The magic number is......

TEN ultrasounds!! What do you think - would I make the Guiness Book of World Records? :)

Jeff got the nursery painted today - pictures to follow once the dresser and the window treatments arrive!

Happy New Year to all - be safe, and may many blessings come to you in 2008!!

Hiccups & Braxton-Hicks

BabyW and I had two new experiences this weekend.

Thursday night as I was going to bed, I started having bad pains in my abdomen, I wasn't sure what was going on. The next day, I happened to be reading What to Expect When You're Expecting.... I read it about once a month, just to see what might be in store for me over the course of the upcoming month. Lo and behold, I think I was experiencing Braxton-Hicks! Well, my theory about my low tolerance of pain was tested, and was correct. Thank goodness for epidurals, because I know B-H contractions aren't even as bad as "real" contractions! They didn't last more than about 30 minutes or so, so no big deal, but an interesting new experience that I'm sure will repeat!

Then, Friday when I got home from work, I was hanging out with Jeff & his parents, when the baby was having very steady, paced movements - everyone could feel them. Someone suggested they may be baby hiccups - they didn't feel strong enough necessarily, but it was definitely a possibility. Later that night, they came back even stronger, so I think BabyW had his/her first case of hiccups! I remember Charlie having them a lot before he was born, what a funny phenomenon!

Record Number of Ultrasounds

I may have a new world record for the number of Ultrasounds performed during a pregnancy!

I had a routine doctor appointment scheduled yesterday - Thursday, so I asked Jeff's mom to come along to hear the heartbeat. The appointment was with another doctor in the practice I'm using; he was very laid-back, and just chatted for a while. He gave me some ideas of how to get this kid out of my ribcage, and I'm feeling better today. At the end of the appointment, he said, "well, if you want, I'm not too busy today - want an ultrasound, since your mother-in-law is with you?" Um, yes, please!

So, Diane, Jeff, and I got yet another glimpse of BabyW, who is doing just fine swimming around in there. He took the time to walk through a few additional areas that my doctor hasn't done (although the ultrasound technician has spent the time to go through), and Baby is just fine. Actually, he/she has slowed down the movements a little since the ultrasound, which is pretty okay, because it was nonstop action there for a couple of days. I LOVE the movement, and I don't think I'll ever get tired of it (what will I do when the baby comes out and I can't feel it move all the time?!) - but it is okay if it wants to slow down a little bit for a few days and give my rib a break.

So, I'm going to have to count up the # of ultrasounds I've had, but including my 20-week appointment when we could've learned the gender, I've had 5 - and there were a few before that 20-week appointment.

30 weeks, 3 days - more than 75% of the way to the target!!

Christmas

We had a great holiday with all of the family! We went to Chicago Saturday through Monday, and spent time with Randy, Cory, Charlie, Ron, Diane, Rick, Sandy, and Becky (think of anyone you know with the last name Worzala - they were there!) - and we were more than entertained by Charlie all weekend long! That kid has two speeds - asleep and 100mph. His personality is really coming out, and it's an awesome one :) The best Christmas gift we received was learning that Charlie is going to be a big brother in 2008! This was not Charlie's best Christmas gift, though. We also got to meet Carolyn's almost-five-month-old, Sadie, and despite being on the verge of a fever, she was precious!

We got back to Indiana Monday, and had dinner at our house with all of the Doans - my parents, Julie, and Matt. Pregnant lady needs to figure out how much I can eat in one sitting, because I almost exploded afterwards! Christmas day was spent in Frankfort, until Jeff got sick and we headed home mid-afternoon. Another great Christmas gift, I was asked to be in a great friend's wedding - Jenny Shaffer's - next fall. Next fall is wedding season! I have at least three weddings, and I'm in one and am going to Florida for one. What awesome motivation to lose the baby weight!!

Jeff's parents have been visiting since the day after Christmas, so it's nice to spend some down time with them, too. They've been put to work around our house - standard operating procedure any time they come down :) Rumor has it that there is painting going on today; which would be awesome!!

Yet another great Christmas gift, my cousin Megan gave birth to a beautiful baby girl yesterday (December 27), Lily Taylor. Lily weighed in at 7lbs, 9oz, and is precious. She didn't cry the whole time I was visiting (although I'm sure she'll make up for it later!) It was nice to hold a baby that wasn't intent on putting her foot in my right ribcage!

We are very blessed to have such a great family, and to be given the opportunity to spend time with everyone at the holidays, and all year round! BabyW is looking forward to meeting all of these great people!

6.5-month belly shot

How does this look for the front of our Christmas card? Kidding, of course; but I'm to the point where perfect strangers are asking me when I'm due. I haven't yet been mean enough to deny that I'm pregnant.

