Another great doctor appointment! 37 weeks!

Yesterday Nic and I went to the doc. We're on weekly appointments now. Everything was spectacular as usual. We saw the missus instead of the mister. I think we'll be back to mister next week. She had us cracking up as usual. We were chatting about all the things that aren't talked about regarding pregnancy, delivery and post partum recovery. It was refreshing to see that she, even as an OB doctor, didn't know everything going into her pregnancy either. It was pretty comical.

We did the typical weigh in, blood pressure and fundle heights. Those stats coming a little lower. She also confirmed what I suspected last Wednesday. The boy did, in fact, drop! How exciting! She felt his head while I was laying down and said that he was most definitely engaged. All signs read go! Another big positive is that I am GBS NEGATIVE! From what I understand, this is a very common bacteria present in the birth canal. It's this bacteria that leads doctors to want baby OUT within 24 hours of the water breaking. Since I tested negative, we aren't too concerned about an infection and I wont need antibiotics during labor. Another nice thing is that I wont be in a rush to get to the hospital. The doc made it very clear that I can stay at home as long as I'm comfortable and if it happens late at night that I don't need to call until morning. Ahhh, what a relief. I really would like this labor to go smoothly and let my body lead the way. I'm very thankful that I have doctors that agree and all three of us feel that medical intervention should be a last resort. It's very comforting.

When we talked about the contractions I've had this last week and where I was feeling them, she gave me a few pointers and positions to try. Turns out, that's exactly what I did. :-D I was feeling it a lot in my back so I got on my hands and knees. A little hip swaying felt much better too. Both things she suggested. She also said that counter pressure would have been a big help too. I couldn't help but chuckle and give Nic a knowing look. The morning after the contractions (when I was telling Nic about them) I had told him that I would have loved to have him pushing on my back but I didn't want to wake him up. It was nice to hear her suggestions and was even more reassuring knowing that my body knew what it needed and I could, again, follow its lead.

So that's the gist of it. This is a belly picture that I took once we got home from the doctor. Getting big and more and more low everyday.


So, here are the stats...
How far along? 37 Weeks 3 Days
Total weight gain: 28 pounds!!! I had a 2 pound increase this week. It kinda washes with the 1 pound increase I had for the 2 week period last appointment. Yeah, that's it! Actually, I think it's because the boy dropped. Since I've had the extra room, my appetite has been out of control. I never feel full anymore. I made myself a 1.5 lb. steak last night and still went back for a giant bowl of cereal. Yeah, cereal has been another big craving lately. I just can't get enough! I told Nic that I could easily see how some women gain 60 pounds! If I felt like this the whole time, I would be a blimp!
Maternity clothes?: Ha! Barely. I rarely leave the house anymore. There's so much to do here and very few reasons to get me out in this winter weather. I have my favorite jeans, several sweaters and shirts to rotate through but at home I'm in tshirts and pj pants. :-D A girl has to stay comfy!
Sleep: What sleep? I kid, kinda. I'm good until about 3 or 4 AM. Then hips ache, arms/hands tingle, full bladder begs to be emptied and contractions kick in. I think the contraction have something to do with a full bladder and lack of fluids those hours that I'm sleeping. As soon as I relieve myself and quench the desert in my mouth, they go away. I do sleep with a liter of water on my nightstand but I don't wake up until the contractions are starting. I still don't know if that's good or bad. All I know is the end is near!
Best moment this week: Nic telling me about his Daddy bonding time with the boy while I was asleep. Such a sweet moment!
Movement: Yes but much less. Of course this isn't a concern to the doctor. He is clearly running out of space in there. I still feel him several times a day and much more in the evening and when I'm getting ready for bed. It wont be a concern unless I feel him less than 3 times in an hour. This boy far surpasses that!
Gender: Boy! Without a doubt!
Labor Signs: What signs don't I have?! I've lost the plug, have dropped, get regular contractions through the night, you name it, I've had it! The only thing I'm lacking at this point is actual labor!
Belly Button in or out? Out by about 1/4 of an inch. Barely anything.
What I miss: Oh many, many things! Belly sleeping, sleeping at all, sitting on the couch comfortably, sitting at all (I can't rotate my hips since he's dropped. I just perch on the edge of chairs) ribs that don't ache, peeing like a normal person, normal sized ankles, hands that don't tingle, feeling my finger tips, typing without a million type-o's, being able to walk upright without back aches, getting out of the house, being productive, having energy, hmmm....I should probably stop now.
What I am looking forward to: The opposite of everything listed above! ;-) Oh and having a precious little boy in my arms.
Weekly Wisdom: The end is hard no matter what! The outcome is worth it!
Milestones: Dropping! Woo-Hoo! Another step closer!
Fundle height: 37cm
Mama's waist size: 42 1/2 inches! Holy crap!!!! It's amazing what a woman's body can do. I look forward to seeing what happens post partum!

