We're in Trouble!!

The pictures below say it all! This past weekend we caught our adorable little Sadie walking around the house with baby boy's paci's in her mouth...oh no! We should have been good parents and immediately take it away from her but it was soooo funny we just let her run around sucking it for a bit. I know, not the smartest thing to do but you had to be there to see this ;-) Not only did she walk around with it in her mouth, the correct way she was actually sucking it...so unlike our destructive little Sadie. We took it away from her and then a few hours later she had another one and had chewed open the package and was laying on the floor sucking it...Oh boy, we're going to have our hands full!!

37 Weeks & FULL TERM!!

FULL TERM!

I can’t believe it but we are now full term! Where did the time go?!?! I am feeling very full term now as I have dropped completely so baby boy is sitting very low; which makes it impossible to tie my shoes and bend over. Thank goodness yoga has kept me slightly flexible and stretched so I am able to squat for long periods of time i.e. when playing with Sadie or picking anything up. I’m still the same size and haven’t gained any more weight but I can tell that the baby has grown because there is simply NO MORE ROOM! I am stretched to the max and even though the baby has gained weight, I have stayed the same mainly because I don’t have much of an appetite and did I mention, there’s no more room!!

This past weekend was very successful and we got everything done off our check list…hard to believe since there were at least 20+ things that we had to do. My mom was in town Saturday – Monday so the 3 of us went out both Saturday and Sunday to get everything done…and we did it! But I feel like I didn’t sit down for 2 days straight and was so exhausted on Monday that I could hardly stay awake at work. Went to yoga after work and that made me feel so much better but I was still pretty pooped. The nursery is pretty much done! Custom art came in and we put everything up over the weekend. We are going to hang shelves this week but other than that, we’re ready to go!

We celebrated Chris’ first Father’s Day and it was so much fun! I took Sadie out all weekend so he could sleep in...she’s an early riser and gets us up at 6:30am every morning. On Sunday Sadie and I went and got bagels for breakfast, everything bagels which are Chris’ favorite, to surprise him. Then he opened his gifts, sunglasses from me and a cute little outfit from baby boy! Of course it was for the baby but said I love Daddy. Mom took us to his favorite place, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto and we had an amazing dinner. I think he had a great first father’s day!

One of our tasks was to take inventory on everything we needed before the baby comes and exchange things that we had too many of. Baby boy will sure have his pick of bottles and paci’s! We also purchased our Medela breast pump and got all the accessories that we need and also made sure we had all the correct size diapers. We found that we have a ton (almost #400) newborn diapers but since we don’t know where they all came from, we can’t exchange them. We also have lots of swaddlers for newborns and for 8lb+ babies. So I think we’re all set for a while.

I ordered #2 Miracle blankets after searching 4 stores for them and no luck. Apparently the knock-off brands do not even compare to the real thing so we just decided to order them online from the company to make sure we were getting the real deal. We also ordered a CD that is supposed to help the baby sleep better. It has sounds that mimic the womb, so hopefully that will help too.

We also bought baby boy several outfits for the hospital and to come home in…I couldn’t decide what I liked best so why not get them all. And of course, my mom is getting them monogrammed this week…you all know me and my love for monograms! My mom also got baby boy 2 blankets monogrammed, one for him to come home with and another for his Christening. They are both too cute and match so well with our little color plan.

We also got a new camera, thank goodness right? But unfortunately it's not really good and we are so disappointed in the picture quality so we're going to return it this weekend. We tried to get a cheaper one but looks like we're going to have to pay a little more to get good pictures. So we got one pic of me today and will add pictures of the nursery over the weekend.

Last on the list was to swing by Pottery Barn Kids to pick up our lamps and a few other things on our registry. We got the lamps, love them and were surprised that several of the other items had been purchased. So maybe we have a few more surprises coming for baby boy!

This weekend we have no plans, you heard me right! Jon and Lauren are coming over Friday and we’re going out for pizza and then Saturday I have a prenatal massage scheduled…my poor back and hip are killing me! But no other tasks for the baby other than washing his clothes, towels and sheets. We’re so excited for a weekend without a “to-do” list...it’s about time we get to rest a bit! Hopefully the weather will be nice and we can go to the pool on Sunday.

