Bumping Along

22 weeks in and we’re still bumping along! I continue to enjoy the experience of being pregnant – despite a bit of discomfort from time to time and an ever growing disdain for the scale in the gym. Overall, I continue to feel really good and for that I am grateful. I am assuming that since she hasn’t tried to make a premature appearance, Peanut continues to enjoy hanging out in there and, because I can’t feel her, I can only guess that she is loving all the delicious food that Daddy makes and the regular Zumba classes that Mama drags her to without her input. I am now most looking forward to being able to feel her move. For most women, they have felt the baby by this time, but because my placenta is in the front, my doctor has warned me that it could still be several more weeks before she is big enough for me to detect her movements. I can’t wait!

We continue to make steady progress on our to-do list around the house and I’ve decided that Jason may be nesting as much, if not more, than me. Not that I’m complaining – he has always been a huge help around the house but these days he does even more. After several weekends of work, he has cleaned, organized and redecorated our basement to make it a livable space (before it was a catch all for junk and who knows what kind of critters and dust). It looks great and I know we will be grateful to have a bit more room available when family comes to visit. We still have a bit to cross off on our list, but I am most excited about the nursery. It may take a while before we get there though. Jas leaves this week to go to Canada for work and he travels at least part of every week until the second week of November. On one hand, I know he is not excited about the non-stop travel, but I have no doubt there is a part of him that is ready to get away from his wife’s constant cravings and nagging (though he is smart enough not to admit this out loud….good man).

I  can't believe September is almost over and I know October will fly by as well. We are looking forward to a beach trip next weekend to celebrate Robyn’s wedding and at the end of the month we will head to Atlanta to celebrate my grandfather’s 85^th birthday as well as a shower for our little Peanut. We are so excited to see all of our family and friends here soon! 

What I Want for my Daughter

Now that we are more than halfway through our pregnancy, the entire situation is beginning to feel much more real. We are about four months away from the biggest adventure of our lives and I am routinely overwhelmed with the myriad of emotions I face on a daily basis (and let me be honest, sometimes on an hourly basis) From excitement to anxiety, giddiness to fear, I spend most days eagerly planning for the future while simultaneously worrying about every little thing that could happen during her lifetime. I hear that never changes as a parent, so I’m telling myself this is good practice.

Since learning we are having a girl, I have thought a lot about the relationship I have with my mom and the other women in my life, and what I hope for my baby girl. I’m sure this list will continue to change and grow, but someday, I hope to show her this blog and let know how much I hope for her and how much she was loved even before I knew her. So here are the first few things that I want my little Peanut to know…