The Hubs

That's my affectionate name for my Nic. The hubs. The hubby. The man. He is MY man. ;-)

Yesterday was a pretty exhausting day for me. We didn't do much more than errand running but I sure was wiped out! Nic and I had some cuddle time on the couch as we flipped channels. Needless to say, I passed out early. Nic was awesome. He fed the dogs, took them potty, finished the laundry I started and came back to snuggle each time. :-D He even put me to bed with as little waking up as possible. What an awesome hubby!

Last night wasn't a very restful sleep (it usually isn't these days) so I was semi conscious when his alarm started going off this morning. I pushed my body pillow aside and snuggled some more. Of course the belly gets in the way but I think he likes feeling the big belly during our snuggle time. That's when he told me that the little man was moving like crazy last night. Really? When? When we were snuggling on the couch. Oh...when I was sleeping? Yeah! Daddy got some good quality bonding time with the boy and mom didn't even know! I love little moments like that. :-D

Also last night, before snuggle time. He was rubbing my belly and shook it a little. Then came an emphatic "you have to come out now!" I just couldn't contain my giggles. I asked him if he were ready for an outside baby. With the look of an eager kid his response was, "uh huh!" I asked him if it were the kisses, hugs and snuggles that he wanted. He said, "well, all of it. I just want to see him." That man is too precious! I love it!

Speaking of my hubs. I just need to brag on him for a moment. As most of you know, we moved to Vermont for work. More specifically, his work. He's been building a 15,000 sq ft log cabin in the mountains of Vermont. This has been no small undertaking! He stepped foot on the job for full time work, the second week of May 2008. They started flying logs the next week. Now, less than 18 months later, the job is coming to a close. There will be a few landscaping things to take care of in the spring but for the most part, it should be done within a few short weeks. This is what the front of the cabin looks like now. :-) I'm so proud of my man and his many talents. He makes everything look so effortless.




Have a wonderful day!

I sure hope I can hold out!

This little man is going to come whenever he is ready. I understand that. Though, with that being said, I really-really-really hope we can hold out until AFTER the holidays. I've said it before and I'll say it until he's born, I want his birthday as far from Christmas as possible. I think he'll be able to enjoy both more if that were possible. Separate holidays. Time to recover from one before fully diving into the next. Also the development advantages of cooking a little longer.

I think I've already had all of the warning signs indicating that my body is preparing for labor. The kind of signs that means it can happen within a few weeks, a few days or even a few hours. I've had everything except water breaking and regular contractions starting. Even the last one I say tentatively.

Two nights this week, I've been woken up by contractions. The first time I wasn't sure because I only had 2 but they were real. I recognized what they were once the second time happened. On Thursday night I had 3 hours of contractions that were 20-25 minutes apart. They were the most intense in the second and third hours but stopped just as Nic's alarm was starting to go off. Unfortunately, what I felt, leads me to believe that I will be among the mothers that have back labor. Ugh. I hope I'm wrong! I have been guzzling water and resting as much as I can (hard thing to do with so many holiday tasks to accomplish). So far, no more contractions since that night. Thank God!

I've also noticed that the little man has dropped. Yet another sign indicating that he is ready and waiting. Wednesday night I was getting ready for bed. As I like to do often, I took a peek at my belly in the mirror. (I love my big belly and love to see it grow.) I noticed that it looked drastically different. It's not like I let weeks go by without looking....I love looking....I look more than I probably should! But, there it was, not even 24 hours since I had seen it last and it's completely different. This is no small task either. I've carried low this entire pregnancy! I really wasn't sure if I was going to get that telltale dropped look because I really didn't think there was anywhere lower for him to go. And my ribs! Oh my Ribs! They feel so much better now! I've gained at least 4 inches between where his feet were firmly planted and where they now poke me. I'm sorry to disappoint but I just don't have a picture for proof. It will be coming soon though. I'm itching for another round of belly shots!