Oh and BAG IS PACKED! Baby boy, did you hear that?!?! Feel free to come any time now, we’re all excited to meet you!

Less than 28 Days to go!

Less than 28 Days to go!!

Belly Update:

Since not much has changed from last week so I will keep this short and sweet. I gained another pound and a half this week, up to 18.5 total…with 4 weeks or less to go I am hoping to keep it at a pound a week and under 25, which was my goal. I haven’t really grown much more so the belly shot looks about the same but I can tell that he is running out of room as his movements are becoming less and less each week and more like shifts from one position to another. Had my weekly doctor’s appt yesterday and he’s still head down so let’s hope he stays that way. He’s also measuring perfect with 36 weeks, which is around 5.5-6 pounds. I have dropped a bit so my doctor thinks that’s another sign that he may come a bit sooner than our due date…we shall see. Just stay in there for at least another week and we’ll be FULL TERM! But now that I have dropped, I am breathing so much better. He still kicks me in the ribs and lungs all the time but at least there’s a little more room for me!

Swelling – It’s finally happening to me. I thought this whole pregnancy I was doing so great with watching sodium and nothing had started to swell yet. But this weekend I got a taste of what the next few summer weeks were going to be like. Rings are still on but my ankles, not a pretty sight! I keep my feet elevated as much as possible but I have a feeling they are going to be “puffy” for the next few weeks…oh joy! I have always had swelling problems, thanks mom for those genes but I had done so good…we’ll see. Going to buy some comfy closed shoes to keep the swelling down so that should do the trick. I have been wearing my converses on days that are low-key at the office but they are not really appropriate for work…ha!

Bring on the baby showers!

My best girls threw me a shower at Mel’s house on Saturday. It was so great to see everyone and we got a ton of adorable clothes and lots of great gifts. My friend Crystal Keen came up for the weekend and it was so great to see her! Alicia and Neal and Anna and Justin also made the hike up from NC to host the shower with Mel and Andrea…I am so thankful to have such amazing friends! They boys golfed while we were at the shower and then we all grilled out after. I miss these girls and it was great to spend some time with them this weekend. Also, Stella (my flower girl) and Lydia came with Isabelle, I can’t believe how much they have grown up! Now we are making our lists to decide what’s left that we need to get before the baby comes.

We hope to post pictures of the completed nursery next week. Still waiting on some custom art to be framed, putting up shelves and some other little things. After that, I will be sure to post pictures! I have had so many people ask to see the completed nursery…wish it was completed :)

We hope to get a new camera in the next week or so (if the budget allows for it) so I should be able to post more pics soon!

Anxiety – for all that know me well know I have horrible anxiety and I thought that I had done well this entire pregnancy without one little freak out. That was until my friend Renee had her baby boy last week and Marybeth had her little girl this past weekend. Talk about freaking out…I AM NEXT!! Not only have I been a basket case thinking about these two women that were just “pregnant” with me for the past 9 month or so, but now they are moms! It seems so unreal that in a few hours their whole world has been changed and did I mention, I AM NEXT! Renee and I have kept up with most details of our pregnancies through email and it seems so unreal that she now has baby Asher home with her…every time I think about her and baby Asher, I get teary-eyed! I am having feelings from excitement; that I can’t wait to meet him to feelings of sheer panic; where I don’t have everything ready for him to come. I guess this is all normal but as I have less than 4 weeks to go, I can’t help but to freak out! Chris has been so great and has taken on the list-maker task…again one of my OCD’s. We have a bunch to get done but hopefully we can take care of it this weekend.

First list item – PACK MY BAG! So many people tell me that after 36-37 weeks anything can happen…that’s this week! So mark this off my list, bag will be packed this weekend (provided that I have time to buy hospital pj’s, outfit for baby to come home in, etc...haha) it will get done!

My mom is coming this weekend so hopefully she can help me mark off a few more items off my list. I am determined to get as much done this weekend as possible so I can rest and enjoy these last few weeks before I become a mom. I already have a list of to-do’s for her, sorry mom, it just comes with the title.

