The Incredible Growing Belly

It's almost showtime! Our bags are packed, car seat is installed (and inspected), pack and play is assembled and I got my nails done this afternoon (priorities, you know?) so we are officially ready for tomorrow.

With just hours to go before Baby E makes his or her debut, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at my progression over the last several months. We didn't take pictures at regular intervals- it was really just whenever we thought to take one- but I think we were able to capture the right effect.


18 weeks


24 weeks


28 weeks



32 weeks



35 weeks

WARNING: this last one is not for the faint of heart....


39 weeks

A slight detour in the birth plan

Well, I'm at 36 weeks today and for the most part things are going great! The only thing I could live without is this kiddo is already showing how stubborn it can be, I assure you this is a feature he/she gets from David and not me(ha!) because it's still not head down. It should be moving into position but it's happy where it is. So, unless things change, I'm scheduled for a c-section in a few weeks.Of course we still have time for the baby to flip over, so nothing is set in stone.

I know this is weird to say, (and maybe I've been watching too many episodes of 'A Baby Story' on TLC) but I am kind of bummed I won’t get to have a normal labor. I mean, I wasn’t really looking forward to it (by any stretch of the imagination) but labor was never something I was afraid of. It’s part of life and was always how I envisioned having a baby.

I’ve read this is not a totally uncommon feeling to have. I will admit that it's kind of neat knowing when the baby will come (unless I go into labor earlier!)but also strange to know that one day we will wake up and know that our last day of non-parenthood is gone forever! I'm also not really looking forward to the recovery but such is life I guess. As long as the three of us come home safe and sound, that’s all I care about.

A very wise friend pointed out that I probably didn’t always envision myself living in the Maryland suburbs, being a cat owner and eating cheeseburgers either, but life is about adjustments. This is not how I had always pictured it, but it’s the way things are playing out so I have to just enjoy the fact that we are going to have a healthy happy baby soon. Also, not much about this pregnancy has been as I had always pictured it. From fertility treatments to cesareans- it's been a really unique experience.

I can also think of it as now I will have something in common with Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie, Victoria Beckham, Julia Roberts, Gwen Stefani, Claudia Schiffer and Brooke Shields (but also Tori Spelling, Britney Spears and Ashlee Simpson so it’s a wash I guess).

I actually recently read a quote Kate Winslet gave after her daughter was delivered via C-section in 2000. She said she was left feeling “like a complete failure.” She also said “There’s this thing amongst women in the world that if you can handle childbirth, you can handle anything. I had never handled childbirth, and I felt like, in some way that I couldn’t join that ‘powerful women’s club.’" I honestly don't feel like a failure. For the most part, I have enjoyed this pregnancy and tried to make the best of all the bizarre quirks that have come along with it. I know that once I'm holding our baby I won't care how it got there but it’s comforting to know it’s normal to have these mixed feelings about c-sections.

Maternity Portraits

A few weeks ago, just as as the gorgeous fall colors were peaking, (and before it became freezing here!) we took some fun maternity portraits at Glenview Mansion and the Rockville Civic Center Park. I had purchased a Groupon deal (love Groupon!) for photographer Brooke Bready, and I'm so glad I did. She was fun to work with, full of ideas and really sweet. Plus, I think all the portraits came out adorable!

I did not go all "Demi Moore nekked" in these photos- nobody wants to see that- but I did bare the belly in a few. Some are sweet, others are playful... I'm still sorting through the 130+ photos Brooke sent over, but I wanted to share a few of my early favorites here with you.


This one reminds me a similar picture we took during our engagement shoot.





of course... the requisite "lovingly and contemplatively staring down at my belly" portrait






I'm so glad we took these pictures. I'm really trying to appreciate these last few weeks where it's "just the two of us" before life changes forever. We are so looking forward to becoming parents and we can't wait to meet our baby- but I'm also very glad we were able to document spending one last sunny warm afternoon together.

The Homestretch

So... I know that technically my due date is more than 30 days away.. but now that it's December, I can officially say the baby is coming next month!!


just about 33 weeks

We're starting to get really excited.. and a little panicked about how much there is left to do! We've been working on the nursery and gathering a few essentials needed to bring the baby home; so far we've painted the walls and put up a few decals, we have newborn diapers and some first aid items.