The "winter storm" hit yesterday and overnight; here is a picture of what I did all day; with the fire going and the Christmas lights lit, I wore the DVD player out yesterday (literally. We now don't have a working DVD player. We got a good five year run out of the great gift from Kate's wedding, though! )

Hope you're staying safe, warm and dry where you are - I haven't been out of the house since Friday night, but I'm going to try to brave the one-mile trip to church this morning.

Yet another Dr visit

Nothing to be concerned about.... since my ultrasound on Wednesday was supposed to include a doctor visit, and the doctor was called into delivery, I had a follow-up appointment on Thursday. I confirmed why I was getting the ultrasound in the first place, and learned some new things.

The doc was concerned about how small I was measuring for how far along I was; plus that I was carrying so low. So, the results.... the baby is measuring bigger than 28 weeks, but mommy is measuring smaller than 28 weeks. No, not by weight gain, but by fundal height. My official weight gain is pushing 25 pounds, and that's without taking into account that I was heavier than my ideal weight when I got pregnant! The target weight gain is 25-35 pounds, so looks like I'll be working on losing this for a long time to come :) That's okay, though - it's worth it!

Baby's head is down, probably will stay that way - everything looks good, and I'm finally to the point where sleeping on my back actually does affect my breathing. It hasn't up until now, and so I just keep sleeping on my back, despite hearing I'm not supposed to (some things can't be helped!). I was concerned that somehow it was hurting the baby, even if it wasn't affecting me. However, now it IS affecting me, and I'm even dreaming about it (dream about swimming the butterfly leg of the Medley Relay and losing my breath....If i could even swim the butterfly at month 6 in my pregnancy, I think I should win a medal). So, bring it on, left side!

That's my udpate for the day. I'm to the point where I'll be seeing the doc every two weeks for a while, until the point I go to weekly visits. I've visited one pediatrician, who I liked, and I have an appointment with a second (who will probably be the winner, from what I've heard....)

Have a great weekend! Be careful out there, if you're somewhere that they're predicting all this snow!

3 Ultrasounds, 3 Weeks

Today was my scheduled ultrasound with the technician. This is the one that was scheduled two weeks ago when my doctor was "concerned" about how low I'm carrying, and I made him go ahead and do one that day - he still wanted me to get in with the tech for more accurate measurements. In the meantime, I've had yet another ultrasound, since I had some weird things happen last weekend.

Today's was a good ultrasound; we got to see things more clearly with the technician driving. We even saw hair! (well, I would have had no idea it was hair, and am still shocked that anyone could TELL it was hair, but that's what she said....)

The scariest part? When she said that the baby was measuring for a March 28 delivery! What?!?!?! "Um, I mean FEBRUARY 28, sorry!!" So, either I'm going to go earlier than anticipated, or I'm going to have a huge baby. Jeff asked if it was "bad" that the baby was measuring big. She said no, big babies are better than small babies. I pointed out that sure, that's easy for everyone ELSE in the room to say, since this "big baby" is not coming out of their bodies!! However, of course I want a healthy baby above all, and if that means 10 pounds, bring it on! I'll be on drugs anyway.

Heart rate was in the 150s. They still say it's an old wives' tale, being able to determine gender based on the heart rate, but for curious minds, I wanted to let you know.

She did say that I don't necessarily look six months pregnant. I hope that pays off after the baby is born, but I doubt it with the amount of chocolate I have been eating for the past 28 weeks! Baby is moving quite a bit more now than it was at the end of November, Lucas is starting to figure out something is coming up, and I think we may finally have names picked out for a boy AND a girl. Now if we could just pick paint colors for the nursery!

Seeing my stomach move

Starting this past Tuesday, I've been able to actually see the baby kicking. Jeff finally got to see it today - it's like an alien in there. The baby took about a week and a half hiatus from moving much, so I called the doc (he has encouraged me to call him for less....) and I got an ultrasound on Monday. He assured me that everything looked fine, and he said I just have a "laid back baby." Hey, I'd pay money to have a laid-back baby once he/she is born - but I want to see him/her first - it's a little TOO laid-back when I can't feel it move much and I can't SEE that it's okay. Well, the baby got the message, and it's been making up for lost time ever since.

So I'm done with all of my traveling after getting back from Orlando on Tuesday evening. It was great to see Kelly on Thursday night - I haven't hung out with her sine before I was pregnant, and this after I thought I'd get to see her "all the time," living in Indy!

We got our Christmas tree up and decorated this week, and I'm hopefully going to get a bigger dent in the Christmas shopping done tomorrow. We also purchased a few key items for the nursery this week - a mattress, rocker/recliner, and a bookshelf. We have the dresser (doubling as a changing table) picked out and just need to place the order, and now we need to figure out the decorating! Paint color, bedding, and window treatments...