35 Weeks and 35 Days to Go!

I have been very slack on the updates but promise to update the blog better for the next few weeks! We have been very busy with getting things ready for the baby, such a busy and exciting time!

Belly Update:

Here's an updated picture at 35 weeks and 1 day. Not much change but I am sure the baby is growing by the day.

Weight Gain: 17 pounds...creeping up on me :)

Contractions: None so far and not sure if I have had BH contractions or not...everything has been pretty normal so far.

Labor signs: Nope and hope it stays that way for at least 2 more weeks when I will be considered Full Term.

Cravings: Still eating a ton of avocado and have been eating fish like crazy but no "real-gotta have it" cravings. Space is getting very limited in there so I can't eat very much at a time. I have had ice cream, well frozen yogurt for dinner several nights...so guess I am craving ice cream a little more than usual.

Best/Worst Moment: Baby Showers!! I had one in PA last weekend that was wonderful and my bestest girls are throwing me a shower this weekend in MD. Love these girls! The only thing I would consider my worst moment is the hip pain and pain from the baby kicking me in the ribs constantly! He does love my right side and as much as I try and push him over to the left, he kicks me and moves back under my right rib. Painful but funny :)

Movement: Constant rolling and sudden kicks. I feel his hiccups every night before I go to bed and can tell that he's still head down. I think he's ready to come...but little one, stay in for a few more weeks!

Sleep: Still getting up 4-5 times a night...this baby boy must sleep on my bladder. Which makes it hard to get to get back to sleep after I get up. Oh well, guess he's preparing me. I am trying to stay hydrated like crazy b/c my doctor says that dehydration can bring on contractions and labor signs early so I am drinking water like crazy. I try to stop drinking around 9-9:30pm each night but that hasn't helped...still up at least 4 times.

Other updates:

Stroller Drama!!! Mom A bought us a stroller for our shower last weekend...did it come on time, NO! Did they bother to call us to tell us that there was a problem, NO! So, you all know me I jumped on the phone and very nicely, let them have it. Not only b/c we had ordered it 3 weeks ago and it was coming from NY to PA but b/c no one had bothered to follow-up to see if it had shipped. I think I mentioned last blog that we went with a Peg Perego Pilko which we liked a lot but a part of me really wanted another stroller. Of course more expensive and had to be special ordered and we would not get it for 6 weeks. So, to make this a short story since Buy Buy Baby had screwed up our order, they offered us 20% off the stroller we really wanted, which brought the price down to just a little over what we paid for the Peg. This made me very excited! I ordered the new stroller on Monday and although it will not be here for 6 weeks, we are so excited to have the stroller we really wanted and got a nice discount on it! The manager at Buy Buy Baby said that they NEVER, EVER under any circumstances discount this brand but since they made such a big mistake, she would do it for us. Great store to deal with and I am so happy we bought our stroller from them. Even if we had some drama.

New Stroller - 2009 BumbleRide Indie with optional foot muff (we were advised to get it, so we did...at 20% off, of course)!

Nursery Update:

We had a monogram made for over the crib and it looks great! My idea to monogram scrap pieces of material and frame them and hang over the crib with ribbon and cute gingham hangers turned out not to be a good idea after all. I read another mom's blog and she had wood letters hanging over the crib and one night during a bad storm, the vibration knocked one off the wall and it really hurt the baby...so much for my attempt to be crafty :) So we ended up hanging them by the changing table and they look really cute. The monogram is his initials and is oval, I will post pictures when the nursery is complete.

We haven't done too much more as we have a lot of custom items on order. We had a hard time finding art since everything seems to be done in primary colors and that just doesn't work with our blue and tan theme :) So we had custom art done and can't wait to see it! We found a lady on Etsy...if you have never been to the site, you must go! It's where people sell arts and craft items and you can find ANYTHING http://www.etsy.com/ We found a seller that paints children's art and she we fell in love with "Louie the Bear and Leon the Lion." She was great and asked us to mail her samples of the wall colors and she would paint Louie and Leon to match our colors. Also, she had a little puppy painted and we asked if she would attempt to paint a Sadie...yes you heard me correct. We had her paint a pic of Sadie for the nursery :) Sadie is such a huge part of our lives and the baby has to have a pic of her...ha! I think she looks very serious but Chris just loves it. Louie is being touched up a bit to add a little more tan and texture and Leon will be finished tonight. We had custom frames made at Michael's and they are cottage white with a beaded trim. We hope to have the canvas pictures framed and ready in the next few weeks. Pics of the completed nursery to come.

