Baby Belly - 23 Weeks

It looks like Avery is the size of a Papaya for all of Month 5 so no new fruit today = ) Her little face is fully formed...minus the baby fat, of course. The next task at hand for baby: sprouting two teeny-tiny nipples (sorry Travis, just passing on info from the Bump.com)!

Avery did very well at her Saturday Dr. appt. Now that she is so much bigger it is quite easy to find her heartbeat. And all screening tests came back negative and ultrasound results came back perfect. Apparently I have a very good placenta but it is front and center which creates a bit of a cushion between my hand and Avery. Looks like we won't be able to feel her kicks from my belly until there is absolutely no room in there.

Go 'Topes!

The to-do list for the weekend seems to be pretty long but we do have two fantastic dates planned! We are going to an Isotopes game this weekend and we definitely have a movie date on the schedule. I just got the reminder call for our Dr. Appt tomorrow so listening to little Avery's heart beat is the top of our things to-do this weekend!

More of the Belly

If one of my best commenters (is that even a word) requests more pictures of me then she will get more pictures of me! I figured it was time for another real belly shot. Travis would like it noted that he does not approve = )

I decided to take myself on a hot date yesterday afternoon to see The Time Traveler's Wife. I had been holding off on seeing it b/c I wasn't sure if I would like the movie despite my love of Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana. Turns out I really liked the movie and definitely recommend it if you're in the mood for a little romance. Preggo warning - I teared up probably 4 times (once during previews)...just be prepared but it could be my preggo hormones = )

Avery's Room

With some of the furniture in place it is definitely time now to put some paint on the walls! And yes, Avery already owns two pairs of Nike's thanks to Grampa Steve = )

Little Helper

Remi got in a bit of trouble on Sunday...while Travis and I worked on the nursery, Remi's world revolved around getting to play with Travis' SCAC baseball from college. Remi eventually learned that the baseball was off limits so he placed it between his paws and rested his head on it in defeat. He of course lifted his head when he saw the camera come out...but this is close to the adorable scene = )

Another step towards nursery completion...I have ordered our Restoration Hardware Bright Silver Sage paint for the nursery walls. We still haven't found the perfect wainscoting so we're still working on the game plan but it will involve either wainscoting or a chair rail, espresso paint, white paint, and bright silver sage...can't wait! I will upload some pics tomorrow of our work in progress.

Baby Belly - 22 Weeks

Avery is now the size of a Papaya! She is settling into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. Its not very hard to figure out when as her little kicks are getting stronger when she's awake (something about Home Depot definitely got her going yesterday)! I still haven't felt her kick by hand but as soon as I do I'll have Travis clocking some belly hours so that he can feel too!

The bump also states that real estate in my belly is getting tight and my belly button might pop out any day now. I don't see any signs of that happening just yet but its another fun change to watch out for!

Weekend Recap

Yay for weddings! We went to our friends Ben and Tammy's wedding on Saturday = ) It was a beautiful wedding, a fantastic reception (and pre-reception party with co-workers at Stoneface) and one of our few excuses to get dressed up and go out with friends! The ceremony was at the chapel at Hotel Albuquerque and reception at the Balloon Fiesta Museum. I had never been to either location so it was a fun chance to experience a little more of ABQ. I was down to exactly one dress that would still fit my belly for this event so I told Avery she wasn't allowed to grow anymore until after Saturday. She minds well = )

And Sunday was Baby Day! We finally moved out all remaining clutter from our nursery, did a thorough cleaning and put together crib and dresser! Ok, there may have been one emergency phone call to one of my vball friends to help us get the dresser up our stairs...thank goodness for friends!

Charlie's Sandbox

My Thursday night crew = ) These are the kids I play volleyball with every Thursday at Charlie's Sandbox...Thomas, Kelly, Abe, myself, and Tony. We won both of our games last night and I'm definitely hoping for a Championship shirt for my last season until Avery is born! Last night it became increasingly apparent that my mobility is decreasing...bad news for tournament!

Play Date!

Remi had a new kind of play date yesterday afternoon...my friend Siera and 19 month old Jayden came over to play. This was Remi's first experience with a little one in the house and I'm happy to say he did quite well! Thank goodness Jayden loves dogs and found it hilarious when Remi ran around in circles.

Note to self:

Remi does not share his toys well with little kiddos (barking ensued)
Remi WILL NOT share his dog pillow with little kiddos (he could not figure out why this little person was on his beloved pillows and the moment Jayden got up, Remi plopped down)
Remi did not chew on a single toddler toy!