You know.. just monkeying around. (this will go over the crib)


working on our decals


I dont know why, but the walls look very peachy in this photo. They are actually more beige in person- the first pic of David and the monkey on the vine is a better representation of the real color.

Here is mom and I at Dennys picking out layette items. We have a 'boy' box and a separate 'girl' box which she will bring down to Maryland once the big day arrives!



We also started our labor and birth class at the hospital- which seems useful except for the fact that I can't stop laughing during the breathing exercises. I just can't look at David - he gets so intense with the counting! Some couples in the class looked a little annoyed at us, but you know what? He's the one I hope will make me laugh when I'm in real pain- so let them be pissed. I think some of the positions we learned will be helpful. The breathing however? Notsomuch.

Boy or Girl... what do you think?

It’s been fun not knowing what the gender of the baby is going to be, but also VERY hard. I mean… I. NEED. TO. PLAN. Also? I'd like to be able to answer the very first question EVERONE asks when they see me these days. “So…what are you having?”

Still, I’m glad we are going to wait… it has been pretty a pretty cool experience. But just for fun, I decided to look up a few old wives tales that are supposed to predict the gender of the baby. Both websites I consulted (totally at random) came to the same conclusion. Guess we’ll see if they are right in 2 months!



Website Number 1: iVillage tells me it could be a boy

It's a boy if:
You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy (Yes I did. Moderate but there.)
Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute (it’s been 135-140 since the very beginning)
You are carrying the extra weight out front (I am not “all belly” but I am carrying mostly in front)
Your belly looks like a basketball (sure does)
Your areolas have darkened considerably (hey now personal!)
You are carrying low (not really)
You are craving salty or sour foods (I crave all foods)
You are craving protein -- meats and cheese (I crave all foods, but thanks because now I want a steak)
Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy (nope)
The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy (nope)
Your hands are very dry (nope)
Your pillow faces north when you sleep (wtf?)
Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you (a smidge, but anyone would gain with all the sweets from Halloween)
Pregnancy has you looking better than ever (my hair IS thicker, but I think that’s the vitamins)
Your urine is bright yellow in color (not really)
Your nose is spreading (YES!!!)
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles (have to try this- will report back) (**UPDATE - it went in a circle!**)
You are having headaches (nope)
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number (30+4=34 EVEN!)


It's a girl if:
You had morning sickness early in pregnancy (Yes I did. Moderate but there.)
Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute (It’s never been more than 140)
You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear (I got some ‘junk in the trunk’ but it’s mostly up front)
Your left breast is larger than your right breast (um, I don’t THINK so)
Your hair develops red highlights (nope)
You are carrying high (not really)
Your belly looks like a watermelon (not really)
You are craving sweets (I crave all foods)
You are craving fruit (OMG YES!)
You crave orange juice (ugh, heartburn, no. However, I do crave milk. )
You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy (now that’s just plain rude!)
You are moodier than usual during pregnancy (this must be a trick question)
Your face breaks out more than usual (nope)
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread (it’s the best part)
Your breasts have really blossomed! (I mean… have to SEEN me?)
Your pillow faces south when you sleep (again, WTF)
Your urine is a dull yellow color (actually it kinda is)
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side (have to try this- will report back) (**UPDATE - it went in a circle!**)
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number (30+4=34 EVEN!)




Website Number 2: Pregnancy-Info tells me it could be a boy

Carrying High, Carrying Low
The way you are carrying during your pregnancy is one of the most oft cited ways of determining the sex of your baby. The general story goes that, if you're carrying low, you're having a boy. If you are carrying high, then you must be having a girl.
(I don’t think I’m high or low… my conclusion is this predictor sucks)

What Your Urine Says
This next test to determine a baby's sex may not be for everyone, although it is very simple. Just take a sample of your urine and mix it with Drano. Depending on the color change of your urine, you will have a boy or a girl. If your urine turns bluish yellow, brownish, brown, black or blue you will be having a boy. If your urine looks more greenish brown, green, blue or doesn't change at all, then you're having a girl.
(My bathroom is not a science lab and I don’t want to be near any Drano fumes… this predictor sucks too)

Heartbeats
One belief that has been around for some time, and even had some acceptance in the medical community at one point, is that the fetal heartbeat differs for boys and girls. If you're having a girl, the fetal heart rate will be above 140. A boy will have a heart rate below 140.
(it’s been 135-140 since the very beginning, never higher: Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)

