Welcome Hannah!

I'm soooo sorry for being terrible about this blogging thing.  I know I can't use the new baby as an excuse because I was pretty bad about it before she was here. Again, sorry! 

I have lots to catch you all up on.  As most all of you know by now, Hannah Elizabeth is here!  Born August 4th at 2:22pm weighing 6 lbs 13 ounces and measuring 20 1/2 inches long.  She was just four days shy of her original due date - August 8th. Here's a "mini" clip of how things went down... 

On Friday, July 29th I was sitting at work feeling uncomfortable as usual but noticed something different happening.  Pain.  I couldn't stand up, but didn't want to sit down either.  Obviously I couldn't crawl under my desk and get in the fetal position so I waited until the pain subsided enough for me to go to the bathroom.  At this point in the pregnancy, I didn't know what was happening.  I thought it could have been really bad gas, something I ate, baby moving in a place that didn't settle well or contractions.  I went to the bathroom and as I was walking back it hit me again - I knew this was a real contraction.  I remember once asking the doctor how I'd know when I was having a contraction and she said "oh, you'll know".  Now I know what she meant.  It's like menstrual cramping you've never felt before.  I didn't have to say much to my co-workers because leading up to this point everyone was already looking at me like I was a ticking time bomb...they all knew it could happen at any time.  And lets be honest, working M-F at 50 hrs a week (give or take), the probability of me going into labor at the office was pretty great.  So I braved the drive home solo and that was one of the most painful drives ever.  Jeff was already home and I had called him on my way to give him the heads up that I thought I was having contractions and to get ready!  I will never forget, I walked in with a clear look of pain/discomfort on my face hunched over while I tried desperately to make my way to our bed all the while he has the biggest grin on his face.  I laid down and no sooner did I find Jeff with a note pad and pen sketching a contraction time table and asking me to report when I had another one and we'd time how long.  We had never really discussed what we'd do when I went into labor but we did know the doctor said to go to the hospital when they were happening 5 mins apart and for roughly 60 seconds.  These were happening 15 mins apart and were lasting about 50 seconds.  All this began at about 4pm and continued until 8pm or so which by that point things started to slow down instead of speeding up.  Soon the contractions stopped entirely.  False labor is what they call it.  I see how people make premature runs to the hospital when stuff like this happens.  Luckily, we did not.  Needless to say, we figured at this point the baby was coming soon....like, very soon.  Obviously this was not the case.  Nothing happened for days and we were just waiting...  I'd feel things here and there but nothing as intense. 

I had my weekly appointment schedule for Wednesday so I was very anxious to hear how I was doing at that point.  When Wednesday rolled around I was naturally very anxious but excited.  It was August 3rd and being only five days from our due date I knew we were in the home stretch.  (As I've mentioned before, my blood pressure towards the end was something the doctor was concerned about, but despite it's elevation, the prior weeks blood work confirmed I was still "healthy" and could carry the baby longer as I wished).  However, my blood pressure was even higher at the August 3rd appointment.  And at this time, I was measuring 3 centimeters dilated and 80% effaced and the doctor felt me carrying the baby any longer would put not only me but the baby in danger.   She wanted to induce labor the very next day.  This of course made me very scared.  I did NOT want to be induced, but knew I should follow the doctors orders and do what she thought was best.  So we were put on the schedule to check into the hospital Thursday, August 4th at 6:30am. 

