26(ish) Weeks

We have passed the 26th week mark and s*** is getting real! We had such a great weekend celebrating with our family and friends and coming home I realized that was my last flight until my little Peanut is my carry on! It is hard to believe we are only 14ish weeks away from D-day. Some days I am so excited, I just want her to be here, but most days I am overwhelmed by all that is left to do and I'm glad she has a while left to cook herself to optimal cuteness.

At 26 weeks, Miss Hadley is about 14 inches long and around 2 pounds. She is roughly the size of a butternut squash or a bowling pin. She can now open her eyes and she can control her lung function on her own. Given her regular movement, she may want to be a dancer like her Mama. At this point, she is still small enough that her movement isn't uncomfortable and it's neat to watch her respond to outside noises (like Gracen barking) and respond to what I eat (she is loving the hot sauce!) She is most active during the day and at night when I am calm. I have found that exercise and regular movement seems to rock her to sleep so she misses out on all the fun at my regular Zumba classes.

I continue to enjoy being pregnant and I still feel good physically. I returned to Zumba last night after a few days out of town and I am feeling it today. I have gained right at 10 lbs and I have found that exercise is beginning to become more difficult as I get more front heavy and my sense of balance is not what it once was! Everything I have read has prepared me to gain a "hefty" amount of weight in the weeks to come so I'm sure watching me try to dance will become an even more comical experience for those in class. I keep telling myself that the activity will make it easier to bounce back after delivery so I hope that ends up being true.

Jason's travel schedule is about to pick up again and he is gone the first three weeks of November. Lucky for him, I have arranged our to do list to coincide with his weekends at home (bless his heart - he is routinely earning his spot in Heaven dealing with my crazy). We are excited to get started on the nursery and I can't wait to see it all come together.

Birthdays and Babies

Over the weekend, Jason and I traveled back to Atlanta to celebrate my grandfather's 85th birthday party and our first shower for our little lady. We flew in on Thursday night and we spent the weekend with Celeste and Shane at their house in Acworth. Celeste joked throughout the weekend that she was planning to spoil me and Tina so that we would want to move back to Atlanta. And she did not disappoint! She arranged for us to have prenatal massages on Friday (so relaxing!) and that night my parents and Jason's family came over for dinner. We enjoyed spending time all together and cheering the Royals to a victory that will take them to the World Series!

On Saturday morning, we had a maternity photo shoot that Celeste organized. It was such a sweet idea and I'm so happy we will have some cute pictures to remember this special time. Saturday afternoon, Jason and I spent some time with his family shopping at the outlet mall. That evening, we joined the rest of my family to celebrate Papa's 85th birthday. Papa is the sweetest man in the family and he is a patriarch to emulate. My cousin arranged for a photographer to take family photos at the shower and Papa told her that the secret to staying young is "family, happiness and a dirty martini." Love that sweet man!

On Saturday night, my parents stayed with us at Celeste and Shane's house and we sat around the fire pit in the backyard roasting S'mores and talking. The boys enjoyed drinking whiskey until the wee hours while us ladies hit the hay early. Sunday morning we had our shower for Hadley and it was such a blast! Celeste is quite the party planner with such an eye for detail and she did a great job bringing everything together. From the yogurt bar, to the coffee station, to the donut tower - the food was delicious. The decor was so cute and she had guests sign baby books when they arrived and guess my due date on a calendar. We were so excited to see everyone and the morning went by way too quickly.

Sunday night we enjoyed a low key night with my family playing games and watching a movie. Monday morning came too quickly and we rushed to the airport in Atlanta traffic (never moving back there for this reason alone) to make our flight on time. Jason and I have talked since getting home about how lucky we are to have such amazing and supportive family and friends. Our little Peanut has no idea how blessed she is to be entering such an awesome crew, but she will soon enough!

I cannot thank Celeste enough for all she did for us to make the weekend one we will never forget. Our shower was such a fun day and it was planned and executed to perfection. We cannot wait to see all the videos and pictures she took during the weekend so we can show Hadley when is older. I am lucky to have two amazing sisters who will no doubt be amazing aunts to our Little Lady.

Two Years and Counting

Today, Jason and I celebrate our second anniversary! Well, in reality, we will celebrate via phone call since he is out of town for work, but celebrate we will! It’s hard to believe it’s already been two years since we were married, and almost five years since our first date. Jason and I met when my younger sister Celeste set us up on a blind date (best thing that ever happened to Jason, I know! Just kidding…I’m the lucky one). From the second time we went out, I knew he was the one and I have never doubted that instinct. Admittedly, some of my family and friends feared I may be delusional when I decided he was the one after 16 hours of hanging out, but they say when you know…you know!