1. First, I need you to know how much I have loved being pregnant with you. Your Daddy and I were so excited to learn we were having a baby and we thank God every day for making us your parents. The two of us still have a few months of quality time to enjoy together, and through the sleepless nights and when we both become uncomfortable, I hope we continue to enjoy the experience.
2. Never underestimate the value of friendship. Find your people and guard those relationships fiercely. Surround yourself with girls who will support you at your worst and cheer you at your best. Find those who are nothing like you and learn from them. When possible, try to maintain these friendships through various stages of your life, though understand that some relationships are only meant to last for a while. Remember it is okay for a friendship to end and one day you’ll look back on those relationships as a valuable lesson.
3. Always fight for the underdog. Never forget how lucky you are and be grateful for all that you have been given. This is easier said than done, but trust me when I tell you there are always those who have it worse than you do. Stand up to injustice and lend a voice to those who don’t have one. There are people you will meet who need a champion and you will never regret being an advocate for those less fortunate.
4. Do your best in school. It’s okay if you aren’t the best student, but always try your best and never be afraid to ask for help. Higher education is important, but so is “real world education” so when it comes time for you to choose a path, know that your dad and I are here to help.
5. Find something you’re passionate about when you’re young. Whether its soccer or ballet or music, find something you enjoy and pursue it. Participation in these activities will teach you discipline, self-reliance and the value of teamwork. Healthy competition is a good thing, but always remember to be a good sport.
6. Never be afraid to do what is right….even when you will be standing alone. There will be many times in your life that the easy option is going with the crowd but I challenge you to stand alone in those circumstances when the right thing and the easy thing are not one in the same. Immediate consequences may make you feel otherwise, but I guarantee you’ll be glad you did the right thing when looking back.
7. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We all mess up, and I will be the first to say that, try as I may, I will not be a perfect parent and I will make my fair share of mistakes as we figure this thing out together. It is okay to make a mistake, but own up to it and try to avoid making the same mistake again. Don’t be too hard on yourself in the moment and instead look back at the experience as a lesson learned.
8. Your cousins are one of the coolest relationships you will have in your life. You will have shared history that will bond you for life. I hope you remain close with your cousins as an adult. Trust me, you will be glad you did!
9. Value your relationship with your aunts. An aunt is an amazing relationship – they love you like a mother but can treat you as a friend. You are lucky to have four aunts (plus some pretty awesome great-aunts) who will gladly step up as your confidant, cheerleader and friend throughout your life. Know that these women will love you and have your back….unless it’s something your parents need to know in which case don’t blame them for keeping us in the loop! Even when it won’t seem true, they have your best interest at heart….
10. Call your grandmas at least once a week. As a teenager, I know this will be completely uncool and the last thing you want to do when you could be texting your bestie or stalking a boy on FB, but trust me when I tell you, you will cherish those conversations when you’re older. Your grandmothers love you in a way your dad and I can’t because they have the added bonus of loving the two of us as their children. Though you’ll worry they are out of touch because they “are SO old”, you will be surprised at the valuable advice they will provide. And if you’re anything like me as an adult, you’ll hear her voice in your head when you’re making a big decision.
11. Never underestimate the power of good manners and a firm handshake. Look people in the eye, be true to your word, and always listen more and talk less (good luck with that one – you’re genetically predisposed to never shut up)
12. Open your heart. Open it to your friends, to your family, to romantic interests….and even to those you don’t like. Open your heart to new opportunities and experiences. Love those around you, but never lose sight of who you are on your own. Most of all, love yourself.
13. Don’t be afraid to get your heart broken. Don’t misunderstand…there are few things worse than a broken heart and they can be the result of many things other than a fractured romantic relationship. Unfortunately, I suspect you will get your heart broken more than once as you grow up. While I wish I could change this fact, I also recognize that these times will help to shape you into a more compassionate person. If you are ever in doubt, call your godmother, Robyn. She is a hopeless romantic who always wears her heart on her sleeve, regardless of the heartache she has faced. She can walk you through these times…and when you’re old enough, she’ll gladly commiserate over a glass of Pinot Grigio.
14. Never stop learning. Take the opportunities given to you to learn about other people and other cultures. Keep an open mind about those things you may not understand and always go into a conversation willing to change your opinion.
15. You are good enough. Despite what you may hear from society, from mean girls or even from strangers…you are good enough. Never let another person determine your self-worth and develop a healthy self-esteem that allows you to be proud of yourself without being arrogant.
16. Have faith. In something. Belief in something bigger than yourself will provide you comfort and peace when nothing else can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and a little bit (or a lot of bit) of doubt never hurt. You’ll find that your faith will ebb and flow through the years and what you believe as an adult may be very different than what you will believe as a child. And that’s okay.
17. Be ready for change. Change is the one thing you can count on in life. Change can be exciting or it can be scary, but it cannot be avoided. Always be flexible and remain open to what can happen. Some of the best things in life are those that weren’t planned.
18. Have the courage to pursue your dreams. Don’t let the fear of failure prevent you from taking chances. You’ll only come to regret the chances you didn’t take.
19. When it comes time to choose a life partner…choose wisely. A way to make it simpler for you is for me to encourage you to find someone like your Daddy. Someone who will be your best friend, someone who will love you at your worst and support you at your best. You deserve someone who will put you on a pedestal while recognizing your faults and encouraging you to continue to grow. You need someone who will make you laugh and hug you when you cry. You are lucky to have the example of your Daddy and, take it from me, a man who cooks can’t be beat!
20. Always, no matter what, remember that I love you more than anything in this world and I am blessed to be your Mama.

