Thursday, December 29, 2011

Announcement!!

As promised - Eric and I are fully-ready to announce the name we've chosen for Baby! Over Christmas weekend we were able to share the name chosen with the remaining members of our family - specifically Motsy (who will not only be blessed with ONE great-grandchild in 2012...but, TWO! - Congratulations, again, Amanda and John!).

Before first names were even discussed - we had our middle name chosen: Louise. Louise is my Mamaw's middle name. My grandparents - Mamaw and Papaw - have played such a large part in my life, and I wanted a way to honor them. As you can probably tell, my Mom means the world to me - and having the opportunity to recognize her parents means alot.

When first discussing names - almost years ago, we had chosen the name Ava. Ava Louise sounded great at the time. I still love this name - and still call dibs for Baby #2...but, as the months went on it started falling through. Maybe it's the over-popularity of the name these days - or that something else just fit better. The less and less I referred to her as Ava, the more I knew it just wasn't the name for her. Of course, having sold myself on Ava so many years ago - I wasn't ready to begin thinking of new names.

Leave it to my amazing husband, who refused to discuss boy names, to think of the winning choice. Maybe it was the countless hours of being forced to watch Glee - or listen to the soundtracks over and over - but, when he mentioned "the" name...I was sold. No (and I repeat...no) she was not named after one of the actresses...just happens to share the first name. Eric shares the name of a famous baseball player - but he's not named after him!

We might also have kicked ourselves in the butt with the name we've chosen. When first talking about names, we kept saying to each other "No nicknames!" - meaning, we wanted a name that really couldn't be shortened. No "Jennifer" (because of Jen), no "Rebecca" (because of Becca), no "Kimberly" (because of Kim), etc. But, after a little compromise (which I'll explain shortly...) we decided we'll insert our feet into our mouths and bite this one!

Ladies and gentlemen...I'd like to make an announcement. The name we've chosen is:

GWENETH LOUISE

From Day 1 she'll be referred to as Gwen - hint, the nickname conversation above - and will be referred to as Gweneth when she's in trouble...but, that will never happen! I absolutely love the name "Gwen". I love how it's girly, short, unique and perfect for a baby, toddler, teenager and adult. And, I think it fits perfeclty with our personalities and her middle name.

I was sold on just naming her Gwen from the beginning - not even giving the opportunity to have it shortened, but Eric was rather pushy with spelling it out. He wanted it spelled with a "y" instead of an "e". Not that I don't agree with the parents who have used "y's" in the middle of names - please don't take this as I am! - but, I've never been a fan. Therefore, we compromised - change it to "e" and we can lengthen her name. It truly was that easy of a decision!

From the moment we picked Gwen, we stopped referring to her as "Baby". To me, she already carries the personaility that fits the name - and I've yet to lay my eyes on her (completely)! I love the feeling I get when calling her name - specifically in conversation with Eric. What seemed like it would be a difficult decison to make - truly was not. And, we could not be more thrilled with her chosen name!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Well-Behaved Baby

Today we had our monthly check-up, along with the follow-up ultrasound..and, we are quite the proud parents this evening! The appointment first started out with the ultrasound - checking on her heart and spine (shots she was rather stubborn at sharing last month), as well the cord and placenta previa.

I'm so excited to share - not only has her cord completely moved, but the placenta has moved in the right direction! Eric was more on-top of question asking this time and specifically asked of the chances it moves back...and, it's important to note - it can't (well, won't). I'm beyond relieved with this news - as I drilled it in my mind that we wouldn't be receiving this good of news today.

She wasn't shy whatsoever at today's appointment - showing off her heart for all of us to see. I love getting the "everything looks great" comment - almost like I should color a picture of a heart and place it on the fridge for a job well done. Her spine also looks great - which is all good news. Dr. Bell didn't have fears that anything was wrong with her heart or spine last month, Baby just wasn't in a great spot for her to have a good look.

Unfortunately, the bleed found last month is still persistent - and doesn't seem to be going anywhere. I was given the "as long as you don't see blood, there's no need to worry" conversation. Truly not seeing any blood on my end has really helped remain calm. I'm also off pelvic rest...just as I was milking the no heavy exercise thing...

Her heartbeat was 155, and she's measuring right on schedule (today she's 23 weeks, 1 day - and measuring 23 weeks, 3 days). She's also packed on the ounces and is weighing in at 1 lb, 7 oz.

She was waving to the camera almost the entire morning - as if I'd expect anything else. She's already camera-ready like a star! And, better yet - check out this profile...

How can you not love this?!

