Annie arrived at 2:25 pm on February 26. She weighs 7 pounds, 4 ounces, and is 19 and a half inches long. Mom and Dad are super excited. Feel free to come by and see us in the hospital if you're in town!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Annie Kathryn is here!
Annie arrived at 2:25 pm on February 26. She weighs 7 pounds, 4 ounces, and is 19 and a half inches long. Mom and Dad are super excited. Feel free to come by and see us in the hospital if you're in town!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Getting Close to That Time
Hi friends, family, and blog stalkers,
I think we are getting close to that time . . . I am pretty sure I am in early labor and hoping we will have a baby girl later this weekend! Please be praying for us during this exciting time. The Gent will post an update when he can, but there's no wi-fi at the hospital so it may be a few days.
Love,
AbbasGirl
I think we are getting close to that time . . . I am pretty sure I am in early labor and hoping we will have a baby girl later this weekend! Please be praying for us during this exciting time. The Gent will post an update when he can, but there's no wi-fi at the hospital so it may be a few days.
Love,
AbbasGirl
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
40 Week Watch
Just back from the doctor . . . again. Hopefully no more of these weekly appointments!
Our baby girl is doing great, though the Gent and I had a momentary scare when it took the doctor longer than usual to find her heartbeat. Even though I'd been feeling baby move all morning . . . still scary! Turns out the doctor just didn't have his doppler low enough on my belly. Her heartbeat is strong and it was definitely reassuring to hear it!
For the women out there who will want to know: I am 60-70% effaced and 3 cm dilated. Baby is at +1 station, which means she is very low in my pelvis (yay, less pushing!). Doctor says he doesn't make predictions, but doubts I'll make it to my next appointment. He also told me based on the progress I've already made, labor is more likely to go quickly than slowly, so not to dawdle around too long once I know I'm actually in labor.
Hoping to have baby pictures to post for you soon!
Our baby girl is doing great, though the Gent and I had a momentary scare when it took the doctor longer than usual to find her heartbeat. Even though I'd been feeling baby move all morning . . . still scary! Turns out the doctor just didn't have his doppler low enough on my belly. Her heartbeat is strong and it was definitely reassuring to hear it!
For the women out there who will want to know: I am 60-70% effaced and 3 cm dilated. Baby is at +1 station, which means she is very low in my pelvis (yay, less pushing!). Doctor says he doesn't make predictions, but doubts I'll make it to my next appointment. He also told me based on the progress I've already made, labor is more likely to go quickly than slowly, so not to dawdle around too long once I know I'm actually in labor.
Hoping to have baby pictures to post for you soon!
Monday, February 21, 2011
President's Day
Happy President's Day, y'all.
We are enjoying the long weekend and the Gent's extra day off. The weather is still beautiful and I still can't breathe.
I decided since the weather makes me miserable I might as well get outside and enjoy it, so Saturday we went to our happy place for a baseball game. We wandered all over campus and soaked in the sun.
Now we are back at home and planning to spend today relaxing. Here's hoping President's Day is the last holiday we celebrate sans baby!
P.S. Prayers for allergy relief are appreciated. :)
We are enjoying the long weekend and the Gent's extra day off. The weather is still beautiful and I still can't breathe.
I decided since the weather makes me miserable I might as well get outside and enjoy it, so Saturday we went to our happy place for a baseball game. We wandered all over campus and soaked in the sun.
Now we are back at home and planning to spend today relaxing. Here's hoping President's Day is the last holiday we celebrate sans baby!
P.S. Prayers for allergy relief are appreciated. :)
Friday, February 18, 2011
Spring Fever
I love spring. We've been enjoying beautiful 70+ degree weather all week. So nice to turn the heat off and open up the windows, walk in the sunshine, and leave my coat in the closet. Last night we ate dinner outside on our porch. It has been wonderful and I hope it is here to stay!