That brings me to the holidays. I think it's a bit too cold for me to do anymore belly shots outside. The last round was pretty chilly being bare belly in the 30's. Our most recent averages have been in the teens. I just might have to bring the last round or two indoors. It kinda messes with my theme of passing seasons but it is what it is. I have an idea or two floating through my head.

Thankfully, I was able to get holiday presents and cards out in the mail today. Should be enough time for everything to show up on Christmas eve. It's difficult shopping for family when they are so far away. I'm the type of person that likes to get someone something that they wouldn't buy for them self. I don't get obnoxious, cheesy, as seen on tv, crap. I listen throughout the year about things that interest them. Books they'd like to read. Games there think are cool. Pampering or splurtastic items. It doesn't have to be expensive to be splurtastic. It just needs to be something that someone might put off buying for them self. Without having those chit-chatty kind of conversations...I'm missing vital info! I'm hoping that I fished for clues enough that I managed to get everyone something they'll love.

Since I didn't have a belly picture to share, I will leave you with this. This picture was taken in my front yard after the first true snow we've had this winter. This is on the Barberry bush. Enjoy.

OOPS! I swore I wouldn't be the one...

...that had the false alarm! I figured, I know my body. I'll know what it's doing. Hmm...I guess not.

On Friday I had some signs of labor. Not contractions but 'other' signs. I'm leaving out specifics for those that get grossed out easily (Dad, Mara, other squeamish people). I really didn't think it was a big deal but liked that my body was preparing for the tough job ahead. I knew this meant that labor could start anywhere from within the following days to weeks. I really wasn't concerned.

Saturday night, I had some wicked cramping. It woke me from a sound sleep twice. The first time, the pain in my back was so severe, I could only be relieved on my hands and knees. Believe it or not, I actually fell asleep like that. I was on my knees and elbows with my forehead on my pillow and my butt in the air! Talk about funny looking! But I didn't care. I was finally comfortable and it was 4 in the morning! Nic didn't even see me like that (sleeping soundly) so what did it matter?!

Sunday morning, I was having my cup of coffee with Nic on the couch. All of a sudden, I felt...uh...wet. Pregnancy does some strange things to your body. This wasn't exactly a new symptom so I changed my undies and continued with my morning. Within about 30 minutes, it happened again. This time I started to get a little concerned that I had a slow leak. Not my bladder, my amniotic fluid. I knew that it didn't always happen in a gush like the movies because the babies head could act like a plug. I decided to lay down for a little bit and see if it happened again when I got up. Well, it did. Not much but still enough to concern me.

I should also mention that this particular Sunday was the magic Sunday. The one in which I'm officially 36 weeks. The one in which there is a point of no return. Once 36 weeks, if labor starts, my doctor wouldn't stop it! Oh crap! That's when the freak out started. I wasn't ready. I really, really, really wasn't ready. Nic did a great job of keeping me calm and was very supportive but all I kept thinking about was the things I hadn't done yet.

The nursery isn't finished (which isn't so much of a concern) but I hadn't started washing the new baby clothes because I didn't have anywhere to put them. I haven't finalized my order for the cloth diapers we'll be using, meaning we had nothing for this little guys tush. I felt like that house was a mess (really not a big concern but it became an issue when I felt unprepared). It's really not. I just have Christmas boxes around. We still haven't met with the pediatrician. There were a few things that I need to exchange that are baby related. I need the infant insert for the Ergo baby carrier. We still haven't really decided on a name. Oh, the list goes on and on. It's all a bit overwhelming when you thought you had a little longer.

Thankfully my water didn't break and I could relax. While we were at the hospital, they did a NST which is a Non Stress Test. They wanted to hear the babies heart beat, feel him move and see if I was having any contractions. Well, little man behaved wonderfully. His heart rate was averaging 130 and spiked to the 150's (which is what they wanted to see). He moved several times. Even a few that Daddy could see from across the room! I wasn't having contractions but I do have an irritable uterus. I wasn't told to be completely still, so it could be the fact that Nic was making me laugh and I was moving some. In any case, it was nothing to be alarmed about and our wonderful nurse Audra asked me to drink more fluids and rest more. I could manage that.