Sadie the Doggie and Louie the Bear below...how funny!

The bathroom is almost done, waiting on Leon the Lion to be hung and it will be complete! We found the perfect size shelves for the bathroom at Ikea. Which by the way is the WORST store ever! They have great things but I do not like to be told which way to walk through the store when I am shopping. Chris and I went there with a plan, get the shelves and get out. Yeah right! We called before we went, got the isle number, shelf number and everything we could to be prepared to get in and get out. Mel had warned me how it's like a maze and you have to walk through the entire store when you go. Just as we thought we had out smarted their system, we discovered that yes, we had found a shortcut to get the items but that we had to walk all the way backwards on the maze to check out. Whoever designed that store had too much time on his hands! I was so grumpy and hungry that I had to stop and get a cinnamon bun to get me through...luckily they had a snack bar right in the middle of the store. This made me super excited and I walked the rest of the store enjoying my bun! Guess it was worth it b/c the shelves look great and they were super cheap. But I have to say that I don't think I will go to that store ever again unless it's absolutely necessary!

Mom A finished up on our drapes for the nursery, custom white and gingham shower curtain and she also made us place mats to match our new decor on the main level. They look amazing and are just what we wanted.

Mom S got us a NICE Sony Camcorder for our Anniversary and for the baby's birth...Don't worry we're not filming the birth...no way Jose! But we do want to capture a few moments after he is born to share with family and friends. She also got us a nice case and extra memory stick should we want to record something and then immediately pop into the laptop to show people. We can't wait to get it!




Chris put together the pack-n-play that my work gave us and it matches so well downstairs. Took him forever b/c the directions were useless. But here's a pic of it all set up.

I think this blog is long enough so I will wait to update more in the next few days.

Nursery is almost Complete!

Finally...we have some pictures of the nursery to show! After long weekends of home improvement projects, we finally dedicated all last weekend to painting and putting the nursery together. Chris did an amazing job on the stripes and we put the bedding on and just love everything about it. It turned out perfect! This weekend we plan to decorate and hopefully get things on the walls. Other unfinished projects include putting up the window treatments which are solid tan to match the chair; hanging baby Frederick's name over the crib; hanging our custom shower curtain, thanks to mom A (Chris' mom for all that do not know the lingo) for making it for us; laps, picture frames, shelving and art for the walls...we have our work cut out for us. But at least it's looking more like a nursery than a storage room :) I will add more pictures as soon as I get a new camera, after 4 years the Canon is finally dying...so sad. These pictures are not the best because my flash doesn't work anymore but at least I can post a few. Our room color is more robbins egg blue but looks more like baby blue in the pics...oh well, maybe this weekend we can find a deal on a camera.

My updates - 33 Weeks!!!

I am going to add just a few highlights instead of adding the list of questions.


Baby Frederick is a moving boy! Some times I feel like I have a little alien inside me because he rolls around so much and it's so strong that it just looks weird. But I love to feel him move and get a good laugh watching him move, especially at work. He still insists on sitting on my right side which is still causing the lower back and hip pain. Not sure why he likes that side so much but I wish he would pick another spot! Being able to go back to yoga has helped a ton and I look forward to my class each week.


I have gained a little more weight, which is no surprise because my appetite for the past few weeks has been out of control! I have read that around 32-33 weeks the baby goes through a growth spurt and your appetite really kicks in. Thank goodness now it has subsided a bit. I have gained 16 pounds so far, which I feel is a pretty good number for 33 weeks. Hoping to stay under the 25 pounds in 40 weeks, so we'll see. Still craving avocados like crazy, in fact I ate an entire avocado for dinner...with a few chips :) I have been also craving fish A TON so every chance we can get to have a date night, I try and order fish. Which is good for me and baby so crave on!


