I realized I haven't blogged about this yet. We definitely have a front-runner in each of the gender categories. The vetoes have been flying around like crazy though!
Top boy name: Henry Christian
Middle name is after his father. We'd likely call him Hank.
What we've considered: Luke, Cedar
Top girl name: Lucille Kathleen
Middle name is after her grandmothers (my mom's name and C.T.'s mom's middle name). We'd call her Lucy.
What we've considered: Violet, Mallory
Monday, October 25, 2010
Size of a fist!
We hit 14 weeks on Saturday. The baby is about the size of a fist and growing every day. He/she has a permanent hairline (isn't that weird?) and is now covered in lanugo - downy hair to keep the babe warm until accumulating baby fat. By the end of this week the ears will have moved to their proper position on the side of the head (not the neck) and the eyes will move to the center of the face. So strange! At this point, the baby is moving a ton - practicing the use of all its body parts.
Well for the past week or so, C.T. has been sick with a cold, poor guy. I've felt pretty good - some days are great, others just okay. I found out I have this strange business going on on my tonsils. I'm hoping it's due to the increased hormone stuff. But I'll go see the doctor just in case. This happens every exam season, the body is stressed out from all the worry and effort and its so easy to catch a cold. We are close to the end, only 2 weeks away. Then, it's back to focusing on enjoying the weather, the holidays, family, friends, etc. I'm already gearing up for this year's Turkey Trot :) (2 years ago I convinced C.T. to run a 5k with me around Colby Lake the morning of Thanksgiving. Now it's tradition!) And I've tried brainstorming about Christmas gifts. I bought halloween candy yesterday, and was immediately reprimanded for getting the "cheap" stuff, lol, I happen to like Nerds, Sweet Tarts and Bottle Caps. C.T. seemed to think that's what all the kids dread getting. I told him at least they're not Smarties. I did get some chocolate things too. I'm guessing we'll have a lot of kids in this neighborhood. And we're going to be home for the night - studying and answering the door. Penny might have to hang out in the backyard (she's getting really good at barking at the door bell - even those on TV or radio).
I talked with my manager last week - and it went fine. We didn't discuss my work options for after the birth, but I figure I'll bring that up another day.
We started following the study book to the latest sermon series at Woodland. So far it's great! I'm willing and eager to see some growth out of it.
This friday we are going out to dinner to celebrate it being 4 years since we began our relationship. There's this neat french place operating out of an old house in the Sherman Hill area with local cuisine. Should be good! It's hard to imagine that it's been only 4 years - so much has changed! I hope that we always continue to date one another and simply enjoy one another's company. Sigh, remember when grocery shopping together felt like a date?
Coming up: A week of studying, friday date night, & halloween
Well for the past week or so, C.T. has been sick with a cold, poor guy. I've felt pretty good - some days are great, others just okay. I found out I have this strange business going on on my tonsils. I'm hoping it's due to the increased hormone stuff. But I'll go see the doctor just in case. This happens every exam season, the body is stressed out from all the worry and effort and its so easy to catch a cold. We are close to the end, only 2 weeks away. Then, it's back to focusing on enjoying the weather, the holidays, family, friends, etc. I'm already gearing up for this year's Turkey Trot :) (2 years ago I convinced C.T. to run a 5k with me around Colby Lake the morning of Thanksgiving. Now it's tradition!) And I've tried brainstorming about Christmas gifts. I bought halloween candy yesterday, and was immediately reprimanded for getting the "cheap" stuff, lol, I happen to like Nerds, Sweet Tarts and Bottle Caps. C.T. seemed to think that's what all the kids dread getting. I told him at least they're not Smarties. I did get some chocolate things too. I'm guessing we'll have a lot of kids in this neighborhood. And we're going to be home for the night - studying and answering the door. Penny might have to hang out in the backyard (she's getting really good at barking at the door bell - even those on TV or radio).
I talked with my manager last week - and it went fine. We didn't discuss my work options for after the birth, but I figure I'll bring that up another day.
We started following the study book to the latest sermon series at Woodland. So far it's great! I'm willing and eager to see some growth out of it.
This friday we are going out to dinner to celebrate it being 4 years since we began our relationship. There's this neat french place operating out of an old house in the Sherman Hill area with local cuisine. Should be good! It's hard to imagine that it's been only 4 years - so much has changed! I hope that we always continue to date one another and simply enjoy one another's company. Sigh, remember when grocery shopping together felt like a date?
Coming up: A week of studying, friday date night, & halloween
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Is it October?
The weather has been gorgeous lately - if not a bit too hot out. I mean, it's middle of October and the temps are still in the 70s/80s. I like the cool fall weather - so hopefully full blown winter doesn't start up before we get sweatshirt and bonfire weather.
As an update, the roasted chicken was awesome. Once I got over the ick factor of prepping a fresh chicken, it was really simple and tasted so yummy. I originally planned on having leftovers, but the Carlsons were able to come over for dinner and we ate almost the entire thing! The squash was also a hit. Everyone was a little skeptical, but all said they enjoyed it. So, now that I've done it once, it'll be a snap to make that more often this fall/winter.