The next appointment is in 4 weeks, which will include the 2-hour glucose test. No ultrasound is scheduled for next appointment - which means today might be the last time we get to see her before she makes her big entrance into the world. Part of me is excited, which means we're that much closer...but another part is pretty sad - the ultrasounds have been amazing.

I love every ounce of her little, itty-bitty body and c.a.n. n.o.t. wait to wrap her in my arms!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Countdown

At what point should one stop counting up to 40 weeks and start counting down?!

We're officially at the beginning of Week 23 - with only 17 weeks to go! (Of course, writing down 17 weeks sounds much longer than saying we have less than 4 months to go.)

Therefore...17-Weeks-To-Go Reflections:

Movement: She's moving all over the place. Feeling alot of movement lower in my stomach, and alot on my left side. The other morning, Macie woke up super early and after taking her outside to potty I hopped back in bed. Once I got comfortable (and warm!) again, Baby started moving like crazy. Either she was ready to get up - or was upset I woke her.

Cravings/Aversions: Not really craving anything recently - however, I did splurge on some bananas and PopTarts at the grocery tonight. As for aversions - not really having anything here either. Throughout this entire pregnancy I've noticed what I loved before - I still love...and what I didn't like before - I still don't like.

I am feeling: Wonderful! I'm sure I sounded like a broken record over the weekend answering the "How are you feeling?" question - but, I really couldn't feel better. I'm starting to get a little uncomfortable in certain positions, but that really doesn't bother my feelings. Still haven't gotten queasy or upset - I almost feel spoiled!

What I miss most: Sleeping on my back. There have been a few nights where I've been on one side of my body and desperately want to swing over to my back. The feeling of switching sides just doesn't cut it. Eric's done a great job of letting me know I was on my back...the following morning. I've done a great job of letting him know he's snoring.

Best moment of the past week: CHRISTMAS!! This holiday weekend was full of great memories - but more importantly (for us, I suppose) it was full of anticipation of next year's Christmas. It's fun to talk about how different it will be, not to mention how different LIFE will be! :) I can't wait to lay out Santa cookies and watch her open her gifts Christmas morning.

She did receive quite the stack of gifts this Christmas and is one blessed-baby! Thank you very much to everyone who thought of her this year. Your thoughtfulness just made it that much more exciting waiting for her to get here! :)

What I'm looking forward to this week: Another relaxing, three-day weekend - not to mention we're making the final selection on Baby's chair for her room and starting to paint the "mural" tree and birds.

Before Week 23 is over - it will officially be 2012. Eric and I were "reflecting" back on how eventful 2011 has been just with the idea of planning/expecting Baby. We went from thinking January was "our month" to being told to shut the door to being told we conceived on our own and unfortunately losing our baby (but gained an Angel)...to finally the happiest moment of our journey and this moment today. It's been a surreal trip - but one I wouldn't change for the world. If 2011 was great...here's to an even better New Year! :)

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Happy 22 Weeks to us! :)

As we ramp up for our Christmas travel - as in the last Christmas travel withOUT Baby! - I'm filled with excitement to see our families! For many of them - we haven't seen each other since the announcement that we're expecting...and, it's safe to say - I'm excited to share my BUMP!

This week Baby is popping out - given she's grown tremendously over the last several weeks. Say hello to our little...

PAPAYA!!

TheBump mentions that she's sleeping anywhere between 12 and 14 hours a day...oh, to have her life! I've felt her move more and more - which tends to be the highlight of my day. Alot of the kicks and/or punches are on my left side - here's to hoping she uses the right side of her brain like her Mommy.

TheBump also mentions three no-so attractive upcoming items to look for...

#1 - Stretchmarks. So far, they've stayed away from me - which I'd like to credit to my amazing genes and the amount of coco-butter lotion I use. But, unfortunately, I understand they aren't avoidable.

#2 - Weight Gain. As of this morning (post breakfast, too!) I have gained a total of 14lbs. Almost split my pants when I saw the number on the scale - but reminded myself, it's all for Baby. Moving forward, they mention that there's a half pound of weight gain each week. Saying my prayers to the Pregnancy Gods they go easy on me from now until Week 40...

(One good thing to mention, no "pregnancy nose" for this chick! I've read that women's noses expand during pregnancy - and I can't help but check mine out every opportunity I get. So far, so good.)

#3 - Swelling. Truly, TheBump uses "minor", but after looking down at my feet tonight while trying some clothes on at Macy's...there's nothing "minor" about it. My feet look disgustingly swollen. I'm elevating them for the rest of the night, and praying they come back to normal.

On a good note, have I told you how much I love my pregnancy hair?! After several months of growing out my bangs, I had Nicole cut them short again. LOVE how they're working with me!