As we were getting ready to leave, Audra told me that the doc wanted me to call first thing in the morning to set up a time for me to go in for a wellness checkup. I told her that I had an appointment set for Tuesday but she insisted that the doc wanted to see me tomorrow (Monday) and said that she might consider waiting til the scheduled appointment but to call anyway.

I called the office first thing the next day and sure enough, she wanted to see me ASAP. It wasn't anything crazy urgent but she just wanted to chat and check me over. We did all the usual stuff. Check for proteins in the urine...none. Weigh me...only 1 pound in 2 weeks. Yippee! Measure the fundle height...36cm. Perfect Perfect. Listen to the heartbeat...always wonderful! Check for GBS (Group B Strep)...not fun. Should know by our next appointment. She told me that I was perfect and that it's always nice to have a patient so easy and healthy. She also said that she's going to yell at Dr. E for hogging the good patients! She really cracks me up. I love that I'm so comfortable with my docs. We also talked about what happened and said that it's nothing to worry about. Better to be safe than sorry. She also gave me a few tips on what to look for and when it's absolutely urgent to call. So, it's all good.

Overall, even though I feel a little silly, I'm kinda glad it happened. It's lit a fire under my tush to get some baby related things done. I know I can't do everything and I should still be resting but I need to prepare as though it can be any day. There are some things that will need to be DONE when he gets here. I also like that I was able to see the L&D section of the hospital. Of course it's a closed ward but because of the H1N1 hoopla, I couldn't take a tour and meet the staff. It was a little daunting not knowing what to expect. But, I saw it. Not all of it but enough to have a mental picture. I was also able to meet a few of the nursing staff. They were all very kind and personable. I'm glad I'm comfortable with them too. It should make the birthing experience a relaxed one. Exactly what I was hoping for.


So, it wouldn't really be a post if I didn't include some pictures. :-D This is one from a set I didn't care for. The attempt was for a Christmas card photo but Nic was being uncooperative. He laughs and says he couldn't help it. Every time he was needed to look at the camera and smile, he made this awful face because we were looking into the sun. The outtakes are pretty funny but I didn't even bother editing them! It was such a beautiful day and my results were only mediocre. Eh...we'll try again. I'm hoping with enough time to send out Christmas cards!


Here are a couple others from my 35 weeks set. (A week ago.) Nic was the photographer behind these. I think it's a neat little sequence. :-)












Have a great day!

35/35

The Belly! Oy, is it getting bigger! We had a doctor appointment this past Tuesday. everything is going well. I'm growing right on track. Little man is healthy and all is good. We talked about many things. Contraceptives while this little man is still an infant, how big he was at the last ultrasound, what to expect for delivery, swelling, hand tingling...ya know, all the fun stuff.

Here are a couple pictures, then we'll get back to the chatty stuff.




Since I want to exclusively breast feed, it sort of limits my options on birth control. The only 2 choices I'd really consider would be the mini pill (progesterone only) or an IUD. Well, after a good amount of reading the other night. I don't really feel comfortable with an IUD until we're fairly confident that we're done expanding our family. It seems convenient to not have to remember a pill everyday and it can stay in place for up to 5 years but the risks are a little scary. Infection, uterine perforation/implantation, ectopic pregnancy, decreased fertility...not all that comforting considering we'd like to have more children (or a child). Not to mention that it could also eliminate menstrual cycles and take up to 8 months to regulate to the point of being able to conceive. When we're ready to start trying again, I wouldn't want to wait another 8 months and possibly then some to get pregnant again. The mini pill has it's own down falls but they aren't nearly as severe. The biggest one I would see is the timing and effectiveness. It needs to be taken everyday within a 3 hour period of the previous day. Even then, it's only 87-95% effective. Since we would like our kids to be close in age, I would rather a pleasant surprise of being a little closer than planned than having issues conceiving and having them further apart. Nic seems to agree. I realize that these choices aren't uniform for every family but we feel that it'll work for us.

This past doctor appointment was the first since we had the sizing ultrasound. I was finally able to chat with the doctor about his size and what to expect. It turns out that he's measuring in the 82nd percentile for growth. At our 18 week ultrasound he was in the 60th percentile. We can see this little guy is on a steep curve. The doc doesn't seem to be worried though. He says that we don't need to worry about complications until he hits the 95th percentile. He's also guessing that we'll have a baby that weighs mid to high 8's. Definitely do-able.