The morning of August 4th, I noticed I was having contractions again.  It was around 5am when we were up and getting moving to head out to the hospital.  They started just like the ones started the Friday before but these seemed to come much quicker.  While we were driving to the hospital at 6:15am to check in at 6:30am I was timing them and they were 5 mins apart.  We checked into the hospital as planned by my doctor and we told the nurse that we thought I was actually already going into labor.  At this point we were pretty excited because we thought if I were we wouldn't have to be induced and could have the baby naturally.  By 7:30am we were in the labor and delivery room we were assigned and were getting settled in.  Around 7:45am I was still having the contractions which were getting stronger and the first nurse checked to see my progress.  I was 4 centimeters dilated and 100% effaced.  We were stoked!  We asked the nurse to call the doctor to see if we could skip the induction since I was already technically in active labor.  The nurse reported back around 8am and said the doctor still wanted to induce. Before starting me on the pitocin the nurse checked me once more at 8:30am and I was 5 centimeters dilated.  I still feel had they not started the pitocin I would have had Hannah at some point that night but starting me on the pitocin just meant the labor would get moving even faster and we'd hopefully have her sooner.  Honestly, at that point, I was ready to get the show on the road.  Contractions hurt.  Bad.  There's no joke about it - any woman who goes through natural child birth (no epidural) are truly strong/pain tolerant people.  I would never wish for that.  Anyways, once the pitosen started so did the contractions...within 20 mins my pain level went from a bearable 8 to 10 and I was in tears.  I only had to wait 15 mins before the anesthesiologist came in to relieve me.  Jeff was asked to leave the room for 20-30 mins while they inserted the magic stick in my back and then he could come back.  I was scared when he left.  Not sure why but something about not having in him the room with me at all times freaked me out.  All in all, the whole epidural thing is totally overrated.  It's not scary at all and it doesn't hurt.  Well, maybe it hurts a little but I definitely think getting the IV hurts more than the epidural.  After the epidural, they just want you to relax, sit back, and try to get some rest.  I found it hard to rest though because I was facing the contraction monitor and the baby's heart monitor and for a while there the baby was having a hard time.  My contractions were coming back to back (keep in mind - I can not feel the contractions anymore just a little pressure) and while they were happening the baby's heart rate would drop.  A couple times it dropped so low nurses would run in to monitor more closely.  So that was a little stressful.  Soon they had me switch sides I was laying on and the baby seemed to be happier and by 2pm I was fully dilated and the baby was ready to come!  When the doctor came in to check she said "Ok, baby is right there, it's time to start pushing." I remember saying to her "What? Are you serious? Right now? Wait...can we have just a minute?"  The doctor replied "Honey, you've have 9-10months to get ready for this.  It's go time!"  haha  I was pretty nervous about pushing, etc.  Still blows my mind to think you actually deliver babies out of your private part, but I knew it had to be true because that's how I got here... Ten minutes after I was told to start pushing, our beautiful baby girl was here and I experience a moment in my life that I will never ever forget.  To try and blog about how amazing that moment is would be impossible.  Just know, aside from asking the doctor if she was ok ,there weren't many other words spoken.  Jeff and I couldn't take our eyes off her or each other and were left speechless.  That day will never be forgotten and we will cherish it forever.

More to come on the first days home...

Haste Makes Waste

I tend to over share personal information about myself so I forewarn those of you who might not want to read about my "progression" to stop reading now. This is a TMI post.  :)

Two Wednesdays ago (7/13) I went for my first official check to see if I had dilated at all.  Being the first appointment to check and only 36 weeks I figured there would be nothing to report.  Quite the contrary.  Turns out I was already dilated to a 2 and 70% effaced.  Dilated is a pretty common term so most of you know what I'm talking about, but effaced is a special one that never entered my vocab until being pregnant (I'll elaborate).   As I described to a friend....dilated to a 2 means my cervix has opened 2 cm (you get that part).  However, effaced does not really have to do with the position of the baby as some mistake.  When you are effacing they grade this in percentages so 0% and your cervix is long, normal and hard and 50% it’s half the normal length and by 100% it’s like flat (paper thin).  70% effaced just means my cervix has thinned out a lot.  So, to much of my surprise, when the doctor told me these numbers I was shocked.  I wasn't happy, I wasn't sad, I wasn't really anything except scared.  Not that we weren't prepared to have Hannah sooner it's just like every mother-to-be hopes that the baby is healthy and to me (not to my doctor) 36 weeks was too early.  Some doctors say 37 weeks is full term while others consider 38 weeks full term and your due date is set at the 40 week mark.  The doctor said at this point, if I were to go into labor they'd do nothing to stop it.  Now, I know 36 weeks is far enough along (believe me, my niece is proof that babies are resilient even being born at only 26 weeks) but I really really wanted Hannah to bake longer.  By the end of the appointment, I did everything I could to keep from freaking out.  Of course, first person I call is Jeff and even though he sounded excited I started to cry.  It was more like a panic cry.  As the doctor explained, there’s really no telling when the baby will come.  She said I could have her that night or in two weeks but she didn’t figure it would be much longer than two weeks from that day.  That very evening Jeff and I packed our hospital bag….