But unfortunately, I always forget about one part of spring that never forgets about me. Spring fever=hay fever. Argh, that means I can't breathe. And I haven't taken any medication the entire pregnancy, so I don't plan to start now. Until baby is born, kleenex and steamy showers will be my close friends.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
39 Week Watch
Well, I'm back from the doctor. Baby is healthy, I am healthy, so we just keep waiting. She'll come whenever she is ready (but I told her I am ready now . . . ). I'm having lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions, I've started dilating, and I lost a pound this week instead of gaining. Who knows whether that means anything or not. I'll keep you posted!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Breakfast
The Gent and I are not huge Valentine's celebrators. We went out for dinner once on Valentine's Day, while we were dating. Neither of us had that great a time. We usually like to make a special meal at home instead.
But one thing the Gent always does on Valentine's Day is make me breakfast. The first year we were dating he was downstairs in the dorm kitchen at six am, peeling potatoes for hashbrowns!
He changes it up every year. One year it was an asiago cheese bagel and hazelnut coffee from Panera, served in bed. Once was scrumptious French toast. This year was Belgian waffles, decaf coffee, and apple juice. Someday the champagne flutes will hold champagne again. ;)
But one thing the Gent always does on Valentine's Day is make me breakfast. The first year we were dating he was downstairs in the dorm kitchen at six am, peeling potatoes for hashbrowns!
He changes it up every year. One year it was an asiago cheese bagel and hazelnut coffee from Panera, served in bed. Once was scrumptious French toast. This year was Belgian waffles, decaf coffee, and apple juice. Someday the champagne flutes will hold champagne again. ;)
Friday, February 11, 2011
August
Oh, August, I have plans for thee.
Our first beach trip as a family.
One whole week!
And . . . after many dreams and much hard work, me looking really hot in something like this:
(ignore the colors, I'm just picking out shapes I like - swim separates by Athleta)
Our first beach trip as a family.
One whole week!
And . . . after many dreams and much hard work, me looking really hot in something like this:
(ignore the colors, I'm just picking out shapes I like - swim separates by Athleta)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Forgot One Thing
Bah. Forgot one thing that was on our pre-baby list.
File taxes.
Shudder.
So we gathered the paperwork and forms. And then opted to pay for TurboTax.
Definitely worth it.
Of course we owe serious money. We have every year except the first year of our marriage, because we have multiple W2s and 1099-MISC forms, plus I converted my 401(k) to a Roth IRA this year.
Bah. Again.
Hopefully next year we will only owe the other half of my Roth IRA conversion and we will be pretty close on the rest. We'll be down to two W2s and hopefully no 1099-MISC forms!
Also hoping there is no repeat of this IRS drama from last year.
File taxes.
Shudder.
So we gathered the paperwork and forms. And then opted to pay for TurboTax.
Definitely worth it.
Of course we owe serious money. We have every year except the first year of our marriage, because we have multiple W2s and 1099-MISC forms, plus I converted my 401(k) to a Roth IRA this year.
Bah. Again.
Hopefully next year we will only owe the other half of my Roth IRA conversion and we will be pretty close on the rest. We'll be down to two W2s and hopefully no 1099-MISC forms!
Also hoping there is no repeat of this IRS drama from last year.
Monday, February 7, 2011
To Do Before Baby List
I started working on this list two weeks ago. I'm almost finished . . . might need more projects if baby is late!
The Gent – get TDAP vaccine (happening Wed)
Wash all baby laundry (check)
Straighten and organize closets and cabinets (check)
Baby announcement list (check)
Make and freeze extra meals (check)
Pack for hospital (check)
Finish artwork in nursery (check)
Create dog-care sheet and post to fridge (check)
Pedicure (happening today)
Haircut (happening tomorrow)
The Gent – write will and set up trust (in progress)
Scrapbook (will start Wed, after I host my last dinner party for a bit)
Bake and freeze bread (will do if I can find space in the freezer!)
The Gent – get TDAP vaccine (happening Wed)
Wash all baby laundry (check)
Straighten and organize closets and cabinets (check)
Baby announcement list (check)
Make and freeze extra meals (check)
Pack for hospital (check)
Finish artwork in nursery (check)
Create dog-care sheet and post to fridge (check)
Pedicure (happening today)
Haircut (happening tomorrow)
The Gent – write will and set up trust (in progress)
Scrapbook (will start Wed, after I host my last dinner party for a bit)
Bake and freeze bread (will do if I can find space in the freezer!)