Even though this dude seems to be growing well the doc seems to think that he'll still be fashionably late. I haven't had any internal exams and wont unless we suspect any issues. The tardiness is just the docs guess based on the fact that I'm a first time mom. By all means, I would like his birthday to be as far from Christmas as possible, I really like his due date and I really don't want him getting any bigger than he needs to be! I'd love to avoid a c-section at all costs. :-) Doc told me that we will talk about induction at my January 12th appointment if I make it that long. I'd officially be 40 weeks 2 days then.

All else is just normal late term pregnancy stuff. I have minor swelling if I'm on my feet for long periods of time. It goes away after a short time sitting or elevating my feet. I have hand tingling that can be pretty uncomfortable. I guess it's a form of carpal tunnel or something. Mainly it's just nerve pressure. It's mostly in my hands but at times I can feel it in my armpits and it effects my arms as well. It's such a strange sensation to have the palms of my hands numb for most of the day. It gets a little frustrating when it wakes me up but that's not often. Only a little longer. I'm trying to enjoy as much of this experience as possible. I know I'm only going to be pregnant so many times and I would like to say that it was a wonderful experience.

Today is a big milestone. It's one of the biggies leading up to labor. It's officially my 35/35! Hmm....do some of you not know what that is? It means I am finally 35 weeks along with only 35 days to go! Whew! It makes me excited and nervous all at the same time. So many things are going to change. So many things are going to be surprises. So many things to think about. So many things still yet to do. He's running out of room and his movements have changed yet again. He doesn't kick me anymore. There aren't sudden pops and pokes. He stretches, rolls and moves. I can tell the difference between a butt and a foot. Knees and feet still feel pretty much the same. It's very obvious when he rolls over but I think that's because he mostly stays head down with his feet on my right. It's rare and short lived that he kicks his feet over to my left. I don't want to wish away this pregnancy because I really have enjoyed it but I'm getting to the point where I want an outside baby. :-) I know he needs to be in longer to be fully developed but I'm eager to cuddle and love on him. Just a little longer!

Another really cool thing happened this past week. Nic was able to hear his heartbeat. We've been able to hear it at every baby appointment and every ultrasound but this was different. On Tuesday the 1st, after our doctor appointment, Nic and I were snuggling on the couch. When I asked him if he could hear the heartbeat he got on his knees next to me and put his ear to my belly. At first he was listening a little high and couldn't hear it. When I told him to position himself over his back (my lower left side) he said he was able to hear it clear as a bell! He then put his head on my chest just to make sure he was hearing the baby and not my heartbeat. He said that it was very different and that mine was much slower. Then he went back to listening to his boy for a while. It's exciting to see Nic experience something in this pregnancy that I can't. For so much of it, it's been me experiencing things that he can't. As much as I would have loved to be apart of that listening experience, I'm glad he got that one all to himself. ;-)

The official updates:
How far along? 35 Weeks! 35 Days to go!
Total weight gain: 26 pounds!!! I'm doing great! I hear it's pretty common to lose a few pounds in the last week too but even if I don't and I keep gaining until the end, I'm happy. I think I've managed myself well and shouldn't have too many troubles getting the weight back off.
Maternity clothes? Yes, for some time now. I was nervous having so few at first but mix it up enough and a little goes a long way.
Sleep: Going pretty well. I still wake myself up when I need to roll over but I think it's just because it's not too easy to get this giant belly to move. Not too many potty breaks either. If I do get up before it's time to get up, it's right before Nic's alarm goes off. Figures. At least I get a little snuggle time in the AM and can groggily keep him company as he gets ready.
Best moment this week: Nic hearing the heartbeat with his ear on my belly. That was really neat!
Movement: Yup and it's changed yet again. The little guy is running out of space in there.
Gender: Boy! Without a doubt!
Labor Signs: None that I'm sure of. We're going to be skipping internal exams so I wont know if I'm dialating and effacing before the actual labor. I have been having a little bit of a crampy feeling in my lower belly (practically in my hip) but it's a constant discomfort not something that comes and goes. It doesn't usually last long. Maybe an hour or two. So far so good and little guy is staying put.
Belly Button in or out? Still pretty flat but out if anything.
What I miss: Belly sleeping, walking without getting tired, going up stairs without getting winded, emptying my bladder completely (the constant urge to pee is quite annoying!), being able to function as a normal person and sitting on the couch without rib and back pain. As soon as I get comfy, this little man desides to play footsies with my ribs which then radiates to my back. Ahh...soon I will miss being pregnant and these little nuances will feel like just that...little nuances.
What I am looking forward to: Having a cute and cuddly little man to hug and kiss!
Weekly Wisdom: I don't think it'll change. Patience, take it easy and everything will come together at the right time.
Milestones: 35/35!
Fundle height: 35cm
Mama's waist size: Going to fill this out as soon as I get my tape!

