Generosity

I have been amazed and blessed with the offer of gifts from friends and family. I have posted a few of these sweet things. Friends have offered maternity clothes, baby clothes, books, swing, and even some things that I don't even know what they do (but am grateful all the same and intend to figure it out and let my baby enjoy them). It's so neat how there is an instant bond with women who have babies, and not just those who are my close friends, but even those I don't know that well. They are willing to share smiles, stories, and even belongings that they no longer need. I now feel included in a wonderful community of Mommies!

Thank you to the many loved ones who have extended a hand in our preparation of Baby Hood's arrival (these are a few): Jennifer, Miss Kathy, Mr. Gary, Vicky (mother-in-law), Johnathan, Emily, Kelli, and my sweet Mama (who has already purchased some "comfy" clothing for me).

Is Knowledge Really Power, or Fear?

I have LOTS of preggo reading material to look through over the next 6 months (and all but one has been given to me by a friend----SO nice). At first I found them incredibly fascinating and I was thirsting for knowledge. Then I got a little tired of it and took a break. Now I'm back in to it again. I love reading about the different stages of pregnancy and what to expect. However, sometimes it can be overwhelming. For example, if you read that your body should be doing something that it's not, or if it is doing something that you can't seem to find in any book, it can put a first-time mommy into panic mode. I always have so many questions for my doctor about do's and dont's, which she takes in stride (as she should). She just always calmly sits back and tells me not to worry, that my experiences are normal, along with my many questions and concerns. I just wonder if all of this reading material is helping, or just making me crazy!

I read in a magazine the other day to NOT put bumper padding in the baby's crib. That there should not be a blanket, padding, or any other object in the baby's crib. Seriously?? So the baby will then freeze AND hit his/her head against the crib rails all night.... that seems safe! Anyway, my point is that sometimes too much knowledge could be dangerous. At the most it could cause you to make poor/uninformed decisions, and at the least will just make you paranoid about the care you are giving to your baby.

So I do read, but more of the lighter stuff, like "Girlfriends Guide To Pregnancy" which is full of laughs and experiences written by a mother of four children. It seems to keep me smiling and enjoying this time of life!

Went to the Doctor Today

We had visit #3 to the doctor today and all went well. It was quite a LONG visit and in the end 7 vials of blood were drawn for all of the various testing (good reason to eat Chick-Fil-A afterwards WITH sweet tea)! =)

Baby Hood was very active during the ultrasound. The nurse was trying to get 'it' to move around, but the pressing down would only make the arms and legs go nuts. It was really cute to see. The heartbeat was very strong at 172 bpm. It remained on it's tummy the whole time.

The also changed my due date back to Jan. 2nd (that was the original due date). So a New Year's Baby may be possible! So that makes me 11 weeks pregnant now. The first trimester is almost over!

We are thinking about going to one of the early gender detection sites for "Prenatal Imaging". They can detect the gender as early as 15 weeks and have really up-to-date ultrasound machines. I'm going to research that this week and hopefully set up an appointment for some time in the next 4-5 weeks. Very exciting!

I'm feeling good and enjoying my summer!

Enjoy the pic of Baby Hood.

Let's Try This Again....For The Baby This Time!

Well, I started a blog a while back during our engagement (that was supposed to lead throughout our blissful journey of marriage). That didn't last too long, unfortunately (the blog, not the marriage--it's going just fine). I'm going to give it another shot now that we have someone else joining our family. I hope that this blog will be something my son/daughter will be able to look back on later in life and enjoy!

I am currently 10 weeks pregnant and am due January 9, 2011. I have been VERY lucky in regards to common symptoms: no vomiting (yet--always have to say yet)! I have been quite tired (more so during the first 8 weeks) and my 'yucky feeling' usually comes around 4-6pm each day. But it usually passes after dinner time. So far I have been enjoying thinking about names and reading some baby books and magazines (some for info and some for fun). I have even been given some baby gifts already, which was quite a treat (thanks Jen, Kathy, and Gary).

I think one of the BEST parts of the pregnancy has been telling my family, especially my parents. Boy did their eyes light up (then tear up) at the news of a grandbaby. I've always heard that having a grandchild is so exciting, but it was quite amazing to experience it with my own parents. I'm just so excited for them and can't wait to see them hold that sweet baby for the first time! Lots of fun is ahead for Edee and Pop.

Tomorrow is my next doctor's appointment and the nerves are settling in. I don't know why, but you just worry a little that 'something' may be wrong. I guess it's just the common worry that will accompany being a parent forever. (And all of the brochures that they give you on birth defects isn't that calming, either!)

More updates to come....