As mentioned already, this week we're specifically excited to spend time with our families. Friday morning, Dad and I are headed to Louisville - with Eric to follow Saturday morning. We will get the opportunity to share as much news as possible, and her name!, with the ones we love the most. Saturday night, after celebrating Christmas Fihe-style, the entire Carrico family is headed back to Indy to celebrate our first Carrico Christmas on Christmas Day in Indiana. (For those who are just catching on...that's a change after 16 years!)

Sunday night, Eric and I have opened up our home to celebrate Christmas with the Davis Family. We had Christmas dinner at our house last year - and minus the out-of-gas, freezing cold, snow, etc. "event" - it's great to have everyone together! My favorite part - watching our four nephews light up! This year, Auntie Em has cookie decorating plans for all the boys - which can only mean I'll need some soap and scrub to clean up the mess...

And, lastly, to pick up from my post a few days ago - Eric has started tracing the "mural" on Baby's wall. After Christmas and the New Year, we'll purchase the paints to finish up the project. I'm beyond thrilled with how this is going to turn out!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Lover's Knot

We accomplished so much this weekend - more than I would have expected...given we have 128 days until Baby's estimated date of delivery. Then again, we have only 128 days!

As previously mentioned, we planned to paint the walls this weekend. Friday morning Eric and I nailed down the final choice of color before I walked out the door for work. Without a doubt, we wanted pink - but were looking for a light, pastel-ish shade for the walls. We ended up taking a three-color swatch and matching the darker shades of pink to the colors in the bedding fabric. We then went with the lightest shade on the swatch. Winning choice:

Lover's Knot
Friday night Mom and I went and purchased the paint and put up the first coat. Not going to lie, at first I thought it was too "pink". We agreed to keep painting - waiting to see what it looked like completed and with the natural light from the window outside. Saturday afternoon we went for a second gallon and contemplated going for a shade lighter. After not finding one that I liked, we took our chances and bought the same Lover's Knot color. After the second coat was complete - I could not have been happier! We can't decide if it's because of the flat paint on the wall before or just the lighting from the night before, but the color is perfect. It looks fantastic against the white trim and doors - and will look even better up against the white furniture.

Until we get a ceiling light put in, we're using floor and table lamps. Doesn't give a great picture - but I couldn't not share.




Of course, we did have our observers - making sure Mom didn't drip paint on the carpet...


And, finally tonight my handy-man husband put together her crib. Eric was right, it feels more "real" now that the crib is up and set in place. It looks FANTASTIC! As he was putting it together, I kept getting more excited about how happy I was with our final decision. We even had a little "helper" while putting the crib together!



Daddy has some special help...
Complete!
Just testing it out...
Now, we move towards finalizing the design! :) We've borrowed the projector Amanda has "borrowed" from her elementary school and are planning to paint a mural on the wall opposite of her crib and a few birds above her crib. I wasn't wanting paintings at first, but after we put to images on the wall with the projector - how could I not love it?! Eric is super excited to put his artist touch on the walls - and is going to begin working on the sketches and painting this week. I can NOT wait until they are finished! It truly will bring the room full-circle.

Again, the pictures aren't great - it is only the image from the projector...but, the anticipation of the final product makes it all worth it!

Birds above the crib!

Tree mural against the window wall.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Role Model

Today is a very important day in our household. In one way, it has everything to do with the journey we're on to becoming parents for the first time. But, in another - maybe even slightly selfish - it has everything to do with only one person. Today is about Eric.

After 4 long years, countless hours spent in the classroom and thousands of minutes spent studying for exams, writing papers and presenting projects - today, Eric officially graduates from Franklin College. When we first met - almost 8 years ago - we sat up late one night talking about plans for the future. That night he mentioned to me that he had a 10-year plan for himself. In 10 years, he was going to have a degree in his name. It seemed like a forsaken dream at the time - like 10 years would never come.

Less than half way through the 10 years, and three full-time job changes, Eric made the decision that if he were ever going to accomplish his goal - he would have to start small and start soon. He immediately excelled - putting so much focus and determination to starting out strong. I'll never forget the conversation Dad had with Eric shortly after classes started. He told Eric that anyone can take your car, your house, your money away from you - but, at the end of the day - no one can take away the accomplishment of graduating from college.

Like so many times in our relationship, through challenges have come opportunities. Fall of 2008, Eric lost his job due to the economy. In that moment of hardship - he knew what opportunity he had. And, for our future moving forward - we knew what opportunity we had to take. Eric applied to Franklin College's full-time enrollment for classes starting in the Fall of 2009...and was immediately admitted. Since then, he's dedicated so much time to performing well. And, in less than 10 years - he's tackled his goal.

