26 weeks and counting....

As of yesterday, we are 26 weeks pregnant and feelin' fine! :) Baby is about 14 inches long now and is continuing to put on baby fat, weighing in now at about a pound and two-thirds. Baby's ears are better developed now to the point where he/she can most likely hear conversations taking place (as opposed to us just talking into my belly for him/her to hear us) - so I've now got an extra set of ears constantly hanging on every word I say! Baby is breathing in and out small amounts of amniotic fluid "these days" which is helping the development of his/her lungs. And, 26 weeks, wow! Only 14 more to go! It feels as if time is suddenly speeding by while simultaneously dragging on - if that makes any sense at all!

This week we hit our "weekly marker" while I am here visiting home up in New York! Baby and I have had a fantastic start to the trip here so far! I flew in Wednesday and was ecstatic when I was surprised and greeted at the airport by the sweetest 4 yr old smiling face I know - my goddaughter, Franki, (with her mom (cousin Beth) and my mom) - dozen roses in tow! THIS is just one of the reasons I love home so much!! :)

(A travel tired "Aunt Nicki" and Francesca @ the airport)

After my very pleasant welcome at the airport, we went back to Beth's place for pizza - mmm, pizza - one of the other reasons I love home so much!! :) And, while I was there I also was fortunate enough to get some very royal treatment - a personal hair brushing with "magic spray" (children's hair de-tangler) by Franki. Don't I look beauuuuuuuu-ti-ful?

My hair got one big "magic" treatment. In fact, I don't think one inch of my head was left uncovered by "magic." Thank ya, Miss Franki!! Now, I can cancel my hair appointment this week! :)

My time in Rochester has been short-lived so far, because I headed to Albany Thursday morning for the weekend! I was surprised there by my in-laws with a little 30th birthday party at Chip and Jane's house - more pizza(!) and cake. I truly think I have had pizza every single one of the past 5 days that I've been up here so far. It's just sooo good here!! Before our little party, I was greeted with a very warm welcome there by the cutest little 3 and 5 yr olds I know - our nieces, Rachel and Megan - they were VERY excited to see 'Aunt Nicki's' belly. Megan's observation was something to the extent of saying: "Aunt Nicki, you're REALLY full!" I think she may have thought that I actually SWALLOWED our baby... (hehe) - I asked her what my belly was full of, and she happily responded with: "Baby!!!" I was so hopeful that the girls would get to feel their little cousin move all about inside my belly during my visit, but it seems as though all movement this weekend was sporadic and just so happened only at the time little Rachel and Megan were not around and available to feel him/her move. Our attempts were good though! I mentioned that maybe, just maybe if I drank a glass of ice water really fast that MAYBE it would make the baby move - and then they were all about getting 'Aunt Nicki' some nice cold water! While we were anxiously awaiting some kicks we took this little video of Rachel having her first (of many, I'm sure!) conversations to her new little cousin on the way...

I am just loving my time up here probably a little too much!! It's just so fun seeing everyone and having them "meet" our little baby-to-be for the first time. And, I just love being able to do some of the things we miss out on up here now that we're living down in Texas. Friday morning I got to see Rachel off on the school bus to Kindergarten, and I also was able to join Jane in taking Megan to pre-school. Oh and I must mention the pampering I've been receiving, too - a birthday gift facial Thursday night from Andy's parents, Charlie and Sue, (thank you!!) that was just heavenly!! I also was able to spend some time at School 18 in Troy visiting past teaching friends of mine where I used to work when we lived in Albany. It was so great to be back!

Saturday was a very big day for us, too, as it was the day of our Albany baby shower, hosted by Gran (Sue) and Aunt Jane (and cousins Rachel and Megan)! Everything was lovely and we had a great time. We received some really nice and generous gifts that we can't wait to start settling into the nursery! The shower was at a golf club/banquet hall in Albany that was set back in a forest of trees - which was SO very pretty at this time of year. Here are some photos from the day:

The yummy food!

The amazing cake! (Those are mine and Andy's baby shoes on each side!)