Last weekend we had dinner at Yanni's in Ankeny with Carlsons and Albers. Albers are excited for us, as expected :) I really like our friends. On Saturday we were all ready to lay down grass seed, but after talking to the guy at TNT he suggested we wait a few more weeks. Bummer. But we did pick up all the supplies we'll need. Sunday we had a minor crisis at our house. We could smell gas (to me it smelled like regular gasoline) out in the front yard. MidAmerican came out to check on it and found that the natural gas line was leaking! They dug up the line and found that whoever installed the pipes didn't screw a cap on correctly and it likely had been slowly leaking for 6+years. That explains why the grass in that area never grew in properly, and why the tree out front looks so sickly. When they dug up the ground the soil had a green tinge to it. Thankfully, there was no signs of natural gas up near the house, and we have CO detectors now.
Today I had my second doctor's appointment. It was short and sweet - the routine pee in a cup and check blood pressure and weight. I've only gained 2 pounds since last month (whew!) which I'm happy about. Then a quick chat with the nurse and we listened to the baby's heartbeat. Baby's clocking it at around 150 bpm. This Saturday I'll be 13 weeks, the end of the 1st trimester. I've been looking forward to this purely for the easing of nausea! An update on the baby's growth: Now 3 inches long, about the size of a peach. The intestines are moving from the umbilical cord (where they developed) into the abdomen, and vocal chords are forming.
I've been in a funk for the past few days, but I think I'm finally pulling out of it. It started by finding out my exam results. But I really have sooo much to be grateful for and to look forward to. I have a wonderful husband who is helpful and compassionate and loving. God has blessed us with this growing baby. We have a joyous dog who cannot get enough attention. Our families and friends love us a lot. So see? There's hardly a thing to be sad about!
Coming up: Same old song and dance - studying, walks, Survivor night.
As an update, the roasted chicken was awesome. Once I got over the ick factor of prepping a fresh chicken, it was really simple and tasted so yummy. I originally planned on having leftovers, but the Carlsons were able to come over for dinner and we ate almost the entire thing! The squash was also a hit. Everyone was a little skeptical, but all said they enjoyed it. So, now that I've done it once, it'll be a snap to make that more often this fall/winter.
Last weekend we had dinner at Yanni's in Ankeny with Carlsons and Albers. Albers are excited for us, as expected :) I really like our friends. On Saturday we were all ready to lay down grass seed, but after talking to the guy at TNT he suggested we wait a few more weeks. Bummer. But we did pick up all the supplies we'll need. Sunday we had a minor crisis at our house. We could smell gas (to me it smelled like regular gasoline) out in the front yard. MidAmerican came out to check on it and found that the natural gas line was leaking! They dug up the line and found that whoever installed the pipes didn't screw a cap on correctly and it likely had been slowly leaking for 6+years. That explains why the grass in that area never grew in properly, and why the tree out front looks so sickly. When they dug up the ground the soil had a green tinge to it. Thankfully, there was no signs of natural gas up near the house, and we have CO detectors now.
Today I had my second doctor's appointment. It was short and sweet - the routine pee in a cup and check blood pressure and weight. I've only gained 2 pounds since last month (whew!) which I'm happy about. Then a quick chat with the nurse and we listened to the baby's heartbeat. Baby's clocking it at around 150 bpm. This Saturday I'll be 13 weeks, the end of the 1st trimester. I've been looking forward to this purely for the easing of nausea! An update on the baby's growth: Now 3 inches long, about the size of a peach. The intestines are moving from the umbilical cord (where they developed) into the abdomen, and vocal chords are forming.
I've been in a funk for the past few days, but I think I'm finally pulling out of it. It started by finding out my exam results. But I really have sooo much to be grateful for and to look forward to. I have a wonderful husband who is helpful and compassionate and loving. God has blessed us with this growing baby. We have a joyous dog who cannot get enough attention. Our families and friends love us a lot. So see? There's hardly a thing to be sad about!
Coming up: Same old song and dance - studying, walks, Survivor night.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
A lovely weekend
I had a wonderful weekend. I took Friday off of work and drove up to MN with Penny on Thursday night. Friday we went to the dog park, went to yoga, made granola bars, went maternity clothes shopping, made an apple pie, stopped by the open house of this cute shop in Afton, and cooked roast for dinner. Grandma and Grandpa were over for dinner and to say the least they are very excited about the baby!
I like yoga - although I realize I was spoiled by a really good instructor when we were at LA fitness. The lady teaching the class that day was 4 months pregnant - see I can do most all these moves!
I was a bit hesitant to go maternity clothes shopping, but as soon as I got home this week and tried on my work pants, I'm very glad I went! I got two pairs of jeans and a pair of black work pants, and a handful of tshirts. My favorite purhase so far has been the Belly Band - its a spandex-y tube top looking thing that your use over your regular pants to hold them up when unbuttoned. I've been wearing it all week to work and it works wonders. If it peeks out under a shirt, it looks like I'm wearing a tight undershirt. Completely unnoticeable.