The Name Game

From the time Jas and I were dating, he said he wanted a daughter named Hadley. So when we found out we were having a girl, we did not discuss any other names (aren’t I a nice wife?!) We debated on several middle names for her until Jas suggested that we have the grandparents decide. So we asked my parents to pick her middle name. They were honored to get the opportunity and they both had so much fun thinking of the perfect name for our little Peanut. We've already decided that for baby #2, we will ask Jason’s parents to choose a middle name. And if I can get Jas to agree to more kids than that we will need to get creative J

We spoke to my parents last night and we have a name! We are so excited to announce that we are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of MISS HADLEY QUINN WHITTAKER J So cute! she’ll be the hippest baby in Waldo with a name like that. We love the name my parents chose and we are even more excited that she will have a cool story about how her name came to be. 

20 Weeks

Halfway today! Hard to believe that we are already twenty weeks into this journey and that in another twenty weeks – or less – we will be a family of 3! I have so enjoyed being pregnant and, selfishly, I am glad that I still have a way to go before it’s over so I can enjoy it a little while longer. Check back in with me at the beginning of January and I’m sure I’ll be singing a different tune. I’ve heard that the last month of pregnancy will seem to last longer than the entire eight months before so that’s something fun to look forward to…

At 20 weeks, Peanut:

• Weighs between 9 and 10.5 oz. and is the size of a banana
• Is moving all around, though my placenta is in the front and I am still unable to feel her (hopefully soon!)
• Has hair on her head (unless she plans to be a bald baby like her Mama…bald is beautiful and that’s what headbands are for!)
• Is developing the brain power to control her senses

At 20 weeks, Mama:

• Has gained nearly 4.5 lbs. though it looks and feels like a bit more!
• Is maintaining my workout schedule and trying to make it to the gym anywhere from 3 to 5 days a week
• Is checking off the to-do list almost as fast as she adds things to it (sorry Daddy!)
• Has developed a random, and intense, love for ice cold chocolate milk!

20 weeks down and 20 weeks to go…I can’t wait to meet this Little Lady who will make me a mama and I am excited for all the adventures to come. Until then, I’ll look forward to all the fun I’ve heard will greet me in the next 20 weeks, thanks to all the random strangers and/or acquaintances who feel the need to share horrible advice and scary birth stories. According to these kind folks, I am now eagerly awaiting stretch marks, insomnia, hemorrhoids, and backaches, all to be followed by a traumatic birth experience. I hope I remember all of this after having Peanut and I never choose to share anything but happy memories to expectant mothers! 

Shopaholic

I have never been a big shopper...a clothes horse I am not, and I usually avoid dressing rooms like the plague. Now that I'm pregnant, I have developed an addiction to shopping. Whether online or in the store, I love it all and have no problem swiping that credit card, much to the dismay of my practical husband. Especially now that we know we are having a girl, I can't seem to stop! I just love all the baby clothes, shoes and hair bows. Everything is just so cute! Jason is funny because he is enjoying picking out all the clothes for Peanut as much as I am, if not more. I have found him to be quite opinionated as well in terms of what he feels she should be wearing!

On Saturday, Jason and I tried our hand at registering. We chose Buy Buy Baby and I was not adequately prepared for how overwhelming the process would be! Is it really necessary to have 45 different types of pacifiers? Are organic burp cloths really that much better than the cotton ones? Will Peanut care one iota if she is being transported in a 600 dollar stroller as compared to a 200 dollar one? As long as the wheels work, I've decided she'll be fine. On one hand, it was a lot of fun to pick items out, especially her bedding and some of the "fun" items like a baby bath and toys. On the other hand, the experience induced anxiety when trying to make decisions while taking into account the financial implications of what we are asking of our friends and family. Luckily, my ever pragmatic husband picked out items as if we are purchasing each one and nothing was ridiculously expensive (relatively speaking!).

On Sunday, we continued our shopping spree at Carters where we took advantage of their current sale. Jason helped to pick out two outfits for my baby showers (who am I kidding, he picked them out on his own...down to the shoes. I can take no credit) which was a lot of fun. We also bought a mirror for the nursery. I can't wait to see everything start to come together.

I have promised Jason that after all he did this past weekend, I will not make him go shopping this weekend and we can go back to tackling our in-home to do list. I'm not sure if that makes him feel any better, but at least I won't be spending money!

Family Fun

Last weekend over Labor Day, Jason and I decided to road trip to Minnesota to visit his aunt and uncle, Cindy and Roy. Jason’s mother, Lotty, passed away last February, and Cindy took over going through all of her belongings. We thought the long weekend provided the perfect opportunity for us to visit Cindy and Roy and it allowed Jason the chance to go through his mom’s pictures and other personal items.

