the promise of guests.

For the first time in my little married life I have a second bedroom, which now has a couch that has a bed. And for the first time, I set it up because we have guests coming. The best kind of guests: my parents.

I'm so excited for them to get here. They haven't seen me since my belly was looking like I stuffed it with too much turkey and mashed potatoes. My mom and I are going to stroll through Babies R Us. I might even see if she wants to go shopping for a dress for my baby shower together. Then we'll all head down to Newport, RI for a marriage retreat. It should be a lovely weekend. One with familiar faces I miss seeing every week.

Dear Baby

To my little baby,
We like to call you Waby, which hopefully you already know because your ears have been busy developing. You already are our pride and joy. I can't even imagine the emotions we will feel when you are actually here in our arms. You are getting big (and so am I!). Starting last weekend your movements have started to shake my whole belly. You daddy and I lay in bed and watch you kick. We get such a kick (haha) out of seeing how active you are- especially at my bedtime. I never knew such a thing could happen, but it has and it's amazing. You move all around and I feel your kicks in different places. For about a week now, though, you feel very low. Sometimes when you kick, you must be near my bladder because I get a funny feeling that makes me need to be pee right away. Sometimes instead of kicking you tighten up into a little ball, or push back against my belly (i'm not sure which) and my stomach turns into a giant hamburger bun shape. It's crazy the way my body has changed, but I'm so grateful to know you are growing bigger and healthier.

I am in the last week of my second trimester. One season left until I meet you. It's hard to believe how soon you will be here and how much it feels like we have left to do. Last night I measured out your room to be sure we have room for a couch, dresser and crib. We do! I'm so excited to get working on your nursery. It overwhelms me a little bit, but I can't wait to have a little bed just for your little self. The world of baby stuff is crazy. I'm trying not to get to caught up in it. I know it won't matter to much to you- as long as you are fed and not too cold or hot I'm sure you'll be fine. It is fun to prepare, though.

We haven't picked out a name for you yet. I'm not sure that we'll decide for certain until we meet you. People don't always like that. They want to know your name, which I understand. I do too! It is just a hard decision and one your daddy and I need to make time to really discuss. I imagine you'll end up with a fairly feminine name because I picture you being that way. But does any mommy imagine her baby girl as a tomboy? Maybe. I hope your name fits you.

Well, Waby, I love you.
Until next time,
Mommy

Puerto Rico!

view from our room :)

For February Break, Chris and I went to Puerto Rico with our good friends for a few days in the sun. It was heavenly. We beat a snowstorm in Boston on our way out of town and enjoyed several days of above 80 degree weather. I got sunburned (of course), read a few books, watched lots of Olympics and enjoyed time with my husband and friends. It was a great last hurrah before baby comes.


dinner in Old San Juan

But in no way does the fact that it was a last hurrah make me sad. Chris and I both spent a lot of the week dreaming about our baby, what she will be like and what it will be like to take her (and her future siblings) on vacation. We loved watching little girls running around in the beach, imagining our own little girl doing the same thing. I think this trip actually made us more eager for her to arrive.

date night, just the two of us. both of our favorite part of the trip. coconut shrimp yumminess!

last night at a yummy barbeque place

March is here!

February is gone and March sounds so much better, doesn't it? Don't get me wrong. February was a great month. We went to Puerto Rico and it was definitely the month that saw my belly pop. But February? It's really cold and makes winter feel like an eternity. So today I am celebrating the arrival of March. Spring arrives in March. Theoretically, at least. March will also give me the chance to see my parents for the first time since Christmas. It will see my best friend's baby shower. It will see my belly grow a lot more, I'm guessing. March will be good and hopefully warmer.