Cravings
Many people believe that your cravings are caused by the sex of your baby. So, if you can't get enough chocolate, you could be having a girl. Does the idea of drinking straight lemon juice sound delicious to you? Then those sour cravings are a result of the little boy inside of you.
(First of all, this is unfair to ask right after Halloween. Second, all I really want is SPICY foods)

Weight Gain
Thankfully, this one doesn't refer to your weight gain. The belief is that, if your husband puts on weight during your pregnancy, then you will be having a girl. If he doesn't put on a pound, then you're carrying a boy.
(David maybe put on 2 lbs… which I think doesn’t even count as sympathy weight. See my comments above re: Halloween. Guess we’ll see if it’s a girl in January)

Is Her Face Round and Full?
Some say that the shape and fullness of your face during pregnancy can indicate your baby's sex. Every woman gains weight differently during pregnancy, and every woman experiences different skin changes. If people tell you that because your face is round and rosy you are having a girl, they might be right - but it's just as likely that they are wrong!
(Nobody has ever told me I look “rosy” Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)

At-Home Tests
Here's a test that you can do next time you change or get out of the bath. Look in the mirror at your breasts. If the right one is larger, you're having a boy! A larger left breast indicates a girl
(If they're the same size, does that mean you're having one of each? My conclusion is this predictor sucks)

Pendant
Hold a pendant over your hand. If the necklace swings back and forth, you're having a boy. If it is more of a circular motion, then it's a girl. This can also be done by suspending a ring on a string above your belly.
(Will try this tonight)

Acne
Do you have acne? Some believe that getting acne during your pregnancy indicates you're carrying a girl. Maybe the acne is caused by twice the amount of female hormones?
(My face has actually cleared up. Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)

Keys
Pick up a key. If you've picked it up by the thinner end, you're having a girl. Picking it up by the bottom, rounder part means a boy is on the way. Did you pick it up by the middle? Then congratulations, you're having twins!
(Twins?! Shudder. I picked it up at the thinner end. Guess we’ll see if it’s a girl in January)

The Chinese Birth Chart
This is a very popular calendar used by many women not only to increase their changes of conceiving a girl or boy, but also to predict the sex of baby who is already conceived.
(It says boy. Guess we’ll see if it’s a boy in January)

A whole post about snoring. You're welcome.

So apparently the secret to a happy marriage involves Breathe Right nasal strips. You know, those funny looking "spring-like" bands you put over your nose? Best. Invention. Ever.

Apparently my recent (and still lingering) cold, combined with cruising along into my third trimester has resulted in some snoring. According to David, a lot of snoring actually (poor guy). Let's face it, people who know me can attest that I'm not exactly a quiet person to begin with- and this apparently extends to my snoring as well. It's so loud it even wakes me up!

David has tried to be a good sport- but ultimately after waking up a few times, one of us ends up schlepping to another bedroom in the middle of the night and nobody gets a good night's sleep. Something had to be done- and separate bedrooms for the next 2 1/2 months was not an option. Enter the Breathe Right strips.

Sure, I look like a football player and yes, they are one-time use only so I will be buying them in bulk from now on, but! they! work! So far we've both made it through the night without incident. I'm still getting up a few times to reposition myself and my pillow fortress or go to the bathroom, etc but overall I think we are both more rested and happiness has returned to our little home.

28 weeks!

Well, we are in our third trimester little one. You continue to get stronger; your gentle nudges have turned into some pretty strong kicks. I sometimes call you my little ninja. You can't seem to sit still for long, you must get this from me.

You are also getting bigger..and so am I. You have started to feel heavy this week and I've noticed a slight shift in my balance. My bigger belly has thrown off my posture, and on top on that, the hormone relaxin is loosening up my joints- so I'm trying to be more careful reaching for things and I'm also holding on to the elliptical machine at the gym. (Because let's face it: for a former gymnast, I'm surprisingly kind of a klutz)



I passed my Gestational Diabetes test this week (wahoo!) and I have to admit that overall, I feel really good. My hips do hurt a little, but taking a warm shower before bed, doing some stretches and propping myself up with pillows at night seems to be helping. I make a sort of pillow fortress around me each night- one behind me, one between my knees and one in front of me. David has almost given up on a) having any space for himself in the bed and b) a kiss goodnight. Instead, we've been giving each other a high-five over the mountain of support pillows strategically placed around me. The space issue? Well some things are just not my problem :)

I'm really looking forward to our long weekend in Chicago. Of course we are going to NJ and NY for Thanksgiving, but this will be our last vacation as a couple before we become a family.