One of the tables and clothesline of baby clothes in the background

Aunt Jane and "Mommy"

Rachel monitoring the gift table

Opening presents

A really sweet hand knitted gift from Bunny (can't wait to see the baby in that one!)

Sweet lil' Megan

Sue (Gran), Me (Mommy), and Rita (Grandma)

Siena TH 41 represents.... college friends Meghan and Jamie with me

Me holding both mine and Andy's old and favorite cabbage patch kid dolls, "Wade Kelly" and "Cori" - they were there with many old childhood favorite toys of ours - fun!

This morning I tried to squish in some other much needed visits with friends in Albany before heading home to Rochester for the rest of my stay. Earlier in the morning I met up with friends of ours, Jeremy and Jill, and their adorable little boy, Jordan, and our babies got to have their first little "playdate" together (from inside the womb, ofcourse) - they're due just a few weeks before us! And, I am kicking myself for not getting a photo of our bellies together! Then I was off to meeting the fam for breakfast and one last stop on the way out to our friends, John and Nellie's, house.

Here's a photo of Nellie and I with my "nephew"/Delaney's younger (half) brother, Bailey! (Nellie, sorry - I know you were under the weather here.... but I just HAD to include a picture of Bails!! I'm not looking too hot either, I might add! hehe)

It was sad to have to bring my Albany visit to a close - I definitely could have spent at least another week (.... or year/eternity...) there visiting with people and "reconnecting" with my NY-self, but unfortunately, we had to head out, and as I left, I realized the next time I will be in Albany, baby will be with us!

And, here's one last photo.... this was taken last weekend on South Padre Island back in Texas at a corporate dinner outing that Andy and I attended. It was at this really great little pier on the island that we never knew of, but will be sure to be heading back to soon! You can see dolphins swimming/jumping around out there from the pier! Baby is gonna love that!

Oh - and one other thing I just have to point out is that we now have officially crossed over the threshold of the 100 day point until baby arrives! Less than 100 days - can't wait!

25 Week Appointment & Good Things Ahead!

This morning we had our most recent prenatal appointment at 25 weeks (3 days.... but, who's counting!?) - to sum it up, all went perfectly! For the detailed version... keep reading -

Our appointment was at 8:45 AM - we usually schedule our appointments for the first thing in the morning so as to provide the most convenient time for Andy to attend and still be able to make it in for a day of work afterwards. As always, we woke up anxious to get to the appointment and left an extra 15 minutes earlier than necessary. However, once we arrived at the doctor's office, we were thrown a "kink" in our plan for a timely and perfect appointment when we learned that our doctor was at the hospital delivering not one, but TWO babies, just then - I was a little confused for the slightest of moments because I had thought "I" was my doctor's one and only patient!!! What on Earth could he be doing delivery someone else's baby!? (kidding! ... sorta) - when I came back to reality, I was informed that patients at the office were either rescheduling for a later time in the day or a different day all together. Alternatively, we could stay and wait it out - which seemed like the only option considering Andy was already running late for work, and I am heading out tomorrow for my two week trip back home to NY. So, that's what we did, we decided to wait it out. They called us back, my weight was GREAT this time - I gained a little more than I would have liked to at my last appointment at 20 weeks, and this time, I only gained 1/2 pound in 5 weeks time! (It definitely does not seem possible, but I'll take it!) The nurse technician came in and let us listen to/measure the baby's heart rate with the fetal heart doppler - it was perfect as ever! Heartbeat was strong and very clear sounding and it was measuring at 154 bpm, which was higher than the last time we were there (I think it measured 136 bpm before). Then they just told us to wait. So we waited. And, we waited. And, then we waited some more. After about an hour and half of waiting there, Andy decided to leave and head to work, which was completely fine with me considering there really wasn't much left to be done at our appointment other than meet with the doctor to measure my stomach and answer any questions. So, he left and then I was there alone in the office room. And, after reading a couple of magazines, I eventually overheard the nurses conversing outside the room how there was now another patient in labor at the hospital and that they were going to need to reschedule ALL appointments for tomorrow - yikes! I had already gone the extended FIVE weeks since last visit vs. the typical four, and with my trip scheduled to NY tomorrow, I was getting a bit nervous about what they would do for me. The nurse soon came in and I explained my situation, and luckily the doctor came back to the office specifically to come see me and complete my appointment for me - what service!! I felt a little badly, but mostly special that they made this exception for me!! :) So, I was relieved that I would, in fact, get to meet with the doctor today afterall, and about another 1/2 hour later, he arrived. The appointment went quickly from that point on and I was out of there before I knew it, with a big smile on my face from a successful "mission."