At least he knows which toys are his and which aren't! Good news for Avery = )

This was the first of many playdates...Siera is expecting baby #2 in April! Avery won't have to wait too long for her friend to arrive = )

For your viewing pleasure...

Remi would like to share some footage of his Cousins Gabby & Denton. They got to go on vacation this past weekend while Shae went out to DC to visit Michael. Some of their pool time was caught on tape and posted on youtube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkXQ41Rw0vA

Season End

It may not have been the best game to end the season on...but at least the boys looked good in navy! What are we supposed to do on Tuesdays now?!

Our Constant To-Do List

Every time we mark something off of our baby to-do list it seems we add about three more things! Vicious cycle = ) We finally removed Travis' desk, computer desk, and hutch out of his former home office! We even posted them on Craigslist and sold them in one day! They are going to a good family and will finally be picked up on Wednesday so that we can get our house back in order.

Now our nursery is complete...except that we still have to put together the crib and dresser, get the carpets cleaned, paint the walls, order wainscoting or a chair rail, purchase a glider, refinish old furniture to turn it into baby furniture...eeek! Its going to be adorable once finished...I just don't know what that timeline is anymore = )

So I apparently lied last Tuesday b/c due to a previously rained out softball game tonight is Travis' last softball game! At least I get in one more evening in the bleachers = ) I'm expecting a home run from the hubby...no pressure!

Baby Belly - 21 Weeks

Baby is now the size of a Banana...why do I feel like we're suddenly going backwards = ) Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion, and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And since our baby is a girl, her womb is now stocked up with her lifetime supply of six million eggs (the number will drop to around one million by birth).

I can't wait for Travis to vomit at the first sight of meconium! (He doesn't do well with dog poo...I'm pretty sure black tarry poo won't be much better even if it is coming from his precious little girl).

Weekend Game Plan

Major baby plan for the weekend - get all office furniture out of the baby nursery! Time to start getting the room ready for our little one!

Non-baby plans for the weekend...

I lose Travis for a chunk of the day Saturday to his Fantasy Football league. He is part of a very exclusive group who will gather together to make thier picks...very cut throat business. Obviously I am not invited but I do get to provide a snack or a dessert = )

And Saturday evening I am out for an evening of Bachelorette fun to celebrate Tammy's last weekend as a single woman! Bring on the shot glasses of water! Obviously Travis is not invited but I think I'll let him provide a snack or dessert for the festivities = )

Oh yes, also on the agenda...NAPS, lots and lots of NAPS!

Too Cute For Words

We are going to have the cutest 3 - 6 month old on the block thanks to Auntie Shae Shae and Uncle Michael!! She's even ready for next summer...although Travis says he doesn't approve of a two piece on his little girl = )

Parenting Practice

This morning during breakfast, Remi went digging in his dirt. Upon his return to the house Travis actually stood in the doorway and tried to tell Remi to clean his paws before he could come in. This may shock you, but Remi evaded Travis' reach and acted like he didn't understand a word Travis said. Lets hope either Travis improves his technique or our daughter listens better than Remi.

Work in Progress

I plan on working on the layout of my blog this week so please excuse the mess while it is under construction = )

Our Furniture has Arrived!

We got the call yesterday afternoon from Baby Furniture & Accessories that our crib and dresser had come in! They are now safely stored in our garage until we are able to remove the massive desk and hutch that are currently residing in our baby's nursery. Hopefully we can have a furniture moving party this weekend and enlist the help of a few strong men...ok, we aren't picky...weak able-bodied men would work. Just not pregnant women = )

Our little girl's wardrobe has officially doubled in size! I can't wait to post a picture of some of her new gifts!

And tonight is Travis' last softball game of the season. I think the boys are excited to be done but I'll miss my time in the bleachers with the ladies!

Weekend Recap

Whew, this was one exhausting weekend! Every summer Travis' firm has a Matanza (Pig Roast). Travis is on the pig roasting crew - ie. four guys from the firm spend the night checking the temperature of the pit every 30 minutes. Don't worry, there is some beer involved and a traditional 3am run to the Waffle House for nourishment and caffeine! The Matanza event basically lasts from 6pm Friday until 9pm Saturday (although this pregnant lady definitely came home for a full night's sleep). The food was delicious and the desserts were plentiful!

Sunday was reserved for REGISTERING! Travis and I made it to Target, Babies R Us, and completed our Restoration Hardware Baby & Child registry online. Travis was a trooper and made it thru all three registries, although we basically just hit up big items. I'll be going back with a couple of friends who have little ones already so that they can pass on their sage advice as we scan away on necessities! We even have a game plan in place now for painting the nursery...I can't wait to get started!!!