I'm looking forward to doing a belly cast. I would like to have a reminder of where this little guy came from and what mama went through during the process.

Snowboarding...not me...them!

So this past weekend was a little bitter sweet. We finally got some snow. It felt like it took FOREVER for this winter to come. Weird, never ending rain and unseasonably high temps. Well that's all over now! We got a good dusting Saturday evening and through the night. When we woke up on Sunday morning, everything was covered and we had about 5 inches accumulated on the ground.

Nic and my dad decided on Saturday to head to the mountain for opening day. It was very limited since Okemo (at that point) had very little natural snow and had blown most of what they had on the trails. I tagged along to snap a few pictures of them headed out and to say Hi to a lot of people from last winter. It was a big bummer that I couldn't go out there with them but nice to be in the lodge too. As it turns out, Saturday was a bust for them. Since the trails that were open were so limited, the experience level was more of an intermediate to expert. Not exactly the day for dad to get on a snowboard for the first time. None the less, he was able to strap in, stand up and skate around a little bit. It got him familiar with the equipment, the feel of the board on snow and what the mountain looked like. All in all I think he was glad he at least got that much out of the morning.

Sunday was game day! With all the snow that we got the night before, the trails were well covered and there was more beginner level areas available for dad to practice. Just like my dad, he was worried about holding up Nic and that he would rather be out doing some real boarding. Nic isn't one to think like that but after several pointers dad convinced him to go take a couple runs while he continued to practice. They were gone from 8-2:30 and totally enjoyed themselves. Dad didn't fall as much as he had expected to and didn't come back with any bruises. :-) That's always a good thing! He made it very clear that he's eager to give it another shot and expressed how he could see how we got so into this sport. It's fun!

Sunday for me though was completely different. I stayed home. I got the pictures that I wanted the day before and knew that they would be out there a while. It wasn't a good day for me. I didn't realize how much I was going to miss being on a snowboard this winter. This was something that Nic and I enjoyed together and it was difficult seeing him go off and do it without me. By no means did I want to hold him back because I am pregnant but I couldn't help but throw myself a pity party. :-( I cried a bit...OK, a lot...but I got over it. It's hard being such an active person to 9 months of...you can't do that! I tried not to let it effect the guys because I knew they were really going to have some fun. Nic does his best not to rub it in and will stop talking about it if he sees that it's bothering me but there was no way I could hinder his excitement on his first day of the season. He really was like a kid on Christmas morning. He was talking about this boarding season before last season even ended and it continued through the summer. There was no way I was holding him back! So, I sucked it up, had coffee with them in the morning and turned into the mopey, snot face after they left to go have fun.

So, without further ado...here's the pictures that I managed to grab as the guys were getting ready for their trial run on Saturday.

Dad, ready to learn!


Almost looking the part. ;-) We need to work on some boarding pants that cover the boots.


Dad: Should we wait up for her?
Nic: Nah, she'll catch up!
Me: Thanks guys...I guess I'll just meet you up there with this backpack full of your mittens and scarves and whatnot!
HAHAHAHA!!!


They weren't really like that. Nic knows that I sometimes drop back to snap a few photos. ~Sigh~ He's used to me by now and rarely looks back because he knows I'm going to snap his picture.

It was a good thing that they talked to the person at the ticket counter about the conditions. This is where they discovered that it wasn't a good day for beginners. They decided to hold out on getting the tickets until after the 'First hour free' period.


Chomping at the bit.


Dad...


...getting last minute pointers.


I thought I was going to be able to get a few shots of them headed to the lifts but they fooled me and sat down!


Oh yeah. Tying the boots. That could be a little important.


He did get the pant leg over the boot but he still needs more water resistant pants!


It's amazing the men in my family know when they're getting their picture taken. I think it's because there are so many snap happy women that they just keep their head down!


My honey bunny! Be safe out there!