Last Wednesday (7/20) I made it whole week without having her and was at the second check up appointment to see how I was progressing.  Officially 37 weeks and 3 days pregnant and the doctor said I was still dilated at a 2 and 70% effaced.  To me, that was great news but as the doctor explained it wasn’t really indicative of anything.  Baby could still come any day.  In fact, another change had occurred since my last visit.  Here comes another prego term….I was -1 engaged (i.e. the baby has dropped).  Engaged is the position of the baby.  The more positive you go the lower the baby’s head is in your pelvis.  -3, -2, -1, 0….0 being the baby is sitting very LOW in the pelvis…about as low as the baby will get. Once you get into the +1, +2, etc you are literally having the baby! 

So here I am, it’s Friday (7/22) and still no baby.  I’m glad she decided to stick around in there a while longer.  And even though I’m uncomfortable it makes me happy to know that there’s a greater chance, if we were to have her right now, of everything being okay.  At this point, she will come when she is ready to come.  We are super excited to meet her and can’t wait to welcome her into this world!

No news is good news!

Sorry I've been so MIA!  Things are going well.  A little over a month ago I was having pains in my lower abdomen which turned out to be contractions (not Braxton Hicks).  The doc said I needed to slow down, drink lots of fluids and focus on getting more sleep.  And here we are 36 weeks (9 mo) along and if you view the "watch me grow" page you can clearly see that I'm doing well and growing.... 

It's pretty hot here Texas reaching triple digits often so most of my time is being spent indoors these days.  Once we get to being full term (38 weeks) I hope to get out in the late evenings for a nice walks with Jeff.  I miss being able to be active and even though I'm following doctors orders it's still very hard.  I'm so happy we've had such a healthy pregnancy and no bed rest has been assigned.  I know to some of you reading you'd think bed rest sounds awesome, but I find that very hard to believe.  Just being told I needed to slow down, stop when I'm tired, listen to my body, etc. has been hard enough.  I could not imagine being told I need to stay in bed.  Sounds awful to me.  Not to mention, being in bed anyways is uncomfortable so having to STAY in bed is even worse. 

Hannah's nursery is all ready to go!  Completely decorated.  I've washed all the bedding, clothes, blankets, burp clothes and new light/fan installed.  We've assembled the stroller, swing, bassinet, etc.  Jeff's getting help from one of our neighbors to show him how to properly install the car seat! Also, a few months ago we enrolled in two parenting/baby classes through the hospital we are delivering at...Labor in a Day and Baby Care/CPR.  Both are six hour classes that kinda run you through everything you "need" to know.  We took the first class a couple weeks ago and the second one this past Saturday.  Very informative!  While I feel I know a lot about babies in general, an infant is NOT something I know much about.  So it was nice to learn some things that we hadn't already read about in the million baby books we have. 

28 days until our due date!  August 8th!

Babymoon here we come!

For those of you unfamiliar - no I didn't make this up.  Babymoon (per Wikipedia)  is defined as a term that  has come to be used to describe a vacation taken by a couple that is expecting a baby in order to allow the couple to enjoy a final trip together before the many sleepless nights that usually accompany a newborn baby.

And on that note - we're off!  Spending a weekend at the Gaylord Texan Resort.  Can't tell you how excited we are!

Zzzzz please....

Lil’ Hannah’s moving a lot now.  Seems like her movements have maybe not increased, but the strength of her kicks and punches have intensified.  My mom says I used to kick a lot – guess this is payback.  Sometimes after dinner, Jeff and I just sit on the couch watching my belly move and contort.  It’s really neat, but honestly is very strange to see.  Especially since this is our first child and we’ve never seen or experienced anything like this before.  Jeff asked me “What does it feel like?” and it’s so hard to explain.  Feels like something is crawling around in there which is exactly what’s happening.  It’s distracting, it’s exciting, it’s new and I often find myself just staring down at my belly fixated on the movements.  I rely on these movements to get through the days when I’m past the point of exhaustion due to sleeplessness.  Like today.  I can honestly say, I’ve never been so tired while having the time to sleep but unable to b/c I wake up so often making it virtually impossible to get the kind of sleep that counts.  I’m a zombie.  Keep your fingers crossed for me tonight.  Sleep be with me!

Better late than never!

I know, I know....I've been so bad about blogging!  Every thing's fine!  Between family visiting, the baby shower and a couple of trips to see friends - we've had a lot going on!  Jeff and I have packed our calendar with lots of fun things and wanted to get everything out of our system before I really begin to slow down and before the heat becomes unbearable for me and the baby.

