have a lot to get organized before I leave my 2nd graders. It’s very hard to give up control of your class, but I think it’s even harder to prepare to give up control. I know my kids will be taken care of, I just want to make sure I’ve done a good job in preparing everything my sub will need. What if I go early? My due date is January 1st, but I’ve known so many who have gone weeks early. My goal is to have everything ready by December. That month is going to be so hectic and I’m sure it will fly by.


It’s been so wonderful being pregnant…even with all the changes it brings. What has made it all worth it is Jaudrey (I just love saying that name…it makes me laugh.) No longer am I getting a little poke or kick here and there. When I lay on my right side, the left side of my stomach is where Jaudrey likes to move…and when I say move I mean roll around and even keep a limb there for a few seconds. I love watching it! When I go to bed I the leave the light on so I can watch the show. I sometimes touch where I see him/her moving and it’s so cool to think I’m almost touching the baby. I wonder if it’s a hand or an elbow? A foot? The head? Butt?? I just love it! I really love to watch Chris watch and feel the baby. He’s going to be such a good dad and I’m so lucky we’re in all of this together.

So all in all, I'm really starting to feel pregnant! I hope Jaudrey stays in there long enough to be born healthy. I hope I have the strength to hang in there!

Surprise Baby Shower!

We went to WV last weekend for Christopher's family reunion. It was so nice to see everyone and even though it was a very short trip, we had a lot of fun. After the reunion we went to hang out with just our family and walked in to a surprise shower! Chris had known about it, but I was completely surprised. Cute decorations, lots of gifts, and yummy cake :)




Some of the things we got were the Boppy, Baby Einstein jumper, grooming & safety kit, Baby Bjorn, and of course a bunch of Va Tech apparel! It was so wonderful.

28 weeks, and our anniversary!

On Oct 9th I officially began my 3rd trimester! It was also our 4th wedding anniversary :) We had a fantastic dinner at The Cheesecake Factory and Chris loved the VT track suit I bought for Baby Burns:





The next morning I had my Gestational Diabetes test, which I'd been dreading for the longest time. It wasn't bad at all though! I got to see our favorite nurse, Danielle, and the drink was very tasty....like sugary orange soda. If there's a problem I'll hear from them this week. Somehow I think I'll be ok...my body has been handling large doses of sugar for many, many years ;)

It feels so good to be in the 3rd trimester. I'll be seeing my Dr every 2 weeks now until I'm 36 weeks. Time is flying by and I'm getting bigger and bigger! Please keep BB in your thoughts...we want him or her to stay in there as long as possible!!

27 weeks!

I'm such a mom!!

I was at Starbucks this morning and one of the girls asked how the baby was. I said BB was great and moving around a lot. Then I busted out the baby pictures. Right there in the drive-thru. Of course the girls loved them and I just loved showing them off. I can only imagine what I'll be like when the baby is actually here. I'm going to be one of those annoying moms who makes people look through an entire photo album as I comment on each picture. Brace yourselves!

Baby Videos

I uploaded the videos onto our website. Here's a couple of them:





Baby Burns moved A LOT in 2d. The 3d view looks slower because it's a few frames behind the baby.

Baby, You Are BEAUTIFUL!!

Our 3d ultrasound was amazing. I can't believe how beautiful the baby is...I can't wait to kiss his or her little face!! We had a great time, the u/s tech was wonderful. He was very patient and wouldn't give up until we got good face shots. BB just wouldn't face the camera! After lots of tummy shaking, we got some great photos. We also got a DVD, which I am trying to figure out how to upload and post.

Here are a couple of my favorites:










I really want to go again!!!! It was a fantastic experience. Chris and I are very, very lucky!!

The rest of the pics are on our website. Click here to see!!

I'm throwing in the pillow!

Ugh! This is the 2nd morning in a row that I've woken up at 2:30 and haven't been able to get back to sleep (not for lack of trying though.) I somehow end up making it through the day just fine, thankfully. Between Chris not being able to fall asleep until late, and me waking up super early, we're going to have this parenting thing down :)

There's 2 months and 25 days until Winter Break. 99 days til my due date (1/1/09). That's 14 weeks. I plan on enjoying every last minute!

Wish us luck at our sonogram today. I want some good pics of Baby Burns :)

Love this!

25 weeks!!

And 18 pounds heavier! That's what I've gained so far, 9 of those in the last 5 weeks (since our last appointment.) Dr. K says I'm absolutely fine and that I'm measuring great. I love feeling and seeing the baby move, although BB is quite lazy. Chris doesn't get to feel or see very often because it happens so randomly. Maybe as I get into the 30's we'll get more action.

I am so, so excited about our upcoming sonogram....3d baby!! I hope we get some really good shots and that we don't see anything below the waist. Although I'm thinking that if we do accidentally find out, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. We'd still keep it a secret, but I'd go on a huge shopping spree :) Here's what a 3d u/s looks like for a 26w old:




I ordered our glider & ottoman. I need to order animal pictures for the wall and a monogram decal for above the crib. I think we have enough clothes & blankets to do our first load of baby laundry! My registry is done. I feel very ahead of the game.