Cute Maternity T-shirts

I have seen a lot of really cute maternity t-shirts recently and while I didn't find this one early enough to order for Halloween this weekend, the rest of the ones below might be just too funny not to get:


I found all of these at CafePress and you can customize a lot of them with your due date, etc.

I think this one is my favorite....



Followed closely by this one....


Because let's face it, I'm not trying to impress anyone.

26 weeks (three months to go)

Three months from today (depending on whether or not you take after your parents and their propensity for being prompt) we will finally get to meet you. I can't wait to kiss your cheeks and tell you how much I love you. I want to count your little toes and look into your sweet eyes.

You can hear now, so we've been saying goodnight to you before we go to bed each evening. I feel you kick and move all the time now- you are so active! You change positions often so I never know where your little nudges will show up next. Your favorite spots are to be way low in my belly just to the left of my belly button, and up high on my right side. It seems that you don’t like to keep one position for long and I wonder what kind of stretches and flips you are doing in there. I can feel you most when I am laying still on the couch or sitting at my desk at work.

You're on my mind constantly- I wonder if you will look more like me or your your daddy. We are so excited to meet you, but we know that you aren't quite ready and have lots more growing to do. So keep growing strong and stay snug and warm and comfy for these next three months. Keep those little nudges coming and just know that we love you so much!

You totally know what I’m talking about… right?

You know those lines you sometimes have on your face/legs/torso when you wake up in the morning? The ones left by the folds in your sheets? You totally know what I’m talking about, right?

They usually go away in a few minutes, but recently mine are lasting last through my shower, teeth brushing, hair drying and getting dressed routine. I assume they disappear eventually because they are gone by the time I get home from work and change back into casual clothes… but seriously how much water am I retaining?

Is this normal? I’m trying to watch my sodium intake –I don’t usually snack on really salty food anyway. And I’m not sure where I read this… I might be making it up completely…. but I recall reading that retaining too much water sometimes means high blood pressure or preeclampsia, but so far my doctor has been happy with my blood pressure. So I guess this is just an odd quirk of pregnancy. Hmph.

Backdated post- October 8, 2010: 25 Weeks! (Ovo and Acid Reflux)

25 weeks! (Also known as the Ovo and Acid Reflux post)

I'm almost at the end of these backdated posts. Last weekend we went to see Ovo, a Cirque du Soleil show at the National Harbor with a David’s coworkers. The show was really cool – the following pictures are not my own but can give you an idea for the beautiful costumes and acrobatic performances.


The promotional poster for the show



The "butterfly" act


This was my favorite act, the ants! "The hardest working insects in the community are the bright red Ants. As soon as they’re awake they spend their day gathering food: On the menu today – kiwis and corn. But it’s not all work. They play with their food, too – with their feet – in an astonishing display of precision juggling that climaxes with ants juggling ants."



Acrosport


Slackwire

As far as how I’m doing… overall everything is great! I’m starting to experience some heartburn/acid reflux which I’m not thrilled about but I am also not exactly surprised. I’ve had it so easy… something was bound to come up sooner or later. I have been reading that the extra progesterone in my body can relax the valve that separates my esophagus from stomach, allowing gastric acids to seep back up- thus causing a rather unpleasant burning sensation. And the fun doesn’t stop here- later in the pregnancy, the growing baby basically crowds the abdominal cavity, pushing the stomach acids back up into the esophagus. So Tums are my bff for now. C'est la vie

Backdated post- September 29 2010: 24 Weeks!

24 Weeks!

I realized I had not posted many pics of myself recently... so here I am.




pointing at my belly...um... like it's not obvious?

Backdated post- September 21, 2010: 23 Weeks!

23 Weeks!

Now that we’re moved in and packing/organizing/decorating has become more manageable, I’ve started going back to the gym. The stationary bike is no longer an option; it’s just not comfortable so I’ve been putting in time on the elliptical (while holding on) and the treadmill.

They (whoever ‘they’ are) say that movement can actually lull the baby to sleep, and it may be true, but as soon as I get home this kids thinks it’s party time. Maybe the baby thinks it’s time for his/her aerobics class because it starts kicking, punching, flipping and squirming around for a good while.