We're looking forward to a month filled with family, friends, and celebrating the season.

My blog has been very boring lately with no photos - I'll try to do something fun enough to photograph soon :) Take care.

Western Tour

I got back today from the Dallas/Phoenix leg of my pregnancy tour. I flew to Dallas Thursday morning, spent a few hours in the office there, and then headed to warm Phoenix, where I got to sleep with the balconey door open in my hotel room! It was dreamy. Until the next morning, when it started raining, and rained the next twenty-four hours I was there. However, of course, it was still warm. Spent Friday in the Phoenix office, went back to a Best Western motel (had the company told me before I left that they would pay for Friday night's lodging, I probably would've stuck with my Thursday night hotel! As it was, I spent $50 for the Best Western.

Anyway, the highlight of my trip, and the reason I stayed an extra night, was to see family. I went to dinner with Aunt Matha and Wendy, and Wendy's grandson Alex. It was so good to see them, since Aunt Matha moved back to warmer climates this past fall.

The flight today was about an hour early getting into Indy (when was the last time you heard of that?? So I've been organizing Christmas decorations and getting settled here. However, my organizing/decorating for Christmas on the first of December (my earliest ever) does not hold a candle to my cousins Tim & Alli, who have already MAILED their Christmas cards! What overachievers. Cute picture, Alli!!

Happy December!

Guess when Baby W's Coming!

http://www.expectnet.com/games/BabyW

To enter the pool and guess the date, time, gender, weight, and length of the new addition to our family, check out the above link. While the winner does not get naming rights, there might be some bragging rights that go along with it :)

The name of the game (you may be prompted to enter it) is BabyW

Play responsibly.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had the best of both worlds this Thanksgiving - we got to spend time with Ron, Diane, Randy, Cory, Charlie, Butch, Linda, Julie, and Matt - AND we didn't have to travel to see any of them!!

Thursday started with the guys doing projects - Ron & Jeff got the crib put together; I think the baby will even be safe sleeping in it! They also got most of my list of projects done around the house while I got to see my mom's side of the family for Thanksgiving and Megan & Nick's shower. Check out the three pregnant cousins! Megan is due January 4, I'm due March 4, and Julie is due July 5. Lots of babies to keep each other company! I'm thrilled that our baby will have a first cousin just four months younger - now if only Julie & Matt would move to our school district!

Thursday dinner was at our house with all of the parents, Julie & Matt. We have a lot to be thankful for this year - and we got everyone's thanks on video :) We got a new videocamera for our anniversary - but just picked it out last week - so we got lots of play time with this new toy.

Friday we got to spend with Randy, Cory, and Charlie (and Ron & Diane). Unfortunately, Charlie was too sick to travel to Florida for a wedding, but this meant we got to spend time with him, and that's always a bonus! It's amazing how entertaining this kid is. We sat and watched him play all day, and it was a joy to just watch him laugh.

Saturday, Ron & Diane headed back to snowy Michigan, and we got a bonus visit with Charlie in Frankfort. We also got to see friends this weekend - we spent time Sunday night at Buffalo Wild Wings with Laura & Ben, who we don't get to see nearly enough.

This is how everyone felt after a weekend of fun-filled family time:

We hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving too - we're thankful for all of our friends & family!!

Old Wives' Tales

Well, according to my doctor, this baby is a boy, given the way I'm carrying it.

Also, according to my doctor, this baby is a girl, given the heart rate.

He confirmed both are old wives' tales, and not to pay attention to either!!

We did have a "surprise" ultrasound today - since I'm carrying so low, he talked about scheduling an U/S to do some measurements and make sure everything was progressing along. The more he talked about it, I finally piped up with, "Um? Is this something we could do today to make sure everything is okay?" So, free ultrasound for Baby Worzala! I'm getting another in two weeks from the technician, who the doctor says is "better" at it than he is - but everything looked great today. He showed me not only what Baby W was doing, but what he was looking for to make sure everything was okay. All of the measurements were pretty on-track with the 26-week mark, and it seemed that all is well! Heart rate was 155.

More about Thanksgiving weekend later; but wanted to give you a baby update for now! Oh, another update too - my doctor was just named president of our hospital! Not sure what that means, but it sounds important, no?

As long as my secret is safe with you....

I will tell you that my new favorite store is Once Upon a Child. The one by us (which I've never been to before), has.... drumroll please.... a MATERNITY section! There was a sweater I'd bought at Kohl's in black - and I'd wished I would've bought it in pink, too, since I love it so much. Well, there it was at OUaC for just $12! I bought 3 sweaters, 3 dress shirts, and one long sleeved t-shirt, for less than $70!! The reason you can't tell anyone is that I want these selections all to myself :) They're used clothes, but so is the rest of my maternity wardrobe - I love it! Everything I bought was from Motherhood, Mimi, Kohl's, Old Navy, or Target. Yay!