I couldn't be happier to know that all is fine with baby, and also to think that I'll be heading HOME tomorrow for a visit! Two great things in that sentence there! :) Now, on to packing, but first - I am going to congratulate myself in making these DELICIOUS looking cupcakes with a recipe that I snagged from one of the magazines I was reading at the doctor's office while I was waiting. I'm considering it as my "Yay, Nicki, good job with the weight this time around, go head and indulge in a cupcake..... or two!" treat. :)

**(I just HAD to come back on here and edit this post to include a picture of my cupcakes.... now, tell me these are not some of the most DELICIOUS looking cupcakes you've ever seen!! To any of you girls reading this out there who happen to be pregnant as well, my apologies to you - as I'm sure you'll now be craving one of these from seeing a pic! :) They were yummy!!)**

25 weeks and counting....

Today we are 25 weeks pregnant! 15 more weeks to go! Baby measures about 13 1/2 inches long now and weighs about a pound and a half...... though in my opinion, I'd think this baby already weighs at least 8 lbs!! This week I've started to feel rather large, and yet I think the "real" weight gain has only just begun. Pile it on though, because I will do whatever it takes for this baby! Something that is interesting and exciting about hitting the 25 week mark is that from what I've been reading, it sounds like if the baby were to be delivered now, he/she would have a chance of surviving. This, of course would come with much medical assistance - so I will gladly continue to patiently wait these next 15 weeks out so that our baby can keep growing to term and healthy.

Also, the baby is growing more hair now and if we could see our little one, we'd actually be able to tell the color and texture of it already. Though, I will be surprised if our baby is born with any hair at all (or at least the kind that actually sticks around) - I think I was virtually bald until I was about a year old, and I don't think Andy had much to speak of either.

We both continue to enjoy witnessing the baby move all about in my stomach. For the majority of this week, I think he/she was positioned in a way that all of the punches and kicks were being given to my inside organs vs. the front of my stomach....... I'll say that that type of movement was not as pleasant to experience as the type where I can see the pokes in front of me on my tummy. That lasted for about 3-4 days and then the baby must have finally turned around and that is when I was successful in capturing him/her on video again. The video is a little long (2 minutes) - at about 1 minute through is where the baby really starts dancing. I kept wanting to stop recording, but then I'd feel and see another little punch - I can't get enough of watching that happen! Whenever I feel the baby's movements, I quickly pull up my shirt (assuming I'm in the confides of our own home) in hopes of SEEING the movement, too. Again..... baby seems to be most active when I first wake up in the morning, so you know how it goes - please ignore my groggy/half asleep voice!

Today, in addition, to marking 25 weeks of pregnancy, it also marks my last day in my twenties. I have to say that I'm even more thankful right now for this little one in my belly because I truly think it's helping to distract me from the "oh so scary" big 3-0 that will be my fate as of tomorrow (thank you, "little one" - see you're already making my life better!). :) My mind is just constantly thinking about "all things baby" that the thought of my birthday really has been slim to none for me this year - or maybe that's my subconscious purposely pushing it to the back of my mind to keep me "peaceful" during pregnancy! :) I can only hope that my 30's blesses me with as much good fortune as my 20's have - and considering that this baby of ours will make his/her appearance in my 30th year of life, we've already been given a #1 item to top that list! To celebrate my birthday, my sweet husband surprised me with a night out to dinner last night. It was so great to get out and definitely much needed. We tried this little Argentinian Steakhouse restaurant in McAllen and it was delicious! I'll admit here that this was one time since I've been pregnant that I was REALLY wanting a nice glass of red wine to go along with the cozy, romantic, and quaint atmosphere - and the good food, of course! But, I held strong - definitely didn't want the wine bad enough to let the baby "have some," too - no worries! :) Here are a couple of pictures:

Andy and I at dinner.