Our first picture together - Taken at Mellisa's Birthday Bonfire, January 2011

I was 25 when we first went out, somewhat past of my prime according to old Southern tradition that likes a woman married and pregnant by the time she’s 22. Though my sister set us up, if you ask my grandma she will take full credit for our relationship as she had been praying “forever” for me to find my Prince Charming. She was vocal about her fear that, at the tender age of 25, it was possible that I would never find anyone, especially given the fact that I don’t cook and my eggs were likely in the process of decaying (a theory I’m glad we have since disproved!). But once I met Jason and introduced him to everyone, he was immediately welcomed as a member of the family. Anyone who knows me understands how important my family is to me and I can’t imagine being married to someone who didn’t want to be included in the fold. We’re big in numbers and personality - we’re loud, sometimes obnoxious, often opinionated and always immersed in each other’s lives. We love and support one another and remain close despite the distance that separates us. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that nonstop fun? I think my family was a lot for Jason in the beginning (and probably still is from time to time) but he has found his place and I know he loves my family as his own.

Some of the Denmark/Richards clan at the wedding

The siblings and spouses - we are only missing Sabrina! 

For me, meeting the future in-laws was a much less daunting prospect than it was for Jason. For starters, there aren’t that many of them. While Jas had to deal with a myriad of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and godparents, I had a small group of people to impress. Southern charm is sure to work on a small crowd at least initially, so I was confident in my ability to win them over. Second, they are very laid back and easygoing. My family is known to be a little “Type A” to say the least and his family is more relaxed so the balance has been nice. Little did I know that they would steal a piece of my heart the same way Jason did. His dad and step-mom, Bill and Trudy, are two of my favorite people in the world. They treat me as a daughter and friend, always available to lend support and encouragement as needed.  They are also quick to take my side when it comes to giving Jason a hard time, and that’s always entertaining (funny for me, probably annoying for Jason!) Jason’s step-mother who raised him, Mary, is also amazing and we have a very good relationship with one another. She was incredible during wedding planning and she made my wedding dress using my mom’s wedding dress. She also made a christening gown out of the lace from my mom’s dress so we have Peanut’s baptism outfit already picked out! Jas also has a brother and two younger sisters who are amazing and I thank God every day for allowing me to be a part of their family.  What the Whittaker clan lacks in numbers they make up for in heart and personality. Between both of our families, we are excited for Peanut to have so many people that care about her and have her back!

My father-in-law Bill, the sweetest man in the world! 

Trudy - one of my favorite people. Who's jealous that my mother-in-law will go shot for shot?! 

Mary - the wonderful woman who made my wedding dress and included my parents in the process 

As lucky as Jason and I are to have good relationships with our in-laws, I am most blessed by my relationship with him. He is my best friend and I can’t imagine spending my life with anyone else. He loves me like no one else – he always has my back and puts me on a pedestal while still calling me on my BS (not always fun, but he’s not afraid to hurt my feelings since I tend to bounce back fairly quickly. These days, I can’t stay mad if food is involved so he’s in the clear). He’s funny and smart and sincere and I love the way he takes care of me. I know he will make an amazing Daddy to our little Peanut and I can’t wait to see him in his new role. I don’t know if I tell him enough how much I appreciate everything he does for me and our family but I hope he knows how lucky I am to be his wife. So I’m raising my frosted mug of non-alcoholic beer in honor of my husband, my best friend, my baby-daddy – Jason, I love you and can’t wait for the next year of our lives together! 

Baby Blanket and a Bigger Bump

Today, Jason and I received our first homemade baby gift. My friend Christina made us a quilt and it is so precious! She did such a beautiful job and I cannot wait to have it in the nursery. I think it will be perfect! Christina and I met when I began working at Cerner last year and she is one of my favorite people in Kansas City. She is so smart and sweet and has a good head on her super young 23-year old shoulders. She recently accepted a job in Salt Lake City and is relocating this weekend. Selfishly, I am sad she is leaving and I am losing one of my best friends at work, but I am so proud of her and excited to see where her journey takes her.

This week we hit the 24-week mark! It's so crazy how fast time is going, and I think it is speeding up the further along we get in the process.

At 24 weeks, Peanut:
 - is about a foot long and weighs more than a pound
 - is the size of a Puffin or an eggplant
 - moves around a lot and reacts strongly to loud noises (we have discovered that she is not a fan of Gracen barking or fireworks!)
 - is starting to develop taste buds and luckily her Daddy continues to make delicious meals for her to enjoy

At 24 weeks, Mama:
 - continues to feel really good physically and emotionally
 - has learned she can no longer hang with the fun crowd, and she's still recovering from Robyn's wedding weekend fun
 - has gained almost 10 lbs and is beginning to feel a little "front-heavy"
 - is loving hot sauce on anything as well as Iced Chai Lattes

Jason and I are enjoying spending some quality time together this week before he begins traveling again for work. We are both looking forward to going to Atlanta next weekend to celebrate my grandfather's birthday and shower little Peanut with love!

