Oh, baby

Last week we reached our half-way point for BabyD to make his/her arrival. We had our ultrasound and aside from my child being less than cooperative, things were once again "perfect" (not my term, but that's what the pros said). All appears to be going well in the baby-cooking department. And, no, we didn't find out boy or girl, just that there is a shy baby with a beautiful spine a-growin'. We weren't able to get a profile shot of the kiddo, per the previously mentioned lack of cooperation. Instead, we have a full-on face shot, which I think looks a little like Skeletor (only cuter, 'cause it's my kid).

In the past week I've had much more fun getting kicked, which brightens my day. And I'm preparing for 2 weeks of conferences. Tomorrow, I head to Chicago for the MT conference and Wednesday of next week I'm off to sunny San Diego for a CI conference. I'm actually looking forward to both, but for different reasons. I want to go to Chicago to see friends I haven't seen in quite a while; not that thrilled about the actual MT sessions and such. For San Diego, well, it's San Diego--filled with fun parties and an ocean view. Then there's the professional stuff, which seems more intellectually appealing than Chicago (not good considering my profession is MT--oh well, I always enjoy Nationals more anyway).

On a happy note, Spring has finally arrived and by "Spring" I mean consecutive days above 40 degrees and thunderstorms. Oh, how I love thunderstorms. Something about the rumbles of thunder, flashes of lightening, and torrential downpours soothes me. All I need is a tin roof next to a window and I could sleep/relax for hours. I do love the sunshine of spring, though, so maybe we could have the thunderstorms in the evening and the sun during the day... just not every day. Now to see if any of my tulips have survived the move...

-peace and love!

(insert witty title here)

So apparently, Spring does not want to come to the Midwest in any sort of speedy fashion. We got yet more snow last night with a little more predicted on Sunday (and freezing rain tomorrow morning, oh joy). As a result things in our house are pretty much the status quo. I have started to get more energy. I'm cleaning more often, which amazing Matt undoes in record time. I spent 2 hours at the mall on Sunday and didn't need a nap when I got home, which is a huge accomplishment (and a rather sad commentary on my current level of endurance). Of course, this morning, while in the shower, I felt the need to encourage the sweet hubby to purchase toilet wands because I obviously feel the need to clean the bathrooms this weekend, top to bottom.

On a funny note, one day this week one of the ladies I work with was chatting with me, when she made an excited statement about the fact that not only is my belly getting larger, but apparently my "endowment fund" has also increased (she actually said they had gotten huge). It made me a little self-conscious for the moment, but then when I looked at a picture Matt took of me last week, I think she might be right. I look like I'm just busting out all over, not that I mind. It's just a new development--no pun intended. Of course, Matt isn't going to complain. What man would?

We also got to hear bambino's heartbeat again this week. It was a "perfect" 159 according to our midwife. And, in my normal preparatory manner, I asked what to expect for our next visit and when I'd get to see the smiling face of the miniDrisc. So next visit, March 24, we get to have a sonagram to check out the development and see the bambino in black and white. What a fun time that will be!

Ahh-lastic

Five years ago, the thought of elastic waistbands were reserved for my various athletic activities. If the word "ball" wasn't included in the title (volleyball, softball, football, etc.), elastic was not part of my wardrobe. I would even turn my nose up at pretty pants because, ugh, they had elastic on the back waistband. Hear that sound? That is the sound of Ginny changing her tune...lah-lah-laaaaah!

Saturday, wonderful Jana brought 2 16-gallon tubs of maternity clothes and I had a grand time washing many loads of clothes. (She has wonderful taste.) Yesterday, I received 2 new pairs of pants I ordered online. And now that my waist is expanding (no, it doesn't have to do with sour cream and onion dip---entirely), I am enjoying the gifted and purchased clothes. Not until Sunday did I realize how much I now love elastic waistbands. They truly make me smile. The only thing I have to get used to is the absence of belt loops, which I know are completely unnecessary for elastic pants, but the perfect spot for hanging my keys when I'm at work. A small price to pay for amazing, and cute, comfort.

Baby's first booties

No. My mom isn't excited about being a grandmother at all. In fact, she's so unenthused, she made the baby some booties. Poor baby.

The Spoils of Baby-dom

I am so excited about Bambino Drisc! And that was before I started getting fun goodies. This weekend sweet, sweet Molly and Rachel gave us a Diaper Champ. Matt was so excited he joked about trying it out. Today, I got my diaper bag, made with love by Mary (our departmental quilting guru). I was so excited I ran around the department to show it off. And tonight, it got the "wag" of approval from my puppy. I have such good friends!