Today we are a little more than 7 1/2 months along (30+ weeks).  Lil' Hannah has been growing like a weed.  At the 7 month check up they said she weighed 2 lbs 11oz.  How incredible?!  She's on schedule and everything is looking great!  Her reflexes are strong and I feel her kick all the time!  She's been in the head-down position for a while now and the doctor doesn't suspect that will change.  I'm a little sore on my right side b/c her little arms, elbows, feet and knees are all over there and she likes to rough mommy up on the regular.  We are in the third trimester so frequent bathroom runs and sleepless nights have begun.  It's still hard to believe how little sleep I'm actually getting (because I'm waking up so much more these days) and yet I feel relatively good.  I get tired from time to time, move a little slower, get short of breath sometimes and am sporting the waddle walk when I forget to modify it. 

Jeff and I have had discussions upon discussions about what Hannah will look like, who's features she will have, her personality, etc.  It's so much fun to think about that!  Here are a couple baby pics of Jeff and I and a bonus 3D profile of Hannah. 



Ashley <12 hrs old

Jeff newborn

Hannah's profile @ 7month

p.s.  My sister usually reminds me to take the 2 week belly shot, but because she's here in Dallas visiting us I think she has forgotten!  And my memory is worthless these days so I've forgotten as well.  I'll get it taken soon and will post asap!

A little bit of this, a little bit of that.

Hannah’s nursery has really started to come together.  We are happy with the way everything looks and only have a few things here and there to do and some minor details.  Last week, with Jeff's help, we partially cleaned out the closet and only have some of my hanging clothes to relocate.  However, I think it’s a bad idea to do any real spring cleaning of that closet and give away any clothes right now.  The way I see it is ain't none of those clothes fitting this body anytime soon and it’s really tempting to trash everything and start over later but I will refrain.  I’m not setting any weight loss goals just yet but I do plan on fitting into some* of these items again one day. 

As for me and that belly of mine -  I’m doing just fine.  Growing.  A LOT.  The last doctors appointment I was measuring a little big which basically means she thinks maybe the baby is big because my uterus is a little larger than usual at this stage.  Her thoughts were wrong.  Little Hannah is just perfect.  She weighed 1 lb 11 ounces and was right on schedule.  Unfortunately, this means, it’s me who’s big.  I mean, I guess it’s not really a bad thing it’s just the way my body is growing.   I have potential to be enormous. Go me! 

I have slowed down a lot over the last three weeks.  I remember just a month ago I felt so good I took on a huge project at home.  I primed and painted our entire wood paneling infested den from floor to ceiling.   I think a little birdie knew that would be my last power project for a while.  Felt good to get it done though.  And then, just two weeks ago I was out working in the yard with Jeff and after only 30 mins I gave up.  Made me sad too b/c it was such a beautiful day and I wanted to be out there and I felt bad sitting down sipping on a cold lemonade while Jeff was slaving away.  So now, at 6 ½ months, I’m starting to realize and accept that I just can’t be doing what I want to do anymore.  Not just because it’s becoming physically impossible and at times uncomfortable, but just b/c I think it’s time to relax.  Having this lovely sciatic nerve also helps force me to do so.  I’ve had the pain since about 2 months along, and it’s gotten progressively worse but is not unbearable by any means.  The discomfort varies from day to day and I always get a friendly reminder when I bend over to pick something up.  A nice pinch (or stab) in my lower left back/upper butt.  Oh, and let’s not leave out the sleeping issue.  I’m a back sleeper and my doctor instructed me to sleep on my side.  Thank goodness we have a king size bed, otherwise there would be no room for Jeff.  Between me, him and my 5 pillows there’s just no way.  Even after me kicking the dog out of our bed  - Jeff should consider himself lucky to still have a spot. Just kidding honey!  Honestly, I feel bad about the sleeping arrangement.  Both of us are light sleepers and I know I wake him up when I’m up to pee 3-5 times each night and every time I move to flip sides then getting readjusted.  He’s a sport though.  Never complains.  Wait, I take that back.  He does complain…about the A/C.  I’ve been getting hot.  Really hot.  So I crank down the A/C at night and Jeff freezes.  I even strip down, throw the comforter and blanket off me (doubling it for him) leaving me with just a sheet.  Oh the joys of pregnancy!  Haha  Honestly, I’m lucky.  I feel fortunate that I can only complain about the normalcy's of pregnancy and everything that goes with it.  Knock on wood – so far so good! 