I have notice that since I’ve gone back to exercising regularly, I have been able to sleep soundly almost completely through the night. They (yes, ‘them’ again) also say that strong muscles and a fit heart can greatly ease labor and delivery. Gaining control over your breathing can help manage pain and in the event of a lengthy labor (the horror!), increased endurance can be a real help. Also, women who exercise during pregnancy have less chance of developing certain conditions like gestational diabetes. I hope to be able to follow a mild to moderate exercise routine for the next few months.

Backdated post- September 14, 2010: 22 Weeks!

22 Weeks!

We started this week off with a bang, we got to see you in 3D and I’ve started feeling you move around. You weigh about 1 pound and you are almost 12 inches long.




It was incredible to watch you suck your thumb and see your perfect ears and nose. You seem perfectly happy in your snug little home. I can feel you moving around here and there- but you are most active right after I’ve had something to eat- perhaps it’s a sugar rush that’s got you flip flopping around. Whatever it is, it’s so cool to finally feel you. I love laying in bed at night thinking of names for you, I’ve started reading to you and I love it when David says goodnight to you.

We went to New Jersey and New York for Rosh Hashana. We got to spend time with our parents and also take a picture of the cousins to be. It was a really nice weekend.


I wonder if Natalia is going to have a little girl or boy cousin.

Backdated post- September 7, 2010: All Kinds Of Progress

All kinds of progress

I finally felt the baby. It’s more noticeable when I’m sitting- but it’s definitely there. It’s cool. However, this kid skipped the gentle ‘fluttering bubbles in your tummy’ thing and moved right to judo kicks. Which I will take. It’s kinda cool, kinda weird. I’m happy to finally feel something in there. I’ve been reading about how I’m supposed to be feeling the baby by now and everyone keeps asking if I’ve felt it yet. I was getting a little discouraged and anxious. I mean, I’ve seen the baby moving around on sonograms and everything has been normal- but all the websites say to expect start feeling things between 16 and 22 weeks- and at 21 weeks I was getting towards the end of that window. Of course, they also say that veteran moms tend to notice those first subtle kicks earlier than first-time moms. I didn’t think I would be so neurotic- I’m going to try to relax a bit more this week and enjoy things.

In other news, my parents were here this past weekend and man did we get a lot of work done in the house! On Saturday- not only did my parents arrive, but the FIOS guy installed our phone, internet and TV, the furniture repair man came to fix my nightstand and our couch and ottoman were delivered. It was like Grand Central Station at our place all day!


The new couch and ottoman


Jerry already at home on the new couches

Once all the deliveries were complete, we went to home depot to buy a ton of supplies: paint and brushes, drop cloth, rake, shovel, hedge shears and pruning shears, dirt cultivator, trowel, hose nozzles, nails, screws, organizers, drill bits and.. a BBQ! (I’m sure I am forgetting several items)


David and my dad ...discussing the finer points of shovels and rakes


men chillaxin after a long day of shopping

On Sunday, David and my dad put down tile laminate in the basement where the back door opens, painted the front door, put up a knife magnet in the kitchen, organized the workbench in the garage, mowed the lawn and pruned the hedges while my mom and I did a lot of organization. We got a garbage can for the kitchen and dividers for the kitchen drawers as well as some of the drawers in our bedroom. We got a new liner for the guest bathroom’s shower and a bed skirt for the upstairs guest bedroom. We unpacked boxes, cleaned , dusted, swept and organized while the men schlepped and sweated.

Then on Monday, we washed cars (a Koles family weekend tradition) and finished up the garage.


Handyman David laying down the flooring


Weeding in the backyard with my new gear (gardening gloves and pruning shears)


My mom helps out with the gardening too!


David trimming hedges


Dad amongst the tools and workbench


washing cars... a Koles Family weekend tradition

After my parents left, Mike came over with Daisy and we had a little evening BBQ.



This little house of ours? It’s coming along pretty nicely.

Backdated post- August 11, 2010: What should have been

What should have been

I know that some readers will think of this as an overshare- so I welcome them to skip this post. However, when I relaunched this blog I wanted it to be a more open and accurate part of my life, and if I am going to be honest (with myself and all of you), I need to let you know that today is bittersweet. This was supposed to be my due date for my first pregnancy. After months of tests and hormones and bloodwork- we were finally pregnant! David and I were ecstatic. We spent Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas amongst family and friends - just the two of us keeping this wonderful little secret. And then just before New Year’s we found out something had gone wrong, that our dream was over. It was hard on each of us in different ways. My heart was broken and I felt lost for a long time. I think David felt sadness, but also an inability to protect me from pain and hurt.

