Winter Wonderland

Here are a few pics of our Christmas decorations. We still have not started on decorating outside. I like the first picture of the snowman family. It's just like us with the baby boy. All they need is a Maggie dog!

We are thankful for our BABY BOY!!!

Yes, we found out that we are having a BABY BOY!!! The proud papa is beside himself. We were both convinced Baby Solomon was a girl so it was a shocker when we saw that Baby Solomon is a boy. And, let me say there is no doubt on our little man! We found out yesterday and have been fortunate to share our happy news with our family over the holiday.

This has been a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope all of you are having a Happy Thanksgiving, too!

Nice Hair!

I was doing some chores around the house when my little Pumpkin came to find me. Her hair is a little long right now and there was static electricity in it. I guess it is from the cold weather. Isn't she funny? The picture doesn't do her justice but I just had to take one.

Welcome to the world Anna Claire Gabriel!

My cousin and his wife, Kelly, had their baby girl yesterday. She weighed 7 pounds and one ounce (I think). She was scheduled to arrive on December 1st but she was ready to join the world a little sooner than planned! Congrats to John and Kelly.

KICKS!

On Tuesday night I think I felt Baby Solomon's first kicks. I had eaten a chocolate cookie and I felt them about 30 minutes later. I heard eating something sugary can trigger the baby's movement. But, I wasn't trying to feel anything. I really did not want to sit around waiting for something to happen. I wanted it to be a surprise and it was.

The movement feels really strange so I called Meryl for some confirmation. She felt her first kicks the weekend before last. The first kicks are so small that it is hard to know what you are feeling. I will be ready for Baby Solomon to power kick me so I know exactly what it is!

Russell was out-of-town and was looking forward to coming home so that he could be a part of it. But, I told him it was not strong enough for him to feel . . . yet. He is such a supportive sweetie!

John and Kelly baby shower pics

Here are pics from John and Kelly's baby shower back in September. Better late than never!

4 months and growing!

Today, we are four months pregnant! I can't believe it! My belly is really starting to grow (especially over the last week or so) and I know those first kicks will be coming soon. Meryl felt hers about a week ago so I am anxiously awaiting Baby Solomon's first felt kicks! The second trimester is so much more exciting than the first.

Russell's Pheasant Hunt

Here is a picture from Russell's pheasant hunt last week in Kansas.

Maternity Pants

Today is the first day that I wore any type of maternity clothing. I wore some black maternity pants. At 15 weeks, I could have held off a little longer. But, what for? They are soooo comfy! I only have one pair for now so I will resort back to regular clothes tomorrow. Some people suggested the belly band as a transition piece but I did not get one. Since the maternity pants are so cozy, I think I will just buy some more of those. After all, I will need them soon enough!

Registering for Baby Solomon

Today, Russell and I went to register at Babies R Us. I think the most exciting moment for Russell was being able to park in the "Expectant Mother's" parking spot. I told him that was not really necessary but he said we needed to take advantage of the opportunity.

Registering took a little longer than I expected. We registered for the big things. I could tell Russell was getting anxious after a while so I put him in charge of some "important" tasks. He picked out the baby car seat, baby gates, and baby monitors. He did a great job. When I got home, I looked at the website and the car seat he picked out was a top rated car seat. Once we were home, I registered on-line for many of the smaller things that I did not think Russell would have the patience to register for at the store!

Baby Solomon's heart is beating strong

We went to the doctor on Monday. The nurse said Baby Solomon has a strong heartbeat. Baby's heart was beating 155 and 157 beats per minute. We find out very soon whether Baby Solomon is a boy or a girl. We are so excited!