I was in NC two weekends ago for my first baby shower and it was perfect! I got a lot of nice gifts and it was great to see everyone. Charlie took pictures for me and I am adding a few.




We did our maternity tour this week and I was presently surprised at how many private rooms INOVA has and how nice the maternity floors were. It was a little overwhelming being in the Labor and Delivery room but it was great to see it before I was actually there. Chris of course joked about everything and made it fun when I was really scared and nervous to be there.


Oh, and baby Frederick now has an infant seat and lots of newborn clothes, thanks to Mel! She has given us so much and I am so thankful for her! It seems like each week she is giving me something else for him...bring it on, we love any hand-me-downs we can get. The infant seat was key because we were going to buy the same one...Peg Prego and she saved us $300...yeah! We owe them dinner...ha!


We plan to work hard on the nursery and house this weekend so I will post pictures when we 1. get it finished 2. get a new camera :)


Next weekend, we head to PA for my second baby shower and I am looking forward to seeing everyone there. It's so strange to me how I am really excited for baby showers but was terrified at my bridal showers. Guess this is the one time that I will enjoy being the center of attention and just love when people check in on me. I better enjoy it now because baby Frederick will take all the attention when he comes.


Speaking of the baby coming, that is the most common question I get...am I ready?? I think so is my normal response. We are so excited but scared at the same time, which I am sure is normal for first time parents. I think people that are totally ready and clam have unreal expectations...so yes, we're ready but also ready for the challenge and ready to learn how our lives will be with our new little boy.


Exciting things for the upcoming week...my good friend Kelly FINALLY coming out of the pregnancy closet...YEAH! I have kept her secret for months and so happy for her and Matt; Maybe hearing that baby Asher is born...I know Nay is ready to meet him; hearing about so many friends pregnancies and finding out what they are having! Seems like everyone is at that 20 week mark so I can't wait to find out if baby frederick will have lots of buddy's or a few girlfriends...ha!

One cute picture of me and Sadie...she thinks the nursery is her new room and loves the chair and ottoman. So hard to tell her no when she is so darn cute :) Have a great week and weekend!!!

Belly Update

Can we say WHOA...I have grown, grown, grown! It's crazy how much bigger I look and feel just from last week! I am just over 32 weeks now and have noticed several things changing...mostly my belly and my appetite. For the past week I have been hungry all the time...snacking like crazy! I am trying to keep it sensible but it's so hard right now. I am craving salty foods so chips have been my best friend. Luckily the baked lays have been hitting the spot but I can myself breaking down for the itmes I am really craving...french fries and kettle cooked chips :) I'm pregnant right, it's ok to have those things...in moderation...that's the key word...ha! Luckily among the salty cravings I have been eating avocados and hummus like crazy and can't seem to get enough of it! Totally good for me though so bring it on.



I went to NC this past weekend for my first baby shower and it was really nice to see everyone. Baby Frederick got a lot of nice items and the nursery is starting to look like there is a baby on the way :) Charlie (Sarah & MB's dad) took lots of pics and I will post some when he emails them to me. We have one camera and it doesn't work very well so a big thanks to Charlie for coming and taking pictures. We've asked for a nice camera for Christmas so hopefully the broken one will last a bit longer. We're still working on the nursey which has been a little stressful for poor Chris. We are in home-rennovation nightmare and not sure why we thought it would be a good idea to get ALL projects done before the baby comes but now we are feeling the stress of only having 8 weeks to get everything complete! First things first, painting the nursery walls then all the little projects to follow. Thank goodness we have the long weekend to get things finished since it seems like our weekends until now have been packed with events, classes and family visiting!



The weekend was relaxing for me and it was nice to spend time with just me and mom. I got my hair done and also took a few pregnancy pictures with my friend Kerri. I am pretty modest when it comes to these things but found a few cute ones that I wanted go do and she's just getting her photography business started so thought it would be a fun thing to do. We've been friends since we were 3-5years old and grew up dancing together so I felt comfortable taking these with her. I will post a few when she sends them to me...don't worry, they are all G rated...ha!



Monday my company surprised me with a baby shower and lunch which was so much fun! They had it catered with Mexican and lots of guacmole! And Chris came too which was a nice surpirse. They got us a basket with lots of books, bibs, toys, clothes, etc and also got our pack-n-play! I can't wait to see what it looks like set up. I can't believe they were able to keep it a secret all this time.