Funny story while we were at the garden shop in Afton - I had picked out a sprig of bittersweet, a low basket, and 3 ceramic pots that fit in the basket. As I'm standing in line with my purchases, this lady behind us comments "oh, that bittersweet is really cool looking, better than mine - are there more left?" we say we're not sure but they have them all over the store. She scurries off to look. When she gets back she notices the pots "are there any more of those pots?" why yes, over on the sale table. We get to the checkout and the cashier comments on how great a deal the basket is. Same lady, "are there any more of those baskets?"
At dinner we had squash, and it was yummy and good for you, so I'm determined to make some this week!
On Saturday we did a Trader Joe's run (the one in WDM will open in Nov) and made another apple pie for me to take back. We went to lunch at Tran (delicious!!) before I got on the road. I picked up CT from the airport and we spent the rest of the evening watching the Penn State game.
The last 3 days I've felt sicker than usual. But thankfully today my stomach seems to be cooperating better. This week we've started a new little pattern. After a quick snack, CT is off to the library to study while I take Penny for a walk and get dinner ready. Monday we had spaghetti with meat sauce, salad and bread. Tuesday we had lemon pepper tilapia with asparagus risotto and salad. Tonight I'm venturing to make a whole roasted chicken and roasted squash. I don't have a roasting pan for the chicken, so I've been reading up on what to do instead. Here's hoping the chicken turns out alright! We've invited Bryce and Rachel over for dinner and to watch Survivor. Not sure if they'll make it though - they are likely preparing for Rachel to go back to work tomorrow (oh how time flies!).
Speaking of going back to work. Now, I haven't talked to my work yet, but I'm really really hoping I can do part time. That way I'll work 5 days every 2 weeks. And if Carlson's do any sort of reduced work week - we could potentially trade off days and have the kids at home as much as possible. That would be ideal.
Coming up: Well, the roast chicken experiment, and hopefully a quick end to the week! Tomorrow night is Actuarial evening at Drake. This weekend is supposed to be beautiful weather and fingers crossed we'll get some lawn work in!
I like yoga - although I realize I was spoiled by a really good instructor when we were at LA fitness. The lady teaching the class that day was 4 months pregnant - see I can do most all these moves!
I was a bit hesitant to go maternity clothes shopping, but as soon as I got home this week and tried on my work pants, I'm very glad I went! I got two pairs of jeans and a pair of black work pants, and a handful of tshirts. My favorite purhase so far has been the Belly Band - its a spandex-y tube top looking thing that your use over your regular pants to hold them up when unbuttoned. I've been wearing it all week to work and it works wonders. If it peeks out under a shirt, it looks like I'm wearing a tight undershirt. Completely unnoticeable.
Funny story while we were at the garden shop in Afton - I had picked out a sprig of bittersweet, a low basket, and 3 ceramic pots that fit in the basket. As I'm standing in line with my purchases, this lady behind us comments "oh, that bittersweet is really cool looking, better than mine - are there more left?" we say we're not sure but they have them all over the store. She scurries off to look. When she gets back she notices the pots "are there any more of those pots?" why yes, over on the sale table. We get to the checkout and the cashier comments on how great a deal the basket is. Same lady, "are there any more of those baskets?"
At dinner we had squash, and it was yummy and good for you, so I'm determined to make some this week!
On Saturday we did a Trader Joe's run (the one in WDM will open in Nov) and made another apple pie for me to take back. We went to lunch at Tran (delicious!!) before I got on the road. I picked up CT from the airport and we spent the rest of the evening watching the Penn State game.
The last 3 days I've felt sicker than usual. But thankfully today my stomach seems to be cooperating better. This week we've started a new little pattern. After a quick snack, CT is off to the library to study while I take Penny for a walk and get dinner ready. Monday we had spaghetti with meat sauce, salad and bread. Tuesday we had lemon pepper tilapia with asparagus risotto and salad. Tonight I'm venturing to make a whole roasted chicken and roasted squash. I don't have a roasting pan for the chicken, so I've been reading up on what to do instead. Here's hoping the chicken turns out alright! We've invited Bryce and Rachel over for dinner and to watch Survivor. Not sure if they'll make it though - they are likely preparing for Rachel to go back to work tomorrow (oh how time flies!).
Speaking of going back to work. Now, I haven't talked to my work yet, but I'm really really hoping I can do part time. That way I'll work 5 days every 2 weeks. And if Carlson's do any sort of reduced work week - we could potentially trade off days and have the kids at home as much as possible. That would be ideal.
Coming up: Well, the roast chicken experiment, and hopefully a quick end to the week! Tomorrow night is Actuarial evening at Drake. This weekend is supposed to be beautiful weather and fingers crossed we'll get some lawn work in!
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