My next appointment is Oct 9th (our 4 year wedding anniversary!) and I'm dreading it b/c I have to take the 1 hour glucose test. After that I start going every 2 weeks...which is just insane. These last 100 days are going to fly by. I wish I could be pregnant forever! I at least want to hold out until Dec 19th. I want to make it to Winter Break, then BB can come anytime after that!

I'm off to enjoy a beautiful Fall weekend...one of the last quiet weekends ever.

Life is so good!

Every once in awhile I am overcome with the sense of how great my life is. It started to happen when I married Chris. I would just stop and think, "Wow, I'm very lucky to be his wife." I still absolutely feel that way. More and more it's been about Baby Burns. How lucky am I to be carrying this precious person?? Made from two people who love each other so, so much. I hope this baby knows everyday how much he or she is loved, and how much his/her parents love each other.

Other awesome happenings:

My class is really coming along. I forgot how hard it is in the beginning of the year. But we're starting to mesh well and I'm happy about that.

My other SIL is pregnant! I am so excited for her...she's going to be the best mom.

A teacher at my school is having triplets!!!! At first they thought twins, and I actually had a dream last night that she was having twin boys. Turns out she is having 2 boys...and 1 girl! Wow, how lucky is she?!?

I'm having Jambalaya tonight for dinner and Dutch Apple Pie for dessert. It doesn't get much better than that!!

Can't sleep!

It's 3:30 and I'm wide awake. I woke up at 2:30 to use the bathroom, and when I laid back down, Baby Burns was kicking up a storm!! The funny thing is that every night before bed I lay on my back just watching & waiting for a few random kicks. I only get a couple before I get bored and go to sleep.

It was so cool, BB was moving around like mad. I wanted to wake up Chris so badly so he could feel all the action :)

It's a girl!!

We're having a niece! My sister in law Sarah found out last Friday that she is in fact expecting a little girl! She wanted a girl so badly...Isabella is on the way!

Now, will she have a cousin Jack or cousin Audrey to play with?!?

23 weeks!

This was our first week back to school with the kids and boy am I feeling it! My whole body aches. I think it's because I'm not used to standing and walking as much. I'll get used to it! Baby Burns is about 11 inches long (whoa!) and can supposedly feel me dancing around. We have a 3d sono scheduled for the end of the month. I can't wait to see what he/she looks like in there.


Speaking of sonograms.....

Tomorrow my SIL has her Big u/s! I'm hoping she gets the news she's been praying for. Good luck!! I'll be anxiously awaiting the news!

Look how cute!!

Baby Burns got a very sweet package in the mail! My BFPB sent the cutest onesies, a super-soft blanket, and an 'Expecting!' decal:



Thanks Devon! I will absolutely enjoy all the green & yellow before we get bombarded with pink or blue :)

22 weeks!

Ain't That a Kick in the Head!

Chris felt Baby Burns for the first time a few days ago. His head was on my belly, and the baby gave a HUGE kick...the strongest I have felt so far! It was so funny :) Reminds me of one of my favorite Dean Martin songs, Ain't That a Kick in the Head:

My head keeps spinnin',
I go to sleep and keep grinnin'
If this is just the beginnin'
My life is gonna be beautiful.

I've sunshine enough to spread,
It's just like the fella said.
Tell me quick,
ain't that a kick in the head?

Other than that I haven't felt the baby too much. I've been much more active lately though, getting ready for school next week. I'm looking forward to a nice 3 day weekend before we get back into the hustle & bustle of everyday life. I'm afraid that once school starts, time is going to FLY by.

21 weeks!

I really love my belly. I love being pregnant.

Come on people!!

Earlier today I was thinking about how Gwen Stefani has been pregnant for what seems like FOREVER. Lo and behold I find out later that she had her baby today! However, the name is awful, just awful: Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale...why, why, why do celebs do this to their poor children? Kingtson was half-way decent, so I was expecting something much, much better. This is getting old.

Funny, honey

Today I sent Chris a text, "I hope we have a girl so we can sing 'Isn't She Lovely' to her!"

Chris wrote back, "I hope we have a boy so I don't have to hear you sing."

LOL :)

20 week ultrasound

It was so amazing!! Hard to believe that's our baby in there, moving and growing all the time :) Dr K. pointed out all the different parts; head, brain, stomach, heart, spine, arms, hands. I think the coolest part was when the baby had his/her arms up in front of his/her face. Then he/she waved at us!! I got a little teary at that point. I could have laid there all day and watched him/her move their little arms and hands. Ugh, it was adorable! We looked away while the doctor checked out the legs (and what was in between, lol.) I'm so glad we didn't find out, although Chris would have found out if I'd let him :) Here are the pictures we got:

This is a picture of the face, and the baby has his/her hands up

The baby's body, with his/her head turned away (gah!!)

Another body shot:

The pictures are pretty grainy, which makes me want to get the 3d/4d ultrasound even more than I did before! We may do that in October. For now we're so happy that the baby looks great. Dr. K was very happy with everything. Baby Burns is 13 ounces and I've gained about 10 pounds so far, luckily all in the belly :) 

Keep growing Baby Burns! We love you!