There were some really good deals on baby "supplies" too - I didn't look through the clothes as much, since they seemed to be gender-specific, but great deals on strollers, car seats, Bumbos, etc. I will definitely be frequenting this store again. And you can, too. I decided I will let you.

Productive (??) Baby Week

I'm not sure if every expectant mommy feels this way, but man, have I not done much to prepare for Baby W! Last week was the most productive week I've had, and this is what I did: Toured the hospital, picked out the crib (thanks Grandma & Grandpa W!!), made appointments with 2 pediatricians, and secured our spot at the day care. While that may seem productive, that is probably more than the sum total I've done to prepare the entire time I've been pregnant. I'm 24 weeks tomorrow. Where is the time going?!?!

To give you a visual of how little has been done, you can check out these photos of the baby's room. Notice how empty it is, that it's not the color it will be when the baby arrives, and that those curtains have got to go.

However, the rest of the house is now painted, thanks to my wonderful husband.

Baby is now kicking frequently. As soon as we rolled onto Purdue's campus on Saturday, the kicking started - and continued through the tailgate. Baby W is one smart cookie - he/she knows where it will be spending its college years!! Go Boilers!

Happy Birthday, Super Ron!

This weekend was a great weekend with family. Friday night we started the birthday festivities at the Doans' house with Ron, Diane, Rick, Sandy, Becky, Randy, Cory, Charlie, Julie and special guests Phoebe & Marshall for dinner and drinks.

Saturday saw an early start, leaving Frankfort at 8am for tailgating at Purdue. Charlie experienced his first Purdue tailgate, which I'm sure was very memorable for him.

Saturday night we celebrated Ron's 60th at the Country Club with family. I've posted the Worzala family pic here - to see everyone from the party, you can check out Cory's blog as well http://www.coryworzala.blogspot.com/)

Charlie continues in his title as happiest kid in America. He just smiles and laughs all the time - the only time I saw him get fussy all weekend was when his dad walked out of the house to start the car. Or, when he thought someone was taking away his food :)

We stayed at Julie & Matt's both nights of the weekend, and proved ourselves as the worst houseguests in history. We not only didn't bring any shampoo, conditioner, etc, we also broke their shower. So, that was the first and last time we'll be invited to stay there....

We had a great time hanging out with all three sides of the family (Worzalas, Doans, and the Howe/Bell families), and we're wishing Ron another 60 years of health and happiness!

Traveling Baby

So far, this baby has been to Seattle, Chicago, Charlotte, Detroit, Ft. Myers, Denver, Charlotte (yes, that's a repeat).... It's getting more mileage than I typically do in a year! I flew to Charlotte & back today, and am trying to unwind before bed. Baby W is going to be a business traveler like Uncle Randy!

We had a doctor's visit yesterday, where I got the great news that I have gained eight pounds since my last visit! Since the baby is about a pound right now, that is great. (you can hear the sarcasm, right?) He said I was still "behind" in gaining weight - but, I reminded him he didn't see me until I was over 10 weeks pregnant, so he doesn't really have a baseline. I've gained at least 15 pounds. However, I was not at my ideal weight when I started this journey :) The baby sounded great during the visit - he even let me listen to the heartbeat twice, since Jeff arrived mid-appointment. The only thing I need to do better at is sleeping on my left side - but last night my left hip hurt from the efforts.

Off to shower and try to sleep. No big plans this weekend, which is kind-of nice - trying to catch up on some things before the next two months fly by like I know they will!!

Have a great weekend!

Updated Belly - 22 weeks!

The title of this post was going to be "which is bigger?" and you had to vote between my belly and the zit on my nose. Gotta love these hormones! Lucky for you, my camera couldn't take a self-portrait of my nose - and Jeff refused to play along.

Not a lot of movement from Baby W in the last couple of days; however, I'm going to go watch "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" and the show about the couple with 12 kids - and since these were the shows I was watching when I first felt Baby move, I have high hopes. It moved a lot in Florida, not as much in Colorado, and has calmed down since I've been home.

Today was an 11-hour work day, coming off of being out of the office for 5 days; I'm heading to Charlotte on Thursday just for the day. This baby is getting more mileage than I do in a typical year!!

Jeff started his new job today! He got to come home for lunch - which, when he worked 20 miles from home was out of the question. I think he's really going to like his new 4.5 mile commute!! The first day went well - I think he's going back for Day Two!