I will not dwell on loss for very long, partially because I educated myself on the issue and learned not only why this happens but also how common it is. More importantly, because we came out of this experience as a stronger and more bonded couple. But ultimately, I think it’s because we have so much to look forward to and be thankful for today. We have a healthy baby on the way and a beautiful new house to move into.

There are so many wonderful things we have to forward to, yet, I also want to recognize my feelings about what was supposed to have happened today. I'd be lying if I didnt admit to thinking about what should have been. I also want to thank David for his unconditional love, tenderness and support during what was a difficult time for him as well.

During this time, I found an incredibly supportive network of women online whose stories gave me great comfort. Now, this is a lot more religious than I usually get, but I have always been very spiritual and I especially connected with a particular story on a Chabad website. I thought I’d share part of it today; it was posted by a woman who had unfortunately suffered a few miscarriages. After one of her losses, her rabbi taught her this lesson.

He explained how every soul that is brought into this world comes for a very specific reason and serves a very special purpose. We live our lives to fulfill this mission and it takes each individual a different amount of time, along a unique and specific journey to complete the mission.

In addition to new souls that come into this world, there are also reincarnated souls that come into this world to complete what they hadn’t been able to in their previous lives. Sometimes these souls need to live a full lifetime, others for just a few years, and others for only a few months, even at times just a few days. Then there are the souls that need so little to complete their mission, that their soul only needs to come into a body long enough to beat its heart or simply create a pregnancy. These are the highest of all the souls--the souls of the truly righteous and pure whose mission took so little to complete.

While the story did not take away my pain/ hurt/ feelings of loss- this lesson gives what happened to me some meaning, and in some way made it easier to live with. Like this woman, I pray for myself and for others to only have pregnancies/ births/ babies/ children that have so much to accomplish that they live long and full lives, but in a strange way, I also feel fortunate to know that my loss was not for nothing. I was chosen, for one reason or another, as the conduit to aid a very holy soul in its vital and final mission. And that comforts me immensely.

Backdated post- August 3, 2010: Going Public

Going Public

I started telling a few coworkers about the baby this week and it is really fun to finally share the news with the folks I see every day. Of course people were excited and congratulated me. They also asked how I was feeling, so I took a minute to think and realized that while there were moments of not feeling (or looking) so hot in those first 10 or 14 weeks, now I actually feel pretty good. I literally woke up one day and was like, “Hey, I like steak again! I can stay up past 9:30 PM! I’m not crying at Hallmark commercials anymore! Nice!”

They say the second trimester is often called the best time of pregnancy. I am trying to really enjoy this part of my life, to take it all in and not complain (too much). I want to take in this experience however it comes and enjoy it, because it’s not going to come often or last forever. I’m sure that by December I will look back at this entry and laugh because it will probably feel like I have been pregnant for decades- but right now I am enjoying the anticipation of feeling that first flutter of movement, the extra energy I have now, the quiet times David and I spend talking about names for the baby, planning the nursery and the house we are about to buy.

Backdated post- August 6, 2010: Telling Our Grandparents

Telling Our Grandparents

(Great-Grandparents-To-Be)

I knew that our grandparents would be excited when we told them our news, but I was unprepared for the tidal wave of emotions the news would elicit from everyone involved. There was shock, delight, excitement, gratitude, hope... there were tears and hugs and phone calls.

We were invited down to Florida to attend the wedding of two of the blog’s biggest fans, Rachel and Allan, and the timing was perfect to also tell the grandparents about our news (their wedding will be in a separate post).

We arrived late Thursday night and spend the evening in Sunrise. On Friday morning, we told Sara and Joe, (David’s grandparents) that they were going to be great grandparents again. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so what is a video worth? Check it out...

Later that evening, we went to Ruth and Paul (my mom’s parents) and told them our news.



Then we called Rona and Donald (my dad’s parents) who were in Vermont for the month, and told them. This will be the first great grandchild on my side of the family and within minutes the house phone and my cell phone were ringing off the hook! I guess good news travels fast.