Snow Days!!!

Well, this past week was probably one of the easiest I've ever worked. On Monday, Chris and I each took a half day because I had a baby doctor appointment in the afternoon. So we went in at the normal time and then left at 11:30. My appointment was at 1:30, and it went very well. I'm finally gaining some weight now that my morning sickness is over, so that's good. No weird cravings yet, although I am completely enamored with fruit juice in all different forms (apple, orange, grape, you name it). We listened to the baby's heartbeat (it was the third time for me); before, Chris has had a hard time distinguishing my heartbeat from the baby's, but this time the difference was loud and clear. It sounds like a little hummingbird. I think he was a little in awe of it, to be honest with you. All I know is that he was absolutely the cutest thing I've ever seen, with his big blue eyes like half dollars! I have another appointment at the end of February, and my ultrasound will be around the first or second week of March. We're starting to think more about names, but until we know the gender we're not thinking that seriously. Anyway, on Tuesday, we both had a two hour delay, which makes life pretty darn easy. And then we've missed the last three days due to all the snow! Chris measured Wednesday morning, and we had around 10 inches. We've been out to play in the snow a bit, but of course I can't do any of the fun stuff like sledding, so that limits our winter wonderland activities!

Heidi has set a date for her wedding; it's going to be Sept. 12th, which is a Saturday. She's thinking about having her colors be dark red, cream, and gold with some chocolate brown accents. I think that sounds gorgeous. She's starting to think some about decorations, and I think it's going to be a really beautiful wedding! She's absolutely adorable about the whole thing. My poor parents are probably going to have a nervous breakdown from all the changes happening this year - watching your youngest child get married and having your first grandchild are pretty life changing events! At least they're approaching it all with a VERY positive attitude!

Well, next week is my second big assessment day for my master's class. It's actually been nice to have these days at home, because I've been able to get all my work done for the class a bit early. I actually planned on having more done at this point in the year, but between the morning sickness for past 3 months and the constant tired feeling I have, it hasn't been that conducive to homework completion. Luckily I seem to have caught a break!

Belly pictures are to come; I've been told by my mom, Heidi, a couple girls at work, and Chris that I definitely look pregnant! I've only gained about 4 pounds, but when you're 5'1" there's no where for the baby to go but out, ya know!!!

EXCITING News!

And no Missy, I'm NOT having twins. Still just one little heartbeat in there!

So, last night I got a phone call from my baby sister. At first, the conversation was fairly nonchalant. Then, she says, "You know how after I went on my first date with Jeremy, you said you were 'calling it' and that we would end up getting married? Well, you're right! He proposed to me today!". So the big, crazy, exciting news is that Heidi and Jeremy are getting married!

Of course, I made her come right over to my house to give me all the details. For them, it was pretty much a basic Saturday. They went shopping in Greenwood, came back to town, and then went to his house to watch a movie. And out of the blue, he gets down on one knee and said those magic words. And Heidi's initial response? I believe her exact words (as she told it to me) were, "Seriously? Are you seriously asking me to marry you?". And then she said yes and cried! It's a good story, and one that will likely only get funnier as time goes on.

She said she's thinking they'll set the date for the end of September. Which (selfishly) will work out well for me, since she's already asked me to be her matron on honor; it gives me a little time to start losing baby weight. Plus, she's already got plans forming for Baby Lakes to be a flower girl or ring bearer (in name only, of course!). The only rough thing is that the bridal shower, which I've started thinking about because I'm anal retentive, will need to be about 2 months before the wedding. That just so happens to also be the time, oh, I'll be ready to pop out a baby! So lots of planning and excitement to come, but I just had to share the exciting news! It looks like 2009 is a big year for this family!

First Week Back...

Well, the first week back from break hasn't been as awful as I anticipated. The students haven't been too bad, and I've been busy in meetings all week to enroll new students. In fact, today I had 6 meetings practically back to back! It made for a long day. On top of everything, I decided to go ahead and tell people at work that we're expecting. Chris already told several people, and when one considers how fast news/gossip travels in this community..... I just decided it would be better if my administrators heard about the pregnancy from me as opposed to other parties. So today I let Tom know. I think he was actually glad that he'll have some time to get things arranged for my maternity leave.

On the plus side, my morning (all day) sickness has really improved this past week. I still have occassional bouts of nausea and gagging, but for the most part I feel a lot better. My appetite is starting to come back, and certain foods sound REALLY good all of the sudden. So I figure that all of that's a positive.

Chris and I have decided that we don't really want to think about names too much; at least not until we find out the gender in the next month or so. But we have been reading our big book of names to get some ideas. It's amazing how many truly hideous names are out there! I'm sure some people think certain names are beautiful, but sheesh! On the plus side, so far Chris and I are thinking along similar lines in terms of names. He's still pretty sure that it's a girl, and I still think it's a boy.... but neither of us really care. Have a great weekend!

For your viewing pleasure...

So, understandably, I kind of have babies on the brain right now. It doesn't help that about 7 of the ladies that teach at Shelbyville are either currently pregnant or have had children in the past school year, and it certainly doesn't help that our friends and neighbors the Marshall's are also expecting in March. Plus I get the daily "How are you feeling" call from at least one family member, which brings babies right back to the forefront on my mind. I'm kind of thinking about babies obsessively right now. And as I'm sure is normal, I wonder which features my child will inherit from me and which will be inherited from Chris... I almost said which HE will inherit from Chris, but just this morning Chris scolded me for referring to the baby as a he, since we don't know yet. All this rambling leads me to my current train of thought.... it's probable that our child will look like we did when we were little ones. So for your viewing pleasure, baby pictures of Chris and I.

Chris at 3 months

Me at around 3 months

Me at around 6 months (with my Uncle Mike)

Me at around 9 or 10 months with my Weaver grandparents (apparently around Easter, since there appears to be an Easter basket, egg, and bunny in the picture)

Chris at around 1 year

Here's the funny thing I noticed about these pictures. We both have GIANT heads. I mean, just look at those noggins!!! I'm going to tell myself that it's because we both have larger-than-normal brains, but.... it makes a girl a little nervous, let me tell ya!!!