Our really delicious desserts -

- Fried ice cream for the lady and flourless chocolate cake for the gentleman. (I was taking the picture, so whose fork do you think that is across the table waiting for that camera flash to go off so he could dive in?) :)

And, here are just a few more pictures that I happened to take earlier in the week:

Last week I donned my Yankees shirt, this week it was my Giants Superbowl shirt to help kick off this year's season last week.

24.5 weeks

Now, on to the next 15 weeks ahead!

24 weeks and counting....

Today we're 24 weeks pregnant! I decided to don my same wardrobe from 12 weeks ago in my "12 week picture" - and yep, you can tell that "bun" is growing! Andy has, so kindly, pointed out that I have "easily doubled in size" .... thanks, honey. :) That's OK as long as it means our little one is putting on weight so I have some chubby thighs and cheeks to squeeze soon!

The baby should now weigh about 1 1/4 lb and is still about a foot long. Andy and I have had so much fun this week spying on the evidence of our little one dancing all around in my stomach as my belly bumps in and out with every knee, elbow, hand, or foot jab he or she makes. The baby's skin is supposedly still "thin and translucent," but that's to change soon!

I've been trying to keep my camera within close reach at all times this week in hopes of capturing the different pokes and jabs happening throughout the day. I plan to keep searching for a better video opp, but I was able to catch a little bit of the movement yesterday morning when I first woke up and was still lying in bed. I'll post the video here - please ignore the completely groggy voice you'll hear! The pokes happen earlier on in the video and you'll see it mostly in the center of my stomach just below my belly button - it goes quick, so you have to pay attention!

Earlier this week, I was sporting my old Yankees Jeter shirt (though it's obviously a tad too snug!), to support him in hopes of seeing him break the Lou Gehrig all-time high Yankees hit record. He achieved it in last night's game - we missed it, but saw the highlights this morning! We have a born Yankees fan waiting to make his or her appearance to the world.

I took this picture earlier this week for the fun of it - I've heard a lot people, at the same point in pregnancy as I am, talk about no longer being able to see their toes! I guess if I stand straight up and try and look down, I'll agree that it appears I've just got a belly and no feet to support it - but I know they're still there.... you just need to bend over a bit to see! :)

Something that we're still SO excited about is the fact that we now have a crib all set up and ready to go in the baby's nursery!! This was a gift from Andy's parents (Thank you Charlie and Sue!) We are in love with the crib, so I just know the baby will be, too! We decided to put it together last night and I documented the occasion as best I could!

Andy starting to organize all the parts.

Me doing my share of "holding" up the crib -

Nearly finished!

I think "someone" was a little upset with us for not getting her own new bed... we were given the cold shoulder from her, as she spent most of the time "pouting" in the bathroom as we worked on the crib.

Just need to put the other railing on...

Tightening up the final bolts!

"Ta-da!" It's finished!

As soon as we were done putting the crib together, we couldn't help but pull through all of the things in the baby's closet and set them all up in the crib (even though we know they won't all be able to stay in there, it's still fun to kind of display everything right now)! We still need the mattress, but we just wanted to start to get an idea of how it all would look. We couldn't love it more or be more excited to see the whole room finished and belonging to our son or daughter that we will soon be meeting. After we were all finished we both just stood there for a minute and stared into the crib, it was kind of funny and I couldn't help but imagine that when we bring the baby home from the hospital for the first time, we're most likely going to be doing the same exact thing - just standing there hovering over the crib watching our little one in such amazement. We cannot wait! Only about 100 more days to go - give or take a few! :)

This morning was like Christmas.... we both kept going in and out of the nursery just to see how it looked again. I snapped a few more pictures with the daylight coming in. I can't wait to get our other furniture pieces now!

23 weeks and counting....