Yes!! Finally!

We have movement :) I was laying in bed reading after a nice warm bath. All of a sudden, Baby Burns started to move like crazy! It's the weirdest feeling. Like pokes from the inside. Sometimes ripples. They always catch me off-guard. Even  when I'm waiting for a movement, it happens so fast! I can't wait for our u/s tomorrow. 

20 weeks, halfway there!

Wow, I'm halfway done?? Time has really flown. I feel fantastic, this has been an amazing pregnancy so far. Our big u/s is on Monday morning and I cannot wait to see Baby Burns. Hopefully not too much of Baby Burns though ;) I hope he or she is happy & healthy in there. I worry that since this has been such a perfect pregnancy, something is bound to go wrong...I hate that! Just keep us and BB in your prayers!

I felt the baby kick last week! I was in Maine, laying on the back of the boat. It's kind of a hard surface (vinyl cushion) and I was laying on my belly (which wasn't terribly uncomfortable.) All of a sudden I felt a kick! Unmistakable, no doubt about it. I felt it a few times while on vacation and it was so incredible. I am starting to really feel the "flutters" and movements at other times, but the kicks and punches are the best. I'm excited for when I feel those constantly. I love looking at and feeling my belly. It's a true miracle to have another human being grow inside of you. I'm in total awe!

Hopefully I'll have great news to report on Monday, along with some pics of our little one!

Stoked about our Stokke!!

Our stroller finally arrived and I am so in love! I put it together right away and have been strolling around the house ever since. I am going to love taking Baby Burns around town!

I love all the different seating options. 3 facing me and 2 facing out. It will also work will a car seat...I'm very happy!

We celebrated a lot today. Today Dawn & Joe were baptized and then we all had lunch together. Family are starting to arrive for their wedding which is in less that a week!

We also celebrated Scott's 13th birthday. I just can't believe he's a teenager. He's as tall as I am! I remember when he was a baby, I used to LOVE just sitting with him, and rocking him to sleep. I was completely smitten. I can't wait to see how Uncle Scott bonds with Baby Burns! Here we are at dinner:

I'm looking forward to the next 3 weeks. I hope they don't go by too fast.

  

Last Day of Summer School...and 18 weeks!

Today was the last day of school and I'm so glad! It was fun, but rough at times. I had a big class and some even bigger personalities. It'll be interesting to see which kids end up in my room next year! I'm looking forward to the next 3 weeks of some R&R and by then I'll be ready to dive back in. I'm really excited to see my darlings from last year...I bet they've gotten so big!

So today I am 18 weeks. Very exciting b/c I *should* be able to feel the baby soon. I've noticed that my stomach has really popped and it's quite hard (except when I'm laying down, where does my uterus go? Lala Land?) I took a picture today to capture my lovely bump:

Chris is starting to get in some "belly bonding" and it's very cute. I've been wearing a bella band with my regular pants and so far it's been working out nicely. I expect to do some major maternity shopping when school starts :)

I am so getting one of these!

Hospital gowns make you feel more naked than when you're actually naked. At least these are fashionable!

Pregnancy Tips...

For more tips, click here.

Zoe is already taking the baby's toys...

She's in love with this alligator rattle and goes for it every time we're in the nursery.

1. She makes a beeline for it...

2. Looking at mom for permission:

3. Air Zoe!!

4. Score!

Luckily, I have another one :)

Thank you Aunt Caroline!

We got a package of awesome gifts yesterday from our good friend Caroline...look at all these goodies!

A polka dot blanket, nursing pads & lotion, Palmers lotions, Tums, and a book! It was so sweet of her to think of us :) We love you!!

Ouch!

Lots of cramping going on lately!! And every time I get up I get a pulling feeling in my belly, down low. I know it's just everything stretching out. Baby Burns, you grow and stretch as much as you want!! I can't wait to feel you moving around in there! In a few days I'll be 17 weeks, and the baby will be the size of an onion:

Hilarious...

Click here for more Do's and Don'ts when caring for a baby.

I'm impatient

I'm 16 weeks and I really want to feel the baby move already! I've been reading that while it's still early, some women do feel it at around this time. But it could happen anytime in the next 4 weeks. Sometimes I lay still and poke at my belly, lol. I just can't wait to see what it feels like! It will be even better when Chris gets to feel Baby Burns :)  

Website

I made a website to keep all family & friends up to date on Baby Burns and everything else going on:

Check it out!

Nursery furniture is done!!

Chris did a fantastic job of putting our crib and dresser together!

I think it looks fabulous with the green walls. Now comes the fun part...decorating!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Nana!!

My mom is buying us my dream stroller, the Stokke Xplory!! We're getting it in turquoise:

I love how high and how close the baby will be. We're going to get the car seat adapter so that it can also be a travel system. I cannot wait to push Baby Burns around in it :) This is literally my  dream stroller- a few weeks ago I had a dream about pushing a little boy around in it...it was meant to be!