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."