34 Weeks & Packs a Real BIG Punch!

So, I realize that this may be a bit TMI for some of you... but THIS "too much information" video clip is something that I could watch over and over and over and over (oh wait, I already do!) - and can't wait to share with my kid when she gets old enough to understand how cool it really is.

You don't really have to watch closely, because it sticks out like 4", but watch for the flinging foot and karate chop kick! She almost kicked my eye out!

Totally fascinating.

Tea for... Forty-Two

 "Tea for Two" anyone?... naw, but how 'bout FORTY TWO? 

Yup, November 13th was a day to remember indeed! My baby shower date had arrived and tea drinkers were out in full force! I was so touched by how many family and friends came out to celebrate this little miracle in my tummy - and for all the creativity that went into making such a perfect day. These are just a few pictures from the tea party... there were so many that I couldn't post them all, so click HERE to view the rest of the photos from THEE most memorable baby shower ever!

The beautiful tea cup keepsakes that I took home from the party... to be used with future girlie baby, doing girlie things, wearing girlie dresses, to our girlie tiny tea party for two.

A little prep work at home making party favors for the guests...  My dad misunderstood the "tie a bow on it" concept. Bow goes on the BAG dad, not yer lady's hair! - still never heard if anyone won any big money!? Leave a comment here on this blog post and tell us if you did!

A happy glowing mommy-to-be!

My daddy even showed up later to join in the silly girlie fun!

Grandma Connie filling out some helpful future advice cards for the mommy to be! Thanks for putting on such a wonderful party purdy lady!

Surrounded by friends and family... and PRESENTS! Lots 'o presents! Thanks everybody!

My mommy, Auntie Tracy (hostess with the most-est), and Gi Gi

30 weeks and so excited!

Tracy and a Deer caught in the headlights...

It has proven to be quite the challenge to keep posting news in November... sorry for the delay! But I can imagine that it's only going to get worse. SO much to do before baby arrives ~ More November stories to catch you up on soon - don't wanna overwhelm your inbox! 

Don't forget to check out the rest of the baby shower photos on Flickr.com. CLICK HERE to view them now! 

My Little Ladybug

(click the PLAY button above to see the 8 second clip)

The day after we found out we were having a little girl, I went on a road trip to an art show in Portland. After checking into my hotel, I opened a window, laid down on the bed to rest, and began daydreaming of little girlie things... shortly thereafter, three little ladybugs flew into the room and were running around on the ceiling above me. Yes, three... not just one, THREE! And we all know very well that ladybugs are lucky! So, of course, I saw it as a sign and even a symbol, and the nickname "ladybug" stuck to my baby belly like glue...

 How lucky are we to have this little girlie? VERY.

29 weeks and my little ladybug is as big as a SQUASH!!! 

That's a berry BIG ladybug!

An Unexpected Hospital Visit...

26 Weeks and SHOWING it. Finally!

28 Weeks and BIGGER. Yeay!

"What a strange place for a ZIT!?"

Over the past few weeks I really have started to show a lot more. It seems like I blinked and BLAM! - there was the baby belly... but it's ok, it's kinda fun being all prego-lookin'-n-stuff.

But WILL tell you what is NOT fun. When the baby in your tummy sits on your kidney wrong causing you to go to the hospital and suffer in tremendous PAIN for three days!!! 

Yup. It happened. And I will never forget how frightened I was that my little kiddo was in trouble. But it turned out she was very okay... and after some good (and safe for baby) drugs, I was okay too. 

It's Official, the Crib has Arrived!

On October 7th, 2011, the mailman delivered our first piece of furniture for the nursery. It also came in a million pieces... but I love a good project! Sent with love from Grandma and Grandpa Slack. Thanks parentals! The baby loves it. I know cuz' she kicked me. 

A 3D Sneak Peek!

23 Weeks - 3D Image

September 22nd Travis, myself and my growing belly, took a trip back to Chicago to visit Grandma and Grandpa Slack... and to go to our 20th year high school reunion.

In the waiting room excited to see our tiny girl!

During this visit we treated ourselves to an extra ultrasound appointment so that my parents could see what she looks like. They didn't have ultrasounds available for my mom when she was pregnant with my brother and I, so this was sure to be a treat!

Especially because this session was going to be in 3D!

As it turned out, my little ladybug was hiding most of the session, but we got a couple good photos out of it and a little video of our visit with her. It was really exciting to see some of her little tiny features!

Such a tiny little face

It's a Girl!

20 weeks - looking back on this photo, it's funny to think I
actually thought I looked pregnant! Ha!

 Thursday, Sept. 1st, 2011 was the next big milestone in our pregnancy adventure... We had waited a month or more since we last told our everyone about the new addition to our family. This moment was certainly filled with anticipation... We could not have been more on time for THIS appointment with Dr. Wilber. 

20 weeks and all girlie-n-stuff
In this photo her hand is resting on her wittle
chinny chin chin...

It was the longest ultrasound appointment EVER. At least that is how it felt! She waited until the very end to reveal the news... And then she showed us on the monitor... We discovered we had a little baby GIRL growin' in my tummy!

20 weeks - this is possibly the left foot that keeps
high kickin' me in the ribs...

Seeing her on the screen brought on a flood of emotions... so much love for this "little girlie" person. Now we could start dreaming up names and colors for the nursery and plan for our new little addition to arrive very soon.