Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Loot

Last week my Mom sent me a box of hot maternity shirts, including a darling little cotton one with tiny red birds all over that she wore while pregnant with me. I think she tried without success to get my younger sister to wear it during her pregnancy! It's perfect. She also sent dried fruit for Todd and my childhood stuffed dog "Jermie" which Todd & I think looks exactly like Bingo! Funny how we attach ourselves to things. Jermie is in a million childhood photos. It made me feel somehow
small and young and so happy to see him again. Also, she sent buttons from Margie, her mother in' law who passed away. I'm developing quite a collection of old buttons from very special people I love. It was such a good gift.

After that we received a sweet little baby blanket in perfect 'Todd & Heather' kinds of colors from Aunt Karen. It's lovely with vibrant green, yellow, purple...

Yesterday another package came in the mail from Melanie, full of lotions for the belly, bath salts, and this crazy cool pregnancy belt full of rice that you can make cold or hot for comfort. There was also some of her favorite maternity clothes worn while she was pregnant with the lovely Isabella and even some new tank-tops and an awesome maternity skirt! Best of all, there was a card. Melanie can really fill a card. I get so excited when I get mail from her. I suppose I just love what she has to say. Also, she and Amanda have the most fun to read writing in the world.

My neighbor brought us a jar of some incredible bath salts, which he said is closest in minerals to that of the hot springs I can no longer get in. Hot springs are one of my favorite things. I'd surprised Todd with a stay at Chico B&B/hot springs for his birthday, but the mid-wife said it's definitely not safe for the baby. Amit got us the bath salts and told us we could soak in the tub without the possibility of boiling the baby. We like this idea.

I guess we just didn't know so much loot came with a new baby! We feel pretty blessed. Thanks for all the gifts, everyone, and especially the letters and cards. Gma and Grandad, your letter meant so much to both of us. We love to hear stories and details from your lives.

We've decided to move down the hall to the two bedroom that is being remodeled as we speak. It should help tremendously with our lack of space and addition to our family. We'll let you know the new apartment number once we know our move-in date. The landlord says June 1 (which would be amazing in the event that Todd's parents come to visit), but their son who is doing all of the work on the apartment says "by November." Quite a difference...time will tell :)

All is very well here. We're still enjoying many hikes and tried tennis out for the first time ever. It's actually quite fun! Thanks for the rackets, Mel & Emmanuel! Several students from Todd's school happened to be at the courts and while we were pretty shy about having an audience our first time, they gave us lots of "Nice one!" "Whooooaaa...he can really hit it!" I don't think they knew the rules either. We felt so very cool. His turtle is a huge hit (and major distraction for kids who don't feel like listening) in the class-room. A handful of children are now begging their parents for turtles. One little girl even got one. When brainstorming potential names for her new turtle with Todd she said, "I don't know...I was thinking maybe "Doggy" or "Kitty"...not to far from our turtle's name, "Puppy"! Ha.

Todd is the dreamy husband he's always been, so patient with my random bursts of cravings and nausea. He never stops making me laugh. I'm a little tired of the name "Moody Monkey" but I think making up silly names for me that include kernels of truth in them is just his way of coping while living with me, the walking emotional roller coaster. He is reading a book called "Don't just stand there!" which I believe is a guide for men with partners in labor. It looks hilarious. We have lots of plans for hikes this summer in Glacier and are welcoming all to join us!


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Pretty amazing! I could've listened to the heartbeat forever. Wish that the sound was on the video- but it's not. the ultrasound tech was a bit of a grouch.. Our due date is nov. 17-- exactly as heather predicted. she's amazing. The little critter is about the size of a horsefly, or a coffee bean. the heart beat was around 160- nice and strong and amazingly fast. if you were hoping for twins- you're out of luck. there's only one.

feeling incredibly amazed. we'll meet with the doctor next week and have the 2nd ultrasound in about 3 months....

more information later. we just had an amazing trip to the oregon coast.