Tuesday was my birthday and Chris cooked dinner for me...and you guessed it, we made gucamole and had a relaxing night at home.

This weekend we plan to finish the nursery...no seriously this time :) I know we have said that for the past few blog updates but really this weekend is it! We have finished most of our little home projects so we're working on nothing but the nursery.

I will post a new belly pic, shower pics and also finished nursery pics this weekend.

9 Weeks to Go!

9 Weeks to go!!

Me & Sadie...look at that belly ;-)

How far along? Almost 31 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 11.5 pounds as of yesterday

Maternity clothes? Still the same...wearing most of my pre-pregnancy shirts but they are getting a little snug now!

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Still getting up 2-3 times a night but sleeping much better! I think now that I am bigger it's easier to find a comfortable position now that my belly rests on the bed when I am on my side. Before it wouldn't quite touch which was pretty uncomfortable unless I had my boppy pillow. Now I am sleeping much better!

Best moment this week: Lots of great moments: Getting the OK from my doctor to start doing prenatal yoga again!! New Frederick Family SUV!

Worst moment this week: Back/hip pain. Baby Frederick must be sitting on a nerve on my right side b/c I have had the worst lower back pain that radiates down my right hip and leg.

Movement: Still rolling around like crazy! My doctor says he is doing "fish flops" b/c you can look at my stomach and it looks like waves moving across. It's crazy! Also, I have been able to see more imprints of feet and am still holding out for a good one to take a picture.

Food cravings: Avocado & Guacamole Still! Not sure why but everything I order has to have avocado on it!

Labor Signs: Nope

Milestones: Realizing that we have less than 9 weeks left before our world will be changed and learning to appreciate all the little things that are going on in our lives right now.

Looking forward to next week: Actually this weekend...my first baby shower in NC. Thank goodness I got the OK to go. Nice relaxing weekend with my mom and friends in Pink Hill.

Updated Pic...it's not a good one but my camera died...so no retakes :)

We have been super busy the past week/weekend with car shopping, having our hardwoods re-finished (yes again b/c they screwed up the poly the first time); buying last minute things for baby Frederick's room (i.e. bookshelves, picture frames...the little things); finishing up our baby registry...so much! Sorry for the late post!

Most importantly, we got a new SUV! That is the most exciting thing of the week. We had several mid-size SUV's in mind and of course wanted to shop around so we got the best deal. We started off at Ford b/c we both LOVE the Ford Edge. I had a Lincoln MKX as a loaner car when my Audi was getting serviced and I fell in love with it. We then realized that the Edge and MKX were basically the same car with about a $15K price difference. So off to Ford we went. Of course started looking at the fully loaded ones until we saw the price...YIKES! So we looked at the basic models with a few upgrades. Then we mentioned to the sales guy that Chris' grandfather worked for Ford for 45+ years and that changed everything for us. The sales guy laughed said we made his job easy to pick anyone we wanted! So we test drove a loaded Ford Edge Limited AWD (All wheel drive), leather, 2 sun-roofs...amazing car! And then after some talking, we were able to get the price down to our price range. Who knew that we would go in looking for something basic and walk out with a loaded SUV! We were so thrilled beyond belief and love our new car!!

Our New 2009 Ford Edge Limited AWD!!

Sadie & Chris below...she LOVES the double sunroofs ;)

I had a follow-up doctor's appointment yesterday and got the best news ever! I can go back to prenatal yoga and start doing a little more...YEAH! Guess the rest has paid off and I am doing really well, my doctor was really happy with me. She also gave me the ok to go to NC for my baby shower, which I was afraid she was going to say no to b/c at my appt 2 weeks earlier, she said that it was probably not going to happen. But, I'm off to NC on Thursday and plan to do nothing but get my hair done and rest until the shower :)

We are still working on the nursery and I promise to post pictures as soon as it's done. It's taken a back seat to all the other house stuff so we plan to complete it by next weekend. We are trying to cram all our house renovations in before the baby is born and it's consuming all our time. So stay tuned...