Hope everyone is doing well; looking forward to seeing some good Halloween pictures from all the little ones! Charlie is going to be a ninja - He might be a little cute. I'll post a picture of him with his mom's approval.

A week on the road

Jeff and I went to Fort Myers for an extended weekend - a pre-baby vacation. We had a great time, great weather.... We were there Saturday through Tuesday, and stayed at a resort justthisclose to the bridge to Sanibel, so we had a few dinners on the island. He had the week off between jobs, so it was the perfect time to go!

From there, I flew off to Denver for three nights for work. I had been looking forward to going to Denver, since I had never been - however, three nights, while Jeff had the week off, and coming straight off of vacation, was not ideal. It was a good trip anyway, but I'm very glad to be home!

While I was gone, Jeff worked just as hard as he would have had he been in an office.... he got the kitchen and our bedroom painted! So, the house is just about done - the baby's room and the half-bath are really the only things left. And I can't seem to make up my mind about the baby's room anyway - so that can wait a while; give his poor arm a rest!!

Another thing he did while he was gone (did I mention how lucky I am??) was go back to our top two daycares with my mom. I think we've made a decision, at least for baby's first year of care. Zionsville Presbyterian Church, just down the street from us, has a daycare - Noah's Ark - and it seems like a very loving environment. I'm going to get Baby W on the waiting list this week!

Felt the Baby!!!!

Last night, I was lying in bed watching first the show "Jon and Kate plus 8" - where the couple has twins AND sextuplets. WOW!! Then, after that, there was a show with a family who had SEVENTEEN children. This isn't the Duggarts, or whatever their names are, that I'm preoccupied learning about. I don't know who these crazy people were (I say crazy because I can't imagine that many kids - but kudos to them!)

Anyway, while I was lying there watching these shows, I felt the baby move!!!!! Okay, so I've probably felt it before, but haven't been sure. But last night, I'm about 99.9% sure that it was the baby! So I called for Jeff, who came in to see if he could feel it. I was pretty sure the baby wouldn't move on command. But, lo and behold, he felt baby a few times before it went back to sleep. Yay!!

Today marks 20 weeks!!

Jeff's new job!

Jeff's last day with ATA Airlines is this Friday!! Yay!!! He has a full week off between jobs, and we are going to Ft. Myers this Saturday, through Tuesday. Unfortunately, I leave from Florida for Colorado for work. However, I will be rested & relaxed from my time in Florida!!

Jeff will be working at ITT/ESI - otherwise known as ITT Tech. He will be in a Field Marketing role, and he can tell you what he does from there. I'm no marketer. The high points - he will be working at 126th and Meridian, rather than the airport! That is about 4.5 miles from our house (about the same as it is for me to get to Lauth). His day is going to change dramatically :)

We're very excited for the new job!!

Eventful Weekend

Jeff is in North Carolina playing golf with Randy, Ron, and Richard for Ron's 60th birthday celebration. Four rounds of golf in three days - sounds like guys' heaven, right? They played Pinehurst #2 today - the one that the "big boys" play during the PGA tour - and Jeff shot a 78. Pretty impressive, I would say!!

Our friend Nick came for the weekend to keep me company, and to visit for the first time since the move. We had what started out as a nice weekend. We went to downtown Carmel, ate lunch at Bazbeaux, ice cream at Bub's, walked around Carmel.... Headed downtown Indy to do some shopping, but got intimidated by the crowds that were down there for the Circle City Classic (what the heck is the Circle City Classic??), and so went to downtown Zionsville for some more shopping. We headed out to a movie (The Brave One with Jodie Foster), and, leaving the theatre, I felt like something bad was going to happen for some reason.

Well, about a mile from home, we were in an accident. Everyone was fine - both of us, and the three people in the car that hit us - but this pregnant momma was stressed. So, somehow, I found myself in the back of an ambulance on my way to Clarian North!! We heard the baby's heartbeat, and everything seemed to be okay, so they sent me on my merry way home. I still feel fine - physically - but my mental health should be back to normal by Tuesday, provided there are no complications.

The picture of my beat up car is above; the other guy's car is worse; I saw them pushing it off the road, so I believe it might be undrivable. He had his four-year-old son in the car, so thank goodness he was okay. I was traveling east on 106th Street, and the guy pulled out from the Blockbuster parking lot and hit me. I'm not sure if he even stopped at his stop sign - I didn't have one.

Nick took good care of me, was even nervous to leave me alone this morning when he got on the road. I was supposed to go to the Colts game, but decided I would not be any fun at a football game, and, plus, I didn't want to drive downtown (I was supposed to be the DD). So, after church, I rented some movies, took a nap, and am taking it easy.