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thoughts on the Moon
While the Gent and I were waiting in the doctor's office for yet another baby appointment (she is doing great, by the way!), we were laughing over the differences in our dogs' personalities. We summed them up with their thoughts on the moon:
Nick (the lover) thinks you hung the moon.
Zeke (who our friend Bonnie aptly nicknamed Napoleon, because he is small but thinks he rules the world) thinks you hung the moon. It would have looked better a little to the left.
Huck (the puppy): "There's a moon!?! Where?!! I want one! I want a moon!!!!!!! Can I eat it? Chew it?! YAY A MOON!!!!!!!!!!!!"
And just cause I think they're so cute, here's a picture of the dogs helping me practice yoga. The music zonks them out. Wonder if it will work for the baby, too? :)
Nick (the lover) thinks you hung the moon.
Zeke (who our friend Bonnie aptly nicknamed Napoleon, because he is small but thinks he rules the world) thinks you hung the moon. It would have looked better a little to the left.
Huck (the puppy): "There's a moon!?! Where?!! I want one! I want a moon!!!!!!! Can I eat it? Chew it?! YAY A MOON!!!!!!!!!!!!"
And just cause I think they're so cute, here's a picture of the dogs helping me practice yoga. The music zonks them out. Wonder if it will work for the baby, too? :)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Eat Your Veggies
I like to try new ways of cooking veggies. These are two really good recipes we had last week. Neither of us was a cabbage fan before, but you will like this one, it is so good and not at all slimy.
Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes (Southern Living)
3 lb fresh sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces (I cut the butter down to two tablespoons)
1 to 2 tablespoons minced canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (these are super-hot, consider yourself warned!)
1/4 cup heavy cream (I used skim milk and the potatoes were still plenty creamy)
salt to taste
Put potatoes in large saucepan, cover with water and heat to boiling. Then reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup water. Return potatoes to saucepan. Add butter, peppers, and cream, mash with potato masher (I make mashed potatoes in my KitchenAid mixer instead). Add reserved water a little at a time for desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
Braised Cabbage with Spicy Croutons (Better Homes and Gardens)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter (I omitted this)
1/3 a 12 oz baguette, torn into coarse croutons (I used homemade whole wheat bread instead)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 small head green cabbage, cut into 6 wedges
1/2 cup water
snipped fresh parsley
lemon wedges
In large skilled, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add bread, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove croutons from skillet and cool in single layer on paper towels. Add cabbage to skillet, overlapping wedges if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Add water, bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 15 minutes or until tender. Place cabbage on platter, drizzle with a little olive oil. Top with croutons, parsley, and lemon wedges.
Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes (Southern Living)
3 lb fresh sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces (I cut the butter down to two tablespoons)
1 to 2 tablespoons minced canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (these are super-hot, consider yourself warned!)
1/4 cup heavy cream (I used skim milk and the potatoes were still plenty creamy)
salt to taste
Put potatoes in large saucepan, cover with water and heat to boiling. Then reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup water. Return potatoes to saucepan. Add butter, peppers, and cream, mash with potato masher (I make mashed potatoes in my KitchenAid mixer instead). Add reserved water a little at a time for desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
Braised Cabbage with Spicy Croutons (Better Homes and Gardens)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter (I omitted this)
1/3 a 12 oz baguette, torn into coarse croutons (I used homemade whole wheat bread instead)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 small head green cabbage, cut into 6 wedges
1/2 cup water
snipped fresh parsley
lemon wedges
In large skilled, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add bread, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove croutons from skillet and cool in single layer on paper towels. Add cabbage to skillet, overlapping wedges if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Add water, bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 15 minutes or until tender. Place cabbage on platter, drizzle with a little olive oil. Top with croutons, parsley, and lemon wedges.
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