Cutting Down the Chritmas Tree

Last Saturday Nic and I took a trip to the farm to pick out a Christmas tree. Last year we had a great experience with 'Christmas Trees of Vermont' and decided to get our tree from them again this year. It was a short ride from our house and we were glad that we could include Mom and Dad DiOrio in the process. Mom is a HUGE Christmas nut and knew she'd enjoy doing it with us. The farm has many acres of Douglas Fir and they are VERY affordable. They provide saws to cut them down, hot cocoa, tractor rides to get them from way out in the farm and even bundle it for you so that transporting it to you home is easier. Top notch operation for sure! It was a beautiful day too! It was quite unexpected since the forecast was calling for a rain/snow mix and a 60% chance of precipitation. We didn't get a drop! How awesome is that!

Here come the pictures. Could I possibly do something this fun and not have a zillion photos to post about it?!

This is the barn. I couldn't resist. It was just postcard perfect. :-)

Here Gary's thinking, 'Here she goes with the camera'. Nic is already busy scanning the horizon for the perfect tree.


Still scanning. At least Dad has realized that it's just best to ignore me and let me do my thing. It's futile to resist.


Once I caught up with Nic, he announced, this is the one! Honestly, it was the first tree we found. He spotted it from at least a 100 yards away and made a bee line for it.


Mom and Dad agree and as you can see, Dad was eager to get cutting.


But of course, I thought we should check out a few others. I don't know why. It was perfect on all sides. Full to the very bottom. And tall!


But Nic informed me, 'You know you want it'.


And I did. We did venture a down the rows of trees to see if any compared and none were as perfect as this one. We quickly came back to make sure no one snatched our prize tree. This is one of my favorite shots of the day. I made sure all the settings were right on the camera and I handed it over to Dad to snap a few pictures of us. It's rare that Nic and I are actually in a photo together. (Unless I have my tripod with me...which reminds me...I need a better one!)


Then the boys got to cutting.


Look up and smile for the camera! I'm amazed that I actually got a smile. It's usually a half smirk and a look of 'seriously, I'm trying to do something here'.


Haha! Love that tush! Sorry guys and gals, I couldn't resist. Maybe next time I'll think twice about sharing it with my viewing public. ;-)


Way to go Dad! What a way to hold up that tree for him!


Dad just loved the way the fresh cut Fir smelled.


Of course he didn't like the fresh, wet saw dust stuck to his nose.


You'll think again next time. Wont you?!


Normally this is the part where we take a tractor ride to get the tree to the area where we pay and bundle it but we were so close to the main barn that the boys just decided to carry it. Last year, we were in the middle of no where and needed someone to bring us back. That was fun.


Aren't they handsome?!


Handing it off to get tied up. We got a little red tag so we didn't lose the tree we picked.


Nic and Dad actually had to do this part twice. We realized that we picked a tree slightly too big for our house. I don't think there will be room for a star on top this year. I'll see what I can do. ;-)


Oh ok. It fits...barely.


Dad think we did well! Everyone had fun!


I can just read his mind here...'oh you again and that dang camera!"


Nic as making sure it was positioned well on the the little mat that I set up. Since we just refinished the floor, we didn't want to risk water marks. I laid down some plastic and a towel over it to catch anything that might drip out while we water the tree. Not pretty but it works. You'll never be able to tell once I have the tree decorated and the skirt on it.


The hot water trick to make sure everything stayed open and flowing. It sure was hard getting that teapot empty.


Now comes the time for the unwinding. Thankfully it had only been bound for 30 minutes or less. We didn't have to let the branches fall before I could start doing lights. What a pleasant change. Now if only I could get my butt moving on finishing the lights. I already have 8 strands of lights on it and it looks like I may need 2 or 3 more. This sucker is BIG! Unfortunately, I have to go buy more. I think that's a project for today.


I just couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of this little angel. Her being on the couch is a new privilege and she thoroughly made herself comfortable within the pillows and blankets.


My sweet little darling Kaelyn


Well, those were our adventures Saturday to get the Christmas tree. I've asked Nic to take a few pictures of me decorating the tree and it's yet to happen. If nothing else, I'll be sure to post a few pictures of the finished product.

Stay tuned for a belly update soon. This thing is getting HUGE and I'm really wanting to take another picture. My self portrait spot is filled with baby stuff so I'm in search of a new location. It'll be coming soon though. :-)