Hannah's Nursery

For updated photos illustrating our progress - click on Hannah's Nursery under Favorites!

We've picked a name!

It's been decided....

Jeff and I have been talking about what we'd name our children for years.  Of course, I've initiated every conversation and Jeff has kindly humored me!  We've always disagreed on boy names and had a few girl names we both liked.  On the day we went in for the sonogram that told us the gender of our baby...we had a little dry-erase board on the refrigerator where we had a list of potential boy names (none of which we mutually agreed on) and a list of girl names.  Although, saying we had a list of girl names is not entirely accurate because we had one - Hannah.  I knew if we were having a boy we'd have some trouble agreeing, but if the doc said it was a girl I felt we both knew in our hearts she would be named Hannah. It's funny what happens when you start talking about names for your unborn child.  Your significant other will say one name which makes you cringe as you flash back to someone with that name and very unpleasant thoughts come to mind.  And vice-versa.   However, when we say "Hannah" nothing bad happens.  No bad thoughts, no bad memories.  Only good thoughts/feelings.  In fact, we have a very close friend named Hannah who for the 10+ years I've known her and the 7+ years Jeff's known her has been nothing short of a great friend. 

Needless to say, Hannah is such a sweet name and we both just felt it was perfect.

MuesTube - 20 weeks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbuy7XEjsR8



Milestone and some shame

We’ve reached a milestone - halfway mark as my sister reminded me today (20 weeks or 5 months)! Due date is exactly 5 months away- so close yet so far away!  We have a checkup appointment on Wednesday.   We will listen to the heartbeat and have another sonogram.  I love the weeks when I know we get to see our little peanut again!

I tend to talk about food a lot around this time of the day.  I am not much of a snack person; however, I’ve never been pregnant before either so I suppose everything’s fair game.  Today’s work day ended with a snack run to the kitchen.  I do not know what came over me…one bang of Combos and one bag of Doritos instantly devoured.   I look at my trash can wishing I could hide the remnants... feeling a little shameful… 

Well folks, today I’ve experienced a new symptom of pregnancy - the dreaded heart burn.  No, I won’t blame it on the yummy nachos I ate last night or on the 5 jalapeno papers I had for lunch.   My eating habits have not changed.  What has changed is I’m pregnant and my uterus has grown to an alarming size.  And I know baby Mues enjoys the space since I can feel her little kicks all afternoon!  However, as my organs become smushed and my belly continues to pop out (because there’s nowhere else for it to go) I sense heartburn will become that new found “friend” I never wanted and won’t go away.  In the meantime, I hope baby Mues enjoys her stay.  In just a few months, she will be smushed too!

Estactic to say the least!

We're so excited about having a little girl!  We've had a short while to soak it all in and I think we're both still in a state a disbelief.  At first, I almost didn't believe it.  I mean, I knew there was a 50/50 chance for boy or girl but for some reason it's still a shocker when they actually tell you what you're having.  You see, I wasn't one of those mothers-to-be who "had a feeling" or "sensed" I knew what we were having.  In fact, I was the exact opposite.  People would ask if I had a feeling or if I had a preference and I couldn't say that I did.  Jeff would say he thought it would be cool to have a boy (naturally), but towards the very end he had a inclination that we were having a girl.  I think a little girl would fit into our family so well...me, Jeff and Lainee.  Which will mean Jeffy poo is out numbered!  However, Jeff has such a calm-sweet deminor about him that I sense he and our little girl will bond like two peas in a pod. 

We’re happy to report we’re having….

The doctor said there’s no doubt about it – it’s a little baby girl.  The look on Jeff’s face when we found out was priceless.  He’s so proud!  We found out last Friday and for those of you who don’t already know -  I’m so sorry I’m just now posting!  We found out Friday afternoon and then I flew out at 6am for Denver Saturday morning to visit my Dad and Anet. 

Miss baby Mues is measuring two days ahead of schedule right now.  Doc said it’s not uncommon for this to happen and we could very well see the baby delayed two days at a later sono and be right back on schedule.  Since the last baby bump picture (16 week), I’ve noticed a significant difference in my belly. As the uterus grows, the baby has more room to move (for now) and the bump effect has begun.  Lately, the baby has been kind to me and spends less time crushing my bladder so I’m enjoying less frequent bathroom runs in the night.  However, I hear this will be short lived so I’m loving every minute of it while it lasts!