If you find yourself praying, say a little one for my peanut. If you're not the praying type, some warm thoughts would be nice. It's amazing how these maternal instincts kick in before you even meet your new baby. As a friend said today, it seems that God places us in these situations before we even have the baby, so we really know what we're in for - what type of responsibility we've signed up for - before it arrives.

Ultrasound!

Today was our 18-week ultrasound, and there is an honest-to-goodness baby in my stomach! Head, two hands, two feet, SPINE (it's very vivid).... all parts are there and measuring well! The baby was on "it's" head, and playing with it's feet. It sent the message that it is truly enjoying the sugar rush I've been giving it this week, and to please keep the cake coming.

My two doctors had originally given me two different due dates - but now they've both said the same - March 4. Although my dream last night had the little thing arriving on January 28, and although I'm sure by then I'll be READY to get it out of me, I do hope it waits until closer to March 4!

Also today, Jeff got a job offer! Stay tuned for more news on that front. It is way closer to home, and is a good opportunity with a good company; he could be starting by the end of October.

So, today was a big day on Constitution Drive! Along with all of that wonderful news, the Kohl's within walking distance of the house opened today, so I may need to log off here and take a little walk.... :)

Day Care

Okay, a run down of the top three day cares that we've visited, in chronological order of when we visited them (not in order of importance): I'm abbreviating names to protect the innocent:

• LT: Located 1.5 miles from the office (in the opposite direction of home), this was my original favorite. There is a great curriculum for all ages, screened-in porches, a great train for kids to ride around in, peaceful surroundings, and is the most expensive of these three.
• PC: Located less than a mile from the house, this is the least expensive of the three. It doesn't seem to have as much curriculum/development activities for babies, but, to be fair, I didn't ask them about it, since I visited once during a shift change and once (this morning) during the morning drop-off. I think my next step here is to send my Mom to learn more :)
• HH: Located about 1.5 miles from my office (and VERY close to Jeff's potential new job), this place was very good. It had more developmental activities than I would come up with if left alone in a room for a week with the goal to come up with as many activities as my brain could imagine. My kid will be smarter than I am if he/she goes here. The one prejudice I had against it going into the appointment was that we needed an appointment, rather than just being able to stop by - but she soothed my misgivings by explaining that the tour guides are teachers, and they need to cover their classrooms.

That's my daycare update, if you care. Hopefully by next week we will have made a decision on one of these! And yes, there were some we ruled out! One is a very popular chain that I wouldn't dream of sending my kid to after visiting, and one is a local place that just didn't seem big enough for the number of kids they have. Nice staff, though.

As the Belly Grows.....

We took our first "belly shot" just two weeks ago; and the contrast between that and last night's belly is extreme. Granted, I'm wearing pants that are a little too big (sometimes comfort wins over style...), AND, granted, I had a bag of "donettes" after dinner, which may lead to an extra-large belly... but this picture made things a little more real for me.

Ultrasound tomorrow morning! We're also planning to go to a couple of daycares, so we can hopefully make our decision soon!!

Baby Update

Okay, baby, since that's why we're here, right?

With a helpful start from a coworker of mine who compiled all of her friends' feedback on "baby stuff," I have now gotten a lot of feedback from my own panel of experts to start to figure all of this baby merchandising out. Car seats, strollers, cribs.... Bumpos, boppys..... I'm learning new terminology as I go. I don't even know how to decide what bottles to use, let alone what kind of stroller to use :) However, I'm getting there, with good girlfriend advice!

As for daycare.... Still undecided. We have seen four places, ruled two out; have an additional one or two to see, and then I'm comfortable making the decision from the ones I've seen. I have a favorite at this point, but just have some more due diligence to perform (can you tell I worked at Ernst & Young for six years with that kind of vocabulary?!)

Preparing for baby - finally got the closet cleared out in the "baby's room" - haven't picked colors or a general theme yet for the room, but have been learning a lot about baby bedding and that you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on a bedding set. A couple sets of sheets and accessories will do just fine, thanks. I don't want to paint until the rest of the house is done, and we're making some more progress this weekend. And by "we," I mean Jeff. I did some nesting activities, though - cleaning out kitchen cabinets and closets! So I'm earning my keep somehow (in addition to carrying this child).

I am very blessed to have good friends who wear the same size as I do. Kate loaded me down with two bin-fuls of maternity clothes this past weekend. Everything from stuff I can wear now to things for later in the pregnancy. That is a huge advantage to my wardrobe!

Our appointment is October 3, and I'm really looking forward to it - I haven't heard the heartbeat or seen the little peanut for several weeks (which is normal - my frequent early checkups were uncommon). So other than gaining weight, I don't have a day-to-day confirmation I'm pregnant (can't feel kicking, am not truly showing) - so the ultrasound will make it real once again! Well, that, and the fact I haven't had a glass of wine in 4 months! :)

St. Louis

We spent the second weekend in a row on the road.... This time to St. Louis to visit the Boscherts - including their new addition, Elise. The girls look like twins separated by 2 years; and they're both doing well. Kate looks awesome; other than the baby in her arms, you wouldn't tell she just carried one for nine months!

