random ideas that come from daydreaming about babies

There's not a lot that I can do right now to prepare for the baby. Mostly because I need the help of a big strong man to move things around upstairs and haul/put together any furniture that we need. And my favorite big strong man is nowhere to be found. SO, I'm left to researching and making lists. And if you know me at all, you know I'm not complaining.

I'll show you my spreadsheets if you want.

Our plan is to spend the six weeks before Andrew goes back to school (in early July) getting as much baby stuff done as possible. Until then, here are some ideas I have rolling around up there. Some that are specific to baby-prep and some that are just general thoughts on things I'd love to do with the little one.

First up, We're going the cloth diaper route. Don't judge, k? We've done a lot of research and feel like it's the best decision for us. AND it'll save a lot of money.

I really, really LOVE this idea for holding books. Rain gutters in a little reading corner? Genius. I'm totally doing it.

via

I have several thoughts on a DIY mobile, but this one? I die.

via

It's a good thing I went through a fabric-buying phase and now have a good stash, because I'm totally doing this. Such a simple and sweet way to capture the babe's growth through the first year.

via

And how sweet would this print be framed on a nursery wall? Precious.

via

That's all I've got. Not really, but let's not get carried away. Besides, once we know what we've got baking in there, the fun will really begin.

Yessss.

things that make me excited

First up, the flowers in the little courtyard that is my landlord's obsession pride and joy are producing all kinds of beautiful blooms. Yesterday, some lilies opened up. And I'm pretty sure the hydrangeas aren't far behind. I've got plans to get out there this afternoon and bring some of the happiness inside with me. I just love Charleston, folks.

Then, there's the fact that I heard my little bebe's heartbeat again this morning. They had a hard time finding it at first, so I held my breath and said a prayer and thought, "come on, little one" and then they found it. He/she was just hanging out on the other side! But there it was, all strong and wooshy. It always makes me smile.

The doctor also prescribed something to help with these killer headaches. Some days I have them and it's just annoying. And sometimes I actually think that tearing my eye out would be less painful than the throbbing going on above my shoulders. The medicine is a mixture of Tylenol that's a little stronger than the OTC version and caffeine, so I don't feel nervous about taking it as needed. So far, it's working well and for that I'm very thankful. Praise God for pain relief.

Andrew comes home in two and a half weeks, but you already knew that. I feel all giddy and stuff when I think about it.

Also happening soon? My mom's 50th birthday extravaganza, which is really just a weekend celebration with her and my aunt. I'm looking forward to lots of laughing and shopping and eating and sitting in rocking chairs amongst my front porch flowers and just in general, making my mom feel like the fabulous woman that she is.

I started a study on the God of the Patriarchs, so it's basically letting me hang out in the Old Testament. I love it. I can't explain it, but I've had a recent desire to spend some time there and this has done a great job of making it relevant.

I'm going to start some sort of exercise plan soon. I had been doing a good job of walking in the afternoons with my pooch, but lots of traveling and a sudden dive into hot weather threw me off course. I'm also hoping to add some kind of pilates/yoga to the mix. I tried a yoga DVD that's for pregnant mothers, but I couldn't stop laughing long enough to get through it. SO CHEESY. I think I'll just stick with the pilates I know and love, and make sure I'm not pushing it. Any recommendations? I know there are a lot of moms that are reading this, because you've told me so. Now speak your piece :)

And finally, although there are really a lot of things going on these days that make me feel happy and blessed, there are two weddings and a potential joint baby shower coming up this summer that will allow us to see our sweetest and best friends. And given that one of the events will be in Chapel Hill, I'm pretty sure I can squeeze in a guacamole burger from Spanky's.

Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my chin.

15 weeks and an appearance by the baby daddy

Friends, I've been trying not to let every thought on the blog turn to babies but it's so hard! The weekly baby updates are allowed, right? I get the emails from BabyCenter.com on Fridays and it's a highlight of my week. Now it can be one of yours :)

This week, the little one is about the size of an apple. And here's what's going on in there:

• By "breathing" in amniotic fluid, the primitive air sacs in her (let's use feminine pronouns this week! fun!) lungs are able to begin development.
• Her legs are getting to be longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs.
• Even though her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. Apparently, she would dodge the light if I shined a flashlight at my belly. Cool, huh?
• She's got taste buds!
• And in the next few weeks, we'll find out if it's a he or she. Then I don't have to switch up pronouns on you.

There you have it. And now, the bump...

Hey, look who it is!

I ventured up north again this weekend for a visit with that boy. It was cold and rainy, but thanks to lots of good food and movies, we made the most of it. I didn't take any pictures, but it went a little something like this:

• Thursday: get in late after delays and a few wrong turns.
• Friday: work for me and school for Andrew, reunite over clam chowder and flounder and salmon and strawberry rhubarb pie.
• Saturday: sleep in and then enjoy a leisurely brunch at a hole-in-the-wall that gets all kinds of attention, the way only this kind of dive can. Head to the movies for Rio and popcorn and a Coke. And then have more clam chowder and the best scallops in the world. And tiramisu.
• Sunday: watch an Easter sermon online from our old church in Durham, then head toward the airport. Stop at PF Changs for our Easter lunch because lettuce wraps and mongolian beef are so yummy.

The last time I left him at the airport, I was super sad. We had just had a great weekend and I didn't like the idea of being without him for seven more weeks. This time around, our time together just made me that much more excited for when he comes home. No sadness here, just lots of daydreaming about our summer together.

What can I say, I think I like him.