While it hasn't always been easy - he's excelled on so many levels. Scholarships, Dean's Lists, never dipping below a 3.0 GPA. And, he's done it without asking for attention. Even tonight, he's said over and over that "it's not that big of a deal". Yes it is. What he has shown is determination to accomplish goals you set for yourself. This is truly a trait I pray he explains to our daughter one day. Accomplishing this dream wasn't just for himself - it was for us, our future and our family.


Eric, I could not be more proud of you! You are a true role model for our baby and for the future we have together. Congratulations on a job well done. I love you!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Chiquita

Today marks the start of Week 21! According to the Bump, we're looking anywhere and everywhere for baby names, while also feeling some third trimester symptoms - leaky tatas, Braxton Hicks contractions and heartburn.

Uh, negative on all four...no, we aren't "looking" for Baby's name - because it's already been chosen! We aren't the couple to hide anything related to this child - but, I'm waiting until after we tell Motsy her name at Christmas. Expect a full post in just a few short weeks! I've also not had a drop from my boobs, Braxton Hicks or heartburn. Her kicks have picked up - I can't wait for Eric to feel them...even though that comes with the thought of her kicks getting stronger and maybe hurting...not that I'm complaining...


We learned today that Baby is roughly 10 1/2 inches long - and the size of a:

BANANA!!

Typically each morning, I get my email from TheBump and copy/paste it into an email for Eric to read. I failed today - and forgot to send him his email...consider it the pregnancy brain!...so, tonight we opened it and read it together. When I announced that Baby is the size of a banana, Eric had to ask: "What kind of banana? A Chiquita Banana?!" Yes - let's hope!

I'm continuing to enjoy every ounce of this pregnancy. My belly has definitely popped over the last few days - there's no denying there's a baby inside! For now, my leg cramps have subsided - knocking on wood! - but the occasional headache has begun to pester me. My nights after work are pretty lazy - and one of my favorite things is laying on the couch and cuddling with our fur-child, Macie. Each night she curls up in my lap and after a while, will rest her head on my belly. It's like her own, personal pillow!

One of the symptoms to look for this week is dry, itchy skin on or around my stomach. Have you ever noticed how immediately when you talk about a part of your body itching, it does?! I swear, two seconds ago it wasn't!!

This week we're looking forward to painting her room! Of course, it will most likely be Saturday - and the majority of the painting will probably come from Nana. (Don't listen to her when she says she's forced...she loves it - and, well, from experience - I'm a pretty sloppy painter.) After the paint is up - we'll start on the crib...who says now is too early?!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Registry

This morning we hopped in the car, headed to breakfast and went to Babies R Us to create our baby registry. I imagined it being a little less overwhelming, compared to our bridal registry - but, I couldn't have been further off. I think, because with a wedding, we knew we needed everything - plates, towels, a blender, a toothbrush holder - but, for a baby we weren't sure what we needed and what we didn't need.

Instead of starting at the front of Babies R Us, we started in the back and worked our way forward...a little trick we've learned from grocery shopping. We had a lot already nailed down from our browsing trip a few weeks ago. We kept the "big" items neutral - knowing they could be used for Baby #2...if and when that happens. That, of course, didn't stop us from fulfilling our wish list with loads of pink accessories. (Let it be known, we were looking for purple too - but we failed.)

We ventured through the highchairs, play yards, stroller and car seats before tackling the bath and safety section. We opted to detour past the bottles and pacifiers, as that seemed to be the most overwhelming section of all. At one point my phone rang, I went to answer it and next thing you know - Eric was missing. He ventured over to the FAO Swartz section...only to register for a few more items. We then headed towards the bedding, blankets and toys. We headed back to the breast pumps, bottles and pacifiers and made what we hope are the best choices.

We decided to take a note from NASCAR and went for a final lap around the store - scanning anything we might have missed. All together it took us a total of two hours start to finish, and I think it's safe to say - we won't be needing a second trip.

Today definitely made it feel more "real" as we've headed out of the tunnel from half-time and into the second half. If we haven't said it before, let me say it now...we're VERY ready for her to be here with us!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Whoa...

In the words of Bon Jovi...

WE'RE HALF WAY THERE! Whoa, livin' on a prayer!

I'm absolutely in love with this feeling! We've hit a huge milestone - not to mention one more week closer to meeting our Princess. :)

They weren't kidding when you say you're energy builds back up during the second trimester, I've felt great! Granted, I can still nap like a champ, and have never had a problem falling asleep...why start now? Still haven't started swelling and (thankfully!) haven't hit the heartburn stage of pregnancy symptoms - but the leg cramps at night haven't gone away. They are much better now - but, I may just be getting used to them.

