The Summer Before I Became A Mommy

I go back to school tomorrow to begin my 3rd year in the Psy.D. program.  This summer has been wonderful: I had my 10 year high school reunion, I went on a couple of fun trips, spent a lot of time with family and friends, and Chris and I found out that we were having a baby boy!  Next summer, my life is going to be completely different. 

Here are some of the ways in which I think having a baby will change my life:

• less sleep at night, no more naps during during the day
• Chris and I eating out less and taking turns to eat
• "table for 2 and a high chair"
• when will I take my showers???
• less trips to the dog park
• a fuller refrigerator and pantry
• toys everywhere
• spending a lot of money on baby needs
• being the most tired yet happiest couple on earth

Things I hope will continue:

• date nights with my husband
• cuddling and spending quality time with Chris when baby is asleep
• being nice and considerate to each other
• school and practicum (I am not planning to take prolonged time off)
• going out with my girlfriends occasionally
• Chris spending time with the guys
• spending time with all our friends, the 3 of us together
• going on trips

After January, I will refer to this list and compare.  I am looking forward to the journey into parenthood that will be uniquely ours because I'm sure that everybody's experience is different and yes, I'd prefer to find out on our own because, once again, everyone's experience is different.  For me, this pregnancy has been a positive experience.  In a few months, Chris and I will become parents.  We know it's going to be tough but together we will make it through, just like we have everything else.  So, negative comments and unsolicited advice, you may come visit but sorry there is no room for you in our happy home!

It's a BOY!!!

Baby Harrison @ 20 weeks

(My memory of our ultrasound appointment on August 26, 2010)
Dr. Devore: I can tell you what it is...would you like to know?
Me and Chris: Yes!
Dr. Devore: What do you think it is?
Me: Well, last time we were here, at 13 weeks, you had said that there was a 90% chance that it was a boy, so...a boy?
Dr. Devore: Yup, it is.
Me: (shrieking and clapping) Yay!!! How sure is it?
Dr. Devore: Well, there's the rocket right there...so pretty sure cause a girl wouldn't have a rocket!
Chris: We should call him "Rocket Boy!" (Chris remembers the doctor being the one to suggest we call the baby "Rocket Boy."  Either way, there's no denying that little rocket of his!)

After the doctor and the nurse left, we excitedly took some pictures in the room :)

That up there is what's in here!

Sweet baby boy!

We're gonna have a boy!

The money shot! Daddy wanted to take a picture of his son's rocket.
When the boy misbehaves one day, we'll have this photo to blackmail him!

And to celebrate our baby boy...

We can't wait to meet you, son!

Home Sweet Home

After a week and a half of being on vacation, Chris and I are home from our Texas and Palm Desert summer trips.  I won't focus so much on the trips here but I will say that I had a great time with the Harrisons.  I am so blessed to have in-laws that I am crazy about.  I wish that I could go on vacations with my own family as well because some of the best memories are made when you and your loved ones are all under the same roof, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, for a moment in time.  The best part of being on vacation is waking up in the morning wondering what day it is, then realizing- who cares, we're on vacation!  This break is definitely much needed and is replenishing my energy for next school year.    

In addition to Chris' parents and my two sister-in-laws and their families, all of our friends from Chris' side were in Palm Desert as well, most of them with kids.  Of course, everyone kept saying how excited they are to have more babies in the group come next year.  Right now I can only imagine how different my life will be by next summer!  It's almost hard to believe that our baby will be about 7 months old by then.  But with each passing day I become more and more excited for the transformation that will take hold of my life...me a mommy and Chris a daddy!  I also think it's because I am actually starting to show, now that I am 18 weeks pregnant (can't believe I'm almost halfway to mommyhood!).  It is beginning to feel more real, although I still have not clearly felt the baby move in my belly.  My belly is becoming rounder and my pants are starting to get tighter, though thankfully I can still fit into them.  The skin around my stomach is starting to get a little tight and itchy, and whereas milk was my best friend in the 1st trimester, cocoa butter seems to be my ally in this 2nd trimester.  So far, this pregnancy has been wonderful.  I feel good, I'm eating healthy and exercising, and I have not gained too much weight.  So far, so good, with only 22 weeks to go...

This week, the baby is about 5 1/2 inches long and about 5 ounces, the size of a large mango!  In 2 weeks we will find out the sex of our little one.  I am waiting patiently until then to register for baby stuff and decorate the nursery.  Come January, our home sweet home will house a family of three!