This weekend we are registering at Buy Buy Baby and maybe somewhere else TBD.   We are excited to get things in order and have begun our hunt for white furniture for the baby room and a glider.  I figure we should get started on everything (not just b/c I’m OCD), but also because I feel great!

Click on Baby Room under Favorites to see updates!

Great Week!

Today we're officially 15 weeks 4 days pregnant!  Yes, I count the days.... 

It's been a great week to say the least!  Monday was Valentines day which was celebrated with dinner and a movie on Sunday night.  Monday night Jeff had some chocolates, a particularly large bag of cheese puffs and some sweet notes waiting for me when I got home.  We enjoyed an evening of leftovers and our favorite show, House. 

Wednesday was my 28th birthday and I felt special all day thanks to all my wonderful family, friends and co-workers...especially the ones who sang to me (you know who you are)! Jeff REALLY surprised me with a baby bag I've been eyeing! Just when I thought he doesn't hear a word I say...I get this!

And today, Thursday, was just icing on the cake with a great check-up at the doctors.  Baby Mues's heartbeat is going strong (averaging 154 beats/min) and all else looks great!  Even our early screening test results came back negative which is also great news!  We're just happy all around and feel very fortunate to have had a seemingly smooth pregnancy so far. 

Next week we're 4 months! Keep posted for an updated shot of the bump and baby room!

Baby Mues Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjxXFHfUrfg

Today was a great day for Jeff and I.  We finally got to see our little baby!  Doctor said everything looks great and baby appears healthy.  Baby Mues is measuring exactly 13 weeks 2 days today and the due date is still August 8th! 

In the beginning of the sono, the baby was sleeping but the sonographer said if I coughed the baby would move.  It worked!  You'll notice a couple pauses in the video and this is just the doctor measuring some things.  Unfortunately, both sonographer and doctor were unable to give us a firm declaration of gender.  Boo!!  However, after seeing this sono, we think it may be a girl.  We'll know for sure in about 4 weeks.  Stand by!

Back up the bus - 6 weeks ago.

Jeff and I had two Christmas parties to attend...What can I say... we're popular (and awesome)...we try not to brag... Anyhow, we had the company Christmas party on Dec 10th & a tacky Christmas sweater party with our neighborhood peeps on Dec 11th.  Normally, this would be great, a time to brag about out popularity  hang out with our friends and be merry. But being pregnant and all posed a challenge since I'm pretty much an open book....nothing to hide, always over sharing, pretty much incapable of lying...

First up, the work party. For this one, I managed to play the lame-o I'm tired card while feverishly avoiding my friends. We cleared out of the party a bit early and considered the scheme of me drinking "vodka sodas w/lime" a success, only to find later the straight soda water filled me with borderline deadly gas. Sorry honey.

With Christmas party number one checked off the list, we knew we had to step things up for number two. To explain why, I have to give some background. You see, we have a close group of about 20 couples in the neighborhood whom we've gotten to know over the last year. We get together monthly and this particular month was the Christmas party drunken debauchery bonanza extravaganza. We knew we had to strategize because if any of them didn't see me drinking - would have been a red flag. So instead, my brilliant and super alcohol thirsty sweet husband picked up a 6 pack of Miller light, a 6 pack of Coors Light and a 6 pack of O'Douls. The plan was to pour the O'Douls into the Coors Light bottles and pop the caps back on. Of course, Jeff gladly volunteered to inhale take care of the "real" Coors Lights by drinking them before the party to ensure his wastedness avoid being wasteful. We funnelled the fake beer into the real beer bottles and that's what I drank all night. "Coors Light!" Picture taken as proof...

So the moral of our story is as follows... If holding out to tell the world about your great news...avoidance is key if you find yourself in the 12 week holding pattern as we did. Good luck to anyone who's currently in this situation. And don't worry, I would never ask if you're pregnant even if I knew you were!

Please note: Jeff got a hold of this post and added his personal touch.

Welcome!

First off we wanted to welcome everyone to our new blog! We wish we could share our lives with each of you in person, but with many of you being hundreds (some nearly thousands) of miles away it leaves us resorting to a somewhat less personal approach. So here goes! Enjoy our new blog and watch as our little family grows!