Quick reflections for the week...

Movement: Definitely feeling her move more! Still very light, but I know it's her...she enjoys letting me know she's there while at work. I think she loves the talk of HR, too.

Cravings/Aversions: I'm loving everything sweet! Not quite chocolate-sweet, more like sugar-sweet. I must say that I've held myself back from the multiple trips to the office down the hall from me at work - who just happens to have Starbursts practically calling my name! What I haven't held back from...sweet rolls with orange glaze! :) Still no aversions, outside of what I couldn't stand pre-pregnant.

I am feeling: Amazing! It helps when outside features are starting to balance themselves out - keeps the spirits up! My hair has finally become style-able - which was not the case last month. I kept waiting and waiting for the "amazing" pregnancy hair, and after my touch-up appointment on Saturday - I'll be back! Also, my teenage acne has cleared itself up...for now. And, finally, my belly is starting to round out - looking more like a baby's inside there and not just that I ate too many sweet rolls! And, it must be really noticeable to everyone else - as just this last week I had several people notice and say such nice things! :) Of course, it's starting to "round" just as we learn Baby is the shape of a...

CANTALOUPE!!

Still feeling very calm about the news given last week. And, (still) no signs of bleeding at all - which is the best part.

Best Moment of the Past Week: THE CRIB HAS ARRIVED!! Who'da thunk it?! What was supposed to be an 8-10 week wait, turned into only 2 short weeks. I got the call yesterday from BuyBuyBaby - and immediately asked Amanda if she would be so kind as to lend us her truck for the evening. Granted, we picked the night that wasn't dry by any means - as it was raining in Indiana for almost three straight days. Mom came with us, and brought the tarps to cover the box. Let it be known, that SHE was the one who pushed for us to pick it up yesterday. I wasn't, by any means, objecting - but as we were driving back home (at a rather quick speed to try our best to not soak the box), she tried to act as if she had nothing to do with picking it up yesterday. Liar, liar...

Either way, it's safely at home - and in our garage. After we paint the room, we'll set her up. And, paint will be coming soon! :)

What I'm Looking Forward to This Week: Registering this weekend! Now that we've hit the mid-way point, we've decided to start our registry. A few weeks ago, we walked the aisles at Babies R Us, getting an idea of what we would like - to make the actual day of registering less stressful. For anyone who knows Eric and I - grocery shopping with a list is difficult enough.

"Whoa, we're half way there! Whoa, livin' on a prayer!
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear.
Whoa, livin' on a prayer!"

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Believe in the Chinese

I was drawn towards the Chinese when a friend of mine was expecting her second baby. And, then anytime I knew someone was pregnant. No, not because of wontons or egg rolls, but because of their unbelievable way to predict the gender of one's baby!

For so many women I've been around - the Chinese never seem to fail. Therefore, naturally, when Eric and I began planning to extend our family - I immediately reached out to the Chinese. We've both always wanted a girl first. Granted, we really always wanted a baby first - but if we had a choice, we'd prefer having a Little Emily before a Little Eric.

When we first started trying for a baby - it seemed to work itself out...the months that "something" signaled ovulation (which my body was struggling to do on her own) - it was right with the Chinese! But, then it stopped - both the Chinese trend of months and ovulation completely.

Jump to July 2011 - when our prayer was answered, and my girly parts listened! Almost immediately after our pregnancy was confirmed, I leaned on the Chinese for some suggestions...

TheBump
The Chinese Gender Chart above is the one I use frequently. This chart takes the month of conception (July) and the age of the mother at conception (25). Found our match! Often when I have people tell me I'm wrong - I direct them to this site...Angie and Ali...and they soon find out the reason to my madness.


BabyCenter
(Unfortunately, the entire chart from BabyCenter is far too large for this page, but I've included our results!) BabyCenter, like TheBump, I use often for answers about symptoms and weekly updates. Similarly to TheBump, this chart tracks the age of the mother, but calculates the month of conception for you (based on the baby's due date). Never a wrong answer here - reason for source #2!


Lunar Age Gender Chart

This chart is one that takes a few more steps to complete. First, you have to calculate the mother's lunar age. For me - and the month of July - I am 27 years old, in the 6th lunar month. Not really my favorite site to use (the extra step always delays for immediate responses!) - but, like our case, never fails.

You can call them myths - or choose not to believe. But, the Chinese don't lie...and, I for one could not be happier with their prediction every time! Who doesn't believe me now?!