The trip was only about a six hour drive from Kansas City, but I was nervous how I would do given Peanut. Luckily, she was very cooperative and I only had to stop twice! I was ready to get out of the car by the time we arrived, but I was not all that uncomfortable which was a pleasant surprise.

Cindy and Roy could not have been more welcoming and we really enjoyed our time with them. It was neat to see pictures of Jason’s mom who I never had the opportunity to meet in person. He definitely favors her side of the family! His baby picture looks so similar to a young picture of his mom.

Jason at One Year Old (what a cute little nugget!)

Lotty as a toddler 

Lotty during her time in the Air Force. I see so much of Jason in her! 

Cindy and Roy were so sweet to make Peanut a baby basket of goodies including diapers, a fleece blanket, onesies, a book, bath stuff, and receiving blankets. In going through Lotty’s belongings, Cindy came across a baby blanket she had started. Cindy has agreed to finish the blanket and we are thrilled to have that in Peanut’s room! We had a really nice time and we are looking forward to the next time we get to spend time together. 

Peanut's Basket

It's a...

GIRL!! Jason and I are thrilled to announce we are expecting a little girl. We were 19 weeks yesterday and we had our long-awaited sonogram appointment (by far my favorite appointment!) Leading up to the visit, I had been joking with Jason that I hoped our little Peanut was cooperative in showing us his/her goodies. Sure enough, once the sonogram started, she had her little hand blocking the money shot and we had to get her moving in order to see what we were looking for. That’s my southern girl…ladylike already keeping herself covered! Jas gave me a Dum Dum sucker and the sugar shocked her into a good position. It was so crazy to see her moving around without being able to feel her. The sonographer explained that my placenta is in the front and is acting as a pillow for the baby as of now. It will likely be 2 or 3 more weeks before she is big enough for me to feel her move. I’ll just have to keep waiting!

It's a Girl! 

She kept waving her hand at the camera and putting it up to her forehead...dramatic already! 

The rest of the appointment went very well. I have gained a total of 4.2 pounds (that placenta in front has made my bump deceivingly big!) and my blood pressure remains low. There were no worries in regards to Mama or Baby and I always breathe a sigh of relief at a good report.

19 Weeks

I think Jas was a little shocked seeing her on the screen and it made the whole experience a bit more real for both of us. We were so excited to start calling our family and sharing the good news. We have asked my parents for a little help in choosing the middle name for our Peanut but we expect to have a full name for our Little Lady here soon. At times, I still can’t believe we’re having a baby. And now I know I will be a mama to a little girl. I am so thrilled! 

Daddy's Little Girl

Proud Parents to Be 

Insatiable Appetite and My Growing Bump

Growing up, I was always told that I needed to marry a man who cooked. I have never cooked, unless you count making a mean bowl of Cheerios or the occasional box of mac and cheese. When I lived by myself, I will admit that most of my meals consisted of fast food or wine (disclaimer: I am not recommending a liquid diet). Lucky for me, my hubby happens to me an amazing cook! My grandma has always told me "what you do in the bedroom doesn't make up for what you lack in the kitchen." With all due respect to her sweet Southern soul, I beg to differ (though in true ladylike fashion, I will avoid any details that prove my point!), but I will admit that it is awesome to have a husband who cooks. I have always appreciated him as a live-in chef, though now, my love and adoration is at new heights given that my appetite is out of control. He is so good to make meals that he knows I like (Mexican or Italian are my favorites) even when he would always rather eat seafood or Asian. I usually do the dishes as a thank you to him, though recently he's started doing that as well! I don't tell him enough how much I appreciate all he does for me, but I hope he knows what an incredible husband he is and I cannot wait to see him give the same adoration to Peanut!

Here are pictures of a few of the most recent meals he has made. Makes my stomach growl as I post the pictures...

Now that we have established what an amazing cook he is, I plan to begin blaming Jason for my increased weight gain and the ever growing bump! We are 18 weeks along now and I feel like I'm getting bigger every day (though hopefully that's not exactly true). I continue to feel really good and we are having fun counting down the days until the gender reveal (6 MORE DAYS!)