While we were there, we also got tos ee Gretchen & Corey, and finally saw G's engagement ring! Their big day is the last weekend in September of next year - we're looking forward to a trip to Florida for the nuptials!

We got to visit the new Busch Stadium (okay, so it's not so new anymore, but we hadn't been there yet) - it's really nice, but the most expensive ballpark we've ever visited, and this is from veteran Wrigley patrons! The Cubs lost, but a good time was still had by all. It was way too quick of a trip, so we're hoping to see everyone again soon.

Happy belated bday, Kate!

First Belly Shot

Michigan

We spent the weekend in Michigan for my mother-in-law's birthday. Luckily for her, she got to shop for Baby on her birthday weekend. We learned so much about car seats, I think my head was spinning. Seriously, how do you decide between a portable car seat that lasts until 22 pounds and a heavier, non-portable one that will last the baby until he/she doesn't even need a car seat anymore?

Another big baby decision - day care. Jeff and I visited three day cares on Friday morning, one of which I might be interested in. The other two had their own reasons for which I would not be comfortable leaving my baby - no matter how hard she/he is crying :) I think we still have a little looking-around to do, to ensure this place is "the" place - primarily from a financial standpoint. If it were free, it would definitely be the right place!

Our nephew Charlie spent the night at the hospital on Thursday night, so please keep him (and R&C) in your prayers. He's feeling better, but officially has asthma, it sounds like - so little baby breathing treatments for him - and no dog for Daddy! He's the happiest kid I know, so I know it won't keep him down for long.

Labor Day Weekend

I hope that your Labor Day weekend weather was as gorgeous as Indiana's was!! Friday night we didn't do much, but Saturday we spent the day downtown at RibFest, walking the canal, having drinks (okay, dessert in my case) at a bar downtown (outside, of course), going to the last Indians game of the season, and watching the fireworks.

Sunday was spent in the company of family in Lafayette. My great-aunt Matha is moving back to Phoenix to be with her children, and we tried to give her a proper send-off. She will be missed! It was great to see a lot of the family at Sharon's! We then made our first trip to Babies R Us. We might possibly be more confused than before we went, but it was just a fact-finding mission, so we're not too overwhelmed yet.

Monday Jeff played golf while I read, got some sun, and relaxed. We headed down to the pool for a while, and then to the gym (see other post about that experience!), and then made dinner and hung out together.

It was a great weekend!! I'm savoring the "quiet" weekends - like the calm before the storm!

Swimming

I finally made it back into the pool this afternoon. Well, after the outdoor pool by which I lazed for the afternoon, into the lap pool. The trip started badly by my swim cap ripping right when I got in. "This is a great excuse to get out of this workout," I thought. The other part of my brain won out, though, and I swam capless. I was then walking a few laps (why? not sure) and a guy from the gym walked through the door to ask me if I knew how to swim. Knew how to swim? Of course. So, my pride on my shoulder, I walked (walked?) back down to put on my goggles and do a few more laps. Alas, the goggles broke. I think someone is trying to tell me something. Something like "Go back to the couch with your book and stop trying to be so active."

Another Heartbeat Check

Today Jeff was there for the heartbeat; he has missed the last couple for various reasons, not owing to his disinterest. As he said, it sounds like "someone is running up and down the hallway." So, apparently Lucas is chasing mice in my tummy. It was beating at around 145 beats/minute today, and everything sounded great.

The next appointment was supposed to be for four weeks out, but when the receptionist realized how close that was to when I was due for my next ultrasound, she scheduled them both for the same time - October 3. On that date, we can find out what we're having if we want. That depends on the date you ask me. However - is this fate? - the new Kohl's right next to us (within walking distance) opens on October 3. Baby clothes will be right there for the taking..... Hard decision, hard decision.

I continue to feel fine - starting to get some energy, but that, too, depends on the day. The doc officially declared me "in my second trimester" - but, according to my pregnancy day-by-day book, I'm not until next week. I'll go with the doc's prognosis, though. I'm at 13 weeks this week!

Just got back from a 4-mile walk on the Monon. Maybe by posting my activity here, I'll keep motivated to stay active :) Knowing that someone might be reading this, I'll feel accountable!