My Best Friend's Wedding

My best friend is married! Robyn and Paul were married in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida this past Saturday. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and the bride looked like a pint-sized Malibu Barbie! I flew into Atlanta last Wednesday morning and rode with another bridesmaid, Casey, down to the beach. I was happy to have the chance to get into town early so I could spend some time with Robyn before the craziness began. She and Paul did a great job planning all the details of the weekend, and it all came together beautifully.

On Friday night following the rehearsal dinner, Paul's family hosted a low-country shrimp boil on the beach. The weather was perfect and everyone had such a nice time hanging out by the bonfire, roasting S'mores and getting to know one another. Jason had flown into Florida the day before from Canada, but unfortunately he was sick and missed the rehearsal dinner. Luckily he was feeling better by Saturday and was able to enjoy the wedding. Following dinner, the bridal party set off fireworks (which are illegal so we only did a few!) and I learned that Peanut may not like loud noises. As soon as the fireworks went off, she started moving around like crazy and it wasn't until the show finished that she calmed back down. I like to think she was dancing around in there in celebration, and I'm not complaining because I love feeling her move!

The weather on Saturday was beautiful and Robyn was calm and excited throughout the day. She has an amazing group of friends and we all had so much fun spending time together. The ceremony was perfect and then the party started. We had a great time celebrating, but I was exhausted by the time the reception started to wind down. I ended up sneaking out a little early in order to try and get some sleep before traveling home.

Sunday morning before leaving town we had the chance to eat breakfast with my cousin Leah and it was so great to see her and spend some time with her. She is always so sweet and funny and I loved getting the chance to catch up with her!

I was so honored to stand next to Robyn on the biggest day of her life and I cannot wait to see what the future brings for she and Paul. We are excited to stand with them on their journey together and have Hadley grow up with "Aunt Robyn and Uncle Paul" by her side.

23 Weeks

Hadley and I had a check-up this morning and we are happy to report that everything looks good! I’ve gained almost 10 lbs. and I am measuring a bit small (only measuring at 21 weeks, but the doctor said that is fine because I’m otherwise healthy). My BP remains low (100/75) and the baby’s heart rate is strong (140). I continue to feel really good and have been able to maintain a relatively healthy diet (better when my live-in chef is in town!) and keep up my exercise routine. Our next appointment is the first week of November and after that I will be seeing the doctor every 2 weeks. Hard to believe we will be in the third trimester at that point!

And the most exciting update of this week...I finally felt her move! On Sunday night, I was on the couch with Gracen and all of a sudden I felt what I thought was her moving. I immediately started crying! I didn't feel her again that night so I began to think maybe I had imagined it. Today when the doctor was checking her heart rate, she moved again and I definitely felt her. It took the doctor another minute to find the hear rate again because she was dancing all over. Coolest thing ever! My doctor said it may still be a while before I feel her throughout the day and before you can feel her from the outside as she is still pretty tiny and my placenta is acting as a pillow. Our pregnancy app tells us that this week, our little Peanut is the size of a Chinchilla or a Barbie doll. Our little lady is growing bigger by the day and she'll be here before we know it! 

Weekend Update

It was a crazy, busy weekend, but it was fun and productive as well. Jas left for Canada on Friday so it was just me and the dog for the weekend. On Friday night, Tina and Justin had a dinner with his company so I got to spend the night with my favorite little lady,  Mickie. We had such a good time! She is such a little spitfire and so funny and sweet. We ordered pizza, played with baby dolls, and went to the park. It was such a fun night! 

On Saturday, Tina and I spent the day together and enjoyed shopping and spending all of Jason's money! Celeste face-timed with us while we were out and it was fun to catch up with her. She has a fun weekend planned for us at the end of October and we can't wait to see everyone and spend some quality sister time with the baby of the family.  

On Sunday I went to a baby shower for one of my old coworkers, Ashleigh. She moved to Arizona earlier in the year and we found out we were pregnant right around the same time. She is due a few weeks before us and it was fun to see her and swap pregnancy stories! Sunday night I was pretty tired and spent the evening lounging on the couch with the dog. I like to think that I always appreciate what Jas does for me, but when he is out of town, I definitely miss the delicious home cooked meals and know how lucky I am to have a husband who cooks! 

This week will be very busy but I am so excited because my bestie is getting married! I am on the first flight out of Kansas City on Wednesday morning and will meet her in Santa Rosa beach. Jas will fly in from Canada on Thursday and I am looking forward to wedding weekend. My parents will be in town as well and we are looking forward to spending some quality time with them as well. It will be busy for sure, but Peanut is excited to put her dancing shoes on to celebrate with her godmother!