Baby Belly - 20 Weeks

Baby is now the size of a Cantaloupe! She gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid. Time to start thinking about what I'd like our future daughter to eat as I prepare my own lunch = ) We are going to have one little girl addicted to cereal, fruit, and eggs on toast!

Baby Pool

The following email was sent out to the entire Sutin Firm yesterday by one of the partners in Trav's group...Hilarious = )

Subject - Guess the Weight

Many of you know that our own Travis Remington Steele and his wife Beth are having a baby later this year. Come closest to guessing the birth weight of the baby and win a big cash prize. Here's how:

1. Give me $5
2. Pick a birth weight from the chart on my door and put your initials in the box corresponding to that weight.
3. Repeat

*Rules:
Only one person may pick a weight.
Only weights on the chart may be picked.
If the actual birth weight is not on the chart, or is on the chart but not picked, Beth gets everything (see below).
Half the pot goes to the winner, the other half goes to Beth (she does not have to share with Travis). But see above.

*If when you give me your $5, you correctly guess my weight (clothed, that day, but with only one boot on), you can have 2 picks for $5. One guess per $5. I will not stand, turn, or otherwise display myself in connection with your guess.

Beth's notes:
Travis' middle name is not Remington.
Three people immediately guessed Andrew's correct weight and he removed that exception!
10 lbs 2 oz is apparently a highly coveted guess...ouch!

Profile

I have a picture of a much better profile shot but I guess it didn't get downloaded on our DVD. This one will have to do for now = )

Extended Leg

She's already more flexible than I am! And check out that perfect little foot...Travis said she's already a size 8!

148 Beats Per Minute

Two Feet

SUGAR AND SPICE.....

....and everything nice.... that's what little GIRLS are made of!

And that's what this baby is!

Video and details to come tomorrow, but off now to celebrate our SWEET BABY GIRL!

Happy G-Day!!!

For G-Day Eve we rec'd the green Hugga-Bebe above from Joyce & Steve! Super cute, super soft and it allows our little one (once we hit 4 mths) to experience comfort and security while playing in activity centers, jumpers, walkers, and park swings. I absolutely cannot wait to put the Hugga-Bebe to use! (And I think Aly will enjoy the spelling b/c she calls our little one Bebe)

We have camera, DVD, insurance card, and my outfit of course all ready to go for this afternoon. Bring on the ultrasound! Everyone send out a little prayer that baby cooperates front and center = )

G-Day Eve

Just one day away from the big reveal! We have a date to go buy a DVD today so that we can record the ultrasound (hopefully the little mango is accommodating). Joyce and Steve are already in town and my Mom gets in tomorrow around noon! We also have a celebratory game plan in place...if we find out we're having a girl we are going to go celebrate at Sandiago's (restaurant at the base of the tram in the Sandia Mountains - delicious fish tacos for me) and if we find out we're having a boy we are going to Independence Grill (a new find where I can get my fill of fantastic sweet potato fries). Celebrations are now focused around food instead of a delicious margarita, haha!

My new book came in - Modern Girl's Guide to Motherhood - and although I'm only about 25 pages in I am loving it. All I've been reading are pregnancy books so its nice to finally have a book that goes over what we'll need, what we'll want, and what is not necessary! Don't worry future Moms...I'll be passing this one on = ) And Steve came into town bearing a very Grampa Steve kind of gift - Rockabye Baby, Lullaby Renditions of the Eagles. Now our baby will be jamming out to some classics and some classical! We'll have some peaceful, easy sleeping to Hotel California, Desperado, all of the best of the Eagles!

Only in ABQ this past weekend

We went to a bar for dinner and the table next to us was a full on Harley Biker crew decked out from head to toe (yes, we're talking long beards...the works) drinking Zinfandel and eating salads. Quite the paradox = )

We went to see Funny People and the ABQ crowd gave the biggest laugh of the movie to Ray Romano's cameo...everyone in NM DOES love Raymond!

Baby Belly - 19 Weeks

Baby is now the size of a Mango! This week's 'how big is baby' information isn't quite as cute as usual, but I did learn something new so I think I'll go ahead and post it = ) Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil, and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense). I have definitely seen the vernix on 'A Baby Story' so I now know what the white stuff they rub off the newborn baby is!

This week's pregnancy checklist item: research public and private cord blood banking. Time to do some research.

Thanks for the spell check Dad!