Foto Friday - "It's For the Baby!"

Our first official piece of "baby furniture." Josh convinced me we needed a rocker/recliner for the family room. Looks like it will be well broken in by the time Baby Smyser arrives! ;-)

Thanks, Grandpa Dave!

Yesterday my Dad went with me to purchase the stroller/car seat combo Josh and I had decided on for Baby Smyser. (Josh had to work so he couldn't come.) Dad was surprised at how many options and other stuff is out there now for babies...I guess it has been over 25 years since he's really had to think about that!

There was some minor assembly required, and I'm glad Dad stuck around to help me out (I think Josh was glad too).

Winky was initially scared of the stroller and stayed away while we assembled it. Once it was all put together and sitting in the dining room Winky even growled at it...which is strange because I think that is the first time I've ever heard him growl! I made him come and sniff it and lay by it, and while he still seems cautious about it, he hasn't growled since. I told Winky he better get used to it because later this year, Baby Smyser will be joining us on our walks in this stroller! I plan on keeping it in the house for a while so he can just get used to it.

After posing for this picture, I asked Josh, "How do I look?" (Always a risky question to ask husband.) He said, "Like a Mom."

I have to admit...I'm still getting used to the fact that I am (going to be) a Mom (of a human that is...ha)!

Foto Friday - My Husband Knows Me

The best surprise treat from the best husband ever!

I love dark chocolate!

24 Weeks...Here We Come!

So, here I am at the end of my 23rd week!

I'm now officially starting week 24! Overall, I've been feeling pretty good! I feel like I'm huge though! I've been walking Winky about 3x a week for around an hour. The weather has been gorgeous, and I'm enjoying our walks so much!

I am feeling the baby move daily...mostly in the evenings and mornings, and occasionally I'll notice it during the day. I've been waking up between 6 and 6:30am everyday to go to the bathroom. It's kinda weird I think! After going to the bathroom, I almost always feel Baby Smyser give a kick or two, and sometimes I can't get back to sleep, so my sleeping patterns are starting to change.

Josh has felt Baby Smyser move once. The OB reminded me Baby Smyser is only about 1 lb, so, the movement will be getting much stronger over time of course, so I know there will be plenty of time for him to feel movement as the weeks progress. Josh thought it was so crazy when he felt it kick. I think he almost couldn't believe it?!

Last Friday I had a check up, and the OB said I am measuring right at 23 weeks and I'm doing great overall. The heartbeat was nice and strong, and as always, it's so fun to hear! At my next appointment in a month, I'll have the gestational diabetes screening. Ooh fun!

Foto Friday - My Current Food Addiction

What's not to love about my three favorite food groups - chocolate, peanut butter, and ice cream - AND all in ONE delicious treat?

Breakfast of Champions

I woke up at 5am to go to the bathroom and couldn't fall back asleep. I finally got up around 5:45am, and being the nice wife that I am, I ran an errand for the husband, and offered to pick him up something for breakfast. His breakfast request was a Monster energy drink. (Yeah, don't get me started on those...I shouldn't support his habit, but anyways....)

So, I ran the errand (taking a picture of a finished job at a school...had to do it before school started), and then stopped at Walgreens because I had to pick up some more prenatal vitamins. With the vitamins and monster drink in hand, I headed to check out counter. I nice looking woman...probably 50-ish rang me up and said, "Oh, should pregnant women being drinking these energy drinks?" I was a bit stunned and just replied, "Um, it's not for me," while thinking in my head, "you old busy-body!"

When I got home, I told Josh the story, and he said I should have replied, "Oh...I should probably stop smoking crack cocaine, too." Oh, Josh.

Foto Friday - Baby Smyser's Room

We have a lot of work to do and stuff to buy!

Easter Fun and Other Updates!

This last weekend family from MN visited to celebrate Easter. It was a fun-filled weekend with egg coloring, too many sugary goodies, an egg hunt, lots of laughs, good food, games, and more!

I decorated an egg for Baby Smyser, but the writing didn't show up great. Oh well...it's the thought that counts, right?

Also, our cousins, Jenny and Hollie, were kind enough to surprise Baby Smyser and me with too many nice gifts! I was really touched by their thoughtfulness and excited to add to Baby Smyser's collection. Baby Smyser now has two super soft blankies, burp cloths, and more! It was really too much, and so much appreciated by Josh and me (and Baby)!

Winky had to check out the goods, too!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

I've also decided that maybe letting family and friends touch my belly is more bearable than I thought. Both Hollie and Jenny requested to touch my belly, and I have to admit it didn't bug me as much as I thought. *If you're reading this and thinking I'm giving a free pass to belly rubbings...that's NOT what I'm saying...still give me some warning, please! :-)

I have been feeling what I thought was movement/kicks, but just wasn't 100% sure. I mean, how are you supposed to know what something feels like when you've never felt it before!? Anyways, I can now comfortably say I've been feeling movement and it's the weirdest most wonderful feeling ever! I called Josh when I knew that's what I felt last night. He asked me, "Did you poke her back?" (Yes, he's still sure it's a girl...me, I'm waiting for confirmation at our ultrasound in May...yes, I know I have a while to wait!)

I can't believe we only have 4 more months to go. Time is flying, and I feel like we still have a lot to do! Yikes! I think next on my list is picking out nursery furniture and the theme. Wish me luck!

Foto Friday - A few days late...me at 21 weeks