Slight delay . . .

Been quite busy here on Cherrydale so I haven't had time to post the latest ultrasound pictures from our last appointment two weeks ago. Good appointment. Concerns from the previous appointment were found to be nothing to worry about. All is well. Details on the current craziness around our house to come!

We're having a GIRL!

Darsey Maylisbeth
"Darsey May"

The picture isn't the best. Apparently she's a bit camera shy. We'll try again for a better profile next month! And, yes, we're aware that the first day of school each year will be a nightmare for here with such a unique name but we couldn't resist!

19 weeks

Baby:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid. (borrowed from http://www.babycenter.com/)

Momma:
Daycare: A few weeks ago I was calmly sitting in my hairdresser's chair getting a highlight. I mentioned I was pregnant upon which she launched into asking me if I was planning to keep working and asked me what daycare lists I was on. I immediately started to panic and wanted to rip the foils out to get in daycare line. It hadn't occurred to me that daycare would be so stressful. We had considered our options. There is a very good daycare near my office and almost on David's way home. I assumed Baby would just go there if we opt for care outside of our home.

Daycare here doesn't operate on the "call ahead for your table" concept of Outback Steakhouse. Nope, it's more like trying to get a reservation at Folks Folly or Ruth's Chris for New Year's Eve at about 5 pm on New Year's Eve. You get on a waiting list, pay a deposit, and begin to pray. We are on two waiting lists. One David went by himself for a tour and left our deposit. I'm sure they were more than impressed that Baby's Momma was no where to be found. But we had to act fast. Whomever was off next had to go on a daycare hunt. Luckily, this daycare thinks they'll have a spot mid-July for us, which is only about 6 weeks after we need it. Our second choice isn't looking so good. Without a sibling already enrolled or being a church member, a family can expect to wait 12-18 months. Now why do they accept 6 week old children if you may have to wait up to 18 months for a spot? Even I can't plan that well. The thought of transferring churches to move us up on the list did cross my mind. Just kidding. Sort of! Seriously, I pray that this works out.

In other news:
Not too many clothes fit.
I've been told I "waddle" by a near stranger. Thanks! Glad to know those 15 miles a week of speed walking are paying off!
This baby has got to be pounded on my bladder every time I try to run.
I have already lost my brain - scheduled two baby showers on the same day approximately seven hours driving distance apart!
Caffeine has never really been a challenge for me until now! Why am I sleeping 8+ hours and waking up exhausted?

Dad:
I took David to Baby's R Us to show him all the crazy contraptions one can spend money on for a kid. I think his emotional state has moved a bit from sheer joy to overwhelmed. So glad he's coming to my side! Regarding how our lives are about to change, David says to me this week, "UGA is playing in Starksville (Mississippi State) next football season. We'll have to go."
Maggie - "Umm, honey, a sitter for an entire day+ isn't going to come cheap."
David - "Oh, yeah."

Millie:
If I sit on Momma's belly enough, can I squash the baby? No? Let's try "making bread" on it. Maybe I can stab the baby. And food! Why won't Mom feed me anymore? I'm starving. (Feeding occurs when litter box clean out occurs so Millie has to wait on David to get home.)

Tahoe:
I am almost six years old and for my entire life have been lifted up into the back of Mom's car by Dad or her for car rides. Why is Mom now making me jump up by myself and mumbling something about "I won't be able to pick you up soon so if you're coming for a car ride, put yourself in the car. . ."?

Nursery:
More to come in a few weeks.

Fall is here!

We love fall! Mums, pumpkins, UGA football, turning the AC off, and the season that I think matches Tahoe's fur color the best!

A bit of fur

This is what happens when you don't have time to brush your golden retriever for a week. Fur absolutely everywhere.

16 weeks

Baby-
How your baby's growing: Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop. (borrowed from http://www.babycenter.com/)

Momma-
1. I no longer crave or can stand the smell of Mexican food. Poor David. We've eaten Mexican at least 1-2 times a week for eleven years.
2. I love sweet tea. Always have. Never drank it much because of the calories. I drink it now.
3. I'm a pretty "big" girl so I was really hoping my hips wouldn't spread much. Well, not so much. I went to my Bowen therapist for some help with a chronic running injury and she was quick to let me know that my hips definitely showed I was pregnant. Thanks.
4. Public restrooms have never been a problem for me. In a pinch, I will even use a men's restroom if needed. As of late, public restrooms absolutely gross me out. And I have to go. A lot.
5. A neighbor that I don't particularly care for asked why I wasn't running, as many have. For some reason, I felt the need to explain that I was pregnant and running had become really hard due to exhaustion. Why? Why am I explaining myself to near strangers that I don't care for?
6. As of late, I am thrilled to have energy back and be able to run some.
7. Because I'm not a big fan of food still, I've become a chocolate milk lover. Chocolate milk is supposed to be one of the best things you can consume after a long run because it is full of the nutrients your body is desperately try to replace following a long run. I figure everyday with this growing baby is like a long run so I'll drink chocolate milk everyday to try to fill my belly.
8. You people are aware that I've never changed a diaper, aren't you? And if it wasn't for a few sweet, insightful friends making me hold their newborns, I wouldn't have ever held a newborn, either.

Dad-
:) - just smilin'. I pray that this baby gets David's positive outlook.

Millie-
That dog has NO clue that he is about to be second fiddle. HAHAHAHA! And I can't wait to pee in the crib.

Tahoe-
When is the puppy coming?

Nursery -
1. Carbon monoxide detector
2. Three window shades to block out sunlight
Exciting, I know.

Millie doesn't smile

Sorry! No baby update. Maybe I'll get it finished and posted tomorrow. I wanted to try to get a picture of Millie watching the game tonight so I sat down in front of her to get a cute picture. As soon as I snapped the first picture, she turned her back to me. I guess she didn't want her picture made. She is such a SPECIAL cat.