As of yesterday, we're 23 weeks pregnant! 17 more weeks to go! We spent the weekend in Austin with our friends and had a great time. One of the things we did while we were there was catch the home opener for the University of Texas Longhorns football game. I've never quite seen a college football game supported so much as I did here - more team spirit than I've ever seen at an NFL game, for sure!

Here is a "23 week" picture of me at the game

The baby loved (or really hated...) being at the game - As soon as the marching band started playing, accompanied by the cheering/singing crowd, and booming cannon on the field, our little one was having a "party" of his/her own inside my belly! Attending last night's game and receiving the reaction from baby that we did, proved that we have one very energetic sports fan on our hands, regardless if this baby is a boy or girl (we better get this kid some Yankees, Giants, and Siena apparel, fast!). The baby must have still been excited after the game had ended and we were back at our friend, Dave's, apartment getting ready for bed because his/her movements started right back up again. I started feeling the baby kick quite strongly, so I laid there in bed for a little while staring at my belly and suddenly, before my eyes, I saw the first evidence of my stomach actually MOVE as he/she kicked! It was so incredible and I'm bummed that I didn't have my video camera glued to my hand at that very moment to catch it on film (don't worry, I plan to accomplish that feat at some point to share... :) )! And, to go along with the excitement of SEEING the baby move through my stomach for the first time, we also were excited to succeed at another milestone. Right when I saw the action in my stomach, I quickly called Andy over and he put his hand on my stomach and for the first "real" time, he was able to certainly feel the baby without a doubt!! I think the word's out of Andy's mouth were... "OH MY- ! (in disbelief) That is nuts!!" :) He said that it really felt like the baby's heel was pushing up to my belly and I'm sure that's what it was, too! I just loved experiencing that for the first time together - it was the first of many different "Oh my gosh - he/she did this/or that!" that we'll get to see together, I'm sure, and I'm loving it! Now, I can't wait for Andy to get to SEE the baby move through my stomach, like I saw last night - so that's our next goal! In experiencing all of that, it's definitely apparent that baby is making his/her presence known and I still can't help but melt every time I feel he/she is moving around in there - it's just such a nice little confidence booster for me in between doctor's appointments (where we get to hear the heartbeat) for our little one to kind of say: "yep, don't worry Mom, I'm still in here and all is OK!" For "growth stats" at this point, baby is just under 1 foot long and weighs about a pound! The size comparisons I've read about for this week are that baby is about the size and weight of a Harry Potter book, and another source said the baby is literally like the size of a small doll.

Some other things from this week....

Earlier in the week, my mom and Uncle Tom headed out driving back home again with Abby and Zoey. It was great to have them here, and hard to see them go - especially considering that I became quite used to always having some company around here with me day in and out, and suddenly I was back to the typical, just me and Delaney routine while Andy is at work. Here are some pictures we took outside on our front step just before they headed out for the long 33+ hr drive...

Mom with me and the dogs

Uncle Tom with me and the dogs

This is one of Abby earlier in the week that makes me laugh...

She was scared of our washing machine and was determined to "catch" what was spinning around inside of it!

Some other exciting happenings this week was Delaney got to meet her new next door neighbor, Cooper, an adorable (and TEENY!) Shitzu/Yorkie mix. She wasn't too interested in him yet (infact we had to shove him in her face just to get her to realize there was actually a small pup infront of her!) - but I think once he grows a little, they're gonna be best buds! Cooper, on the contrary of Delaney, was very brave (for facing this "HUGE" dog) and just couldn't get enough of her! No matter how many times she accidentally swatted him with her paw or tail, he just kept coming back for more with even stronger curiosity!

Delaney meets Cooper!

She wasn't quite sure what to think...

Cooper tried to take Delaney for a walk :)

And, here are some more pictures from our time in Austin with Dave and Cynthia...

Andy and Dave - "pregaming" before the UT game

A Longhorn outside the arena..... this isn't "THE" Bevo Longhorn... but a Longhorn, nonetheless!

Andy and I at the game

Delaney and Izzy (with Andy) at the Dog Park in Austin

Dave and Cynthia

Cynthia and I (not too sure what was up with my crazy hair at the time...)

Andy and I

Miss Delaney in the car on the ride home!