Have a good one,

Weekend

We spent Friday night listening to live music. We had dinner at the Rathskeller, where Chris Shaffer was playing. Then we headed to the Music Mill, where my coworker Brad's band was playing. We got home after midnight, which is later than even a pre-pregnant Angie is used to! Saturday, Jeff painted the remaining parts of the living room, and then we headed to Brandon & Ali's new house in Whitestown for a BBQ. They've done more to their house in the last month than we've done in ours since we moved in in January! Sunday was a gorgeous day outside, and I spent most of it outdoors, on several walks (totaling about 6 miles), and reading in the hammock. The only reason I mention my "mileage" is because I'm proud of myself for getting some of my energy back....

Heartbeat

Today I heard the heartbeat for the FIFTH time :) I feel like I'm cheating the system, but I love the weekly updates! I have to get used to the idea that the weekly heartbeat checks are not going to be regular anymore soon, though!

Still no symptoms other than sleepiness and a complexion that makes me look like I'm 16...

Did you know that you have to avoid cold cuts when you're pregnant??

New addition!

Well, I can finally write about it! There's a new Baby Worzala coming in 2008! We're due March 4, and I'm about 11 weeks along right now. Everything has been (relatively) smooth sailing, my main pregnancy symptom is sleepiness. However, that was my main non-pregnancy symptom, so many would ask, "What has changed?" For those of you who have been pregnant, you will agree - pregnancy tiredness is a whole other degree of tiredness. However, I'm starting to feel a little more energy - maybe it's that approaching-12-week mark that everyone says is the sleepiness milestone.

The purpose of starting this blog was not to write about my faulty air conditioning, but, rather, to document these months as we prepare to welcome a new life into our family. I look forward to sharing it with you, if you're interested enough in reading about it :)

Stay tuned.

Back to "Normal"

The air conditioning is fixed!! Yes, it's now the temperature where it's comfortable to hang out with our windows open, but, we're nice and cool, ensconced on Constitution Drive! I guess we'll appreciate having a nice, new, relatively free a/c in just a 10-year-old house - but that appreciation will come after the annoyance of being homeless for two weeks has worn off! Thanks to Mom & Dad Doan for opening their home to us (once again) - for EIGHT NIGHTS! - as we awaited the new a/c.

Lucas is adjusting to life back at home - he misses his cousins Sophie and Goldie (my mom's cats), but he is getting some good porch time, so he's happy.

Charlie Turns One!

We enjoyed a fun weekend in Chicago for Charlie's first birthday. We can't believe it's been one year since the little guy was born - a sleepless night at the hospital, a 4am arrival - it's been quite a year watching him develop - and now WALK! He is the happiest kid I know; I'm sure it's due to his awesome parents.

Happy birthday, Charles Joseph Worzala!!

Air Conditioning Saga, Continued

It's now Monday, six days after the A/C initially went out. Yes, that's right, it's STILL out. By Wednesday, at the earliest, we will have a brand new Air Conditioner, lovingly paid for by our home warranty company. Our real estate agent (Marie Larsen, ReMax - definitely call her if you're buying a home in the greater Indianapolis area!!) and our seller's agent pitched in to buy us the home warranty, and it's sure paying off now! However, we continue with a record heat wave.

We spent the weekend at the Doans in Frankfort to cool down. We had a great celebration of Jeff's birthday, our anniversary, my parents' anniversary, my Dad's birthday, and Julie & Matt's anniversary - all within six days of each other! Another highlight of the weekend was seeing our nephew Charlie, who always always has a smile on his face. He is definitely transitioning from a baby to a "little boy." We are looking forward to celebrating his 1st birthday up in Chicago this weekend.

Air Conditioning

This is the hottest week of the summer (even if Bob Gregory doesn't confirm it, I will), and the Worzala air conditioner is out. Wait, you think, don't you live in Indiana now, land of friends and family, where you can go sleep somewhere else and get more comfortable? Apparently, while there are plenty of places to sleep, we choose this sauna. This is the third night of sleep with no air conditioning. We discovered this problem Tuesday night (Jeff's birthday). Fixers came out Wednesday, then we slept without it again Wednesday night. Fixers came today, our anniversary, and, alas, we're getting ready for another night of no air-conditioned sleep.

Remind me next Thursday after 4pm to tell you why this is so dreadful.

Paint!!

After six months of living on Constitution Drive, we have finally gotten some painting done! We hired someone to paint the foyer & living room (if you live in Indiana and need a painter, let me know - you can't beat this guy's price!!), and then Jeffery painted the dining room on Friday night. Next step, the painter is rescreening our back porch tomorrow! So, the damage the neighbor kitty and Randy have done will soon be eliminated!

Long time reader, first time blogger

I keep up on several friends' blogs, but never feel that I have much to share in the way of my own blog. I'm going to start one to post my random thoughts.... it should be scary.

This is just a test/placeholder for now; more to come. I'm sure you're holding your breath.